Tekirova is one of the loveliest, quietest resorts on the Kemer coast, but it is also near the far western end of it. When you look up rafting from Tekirova, the first honest thing to say is that Köprülü Canyon is a fair drive away, so expect a full day rather than a quick morning out.
How far is the Köprülü Canyon from Tekirova?
The rafting itself takes place on the Köprüçay river near Beşkonak, well to the east of Antalya. From Tekirova the road journey is around two hours each way, since you first travel back along the Kemer coast, skirt Antalya and then head inland to the canyon.
We will be straight with you: this is one of the longer transfers we run, longer than a trip from Side or Belek. That does not make it a bad idea, but it does mean the pick-up is earlier and the day is longer, and you should plan for that rather than be surprised on the morning.
What the pick-up looks like
Free hotel pick-up by minibus is included from Tekirova and the surrounding hotels, so you do not need to arrange your own transport or work out the route. Because of the distance, the pick-up is in the morning and earlier than it would be from resorts closer to the river.
- Morning collection from your hotel or a nearby meeting point by minibus.
- A scenic drive back along the coast and then inland into the pine-covered hills.
- Return in the late afternoon or early evening, so the whole outing fills the day.
We never quote an exact clock time in advance, because pick-up depends on your hotel, the road and how the day is grouped. Your final timing is confirmed when you book, so you know exactly when to be ready in reception.
Is the long drive worth it?
For genuine white-water, yes. Köprülü Canyon is the real thing: a classic run of around fourteen kilometres over grade II-III rapids, fed by cold snowmelt from the mountains, with a trained guide in every raft and all the gear provided. The season runs from roughly April to October.
The canyon scenery, the Roman bridge, the cold clear water and the mix of splashy rapids and calm stretches are what people remember. If you want a proper adventure rather than a gentle paddle, the transfer buys you something that simply is not on your doorstep in Tekirova.
The gentler option near Alanya
It is only fair to mention the alternative. Over towards Alanya there is the Dim Çayı, a calm and pretty river float that is lovely for families and photos, but it is a gentle drift rather than real rapids. It is much closer to that end of the coast, though still a long way from Tekirova.
Köprülü Canyon is what we specialise in, and it is the genuine rapids run. If your heart is set on white-water rather than a relaxed float, the canyon is the trip to make, even from as far along the coast as Tekirova.
How to make the day easy
A few simple things turn a long day into an easy one:
- Have breakfast or grab something for the road, since you leave early.
- Wear swimwear under quick-drying clothes and bring a towel and a dry change.
- Leave phones and valuables that cannot get wet at the hotel, or use a waterproof case.
- Bring a little cash for photos, snacks or the optional lunch at the riverside.
You will find full timing and what is included on our dedicated rafting from Tekirova page, and you can compare the whole range on our tours overview.
Booking direct from Tekirova
Booking straight with us, rather than through a hotel rep or a large booking site, usually means a better price and a clear, direct point of contact for your pick-up. Always check the live price when you book, as it is kept up to date through the season.
Ready for real rapids from the Kemer coast? See timings, pick-up details and current prices on our rafting from Tekirova page and reserve your seat for the day.
