City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

Trade roads for river spray. I like the 20 km route through the Koprucay River area, and I like that hotel pickup, drop-off, insurance, and a guide are included for $32. The cool swimming stop is a welcome break from the dust and heat.

This is a simple, energetic outing rather than a technical off-road course. You ride in a group, follow a set circuit, and keep to the line. Allow extra time for waiting, and bring eye protection because dust can make the return ride uncomfortable.

Key points to know before booking

• The ride covers 20 km around the Koprucay River, with the first 10 km on a special circuit and a swimming break before the second section.
• You ride a 250cc quad bike, with a test ride at the facility before the main route.
• Koprulu Canyon National Park supplies the setting, including canyon views, turquoise water, and nearby ancient landmarks.
• Hotel transfers are included from Side and nearby resort areas in an air-conditioned bus.
• Goggles or sunglasses are important, since dust can be thick when several quads travel together.
• The activity suits riders aged 16 and over best, while younger children can only sit in the back seat of an ATV and children under 3 cannot take part.

Why this Side quad safari is worth considering

The appeal is easy to understand. You leave the hotel, ride into the Koprulu Canyon area, and spend part of the day moving through natural scenery rather than sitting beside a pool. The route brings together speed, river water, canyon views, and a little time to cool off.

At $32 per person, the package offers solid value. You get hotel pickup and return, a 250cc quad, a helmet, Allianz insurance, a guide, and 20 km of riding. Food, drinks, extra protective gear, and photographs cost more, so the low headline price is not the final cost if you want the add-ons.

I also like the straightforward format. You do not need previous quad experience, and the staff provide a safety briefing and a short test ride. The guide leads the group, which makes the ride easier for first-timers but also limits how freely you can use the machine.

The main caution is that this is not a stunt course. You should not expect jumps, drifting, or a technical off-road challenge. The group follows a steady route, and the pace can feel repetitive, particularly during the first section. That controlled style is sensible for safety, but it may disappoint experienced riders looking for a harder ride.

From Side hotels to Koprulu Canyon National Park

The day begins with pickup from hotels in Titreyen Gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu. Transport is provided in an air-conditioned bus, an important comfort in Antalya Province, where a warm afternoon in riding gear can become tiring quickly.

The total activity lasts four hours, but that includes the transfer, preparation, group organization, and return journey. The actual riding time can feel closer to about an hour, depending on the group and the pace of the day. One useful practical lesson is to treat the four-hour figure as the full outing, not four uninterrupted hours on the quad.

During the drive, the team explains how to operate the quad safely. This is useful even if you have ridden an ATV before, since the group needs to follow the same rules and maintain its order on the route. The available guide languages are English, German, and Russian.

When you arrive at the facility, you receive a helmet at no extra charge. You can purchase other equipment, including a bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes, but I would rather arrive prepared than rely on buying everything there.

Getting comfortable on the 250cc quad

Before the main ride, you can test-drive the quad around the facility. This short practice period matters. It gives you a chance to get used to the throttle, steering, braking, and feel of the all-terrain vehicle before heading onto the route.

The quads are 250cc machines, large enough to provide a proper sense of speed without requiring you to operate a high-performance motorcycle. You still need to listen carefully and keep control. This is a guided group ride, not a chance to race the person next to you.

The equipment is insured by Allianz, which adds useful reassurance, though insurance does not remove the need to ride carefully. Follow the guide’s instructions, keep your position in the group, and avoid trying to show off. The route is designed for shared use, so one rider’s mistake can slow down everyone behind them.

A helmet is included. Sunglasses are listed as something to bring, and they are especially helpful because dust rises from the track. You should also pack swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes. You may get wet near the river, and changing afterward will make the bus ride home much more comfortable.

The first 10 km, dust, speed, and river water

The first part of the route covers 10 km on a special circuit. This is where you settle into the rhythm of the ride. The group moves together, and you follow the guide through the river area and surrounding tracks.

The scenery is the main reward. The Koprucay River brings bright water and a cool contrast to the dry riding surfaces. Around you are canyon views and the broad setting of Koprulu Canyon National Park. The activity gives you a moving view of the area rather than a formal sightseeing stop, so you will have to enjoy the scenery between steering, watching the track, and keeping your distance from the quad ahead.

Expect dust. When several vehicles travel along the same route, the rider behind can receive a face full of grit. Sunglasses help, but proper goggles are a better choice if you have them. A bandana or mask can also make the ride more pleasant, especially for anyone sensitive to dust.

The pace can become repetitive. There are no advertised jumps or special stunt sections, and the route is not built around drifting. Some riders will appreciate the safe, orderly approach. If your main goal is speed, you may find the circuit less exciting than the word safari suggests.

The swimming stop beside the Koprucay River

After the first 10 km, the group stops for swimming. This is one of the strongest parts of the outing because it breaks up the ride and gives you time to cool down.

The river water is described as cold but refreshing, which is exactly what you may want after riding in the sun and dust. Bring swimwear and a towel rather than hoping your riding clothes will dry quickly. You also need a change of clothes for the journey back.

