City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

Quad dust, river crossings, and big canyon views. This 20 km quad safari around the Koprucay River is a fun, hands-on way to see the area, with Allianz-insured quads and an included hotel ride. One heads-up: the start can involve some waiting, and dust can get into your eyes if you show up unprepared.

What I like most is that it is not just riding for hours. You get a special river circuit for the first 10 km, including a real swimming break, then you continue another 10 km around the river and canyon area before heading back.

Key Things You Will Really Notice on This Side Quad Tour

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus from Side and nearby resorts, so you are not stuck arranging transport.
• 250cc quad time for 20 km, with a planned route that includes a river drive.
• A swimming break during the first 10 km, which breaks up the ride nicely.
• Koprulu Canyon National Park views as you go in and out around the Koprucay River.
• Free helmet on arrival, plus the option to buy extra gear like goggles or headwear.
• Professional photos and video available afterward, so you can decide if you want the souvenir package.

How the 4-Hour Quad Safari Runs From Side

The day starts the easy way, with pickup from your hotel in Side and several nearby areas like Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu. From there, you ride in an air-conditioned bus to the Koprulu Canyon National Park area, where the Koprucay River is the star of the show.

Once everyone is gathered, the team gives you a safety briefing. It covers how to drive your quad properly, plus key rules so the group stays controlled. Then it is off to the facility for a quick feel for the bike before you join the route.

The whole experience runs about 4 hours. That time includes transport, briefings, riding, and the return.

250cc Quads, Safety Rules, and Allianz Insurance

You will drive a 250cc quad, and the operation is set up like a proper tour, not a random rental. You are briefed on safe riding before you head out, and the quads are insured by Allianz, which is part of why this feels more reassuring than DIY riding.

At the facility, you may get a short test-drive area first. This matters if you have not been on a quad before. Even a quick warm-up helps you get comfortable with acceleration, turning, and how the bike behaves when the ground gets uneven.

Helmets are provided. You get a free helmet, and the tour also offers additional equipment for sale. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, I would treat this as your cue to add proper eye protection, because dust is real out there.

The Koprucay River Route: 10 km Special Circuit Plus a Swim Stop

The core of the tour is the 20 km ride around the Koprucay River, where the scenery and the driving both change throughout the day. You start with a structured section: the first 10 km is a special circuit that includes a swimming break.

That swim break is not just a quick splash. You stop during the river portion so you can cool down after riding. It is a nice rhythm reset, especially if you are starting to feel the heat.

After that, you continue another 10 km driving in and around the river area. This is where you get more of the canyon views too, since you are in the Koprulu Canyon National Park region rather than flat backroads. Expect plenty of turns and steady guiding rather than stunt driving.

Koprulu Canyon National Park Views Without the Long Hike

Koprulu Canyon National Park is a major part of why this quad safari feels like more than a playground. You will appreciate the views around the Koprucay River and the canyon setting while you ride.

You are also in a popular watersports zone, which helps explain why the route includes water crossings and a swim stop. The ride timing and circuit design give you variety, so you are not just staring at the same stretch over and over.

In practical terms, this is a good option if you want nature views and adrenaline, but you do not want to spend hours on foot. You get movement, scenery, and a break, all in one half-day.

Gear and Packing Tips That Actually Matter

Bring exactly what they recommend, and then add one smart upgrade. Sunglasses help with sun glare, and a change of clothes plus a towel makes the river stop way more comfortable.

You will also want swimwear, because the route includes time near the water. When you plan around that, you avoid the awkward situation of being dry and sweaty at the wrong moment.

One small but important tip from real riding experience: dust can be intense. If you can, use goggles or another eye-protecting option when offered. The tour gives you a helmet, but that does not automatically solve eye dust.

Wear suitable shoes too. Closed shoes are the safest bet because the ground can be rough and wet at the river portion.

Ride Style Reality Check: Fast, Fun, and Mostly Straight Up Riding

This quad safari is built for the adrenaline rush of driving in nature. But it is not an action-movie course. The track experience is mostly about steady riding, keeping control, and staying on the line with the group.

That means no guaranteed drifting show-off moments and no stunt-style features mentioned. One rider noted the experience can feel a bit monotone because it is focused on riding rather than tricks.

