City of Side: Quad Safari Off-road with Transfer

The best part of this outing is the Taurus Mountains trail ride, where a quad gets you away from Side’s hotels and onto dusty forest paths, rough ground, puddles, and open mountain views. You begin with a safety briefing and a short practice run, so you do not need previous ATV experience.

I like the included hotel transfer and the summer swimming break. I also like the simple price, just $18 per person, which makes this one of the cheaper active excursions around Side. The main catch is timing: the tour is advertised as one hour, but the detailed schedule adds up to roughly three hours with transfers, riding, and the break.

Key points

• Roughly 20 km of riding: Two ATV sections take you through forest tracks, dusty paths, sand, puddles, and mountain terrain.
• A 20-minute summer swim stop: Bring a towel and use the break to cool down before the second ride.
• Beginner-friendly setup: Helmets, a short briefing, and a test ride are included before you head onto the trails.
• Hotel pickup across the Side resort area: Pickup covers Side and nearby districts, with collection at your hotel’s main security gate.
• Photos are optional and extra: A photography team takes pictures during the ride, which you can view and buy afterward.
• Check the real duration: The advertised one-hour length does not match the detailed transport and ride times.

Riding into the Taurus foothills from Side

Side is best known for its ancient ruins, beaches, and resort hotels. This excursion offers a different side of the Antalya Province. Instead of spending another day beside the pool, you head inland toward the Taurus Mountains and trade polished resort paths for dirt, dust, and open air.

The setting matters here. The quad ride is not just a quick spin around a fenced course. You follow forest tracks and rough mountain paths, with views opening up along the way. The scenery changes as you ride, from dusty ground and trees to wider views across the hills.

You should expect a recreational off-road ride, not a technical expedition. The route is designed for beginners as well as people who already enjoy quad biking. The guides lead the group and help you get used to the ATV before the main ride begins.

The activity also has a playful side. You may come back dusty, muddy, and smiling, particularly after wet sections or puddles. Wear clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting dirty. This is not the time for your best beach outfit.

What happens at the ATV base

Pickup is available from hotels in Gundogdu, Colakli, Evrenseki, Kumkoy, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengol, Kizilagac, Kizilot, and Çenger. The collection point is in front of your hotel’s main security gate, so you should wait there rather than inside the lobby.

The drive to the base takes about 35 minutes in the detailed schedule. That transfer is useful because you do not need to arrange a taxi or find the starting point yourself. It also means the total outing is much longer than the one-hour label suggests.

At the base, you receive a short safety talk and an explanation of the route. Helmets are included. Protective masks, bandanas, and safety goggles are available for an extra charge, so decide in advance how much dust protection you want.

The short test ride is an important part of the setup. You get a chance to learn the controls, steering, and braking before riding into the hills. If you have never used a quad bike, pay close attention here. Ask the guide to repeat anything that is unclear, especially if you are not comfortable with the controls.

The tour is led in English, German, or Russian. The staff also includes Cem, who is named in the local team connected with the activity. The exact guide on your departure may vary, so do not book this expecting one particular person.

The first 10 km through forest and dust

Once the group leaves the base, the first riding section covers about 10 km. The route takes you along forest paths and unpaved tracks in the Taurus foothills. This is where the experience earns its name: dust, dirt, uneven ground, and the freedom to ride outdoors replace the smooth roads around Side.

The pace can vary. A group containing a young child or less confident riders may move slowly, while a more experienced group may make better progress. The guides need to keep everyone together, so you should not expect to race or choose your own route.

That group format is helpful for safety, but it can affect the fun. If you are hoping for a fast, aggressive ride, this may feel restrained. If you are a first-time rider, the controlled pace is a benefit. You can enjoy the views without having to manage a difficult route at speed.

The terrain can include sandy sections, puddles, and muddy patches. Recent departures have taken place in cooler months as well as summer, so conditions may vary with the weather. A dry day will mean more dust. After rain, you may see more mud and standing water.

The mountain views are the reward for the rough track. You get a closer look at the inland side of the Antalya region, far from the hotel strip. The route is active rather than scenic in a quiet, sightseeing sense. You will spend much of the time watching the track ahead, so stop points and open sections are when you can properly enjoy the view.

The 20-minute summer swimming break

In summer, the route includes a 20-minute swimming break at a natural spot. This is a useful pause after the first ride, especially in hot weather when dust and sun can make you feel worn out.

Bring a towel and suitable swimwear. Sunglasses are also useful before and after the swim, but keep them secure while riding. Drinks are not included, so carry money if you want to buy refreshments. The supplied information does not promise a specific type of water or changing facility, so keep your expectations simple.

The break is short. You have enough time to cool off and relax, but not enough for a long swim or an extended picnic. It also may not be available outside the summer season. If swimming is a major reason for booking, confirm the seasonal schedule before you pay.

This pause divides the activity nicely. You get a first ride to settle into the quad, a physical break, and then another chance to ride before returning. It is more comfortable than spending the full route in the saddle without stopping.

The second ride and return to base

After the break, you set off for another 10 km of off-road riding. The second section gives you a chance to enjoy the ATV more confidently. By this point, you should understand how the quad responds and feel less focused on the basic controls.

The route continues through mountain scenery and unpaved ground. You may encounter more dust, dirt, puddles, and rough sections. The activity is best enjoyed as a simple outdoor adventure rather than a sightseeing tour with many formal stops.

