You booked the tour, the transfer is sorted, and now there's only one question left: what do you actually wear and bring for a rafting day in Antalya? The good news is that rafting needs very little gear — get dressed right and pack five small things, and the rest is on us.
This guide covers exactly what to wear, what to throw in a small bag, and just as importantly, what to leave at your hotel. It applies whether you're doing the classic family run on Köprülü Canyon (Class II–III) or the wild, steep drops of Tazı Canyon (Class IV–V).
What to Wear Rafting in Antalya
The golden rule: you will get wet, so dress to get wet. Don't wear anything you'd be sad to see soaked, and don't wear heavy cotton that stays cold and clingy once it's drenched.
Start with swimwear underneath
Put your swimsuit or swim shorts on under your clothes before pickup. There aren't always private changing rooms right at the river, so arriving already dressed for the water saves time and fuss. Your buoyancy vest goes over the top, so a normal swimsuit is perfect.
Quick-dry clothes over the top
Over your swimwear, wear light, quick-drying layers — a rash guard, sports T-shirt, or synthetic top plus board shorts or quick-dry shorts. Avoid jeans and thick cotton; they get heavy and cold. In spring, when the water runs highest and coldest, bring a light long-sleeve top for the raft and the drive home.
Secured footwear is a must
This is the item people get wrong most often. Flip-flops fall off in the water and are not allowed on the raft. Wear shoes that strap on and won't float away:
- Water shoes or aqua socks — ideal.
- Sport sandals with a heel strap (the kind that clip around your ankle).
- Old trainers you don't mind getting soaked — a solid backup.
Whatever you choose, it needs to stay firmly on your foot through fast water and slippery rocks.
What to Bring in a Small Bag
Keep it minimal. You only need a handful of things, and most of the day you'll be on the water, not carrying a bag.
- A towel and one full change of dry clothes for the ride back — this is the single most-forgotten item, and you'll be very glad you packed it.
- Sunscreen (water-resistant, SPF 30+). The sun on the water is stronger than it feels, so apply before you set off and reapply at lunch.
- Cash for your tour and any extras. On our tours you reserve free online and pay on the day — cash or card — so bring enough for the balance, plus small notes for photos, drinks or souvenirs at the river.
- A waterproof phone pouch if you want photos on the water — otherwise leave the phone in the bag on the bank.
- Sunglasses with a strap and a cap for the transfer and lunch stop.
If you're wondering how much cash to carry, our tours run from €20 to €49 depending on the river and whether you add a combo like rafting with a jeep, quad or buggy safari. Confirm your exact price on the tour page when you book.
What We Already Provide
Don't over-pack — a lot of what people worry about is already included in every tour. As standard you get:
- Helmet and buoyancy (life) vest — fitted before you launch.
- Professional licensed guides in every raft.
- A full safety briefing before you get on the water.
- Insurance for the activity.
- Free round-trip hotel transfer from Side, Manavgat, Evrenseki, Kumköy, Belek, Antalya/Lara and Alanya.
- Lunch by the river on most tours.
Because the vest and a guide are always with you, non-swimmers are genuinely welcome — you don't need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the family runs on Köprülü.
What to Leave at the Hotel
The river is no place for valuables. Leave these safely in your room or the hotel safe:
- Jewellery, watches and anything you'd hate to lose in fast water.
- Large amounts of cash, your passport and cards you won't need.
- Laptops, tablets and non-waterproof electronics.
Bring only what fits in one small bag. It waits safely on the bank while you raft, but the less you carry, the less there is to worry about.
Quick Season Note
Rafting season runs roughly April to October. In spring the water is highest and coldest, so pack that extra warm layer; by mid-summer the water is warmest and you'll dry off fast in the sun. Either way the dress code is the same — swimwear underneath, quick-dry on top, shoes that stay on.
Ready When You Are
That's genuinely all there is to it: swimwear under quick-dry clothes, secured shoes, a towel, sunscreen and a little cash. Reserve your spot free online, pay on the tour day, and let us handle the transfer, gear and guides.
Pick your river and pickup point on our rafting tours — from a gentle family day in Köprülü Canyon to the extreme rapids of Tazı Canyon. Dress right, pack light, and see you at the river.
