Dust in your hair, smiles on your faces. This quad-bike excursion from the Side area gets you off the coastal track and up into the Taurus foothills, where you’ll ride rocky trails, pine forest, and muddy dirt lanes. I really like how much actual time on the quad you get (70 minutes), and I also like that the team builds in clear training before you go anywhere sketchy, with instructors available in English and Russian (and guides like Mete and Usman have been praised for making it smooth).

One possible drawback to plan for: cameras aren’t allowed, and the official photo and video sales at the end can feel pricey, so decide ahead of time if you want those souvenirs.

Quick hits: what makes this quad safari work

• 70 minutes of quad time on a roughly 24 km route through forest trails and valleys
• Hotel pickup and drop-off with the drive to the starting point (about 60 minutes from the city)
• Training first, including safety gear and driving tips for first-timers
• Mud, puddles, and bumps are part of the fun, so dress for getting messy
• Breaks for photos are built into the ride, but don’t expect to film on your own camera
• Official photos/videos for sale after the ride, with prices that can be hit-or-miss

Why the Side-to-Taurus quad route feels different

Antalya’s coast is easy to romanticize: sea, promenades, and that famous Mediterranean glow. This trip flips the script. You trade beachfront scenery for Taurus foothills—dusty trails, pine trees, valleys, and the kind of uneven ground that keeps your attention glued to the path.

What I like most is that this isn’t a quick thrill with a token ride. You get a meaningful chunk of driving time, plus the route is long enough (about 24 km) that it feels like you’re actually exploring rather than doing loops around a parking lot. The ride also has a real “out there” feel because you’re on tracks that are hard for regular vehicles to reach, which is exactly what you want from a quad safari.

For first-timers, it helps that you’re not thrown straight into chaos. You get a briefing, helmet use, and instruction before you start, and the guides are focused on keeping everyone on track.

Hotel pickup to the starting point: the drive sets expectations

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel. You’ll wait at the main security gate about 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup. If your hotel entrance is awkward or not directly reachable, you’ll be told where the nearest pickup point is.

Then you’ll ride by coach toward the quad area, roughly 60 minutes from the city. This matters more than it sounds. By the time you arrive, you’re not just excited—you’re also ready for the shift from pavement to dirt. In practice, the transfer is also one of those “hidden” parts of value: you don’t have to figure out transport, parking, or directions on a day you’ll be dusty later anyway.

Tip: wear something you don’t mind getting wrecked. Even if the quad portion is the star, the transfer day can still involve dust and mud depending on road and weather conditions.

Briefing, helmets, and instruction that actually helps

Before you get on the quads, there’s a briefing from the instructors. You’re told how to use the safety equipment and the basics of driving technique—especially important because this terrain is bumpy and full of obstacles and puddles on some routes.

I like that this tour doesn’t treat quad biking like a mysterious extreme sport. If it’s your first time, you’re still set up to ride confidently. That’s a big deal for value, because you’re paying for training and insurance as part of the package, not just a bike rental.

One more detail: the tour has instructors speaking English and Russian. If you prefer to understand the rules clearly (rather than guess), this helps you avoid that awkward moment of nodding while you’re not totally sure what’s coming next.

The first minutes on the quad: controlled fun for real beginners

The ride is adrenaline-friendly, but it’s not a free-for-all. In fact, one review noted that the driving pace can feel pretty controlled, including a sense that you won’t be going fast on smoother sections. That’s not necessarily bad. For beginners, controlled speed often means fewer slips, fewer panicked starts, and more time learning the throttle and braking without white-knuckle surprises.

What you should expect from the start is a learning curve. Obstacles and uneven ground mean you’ll be doing more “micro-corrections” than you might on a paved road. And yes, you’ll likely feel the route in your legs and shoulders after a while—part of the point, if you came for an off-road experience.

Riding the Taurus trails: dirt tracks, mud, and pine forest

Now for the main event: your 70 minutes of quad biking over a 24 km route. The terrain is the selling point. You’ll go through a mix of dusty paths, pine forest, and valleys, plus moving mud areas that can catch you off guard if you’re expecting dry dirt the entire time.

There are also breaks during the route. These aren’t just stand-around moments. They’re useful for photos and for catching your breath before the terrain gets rough again. Depending on the route that day, you might even get a chance to swim—so your best bet is to assume you could get wet somewhere along the ride.

Dress for impact, not for style:

• Comfortable clothes you can get muddy
• Comfortable shoes that grip well
• Something to protect your eyes from dust

From the reviews, a repeated practical suggestion is bringing glasses or a mask (or buying one from the team if needed). Dust and wind can make visibility tricky, especially when you’re bouncing and braking through dirt and puddles.

Breaks, photos, and the camera rules you must know

Here’s a key thing to plan around: cameras aren’t allowed. That changes the whole vibe. You’re riding, not documenting with your phone or camera while you go.

