City of Side: Buggy Safari Tour

Buggy rides in Turkey are fun, but this one has a real outdoors beat. You’ll drive a rugged buggy route along the Köprüçay River in Koprulu Canyon National Park, then cool off mid-tour with a swim stop. It’s the kind of excursion where your clothes go from clean to battle-tested fast.

I especially like two things about this safari: the mix of adventure driving plus natural scenery, and the fact that it’s built as a guided day with hotel pickup and a helmet included. One thing to think about first, though: expect to get very dusty and wet (sometimes both), and you’ll want to show up prepared with the right eye and face protection.

Here’s the practical take: it’s value-priced, high-fun, and outdoors-first. Just don’t treat it like a neat, dry sightseeing tour.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the Buggy Safari Tour

• Köprüçay River route through Koprulu Canyon National Park for nonstop outdoor scenery
• 20 km of buggy driving (with a major river stretch and riding after the swim stop)
• A mid-tour river swim break that helps reset your mood and your gear
• Hotel pickup and drop-off handled by the operator, with helmet included
• Photo coverage by your guide, with extras available afterward
• Clear safety rules like helmet use and seating limits for younger riders

What this is really like: buggy safari meets national-park scenery

This is not a city activity and it’s not a calm ride. The whole point is getting out into the countryside around Side and spending hours with a vehicle that’s made for mud, dust, and uneven ground. The backdrop is Koprulu Canyon National Park, where the river and canyon setting give the trip more character than a simple straight-line track.

I like that the tour is built around the river. That means you’re not just bouncing around randomly—you’re moving through a real landscape, with lots of natural color and texture along the way. And with the swim break, you’re not committing to being dirty the entire time.

The other thing you should know is the vibe of the day: it’s energetic and slightly chaotic (in a fun way). You’ll get a briefing, then you’ll wait for the group flow, then you’ll get moving. If you’re the type who hates lines and delays, bring a patient attitude and some water planning.

Price and value: why $42 can make sense

At $42 per person for a 4-hour door-to-door-style outing, the value mainly comes from three built-in costs you’d otherwise pay separately: hotel pickup/drop-off, a guided experience, and equipment you actually need.

Here’s what’s included that matters:

• Expert guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• 20 km of buggy driving
• Helmet

Food and drinks aren’t included, so you won’t be handed a full meal. But for a tour like this—where you’ll likely want to rinse off and eat afterward—that’s not automatically a deal-breaker. The tour seems designed for time on the vehicle, not for long restaurant breaks.

What can push costs up if you’re unprepared is eye and face protection. Dust is part of the job. You can bring your own or buy extras on-site (like goggles or coverings), and the difference in comfort is huge. The tour is priced like an action excursion, not a premium, dry, photo-and-snack experience.

The route: Köprüçay River driving, a swim reset, then more mud

The day starts at Koprulu Canyon National Park, where you’ll get a quick briefing on how the buggy works and what to expect on the route. After that, you’ll head out on a river stretch—about 10 km along the water—with scenery that makes the driving feel more like an expedition than a theme-park track.

Midway through the tour, there’s a short swim break. This is one of the smartest design choices on the itinerary. It’s not just for fun; it’s practical. After a dusty, bumpy stretch, a river dip gives you a chance to rinse off and regain visibility before the rest of the ride.

Then you continue with additional buggy driving. The activity details describe a total of 20 km of buggy riding, and also mention a river stretch plus riding after the swim. Either way, the “longer than a quick spin” feeling is part of the package. This is a ride you’ll remember because it lasts long enough for dust and mud to become part of the story.

One more reality check: you’ll drive in conditions that can make it harder to see through grit, especially when the buggy ahead kicks up sand. That’s why goggles beat sunglasses for a lot of people. If you want the ride to stay comfortable, protect your eyes early.

Pickup and transfer: how the logistics actually shape your day

This tour runs from hotels across the Side area. Pickup can include Side, Kumköy, Çolaklı, Gündoğdu, Titreyengöl, and Kadriye, and the pickup point is the main security gate of your hotel (not the lobby or reception).

That sounds minor, but it matters. If you don’t plan to be at the right spot, you can lose time—or at least end up feeling rushed. It’s worth double-checking where your hotel’s security gate is before the pickup time window.

Once you’re on the road, you’ll use an air-conditioned bus for the drop-off at the end of the day. The ride to the venue is part of the overall experience pacing, and you should treat the full outing as a half-day activity rather than a “just a quick ride” plan.