This is not a long cultural visit or a quiet nature walk. The stop exists to refresh you before the second half of the ride. Still, it gives the day a better rhythm than four straight hours on a quad. You get motion, scenery, cold water, and a pause before returning to the track.

Keep your expectations practical. The information provided does not specify changing facilities, food service, or a detailed swimming program. Food and drinks are not included, so bring what you need if permitted or be ready to purchase refreshments separately.

The second 10 km around the river

After the swim, you continue for another 10 km in and around the river. By this point, you should be more comfortable with the quad, and the ride may feel faster simply because you have learned how it responds.

The return portion can offer more freedom with speed, but you still need to remain in line and obey the guide. The group format helps keep the ride organized, though it means you cannot choose your own route or stop whenever you like.

The route is best understood as a scenic group circuit. You will see canyon country, river water, and natural surroundings, but the focus remains on driving. Ancient landmarks are part of the setting, yet this is not a history tour with guided explanations at each site.

That distinction matters when choosing your activity. If you want to combine outdoor fun with a little scenery, the tour works well. If you want detailed information about ancient places in the region, book a separate sightseeing visit.

Waiting time and the group experience

The biggest practical weakness is possible waiting at the base. If several groups arrive together, you may wait while other teams complete their test rides and leave for the route. This can make the start feel less polished and reduce the time you spend actually driving.

The group system also shapes the ride. You follow a leader, keep to the line, and travel at a pace that works for the whole party. That setup is safer than an unstructured race, especially when many riders have different levels of experience.

I would book this for the outdoor setting and the chance to ride, not for constant action. The best moments are likely to be the river stop, the canyon views, and the feeling of moving quickly through open country. The weaker moments are the waiting, dust, and repeated track sections.

The available rating of 4.5 from 71 reviews supports the idea that most people find the outing enjoyable and worthwhile, while the detailed feedback points to sensible limitations rather than serious problems. In plain terms, the tour delivers what it promises, but the word safari should not make you expect a wild, unpredictable expedition.

Photos, videos, and extra costs at the finish

When you return to the facility, the team shows professional photographs and video footage taken during the ride. These are available to purchase, but they are not included in the $32 price.

This can be a useful souvenir because it is difficult to photograph yourself while controlling a quad. Still, decide in advance how much you want to spend on extras. The same applies to bandanas, masks, sunglasses, suitable shoes, food, and drinks.

If you already have sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and spare clothes, you can keep the additional cost down. I would also avoid wearing anything precious. The combination of dust, river water, and outdoor riding is better suited to practical clothing.

Who will enjoy the ride most

This tour fits adults, older teenagers, couples, and friends who want a half-day break from resort life. It also works for first-time quad riders because the day includes instruction, a test ride, a helmet, insurance, and a guide.

It is less suitable for anyone seeking a serious off-road challenge or a quiet nature outing. The group keeps to an organized route, and the riding can feel monotone if you need constant changes in terrain.

People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. Children under 3 are not permitted, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women. Pets are not allowed.

The tour is also a poor fit if you dislike dust, heat, or getting wet. You can prepare for those issues with eye protection, a mask or bandana, swimwear, and dry clothing, but you cannot remove them from the experience.

Is $32 good value for this Side excursion?

I think $32 is a fair price if you want an active outing with transport included. The hotel pickup and return save you the trouble of arranging your own way to Koprulu Canyon National Park, while the quad, helmet, insurance, guide, and river route cover the main necessities.

The value drops if you count on four hours of continuous riding or expect premium equipment to be included. The day includes waiting and transfers, and photos, videos, food, drinks, and extra equipment cost more.

For the strongest value, bring your own sunglasses, towel, swimwear, spare clothes, and suitable footwear. Treat the photographs as optional rather than part of the basic package.

Should you book the City of Side Quad Safari?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced burst of speed, canyon scenery, river water, and a guided outdoor activity from your Side hotel. The swimming break, included transport, and 20 km route make it more satisfying than a very short quad ride.

Skip it if you want a technical course, a private ride, detailed historical guiding, or four hours of nonstop driving. Also think twice if dust, waiting, and group pacing bother you.

My practical verdict: this is a good-value choice for a first quad safari, especially when you pack eye protection and dry clothes. Go for the river setting and the fun of the ride, not for stunts or complete freedom.

FAQ

How long does the City of Side Quad Safari last?

The full activity lasts four hours, including hotel pickup, transport, preparation, riding, the swimming break, and the return to your hotel.

How far do you ride the quad bikes?

The advertised route covers 20 km. The first 10 km take place on a special circuit, followed by a swimming break and another 10 km in and around the river.

What size quad bike is used?

You ride a 250cc quad bike.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned bus are included for hotels in Titreyen Gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet is provided free of charge. Bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes are extra equipment and are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel. Eye protection is particularly useful because the route can be dusty.

Can children take part?

Children under 3 are not suitable for the activity. People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV.

Which languages are available for the guide?

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