The timetable lists about 50 minutes for this second riding section. That figure, combined with the first 45-minute ride, is one reason the total experience is clearly longer than one hour. The detailed schedule also includes a 30-minute return transfer, while the outward transfer is listed as 35 minutes.

Back at the base, you can look through the photographs taken during the ride. A photography team captures action shots and scenic moments, then offers the images for purchase. Photos are not included in the $18 price. You can choose only the pictures you like, but you should treat this as an optional extra rather than part of the package.

Is $18 good value?

At $18 per person, the tour is priced well for an activity that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, travel insurance, helmet use, and quad riding. The transfer alone adds practical value, particularly if your hotel is outside central Side.

The price is most attractive if you want a short, easy-to-book adventure without paying for a full-day excursion. You get a mountain setting, roughly 20 km of riding, and a summer swim stop at a low cost.

Still, check the final booking details carefully. The stated duration of one hour is difficult to reconcile with the listed 35-minute outward transfer, 45-minute first ride, 20-minute break, 50-minute second ride, and 30-minute return transfer. Those times total about three hours. Plan your day around the longer figure, not the one-hour headline.

You also need to budget for extras if you want them. Drinks, photographs, bandanas, safety goggles, and safe-box use are excluded. Helmets are included, but masks and goggles are not.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This activity suits you if you want:

• A low-cost outdoor activity from a Side hotel
• A first quad-bike experience with a briefing and practice run
• Dusty, muddy, uneven tracks instead of a paved sightseeing route
• A short summer swim break
• A guided ride in English, German, or Russian
• A simple half-day plan rather than a full-day trip

It is also a good fit for couples and groups of friends who do not mind returning dirty. The included transfer removes much of the usual fuss, and the price leaves room in your budget for other Side activities.

You should think twice if you want a quiet nature outing, a fast solo ride, or a highly flexible schedule. The group must stay together, and a slower rider can reduce the pace for everyone. One departure included a young child, which made the ride noticeably slower. That is not a fault in itself, but it is worth knowing before you book.

Drivers must be older than 16. Children older than 3 may ride as passengers, while children under 3 are not allowed. Pregnant women should not take part. The provided rules identify adult drivers as those over 16, so check the operator’s current conditions if you are booking for a younger rider who wants to drive.

Practical tips for a cleaner, easier ride

Wear comfortable closed shoes. Sandals are a poor choice for dusty, uneven tracks, and you will have a better grip with proper footwear.

Take sunglasses and a towel. Sunglasses help with dust and glare, while the towel is needed for the summer swimming stop. A bandana or goggles can help if you are sensitive to dust, but these are extra-cost items.

Use sunscreen and protect your phone. The ride includes dust, water, and mud, so a phone kept loose in a pocket may not be the best idea. The activity offers safe-box use for an additional charge, but that service is not included.

Do not wear pale or delicate clothing. The point of this ride is to get outside on rough tracks, and you may finish with dust or mud on your clothes. You should also avoid bringing items you would be upset to lose.

Arrive at the hotel’s main security gate at the pickup time given to you. One poor experience involved collection much earlier than expected, which disrupted breakfast plans. Confirm the pickup time and allow a little waiting time, but also ask if the time changes.

A balanced look at the experience

The strongest part of this tour is its combination of price, scenery, and easy access. You do not need to arrange transport to the mountains, buy a separate activity ticket, or own protective equipment. The short practice session makes the ride approachable for beginners.

The staff can add to the experience. The base has been described as friendly, with home-grown fruit offered before one departure and even dogs around the property. Those details are not guaranteed on every visit, but they suggest a more informal local setting than a large theme-park attraction.

The main weaknesses are the unclear duration and the possibility of a slow group. The $18 price is appealing, but you need to know that photos, drinks, and eye or face protection cost extra. You also should not expect a private ride or unlimited speed.

The mixed scores make sense for this type of activity. People who want a fun, inexpensive off-road outing can get a lot from it. People expecting a long, fast, polished ATV expedition may find it basic.

Should you book the Side quad safari?

Book it if you want a budget-friendly mountain ride with hotel transfer, simple instruction, and a chance to get dusty. It is especially suitable for first-time riders, couples, and families with older children who can follow the age rules.

Skip it if you dislike group activities, mud, or unclear scheduling. Before booking, confirm the pickup time and plan for around three hours, not one. Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a towel, and treat photos and protective goggles as optional purchases.

For $18, this is a practical way to add some action to a Side beach holiday. Its value comes from the low price and the easy logistics, not from luxury or speed.

FAQ

How long does the quad safari last?

The activity is advertised as one hour, but the detailed schedule lists around 35 minutes of transport to the mountains, 45 minutes of first riding, a 20-minute break, 50 minutes of second riding, and 30 minutes back to Side. Plan for roughly three hours overall.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Side and several nearby areas. You should wait in front of your hotel’s main security gate.

Which areas have pickup service?

Pickup is available from Gundogdu, Colakli, Evrenseki, Kumkoy, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengol, Kizilagac, Kizilot, and Çenger.

Do I need previous quad-bike experience?

No previous experience is stated as required. You receive a safety briefing, a route explanation, a helmet, and a short test ride before the main route.

What languages are available?

The live guides operate in English, German, and Russian.

Is swimming included?

A 20-minute swimming break is offered in summer at a natural spot in the Taurus Mountains. Bring a towel. Drinks are not included.

Are photos and goggles included in the price?

No. Photos, bandanas, safety goggles, drinks, and safe-box use are not included. Helmets are included.