A 3.5-kilometre natural wonder in Vezirköprü: Boat tour time at Şahinkaya Canyon

In Samsun's Vezirköprü district, Şahinkaya Canyon, carved by the Kızılırmak River through steep rock faces, lies about 17 kilometres from the district centre. Roughly 3.5 kilometres long, the canyon forms one of Samsun's most striking natural landscapes, with numerous natural caves in its limestone walls and turquoise-coloured water.

Nature park status since 2015

The canyon and its surroundings were declared a national tourism development zone by a Council of Ministers decision in 2012, and gained nature park status in 2015. This protected status aims both to preserve the area's natural character and to open it to tourism in a controlled manner.

Boat tours, canoeing, and shoreline walks

Visitors can explore the canyon by boat tour, by canoe, or on foot along the shore. The area is also suited to camping, picnicking, nature photography, birdwatching, and amateur angling.

Home to Falcon Fest

Şahinkaya Canyon also hosts the annual extreme sports event 'Falcon Fest.' During the event, the canyon becomes a gathering point for athletes and spectators alongside its regular boat tours.

For those planning a visit, spring and autumn stand out as the seasons when the water looks its most vivid and the weather suits walking best. Boat tour participants are advised to wear a life jacket, and those walking along the shore are advised to choose non-slip footwear. Visitors to Vezirköprü commonly build the canyon into their itinerary as a day trip into nature, and it is worth confirming tour times and weather conditions with local boat operators beforehand.

With its steep cliffs, turquoise water, and boat tours, Şahinkaya Canyon stands out as one of the routes where visitors to Vezirköprü can spend time immersed in nature, whether for a short day trip or a longer nature-focused stay.