City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

The best part of this tour is the setting: you ride a 250cc quad around the Koprucay River, with Koprulu Canyon National Park providing the backdrop. I like the included hotel transfer and the refreshing swim break after the first 10 km. The main drawback is that the ride can feel repetitive, and busy departure periods may involve waiting for your turn.

I also like the clear safety structure. You get a briefing, a short test ride, an Allianz-insured vehicle, and a guide leading the group. Bring goggles or sunglasses, expect dust, and do not count on stunt riding. The route is built around keeping the group together, not jumps or drifting.

Quick facts about the Koprucay quad safari

• 20 km of guided riding: The route is split into two 10 km sections, with a river swim between them.
• 250cc all-terrain vehicles: You ride a quad designed for the dirt tracks and river area around Koprulu Canyon National Park.
• Hotel pickup from Side: Transfers cover Titreyengol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu.
• A practical water stop: Pack swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes for the river break.
• A dust-heavy ride: Sunglasses are useful, while a bandana, mask, and suitable shoes can be bought as extra equipment.
• A straightforward price: At $32 per person, the package includes transport, insurance, a guide, the quad ride, and helmet use.

Riding beside the Koprucay River

This is not a sightseeing drive with a few minutes on a quad. The main event is a 20 km ride through the area around the Koprucay River, one of Turkey’s best-known watersports areas. You will see canyon scenery, turquoise water, and ancient landmarks while concentrating on the track ahead.

The route gives you a good taste of the area without asking you to spend a full day on a motorized activity. Four hours includes hotel transfers, instruction, preparation, riding, and the river stop, so your actual time on the quad is less than four hours. Still, the ride itself is long enough to feel worthwhile.

I like the balance between movement and scenery. You get the engine noise and speed of a quad, but the setting keeps the experience tied to the river and canyon rather than a closed driving yard. Do not expect a quiet nature tour. This is an active outing, with dust, engine fumes, and a set route.

The quads are used in a group formation. That matters because you are not simply released to race wherever you like. The guide controls the pace and keeps riders on the circuit, which makes the experience easier for beginners and safer for a mixed group.

From your Side hotel to Koprulu Canyon

Pickup is included from hotels in Titreyengol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu. You travel in an air-conditioned bus, a welcome feature in the heat of Antalya Province. Check your exact pickup time when booking, since the tour has different possible starting times.

The drive takes you away from the resort strip and toward Koprulu Canyon National Park. This transfer is useful if you do not have a car, and it removes the need to arrange a taxi to the quad base. It also means the four-hour duration includes time on the road, so keep your schedule open around the stated tour length.

The tour guide can speak German, English, or Russian. That is especially useful during the safety briefing, where you need to understand hand signals, spacing, vehicle controls, and what to do if you need to stop.

An important point: the quads are insured by Allianz, but insurance does not turn the ride into a risk-free activity. Follow the guide’s instructions, keep your distance from the vehicle ahead, and resist the temptation to push the pace.

The safety briefing and first test ride

At the facility, you receive a helmet at no extra cost. You may buy additional equipment, including a bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes, but you can also bring your own basic protection.

Before the main ride, you get a safety explanation and a chance to test-drive around the facility. This short practice is valuable if you have never handled a quad. Use it to learn the throttle, brakes, steering, and turning feel before heading onto the route.

The vehicles are 250cc all-terrain quads. They provide enough power for a lively ride, but the group format limits how freely you can use that power. You will follow the circuit and the guide rather than choose your own route.

One practical caution is worth noting. A vehicle can feel hot around the engine, especially in warm weather and slow sections. Wear clothing that gives your legs some protection, and pay attention to where you place your feet. If anything feels wrong with your quad, tell the staff before leaving the facility.

The first 10 km and the river swim

The first section covers about 10 km on a special circuit around the river area. This is your chance to settle into the quad and get a feel for the surface. The surroundings include canyon views and clear blue-green water, so you are not staring at the same track for the whole ride.

After the first section, the group stops for a swimming break. Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. The water can feel cold, but that is part of its appeal after riding in the heat and dust.

This stop is more than a filler in the schedule. It breaks up the motorized activity and gives you time to cool down before the second riding section. If you prefer not to swim, you can use the break to rest and enjoy the river setting, though the supplied details do not specify separate activities at the stop.

Keep your belongings simple. The tour information does not promise storage arrangements, so bring only what you need and follow the staff’s instructions about personal items.

The second 10 km through the river area

After the swim break, you continue for another 10 km in and around the Koprucay River. This is where the ride may feel fastest and dustiest. You may get the chance to open up the quad on suitable sections, but you still remain in the group and on the marked route.

Do not book this activity expecting motocross. The route does not focus on jumps, drifting, or showing off. Its appeal is the combination of a steady off-road ride, river scenery, and a little speed. That makes it a better fit for someone who wants an accessible adventure than for an experienced rider looking for technical obstacles.

