City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

The best part of this excursion is the setting: you’re not circling a small dirt lot, but riding a 250cc quad through the Koprucay River area, with canyon views, turquoise water, and the open country of Koprulu Canyon National Park around you. The route covers 20 km and includes a swimming stop halfway through.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes this easy to add to a Side beach holiday, and I like that Allianz insurance and a helmet are included. The main drawback is that you may wait at the quad base before your turn, especially when several groups arrive together. The ride itself can also feel fairly controlled and repetitive, with little opportunity for jumps or drifting.

Key Points at a Glance

• A 20 km route near the Koprucay River: Ride in and around one of Antalya Province’s best-known outdoor areas.
• 250cc quad bikes: The machines provide a proper motorized trail ride rather than a short amusement-park circuit.
• A swim stop after the first 10 km: Bring swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes.
• Hotel transfers from Side resorts: Pickup is available in Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu.
• Dust is part of the deal: Sunglasses are useful, while a mask, goggles, or bandana can make the ride more comfortable.
• Good value at $32: The price includes transport, guide, quad ride, helmet, and insurance, but not food, drinks, or photos.

Riding Through Koprulu Canyon Country

This is a motor adventure with scenery, not a sightseeing trip with a quad added on. The Koprucay River runs through a dramatic area of canyons and clear blue-green water, and the route gives you a moving view of that setting instead of keeping you beside the hotel pool.

You begin with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned bus. The service covers the main resort areas east and west of Side, including Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu. Exact pickup times vary, so check availability when booking rather than assuming a standard morning departure.

The ride to Koprulu Canyon National Park is part of the four-hour outing, along with check-in, instruction, practice riding, the main route, and the return transfer. That matters because the full booking time is not four hours on the quad. One account describes roughly an hour of actual riding, with extra time spent waiting and at the river stop.

Getting Comfortable on a 250cc Quad

Before setting off, you receive an explanation of how to operate the quad safely. You can also take a test ride around the facility to get used to the controls. This is useful if you have never driven an all-terrain vehicle, or if it has been years since you handled one.

The quads are 250cc machines, so they have enough power to make open sections exciting. Still, this is a guided group ride. You follow the route and keep your place in line rather than choosing your own path through the countryside.

A guide leads the group, and a tour captain rides at the front. The staff’s helpful attitude is one of the strongest parts of the experience, especially for first-time riders who need clear instructions before leaving the base.

You receive a helmet at no extra cost, and the quad bikes are insured by Allianz. Extra equipment is available to buy, including a bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes. I would treat those extras as practical protection rather than optional souvenirs. Dust can become heavy when several quads travel close together.

The First 10 Kilometers and the River Stop

The first half of the route follows a special circuit around the area. You ride through the countryside and along the river setting, with the canyon views providing the main visual reward. The route is designed for a group, so you should expect a steady rhythm rather than technical off-road challenges.

After 10 km, you stop for a swim. This is an important part of the day, not a minor pause. A river swim gives you a chance to cool down after the dusty ride, and the cold water can feel especially welcome in the heat of Antalya Province.

Bring swimwear under your riding clothes, plus a towel and a change of clothes. The information for the activity does not promise changing facilities, so pack in a way that keeps your dry clothes separate and easy to reach.

The river stop also breaks up the ride. Without it, the route could feel like a long run along similar tracks. With the swim, the outing has a clearer shape: practice, first riding section, refreshment stop, and the second half of the route.

The Second 10 Kilometers Back to Base

After the swim, you continue for another 10 km in and around the river area. This is where you can enjoy the feeling of open riding more fully, although you still need to follow the guide and stay with the group.

The route is not advertised as a stunt course. You should not expect large jumps, sharp drifting, or specially built obstacles. The ride is mostly about speed, dust, water, and scenery, with the guide keeping everyone in line.

That controlled format has a benefit. It makes the outing more manageable for people who want an adrenaline hit without signing up for an extreme motorsport session. It also helps keep the group together and reduces the chance of collisions.

The tradeoff is variety. If your idea of a quad safari involves tricks and rough technical trails, this may seem too tame. If you want a straightforward outdoor ride with a chance to open the throttle on suitable stretches, it should fit better.

Dust, Heat, and What to Wear

You should expect to get dusty. The road surface and the movement of the quads can send dirt into the air, particularly when you are riding behind another machine. Sunglasses are specifically recommended, and eye protection is more than a style choice here.

A mask or bandana can help with dust around your mouth and nose. Goggles may be worth buying at the base if you are sensitive to dust or want a clearer view during faster sections. Wear closed, sturdy shoes if possible, since suitable shoes are not included.

