City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

Quad Safari by Koprucay River feels pure freedom. You start in Side, roll into Koprulu Canyon National Park, then spend hours on a 250cc quad cutting through river scenery and canyon views.

I love how straightforward the whole setup is: you get hotel pickup/drop-off and a clear safety briefing before you ride. I also love the route length for the price: 20 km of driving with a real stop for a river break, not just a quick loop.

One thing to plan for: the base can feel busy, so you might wait before your group gets going. And since it is trail riding for most of the time, pack for dust and do not expect stunt tricks like drifting or jumps.

Key points to know before you ride

• 250cc quad driving for 20 km with a guided first section to help you settle in
• Koprulu Canyon National Park + Koprucay River views throughout the route
• Helmet included, with optional add-ons like bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes
• A swimming break plus actual riding through the river area
• Photo and video packages for purchase after the tour
• Dust management matters: goggles are a smart idea if you want clear vision

From Side to the canyon: how the day actually starts

Your tour day begins with pickup from your hotel by an air-conditioned bus. If you are staying in Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, or Gundogdu, this is designed to make it easy to reach Koprulu Canyon without you dealing with roads or parking.

Once you’re on the bus, you will head toward Koprulu Canyon National Park, where the action centers on the Koprucay River. This matters because the driving is not random traffic-adjacent cruising. The goal is to keep you moving through a canyon-and-river setting that feels like a proper outdoor break from beach time.

One practical heads-up: the operation can get busy. If you land at a crowded time slot, you may spend some time waiting at the base before test rides and group departures. It is not the same as losing a full hour, but it can be more than you expect.

Safety briefing and Allianz-insured quads

Before you get your bike, you’ll get a short safety briefing on how to drive the quads. The insurance is listed as Allianz, which is reassuring if you worry about what happens when you are riding off-road for the first time.

Then you get your gear. You will be given a free helmet, and you can choose to buy extra equipment if you want it. The extra gear options mentioned include bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes—exactly the stuff that helps when dirt and river water mix into a sweaty, dusty ride.

If you have driven a scooter before, you will pick up the basics fast. If you have not, the tour still works because there is a warm-up built in: you may test-drive around the facility so you can get comfortable with throttle, braking, and staying balanced on uneven ground.

Also, remember the quad you ride is described as a 250cc all-terrain machine. That is enough power to feel the adrenaline, without turning the experience into a technical race.

The first 10 km circuit: get your bearings fast

The riding portion starts on a special circuit for the first 10 km. This is not just a formality. It is the part of the tour where you learn how your group moves together—where to look, how to line up, and how to keep a safe distance while still having fun.

This first section is also your comfort zone. You should treat it like a training lap: settle your body position, practice smooth acceleration, and get used to the dust that sits low behind other riders. Even when the trail feels easy, visibility can drop fast in dry conditions.

In this early phase, you will also see some of what makes the park worth the trip: canyon walls, river bends, and that wide-open sense you are not trapped on a paved path. If you are the type who gets nervous on a new vehicle, the staged start is one of the biggest reasons this tour can feel enjoyable instead of stressful.

Swimming break at the river: the moment the tour slows down

A key part of the experience is a swimming break during the route’s early phase. After time on the quad, it is a proper reset: cool off, stretch your legs, and clear the sweat and dust.

The river is part of why this tour is popular. You are not just riding near water; the Koprucay River is part of the scenery and timing. That cooling stop makes a huge difference for comfort, especially if you are sensitive to heat.

What you should bring changes here. Plan for water and dust at the same time. You’ll want something to swim in, a towel, and a change of clothes ready for after the ride.

If you forget the swim basics, you’ll still ride. But the tour feels more complete when you can actually enjoy the river stop instead of just watching it from the sidelines.

Riding in and around the Koprucay River

After the first circuit and the swim break, you continue for another 10 km driving in and around the river. This is where the day starts to feel like a real adventure.

You can expect a mix of track surfaces typical of a river area—some sections will feel smoother, and others will be bumpier or messier. The dust can follow you, and water can splash up depending on how the group ahead moves.

From a practical standpoint, keep your goggles or at least your face protection in mind. One of the best pieces of advice is simple: the dust can get into your eyes and reduce visibility. If you want to keep your focus on the trail, goggles are worth it even if you think sunglasses will be enough.

Also, if your quad feels hotter than you expect, keep your riding posture so you are not resting your leg too close to the engine area. This is one of those small comfort fixes that can stop an otherwise annoying distraction from turning into a problem.

The canyon and canyon-adjacent sights: why 20 km feels worth it

The tour is built around 20 km total of riding through the canyon region. That distance matters because it keeps you in the experience long enough to feel satisfied, without turning the tour into something you dread.

You’re shown views connected to Koprulu Canyon National Park, and you also ride past or around ancient landmarks in the area. Even if you are not getting a narrated stop at every single point, the changing scenery helps you feel like you’re moving through a real place, not doing a closed, repetitive loop.

