City of Side: Quad Safari Off-road with Transfer

The best part of this Side quad safari is the setting: you leave the resort strip behind and ride into the Taurus Mountains, where forest tracks, loose dirt, puddles, and wide mountain views replace hotel pools and paved roads. The route is guided, with a briefing and short practice session before you set off.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves you from arranging transport, and I like the mix of riding and outdoor time. The summer swimming stop gives you a useful break from dust and heat. The main thing to check is the timing: the activity is advertised as one hour, but the detailed schedule includes transfers, two riding sections, and a 20-minute break, so you should allow several hours overall.

Key points at a glance

• 20 km of off-road riding: Two roughly 10 km sections take you through forest tracks, dusty paths, puddles, and mountain scenery.
• A short practice ride comes first: You do not simply arrive and race away. Staff explain the controls and let you get comfortable on the quad.
• Summer swimming stop: A 20-minute break at a natural spot offers a chance to cool down before the second ride.
• Pickup covers much of the Side resort area: Service is offered from Gundogdu, Colakli, Evrenseki, Kumkoy, Side, Sorgun, Titreyengol, Kizilagac, Kizilot, and Çenger.
• English, German, and Russian support: The guide service is designed for an international group.
• Photos cost extra: A photography team takes pictures during the ride, but you pay separately for any images you choose.

Leaving Side for the Taurus foothills

Your day begins at the front security gate of your hotel, not inside the lobby. That matters in large resort areas, where drivers may not be allowed to enter hotel grounds. Be ready at the main gate and allow for a road transfer of about 30 to 35 minutes before reaching the riding base.

Pickup is available across a broad stretch of the Side area, from Gundogdu and Colakli in the west to Kizilagac, Kizilot, and Çenger farther east. The exact pickup time can vary, so confirm it carefully. One poor rating came from a pickup scheduled much earlier than expected, which is a useful warning if you are planning breakfast, a spa booking, or another excursion that morning.

At the base, you receive a safety briefing and helmet. Staff explain the route and the basic controls, then give you a short test ride. That practice matters, especially if you have never driven an ATV before or have only used one on flat ground.

You can buy a bandana or protective mask and safety goggles if you want more coverage. They are not included, so bring sunglasses at minimum. Dust is part of the experience, not a minor side effect.

Getting comfortable on the quad

This is guided off-road riding, not a free-for-all race. You follow the route through the Taurus foothills, with staff setting the pace and helping the group stay together. That makes the activity approachable for beginners, but it also means the speed may feel slow if you are an experienced quad driver.

The machines are used on forest tracks, dusty paths, sandy sections, and puddles. A recent winter ride was described as including mountainous ground, sand, and muddy puddles, so conditions can change with the season and recent weather. Closed shoes are the sensible choice. Open sandals will collect dirt and offer little protection.

The early part of the ride is also when you learn how the group operates. You need to keep a safe distance, follow the guide, and accept that the pace is set for the least confident riders. One rating specifically noted slower riding because a young child was in the group. If you want a fast, technical ride, ask about the group and pace before booking.

The first 10 km through forest and dust

Once practice is over, the first riding section heads into the Taurus trails. The route covers about 10 km and combines wooded stretches with rougher open paths. You get the pleasure of steering your own vehicle, but the setting does much of the work: trees, mountain views, dust hanging behind the quads, and the occasional muddy patch make this feel far removed from the coast.

The ride is best understood as an outdoor adventure rather than a sightseeing tour. You will not stop at a long list of monuments or villages. Instead, the interest comes from the change in surface and scenery. The same trail can move from firm forest ground to loose dirt and then to a wet patch.

This is also where the photography crew may appear. Staff take pictures during the ride, including action shots and group moments, then show the images at the base later. You can buy the ones you like, but photography is not part of the $18 price. If you dislike dust on your face, a mask or bandana is worth considering.

The first section lasts about 45 minutes in the detailed schedule. That figure is separate from the advertised one-hour duration, which appears to exclude some or all of the road transfer and break time. Read the timing as a broad guide rather than a tightly measured clock.

A 20-minute swimming break in summer

In summer, the route includes a 20-minute swimming stop at a natural place in the mountains. This is a welcome change after the heat and dust. Bring a towel, swimsuit, and a small bag for wet items if you plan to enter the water.

The stop is short, so do not expect a long swim or a full picnic break. It gives you time to cool off, relax, and reset before the second riding section. The natural setting adds variety to what could otherwise be a continuous motor activity.

The information provided does not promise a swimming stop in every season. It is described as a summer feature, so confirm it if cooling off is central to your plans. Sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and a towel are the most useful items to pack. Drinks are not included, so bring money for refreshments or check what is available at the base.

The second 10 km ride and return to Side

After the break, you ride another roughly 10 km through the Taurus foothills. The second section gives you more time to handle the quad with confidence. Beginners who were cautious during the test ride often find the controls easier once they have completed the first part.

