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Rafting in Coruh River |
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The River Coruh cuts through the mountainous region of Artvin and reaches the Black Sea. Beginning at the Mescit Mountains (3225m), it flows for 466 km before reaching the Black Sea in Georgia, and is one of the fastest flowing rivers in the world. Every year, local and foreign watersports enthusiasts travel to the area for canoeing, rafting and trekking in the Kackar Mountains. The small towns and villages located along the river are historically interesting, and the whole area represents the combination of Eastern Anatolian and Black Sea cultures. The best way to reach the summit at Kackar Mountains is via the village of Yaylalar, from where local guides and mules can be hired to carry personal belongings. The natural habitat of Coruh River remains undisturbed, and colonies of red vultures, which are threatened with extinction, live among the rocks by the riverside. The area surrounding the river is rich in wildlife, including grey bear, mountain goat with hooked horns, wild boar, wolf, jackal, fox, badger, water sable, rabbit, partridge, wild rooster, woodcock, wild duck, stock dove and golden oriole. Courses A trip down the River Coruh starts at Bayburt, passing through Ispir and Yusufeli and onwards to Artvin, a distance of approximately 260km in four different sections. Bayburt - Ispir (0-106 km): The Dikmetas Bridge near Bayburt is an ideal starting point for this expedition, and has good areas for camping on either side of the river. Aslandede and Laleli are the pleasant campsites for the second camp. With a class 2-3 water, the trip from Bayburt to Ispir can be completed within three days on average. Approximately 3 km before arriving at Ispir, the left bank has a good place for camping. The nearby gas station and the shops in Ispir are useful for stocking up on supplies. Ispir - Camlikaya (106-134 km): After leaving Ispir by road, there are rapids at 3km, 6.6km, 7.4km, and 8km. The small hut on the left side of the road before the Camlikaya junction 28km, makes a good rest stop. Drinking water can be obtained either from the brook flowing from the mountains, 200m ahead on the left side of the road, or from the spring to the right of the transformer station past the concrete bridge at the Camlikaya road junction. Food can be bought can be bought from Camlikaya (4km from the junction). The Ispir-Camlikaya route is class 3-4-5 water. Camlikaya - Tekkale (134-178 km): After Camlikaya, the river banks are full of rice plantations, vegetable gardens and fruit orchards. The river passes Koprugoren at 48km, approaching the hamlet of Alanbasi at 54km. Camping is possible next to the brook that joins the Coruh on the left bank immediately before the village. Past the concrete bridge, the river becomes rockier, with class 3-4-5 water. An old watchtower is visible before arriving at Cevreli. The garden in front of the village primary school, to the right immediately after the concrete bridge, makes a good campsite. There are also places for overnight stay in Tekkale, 7 km ahead. From Tekkale, local guides can take you up the mountains to see the historic Dortkilise, a medieval Georgian church. Fishermen will enjoy angling for speckled trout (alabalik) in the brook flowing nearby the church. Tekkale - Artvin (178-261 km): From Tekkale, the expedition proceeds to Yusufeli, 6km away, which has accommodation and simple cafes. The Altiparmak (Barhal), one of the major branches of the Coruh, joins the river close to Yusufeli. As the flow-rate of the river picks up speed, the route becomes increasingly challenging, with class 3-4-5 water. Oltu Cayi joins the river 9km after Yusufeli, near the Artvin-Erzurum highway junction, behind a concrete bridge. The rapids begin 22 km from Yusufeli. This 100m stretch of white water, nicknamed King Kong, cascades around sharp boulders with breathtaking velocity, making it the high point of the expedition. The water is dangerous here, class 5+ water, so those with less experience should not plan to cross this section when the river is high. A large concrete sign inscribed with the letters EIE to the left of the highway identifies this section of the Coruh. There is a good place to camp 33 km before Zeytincik, stopping to pick up any necessary provisions in the village. At 43 km, the river enters a narrow 3 km long canyon, class 3-4. The gas station and inn at Oruclu, at 57 km, provides a convenient finishing point for the trip. Boats can be pulled on shore here, and there are a few basic rooms and a cafe. Artvin is 20 km further on from Oruclu, with mostly class 1-2 water. Some groups prefer to extend the route right through to Artvin. |
