If you love the outdoors and extreme sports, Turkey is the place for you. Here you can find outdoor activities such as swimming, paragliding, hiking, scuba diving, kayaking, mountain biking, or horse riding along beautiful nature to admire.
Searching for a fun activity to do on a hot summer day, we decided to explore white water rafting as this seems like a “cool” idea. So, today, my friends and I decided to go to Köprülü Canyon National Park and raft the Köprüçay River. Rafting is an extreme sport and enjoyed by enthusiasts from all over the world. What better way to spend a Saturday with friends, rafting!
Köprülü Canyon National Park
Köprülü Canyon National Park is in the Manavgat district of Antalya. The Köprüçay River passes through the canyon, which feeds on freshwater sources that eventually flow into the Mediterranean Sea. Along the Köprüçay River are many archaeological ruins such as the ancient city of Selge, historical castles, stone bridges of the Roman period. Köprüçay River sounded like the perfect place to spend a day.
``Everyone is having a good time``
Poseidon Rafting Guide
Our adrenaline-fueled adventure began when we met up with our rafting guide, Ibrahim, at Poseidon Rafting. Today’s adventure would be 13 km and take about 3 hours from start to finish. After being fitted with a life jacket, helmet, and a river paddle, Ibrahim announced, “One thing I’m sure of today… you will all get wet,” and we all laughed! We knew by his sense of humor; he was going to be a great guide.
Once the raft boat was loaded, we all piled in the service van and headed upstream for an unforgettable adventure.
Ibrahim arranged us in the raft, placing the strongest in the front. Once we were all in the raft, he took a quick snapshot as we began our fun-filled day!
As we stepped into the raft, we could feel the water was freezing! Even though it was over 95 degrees Fahrenheit, no one seemed eager to jump in the water right away for a quick swim.
Quickly realizing we were not avid rafters, Ibrahim gave us a few tips on paddling. It must be quite challenging as a rafting guide to organizing a group of 10 people to synchronize their paddling. Once we got in sync, we all joked about the direction we were going and who was the cause of us going in circles!
Breathtaking landscapes and the Taurus Mountains surrounded us on our journey down the crystal-clear river.
``Every one is having a good time``
“Koprulu Canyon”
When we reached a spot where the river was calm, Ibrahim encouraged everyone to go for a swim. Although tempting, I could not get myself to take the plunge into the icy cold water. My friend took jumped in, and the look on his face said it all!
“OMG”
“Having Fun”
Drifting along the river, we could see fresh-water springs flowing out of the ground. Ibrahim stopped at a spring to enjoy a drink of pure, clean spring water as we sat on the banks watching others go by, relishing in nature.
“Taking a Break”
“Swimming Spot”
Ibrahim found a great swimming hole for us to take a break and watch people ziplining overhead. It was nice to be able to take off our gear and relax. I managed to walk in the water about waist deep, but still too cold for me to jump in for a swim. I could have stayed here all day!
As we reached the end of our expedition, Ibrahim instructed us to walk to the pavilion where lunch would be served. Here we returned all of the equipment and changed into dry clothes.
Lunch
After 3 hours of rafting, we all were famished. Luckily, lunch is included in our rafting tour. Today’s lunch options were either a grilled freshwater trout or chicken kebab, served with rice, salad, butter pasta, and pilaf. Most of us chose the grilled trout. I must say it was delicious!
“Lunch was delicious!”
Cost: 180tl per person
Location: Köprülü Canyon Road Beşkonak Village Manavgat / Antalya
What is included?
- Lunch
- Pick up and drop at the meeting point.
- All equipment (helmet, life jacket, boat guide, paddle)
What to bring?
- Swimming clothes
- Towel
- Water shoes
- Change of clothes afterward
- Waterproof phone camera case/camera (note that they are not responsible if lost)
- Money for other purchases
What is not included?
- Picture or video (Cost is approx. 200tl)
- Drinks
I strongly recommend that you experience rafting at Köprülü Canyon National Park. This is a seasonal activity, so depending on when you plan your trip, the water flow can be faster (or slower), which determines the length of time it would take rafting. I encourage you to experience this as a part of your visit to Antalya; you will not regret it!
Enjoy your travels! Please read my blogs about other exciting places around the world at Traveling Lens Photography.
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Happy Travels!
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