Buggy Safari and Rafting: Kopulu River from Side

Ride buggies through mountain villages, then paddle rapids on the Kopulu River

Buggy safari and white water rafting on the Kopulu River is a 10-hour activity departing from Side that combines an off-road mountain ride past local villages and mosques with guided rafting down intrepid rapids. Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, certified instructors, life vest, helmet and paddle are included. Children from age 4 are welcome, and you'll need at least moderate fitness for the rapids and the terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Buggy ride and rafting adventure

• Depart from Side
• Ride mountain buggy
• See local villages and mosques
• Raft down Koprulu River rapids

The experience

The day starts with a buggy ride through the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, passing picturesque local villages and mosques before you reach Kopulu Canyon. The buggies handle the rough terrain while you take in the landscape. This is not a guided tour of the sights but an off-road drive that gets you to the river. Once you arrive at the canyon, the pace shifts entirely.

The rafting portion takes you down the Kopulu River with certified instructors who guide you through white water rapids. You'll wear a life vest, helmet and paddle provided on-site. The instructors manage safety while you do the paddling. Expect to get wet. The rapids are real, and the river is the point. Water shoes are recommended for grip on the rocks. Rentals are available if you didn't bring your own.

Lunch is included partway through the day, breaking up the activity and giving you time to rest between the buggy ride and the rafting. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Side are part of the booking, so transport is handled. The whole outing runs 10 hours, which means it takes most of a day but leaves the morning or evening free depending on your hotel schedule and the pickup time.

What’s included

• Certified guides and instructors.
• buggy ride through Taurus Mountain villages.
• white water rafting down the Kopulu River.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Side.
• lunch.
• life vest, helmet and paddle.
• water shoe rentals available on-site.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 32

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tourmania

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a full day free and want both buggy and rafting in one trip. Choose the half-day buggy-only option if you have just a few hours.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

Is this rafting suitable if I've never paddled before?

The Kopulu River rafting is guided by certified instructors who manage the group through white water rapids, so no prior experience is required. You'll need at least moderate physical fitness to paddle and handle the terrain, and children from age 4 can participate with adult supervision.

What should I wear and bring for the buggy ride and rafting?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a change for after. Water shoes are highly recommended for grip on wet rocks during rafting. If you don't have a pair, rentals are available on-site. The life vest, helmet and paddle are all provided.

Does the 10 hours include travel time from my hotel?

Yes, the 10-hour duration includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Side, so that travel time is built into the day. The actual buggy ride and rafting take place within that window.

What is Kopulu Canyon like as a rafting destination?

Kopulu Canyon sits in the Taurus Mountains and features white water rapids that instructors describe as intrepid, meaning the river has real current and challenge. The canyon walls and mountain setting frame the ride, and the river itself is the focus of the activity.

Are there any health conditions that would make this activity unsafe?

The operator does not recommend this activity for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Moderate physical fitness is required to handle the buggy terrain and paddle the rapids safely.