The Dalaman River has become one
of the Turkey’s most popular rafting spots in recent years. The stream has two
different levels of difficulty. The higher one has a difficulty level of
3th grade and can only be undertaken with rafting boats (rivers are graded from
1 to 6; 1 being flat, 6 being impassable).
The lower level can be done by
"river canoeing" and is advised for the beginners. On this stage,
which only has a level one difficulty rating, children can also join in. This
might be the last year when one can raft or river canoe on the Dalaman Stream
as the building of a dam on the waterway is progressing rapidly. If you are interested
you should hurry up.
At the river base, meet the
guides who explain the day ahead and equip you with life jackets and helmets,
before the 90 minutes driver on remote forest roads to the Maden Kopru, where
the river is crossed by one of its bridges. Here rafts are unloaded, you are
equipped with your gear, and the guide explains what to do in the raft. Each
raft carries up to six people and is under the control of an expert guide. The
route passes through a remote area of narrow gorges and pine forests and
finally under the arches of a 2000 year old Roman bridge, Akkopru.
The travel agencies that conduct
rafting tours also transfer clients to the starting point of the rafting. The
clients are met with cold drinks, and given a briefing on rafting, technical
equipment and issues to be beware of. You get to the location for the day’s
lunch break for one hour and five kilometres from Akköprü. Lunch is served in
the open air. After the lunch break, you row to the 10 kilometers point
on the trail and this is followed by a relaxing swim.
Technical information on the
river and the tour:
The lower trail of the Dalaman
Stream, according to the international levels of difficulty, is rated about 1
or 2 degrees. This means that to take part in the activity you need no
experience.
All those participating in the
tour are covered by insurance and are given certificates at the end of the trip.
The approximate prices for
rafting tours:
Adult per person: 50 euros
Per child: 25 euros
You must try rafting. You will
get lots of joy and excitement and there is no risk as you are accompanied by
experienced guides.
