REVIEW · SIDE
City of Side: Quad Safari Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by River Quad Safari · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Quad safari energy starts fast.
This one hits the sweet spot of adrenaline and real scenery: you ride 20 km on a 250cc quad around the Koprucay River and the canyon area. I also like that you get an early practice run so you’re not totally guessing. The main drawback to plan for is dust and some waiting before you get moving, plus the track is mostly ride-and-follow, not stunt-style chaos.
The logistics are simple. You get hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus, and the operators hand you a free helmet after a safety briefing. One more consideration: the ride includes a river moment and a swimming break, so pack properly or you’ll end up uncomfortable for the rest of the tour.
In This Review
- Key Highlights I’d Focus On
- Side to Koprucay: How the Tour Really Starts
- The Quads, the Safety Briefing, and Allianz Insurance
- Entering Koprulu Canyon: The 20 km Route You’ll Actually Ride
- The River Splash Break: Fun in the Water, Dust After
- Riding Expectations: Adrenaline Yes, Stunts No
- Helmets, Extra Gear, and What to Bring From Day One
- Pickup Areas, Group Flow, and Timing Reality
- Photos and Video: Worth It, Not Required
- Price and Value: Is $32 Good for This Quad Safari?
- Who Should Book This (and Who Might Want to Skip)
- Should You Book the City of Side Quad Safari Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the quad safari tour?
- How far do you ride on the quad bikes?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- Do I get a helmet?
- What should I bring for the river and quad ride?
- Is food included?
Key Highlights I’d Focus On
- 20 km quad route around the Koprucay River area
- Koprulu Canyon National Park views while you ride
- First 10 km special circuit with a designated swimming break
- 250cc quad bikes with a safety briefing before you head out
- Allianz-insured activity and an expert guide with live instruction
- Air-conditioned bus pickup from Side-area resorts like Titreyen gol, Sorgun, and Evrenseki
Side to Koprucay: How the Tour Really Starts
Most quad safaris live or die on the first hour, and this one keeps it fairly straightforward. You’re picked up from your hotel in Side or nearby resort areas (Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, Gundogdu, and more) and taken toward Koprulu Canyon National Park.
Once you arrive, you’ll see the rhythm: check-in, helmet pickup, and then groups stagger out. If you’re hoping to jump on immediately, it helps to know there can be some waiting if there are lots of people and limited quads. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it is part of the reality of a popular activity.
You’ll get a short driving briefing before you head out. The goal is simple: you learn the basics quickly, you get a helmet, and then you ride.
Other Side tours we've reviewed in Side
The Quads, the Safety Briefing, and Allianz Insurance
This tour uses 250cc quad bikes, and there’s a dedicated safety briefing before you ride. That matters here because the route includes water time and dirt tracks, so you don’t want to learn by trial and error.
A big practical win is that the activity is insured by Allianz. You still should ride with common sense, but knowing the operation carries insurance takes some pressure off. The guide is also there to keep you on the course and moving with the group.
Before you hit the main route, you’ll likely get a chance to test-drive around the facility area. From how the day tends to unfold, this practice run is where you’ll quickly learn how your quad handles in slower turns and uneven ground.
Entering Koprulu Canyon: The 20 km Route You’ll Actually Ride
The headliner is a 20 km quad safari in and around the Koprucay River, with canyon views and plenty of open nature. The ride area is connected to Koprulu Canyon National Park, which is one reason the scenery doesn’t feel like you’re just driving around a parking-lot track.
Here’s the structure you should expect:
- You drive through the area with a guided flow of the group.
- The route includes a special section early on and then transitions into longer stretches back around the river.
The operational pattern is split into two main phases on the route. First, you go through a designed first 10 km circuit, and then you continue with another 10 km around the river area.
If you’re the type who likes to see big dramatic scenery every few minutes, you’re in luck. This is not a “mile after mile of flat nothing.” You’ll get views tied to the canyon and waterway as you go.
The River Splash Break: Fun in the Water, Dust After
The best moment on the itinerary is the river part, because it’s where the safari stops being just fast driving and turns into a real break. On the first 10 km circuit, you’ll be shown the route and then there’s a swimming break.
In practice, that break is one of the nicest resets in the day. Even if you’re not planning to swim hard, it’s a chance to cool off after dirt, engine warmth, and bumpy riding.
Now for the reality check: dust. Quad rides in dry areas can kick up a lot of grit, and if you don’t protect your eyes, you’ll feel it quickly. I’d strongly recommend bringing goggles or something similar, even though they’re not listed as included here. Sunglasses help, but dust can still be rough, especially during longer stretches.
Also, plan for how you’ll handle the “in and out” of the water moment. You’ll want swimwear underneath your riding setup, and you’ll want a towel and a change of clothes so you don’t spend the rest of the tour damp and chilly.
Riding Expectations: Adrenaline Yes, Stunts No
I’m going to be honest about what this experience is—and what it isn’t. This is an outdoor quad route where you follow a guided line, not a freestyle playground.