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| Rafting in Altiparmak (Barhal) River, Artvin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The River Altiparmak (Barhal), located in the province of Artvin, emerges from the southern side of the Kackar Mountains and runs about 40 km to join the Coruh river 2 km south of Yusufeli. The Altiparmak flows through a strikingly beautiful valley enveloped by high mountains.Recommended for canoeing and rafting, the river has a rich selection of flora and fauna, and a high flow-rate round year because of the run-off of melting snow. The basin of the Altiparmak can be reached by Yusufeli via Artvin or Erzurum. Ogdem Creek joins the Altiparmak 6 km from Yusufeli, and the town of Sarigol is 19 km from Yusufeli and accessible by a stabilised gravel road. The area of Deftise, situated about 1.5 km beyond Sarigol, is distinguished by wooden two-story houses built in traditional Black Sea style. Edged by dense green forests, these picturesque houses and the misty summit of the Kackar Mountains create a very beautiful panorama. The village of Altiparmak (Barhal) is accessible from Sarigol via a narrow, 12km long road, and the people here are very hospitable and friendly, with accommodation available in simple guest-houses. This village serves as one of the main campsites on the climb up Kackar Mountain. A stabilised road leads to Yaylalar, 24 km beyond Altiparmak, and west is the Artvin Kackar Tourism Centre. Courses The pretty hamlet of Deftise, north of Sarigol, provides the best starting point for canoe and raft expeditions down the Altiparmak, which runs approximately 22 km from this point to the junction with the Coruh, with class 3-4 waters. The riverbed is rocky, and special care needs to be taken when the river flow rate is low. Three km from Sarigol, the ruins of citadel of Bahceli lie to the right of the creek before reaching Yusufeli, after crossing the concrete bridge near the junction of Ogdem creek and the Altiparmak. The run may be completed either at Yusufeli or 2 km ahead, before the Altiparmak flows into the River Coruh River. The best months to plan a canoe or raft trip on the Altiparmak is between May and August. |
 Hotels Nearby Altiparmak River
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| Rafting in Firtina River, Rize | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The River Firtina River is interesting not only for the arched bridges spanning it and the tea plantations lining the banks, but also for the traditional costumes of the local people. Formed by a number of streams on the Black Sea side of Kackar Mountains, the Firtina runs 57 km through lush countryside, eventually reaching the Black Sea about 2 km west of Ardesen, Rize. The arched stone bridges crossing the water add to the beauty of the Firtina, which is recommended for river sports along the following course. Courses The town of Camlihemsin is 22 km south of the Rize-Ardesen road. The course begins around 1 km south of Camlihemsin. Paddlers should be cautious of boulders at 5 km, and dangerous passages at 7 km, 8 km and 9 km, and the attractive Duygulu Falls are on the western slope at 12 km. The course finishes at any convenient point before the Firtina reaches the Black Sea. The 23km long course is very rocky, rating a hardship degree of 3-4-5 in places, depending on the speed of the water. Extra caution is required during heavy rains. The Firtina is recommended for river sports all year round. |
 Hotels Nearby Firtina River
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| Rafting in Koprucay River, Antalya | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Emerging from the Toros (Taurus) Mountains and running through a number of amazing canyons, Koprucay flows into the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Serik. Fed by underground springs in gorges that cut through steep, impassable canyons, the Koprucay constitutes one of Turkey's most beautiful natural recreation areas. The numerous archaeological sites in the area, especially the ancient city of Selge (Zerk), the fortresses on the banks of the river, arched Roman bridges and historic roads add to the significance of the Koprulu Canyon. Koprucay is reached from Antalya via Serik, Tasagìl and Beskonak. Those coming from Manavgat can reach Beskonak via Tasagil. The asphalted road to Beskonak follows the Koprucay in various places. Koprulu Canyon National Park covers 36,000 hectares, including part of Koprucay and the ancient city of Selge. As Turkey's largest forest of Mediterranean Cypress, the National Park is rich in red pine, black pine, cedar, fir, oak and wild olive trees. The wild animals in the region include fallow deer, wild goat, wild boar, bear, wolf, fox, rabbit and various bird species. There are red speckled trout in the upper reaches and grey mullet in other parts of the Koprucay. Courses Approximately 100 m before Oluk Bridge, the water and the river are still forms a pool. This is a good spot to start your trip and gives an inexperienced crew time to get used to the rowing technique. The bridge is reached by paddling against the current. Less experienced groups usually enter the canyon from the Oluk Bridge, while professionals may do so either from the falls near the start or from the Oluk Bridge, turning around further ahead to start the trip. The course continues after passing the falls, and areas of class 2-3 water. The falls along the river add to the beauty of the landscape. After each waterfall, the Koprucay slows down, giving time to enjoy the majestic setting. A concrete bridge is 10 km down the river, and novices should complete their journey immediately before this point. Experienced rowers can continue into the first canyon after the bridge, but the second canyon is strictly off limits, since the river runs under rocks in paces. After disembarking at the end of the first canyon, which is about 3 km long, the left bank leads to an asphalt road. |
 Hotels Nearby Koprucay River
