City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

Mud, dust, and mountain views make this a lively Side escape. I like the 20 km route through and around the Koprucay River, and I like that hotel pickup, insurance, a guide, and a helmet are included. The main catch is that waiting can eat into your four-hour outing, especially when several groups are sharing the quads.

You’ll ride a 250cc all-terrain vehicle through Koprulu Canyon National Park, with a swimming stop after the first 10 km. It is good value at $32 per person, but this is a controlled group ride rather than a stunt course, so do not expect jumps, drifting, or endless chances to race.

Key Points Before You Book

• 20 km of quad riding: The route is split into two 10 km sections, with the first section followed by a river swimming break.
• Koprucay River setting: You ride around the river and through a national park known for canyons, turquoise water, and outdoor activities.
• Hotel pickup from Side-area resorts: Air-conditioned transfers are offered from Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu.
• Good value at $32: The price includes transport, an expert guide, insurance by Allianz, a helmet, and the quad ride.
• Bring protection from dust: Sunglasses are listed as essential, and one rider strongly wished for goggles because dust made visibility difficult.
• Under-16 rule: Anyone younger than 16 may only sit in the back seat of an ATV, and the activity is not suitable for children under 3 or pregnant women.

From Your Side Hotel to Koprulu Canyon

Your day begins with pickup at your hotel in Side or one of the nearby resort areas. The transfer is by air-conditioned bus, which matters in Antalya Province, where a dusty outdoor activity is much easier to face after a cool ride rather than a hot shuttle.

The available pickup areas include Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu. You should check the available start time carefully, since the four-hour duration includes the transfer and activity schedule rather than promising four straight hours on the quad.

The destination is Koprulu Canyon National Park, home to the Koprucay River and one of Turkey’s best-known areas for outdoor water sports. The setting gives this ride more character than a simple dirt-track circuit. You get canyon scenery, river water, and open countryside instead of spending the whole time circling a flat practice field.

Still, the operation can be busy. One particularly useful account describes a crowded waiting area, with several teams completing test rides before the next group headed out. That means you may need patience at the start. If your day is tightly planned, do not place an important lunch reservation or another paid activity immediately after the tour.

Learning to Handle the 250cc Quad

Before setting off, you receive a safety briefing on how to operate the quad bikes. The machines are insured by Allianz, and an expert guide leads the group. A free helmet is provided, while extra equipment such as bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes may cost more.

You also get a chance to test-drive the quad around the facility. This is an important part of the outing, especially if you have never used an ATV. The test ride lets you learn the throttle, steering, braking, and basic balance before joining the main route.

The quads are 250cc vehicles, large enough to feel exciting but intended for guided group riding. The group stays in line, and the pace is managed by the guide. One of the strongest practical points from the ride reports is that the tour felt orderly, with everyone keeping formation.

That order has a tradeoff. You are not simply released into the countryside to choose your own speed. The ride is built for a mixed group, so experienced ATV riders may find it restrained. It is better suited to people who want an accessible introduction to quad biking than to serious off-road drivers hunting for technical terrain.

The First 10 Kilometers Along the River

The first half of the route covers about 10 km on a special circuit in and around the river. The ride includes dusty tracks, open views, canyon scenery, and sections where you drive in the river itself.

This is where the setting does most of the work. Koprucay’s turquoise water gives the ride a refreshing visual focus, while the surrounding canyon makes the route feel like a proper outdoor excursion rather than a short amusement-park lap. You can expect dust, spray, and changing surfaces, so clothing choices matter.

The pace may be lively, but do not confuse fast with wild. The group follows a set route and remains under supervision. A rider described the experience as mostly continuous riding without jumps or drifting. That is probably good news for safety, but it also means you should book with realistic expectations.

The dust is a serious practical issue. Sunglasses are on the recommended packing list, and goggles would be even more useful if available. One rider found the dust thick enough to make seeing difficult at times and regretted not having eye protection. A mask or bandana can also help, particularly if you are riding behind another ATV.

The optional equipment list includes a bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes. Since these items are not included, you should check the equipment options before departure and bring what you already own. Do not wear clothing you hope to keep spotless.

The Swimming Stop After 10 Kilometers

After the first 10 km, you stop beside the river for a swim. This is the natural reset point of the excursion. After the noise, dust, and heat of the first section, cold water can feel exceptionally welcome.

You should bring swimwear, a towel, and a complete change of clothes. The swimming stop is not just a minor pause, it is one of the details that gives the tour a pleasant rhythm: ride, cool off, then ride again.

The water may feel cold. That is part of the appeal on a hot day, but it may not suit everyone. If you dislike cold swimming water, you can still treat the stop as a chance to rest and enjoy the river setting. The supplied information does not promise a long swim, so think of it as a refreshing break rather than a full beach stop.

Keep your belongings simple. The activity involves dust and water, and the tour is built around movement rather than leisurely storage or changing facilities. A towel and dry clothing are more useful than anything delicate.

The Second 10 Kilometers and the Return

After the swimming break, you continue for another 10 km in and around the river. This second half gives you time to settle into the vehicle and feel more comfortable with the controls.

Some riders find the return section more exciting because there may be room for a faster pace. Even so, the guide controls the group, and you should not expect a private race. The emphasis is on keeping the line together and completing the route safely.

