First Time Rafting From Side: What to Expect

Prices for this area: Side rafting prices · Area guide: Side tours

If you have never been rafting, a day on a river can sound more dramatic than it is. This page is for guests in Side who are curious but a little unsure. It explains what the river is like, what the guides do and what is expected of you, so you can decide with confidence.

How hard is the river?

Rafting rivers are graded from 1 to 6. The section of the Köprüçay we use is graded 1–2, which is suitable for beginners. You do not need any previous experience or special skills.

Do I have to be a strong swimmer?

Everyone wears a life jacket and a helmet throughout. If you are worried about swimming, mention it when you book and we will let your guide know.

What does the guide do?

A certified guide sits in every raft, steers it and calls out simple paddling commands. Before you start, the guides give a safety briefing at the base and explain those commands. Our team has more than 30 certified guides.

What do I have to do?

Sit in the raft, hold your paddle the way you are shown and paddle when the guide tells you. That is really all. The boats take 8, 10 or 12 people, so you paddle together with others.

How long is it?

14 km: about 3 hours in summer, about 2.5 hours in spring and autumn.

Getting there from Side

Our minibus runs every day along the Side route: Titreyen Göl 09:15, Sorgun 09:20, Side 09:25, Kumköy 09:30, Evrenseki 09:35, Çolaklı 09:45 and Gündoğdu 09:50. It takes you to our base in Karabük village and brings you back to your hotel afterwards.

Prices

With transfer from Side: €29 (1,100 TL) per adult, 50 % (550 TL) for children aged 5–10. Coming by car: €19 (800 TL) per adult, 50 % (400 TL) per child. Transfer bookings are confirmed with one person's fee in advance; it is not refunded if you cancel less than 24 hours before, but it is refunded in full if we cancel.

Who should not take part

Pregnant guests and children under 5 (they can watch from the viewing terrace). Anyone with a serious heart condition needs a doctor's approval. There is no upper age limit.

You will not raft on an empty stomach: an open buffet lunch at the base follows the tour and is included in the price. Side has tours every day. If you come by car, arrive at 10:30, 11:00 at the latest; that half hour allows for traffic on the road. In the busy summer season, drivers can ask for the 14:00 or 16:00 session once we confirm availability.

What to bring

Swimwear, a towel, dry clothes, sun cream and shoes that can get wet. Water shoes are on sale at the base.

Still unsure? Ask us anything: +90 534 820 11 69.