City of Side: Quad Safari Off-road with Transfer

Dust is part of the fun here. This ATV trip takes you from your Side hotel to the Taurus foothills for guided riding through forests, sandy tracks, puddles, and mountain scenery. I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which removes the hassle of finding the base, and I like the short practice ride before the group heads onto the rougher trails.

The summer swimming break adds a welcome change after the first section of riding. You should also know that the schedule needs checking: the activity is advertised as one hour, but the detailed program adds up to about three hours once transfers, riding, and the break are included. A slow group, especially one with a young child, can also reduce the pace.

Key points before you book

• The ride covers two 10-kilometer sections: You get one forest and mountain route before the break, then another off-road section afterward.
• A test ride comes first: You can get used to the quad controls before tackling dust, sand, puddles, and uneven ground.
• The summer swim stop is built into the day: Bring a towel and expect about 20 minutes to cool off at a natural spot.
• Pickup reaches many Side-area resorts: Service covers Gundogdu, Colakli, Evrenseki, Kumkoy, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengol, Kizilagac, Kizilot, and Çenger.
• Photos cost extra: A photography crew takes pictures during the ride, then shows them to you at the base.
• Drivers must be over 16: Passengers can be older than 3, but children under 3 cannot join, and the activity is not suitable during pregnancy.

What this Side quad safari is really like

This is not a sightseeing tour of ancient Side. It is a short, physical outdoor activity that gets you away from the resort strip and onto rough tracks in the Taurus foothills. The appeal is simple: you operate the ATV yourself, follow a guide, and enjoy the dust, mud, trees, and open mountain views.

At $18 per person, the price is appealing. It includes transport, a guide, insurance, quad riding, and a helmet. That makes it good value if you want a lively half-day outing without paying for a larger adventure package. Drinks, protective masks, goggles, bandanas, and photographs cost extra, so the final bill can rise if you want the full setup.

The activity has a 4 out of 5 rating from 15 bookings. Several people praised the friendly staff, the views, and the value. One regular customer, Sami from the United Kingdom, said this was a second visit with Cats Quad Buggy Safari and praised Cem and the team. That is useful evidence of a welcoming operation, though you should not assume Cem will lead every departure.

Hotel pickup from Side and the ride to the base

Your day starts at the main security gate in front of your hotel. This detail matters at large resort properties, where a driver may not be allowed to enter the grounds or reach the lobby. Be ready at the gate rather than waiting inside the reception area.

The transfer is listed as about 35 minutes on the way out and 30 minutes on the return. Exact timing depends on where your hotel sits along the Side coast. Pickup covers a wide run of resort districts, from Gundoglu and Colakli in the west to Kizilagac, Kizilot, and Çenger in the east.

One person had a serious timing complaint after a planned 10 a.m. pickup was changed to 8:30 a.m. If your morning matters, confirm the pickup time before the day of departure. The early start may be useful in hot weather, but it can disrupt breakfast plans.

At the base, you receive a short safety talk and an explanation of the route. Helmets are supplied. You can buy a bandana or protective goggles, but neither is included in the price. I would bring sunglasses and wear clothing you do not mind covering in fine dust.

The practice ride helps first-time drivers

Before the main route, you get a quick test ride. This is one of the most useful parts for beginners because an ATV can feel twitchy until you understand the throttle, steering, and braking. Use this moment to ask questions and make sure your helmet fits securely.

The guide leads the group, so you are not expected to find your own way through the trails. That makes the activity accessible to people who have never ridden a quad bike. You still need to follow instructions, keep a safe distance, and accept that the pace may be controlled by the least experienced person in the group.

The rules also separate drivers from passengers by age. The person driving must be older than 16. A passenger can be older than 3, but children under 3 are not allowed. The information does not give a maximum age or a specific weight limit, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator before booking.

First 10 kilometers through forest and dust

The first main section covers about 10 kilometers through Taurus trails. Expect a mix of forest, dusty paths, sandy areas, puddles, and mountain views. The setting is more rustic than polished. Your clothes may get dirty, and that is part of the point.

The first section gives you time to settle into the machine. You may begin cautiously, then find a comfortable rhythm as the route continues. The ride is guided rather than a free-for-all, so you get the pleasure of handling the ATV without having to navigate alone.

The scenery is a strong part of the experience. You are not simply circling a closed track. The route reaches forested and mountainous areas, with views that make the transfer from Side worthwhile. One person described mountain and sand riding with puddles, while another praised the views from two rest stops.

The drawbacks are equally clear. Dust can be heavy, especially when riding behind another quad. Protective masks and goggles are optional purchases, not part of the package. Sunglasses help with glare and flying dust, but they are not a substitute for proper eye protection if conditions are especially dry.

The 20-minute summer swim stop

In summer, the group takes a 20-minute swimming break at a natural spot. This is a short pause, not a full beach visit, so pack lightly and be ready to change back into riding clothes quickly.

Bring a towel, as the operator specifically recommends one. The water stop gives you a chance to cool down after the first ride, rinse off some dust, and enjoy a quieter moment before returning to the quads. It also breaks up the activity for people who may find continuous ATV riding tiring.

The details of the swimming spot can vary with conditions, and the information does not promise the same stop outside summer. Do not book this solely for the swim. Think of it as a seasonal bonus within an off-road ride.

