City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

The best part of this Side excursion is not simply the quad bike. It is the chance to drive through the Koprucay River, with the canyon walls, turquoise water, and dusty track providing the scenery. You ride a 250cc ATV for 20 km, with a swim break in the middle.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes a remote-feeling outing easy to arrange. I also like the clear two-part route: 10 km on a special circuit, a swim stop, then another 10 km around the river. The main drawback is waiting. Several groups may be using the same base, so your four-hour outing can include time before the actual ride begins.

Key points to know

• 20 km of quad riding: The route is split into two 10 km sections around and through the Koprucay River.
• A swim break included: Bring swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes for a cold but refreshing stop.
• 250cc quads with a practice area: You can test the ATV before joining the main route.
• Dust is part of the deal: Goggles, a mask, or sunglasses are wise, and extra equipment costs more.
• Pickup covers Side resort areas: Transfers run from Titreyengol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu.
• Best for confident older riders: Children under 16 may only sit in the rear seat, and the activity is not suitable for children under 3 or pregnant women.

A River Ride Instead of a Simple ATV Track

This is a four-hour excursion from the Side area to Koprulu Canyon National Park, where the Koprucay River is the main attraction. The quad ride itself covers 20 km, taking you through a mix of river sections and marked off-road routes.

You are not signing up for a technical motorsport course. The ride follows a group route, with the guide leading from the front and everyone keeping a line. You get speed and open-air scenery, but not jumps, drifting, or stunt riding.

That distinction matters. If you want a controlled introduction to quad biking, the format works well. If you already ride ATVs and want a wild, highly technical course, you may find it too steady. The route is designed for a mixed group, not for showing off.

The setting does much of the work. Koprulu Canyon National Park gives you canyon views and clear river water, while the dusty track adds the rough edge that a road excursion cannot provide. You will spend more time riding than sightseeing, but the surroundings keep the route from feeling like a fenced-in amusement park.

Getting from Side to Koprulu Canyon

Your day begins with pickup at your hotel in an air-conditioned bus. The service covers many of the main resort areas around Side, including Titreyengol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu.

This transfer is a practical part of the package. Koprulu Canyon is not in central Side, and arranging your own transport would add work and cost. The bus also gives you time to hear the safety briefing before you reach the quad base.

The exact pickup time depends on the date and availability. Allow flexibility in your plans, since the stated duration is four hours and includes the transfer, preparation, riding, and return journey. Do not book a tight lunch reservation or airport transfer immediately afterward.

The guide service is available in German, English, and Russian. That is useful during the safety briefing and while the group is on the route. No individual guide names are provided, but a guide leads the group and gives riding instructions before departure.

Learning the Quad Before the Main Route

At the facility, you receive a helmet at no extra cost. You can also buy additional equipment, including a bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes.

You are given time to test-drive the quad around the facility before setting off. This is a valuable pause, especially if you have never used an ATV. Use it to get used to the throttle, brakes, steering, and the feel of the 250cc machine.

The quads are insured by Allianz, which is included in the tour price. Insurance does not remove the need to ride sensibly, but it is an important practical detail when comparing this tour with a cheaper-looking alternative.

The base can become crowded when several groups are scheduled close together. You might wait while other teams complete their test ride and begin the safari. That delay is the biggest weakness of the operation, especially for anyone expecting four continuous hours on the quad.

Treat the waiting time as part of the day rather than a surprise. Wear clothes you do not mind getting dusty, keep water handy, and avoid arriving with a packed schedule.

First 10 Kilometers Along the Koprucay

The first section covers 10 km on a special circuit. You ride in a group, following the guide and keeping the line. The pace can feel lively, but the route is not presented as a stunt course.

The route takes you around the river and canyon area, with dust, water, and changing views providing the interest. You may drive in the river, which is the feature that separates this excursion from a standard dry-track ATV ride.

Expect the ride to feel repetitive at times. You are operating the quad for much of the route, so the activity asks for attention rather than offering a series of arranged attractions. There are no listed ruins or formal sightseeing stops, even though the wider area includes ancient landmarks.

The practical reward is the freedom of moving through the setting under your own control. You are not looking through a bus window at Koprulu Canyon. You are handling the quad, managing the track, and watching the river appear beside or beneath you.

Dust can be heavy, particularly when several quads travel close together. Goggles are the most useful extra purchase or item to bring. Sunglasses help with glare, but they may not seal out fine dust. A mask or bandana can also make the ride more comfortable.

The River Swim Stop

After the first 10 km, the group stops for swimming. Bring swimwear, a towel, and a complete change of clothes. The water can feel cold, but that is part of its appeal after a dusty, warm ride.

This stop gives the excursion a welcome change of pace. You get to leave the quad, cool down, and appreciate the river from a stationary viewpoint. It also breaks up the driving so the second half does not feel like one long circuit.

Keep your expectations simple. The supplied details confirm a swimming break, not a staffed beach, meal, or long riverside rest. Food and drinks are not included, so bring what is permitted or plan to buy refreshments separately if they are available at the base.

