City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

The best part of this tour is the 20 km ride beside and through the Koprucay River, where dry trails, turquoise water, and canyon views replace the usual hotel-resort routine. I like the included hotel transfer and the cold swimming stop, which gives your dusty, hot ride a useful reset. The $32 price is also fair for a four-hour outing with transport, insurance, and a guide.

I also like that you get a practice run before heading out, plus a 250cc quad that is insured by Allianz. The main drawback is that the tour can involve waiting when several groups arrive together, and the riding itself is controlled rather than a stunt show. Bring eye protection, since dust can make the return section uncomfortable.

Key points to know before booking

• A 20 km route: You ride 10 km on a special circuit, stop for a swim, then continue for another 10 km around the river.
• A 250cc quad bike: The vehicle is suited to an active outdoor ride, with safety instruction and a test drive before departure.
• Koprulu Canyon views: The route takes you into the Koprucay River area within Koprulu Canyon National Park.
• Hotel pickup included: Air-conditioned transfers cover hotels in Titreyengol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu.
• Bring protection from dust: Sunglasses are listed as essential, and extra goggles, masks, and suitable shoes can be purchased.
• A swim stop is part of the ride: Pack swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes for the break beside the river.

Why this quad safari works as a Side day trip

Side is well known for its beaches, old stone streets, and resort hotels. This outing gives you a different side of Antalya Province, with a rougher route around the Koprucay River and the steep scenery of Koprulu Canyon National Park.

You are not simply sitting in a vehicle and looking through a window. You control the quad, follow the guide, and move through a route that includes river sections, dusty tracks, and open views. That makes the four-hour duration feel active rather than like another bus excursion.

The tour is priced at $32 per person. For that amount, you receive hotel pickup and drop-off, a 20 km quad ride, a helmet, Allianz insurance, and an expert guide. Food, drinks, photos, videos, and extra riding equipment are not included, so the final cost may rise if you want the professional pictures or protective gear.

The experience has a 4.5 rating from 71 reviews, with the strongest praise focused on the length of the ride, the fun, the scenery, and the helpful staff. That fits the tour best: it is a good-value outdoor activity for someone who wants speed and dust, not a polished sightseeing trip.

From your Side hotel to Koprulu Canyon

Your day begins with pickup from selected hotel areas in and around Side. The transfer is by air-conditioned bus, a welcome detail in the heat of Antalya Province. Pickup is included for hotels in Titreyengol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu.

The drive takes you away from the coast toward Koprulu Canyon National Park. The park is home to the Koprucay River and is one of Turkey’s major areas for water sports. The transfer also gives the staff time to explain how to operate the quad safely.

Guides speak German, English, and Russian. No individual guide names are provided, but the tour includes a live guide who leads the route and helps keep the group moving together.

The exact departure time depends on availability. Since the full outing lasts four hours, check the start time carefully if you have dinner plans, another excursion, or a hotel transfer later in the day.

Getting your quad and safety briefing

Once you arrive at the facility, you receive a helmet at no extra charge. The quads are insured by Allianz, which adds a useful layer of protection, although you still need to follow the guide’s instructions and ride within your ability.

Before the main route, you can test-drive the vehicle around the facility. This short practice is important if you have never used a quad before, or if it has been a while since you last rode one. Use it to check the throttle, brakes, steering, and your position on the seat.

The quad bikes are 250cc all-terrain vehicles. They are built for the route rather than for tricks. You should expect a guided ride in a line, not a freestyle course with jumps, drifting, or racing.

That distinction matters. One piece of practical feedback describes the ride as fairly steady, with no jumps or drifting. The reason is likely sensible group control and accident prevention. If you want a safe, fast ride through natural scenery, this format works. If you want to perform stunts, it will feel restrained.

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.

The first 10 km through the river area

The first half of the route covers 10 km on a special circuit. You ride in and around the Koprucay River, with the guide setting the pace and showing you how to handle the route.

The scenery is the star here. You get views of canyon walls, clear blue-green water, and the wooded sections around Koprulu Canyon National Park. The quad gives you a closer look than a standard coach tour, though dust and engine noise are part of the deal.

You may get wet while riding near or in the river. That is why swimwear, a towel, spare clothes, and sunglasses belong in your day bag. Keep anything valuable protected from water and dust.

The route is designed to be enjoyable for a mixed group, so do not expect a private, free-form ride. You follow the group and maintain the line. That can limit your speed at times, but it also makes the activity easier for first-time riders.

Dust is a real concern. Sunglasses are included on the list of things to bring, while goggles, masks, and suitable shoes are available as extra equipment. I would choose eye protection if you have the option. Dust from the quads ahead can make it hard to see, especially when the group speeds up on the way back.

The river swimming stop

After the first 10 km, the group stops for swimming. This is more than a photo break. A river swim gives you a chance to cool off after the heat, dust, and vibration of the quad ride.

