City of Side: Quad Safari Tour

The best part of this 20 km quad safari is the setting: you are not circling a small dirt lot near the resort. You ride around the Koprucay River in Koprulu Canyon National Park, with turquoise water, canyon scenery, and an actual swimming stop along the route. The 250cc quad bikes give the outing enough power to feel exciting without turning it into a stunt show.

I like the easy hotel pickup and drop-off, and I like that the route includes a cooling swim break after the first 10 km. The price is also fair at $32 per person, especially since transport, a guide, a helmet, and Allianz insurance are included. The main drawback is that the total four-hour outing can include waiting at the quad center, and the riding itself may feel fairly steady rather than full of jumps or drifting.

Key points at a glance

• 20 km beside and through the Koprucay River: The route is split into two 10 km sections, with a swim stop in between.
• 250cc quad bikes with a practice ride: You get time to test the ATV before joining the main group.
• Koprulu Canyon National Park scenery: Expect canyon views, turquoise water, ancient landmarks, and dusty off-road tracks.
• Hotel transfers from Side-area resorts: Pickup is available from Titreyen Gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu.
• A practical $32 package: Transport, guide support, helmet use, and Allianz insurance are covered, while food, drinks, goggles, and photos cost extra.
• Best for older children and adults: Anyone under 16 may only ride in the back seat, and the activity is not suitable for children under 3 or pregnant women.

From Side resorts to Koprulu Canyon

Your day starts with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned bus. The service covers many of the main resort areas around Side, including Titreyen Gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu.

That transfer matters because Koprulu Canyon National Park is well away from the beach hotels. You do not need to arrange a taxi or find the quad center yourself, and the return ride is included after the safari. Check your exact pickup time when booking, since the experience lasts four hours but has several possible starting times.

The bus ride is also when you receive the basic safety briefing. Guides speak English, German, and Russian, so you can ask questions in one of those languages before getting on the ATV. The company says the quad bikes are insured by Allianz, which adds useful peace of mind for an activity involving dust, water, and uneven ground.

Once you arrive, you receive a helmet. Extra items such as a bandana, face mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes are not included, so bring what you already have or budget to purchase equipment at the center.

Getting comfortable on the 250cc quads

You are not expected to race off immediately. The staff first explain how to operate the quad and allow a test ride around the facility. This short practice is important if you have never handled an all-terrain vehicle, or if you simply need a few minutes to get used to the throttle, steering, and brakes.

The quad bikes are 250cc models. That is enough for a lively ride on the marked route, but this is a guided group safari, not a free-for-all. You follow the leader and keep to the route, which helps the group move safely through the countryside.

One practical point is worth knowing before you arrive: this is not presented as a technical off-road course. The route has a special circuit for the first 10 km, and the ride is designed to let you enjoy speed, dust, water, and scenery rather than practice stunts. You should not expect big jumps, drifting, or obstacle-course tricks.

That may disappoint someone looking for a high-risk motorsport session. For most people, it is a better arrangement. You get the thrill of handling a motorized vehicle while the guide keeps the group together. The ride can still feel fast, especially on the return section, but you are not left to make your own route.

The first 10 km through river country

The opening riding section covers roughly 10 km. You travel in and around the Koprucay River, through the natural setting of Koprulu Canyon National Park. The key appeal is the change of scenery: dusty tracks, canyon views, blue-green water, and open stretches where you can settle into the rhythm of the quad.

The description says you will drive in the river, so expect water to be part of the experience rather than something you only look at. This is why swimwear and a change of clothes belong in your day bag. You should also bring a towel.

The route includes views of ancient landmarks, although this is not an archaeological tour. The emphasis is on movement and scenery, with the canyon and river providing the setting. If you want long explanations about ancient sites, this is not the right activity. If you like seeing outdoor scenery while doing something active, the combination works well.

Dust is one of the less glamorous parts of the day. A bandana, mask, or goggles can make the ride more comfortable, especially when the group is moving along dry tracks. Sunglasses are on the recommended packing list, but ordinary sunglasses may not seal out dust as well as proper protective goggles.

You may also find that the group rides in a fairly regular line. That keeps the tour controlled, but it means you have limited freedom to choose your own pace. The experience is built around following the guide, not setting off alone.

The river swim stop

After the first 10 km, the group stops by the river for a swim. This is more than a photo pause. After a dusty motor ride in the sun, cold river water gives you a chance to cool down before getting back on the ATV.

Bring swimwear under your riding clothes if that is convenient, along with a towel and dry clothes for the return. The water can feel cold, which is refreshing after the first section but may not suit anyone looking for a warm, leisurely swim.

The stop also breaks up the four-hour outing. Without it, the ride could feel repetitive, particularly for anyone who does not often ride quad bikes. You get time to look at the canyon setting without an engine running beneath you, then return to the activity with a fresh stretch of route ahead.