Wet swimwear and dusty riding clothes are an awkward combination on the return bus. A dry shirt, shorts, and a plastic bag for wet items will make the trip back far more pleasant. A towel is specifically recommended, and you should take that advice seriously.

The Second 10 Kilometers Around the River

Once the swim break is over, you continue for another 10 km in and around the Koprucay River. This second section follows the same general group format, but many riders find it easier to enjoy once they have learned the quad and settled into the pace.

The route may feel faster on the way back because you are more comfortable with the controls. You can enjoy the views of the canyon and river without spending every second wondering how the vehicle will respond.

Still, this is not a free-for-all. You need to stay in line and follow the guide. The group format protects riders from collisions and keeps the excursion moving, but it also limits how much you can choose your own speed or route.

One useful detail is the report of reliable engines during the ride. That matters on a remote route. A quad that keeps running lets you focus on the river and track instead of worrying about a breakdown. Vehicle condition can vary from one machine to another, though, so mention any heat, fuel smell, or mechanical concern to staff immediately.

Photos, Video, and the Return to Side

Back at the facility, the team shows professional photos and video footage taken during the ride. These are available for purchase and are not included in the $32 price.

The footage can be a good souvenir because it may capture the parts you cannot photograph yourself, especially the river crossings and dusty track. You will not want to carry a camera or phone while controlling the quad, and stopping to take pictures is not part of the stated route.

Do not feel that buying the media is required. The experience is complete without it, and the price of the extras is not provided in advance here. If you are interested, ask about the cost before agreeing to anything.

After the presentation, you return to your hotel by air-conditioned bus. The included transfer is one reason this tour offers decent value at $32 per person. You get the ride, helmet, insurance, guide, and transport without having to arrange the canyon trip independently.

What $32 Buys You

At $32, this is a reasonably priced half-day activity, especially if you are staying in one of the listed Side resort areas. The core package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a 20 km quad ride, a helmet, Allianz insurance, and a guide.

The value depends on how you measure time. The advertised duration is four hours, but the quad ride may feel closer to an hour for some departures once transfers, waiting, instructions, and the swim stop are counted. That does not make the price poor, but it does mean you should not read four hours as four hours of continuous driving.

You should also budget for the equipment you want. Bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes are not included. Photos and video cost extra, while food and drinks are also outside the package.

I would call it good value for a first quad experience, a river outing, and a convenient transfer in one booking. It is less compelling for an experienced rider who wants a long, technical ride with complete control over the route.

What to Wear and Pack

Dust and water shape the packing list. Bring:

• Sunglasses or, better, protective goggles
• Swimwear
• A towel
• A full change of clothes
• Shoes suitable for the activity

The free helmet is supplied, but you may want to buy or bring additional face and eye protection. Goggles are especially helpful when riding behind another quad, since dust can make it difficult to see.

Do not wear anything precious or difficult to wash. The ride includes river conditions and dusty tracks, and your clothes may come home damp or dirty.

Pets are not allowed. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 3. Anyone under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV, so younger teenagers cannot ride independently under the stated rules.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

You should consider this tour if you want a straightforward burst of outdoor excitement during a Side beach holiday. It suits adults and older teenagers who enjoy driving, river scenery, and a little dust without needing a full-day expedition.

It also works well for groups with mixed experience. The practice area lets beginners get comfortable, and the guide-led line keeps the route organized. You do not need to plan navigation or find the canyon on your own.

You may want a different activity if you dislike dust, waiting, or repeated driving. The route is not built around jumps, drifting, or advanced quad skills. It is also a poor fit if you want a quiet nature outing, since the machines and group format keep the day active and noisy.

The swimming stop makes the tour more varied, but you still need to be happy spending most of the outing on an ATV. Think of it as a guided motor adventure with a river break, not a canyon sightseeing tour with a short quad add-on.

Should You Book the Side Quad Safari?

Book it if $32 feels fair for a 20 km quad ride, river swim, guide, insurance, and hotel transport. The Koprucay River setting gives the activity more character than a basic practice track, and the included transfer removes a major logistical headache.

Before booking, pack eye protection and dry clothes, and leave room in your schedule for waiting. Choose it for fun, scenery, and a controlled taste of ATV riding. Skip it if you need a perfectly timed excursion, dislike dusty group rides, or expect a technical course with jumps and drifting.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful if your Side plans are still moving around.

FAQ

How long is the Side Quad Safari Tour?

The activity lasts four hours, including hotel transfers, preparation, the quad ride, the swimming stop, and the return journey. Check availability for the exact starting times.

How far do you drive the quad bike?

The stated route covers 20 km. It is split into a first 10 km section, a swimming break, and a second 10 km section.

Where does the quad safari take place?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Titreyengol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live tour guidance is available in German, English, and Russian.

Is a helmet included?

Yes. A helmet is provided at no extra cost. Bandanas, masks, sunglasses, suitable shoes, photos, and video are 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 3.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel. Goggles can be useful because the route may be dusty. Food and drinks are not included.