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| Rafting in Manavgat River, Antalya | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Manavgat River flows 90 km from the eastern slopes of the western Toros (Taurus) mountains, passes over hard conglomerated strata, forms the Manavgat Falls and then enters the coastal plain to empty into the Mediterranean Sea. In the spring, the waters of the Manavgat run full and clear, augmented by underground springs in the canyons it passes through, until the river's force is interrupted by the Oymapinar Dam. The upper reaches of the Manavgat can be reached by taking the Manavgat-Alanya highway to the east and turning north towards Akseki 10 km after passing the town of Manavgat. Four kms before Akseki, turn off towards Ibradi to reach the Sahap bridge, the starting point for river sports. Among the many caves in the area, the most interesting is the Altinbesik cave discovered by geologist Dr. Temucin Aygen. Annual explorations have extended the known part of this cave to 2,200 m. The cave contains fascinating lakes, stalactites and stalagmites. The area is excellent for mountain biking, trekking and cliff parachuting in the vicinity of Irbadi and Ormana. The area also hosts a large population of wild goat, wild boar, rabbit, red legged partridge and many other birds. Courses The selection of a starting point in Manavgat River is determined by the level and velocity of the water. Under favorable conditions, the start can be made near Sahap bridge in the vicinity of Ibradi. River sports on the Manavgat are dangerous for novices. Groups should be accompanied by professionals and a local guide. The best place for rafting and canoeing on the Manavgat is the 19 km stretch between Sahap bridge and the village of Sevinc, where the river cuts steep, sometimes impenetrable gorges through the canyons. 1st canyon The river flows swiftly through the first canyon situated between Sahap bridge and Altinbesik cave, augmented by an underground spring 500 m before the canyon. Padelling here is a memorable adventure. Those who do not wish to enter the second canyon may disembark near Altinbesik cave. From there, a path leads to the village of Ürünlü in the west and to Mentesbey in the east. 2nd canyon The second canyon is accessible from Altinbesik Cave. Banked by impregnable cliffs, this canyon stretches to the village of Sinanhoca. At the end of the canyon, the riverbed widens, providing a rest area and disembarkation point. The falls prior to Sinanhoca, located towards the end of the second canyon, are very dangerous. The waters flow underneath and on both sides of a huge boulder. This part must be portaged. 3rd canyon The third canyon begins after Sinanhoca, the river passes through several falls before it exists the canyon near Sevinc, completing your trip down the Manavgat. This course runs through three canyons and involves passing through smaller and bigger class 3-4-5 waterfalls. As soon as the sound of the falls is heard, the group must stop ashore to determine the best passage. When passage is impossible, canoes should be carried on shore or guided by rope, resuming the course after skipping the dangerous part. The river slows down between the falls, providing an opportunity to admire the natural grandeur of the area. When traveling through the canyons, there are moments when it is impossible to see the sun even at noon. During breaks, the beauty of the untouched environment and the gurgle of bubbling underground springs are unforgettable. If the water level is too low for canoeing in the vicinity of Sahap bridge, gear can be carried to the area around Altinbesik cave via Ürünlü, and the course resumed from there. |
 Hotels Nearby Manavgat River
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| Rafting in Anamur (Dragon) River, Mersin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The River Anamur (Dragon) originates as an underground river from the Catalyatak, Yellice and Kizcagiz hills on the slopes of the Toros (Taurus) mountains. The underground spring erupts in several geysers close to the village of Sugozu, spraying water hundreds of metres high. The water level of the river is highest in spring, falling in summer and north of its source, enclosed basins and chasms can be seen. The 35km long Anamur is joined by the Kas, Masat and Gokce streams before flowing into the Mediterranean Sea through a deep river bed. The surrounding mountains of Anamur are covered with red pine, black pine, cedar, fir, juniper and oak trees. Wild goat, wild boar, wild sheep, wolf, jackal, wild duck, wild goose, partridge, eagle, falcon, peregrine falcons and hawks live in the higher altitudes, and speckled trout populate the waters running through the forest. Courses The River Anamur is suitable for canoeing and rafting, and the best starting point for an expedition is at the junction of Kilic creek, finishing at the historic Alakopru bridge 10km south. The start of the course is accessible by road that runs 15 km to Caltibuku from the junction of the Anamur-Ermenek highway. When setting out from here, one should watch for rocks and tree roots in the water. Generally class 1-2 water has some class 3 rapids when the water is high. |
 Hotels Nearby Anamur (Dragon) River
