City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

Trade the beach lounger for a muddy river ride. This four-hour quad safari takes you from Side to Koprulu Canyon National Park, where you ride a 250cc ATV beside and through the Koprucay River. I like the cool swimming stop after the first 10 km, and I like that hotel transfers and Allianz insurance are included for $32.

The main drawback is that the ride may not feel like four full hours on the quad. One detailed account describes waiting for other groups and about an hour of actual riding, while another found the tour long, fast, and excellent value. Dust, heat from the engine, and a fairly controlled route are also worth considering before you book.

Key points at a glance

• 20 km ATV route: The ride is split into two 10 km sections, with a river stop between them.
• Koprucay River setting: Expect canyon views, turquoise water, dirt tracks, and a swim break.
• $32 value: Transfers, a guide, a helmet, insurance, and the quad ride are included.
• Bring eye protection: Dust can make it hard to see, so goggles or sunglasses are especially useful.
• Under-16 rule: Anyone younger than 16 may only ride in the back seat of an ATV.
• Plan for waiting: Several groups may be handled in sequence before your ride begins.

From Side hotels to Koprulu Canyon National Park

Your day begins with pickup from hotels in Titreyengol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, or Gundogdu. The transfer is by air-conditioned bus, a welcome detail in Antalya Province, especially during the hotter months.

The drive takes you away from Side’s beach hotels and toward Koprulu Canyon National Park. The park is known for the Koprucay River and for outdoor activities, especially river sports. Here, the point is not polished sightseeing. You are heading into a rougher setting of water, canyon scenery, dirt roads, and engine noise.

During the transfer, the staff explain how to operate the quad bikes safely. That briefing matters because the route is not simply a photo stop with a short spin around a yard. You will be driving an all-terrain vehicle on a group route, and keeping control is more important than showing off.

The quads are 250cc machines. That gives you enough power for a lively ride without turning the outing into a high-speed race. The guide leads the group, and the route is managed in a line. You should expect a guided ride rather than complete freedom to choose your own track.

Getting ready: helmet, test ride, and waiting time

At the facility, you receive a helmet at no extra cost. Additional items such as a bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes are available for purchase, but they are not included in the price.

You get a chance to test-drive the quad around the facility before setting off. This is useful if you have never used an ATV, or if you simply need a moment to remember how the throttle and steering feel. Use this time to check that your quad feels comfortable and that nothing seems unusually hot or loose.

One practical warning comes from the riding experience itself. A rider reported that their quad became very hot, with petrol coming from the engine area, and they kept their leg raised to avoid getting burned. That is not a reason to assume every machine will have the same problem, but it is a good reason to tell staff immediately if your ATV feels unsafe or uncomfortable. You do not need to be fussy to be sensible.

The waiting area can also affect the start of your day. When several groups are present, you may wait while other teams take their test rides and head out. One account described too many people for the number of available quads, with two teams leaving before the next group. Bring patience, especially if your pickup and arrival happen during a busy period.

The advertised duration is four hours, including transport and the activity around the facility. The exact riding time can vary. One detailed account estimated about an hour of actual quad riding, while another described the outing as lasting a long time and offering strong value. That difference likely reflects waiting, transfers, group organization, and the day’s schedule.

The first 10 km: dirt tracks beside the river

Once your group leaves the facility, you ride a special circuit for the first 10 km. The route takes you around the Koprucay River and through the natural setting around the canyon.

This is where the tour’s appeal becomes clear. You are not sitting behind a bus window looking at the park. You are handling the quad yourself, feeling the bumps in the track, and watching the river and canyon scenery pass at ground level. The ride gives you a more active way to see the area than a standard sightseeing stop.

The route is designed for group riding, so keep your expectations in check. You may be able to move quickly on some sections, but you are not being invited to drift, jump, or race. One rider found the circuit fairly monotone, with repeated riding and no major stunts. That can disappoint anyone hoping for a stunt course, but it also helps keep the experience more manageable for a mixed group.

The guide rides at the front and controls the pace. The group is expected to keep its line, which is important when dust rises from the track. If you follow too closely, you may get a face full of dirt. Leave enough space to see the quad ahead of you.

The views are the real reward during this section. You get glimpses of the river’s blue-green water, canyon walls, and the surrounding park. The scenery is more memorable when you stop trying to ride at maximum speed and take a moment to look around.

The swimming stop at the Koprucay River

After the first 10 km, the group stops by the river for a swimming break. This is a small but important part of the day. Quad riding is dusty and physical, and the cold water offers a quick reset.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. The water may feel cold, but that is part of the appeal after the warm ride. One rider described the swim as cold but refreshing, which is exactly the kind of contrast that makes the stop worthwhile.

The break also gives you a chance to step away from the engine, helmet, and dust. You can cool down, rinse off, and enjoy the river setting without having to steer. Do not expect a long riverside picnic, though. Food and drinks are not included, and the stop is part of the riding schedule.