So how do you get souvenirs? The tour provides an official photo/video package at the end of the activity. You’ll be able to view and purchase them at an extra cost. Based on experiences shared, the pricing can vary depending on what you choose—one person called out around 10 euros per item, while another mentioned paying about £50 for a complete set of pictures and videos for their group.

My advice: decide in your budget whether these are worth it for you. If you’re mainly chasing the physical experience, you might skip the photo upsell. If you want proof you did it (and you hate trying to take blurry shots while your quad shakes your hands), it could be a fun splurge.

Also watch for wind-blown dust during breaks. If you bring a towel or even a basic face covering, you’ll thank yourself later.

The wet-and-dusty reality check (so you don’t regret your outfit)

By the end of the route, your quad will be wet and dusty—and you’ll probably be the same. One review described the bumpy, obstacle-filled nature of the ride, with muddy puddles that get you wet up to the knees depending on conditions.

What that means for you: don’t wear anything you’re emotionally attached to. Leave your nice shoes at home. Also skip anything that can trap dust heavily (or you’ll spend the evening scrubbing it out).

A few more practical points that came up:

• Bring water or snacks if you like having them on hand. Venue prices can be high.
• If you’re surprised by lockers at the end (and you are traveling with personal items), know that locker use is provided inside.
• If you’re sensitive to wind and dust, glasses or a mask are worth the small extra effort.

And yes, if your bus/coach looks a little dirty on the transfer day, that’s often just the reality of a dusty excursion schedule. Dress accordingly.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $44 per person, this quad safari is priced as a full activity package, not just a rental. You get:

• Free hotel transfer (pickup and return)
• Training before riding
• Full insurance
• Helmet
• Fuel included
• 70 minutes on the quad

That combination matters. Transport and insurance can easily add cost on your own. Training is also a quiet value booster—without it, first-timers often struggle more and enjoy it less.

The main “hidden” cost is souvenirs. The ride ends with the official photo/video sales, and that’s where you can spend extra if you want the complete set. If you’re budget-minded, treat that as optional and set a ceiling beforehand.

So is it good value? For most people who want a real off-road half-day without renting transport or figuring out safety gear, yes. The ride time and included logistics are the reason.

Who should book this Antalya quad excursion, and who should skip

This experience is a strong match if you want:

• A half-day adrenaline break away from the beach
• A beginner-friendly intro to off-road driving
• A guided route through Taurus foothills with safety briefing and insurance

It’s also ideal if you like messy, physical fun: bumpy tracks, mud, and wind-in-your-face riding.

Skip it if:

• You’re pregnant or have mobility impairments (it’s not suitable)
• You hate getting muddy and dusty
• You want to bring your own camera and record the ride yourself (you can’t)

If you’re traveling with a group of different ages, the ride is set up as a guided activity with safety focus, so it can work for mixed comfort levels—just be honest with yourself about how you handle bumpy terrain.

Should you book the Antalya quad-bike safari in Side forest?

If you want an off-road Taurus experience with included pickup, training, and enough riding time to feel it, this is a solid choice. I’d book it if you’re okay with the “you will get dusty and wet” reality and you’re fine with the fact that your phone camera won’t be part of the fun.

I wouldn’t book it if photo souvenirs are a must-have and you dislike end-of-tour sales, or if you’re hoping for a faster, less controlled ride with smooth sections.

In short: book for the ride, not for the souvenir slideshow.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included for the Antalya quad-bike excursion?

Yes. The tour includes free hotel transfer service, and you should wait at the main security gate about 10 minutes before your pickup time.

How long is the quad biking time?

You’ll ride for 70 minutes on the quad bike during the tour.

How far is the activity location from Antalya?

The starting point is about 60 minutes from the city, and you’ll travel there by coach as part of the experience.

Do I need a driving license to ride?

No. The tour notes that if it’s your first quad biking experience or you don’t have a driving license, you can still participate, with professional instructors providing a tutorial.

What languages are the instructors?

Instructors speak English and Russian.

Are cameras allowed during the ride?

No. Cameras are not allowed, so you’ll rely on the official photos/videos available at the end if you want souvenirs.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. It’s also smart to protect your eyes from dust with glasses or a mask if you have them.

Are official photos and videos included?

No. Official photos and videos are available for purchase at an extra cost after the ride.

Is this activity suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

Can the pickup point be different from the hotel entrance?

Yes. Some hotels can’t be reached directly, so pickup might be at a nearest pickup point that the team will inform you about.

You Might Also Enjoy

From city of Side: Ormana Village Day Tour with LunchAntalya/Kemer: Koprulu Canyon Whitewater Rafting with LunchSailing Day Tour with skipper and private chef in Kas IslandsAntalya Super Combo W/Rafting ,Jeep Safari ,Quad Biking & Zipline