Dust is a real part of the experience. Sunglasses help protect your eyes, and goggles would be even better if you have them. One useful piece of advice is to bring a bandana or mask for your face, especially if you are riding behind another quad. Dust can make it difficult to see clearly at times.

Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty. The information specifically recommends sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and spare clothes. Suitable closed shoes are also sensible, and you can buy suitable footwear or other equipment at the facility if needed.

What the $32 price really covers

At $32 per person, this tour offers more than quad access alone. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the 20 km ride, an expert guide, Allianz insurance, and a helmet. That package makes the cost reasonable if you are staying in one of the listed Side-area resorts and would otherwise need to arrange transport.

The price does not include food or drinks. Four hours is not a full-day outing, but you should still eat beforehand or carry what is allowed and practical for the transfer. The supplied information does not list a meal stop.

Photos and professional video are extra. Staff record riders during the outing, then show the footage when you return to the facility. Treat this as an optional souvenir rather than part of the tour price. If you care about photos, ask about the cost before buying.

Extra equipment also costs more. You may purchase a bandana, mask, sunglasses, or suitable shoes, but you can avoid some of that expense by arriving prepared. Bring your own sunglasses and face covering if you already have them.

The strongest value comes from the combination of transfer and ride length. A 20 km route gives you a proper session rather than a short amusement-park circuit. The trade-off is that the group system and possible waiting time reduce the sense of freedom.

Waiting time and group pace

The tour can become busy. At the facility, several groups may be preparing, practicing, or leaving in sequence. You might wait in the reception or staging area before your own test ride begins.

That delay matters if you are planning another fixed activity immediately afterward. Leave breathing room after the four-hour estimate, especially if your hotel pickup involves several resorts or if the facility is handling multiple groups.

Once riding begins, the group can also affect your experience. You need to maintain the line and follow the guide. This makes the outing manageable for first-time riders, but it can feel slow if you are already comfortable on a quad.

The ride is best understood as a guided outdoor activity, not a private machine rental. You get structure, supervision, and a defined route. In exchange, you give up the freedom to choose your own speed and direction.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this experience to adults and older teenagers who want a half-day burst of action without giving up an entire day. It also suits people staying in Side who want a simple package with transport already arranged.

It is a good choice if you like:

• Motorized outdoor activities with a scenic setting
• A clear route and guide rather than independent riding
• A river stop and the chance to cool off
• A moderate price that includes hotel transfers
• A first quad experience with a practice session

It is less suitable if you want a peaceful nature outing, a technical off-road course, or a private ride. The route can feel repetitive, and you should expect dust, heat, and some waiting.

Children under 3 are not permitted. Anyone under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV, so this is not an independent riding option for younger participants. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women.

What to pack for a better ride

Pack light, but prepare for water, dust, and heat. Your basic kit should include:

• Sunglasses or goggles
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Dry clothes
• Shoes that can handle dirt and water
• A bandana or face mask if you have one

You receive a helmet, so you do not need to bring one. Food and drinks are not included, and the tour details do not promise refreshments, so plan around that.

Avoid bringing pets. Pets are not allowed on the activity.

The most useful preparation is eye and face protection. Dust can blow back from the quad in front, and sunglasses alone may not give as much coverage as goggles. You will also be happier in clothes that dry quickly and can take a little dirt.

Booking, cancellation, and languages

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. It also allows you to reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your Side holiday.

Pickup is available from the named resort areas, but confirm that your hotel falls within one of them before booking. The available guide languages are English, German, and Russian.

Starting times vary, so check availability rather than assuming a morning or afternoon departure. Since the activity lasts four hours and includes transport, instruction, and a swim stop, give yourself a clear part of the day rather than squeezing it between two tightly timed plans.

Should you book the Koprucay quad safari?

Book it if you want an affordable, guided quad ride with a scenic river setting, a proper 20 km route, and hotel transport included. The swim stop is a smart touch, and the practice ride makes the activity approachable for beginners.

Skip it if you dislike dust, engines, group riding, or waiting around. You also should not choose it for jumps and drifting, because the route is controlled and fairly steady.

For most active visitors staying around Side, this is a solid half-day choice. Bring eye protection, spare clothes, and realistic expectations about the group format. At $32, the package gives you a good amount of riding and removes much of the transport hassle, which is the main reason I would consider booking it.

FAQ

How long does the quad safari last?

The activity lasts four hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, instruction, preparation, riding, and the swimming break.

How far will I ride?

You will ride approximately 20 km in total. The route is divided into a first 10 km section, a swimming break, and a second 10 km section.

Where does the tour take place?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What size quad bike will I use?

The activity uses 250cc quad bikes.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet is provided at no extra cost.

Is insurance included?

Yes. The quad bikes are insured by Allianz.

Can children ride the quads?

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

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. A face covering and suitable shoes are also useful.

Are food and drinks included?

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

Can I buy photos or video from the tour?

Yes. Professional photos and video are shown when you return to the facility, but they cost extra.

What languages does the guide speak?

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

Can pregnant women join the tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.