The total advertised distance is 20 km, but the actual feel of the excursion can vary with group size and waiting time. One account described roughly an hour of riding, despite the overall activity lasting four hours. That does not necessarily mean the distance was missing, since the day also includes transport, briefing, test rides, swimming, and queueing, but it is worth understanding before you book.

If you want a long day of independent ATV exploration, this is not that. If you want a reasonably priced guided ride with a clear route, scenic surroundings, and a water stop, the format makes sense.

Photos, Video, and the Final Ride Back

When you return to the facility, staff show professional photos and video footage taken during the quad ride. These images and videos are available for purchase, but they are not included in the $32 price.

This is worth knowing before you arrive. The photographs may be a tempting record of the outing, especially if you are riding with friends or family and cannot take your own pictures safely. At the same time, you should treat them as an optional extra, not part of the basic value calculation.

Once the equipment and photo viewing are finished, the air-conditioned bus takes you back to your hotel. The end of the day is simple and convenient, with no need to arrange a taxi from a remote park.

What the $32 Price Really Includes

At $32 per person, this is a strong price for a half-day outdoor activity. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off, the 20 km quad route, a guide, insurance by Allianz, and a helmet.

The value is especially good if you are staying in one of the listed Side resort areas and would otherwise need to arrange transport to Koprulu Canyon. The included bus removes that extra hassle.

The price does not include food, drinks, optional protective equipment, photos, or video. You should budget for those only if you want them. Bring your own water if permitted and practical, since food and drinks are specifically excluded, and there is no promise of refreshments during the tour.

The main cost is not money but time. If the facility is handling several teams, you may spend part of the four-hour period waiting. That can frustrate people who expect constant riding. It is less of a problem if you see the tour as a half-day outing that combines transport, instruction, riding, swimming, and a return transfer.

Who Will Enjoy This Quad Safari Most

I would recommend this tour to adults and older teenagers who want a straightforward burst of outdoor adventure from Side. It suits first-time quad riders because you receive instruction, a test ride, and a guide-led route.

It also works well for couples, friends, and families with older children who want something more active than a standard sightseeing trip. The river stop adds variety, and the price keeps the activity within reach for a group.

Experienced ATV riders may feel limited by the set pace and group formation. The route is not described as a technical course, and the available feedback specifically points out that there are no jumps or drifting. If showing off is your main goal, this may feel tame.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 3. Anyone under 16 may only sit in the back seat of an ATV. That rule makes the experience less flexible for families hoping for younger children to drive their own machines.

The guide languages are German, English, and Russian. If you need another language, you should confirm communication arrangements before booking.

What to Pack for a Dusty, Wet Ride

Pack for two different conditions: dry dust on the trail and cold water at the river.

Bring:

• Sunglasses or goggles
• Swimwear
• A towel
• A full change of clothes
• Closed, suitable shoes
• A bandana or mask if you have one

The supplied equipment list identifies sunglasses, masks, bandanas, and suitable shoes as extras, so do not assume they are included. Eye protection is particularly important. Dust can hang in the air, especially when you are following another quad.

Avoid bringing anything you cannot afford to dirty or wet. The tour includes river riding and swimming, and the return journey may come after a day outside. A practical outfit will serve you better than holiday clothes chosen for photographs.

Pets are not allowed. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women or children under 3.

Booking Advice and Cancellation Flexibility

You can reserve a place and pay later, which is useful if your Side holiday plans are still moving around. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Because pickup is offered only from specified areas, confirm that your hotel falls within Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, or Gundogdu. Also check the available starting time rather than assuming the tour begins at a fixed hour.

The four-hour duration is clear, but the amount of actual quad time can be affected by group organization. I would leave a generous buffer before your next commitment, especially if you are traveling during a busy period.

Should You Book the Side Quad Safari?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, guided ATV ride with a real natural setting, hotel transport, and a refreshing river stop. The strongest features are the 20 km route, the Koprucay scenery, the included insurance and helmet, and the chance to cool off after the first 10 km.

Skip it if you want private riding, hard off-road challenges, or a stunt-style course. Waiting and group riding are the main drawbacks, and dust can be uncomfortable without goggles or a mask.

For most active visitors staying around Side, this is a good-value half-day outing. Pack eye protection, swimwear, dry clothes, and patience. Do that, and the $32 price buys a lively change from the resort pool.

FAQ

How long does the Side quad safari last?

The activity lasts four hours. The schedule includes hotel pickup and drop-off, safety instruction, test riding, the quad route, a swimming stop, and the return transfer.

How far do you ride on the quad?

The advertised route covers 20 km. It is divided into two sections of about 10 km, with a swimming break between them.

Where does the quad safari take place?

The tour takes place in and around the Koprucay River in Koprulu Canyon National Park, in Antalya Province, Turkey.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus are included for hotels in Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu.

What equipment is included?

A helmet is provided at no extra cost. The quads are insured by Allianz, while items such as bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes may require an additional payment.

Can children drive their own ATV?

People under 16 may only sit in the back seat of an ATV. The activity is not suitable for children under 3.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Goggles, a mask, or a bandana can also help with dust.

Are photos and videos included in the price?

No. Professional photos and video are shown after the ride and are available to purchase separately.