Also keep in mind that the activity environment can be busy. There may be some waiting as the operator lines up buggies and groups. That’s normal for anything outdoors with shared vehicles—your best move is to show up ready, then let the ride schedule do what it does.

What to bring (and what to skip) for comfort in dust and water

This is an outdoors mess-friendly activity. The operator specifically suggests things like sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a scarf.

Here’s how I’d pack for it:

• Goggles (ideally) or at least something that seals out dust around your eyes
• Swimwear and a towel for the river break
• A scarf or bandana to cover your face and reduce dust in your nose and mouth area
• Old clothes you don’t mind getting stained or soaked
• Sunglasses are fine for the start, but don’t count on them to handle full-on grit

Extra equipment like bandanas, masks, sunglasses, and suitable shoes may be available for purchase on-site. People also mention that some face coverings may not be absolutely required, but dust is dust. If you hate feeling sand in your face, cover up.

Shoes are the other common weak spot. You don’t want to wear something slippery or precious. If you can, use closed footwear that can get muddy. Even if you don’t swim for long, you’ll still deal with wet ground and splashes.

Also note what you’re not allowed to bring: pets.

Safety and rules: the details that actually matter

The tour includes a helmet, and you’ll do a quick safety briefing before you ride. That’s the baseline.

Pay attention to two rules that affect families:

• People under 16 can only sit in the side seat of the buggy.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.

Those aren’t “maybe” rules. They define who the ride is designed for, and they’re there for a reason.

One subtle thing I value: you don’t want to “game” the ride by switching drivers midstream. The plan is set up so one driver stays in their seat during the main portion, and the structure is built around safe group movement. If you’re hoping for lots of driver swapping, confirm what’s possible when you arrive.

Finally, there’s no magic way around the weather of an outdoor river route. If it’s wet, you’ll get wetter. If it’s dry, you’ll get dustier. Either way, the tour is built for that.

Photos after the ride: worth checking, not required

At the end of the tour, you can check out photos your guide took during the buggy adventure. That’s a nice bonus because riding fast through a muddy river corridor is hard to capture yourself.

What to keep in mind: photo purchases aren’t part of the core package, so don’t assume you’ll automatically get digital files included. Still, the fact that photos are offered means you can come away with more than just the memory.

If you’re camera-minded, bring something waterproof enough for the conditions you want to film. But honestly, part of the joy here is letting someone else do the shooting while you focus on the ride.

Who should book this buggy safari from Side

This tour is a strong fit if you want action with a real outdoor setting and a guided structure that takes care of pickup and safety basics.

I’d point it toward:

• Couples and small groups who want something beyond beach time
• Families with older kids who can follow instructions and handle dust and mud
• Active travelers who enjoy driving, not just watching

It may not fit if:

• You hate getting dirty (this is a muddy, dusty day)
• You need wheelchair-friendly access (the tour is not suitable for mobility impairments)
• You’re pregnant (not suitable)
• You’re bringing a very young child (under 3 isn’t suitable)

One family-friendly detail I really appreciate is the river swim break. It gives the day a natural pause and helps the tour feel more than just a dust session.

Should you book? My decision guide

Yes, book it if you want a lively half-day adventure that mixes driving fun with Koprulu Canyon nature and includes a river swim. At $42, it’s the kind of excursion where you’ll likely feel like you got your money’s worth because you’re actually doing something for a long enough stretch to make it matter.

Skip it (or choose a different activity) if your idea of a good day is clean clothes, clear sightlines, and minimal mess. Even with the best sunglasses, you can still get sand in your eyes and dust on your gear.

If you do book, go in smart: pack goggles, a scarf, and swimwear, and treat the ride as an outdoors challenge you’ll be glad you tried. This is one of those Side-area tours that’s built for people who want to move, not just look.

FAQ

How long is the Buggy Safari Tour?

The duration is listed as 4 hours.

What does it cost?

The price is listed as $42 per person.

Where does the tour start?

It begins at Koprulu Canyon National Park.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included, and pickup is from the main security gate of your hotel (not the lobby).

Which areas around Side can be picked up?

Pickup options include Side, Kumköy, Çolaklı, Gündoğdu, Titreyengöl, and Kadriye.

What is included in the tour price?

Included items are an expert guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, 20 km of buggy bike driving, and a helmet.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I swim during the tour?

There is a short swim break during the expedition. If you want to swim, bring your swimsuit.

What should I bring to be comfortable?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a scarf (bandana-style helps). Swimsuit and a towel are useful for the swim break.

Who can ride in the buggy?

People under 16 can only sit in the side seat. The tour is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.