City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

Dust, river water, and a 250cc engine make a lively day out. This quad safari takes you from Side to Koprulu Canyon National Park, where you ride a 20 km route around the Koprucay River, stop for a swim, and return by air-conditioned bus. I like the strong value at $32 per person and the combination of fast riding with a refreshing river break. I also like that hotel pickup, an expert guide, and Allianz insurance are included.

The main consideration is that the experience can involve waiting at the quad center when several groups arrive together. The route is built around steady riding in line, not jumps or stunt work, and dust can be a real nuisance without goggles. Bring the right gear and you will have a much better time.

Key points to know before booking

• The ride covers 20 km: The first 10 km follows a special circuit with a swimming stop, then you ride another 10 km around the river area.
• Koprucay River is the setting: You get canyon views, turquoise water, and a rough outdoor route rather than a paved sightseeing drive.
• The $32 price includes useful basics: Hotel transfers, a 250cc quad, guide, helmet, and Allianz insurance are included.
• The four-hour schedule includes more than riding: Pickup, instruction, testing the quad, group organization, the safari, and return transfer all fit into the stated duration.
• Goggles are a smart extra: Dust can make it hard to see, especially when riding behind another quad.
• Under-16s cannot drive: They may only sit in the back seat of an ATV, and the activity is not suitable for children under three or pregnant women.

From Side hotels to Koprulu Canyon

Your day begins with pickup from hotels in Titreyengol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu. The transfer runs in an air-conditioned bus, which matters in Antalya Province, where a dusty open-air ride followed by a hot vehicle would be an unpleasant combination.

The destination is Koprulu Canyon National Park, home to the Koprucay River and one of Turkey’s best-known areas for outdoor water activities. The quad route gives you a different way to see the area. You are not simply stopping at a viewpoint, taking a picture, and leaving. You are moving through the river surroundings under your own control, with the engine, dust, water, and canyon scenery all part of the day.

The advertised duration is four hours, but that does not mean four hours on the quad. You need to allow time for transport, the safety briefing, equipment, test riding, group departures, the swimming break, and the return journey. One account described the actual ride as about an hour, so keep your expectations realistic. The full outing can last four hours while the quad section is shorter.

Safety briefing, helmets, and the first test ride

During the transfer, you receive instructions on how to operate the quad safely. At the facility, you get a free helmet, and you can test-drive the vehicle before setting off. That short practice period is useful if you have never handled an all-terrain vehicle, or if it has been years since you last rode one.

The quads are 250cc machines. That gives you enough power for an exciting ride, but the tour is still guided. You do not simply disappear into the park on your own. The group follows a route and keeps moving together, which helps the guide manage the pace and reduces the chance of people taking unnecessary risks.

Insurance through Allianz is included. That is a reassuring part of the package, although insurance does not replace sensible riding. Pay close attention to the guide, keep a safe distance, and do not treat the route as a private racetrack.

A free helmet is provided, but other equipment costs extra. Bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes are not included. If you have your own sunglasses and closed shoes, bring them. You should also bring a towel, swimwear, and a complete change of clothes.

Riding the first 10 kilometers

The first half of the route covers 10 km on a special circuit near the river. This section gives you time to settle into the quad and understand how the group rides. The route is meant to be enjoyable and controlled, so do not expect a motocross course with large jumps, sharp stunt sections, or opportunities to drift around corners.

That will suit some people perfectly. If you want a fun outdoor ride with scenery and a bit of speed, the steady route lets you enjoy the surroundings without needing advanced riding skills. If your idea of a quad safari involves dramatic jumps and constant technical challenges, this may feel too tame.

The route can be dusty. When several quads travel together, the vehicle ahead can throw up a cloud that gets into your eyes and mouth. One particularly useful tip is to buy or bring goggles. Sunglasses are better than nothing, but proper eye protection is more helpful when the dust thickens.

A bandana or mask can also make the ride more comfortable. These are available as extra equipment, but they are not part of the $32 price. You may prefer to bring your own basic face covering rather than pay for one at the facility.

The swimming break at Koprucay River

After the first 10 km, the group stops by the river for a swimming break. This is one of the best parts of the itinerary because it changes the pace completely. After a hot, dusty ride, cold water offers a welcome reset.

Bring swimwear under your riding clothes if possible. You will also want a towel and dry clothing for the rest of the day. The activity information specifically recommends all three, so this is not a place to rely on a hotel towel or hope that your clothes dry quickly.

The river setting adds something that a standard quad circuit cannot. You have the canyon walls, clear-looking blue-green water, and a natural pause instead of four hours of continuous engine noise. The water may feel cold, but that is part of its appeal after riding in the sun.

Be aware that the stop is a swim break, not a full meal stop. Food and drinks are not included, and the tour information does not promise a meal or refreshments. Eat before pickup if you need a proper breakfast or lunch, and carry only what you can keep secure and dry.

The second 10 kilometers around the river

The final 10 km continues in and around the Koprucay River. By this point, you should be more comfortable with the quad controls and the group pace. The route gives you another chance to enjoy the scenery, with canyons, water, and old landmarks forming the backdrop.

The riding style remains organized. You follow the route and stay in line rather than choosing your own path. That makes the outing safer and easier for the guide to control, but it also limits how much freedom you have.

