The Göksu River originates in two branches from the Central Toros (Taurus) mountain range. The southern branch starts at Geyik Mountains, and the other branch at Haydar Mountains. These two branches unite to the south of Mut and form the Göksu river. The 260 km long river forms a delta between Tasucu and Silifke as it flows into the Mediterranean. The river forms lagoons at Akgöl and Paradeniz on the coast between Silifke and Tasucu.

The Göksu Delta is regarded by the International Council for Bird Protection (ICBP) as the major bird refuge in Europe and the Middle East. More than 300 bird species inhabit the Göksu Delta. It is the primary reproduction area in Turkey for reed rooster, summer duck, flamingo, heron, pelican, ruddy shelduck, francolin, spurred pewit, long legged marsh swallow, Izmir kingfisher, bee eater, mustached reed nightingale and the white throat warbler.

The Göksu Delta is also one of the few remaining areas in the world where sea turtles (caretta caretta) and the blue crabs lay their eggs.

The Environmental Protection Department of the Ministry of Environment has declared the Göksu delta as a Special Environmental Protection Zone to protect the environment against pollution and exploitation, and to ensure that natural resources and cultural assets are transferred to future generations without being spoilt. Furthermore, as one of the best preserved wetlands in the world, the Göksu 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 Göksu basin.

COURSE

Göksu River is suitable for all types of river sports, with class 1-2. Its calm waters are recommended especially for beginners.

The 90 km section between Derincay and Degirmendere is the best place for river sports in the Göksu River. Derincay is reached by the road heading west 3 km north of Mut on the Karaman-Silifke highway. The 14 kms section between the bridges near to the villages of Kislaköy and Kargicak features short canyons and an interesting landscape. After passing this section, the course may be completed near Degirmendere.

You shouldn't leave the area without seeing these:

The history of Icel province dates back to the Neolithic period. Yümüktepe Höyügü (Tumulus) in the Soguksu valley is the most vivid evidence of this history.

The most interesting places to visit are Kanlidivane (Kanytelis), Korykos, Kiz Kalesi (Maiden's Fortress) in Erdemli; Cennet-Cehennem Obrugu (Hell-and-Paradise Steep), Silifke and Tokmar Fortress in Silifke; Mamure Fortress in Anamur; Mut Fortress and Alahan in Mut; Cleopatra Gate, St.Paul Church, St.Paul Well which is believed to contain therapeutic waters and Yediuyurlar Cave, and Viransehir (Pompeiopolis) near Mersin.

The mild climate of the Göksu basin offers year-round opportunity for rafting, and also trekking activities.