City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

The best part of this 20 km quad safari is the setting: you ride around the Koprucay River, with turquoise water, canyon views, and Koprulu Canyon National Park all around you. It is more about speed, fresh air, and a day outside than about technical off-road tricks.

I like the included hotel transfer and the river swimming stop. I also like that the 250cc quads are insured by Allianz and that you get a safety briefing and test ride before setting out. The main drawback is that the operation can feel crowded, with waiting at the base and a steady, controlled riding line rather than jumps, drifting, or free-form riding.

Key points to know before you book

• 20 km of riding: The route is split into two 10 km sections, with a swimming break between them.
• River and canyon setting: You ride around and through the Koprucay River near Koprulu Canyon National Park.
• Hotel pickup included: Transfers cover hotels in Titreyengol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu.
• Bring protection from dust: Sunglasses are listed, but goggles, a mask, and suitable shoes can be purchased as extra equipment.
• Expect group riding: You follow a set circuit and keep your place in line, which helps with safety but limits showy driving.
• Best for active adults: Children under 3 and pregnant women cannot join, and anyone under 16 may only sit in the rear seat of an ATV.

From Side hotels to the Koprucay River

Your day begins with pickup at your hotel in Side or one of the nearby resort areas. The transfer takes place in an air-conditioned bus, a useful feature in Antalya Province, where a hot ride in an ordinary vehicle can take the shine off an outdoor activity before it begins.

The covered pickup area includes Titreyengol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu. Check that your hotel is in one of those zones when you book. The tour lasts about four hours in total, though the actual quad riding can feel shorter or longer depending on pickup times, group size, and waiting at the base.

On the drive to Koprulu Canyon National Park, you receive instructions on safe quad-bike use. This is not a license to race. The guides set the pace, explain how to control the vehicle, and organize riders into a manageable group. The live guide service is offered in German, English, and Russian.

Getting comfortable on the 250cc quad

At the facility, you receive a free helmet and have the chance to take a test ride. This short practice period matters, especially if you have never used an ATV before. You can learn how the throttle responds, how the quad turns, and how much room you need around other riders before entering the main route.

The quads are 250cc all-terrain vehicles. That is enough power for a lively ride on the circuit, but you should still expect the guide to control the group. The aim is safe, organized fun, not an unmonitored sprint through the countryside.

The vehicles have generally been a strong part of the experience, but you should pay attention during the initial check. One rider found a quad that ran hot, with petrol heat near the engine and a leg position that became uncomfortable. That does not mean every machine has the same issue, but it is sensible to tell staff at once if your vehicle feels too hot, smells of fuel, or does not feel right.

Insurance by Allianz is included. That gives the activity a more reassuring footing, but it does not remove the need to follow instructions. Wear the helmet, keep your distance, and avoid trying to impress the group.

The first 10 km through river country

The first section covers about 10 km on a special circuit around the river. You ride over dusty ground and through areas where the river and canyon scenery provide the main visual reward. The terrain is intended to be exciting without being a technical trial, so you can focus on steering and the views.

The Koprucay River is the star here. Its clear blue-green water contrasts with the dry, dusty track, and the canyon setting gives the ride a stronger sense of place than a closed amusement park circuit. You are not simply driving around a flat field. The route takes you into a well-known outdoor recreation area in southern Turkey.

Still, keep your expectations in check. The ride follows a line and a set route. You may reach a faster pace on open stretches, but the group stays together. The experience is not built around big jumps, sharp drifting, or obstacles designed for expert riders.

Dust is a real issue. If you ride behind another quad, you can end up with a face full of grit, especially when the group picks up speed. Sunglasses help with glare and flying dust, but goggles are a better choice if you have them. A face mask or bandana is also worth considering, though those items are not included.

The swimming break beside the river

After the first 10 km, the tour stops for a swim. This is one of the most useful parts of the schedule, not just a pleasant extra. A dusty ride in warm weather leaves you hot and coated in grit, so cold river water gives you a chance to cool off before the second half.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and a complete change of clothes. You will want dry clothing for the ride back and the hotel transfer. The water can feel cold, but that is part of the appeal after the quad section.

The stop also gives you a pause from the engine noise and group formation. You can look at the river and canyon surroundings at a slower pace rather than seeing them only between turns. Keep your belongings practical and limited, since the activity is built around riding, swimming, and getting dusty.

The second 10 km, with more room to open up

After the swimming stop, you ride another 10 km in and around the river. This is where the outing can feel fastest and most satisfying. The route still follows the group, but there may be more opportunities to pick up speed on the return section.

You should not expect a stunt course. The riding is described as steady and controlled, with everyone keeping the line. That approach reduces the chance of collisions, but it also means that experienced ATV riders may find the route a little repetitive.