A dry change of clothes is particularly helpful for the return transfer. Even if you do not swim, your clothing may collect dust or splashes. Sunglasses are listed among the recommended items, and they also help protect your eyes from the glare and loose dirt.

The second 10 km: faster riding and more dust

After the swim, you continue for another 10 km in and around the river. This is often the more energetic part of the ride, since you have already tested the ATV and learned how the group moves.

The machines are described as fun and fast, but the route remains controlled. One rider appreciated being able to use more speed on the way back. You may enjoy this section if you want a stronger sense of motion, but do not treat it as a race. The guide sets the pattern, and safety comes before personal speed.

Dust is one of the biggest practical issues. One rider strongly regretted not getting goggles because the dust became thick enough to make seeing difficult. The tour does not include protective eyewear, so bring sunglasses or consider buying suitable eye protection at the facility. A bandana or mask can also make the ride more comfortable.

Your shoes matter, too. The provider lists suitable shoes as extra equipment rather than part of the included package. Wear footwear that you can use around water and on rough ground. Avoid bringing anything delicate, since the ATV ride is not a clean activity.

The second half also shows the limits of the tour. If you want technical trails, jumps, drifting, or individual freedom, this may feel restrained. The route appears to favor a steady group format, likely because the guide needs to manage riders with different experience levels. I see that as a practical tradeoff: less showmanship, but a clearer safety structure.

Photos, video, and the ride back to Side

When you return to the facility, staff show professional photos and video footage taken during the ride. These are available to purchase separately. The cost is not included, so decide ahead of time if you want to spend extra on a record of the day.

The photos may appeal to anyone who wants proof of the ride, especially since taking your own phone out on a dusty, wet ATV route is not practical. Still, you should not feel pressured to buy. The tour price covers the ride and core services, not the souvenir media.

Afterward, the air-conditioned bus takes you back to your hotel. Pickup and drop-off cover the listed resort areas around Side, which makes this easier than arranging your own transport to the national park. Check the available start times before booking, since the exact schedule is not fixed in the basic description.

The tour is offered with live guides in English, German, and Russian. That language choice is useful for a mixed international group, particularly during the safety briefing and route instructions.

What the $32 price really buys you

At $32 per person, this is a strong value if you want a half-day outdoor activity with transport included. You are paying for hotel pickup and return, a 250cc quad, 20 km of riding, a helmet, Allianz insurance, a guide, and access to the river stop.

The price becomes even more attractive if you would otherwise need to arrange a taxi to Koprulu Canyon National Park. Transport is not an afterthought here. It takes away one of the main practical jobs of organizing an activity outside Side.

The price does not include food, drinks, extra protective equipment, or photos and video. Those costs can add up, so bring what you already own. Sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and spare clothes are enough to cover the most useful basics.

The best value comes if you enjoy active outings and do not need a long list of extras. One person enjoyed the experience enough to book a second tour immediately, praising the reliable quads, the good track length, the orderly group, and the helpful staff. Another called it the best activity of the holiday and praised the speed, duration, views, and price.

The less impressive side is the possibility of waiting and a shorter-feeling ride than the four-hour headline suggests. If you dislike queues or expect constant action, that matters. For a guided ATV ride with a swim stop and return transport, though, the cost remains reasonable.

Who should book this quad safari?

I would recommend this tour to adults and older teens who want a straightforward outdoor activity near Side. It suits you if you enjoy operating a vehicle, getting dusty, cooling off in a river, and seeing Koprulu Canyon National Park from a low and active viewpoint.

It is also a good fit for a group with mixed riding experience. The test ride, guide-led route, and controlled pace make the outing easier to manage than an entirely independent ATV rental.

This is not the best choice if you want a quiet nature tour, a serious off-road challenge, or a sightseeing trip with long stops at ancient sites. Ancient landmarks are part of the setting, but the main focus is riding. The route can feel repetitive, and you should expect dust, heat, and possible waiting.

People under 16 may only sit in the back seat of an ATV. The activity is not suitable for children under three or for pregnant women. Pets are not allowed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful if your Side schedule is still changing.

Should you book the Side quad safari?

Book it if you want good-value engine-powered fun, a swim in the Koprucay River, and a simple hotel-to-hotel outing. The canyon setting, two-part 20 km route, and cooling river stop give the day more substance than a short ATV spin.

Skip it if you want a quiet park visit, a private ride, or a technical course with jumps and drifting. Bring eye protection, expect some waiting, and treat the four-hour duration as the full outing rather than four hours of continuous riding. For the right person, $32 buys a dusty, refreshing, and memorable change from Side’s beach routine.

FAQ

How long is the quad safari?

The full activity lasts four hours, including hotel transfers and time at the quad facility. The quad route covers 20 km, split into two 10 km sections.

What areas have hotel pickup?

Pickup is included from hotels in Titreyengol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu.

Is swimming part of the tour?

Yes. The route includes a swimming break at the Koprucay River after the first 10 km.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Extra equipment such as a bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes is not included.

Can children ride the quad bikes?

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

What languages are available for the guide?

Live tour guides are available in English, German, and Russian.