City of Side: Taurus Mountains Guided Buggy Cross Riding

Bumpy fun in the Taurus Mountains. A guided buggy cross tour is a rare mix of simple fun and real adrenaline, with you riding through mountain tracks and taking in big views near Side. You get hotel pickup, quick coaching, and a chance to drive a real machine off-road with tight turns and that rush of speed.

I especially like the ride structure: you get outfitted, do a short practice area first, then head out for 20 kilometers with a clear rhythm (drive, brief stop, drive more). The other big plus is what happens after the ride: you watch the action-packed video of your adventure at the base and can buy it if you want. The only drawback to plan for is comfort and mess level. The seats can feel pretty hard, and the terrain isn’t guaranteed to be a muddy slog every time.

Key highlights worth your attention

• 20 km total off-road driving split into two 10 km circuits
• Tight-curve riding near the Manavgat River with real wind-in-your-hair speed
• Learn by doing: gear up, get basics, then a quick test drive before the main loop
• Video recap after you ride so you can relive the turns immediately
• Shower at the station before you head back to your hotel

Taurus Mountains buggy cross: the kind of thrill that stays simple

This is the kind of tour that makes sense fast. You’re not stuck on a long lesson or a complicated program. You’re in the Taurus Mountains area, you get into your vehicle, and your guide gets you moving.

The ride is built around that off-road feeling: uneven ground, quick changes in direction, and the constant sense that you’re actually doing the driving. It’s also a good choice if you want a mountain experience without spending half your day on winding roads on foot.

And because it’s guided, you’re not trying to figure out the route yourself. You follow the guide’s pace and the cues for safe handling. That means you can focus on the fun instead of the logistics.

Pickup from Side to the base station: quick and easy, not stressful

You’ll be picked up from in front of the security doors of your hotel within the Side area. Then you ride by air-conditioned bus to the base station.

This matters more than it sounds. In Antalya Province, getting out to rural activity areas can eat up energy. Here, the bus does the heavy lifting, so you show up at the base ready to ride rather than worn out from travel.

Once you arrive, you get outfitted with the driving equipment and go through the basics with your guide. There’s also insurance during the tour, which helps you feel more comfortable about the activity being physical and a bit chaotic.

Gear up and learn the buggy cross basics (then prove it fast)

Before you hit the main course, you get coaching. You’ll learn the basics of riding a buggy cross, then you do a quick test drive near the base station.

That short practice phase is worth it. It helps you understand how the vehicle responds before the real mix of curves and changing track conditions. It also builds confidence if you’re new to this style of driving. Even if you’re an experienced driver in normal cars, this is different enough that you’ll appreciate the warm-up.

Your guide also stays close during the ride for direction and safety. The tour runs with a live guide in German, English, or Turkish, so you should be able to understand instructions without guessing.

The main ride: 10 km by the Manavgat River, then a breather

Now for the heart of it: the 20 kilometers of guided buggy cross driving.

First, you head out for 10 kilometers, riding near the Manavgat River. This is where you’ll feel the breeze most clearly. Speed feels more intense when the vehicle is exposed and the air catches you between turns. The track includes tight curves, so you’ll be making quick adjustments, not just cruising in a straight line.

Then you stop for a short break after those 10 kilometers. This pause is a smart part of the experience. It gives your body a reset and gives you a moment to spot what the next stretch might feel like. If you start the tour stiff or tense, that break helps you settle into the rhythm again.

After the stop, you hop back in and complete another 10 kilometers circuit before heading back to the base station.

How wet and dirty will it get? Plan for mud, but don’t bet on it

The tour experience is often described with the words wet and dirty. In real life, that can mean a few different things: light splashes, damp tracks, or more serious mud depending on conditions.

One person noted they didn’t get much mud and only went through a couple of small puddles. So if you’re hoping for a full-on mudbath photo, keep expectations flexible. You will likely get hit by dust and water spray at times—this is off-road driving—but the amount of grime isn’t something you can predict with 100% certainty.

Because of that, I recommend you treat the tour like it will leave marks. Bring clothes you don’t mind ruining, and bring a towel for the ride back.

The seats, the speed, and the small realities of adventure driving

This activity is about movement and adrenaline, not refined comfort.

A downside that came up in feedback: the buggy seating can be quite hard. That’s not “danger,” but it’s enough to make you feel it in the moment, especially if you’re sensitive to discomfort after sitting.

Mechanical hiccups are another real-world consideration with any off-road vehicle. One rider described a situation where their buddy vehicle stopped working multiple times, and the team handled fixes quickly. You can’t eliminate the risk of small breakdowns, but the important part is whether the staff can restart things fast—and in that example, the recovery was handled promptly.

