City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

The best part of this tour is the setting: you ride a 250cc quad through and beside the Koprucay River, with Koprulu Canyon National Park rising around you. This is not a polished theme-park track. It is a dusty, wet, outdoor ride with turquoise water, canyon views, and a proper swimming break.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves you from arranging transport to a remote river area. I also like the clear 20 km plan: 10 km on a special circuit, a swim stop, then another 10 km around the river. At $32, that is a good price for a half-day outing.

The main caution is that this is a group ride, not a stunt course. You follow a line, and the pace can include waiting while other groups take their test rides. Dust, fuel heat, and limited protective gear are also part of the deal, so bring the right clothes and consider buying goggles.

Key points to know before booking

• 20 km of quad riding: The route is split into two 10 km sections around the Koprucay River.
• 250cc all-terrain vehicles: You receive safety instruction and a test ride before setting off.
• A river swimming break: Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes.
• Hotel transfers included: Pickup is available from resorts in Side and nearby districts.
• Extra gear costs more: Helmets are provided, while bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes are not included.
• Best for older children and adults: Children under 16 may only sit in the back seat, and the activity is not suitable for children under 3 or pregnant women.

From Side to Koprulu Canyon National Park

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel in Side, or from resorts in Titreyengol, Sorgun, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, or Gundogdu. The transfer is by air-conditioned bus, a welcome detail in the heat of Antalya Province.

The destination is Koprulu Canyon National Park, a major center for outdoor activities around the Koprucay River. The park gives this tour its appeal. You are not simply driving laps in a fenced dirt lot. The route takes you around canyons, river water, and natural scenery that changes as the ride moves along.

The advertised activity lasts four hours, though that total includes hotel transfers, arrival procedures, safety instruction, test riding, group organization, the swim stop, and the return journey. The actual riding time can feel shorter, especially when several groups are using the same facility.

That timing matters if you are planning a busy day. Treat this as a half-day activity rather than a quick one-hour add-on. You may be able to fit it around lunch or an afternoon at the beach, but leave room for pickup and return delays.

Safety briefing, helmets, and the first test ride

During the transfer, you receive an explanation of how to operate the quad safely. The vehicles are insured by Allianz, and an expert guide leads the group. On arrival, you receive a helmet at no charge.

Before the main ride, you can test-drive the quad around the facility. This is useful even if you have ridden an ATV before. A quad feels different from a car or scooter, and the controls, balance, and throttle response deserve a few minutes of attention.

The test ride also gives you a chance to check the machine. One rider found that a quad became very hot and had fuel coming from the engine area, so keeping your leg clear was necessary. That is not a reason to assume every quad will have the same issue, but it is a good reminder to tell staff at once if anything feels wrong.

Do not expect a private machine for every person in your party unless your booking details say so. The activity uses group organization, and too many people arriving at once can create a wait before your turn. The facility may send groups out in stages while other riders finish their test rides.

The first 10 km: dust, river water, and getting comfortable

The first section covers about 10 km on a special circuit. You ride in and around the river, following the guide and staying with the group.

This is where the tour’s physical character becomes clear. The route can be dusty, and riders in front of you may throw up a cloud that makes sunglasses alone less useful. Goggles are a smart purchase if they are available, particularly for anyone who dislikes grit in the eyes or plans to ride near the back of the line.

The ride is designed for control rather than tricks. You should expect steady quad driving, not jumps, drifting, or a stunt demonstration. That is a sensible approach for a mixed group with different levels of experience. It also means the experience may feel repetitive if you are looking for technical off-road challenges.

Still, the simple format has a benefit. You can pay attention to the river and canyon views instead of worrying about difficult obstacles. The guide sets the pace, and you get time to find a comfortable position on the quad.

Stay alert to heat. Antalya’s sun, a warm engine, dust, and physical concentration can make the ride tiring. Drink water before setting off and bring clothing that can get wet and dirty. Food and drinks are not included.

The river swimming stop

After the first 10 km, the group stops by the river for a swim. This is more than a photo pause. It breaks up the ride and gives you a chance to cool down after the dusty first section.

The Koprucay River water can feel cold, but that is welcome after riding in the sun. You should bring swimwear, a towel, and a full change of clothes. A waterproof bag would also be useful, though it is not listed among the included items, so protect anything you do not want splashed.

The stop is one of the strongest parts of the schedule because it adds variety. Without it, the activity would be a longer stretch of similar quad riding. With the swim, you get a clear change of pace: engine noise and dust give way to cold water and a short rest.

Do not count on a meal here. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand and bring money for anything offered at the facility. The information provided does not specify a restaurant or a meal stop.

The second 10 km around the Koprucay River

After the swim, you continue for another 10 km in and around the river. By this point, you should feel more familiar with the quad and the group’s pace.

