One Wild Day in the Taurus: Rafting and Ziplines Through Tazı Canyon
Raft a bright river and fly above a limestone gorge—one full day, double the thrills.
The morning that the bus leaves Side, the sea is still a sheet of glass and the scent of citrus trees follows us inland. Within an hour the coast peels away and the road begins to climb into the Taurus Mountains—the air gets cooler, pines crowd the hillside, and a canyon, secretive and vertical, cuts into the rock like a page torn from the earth. By the time you reach the lip of Tazı Canyon, the river below is already daring you: fast, bright, and impatient. This is a day built for forward motion—paddles, harnesses, and the kind of kinetic joy that makes even average mornings memorable.
Trail Wisdom
Hydrate Early
Start hydrating the day before—sun and exertion on the river dehydrate you faster than you expect.
Secure Small Items
Use a small dry bag for phone, wallet, and sunscreen; loose items can disappear quickly in rapids.
Sun Protection
Even in spring, UV reflects off water—wear SPF 30+, a brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses with a retainer.
Pace Yourself
There are swimming breaks and a riverside lunch—save energy for the zipline, which requires footing and balance.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Lunch beaches and freshwater pools reachable only by raft
- •Small village cafés near the canyon serving homemade gözleme (Turkish pancakes)
Wildlife
Kingfisher, Mediterranean tortoise
Conservation Note
Operators increasingly follow low-impact practices—use refillable water bottles, avoid single-use plastics, and stick to marked approaches to limit erosion.
The Taurus Mountains are a geologic spine that helped shape ancient trade routes; coastal towns like Side rose as trading posts during Greek and Roman eras.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temperatures, Wildflowers and green canyon walls, Good river flow for rafting
Challenges: Variable water temperature, Occasional fast runoff after rain
Spring (April–May) is ideal: cooler air, green slopes, and enough river volume for lively rafting without midsummer heat.
summer
Best for: Warm swimming breaks, Long daylight, Family travel windows
Challenges: High temperatures, Stronger sun exposure, Busier tour schedules
Summer brings hot, dry weather and prime swim conditions, but expect stronger sun and larger groups on excursions.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Warm afternoons, Reduced crowds
Challenges: Shortening daylight, Cooler mornings
Early fall (September–October) often offers warm water and quieter runs, with comfortable daytime temperatures for outdoor activities.
winter
Best for: Budget travel, Quieter operator schedules
Challenges: Cold water and air, Some operators reduce runs or close sections
Winter is off-peak: expect colder conditions and fewer daily departures; check operator schedules and gear for cold-water options.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Lightweight quick-dry shirtEssential
Dries fast after swims and protects from sun during long river stretches.
Secure dry bag (small)Essential
Keeps phone, wallet, and spare clothes dry during rafting and portages.
Sturdy water shoesEssential
Provide grip on slick rocks and protection during in-water sections and when boarding rafts.
Sunscreen & lip balmEssential
High SPF to protect exposed skin reflected by water and rock surfaces.
Common Questions
Do I need previous rafting or zipline experience?
No. The rafting route is suitable for beginners and guides give clear instruction; the zipline requires only basic comfort with heights and following guide instructions.
Is swimming required?
No—swimming breaks are optional. You should be comfortable in water and able to follow safety guidance if you end up in the river.
What is included in the tour price?
Most operators include transfers from Side or Alanya, safety equipment (helmet and life jacket), a guide, and lunch—confirm exact inclusions when booking.
How strenuous is the day?
Expect moderate activity: periods of paddling, getting in and out of the raft, and walking short uneven sections to access ziplines and picnic spots.
Can children join?
Many operators accept children (often 8+), but age and weight restrictions vary—check the operator’s policy and mention children when booking.
Is the trip safe in bad weather?
Trips may be rescheduled or canceled in heavy rain or unsafe river conditions; operators prioritize safety and will advise on alternatives or refunds.
What to Pack
Water shoes (safe footing), dry bag (protect electronics), quick-dry layers (comfort after swims), reef-safe sunscreen (protect skin & environment)
Did You Know
'Tazı' means 'greyhound' in Turkish, a nod to the canyon’s swift, narrow river that races through the limestone walls.
Quick Travel Tips
Book transfers from Side/Alanya in advance; bring cash for village vendors; check sunrise/sunset times for best light; confirm exact pickup location with your operator.
Local Flavor
After the trip, head to Side’s Old Town for seafood meze and ayran (yogurt drink) or try a village tea house for gözleme and strong Turkish tea—both are perfect ways to recover and connect with local life.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Antalya Airport (AYT) ~1–1.5 hours drive; Typical driving from Side/Alanya: 45–90 minutes; Cell service: patchy inside the canyon; Permits: none for tourists—operator handles access and safety.
Sustainability Note
Stick with operators that minimize plastic waste, use local staff, and follow designated launch and landing sites to reduce shoreline damage.
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One Wild Day in the Taurus: Rafting and Ziplines Through Tazı Canyon
Spend a day in the Taurus Mountains rafting 12 km through a limestone gorge and flying high over the same walls by zipline. It’s a compact, beginner-friendly adventure that pairs river adrenaline with aerial perspective.
Side, Antalya Province