The ride is intense in the fun way: you zoom along dirt paths, you feel the speed, and you get that “engine under you” thrill. Some sections on the return can feel faster when the guide allows you to go full speed, but the key point is that this still isn’t built around jumps, drifting, or stunt lines.
If you’re hoping for a track with lots of showoff moments, you may find it fairly straightforward. People who love the pure riding vibe tend to be the happiest here.
Other quad & buggy tours we've reviewed in Side
Helmets, Extra Gear, and What to Bring From Day One
The tour includes a free helmet, and you’ll be able to purchase additional equipment if you want it. If you’re short on time deciding what matters, here’s my take: the core is sun and dust protection plus comfort for the water break.
What to bring (from the tour info):
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Change of clothes
- Towel
Also consider extra eye protection beyond sunglasses. Dust is a common frustration on quad rides, and if you can keep it out of your eyes and reduce the grit in your vision, you’ll enjoy more of the route instead of squinting through it.
Shoes are another important one. Suitable shoes are listed as an extra you may need, and it makes sense. You’ll be riding over uneven ground, so wear something stable and closed-toe rather than sandals.
One more note for comfort: if your quad feels warm or you notice strong heat from the engine area while you ride, don’t fight it. Adjust your posture, keep control, and focus on staying smooth with the throttle.
Pickup Areas, Group Flow, and Timing Reality
The official tour length is 4 hours. That includes pickup, driving time to the park area, briefing, test ride, the main quad route, and the return to the facility and then back to your hotel.
The part that can surprise you is the amount of waiting before your specific group rides. If the operator has multiple teams and limited quads, you may hang around at the check-in area until your turn comes up.
Once you’re out, the driving time feels like the main event. On the ground, you’ll likely spend a meaningful chunk of that 4 hours actually riding, but you should still treat the first phase as “get ready and line up.”
Also note the tour guide operates in multiple languages: German, English, and Russian. If your language matters to you, it’s worth checking availability and then showing up a bit early so you can ask quick questions before you start.
Photos and Video: Worth It, Not Required
When you return to the facility, you’ll be shown professional video footage and photos taken during your quad ride. Purchasing is optional, but if you want a souvenir without handling a camera yourself, this is your chance.
For many people, the quad ride is over too fast to capture clean memories. These photo/video packages can be a way to actually remember the route, the river stop, and the overall vibe without trying to do it on a phone with dust flying.
Price and Value: Is $32 Good for This Quad Safari?
At $32 per person, the value here comes from what’s included, not just the headline price.
You get:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus
- 20 km quad bike driving
- Allianz insurance
- An expert guide
- A free helmet
When you add it up, this is a full on-the-ground service. You’re not just paying for a quad rental; you’re paying for the guided routing, safety structure, and the logistics that bring you from Side-area hotels out to the canyon/river region and back.
The main costs you might still face are extras:
- swimwear and a towel are essential for comfort
- additional gear may be offered for purchase
- photos/video are optional, and you’ll be tempted if you like proof of fun
If you want pure value for an active day without paying for a private guide, this price makes sense. If you’re ultra-sensitive to waiting times or dust, you’ll need to prepare more carefully—or you might feel the “cost” in comfort rather than dollars.
Who Should Book This (and Who Might Want to Skip)
This quad safari makes the most sense for you if you:
- want a guided quad ride with a structured route
- like the combination of canyon scenery plus water time
- enjoy speed and dirt-road riding, not just sightseeing
It’s a less perfect match if:
- you’re expecting a stunt-heavy track with lots of freestyle moves
- you hate waiting and want a perfectly timed minute-by-minute experience
- dust in your eyes is a dealbreaker without the right protection
There are also clear limitations from the tour info:
- People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV
- Not suitable for children under 3 years
- Not suitable for pregnant women
- Pets are not allowed
Should You Book the City of Side Quad Safari Tour?
Yes, if you want one of the more affordable ways to get real quad time with canyon-and-river scenery, plus an included helmet and the basic safety structure. The 20 km distance and the river swim break make it feel like a full experience rather than a short photo stop.
I’d book it if your goal is simple: ride, see the Koprucay/Koprulu area, cool off in the water, and come back tired in a good way.
Skip it or adjust expectations if you’re mainly chasing stunt tricks or if you’re not ready to handle dust. Bring eye protection, pack your towel and change of clothes, and plan for some waiting before your group heads out.
FAQ
How long is the quad safari tour?
The tour duration is about 4 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the specific time slot.
How far do you ride on the quad bikes?
You’ll drive a total of 20 km, including a first 10 km circuit and then another 10 km around the river area.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. You get pickup and drop-off from hotels by an air-conditioned bus in Side and nearby areas including Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu.
Do I get a helmet?
Yes. A helmet is provided for free. You can also purchase additional equipment if you want more gear.
What should I bring for the river and quad ride?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel.
Is food included?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