The supplied information advises bringing:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• A towel
• A change of clothes

Food and drinks are not included, so plan ahead for the four-hour outing. The details do not specify a meal stop or refreshments, and the swimming break should not be treated as a lunch break.

One practical caution comes from the equipment itself. A quad can run hot, and one rider found heat and petrol near the engine uncomfortable on the leg. That may not happen on every machine, but keep your leg position sensible and tell staff promptly if something feels unsafe or unusually hot.

What the $32 Price Really Covers

At $32 per person, this is a strong-value excursion if you want transport and an activity bundled together. The price includes hotel pickup and return, the 20 km quad ride, a guide, insurance by Allianz, and a helmet.

You are paying for more than the time with the engine running. The bus transfer saves you from arranging transport to the canyon area, and the included insurance removes one extra cost from the booking decision.

The main additional expenses are optional equipment, food and drinks, and the professional photos and video made during the ride. At the end, you can view footage of yourself on the quad and purchase it if you want a record of the day.

I would decide about photos at the end rather than budgeting for them automatically. The core experience is already covered by the $32 price. If you care about having an action shot, the purchase may be worthwhile, but it is not needed to enjoy the ride.

The high customer score of 4.5 from 71 ratings fits the value proposition: people especially praise the fun, the length of the outing, the views, the staff, and the fact that the quads keep running well. The experience is less suited to someone seeking a private or highly technical ride.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

This is a good match for adults and older teenagers who want something active during a Side holiday. It works especially well as a break from resort time, since the river, canyon views, and dusty trails feel very different from the coast.

It also suits first-time quad riders. You receive safety instructions, a practice opportunity, and a guide-led route. You do not need to arrive as an experienced off-road driver.

People under 16 cannot drive their own ATV and may only sit in the back seat. Children under 3 are not suitable for the activity, and pregnant women should not book it.

The tour is less ideal for anyone who dislikes dust, heat, waiting, or group pacing. It is also not the right choice if you want complete freedom to race, drift, or leave the marked route. The ride is designed to keep the group orderly.

Expect Some Waiting at the Quad Base

The smoothest part of the experience is the river route. The least polished part can be the period before you set off. When several groups arrive, you may wait in the base area while other teams complete their test rides and leave.

This is worth knowing because the four-hour duration can look generous on paper. Some of that time is transfer time, briefing time, and group organization. If you have a tight afternoon plan, leave room around the stated duration rather than scheduling another activity immediately afterward.

Once the group is moving, the pace becomes more consistent. The route is long enough to feel like a real outing, but the total ride may feel shorter than expected if you imagined four continuous hours on a quad.

Languages, Transfers, and Flexible Booking

Live guides are available in German, English, and Russian. The guide’s job is to explain the controls, manage the group, and lead the route, so choose a departure where you will understand the safety briefing clearly.

Pickup is included from the listed Side-area districts. If your hotel is outside those areas, do not assume a transfer is included. Check the pickup details before paying.

You can reserve now and pay later, which is useful when you are still adjusting your holiday plans. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Pets are not allowed.

Should You Book the River Quad Safari?

Book it if you want an affordable, active half-day with a real ride, canyon scenery, a cold river swim, and transport from your hotel. The combination of 250cc quads, a 20 km route, Allianz insurance, and a $32 price makes the package easy to recommend for the right kind of rider.

Skip it if you want a quiet nature outing, a private tour, or a stunt-focused quad course. Also think twice if dust, heat, group riding, and possible waiting will spoil the day for you.

My practical advice is simple: wear clothes you can get dirty, bring swimwear and a towel, protect your eyes, and do not pay for optional gear unless you need it. For a first quad experience near Side, this offers plenty of speed and scenery without asking you to manage the logistics yourself.

FAQ

How long is the City of Side Quad Safari Tour?

The full activity lasts about four hours, including hotel transfers, instruction, the ride, the swimming stop, and time at the quad facility. Check availability for the exact starting time.

How far do you ride on the quad?

The advertised route covers 20 km. The first 10 km is followed by a swimming break, then you ride another 10 km before returning to the facility.

What engine size are the quad bikes?

The quad bikes are 250cc all-terrain vehicles.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included in an air-conditioned bus from hotels in Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu.

What languages are available for the guide?

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

What equipment is included?

A helmet is provided, and Allianz insurance is included. Bandanas, masks, sunglasses, suitable shoes, photos, and video are not included and may cost extra.

Can children drive their own quad?

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

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Food and drinks are not included, and pets are not allowed.