The water can be cold, but that is part of its appeal after riding. You will want your towel and a dry change of clothes close by. Swimwear is listed as a must-bring item, so do not assume regular sightseeing clothes will work.

The stop also breaks up the ride well. Twenty kilometres on a quad can become tiring, particularly for a first-time rider. A pause lets you stretch, cool down, and return to the vehicle with more energy for the second half.

You should not expect a long meal break here. Food and drinks are not included, and the provided details describe the stop as a swimming break rather than a restaurant visit. Bring what you need according to the operator’s instructions and the conditions of your hotel transfer.

The second 10 km and the faster return

After swimming, you continue for another 10 km in and around the river. This section brings you back toward the facility, with more open riding and additional views of the canyon area.

The ride can feel faster on the return. One practical warning is that you may have the chance to use more speed on the way back, but dust becomes more troublesome when quads are moving ahead of you. Keep your sunglasses or goggles on and leave enough room between vehicles.

The tour does not promise a race. You should follow the guide’s pace and remain in line. That is good for safety, but it means the experience may feel repetitive if you need constant changes in terrain or action.

Still, the route offers a clear rhythm: practice, first 10 km, swim, second 10 km, and return. The simple format is easy to follow, and the total distance gives you enough time to become comfortable with the quad.

One useful detail from the ride is that the quad engines are expected to keep running properly throughout the route. That matters because a stalled vehicle can spoil the mood and leave you waiting while the group moves on. Mechanical reliability is especially important when you are riding away from the facility.

Photos, videos, and the extra-cost question

When you return, the staff show professional video footage and photos taken during the ride. These are available to purchase, along with extra equipment such as bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes.

The photo service can be tempting because it captures the part of the day you cannot easily photograph yourself. You will be busy steering, watching the trail, and keeping your place in the line. If you want a record of the ride, decide in advance how much you are willing to spend.

The DVD and photos are not included in the $32 price. Food and drinks are also extra. The free helmet is included, but other protective items may cost more.

I would bring my own sunglasses, swimwear, towel, and spare clothes. That keeps the basic cost down and leaves you less dependent on buying equipment at the facility.

How much value do you get for $32?

At $32, this is a strong value if you want an active half-day outside Side. The included transport alone makes the booking easier, since you do not need to arrange your own way to Koprulu Canyon. You also receive the quad ride, insurance, helmet, guide, and swimming stop.

The value is less clear if you are only interested in sightseeing. You spend much of the time focused on driving, dust, and following the group. The canyon views are attractive, but this is not a quiet nature tour.

The four-hour length is another positive. Some quad outings feel too brief once transfers and safety instructions are removed. Here, the planned distance is 20 km, split into two 10 km sections, so you get meaningful time on the vehicle.

There can be waiting at the starting facility when several groups arrive. A large number of riders may need to complete test drives before your group sets off. If you dislike standing around, bring patience and do not schedule a tight appointment immediately afterward.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to adults and older teenagers who enjoy motors, outdoor activity, and a little mess. It suits you best if you want to add speed and river scenery to a Side holiday without paying for a full-day adventure.

It is also a good choice for first-time quad riders. You receive safety instruction, a test drive, and a guide-led route. You do not need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable sitting on an all-terrain vehicle for an extended period.

This may not suit you if you want a quiet park visit, a private route, or dramatic stunt riding. The group format keeps the ride controlled. You may find the track repetitive, and waiting times can cut into the active part of the day.

Families need to check the age rules carefully. Children under three are not accepted, and anyone under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. Pregnant women should not take part.

The activity is available with German, English, and Russian-speaking guides. Hotel pickup is limited to the listed areas, so confirm that your accommodation falls within the service zone before booking.

Should you book the City of Side Quad Safari?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, active break from the coast, especially if the thought of riding a 250cc quad through the Koprucay River area sounds better than another afternoon by the pool.

The strongest reasons to go are the 20 km distance, the included hotel transfer, the canyon views, and the cold river swim. The main cautions are dust, possible waiting, extra charges for photos and equipment, and a controlled route without jumps or drifting.

Bring sunglasses or goggles, swimwear, a towel, spare clothes, and a patient attitude at the starting point. With those details handled, this tour offers a straightforward way to see Koprulu Canyon National Park from behind the handlebars.

FAQ

How long does the quad safari last?

The activity lasts four hours, including hotel transportation, safety instruction, the quad ride, the swimming stop, and the return to your hotel.

How far do you ride?

The total route is 20 km. You ride 10 km before the swimming stop and another 10 km afterward.

Where does the tour take place?

The ride takes place in and around the Koprucay River in Koprulu Canyon National Park, Antalya Province, Turkey.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Which languages are available?

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

Is a helmet included?

Yes. A helmet is provided free of charge. Additional equipment, including a bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes, is not included.

Do I need to bring swimwear?

Yes. The tour includes a swimming stop, so you should bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Can children ride the quad?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.