Keep your expectations practical. The supplied details do not promise a long beach-style stop, a meal, or organized water activities. It is a swimming break within the safari, not a separate river excursion.

The second 10 km and the faster return

After the swim, you continue for another 10 km in and around the river. This gives the outing a clear beginning, middle, and finish: practice first, ride and swim in the middle, then a second riding section before returning to the base.

The return section may feel quicker because you already understand the quad and the route style. The group can reach higher speeds on suitable stretches, but you still need to follow the guide and maintain your place in line.

This is where the activity’s character becomes clear. It is energetic and dusty, but controlled. You get an adrenaline rush from handling the ATV in nature, not from dramatic jumps or advanced driving. That makes it a good fit if you want an active half-day away from the hotel without committing to a technical driving course.

One rider reported that a quad became hot and leaked petrol near the engine, requiring a raised leg to avoid the heat. That is not something you should ignore. If your ATV feels unusually hot, smells strongly of fuel, or seems unsafe, tell the guide immediately and stop rather than trying to push on. The same rider still enjoyed the route, but the incident is a useful reminder to pay attention to the machine.

Photos, videos, and the ride back to Side

At the quad center, staff show professional video footage and photographs taken during the ride. These are available for purchase, but they are not part of the $32 price.

That sales point is common on motor activities, and the photos can be a useful souvenir if you want an image of yourself riding through the river country. If you prefer to keep costs down, treat them as optional. The included experience is the ride itself, not a DVD or photo package.

The air-conditioned bus then takes you back to your hotel. Remember that the advertised four hours covers the full activity, including transfers, briefing, preparation, possible waiting, riding, swimming, and the photo presentation. The actual time on the quad can feel shorter than four hours.

At busy times, there may be waiting at the facility while other groups complete their test rides and begin their route. One account described too many people for the number of quads available at that moment. If you dislike delays, ask about the starting time and be prepared for the schedule to move at a relaxed pace.

What $32 really covers

At $32 per person, this is a good-value half-day activity if you want transport and equipment handled for you. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the 20 km quad route, an expert guide, a helmet, and Allianz insurance.

You still need to account for the extras. Food and drinks are not included, and neither are bandanas, masks, sunglasses, suitable shoes, DVDs, or photos. Bring your own water and protective eyewear if permitted by the operator, and wear clothes and shoes you do not mind getting dusty or wet.

The value is strongest for visitors staying in Side-area hotels who would otherwise need to arrange transport to the canyon. It is also useful for couples or families with older teenagers who want a shared activity rather than another passive sightseeing trip.

The price is less attractive if you want a private ride, a small group, or complete freedom to choose your own route. The tour is guided and organized around a group line. You are paying for a set outdoor experience, not a private ATV rental.

Who should book this safari

I would choose this tour if you want a lively break from the resort and like the idea of mixing driving with river scenery. It suits adults, older teenagers, and anyone comfortable with dust, noise, sun, and getting wet.

It is especially good for:

• People staying in the listed Side resort areas
• First-time quad riders who want a practice session and guide support
• Families with teenagers aged 16 or older who can ride their own quad
• Couples looking for an active half-day outing
• Anyone who values included transport and a clear $32 price

You should think twice if you dislike group activities, cold water, dusty roads, or waiting around at an activity center. The ride is not designed for advanced quad skills, big jumps, or independent exploration.

Anyone under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. The activity is not suitable for children under 3 or pregnant women. Those restrictions are important when planning a family booking.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around the safari.

Should you book the Koprucay River quad tour?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, energetic outing with a real setting rather than a short ride on a resort track. The strongest features are the 20 km route, the Koprulu Canyon views, the river swim, hotel transfers, and the chance to ride a capable 250cc quad with guide support.

Go in with the right expectations. You may wait before riding, the route follows a group line, dust is part of the deal, and the riding is more about steady speed and scenery than stunts. Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, and protective gear if you have it. With those details handled, this is a solid choice for adding some outdoor excitement to a Side holiday.

FAQ

How long does the quad safari last?

The full activity lasts four hours. This includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the safety briefing, quad preparation, the 20 km ride, the swimming break, and the return to the facility.

How far do you ride the quad?

The advertised route covers 20 km. It is divided into two sections of about 10 km, with a swimming stop between them.

Where does the tour pick up?

Pickup is available from hotels in Titreyen Gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, and Gundogdu.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guide support is available in English, German, and Russian.

Is a helmet included?

Yes. A helmet is included, along with Allianz insurance and an expert tour guide.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel. Food, drinks, extra equipment, and photos are not included.

Can children ride the quad bikes?

People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. The activity is not suitable for children under 3.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-pay-later option is also available.