If you’re looking to add a truly unique activity to your holiday in Turkey, the Hovercraft Safari Experience near Alanya offers an exciting blend of speed, natural beauty, and cutting-edge engineering. While it’s still a new adventure, this tour has already attracted praise for its thrill factor and scenic views, making it a popular choice for those craving something different from sunbathing or typical boat trips.
What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s Europe’s first tourist hovercraft tour, giving you a chance to try a vehicle that feels like flying across water and land. Second, the natural surroundings of Manavgat provide a peaceful yet exhilarating backdrop. Third, the team’s professionalism and safety measures help keep the experience safe and fun.
However, a point to keep in mind: this activity involves moderate motion and wind, so it’s not suitable for everyone, particularly those with motion sickness, pregnant women, or mobility issues. It’s best suited for adventurous couples, families with older kids, and thrill-seekers who appreciate a dose of adrenaline mixed with scenic exploration.
Good To Know
- Unique Experience: It’s Europe’s first tourist hovercraft tour, offering an innovative way to explore water and land.
- Duration & Value: At 1.5 hours for $77, it provides a memorable adventure that’s good value considering the exclusivity.
- Scenic Views: You’ll glide past lush riverbanks, small islands, and tranquil waterways—perfect for photos.
- Safety & Comfort: Professional guides, safety briefings, and hotel transfers make it a smooth experience.
- Age & Health Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility or motion sensitivity.
- Additional Perks: Post-ride leisure time at the facility, with options for snacks and souvenirs.
The Experience in Detail
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Starting with Comfort & Safety
Your day begins with a hotel pickup in air-conditioned vehicles, a thoughtful touch that ensures a relaxed start. Once at the site, you’ll receive a brief safety explanation about the hovercraft’s air-cushion technology—an intriguing insight into how this vehicle floats effortlessly over diverse surfaces. The safety briefing is quick but informative, making sure everyone understands what to expect, and that the pilot is professional and attentive.
The Hovercraft Ride: Speed, Serenity, and Surreal Views
The core of the adventure is the 1.5-hour hovercraft ride across the waters of Manavgat—a region famous for its calm rivers and scenic landscapes. You’ll sit in a real hovercraft, which is neither a boat nor an airplane but a hybrid that glides smoothly over water and land. The sensation of speed combined with smoothness is unlike anything else; you will feel the wind in your hair and the rush of air beneath you while observing the lush scenery around you.
According to reviewers, especially Camilla from Denmark, this is a “super fun” activity where you’ll be surrounded by nature, and the guides are friendly and helpful. Michael, also from Denmark, noted that the “super cute staff” made the experience better, and although part of the course involved dry sand and gravel (which wasn’t anticipated), the overall thrill made it worthwhile.
Exploring Nature in a Whole New Way
What sets this tour apart is the ability to reach places inaccessible to traditional boats. You’ll pass through small islands, marshy terrains, and lush riverbanks, giving a sense of adventure and connection to nature. Since the hovercraft can traverse land and water seamlessly, you get a broader perspective on the landscape—perfect for capturing photos of both water and greenery.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyOpportunities for Photos and Videos
The ride offers numerous photo stops and video moments—make sure your camera or phone is ready. The contrast of high-speed movement with peaceful natural scenery creates great shots, and many guests report enjoying capturing the thrill of the ride along with the tranquil views.
Post-Ride Relaxation and Shopping
Once your adrenaline subsides, you have some free leisure time at the facility. You can unwind at the onsite café, grabbing a drink or snack, or browse hovercraft-themed souvenirs. This is a nice way to wind down, share stories, and reflect on the experience before heading back to your hotel.
Practical Details & Considerations
Transportation & Group Size
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is convenient and saves you the hassle of finding your way. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for personal attention from the guides. The ride itself is limited to a maximum of 1.5 hours, making it suitable for a half-day outing.
Price & Value
At $77 per person, the tour is priced quite competitively, especially considering the novelty of the experience and the professional guidance involved. It’s a bit of an investment for a short activity, but for many travelers, the thrill of trying Europe’s first tourist hovercraft and the scenic views justify the cost.
Duration & Timing
The duration is around 1.5 hours, including transfers and safety briefings. Check available times, as the experience can be tailored to suit your schedule. It’s best to choose a time with good weather, ideally avoiding windy or rainy days that could impact safety and comfort.
What to Bring
Pack swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel—even though you stay dry, the activity can get windy and messy. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.
Suitability & Restrictions
This activity is not recommended for children under 16, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility impairments. It involves moderate motion and wind, so if you’re sensitive to high speeds or motion sickness, consider whether this is the right choice.