The return section may offer more freedom to use the throttle, but you still need to follow the guide’s instructions and remain in line. The ride is not intended for racing. One useful expectation is that the group keeps moving in a controlled formation, with no promise of jumps, drifting, or other showy maneuvers.

That makes this tour a better fit for someone who wants outdoor fun and scenery than for an experienced rider seeking a demanding off-road course. You will get the sense of speed and the pleasure of driving through nature, but the route remains managed.

The canyon views are the visual reward. Koprulu Canyon National Park gives the ride a stronger setting than a standard ATV track, with rocky canyon sides and river views around the route. The scenery is especially valuable because the activity itself can be mechanically repetitive. Look up from the path whenever the group slows, rather than keeping your eyes fixed only on the quad ahead.

What to wear and what to buy

Plan to get dirty. Dust from the track can cover your clothes, and the river section can leave you wet. Wear practical clothing that you do not mind washing afterward.

Bring:

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

The free helmet is included, but several useful items are extra. Bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes are not part of the price. If you have your own secure sunglasses and closed shoes, bring them. Goggles are worth considering because dust can make it hard to see, especially when you are following another quad.

A mask or bandana may help with dust, though the supplied information does not specify the quality or cost of the equipment for sale. Ask about prices before purchasing extras. Photos and professional video footage are also available to buy at the end, but they are optional and not included.

The ride back and the photo stop

When you return to the facility, the staff show professional video footage and photographs taken during the ride. You can purchase them if you want a record of the day.

This can be a fun souvenir because it is difficult to take your own photos while operating a quad. It is also another point where the final cost can rise beyond the $32 booking price. If you are keeping to a budget, decide in advance whether an action photo package matters to you.

After the viewing, the air-conditioned bus takes you back to your hotel. The included return transfer is especially useful because the facility is outside Side’s resort areas and the activity can leave you dusty and tired.

Is $32 good value?

At $32 per person, this is good value if you want transport, a guided outdoor activity, 20 km of quad riding, and a river swim in one half-day outing. The Allianz insurance, helmet, guide, and hotel transfers are included, which keeps the basic price clear.

You should budget for possible extras. Food and drinks are not included, and you may want to pay for a bandana, mask, goggles, sunglasses, suitable shoes, photos, or video. The tour is still reasonably priced, but the advertised figure is not necessarily the final amount you will spend.

Value also depends on what you want from quad biking. If you want a fast, accessible ride with scenery and a swim, the price works well. If you want a small private group, technical terrain, stunts, or a long stretch of independent driving, this may feel more basic.

The rating of 4.5 from 71 ratings fits that picture. The most praised elements are the fun, speed, views, helpful staff, reliable quads, and the length of the track. The main complaints center on waiting, dust, engine heat, and the fairly straightforward route.

Who should book this Side quad safari?

I would recommend this tour to adults and older teenagers who want an active break from beaches, hotels, and historic sites. It also suits first-time quad riders because there is a safety briefing, a test ride, and a guide at the front of the group.

It is a good choice if you value convenience. Hotel pickup and drop-off remove the need to find the park yourself, and the four-hour format gives you a substantial outing without committing to a full day.

I would think twice if you dislike dust, heat, cold water, or group activities. The route is not a place to show off, and the riding can feel monotonous to anyone expecting jumps or drifting. Pregnant women cannot take part, children under 3 are not suitable for the activity, and anyone under 16 may only sit in the back seat of an ATV.

The tour is available with live guides in English, German, and Russian. No individual guide names are provided, but the guide leads the group and handles the safety side of the ride.

Should you book the River Quad Safari?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, energetic half-day near Side, especially if canyon scenery and a river swim appeal to you. The combination of 20 km of riding, hotel transport, and a cooling stop gives the outing more substance than a short ATV circuit.

Skip it if you want a quiet nature trip, a private ride, or a serious off-road challenge. Bring eye protection, swimwear, dry clothes, and patience for group scheduling. With those expectations, the Koprucay River setting and straightforward quad adventure make this a solid choice for an active day in Antalya Province.

FAQ

How long does the quad safari last?

The activity lasts four hours. This includes hotel pickup and drop-off, safety instruction, test riding, the quad route, a swimming stop, and the return process.

How far do you drive the quad?

You drive for a total of 20 km. The route includes a first 10 km section, a swimming break, and another 10 km section around the Koprucay River.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What languages are available for the guide?

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

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Your clothing may get dusty or wet during the ride.

Are helmets and protective equipment included?

A helmet is provided free of charge. Bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes are extra, and photos and video are also available for an additional cost.

Can children join the quad safari?

Children under 3 are not suitable for the activity. People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women.