On the plus side, that kind of setup is often why things feel safer. When you are not dealing with jumps and constant chaos, the team can keep the group moving smoothly.

You may also find that different quads feel different. One rider described a quad that ran hot with petrol smell coming from the engine and managed it by keeping a leg positioned to avoid the burn. That is not something you should ignore. If your machine feels unusually hot or smells strong, tell your guide right away and adjust accordingly.

Photos and Video: Worth It or Skip It?

At the end of the tour, you get shown professional video footage and photos that were taken during the ride. They are available for purchase, so you can decide if you want the full souvenir package.

If you hate being photographed, you might still appreciate the safety angle. The fact that they capture your ride suggests the staff is tracking the group and documenting it like a real event, not a casual rental.

If you like proof you were there, this is a decent deal compared to trying to manage your own camera while riding. Just know it is optional, so you can pass if the prices are not your thing.

Price and Value: What You Get for About $32

At $32 per person, the value is mostly in what is included. You get hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus, quad driving for 20 km, an expert guide, and insurance coverage through Allianz.

You also receive a free helmet on arrival. The tour is not selling you just transportation and a quick spin. It is built around actual riding time with structured route segments and a swim break.

For the price, you are basically paying for a guided off-road experience plus park views, not just a bike. That is why it tends to feel like good value for a half-day plan.

If you are comparing, look beyond the bike rental cost. Many quad plans add the transfer, guide, safety setup, or insurance separately. Here, the basics are bundled into one price.

Languages, Guide Style, and Group Flow

The guide team runs in German, English, and Russian. That matters because clear instructions reduce stress, especially if you are new to quad driving.

The tour also uses guides to keep the line and manage pacing. One rider highlighted a front-of-group captain as especially helpful, which is exactly the kind of leadership you want on a route that includes river sections and dust.

Group flow is a real factor. One rider pointed out waiting at the start because there were more people than the available quads, so they waited until other teams had done test rides before heading out. You cannot eliminate that completely on a popular activity, but you can plan mentally for it.

Who This Quad Safari Is Perfect For

This is a strong match if you want:

• Adrenaline plus nature views, without needing a hiking day
• A guided experience that handles transport, safety briefing, and route structure
• The fun of driving a real 250cc quad, including a water stop

You will likely enjoy it most if you are comfortable on a bike and can follow instructions for staying safe. The route includes a river-driving portion, so swimmers and water lovers often like it extra.

It also works well for couples and friend groups who want a shared experience with the guide steering the day.

Who Should Skip It (Or Double-Check First)

There are a few clear limitations. People under 3 years old are not suitable for the tour. Pregnant women are also not recommended.

Age and seating matter too. If you are under 16, you can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. That means this is not a good choice for kids who want to be in full control on their own quad.

Pets are not allowed, so plan for that if you have a dog or similar traveling companion.

If you have mobility concerns or a medical situation affected by bumpy riding, it is worth thinking twice even if nothing is explicitly stated. The tour is off-road focused, so the ground and transitions are part of the activity.

Should You Book the Quad Safari Tour From Side?

Book it if you want a half-day that mixes 20 km quad driving, canyon scenery, and a river swim break, with hotel pickup included. At around $32, it is a practical way to turn a single afternoon into something active and memorable.

Skip or reconsider if you hate dust, cannot handle waiting at the start, or you want a stunt-heavy riding experience. Also think about the age and health restrictions ahead of time.

If you go, pack the basics, add eye protection, and treat the swim stop as part of the plan, not an optional bonus. Do that, and you will get the best version of what this tour is built for: controlled adrenaline in a stunning Koprulu Canyon region.

FAQ

How long is the Quad Safari Tour from Side?

The duration is 4 hours. Starting times can vary, so you need to check availability for the exact schedule.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. You get hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus. Pickup is available from hotels in Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu areas.

Are helmets included?

Yes. You receive a free helmet when you arrive, and there is an option to purchase additional equipment.

Does the tour include a swimming break?

Yes. During the first 10 km circuit, there is a swimming break as part of the river route.

Are there age limits or restrictions?

Yes. People under 3 years old are not suitable. People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. Pregnant women are also not suitable.

What should I bring, and can I cancel if plans change?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there is a reserve now, pay later option.