Authentic Insights from Reviews
Camilla from Denmark described the activity as “super fun” with nice staff, emphasizing the novelty and enjoyment of the natural scenery. Michael found it “action-packed” but noted that part of the course involved dry sand and gravel, which was unexpected for some. He also mentioned that earplugs are recommended, hinting at the noise level during the ride, especially at higher speeds.
Both reviews highlight the friendly staff and the exhilarating nature of the ride, which makes it clear that the experience is both well-managed and thrilling. The feedback about the terrain and the technical aspects indicates that while the ride isn’t perfect, it is still a highly memorable activity.
The Bottom Line
Who Is This Experience Best For?
If you’re seeking an activity that combines adventure, innovation, and natural beauty, this hovercraft safari offers a compelling option. It’s perfect for adventurous couples, families with older children, and thrill-seekers who want to try something new and different from traditional boat trips or sightseeing tours.
Who Might Want to Pass?
This tour isn’t suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility issues or motion sickness. It also might not appeal if you prefer calm, slow-paced sightseeing rather than high-speed adventures.
Overall Value
While it’s a relatively short activity, the unique experience of riding Europe’s first tourist hovercraft, combined with the scenic landscapes, makes it well worth the price. It’s an opportunity to create stories you’ll talk about long after your trip ends—flying over water and land in a vehicle that feels almost futuristic.
Final Thoughts
For travelers craving a break from the usual and eager to experience something truly different, this hovercraft safari ticks all the boxes. It’s a lively, scenic, and innovative addition to any Turkey holiday, especially if you want a day packed with excitement and outdoor discovery.
FAQs
Is this activity suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 16. The ride involves moderate motion and wind, which may not be safe or comfortable for younger kids.
What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also recommended.
Is the ride safe?
Yes, the activity is professionally managed with safety briefings, pilot guidance, and insurance included. Follow all safety instructions provided by staff.
Can I take photos during the ride?
Absolutely. The tour offers multiple opportunities for photos and videos—just keep your camera ready to capture those high-speed moments and scenic views.
How long does the activity last?
The hovercraft ride itself is approximately 1.5 hours, including transfers, safety briefing, and leisure time afterward.
What if the weather is bad?
The activity is weather-dependent. Wind or rain could lead to cancellations or rescheduling. Check the weather forecast before booking.
Is it a good value for the price?
Considering the novelty of Europe’s first tourist hovercraft, the scenic routes, and professional guidance, many find the $77 fee justified for such a memorable experience.
To sum it up, the hovercraft safari from Alanya offers a seamless blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and technological intrigue. It’s perfect for those who want to add a dash of adrenaline while exploring nature from a fresh perspective. With good reviews, manageable group sizes, and a focus on safety, it’s a worthwhile activity for travelers eager to try something different—just be prepared for the wind and speed!
You can check if your dates are available here:More Safari Tours in Alanya
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- Alanya Jeep Safari: Waterfalls, Canyon & Dim River
- Magnificent Combo: Cabrio Safari and Green Canyon Boat Tour
- Quad Safari Adventure with Swimming and Off-Road Thrill
- Sapadere Jeep Safari: Taurus Mountains, Waterfall & Cave
- Alanya: Quad Safari Adventure with Hotel Transfers
More Tour Reviews in Alanya
- From Alanya: Full-Day Jeep Safari with Lunch and Transfer
- From Alanya & Side: Canyoning and Rafting Tour with Lunch
- From Alanya, Side, Antalya: Cappadocia 2 Day 1 Night
- From Alanya: Rafting Adventure – Suitable for All Ages
- From Alanya: Pamukkale Day Trip with Hierapolis & Lunch
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Looking for something different? Other Alanya activities we've written about
- From Alanya: Full-Day Jeep Safari with Lunch and Transfer
- From Alanya & Side: Canyoning and Rafting Tour with Lunch
- From Alanya, Side, Antalya: Cappadocia 2 Day 1 Night
- From Alanya: Rafting Adventure – Suitable for All Ages
- From Alanya: Pamukkale Day Trip with Hierapolis & Lunch
- From Alanya: Pamukkale and Salda Lake Day Trip with Dinner
- From Alanya: Kekova, Demre, and Myra Day Trip with Boat Tour
- From Alanya: Sightseeing Half Day City Tour w/Cable Car
- From Alanya, Side To Adrasan Suluada Boat Tour with Lunch
- From Antalya & Kemer : Rafting Tour Suitable for All Ages
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