You can expect more forest tracks, dirt, mountain views, and the same possibility of dust or mud. The attraction is the freedom of being outdoors and moving through terrain that a normal sightseeing vehicle cannot reach. It is active and a little messy, so do not wear clothes you want to keep spotless.

The detailed schedule places the second ride at about 50 minutes. Afterward, you return to the base and look through the photographs. The photo viewing can be a pleasant way to finish, but it also adds a sales moment. You are free to buy the images you want, and photos are not included in the tour price.

The return drive to Side takes about 30 minutes. Hotel drop-off is included, though the vehicle may leave you at the same main security gate used for pickup rather than directly at your room entrance.

How the $18 price measures up

At $18 per person, this is inexpensive for a guided outdoor activity that includes a quad, helmet, insurance, guide service, and transport from and back to many Side hotels. If you are staying in the resort area and would otherwise need a taxi to an ATV base, the transfer adds real value.

The price does not cover drinks, photos, bandanas, safety goggles, or use of a safe box. These are not unusual extras for a dusty quad ride, but they can raise the final cost. Decide in advance if you need eye protection beyond sunglasses and set a photo budget before viewing the pictures.

The value is strongest for someone who wants a short, accessible introduction to off-road riding without arranging a full-day mountain trip. It is less compelling if you want a private ride, a high-speed course, or a long wilderness excursion. The mixed ratings suggest that expectations matter. Several high scores praise the friendly staff, strong scenery, and fun route, while lower scores point to an early pickup and a ride that did not meet every person’s hopes.

Safety, age rules, and comfort

Helmets are included, and the tour begins with safety instructions and a test ride. Travel insurance is also included. Still, you are responsible for bringing suitable clothing and following the guide’s instructions.

Drivers must be over 16. Children over 3 may ride as passengers, but children under 3 are not accepted. Pregnant women should not book this activity. The route includes rough ground, so anyone with concerns about bumps or balance should ask the operator for more detail before paying.

The tour is suitable for beginners because you get an introduction before riding. It can also suit experienced quad riders who want mountain scenery and a relaxed group outing. It may not suit you if you dislike dust, muddy clothes, shared pacing, or the possibility of sitting behind a slower family group.

Staff support is available in English, German, and Russian. One staff member named Cem has been singled out by name in connection with the company, along with the wider team, but guide assignments can change from day to day. The company operating the experience is Murat Atalay Seyahat Acentası.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Wear old, comfortable clothes and closed shoes. Dust can reach your legs, arms, and face, while puddles may leave splashes. Sunglasses protect your eyes from sun and loose dirt, but you can also purchase safety goggles at the base.

Pack a towel for the summer swimming break. Drinks are not included, so carry some money. A small bag is useful, but avoid bringing valuables you do not need. A safe box is not included, and you should ask staff about storage before handing over important items.

Do not assume that every personal item will remain perfectly clean. Phones and cameras need protection from dust and water. The company photography team gives you a way to buy pictures later, so you can focus on riding rather than trying to film every turn yourself.

Is this the right Side excursion for you?

I would choose this quad safari if I wanted an affordable break from the resort, liked active outings, and did not mind a little dirt. The mountain scenery, two riding sections, included transfers, and summer swim make it more varied than a simple ATV circuit.

I would be cautious if my schedule were tight. The stated one-hour duration does not match the detailed riding and transfer times, so leave a generous part of the day free. I would also confirm the pickup time, especially after one complaint about an unexpectedly early departure.

Book it if you are a beginner or casual rider who wants a guided introduction to Taurus mountain trails for a low upfront price. Skip it if you need a private, fast, polished experience or want photography and protective gear included. For most people, the best reason to go is simple: you get out of Side, get dusty, and spend real time moving through the mountains rather than just looking at them from a bus.

FAQ

How long does the quad safari last?

The activity is advertised as one hour, but the detailed schedule includes a 30 to 35-minute transfer each way, two riding sections, and a 20-minute summer break. Allow several hours overall and confirm the exact timing when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Side and listed areas around Gundogdu, Colakli, Evrenseki, Kumkoy, Sorgun, Titreyengol, Kizilagac, Kizilot, and Çenger.

Where does pickup take place?

You should wait in front of your hotel’s main security gate. The vehicle may not collect you from inside the hotel grounds.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Helmets are included. Safety goggles, bandanas, and protective masks are optional extras that you can buy.

What languages are available?

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

How old must the driver be?

Drivers must be older than 16 years. Children older than 3 may ride as passengers, but children under 3 are not accepted.

Is swimming included?

A 20-minute swimming stop is included in summer at a natural spot in the Taurus Mountains. The information provided does not confirm the stop for other seasons.

Are drinks and photos included?

No. Drinks and photos cost extra. A photography team takes pictures during the ride, and you can choose which images to buy afterward.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a towel. Closed shoes and clothes that can get dusty or muddy are practical choices.