What you can do: go in expecting a bit of bumpiness. If you’re bringing a friend, tell them to wear a shirt they can breathe in, not something stiff or fancy.

Video after the ride: proof you did it, not just a memory

After you return to the base station, you watch the footage of your adventure. It’s action-packed, and it gives you that immediate moment of: yes, that was you flying into those curves.

You can purchase the video if you want, and DVD movie and photos are available for extra cost. Even if you skip buying, watching the recorded clips for your own ride can be a fun way to see your driving line and your reactions.

This part also makes the tour feel complete. You don’t just disappear back to Side. You close the loop with something tangible and entertaining.

Shower at the station: a small detail that makes the tour easier

You’ll have a shower at the station before you return to your hotel in Side.

That’s a huge value add because it changes the whole end of the experience. Without it, you’d be heading back in dusty clothes and feeling grimy all evening. With the shower, you can actually keep your plans after the tour and not feel like you need a full day of recovery.

Price and value: what $34 gives you in the real world

At about $34 per person for a 2-hour experience, this is one of those tours that’s priced for fun rather than luxury.

Here’s what you’re getting without extra fees:

• Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus from your Side hotel area
• Buggy and driving equipment
• A guided 20 km buggy cross ride
• Insurance during the tour

That combination matters because transportation and equipment are usually where “cheap” tours hide costs. Here, the core pieces are covered.

What you’ll likely pay for or bring yourself:

• Food and drinks (not included)
• DVD movie and photos (available at extra cost)
• Extra equipment like sunglasses and a mask (listed as not included, even though sunglasses are also on the bring list)
• A safe box

So the value math comes down to you: if you want an adrenaline activity, this price is fairly fair. If you’re hoping to also buy the video and photos, budget a bit more. Also, don’t forget to eat before you go, since you won’t be buying a meal during the ride.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is best for people who enjoy:

• Off-road driving and quick-turn excitement
• Being a little wet and dirty
• A guided activity that doesn’t require special skills

It’s not built for everyone.

Children under 15 can’t drive the buggy, though they can ride as passengers. That’s important if you’re bringing a teen and assuming they can handle the controls.

It’s listed as not suitable for:

• Children under 3 years
• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• People with heart problems

There’s also a “wheelchair accessible” label, but the activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If mobility is a factor for you, I’d treat that as a “confirm first” situation with the operator before booking.

Also, pets aren’t allowed.

What to bring: my practical checklist for staying comfortable

Bring what you need to survive both the ride and the return.

From what the tour calls out, I’d pack:

• Comfortable shoes (closed-toe, secure fit)
• Sunglasses (for glare and dust)
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Clothes that can get dirty

That last point sounds obvious, but it changes your attitude on the day. If you show up in clothes you’re worried about, you’ll spend the ride anxious about damage. If you show up in “it’s fine if this gets wrecked” clothes, you’ll enjoy the driving.

Also consider a simple plan for photos and video: if your hair and face get dusty, bring wipes or plan to rely on the shower.

A quick note on timing and language

The duration is about 2 hours, and starting times depend on availability. You’ll want to check the schedule that fits your day in Side.

Guides speak German, English, and Turkish, which helps if you’re not traveling with a group fluent in one language.

Should you book the Taurus Mountains buggy cross tour from Side?

I think you should book it if you want a short, guided adrenaline hit with a clear payoff: you drive 20 km, you get coaching before the main course, and you leave with a video recap and a shower. For many people, that combination is the sweet spot—fun plus convenience.

Skip it (or ask hard questions before booking) if comfort is your top priority, since the seats can feel hard, and you should expect a bumpy ride. Also skip it if you’re in any category listed as not suitable, especially heart issues or pregnancy.

If you’re excited by the idea of tight curves near the Manavgat River and you don’t mind getting splashed, this is a strong way to spend a couple hours in the Taurus Mountains area.

FAQ

How long is the buggy cross tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

Where do you get picked up?

Pickup is included from in front of the security doors of your hotel within the Side area.

How much driving do you do?

You drive 20 kilometers total on a guided route, split into two 10-kilometer sections.

Do you get to learn how to ride before the main route?

Yes. You get outfitted with equipment, learn the basics from your guide, and do a quick test drive near the base station before the main ride.

Is there a break during the ride?

Yes. After the first 10 kilometers, you stop for a short break before completing the final 10-kilometer circuit.

What happens after the ride ends?

At the station, you watch the footage of your ride. You can purchase the video and/or DVD movie and photos for an extra cost. You also have a shower before returning to your hotel.

Can children drive the buggy?

Children under 15 are not permitted to drive the buggy, but they can ride as passengers.

What should I bring and avoid?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a change of clothes, a towel, and clothes that can get dirty. Pets are not allowed.