This is also why the route format works. You are not just going out and back on the same line. You get that first guided circuit, the river break, then the second stretch where the terrain and scenery keep it interesting.

One expectation check: this is primarily driving. It is not built for showy stunts. The ride is fast and fun when you get into it, but think steady momentum and trail discipline rather than tricks or drifting.

Group riding, pace, and how long you are actually on the bike

The full tour duration is listed as 4 hours, but the exact balance between driving time, briefing, and breaks depends on the day’s group flow. From the experience rhythm, you can treat it as: more time on the ground than you might guess, and a substantial block of riding that still leaves time to cool down.

A good way to plan your energy is this: you will have a briefing and setup time, you will test-drive, and you will do two main riding sections separated by a swimming break. In at least some cases, the actual riding feels close to about an hour of hands-on time, with other time spent in preparation and stopping.

Group size and base crowding can affect how quickly you start. If you get stuck waiting at the facility lobby while other groups are finishing their test rides and moving out, it can feel slow at first. The upside is you are not rushed into the bikes without learning the basics.

Hotel return: ending the ride without the stress

After the safari, you return to the facility. This is also where the tour wraps in a tidy way: you’ll get the photo/video preview, then the team drops you back to your hotel by bus.

The benefit here is you do not need to arrange transportation after getting wet and dusty. You can focus on recovering and changing clothes without figuring out how to get back on your own.

Photo and video: worth it if you like keepsakes

On your return, you are shown professional video footage and photos taken during the quad ride. These are available for purchase.

This is a nice add-on because quad riding is one of those activities where it feels more exciting than it photographs in your head while you are concentrating on the trail. The captured footage gives you a record of your ride angle, your group line, and the moment you passed through the river area.

If you love keeping vacation proof, it can be an easy yes. If you are trying to control spending, treat it like an optional add-on and decide after you see what’s included and what the pricing is on the day.

What to pack: the small choices that make the ride smoother

This tour has a clear “ride and rinse” pattern. Your packing list is simple, and it’s worth following it.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel

Also think about dust control. The official extra equipment options include mask and sunglasses, but if you want the best chance of staying comfortable, consider goggles so you can see clearly when dust hangs in the air.

For shoes, you may want suitable footwear. The extra equipment list calls out suitable shoes, so if you show up in sandals or thin flip-flops, you will likely feel the ground through your steps after riding and while walking near the base.

And one more thing: keep your hands dry. Water splashes can make grips slippery, and dust can make everything feel gritty. A small towel for wiping your face and goggles can make the ride feel less annoying.

Price and value: what $32 buys you on this kind of day

At about $32 per person, this is positioned as a value-driven adventure. What makes it feel like a good deal is the mix of things you get for that price: hotel pickup/drop-off, helmet, insurance via Allianz, a 250cc quad, and a 20 km route with a river swim break.

The cost still has trade-offs. Food and drinks are not included, so you should expect to handle that separately. If you show up hungry, you’ll feel it during the longer waiting and briefing parts of the day.

So the value question comes down to your travel style:

• If you want an adrenaline hit with minimal planning, this is strong value.
• If you need lots of guided walking stops and a full-service meal plan, this will feel more like an activity than a sightseeing day.

Who should book this quad safari from Side

This quad tour is a great fit if you want an active day without renting your own vehicle. The pickup covers multiple Side-area resorts, and the flow of briefing plus staged riding makes it approachable for many experience levels.

It is also a solid choice for couples, small groups of friends, and even families with teens, as long as the rules fit. Here are the limitations that matter:

• People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV.
• It is not suitable for children under 3 years.
• It is not suitable for pregnant women.
• Pets are not allowed.

If you are traveling with someone nervous about off-road driving, the staged circuit and test-drive are a big plus. If you are the one who loves speed, the return stretch where you can go faster tends to be the part you remember most.

If you are hoping for a quiet nature hike, it is not that kind of outing. This is motion and dust and water breaks.

Booking call: should you sign up for Quad Safari Tour in Side

Book this tour if you want a proper quad experience with real scenery: Koprulu Canyon National Park views and Koprucay River time, plus a longer 20 km ride that justifies the effort of leaving the beach.

I’d skip it if you hate getting dusty or you are uncomfortable riding on uneven terrain. Also, because it is not food-included, plan your day so you are not scrambling for snacks right afterward.

If you do book, do two things that make a big difference: pack a towel + change of clothes, and bring eye protection beyond just sunglasses—goggles can turn dust frustration into a smoother ride.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the quad safari tour?

The duration is listed as 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How far will I ride?

You’ll drive a total of 20 km on the quad bike, including a special circuit for the first 10 km and another 10 km afterward.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel by an air-conditioned bus. Pickup covers several areas around Side, including Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu.

Do I get a helmet?

Yes. You’ll be given a helmet for free at the start of the tour, with an option to purchase additional equipment.

Is insurance included?

Yes. The quad bikes are insured by Allianz.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Are children allowed?

The tour notes that people under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. It is also not suitable for children under 3 years.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not allowed on the tour.