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| Rafting in Goksu River, Mersin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The River Goksu is the most important one in the province of Icel, originating from two branches of the Central Toros (Taurus) mountain range. The southern branch starts at Geyik Mountains, and the other at Haydar Mountains, and unite to the south of Mut to form the Goksu. The 260 km long river forms a delta between Tasucu and Silifke as it flows into the Mediterranean. The river forms lagoons at Akgol and Paradeniz on the coast between Silifke and Tasucu. The Goksu Delta is regarded by the International Council for Bird Protection (ICBP) as a major bird refuge in Europe and the Middle East, with more than 300 bird species. It is the primary reproduction area in Turkey for reed rooster, summer duck, flamingo, heron, pelican, spurred pewit, long-legged marsh swallow, Izmir kingfisher, bee eater, moustached reed nightingale and the white throat warbler. The Goksu Delta has also a special significance for being one of the few remaining areas in the world where sea turtles (caretta caretta, chelonias mydas) and blue crabs (callinectes sapidus) lay their eggs. The Environmental Protection Department of the Ministry of Environment has declared the Goksu delta as a Special Environmental Protection Zone to protect the area against pollution and exploitation, and to ensure that natural resources and cultural assets have a future. As one of the best preserved wetlands in the world, the Delta is expected to be included in the list of the Ramsar Convention for Wetlands of International Importance, signed by 45 countries, including Turkey. Wild goat, wild boar, partridge and rabbit inhabit the mountains in the Goksu basin. Their lower slopes are covered with laurel bushes, oleanders and brushwood. Sandalwood, mastic, Margosa, furze and holly oak trees start at 500 m and red-pine forests above 1000 m. Courses The wide river bed of the Goksu is suitable for all types of river sports, with class 1-2 waters, and its calm waters are recommended for beginners. The 90km section between Derincay and Degirmendere is the best place for rafting and canoeing. Derincay is reached by the road heading west 3 km north of Mut on the Karaman-Silifke highway. The 14 km section between the bridges near the villages of Kislakoy and Kargicak has short canyons and an interesting landscape. After passing this section, the course may be completed near Degirmendere. |
 Hotels Nearby Goksu River
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| Rafting in Dalaman River | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Dalaman River, whose ancient name was Indos, begins in the Kocas Mountain near Dirmil and lies between Marmaris and Fethiye. The total length of the river is 229 km. Increased by branches from the Goktepe and Yaylacik Mountains of West Toros (Taurus), it flows through a narrow and deep valley and reaches the sea 8km south of Ortaca. As the river is fed with the natural limestone, the turquoise-blue water is always clear and warm. The Dalaman is near the popular areas of the Mediterranean and Aegean, so it attracts local and foreign tourists and rafting is possible throughout the year. For accommodation, there are many guest-houses in Akkopru village. The Goksu Delta has also a special significance for being one of the few remaining areas in the world where sea turtles (caretta caretta, chelonias mydas) and blue crabs (callinectes sapidus) lay their eggs. The Environmental Protection Department of the Ministry of Environment has declared the Goksu delta as a Special Environmental Protection Zone to protect the area against pollution and exploitation, and to ensure that natural resources and cultural assets have a future. As one of the best preserved wetlands in the world, the Delta is expected to be included in the list of the Ramsar Convention for Wetlands of International Importance, signed by 45 countries, including Turkey. Wild goat, wild boar, partridge and rabbit inhabit the mountains in the Goksu basin. Their lower slopes are covered with laurel bushes, oleanders and brushwood. Sandalwood, mastic, Margosa, furze and holly oak trees start at 500 m and red-pine forests above 1000 m. Courses The rafting points can be easily reached from Marmaris, Dalyan, Fethiye and Turunc and from Dalaman airport. The water level of the river, in which rafting is possible throughout the year, rises the most in September and October. As flowing water forms small falls, there are passes among the course, which divert the river into two separate branches over the Akkopru village. The upper branch is class 5 and the lower is class 3 - 4. Once reaching Akkopru, the flow rate of the river increases and class becomes higher. |
 Hotels Nearby Dalaman River, Mugla
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| Important Subjects | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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International Difficulty Class The following list of classes categorises the level of skill required to raft or canoe:
To participate in watersports at which professional supervision is necessary, trips must be organised through the an approved agency. Equipment Participants must wear shoes and life jackets while rafting, and it is recommended to wear headgear and goggles. Legal Notice: This information and video is supplied by Ministry of Tourism and Culture of Turkey. It is against to law to take copy/downlaod and reuse without permission. |
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