For a first-time rider, this is probably a fair trade. You get enough distance to feel that you have had a proper quad trip, without being asked to manage difficult terrain or complicated maneuvers. For an experienced rider, the value lies more in the river setting and the length of the route than in the technical challenge.

The reported riding time can feel closer to an hour for some groups, while the full experience is listed as four hours. That difference is easy to explain: the total time includes hotel pickup, transport, safety instructions, test rides, group organization, the swim, and the return transfer. Do not book it expecting four continuous hours on the quad.

Photos and video at the base

When you return, the staff show professional photos and video footage taken during the ride. These are available to buy separately. You can decide after seeing the images, so there is no need to treat the photo package as part of the basic price.

The camera service can be appealing if you want proof of the day, since stopping to take your own photos while riding is neither practical nor safe. On the other hand, the photos and DVD are not included, so add that cost only if you care about having a record of the trip.

The base is also where the included helmet and optional equipment matter most. Extra items can include a bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes. You can bring your own sunglasses, swimwear, towel, and change of clothes, which helps keep the final cost down.

What the $32 price really covers

At $32 per person, this is a good-value half-day outing if you want transport, equipment, a guide, insurance, and a substantial outdoor activity in one booking. You do not have to arrange your own route to Koprulu Canyon National Park, rent a vehicle, or work out how to reach the river from Side.

The price includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned bus
• A 250cc quad bike
• About 20 km of guided riding
• Allianz insurance
• A free helmet
• An expert guide
• A swimming stop

Food and drinks are not included. Neither are extra protective items, photos, or video. You should also account for the practical cost of suitable clothing and eye protection if you do not already have them.

The value is strongest for someone who wants an easy-to-book activity from a Side resort. It is less compelling if you already have access to an ATV, dislike group tours, or want a quiet nature trip. The quad route is the main event, and the operation is designed to move many people through it.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend it to adults and older teens who want active holiday entertainment without committing to a full day. It suits first-time quad riders because you receive instruction and a test ride, and the guides keep the group together.

It also suits families with older children, but note the age rules. Children under 3 are not accepted, and anyone under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. The information provided does not say that younger riders can drive their own quad, so do not assume they can.

Pregnant women cannot join. Pets are not allowed. Anyone with a serious concern about heat, dust, cold water, or rough vehicle movement should consider another activity.

This is not the best fit for a rider who wants to perform tricks. The group format, the set circuit, and the safety rules limit that kind of freedom. You get a guided outdoor ride, not a private off-road session.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Wear clothing you can get dusty and wet. Shorts or light outdoor clothing may be more comfortable than anything delicate, but the supplied information does not require a specific dress code beyond bringing swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes.

Protect your eyes. Sunglasses are on the suggested packing list, yet goggles may work better when the track is dry. A bandana or mask can help keep dust away from your mouth and nose. These extras are available for purchase, but bringing your own can save money.

Use suitable footwear. The operator lists proper shoes as an extra item, which tells you that flip-flops are not ideal for quad controls, river edges, or dusty ground. The exact footwear rules are not specified, so ask the staff if you are unsure.

Expect some waiting before the riding begins. At busy times, several teams may use the same base, and you may wait while another group completes its test ride and sets off. That is frustrating if you are eager to start, but it is also part of organizing a motorized activity safely.

Keep your riding expectations realistic. You may have a chance to go faster on the return leg, but you still follow the guide and the group line. The ride is about speed within limits, river scenery, and a refreshing swim, not about showing off.

Cancellation and languages

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Side schedule is still changing.

The live guide service is available in German, English, and Russian. Pickup is included only for the named Side-area hotel zones, so confirm your accommodation before paying.

Should you book the Koprucay quad safari?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, organized burst of speed in a memorable river setting. The 20 km route, swimming stop, hotel transfer, and included insurance make $32 a fair price, especially for a first quad experience.

Skip it if you want uninterrupted riding, a private guide, technical off-road driving, or a quiet visit to the canyon. You will spend part of the four-hour schedule in transport, instruction, and group organization, and the riding itself can feel repetitive after the initial thrill.

My practical call is simple: bring eye protection, a towel, dry clothes, and patience for the base. If you can accept group riding and a controlled route, River Quad Safari offers a lively and accessible way to see the Koprucay River area without planning the day yourself.

FAQ

How long does the quad safari last?

The full activity lasts about four hours, including hotel pickup, transport, instruction, riding, the swimming stop, and the return transfer. The quad riding itself may take less time than the total tour.

How far do I ride the quad?

You ride approximately 20 km in total. The route is divided into two 10 km sections, with a swimming break between them.

Where does the tour take place?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What languages are available with the guide?

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

What equipment is included?

You receive a helmet, and the quad bikes are insured by Allianz. Bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes are extra.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel. Goggles may also be useful because the route can be dusty.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 3 cannot join. People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. Pregnant women are not permitted to participate.