The second 10 kilometers and the return to Side

After the break, you ride another 10 kilometers through the Taurus area. By this point, you should feel more comfortable with the quad, and the second section gives you another chance to enjoy the rough tracks and mountain views.

The total riding time in the schedule is listed as 45 minutes before the break and 50 minutes afterward. Transport takes another 35 minutes out and 30 minutes back, with a 20-minute stop between the rides. Added together, that is about three hours.

This conflicts with the headline duration of one hour. I would treat the detailed schedule as the better guide and confirm the exact pickup and return time before paying. The total day may also stretch if the group includes beginners or young passengers.

After returning to the base, you can look through the photographs taken by the on-site photography crew. You choose and pay only for the images you want. Photos are not included, and the price is not provided, so ask before agreeing to a package.

The pictures may be useful if you want proof of the muddy, dusty parts of the ride. If you prefer to keep costs low, skip them and rely on your own camera before and after the activity. Do not assume you can safely take pictures while driving.

How the pace and group mix affect the experience

The strongest praise focuses on the friendly staff, long ride, mountain views, and value. Thomas from the United Kingdom especially liked the two rest stops and the warm welcome at the base, where staff offered home-grown fruit before the group went up into the mountains. He also mentioned the staff dogs, a small detail that gives the base a relaxed, personal feel.

Sami’s repeat visit is another positive sign. He had taken many quad excursions and still considered this company his favorite, praising Cem and the team. Again, staff assignments can change, but the comments suggest that the human side of the operation is a major strength.

Pace is the main concern. Evy from Belgium found the activity good but said a young child in the group made the driving slow. That is a fair warning for experienced riders hoping to race along the trails. This is a guided group ride, not a private high-speed session.

One person simply found the experience below expectations, while another gave the lowest rating after an unexpectedly early pickup. Those comments do not cancel out the positive feedback, but they point to the two things you should confirm: the schedule and the likely group pace.

What to wear and what to bring

Wear comfortable shoes with a firm sole. Open sandals are a poor match for dust, mud, and ATV controls. Choose clothes that can get dirty, and avoid anything precious or difficult to wash.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• A towel, especially in summer
• Comfortable shoes
• Clothing suitable for dust and possible mud

Helmets are included. Bandanas, safety goggles, and drinks are not. If you are sensitive to dust, budget for the protective gear sold at the base. A safe box is also not included, so ask how personal belongings are handled before you start riding.

The operator provides travel insurance as part of the activity. You should still disclose any relevant health issue when booking, particularly because the activity is not suitable for pregnant women.

Value at $18 per person

At $18, this is one of the easier Side excursions to justify. You receive resort pickup and return, a guide, insurance, a helmet, a practice session, and two off-road riding sections. The mountain setting gives the trip more interest than a short ride around a flat purpose-built circuit.

The value depends on your expectations. If you want an inexpensive taste of ATV riding with mountain scenery, the cost is strong. If you expect a private guide, a fast pace, included goggles, drinks, and free photographs, you will need to pay extra or choose another type of excursion.

The price also looks better for people staying outside central Side, since transfers are included from a wide group of resorts. Check the pickup time carefully, though. A low price is less attractive if an early collection ruins your morning plans.

Who should book this quad safari?

I would recommend it to first-time ATV riders, couples, groups of friends, and active families with children old enough to meet the age rules. The test ride, guide, and included helmet make the activity less intimidating than arranging an independent off-road rental.

It is also a good choice if you want a break from hotel pools and organized sightseeing. You get dust, noise, mountain air, and a genuine sense of moving through the countryside under your own control.

I would hesitate if you dislike dirt, expect a quiet nature outing, or want to set your own speed. The ride may be slow when younger passengers or beginners are in the group. Pregnant women cannot join, and children under 3 are excluded.

Before booking, confirm the real duration and collection time. The one-hour label does not match the detailed schedule, which suggests roughly three hours from pickup to return. That is the most important practical point in the whole description.

FAQ

Where does the quad safari depart from?

Pickup is available from hotels in Gundoglu, Colakli, Evrenseki, Kumkoy, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengol, Kizilagac, Kizilot, and Çenger. Collection takes place at the main security gate in front of your hotel.

How long does the activity take?

The advertised duration says one hour, but the detailed schedule includes about 35 minutes of outward transport, 45 minutes of riding, a 20-minute break, 50 minutes of riding, and 30 minutes back. Confirm the exact timing before departure.

Are hotel transfers included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off from the listed Side-area districts are included.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English, German, and Russian.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Helmets are included. Bandanas, safety goggles, drinks, photographs, and use of a safe box are not included.

Can children join the activity?

Children under 3 cannot join. Passengers must be older than 3, while anyone driving a quad bike must be over 16.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.

Should you book it?

Book this quad safari if you want a low-cost, dusty, active outing with hotel transport and real Taurus Mountain scenery. I especially like the practice ride, the two 10-kilometer sections, the summer swim stop, and the friendly staff atmosphere described by returning customers.

Go in with sensible expectations. This is a group activity, not a private race. Confirm the pickup time, ask about the actual total duration, bring shoes and a towel, and budget for goggles or photographs only if you want them. With those points settled, the $18 price offers a lively change from the beach and resort pool.