One of the Top activities recommended around Manavgat is definitely a Boat Cruise on the Manavgat River. It's a great way to enjoy a full day of relaxation and fun, diving in the region's most impressive nature.
Manavgat River has its source in the Taurus Mountains and flows into the Mediterranean Sea after passing through the city of Manavgat.
Manavgat River has a suitable environment for watersports in Antalya. Indeed, rafting activity on the river and safari around the waterfall are among the most popular activities in the region.
On this page, we will provide you all the important information to know about Manavgat River: Location and Access, Boat Cruises, Rafting, Waterfalls... and more.
What can I do at Manavgat River?
The Oymapınar Dam, whose construction was completed in 1984, is approximately 25 km above the point where the Manavgat River flows into the sea. The Manavgat Dam is approximately 10 km below Oymapınar Dam. It's construction was finished in 1987. Manavgat Waterfall is reached after 7 km from the Manavgat Dam in the direction of the waterway.
Boat Tours in Manavgat River
From the center of Manavgat, it is possible to attend boat cruises over the river that lasts around 3 to 4 hours. The visitors are taken to Manavgat Waterfall with shuttles from the city center. There are different daily boat tour routes in the region, apart from private tours. Let's check out some of them.
- Waterfalls Tour: Boats picking passengers from Manavgat City Center to go up to Small Waterfall from the river. The second sight is big and famous Manavgat Waterfall. Worth seeing.
- Manavgat River Boat Tour: These are the tours organized to the Manavgat Strait, where the Manavgat River meets the sea. The duration of this tour takes longer than the Waterfall Tour. Visitors are able to swim in both sea and cold river in the same day while admiring the unique natural beauty of Manavgat river.
- Manavgat Bazaar and Waterfalls Tour: This is a daily tour route including the famous Manavgat Bazaar which is set on Mondays and Thursdays. In addition, Small Waterfall and Big Waterfall visits are often combined to this tour.
- Green Canyon Tour: Boat tours on the Green Canyon are organized by local operators. The cruise takes you along a rugged rocky landscape across the Olymapınar Dam, which is one of the biggest dams in Turkey with an area of 470 hectares. The serene atmosphere and peaceful environment will help creating a calming experience. More about Green Canyon in Manavgat.
- Karabarun Tour: The Small Island is standing at the entrance of Karaburun Bay, which is approximately 20-25 km from the Manavgat River in the direction of Alanya. The visitors enjoy watching the unique view of the Taurus Mountains from the sea. This daily tour makes several swimming breaks around the small island in Karaburun Bay as well as on the river on the way back.
Cave visit
Within the Manavgat River Basin, there is Altınbeşik Cave, which is one of the most beautiful underground caves in the world.
The cave is only suitable for entrance during the summer and autumn months. In winter and spring, the cave is completely filled with water and flows from the stream. That's why the cave closes naturally during these seasons. More about Altınbeşik Cave in Antalya.
Water Sports in Manavgat River
Water sports are the popular activities of this river. Specially rafting, but not only.
- Rafting:
To determine the starting point for rafting course in Manavgat River, the flow rate of the water should be considered. Sahap Bridge near İbradi village is the place where the rafting courses are done during the months when the water flow is suitable. Manavgat River has a difficult rafting trail which can be dangerous for beginners. Thats why, definitely there should be professionals to assist the groups.
This is a very picturesque and adventureous track that includes three beautiful Canyons in Antalya and various sizes of waterfalls.
While sailing with the shade provided by the canyons, the raftingers are not affected by the heat and able to watch the surroundings since the flow rate of the river slows down between the transitions.
Apart from rafting, it is possible to make small discoveries by the canoe on the river.
Other Sports and Sights Around Manavgat River:
İbradı and Ormana villages are suitable for mountain biking, trekking and paragliding. This is a lovely cedar-scented region with different type of local Turkish houses (button houses) away from the crowd of the touristic places. During the spring, you can see twelve kinds of endemic flowers here.
Entrance, Tickets and Tours
How to get to Manavgat River
By Car: Manavgat Dam is approximately 12 km from Manavgat town center, 87 km from Antalya center and 62 km from Alanya center. On your way to Manavgat Waterfall, you can turn right from the "Manavgat" sign to reach Manavgat Dam. Check our fully detailed article to rent a car in Antalya.
By Tour: There are daily tours organized by local tour operators. You can pick one of the routes including Manavgat river on their itinerary.
History of the Manavgat River
The Manavgat River, which was called Melas in ancient times, met the water requirement of the ancient city of Side.
The Manavgat River is one of the most important rivers in the Mediterranean Region and our country in terms of the amount of water it carries. It is formed by the combination of the spring waters from the Western Taurus Mountains in the northwest of Antalya Akseki and the waters south of the Gembos closed basin.
Manavgat River stretches for about 90 km, passes through the middle of the town of Manavgat and flows into the Mediterranean from the place called the Bosphorus.