Guide Water Sports in the Antalya Region

In the middle of Antalya, rafting is possible on the Düden River between the Upper Düden Waterfall and the Lower Düden Waterfall. The 4 kilometer long rafting route contains several winding and narrow sections. If you are staying in the Kaş region, rafting in Saklıkent National Park is an option. Rafting with floatation tires, also called tubing, is the main focus here. In the spring, when the river has enough water, you can raft on the Alara River, near Alanya.

Köprülü Canyon is the largest whitewater rafting center in Turkey. There are rafting excursions from all resorts between Kemer and Alanya. It's possible to book your excursion online with round trip transfers from your hotel. Tours are offered all year round, even in the winter months. Rafting tours can be combined with jeep safaris, zip-lining, or canyoning depending on the provider.

Because of the impressive underwater world and the ancient relics, Kemer and Kaş are some of the most popular diving sites in the province of Antalya. Kaş is one of the top 100 dive sites in the world. Wreck diving is possible near Kemer at the WW1 freighter MS PARIS II, which lies offshore at a depth of 21- 31 meters. In front of Antalya, the Dornier Do 28, a small transport plane from 1967, can be dived at a depth of 19.5 to 23.3 meters.

The areas around Side are well suited for beginners. Here the bottom is sandy and the diversity of species is lower. The Side Underwater Museum is located about 12 meters underwater and displays 110 sculptures depicting parts of Anatolian history. 

From the port of Alanya, the Amphora diving area can be reached by boat in 5 minutes. You can snorkel along the entire coastline or on one of the many boat tours offered.

Diving courses for beginners and advanced divers are offered along the coast.

Canyoning is possible in many areas, but since the coastline is over 300 kilometers long in total, not all canyoning options are offered from every resort. There are day tours to Köprülü Canyon if you are staying between Alanya and Kemer. Köprülü Canyon is also the largest rafting center in Turkey. Often tours are a combination of canyoning and rafting.

Göynük Canyon in Kemer is a good choice if you are staying in the area between Kemer and Antalya.

Ahmetler Canyon, the third deepest canyon in Turkey, is a good option if you are staying between Manavgat and Alanya. The canyon is approximately 7 kilometers long and has a height difference of 250 meters.

Saklıkent Canyon National Park, near Kaş, is famous for its 18 kilometer long canyon, where rafting is also available. It's a good alternative if you are staying near Kaş and Kalkan.

Numerous resorts along the coast have a water park with 10 or more slides, various indoor and outdoor pools, children's pools, and resting pools for adults. Resorts offer child care and entertainment, and have spa and wellness areas with saunas and hamams.

Of particular note is the huge The Land of Legends entertainment center near Belek, also called the Disneyland of Antalya. Upon entering this resort, you are taken into the world of fairy tales, and the concept continues throughout the resort. The huge water park offers a total of 55 water slides, an adventure park, and gondola rides are offered on the canal. The evening shows with lights and lasers are very impressive.

Antalya, on the Turkish Riviera, has more than 300 kilometers of coastline. In front of the imposing backdrop of the Taurus Mountains lies Konyaaltı Beach. Here you can see the old town of Antalya from the sea. Mermerli Beach is a stony sandy beach located right by the harbor and is accessible with stairs from a restaurant. Marmara Beach is only accessible by elevator. Families generally prefer Cleopatra Beach near Alanya because it has water sports for all ages. Cleopatra is said to have bathed here once.

Near Kaş is the 18-kilometer Patara Beach, known for its honey colored sand. Lara Beach, northeast of Antalya, scores with its proximity to Lower Düden Waterfall, which drops directly into the sea. Olympos Beach, west of Antalya, stands out for its closeness to nature and a rich variety of wildlife. Here you can spend the night in a tree house and watch the sea turtles. Kalkan is surrounded by high cliffs and has the charming flair of a fishing village.

All along the coast are beach resorts, many of which have an all-inclusive concept. The resorts offer various sports facilities, some of them are specially designed for sports vacationers, such as the golf hotels in Belek and Alibey Sorgun Resort with over 100 tennis courts and tennis schools.

A Blue Cruise along the Lycian Coast in Antalya on a gulet, a motor sailboat, is a very special experience. Blue cruises are offered with yoga classes on board, with diving opportunities, with hiking and sightseeing, or just as coast to coast trips.

Boat&Bike Tours are a great choice if you want to combine sailing with mountain biking. During the day, the impressive landscape of the Lycian coast can be explored by bike, where you can discover rock tombs, ruined cities, and lonely settlements.

Parasailing in Antalya

Parasailing is possible alone or in pairs, sometimes even with a group of three. Dressed in life jackets and securely fastened with straps and hooks, you can enjoy the view of the surroundings, the sea and the coast, as well as the feeling of flying. A powerful motorboat pulls the special parasailing parachute across the sea. Usually you will reach a height between 100 and 200 meters.

Almost all 4- and 5-star hotels located directly on the beach offer parasailing. Of course, it's also possible to book at a nearby travel agency or directly with a provider on the beach. If parasailing is too exciting for you, you can try a banana boat tour...

Jet-Skiing in Antalya

A jet-ski is a small motorboat without a board, on which you can sit like on a motorcycle and ride over the waves. In English, the term "Personal Water Craft" (PWC) is also commonly used. A jet-ski is also used to pull "water bananas" and water skiers.

Almost all 4- and 5-star hotels directly on the beach offer jet-skiing. Of course, it's also possible to make a reservation at a nearby travel agency or directly with a provider on the beach.

Stand Up Paddling, Sea Kayaking, and Hot-Springs

Stand up paddling (SUP) is when you stand upright on an oversized surfboard and try to move with the help of a paddle. The water needs to be at least 30 centimeters deep, neither wind nor waves are needed. Anyone can learn and SUP is fun for the whole family. Surf providers also usually rent equipment for stand up paddling.

Sea kayaking is mainly offered in Cıralı, near Olympos, as well as in Kaş. You can paddle along the coast in a very relaxed way with a sea kayak. Sea kayaks are usually very narrow and long, which makes them highly maneuverable.

Pamukkale is located about 260 kilometers from Antalya, in the Denizli province. It's famous for its hot springs and white limestone terraces. Hot, calcium-rich water springs from the earth and pours over a cliff.

As it cools, dramatic travertines of hard, brilliant white calcium form pools. Bathing in the travertines is not allowed, but there are about 20 hot springs in Pamukkale and the surrounding area where you can bathe. The water is said to have healing properties for various diseases.