There is a little more opportunity to pick up speed on the return section, according to the practical experience described for the tour. Even so, the group format matters. You need to follow the guide’s instructions and avoid pushing beyond your ability.

The quads have received strong praise for their performance, including a report that the engine kept running reliably throughout the ride. That is important on a quad outing. A machine that stalls repeatedly would turn an active excursion into a long wait, particularly when the group is already large.

What waiting and group size can mean

The biggest practical weakness is the possibility of waiting at the facility. When several groups arrive, you may sit in the lobby while other teams complete their test rides and begin the safari.

This is not necessarily a problem on every departure, but you should leave some patience in your schedule. A four-hour activity can feel longer if the start is delayed by group organization. It is especially worth considering if you are traveling with young children, planning another timed activity, or trying to fit the quad safari between hotel meals and sightseeing.

Once the groups are moving, the organized format has a benefit. Everyone follows the same route, and the guide can keep the line together. The tour is less about showing off and more about enjoying a supervised ride through the river area.

The experience suits people who value a straightforward outdoor activity. It is not the best choice if you want a small private group or a highly flexible itinerary, since no private format is stated and several teams may be operating at once.

Photos, video, and the return to Side

At the end of the ride, the staff show professional photographs and video footage taken during the quad safari. These images are available to buy, but they are not included in the tour price.

That sales opportunity is worth planning for. If you want a picture of yourself riding through the river area, you may find the footage appealing. If you prefer to keep the cost fixed at $32, simply treat the photos as an optional extra rather than part of the package.

You may not want to carry your own camera during the ride. Dust, water, movement, and the need to keep both hands available make a quad an awkward place for casual photography. The staff footage solves that problem, although you should decide at the end if the price feels right to you.

After the photo presentation, the air-conditioned bus returns you to your hotel. Pickup and drop-off are included for the listed resort areas, making the experience easier to arrange than an independently organized trip to the canyon.

Is the $32 price good value?

At $32 per person, this is a strong-value half-day activity if you want transport and equipment handled for you. The price includes the bus from your hotel, a 250cc quad, a helmet, Allianz insurance, a guide, and 20 km of riding. You do not need to arrange a vehicle or pay separately for access to the route.

The value is even better if you enjoy active excursions rather than passive sightseeing. You get time on the quad, a swim in the river, and views of Koprulu Canyon National Park for less than many full-day adventure outings.

There are extra costs to remember. Food and drinks are not included, and bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes cost extra if you need them from the provider. Photos and video also cost extra.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet nature visit. You are paying for the ride and the adrenaline, not for a slow guided walk through the national park. You also need to accept the possibility of waiting and the limits of a supervised group route.

Who should book this quad safari?

I would recommend this tour to adults and older teenagers who want an affordable, active break from the beach and hotel pool. It works particularly well for people who enjoy engines, open-air routes, river scenery, and a little controlled speed.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in one of the covered Side resort areas. Hotel pickup removes the need to find transport to Koprulu Canyon, and the return bus means you can enjoy the ride without worrying about driving back tired or dusty.

You should think twice if you dislike dust, cold water, waiting, or group activities. The route is not presented as a stunt course, so experienced riders looking for jumps and technical challenges may find it too restrained.

Children under 16 may only sit in the back seat of an ATV and cannot drive. The activity is not suitable for children under three or pregnant women. Those restrictions make the tour better suited to adults and older participants who can follow safety instructions.

The guides speak German, English, and Russian. That language range should make the briefing and basic group instructions easier for many visitors, although the available information does not specify the size of each language group.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Pack lightly, but pack for dust and water. Your most useful items are:

• Sunglasses or protective goggles
• Swimwear
• A towel
• A complete change of clothes
• Suitable closed shoes
• A bandana or mask if you already own one

You may want to keep valuables secure during the ride, since the route includes river surroundings and a swimming stop. The tour information does not provide details about storage, so ask the staff before departure rather than assuming your phone or wallet will be protected.

Pets are not allowed. That rule is simple, but important if you are traveling with an animal and had hoped to bring it along.

Canceling is flexible up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. These options help if your Side plans may change, but you should still check the available start times before booking because the four-hour schedule does not have one fixed departure shown here.

My verdict: book it for fun, not stunts

Book this quad safari if you want a reasonably priced outdoor adventure with hotel transfers, a river swim, and a proper 20 km route. The canyon scenery, reliable quads, helpful guide service, and good overall value make it an appealing choice for an active day from Side.

Go in expecting a guided group ride, not a private off-road expedition. Bring eye protection, allow time for possible waiting, and budget separately for drinks, extra equipment, and photos. With those points in mind, this is a fun and practical way to see the Koprucay River area without spending a full day on a more expensive adventure package.

FAQ

How much does the City of Side Quad Safari Tour cost?

The tour costs $32 per person.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is four hours. The actual schedule includes hotel transfers, safety instruction, test riding, the quad route, a swimming break, and the return journey.

How far do you ride the quad?

The total route covers 20 km through and around the Koprucay River area.

Where does the quad safari take place?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet is provided free of charge. Other equipment, including bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes, is not included.

Is swimming part of the tour?

Yes. The first 10 km includes a swimming break by the river before the second 10 km of riding.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Suitable shoes are also recommended.

Can children drive the quad?

People under 16 cannot drive and may only sit in the back seat of an ATV. The activity is not suitable for children under three.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.

What languages does the guide speak?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.