From Alanya: Hovercraft Safari Experience in Nature

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey’s Antalya Province and are after something a little different from the usual boat tours or beach days, this hovercraft safari might just catch your eye. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve dug into the details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What I really like about this experience are the thrill of high-speed travel and the chance to see natural waterways in a new way. It’s not every day you get to glide effortlessly over both land and water, feeling like you’re flying rather than floating. Plus, it’s a family-friendly activity for older kids and adults, making it a fun option if you’re traveling with teenagers or thrill-seeking friends.

However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a full-day adventure, and at 1.5 hours, it’s relatively short — so if you’re after a big adrenaline rush, you might want to consider combining it with other activities. Also, since it involves high speeds and wind, it’s best suited for those who aren’t prone to motion sickness or pregnancy. If you’re looking for a unique, tech-savvy way to explore the natural scenery around Manavgat, this tour could be a memorable highlight.

This tour mainly suits adrenaline lovers, tech enthusiasts, or anyone curious about innovative ways to experience nature. It’s also a good pick if you want a break from traditional sightseeing and are open to something that blends speed with scenic views.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: It’s Europe’s first tourist hovercraft ride, offering something very different from typical boat tours.
• Speed & Thrill: The high-speed glide over land and water creates an adrenaline rush wrapped in natural beauty.
• Safety & Professional Guidance: The activity includes a safety briefing and professional pilots, making it both exciting and secure.
• Natural Scenery: Expect to pass lush riverbanks, small islands, and maybe some wildlife—perfect for photos.
• Comfort & Convenience: The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free.
• Short & Sweet: At 1.5 hours, it’s an activity that fits well into a busy holiday itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Hovercraft Safari

This experience begins with a relaxed hotel pickup in air-conditioned vehicles, giving you a comfortable start. Once you arrive at the launch site, you’ll go through a brief safety briefing that’s surprisingly interesting — it’s actually pretty cool to learn how air-cushion technology makes the hovercraft float and move. This isn’t just a quick “safety talk” but an engaging explanation of the engineering behind this innovative vehicle.

After gearing up, you board the hovercraft, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity. The actual ride is the highlight — within moments, you’ll feel the rush of high-speed travel as the craft skims across water and land. It’s a sensation of flying, with the wind whipping past and the landscape rushing underneath. The craft is operated by skilled pilots, so while it feels exhilarating, it’s all under control.

Most of the ride takes place over the waterways of Manavgat, an area known for its peaceful river systems. As you speed along, you’ll pass through lush surroundings, possibly catching glimpses of local wildlife and small islands, which make for excellent photo opportunities. The contrast of motion and scenery is quite striking — it’s both invigorating and contemplative.

The reviews mention how the experience feels like a mix between a boat ride and an airplane, which is exactly what makes it so distinctive. One reviewer called it “super fun,” and appreciated the friendly staff. Another noted that it’s a brand-new activity still in development, which explains some rough patches like traveling over dry sand and gravel, rather than water, on parts of the course.

You’ll have several chances to snap photos or record videos during the ride — just remember to keep your camera handy. Alternatively, the tour offers some leisure time afterward to relax and browse hovercraft-related souvenirs, or enjoy a snack at the onsite café.

The Practical Details: Cost, Duration, and What’s Included

At $77 per person, this hovercraft safari feels like good value considering the uniqueness of the experience. It includes hotel transfers, a safety briefing, the hovercraft ride, and professional guiding, along with insurance. Since transportation is covered, there’s little hassle in getting there and back, which adds to the overall convenience.

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, which means it’s easy to slot into a day’s itinerary. You won’t spend the entire day, but you’ll get a substantial chunk of adrenaline and scenery. The activity is conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers.

It’s important to note what’s not included: food and drinks at the facility, personal expenses, and any photos or videos you might want to purchase. If you want to capture the moment, bringing your own camera or phone is a good idea.

What to bring:

• Swimwear (just in case)
• Change of clothes (the ride keeps you dry, but you might get splashed)
• Towel
• Clothes that can get dirty (consider casual or sporty attire)

Who Should Consider This Activity?

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for something totally different, and aren’t bothered by a bit of wind or moderate motion. It’s not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility issues or motion sickness. If you prefer calm, scenic boat rides, this might not be your thing.

Travelers who enjoy adrenaline activities or are fascinated by new technology will particularly appreciate the innovative aspect of a hovercraft. It’s also a solid choice for couples or groups of friends seeking a memorable story to tell. If you’re traveling with slightly older children who enjoy fast-paced rides, this could be a standout activity.

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Authentic Feedback from Participants

One visitor from Denmark, Camilla, shared, “Super fun. Nice people. Good new activity that is being developed.” Her enthusiastic tone suggests that even with some teething issues, the experience was memorable and enjoyable. Meanwhile, Michael, another Danish traveler, rated it 4 out of 5, citing the dry sand and gravel parts of the course as a minor disappointment. He noted that it’s still a new activity, and the staff is “super cute,” which adds a friendly, welcoming vibe.

From these reviews, we see that most travelers find the activity fun, well-organized, and worth trying for the novelty alone, even if some aspects are still being refined.

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth Doing?

In the end, this hovercraft safari offers an unusual blend of speed, scenic beauty, and technological curiosity. For those craving a thrill and a glimpse into innovative transport, it’s an experience worth considering. The fact that it’s relatively short and includes hotel transfers makes it accessible and low-stress.

While it might not be the best choice for very young kids or anyone with mobility concerns, it’s ideal for adventure lovers, technology buffs, or curious travelers looking for a new perspective on Turkey’s natural waterways. The price tag is reasonable for the uniqueness of the activity, and the positive reviews suggest most participants walk away with a smile and a story.

Just remember: if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer gentle sightseeing, this might not be your go-to. But if you’re after a high-energy, high-speed adventure that you won’t forget, this hovercraft safari could be the highlight of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this activity suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 16, so it’s best for teenagers and adults who enjoy fast-paced activities.

Are there any safety concerns?
The tour includes a safety briefing and is operated by professional pilots, ensuring it’s both exciting and secure. Participants must follow all safety instructions.

Do I need to know how to swim?
No, you stay dry during the ride, so swimming skills aren’t necessary.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and clothes that can get dirty. Cameras or phones for photos are also a good idea.

How long does the tour last?
The activity takes about 1.5 hours, including pickup, briefing, the ride, and some leisure time afterward.

What is included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, safety instructions, the hovercraft ride, professional guiding, and insurance are included.

Is there an option to buy photos or videos?
Yes, photos and videos are available for purchase but are not included in the standard price.

Overall, for those seeking something innovative, thrilling, and scenic in the Antalya area, the hovercraft safari offers a memorable alternative. It’s a chance to feel the wind in your hair while exploring parts of Turkey’s natural landscape few visitors see, all with a sense of safety and professionalism. Just be prepared for a high-speed adventure that’s as much about the fun as it is about the views.

You can check availability for your dates here: