This tour is all about adrenaline and big nature views in one go, with a real 20 km quad ride around the Koprucay River. I particularly like the way the route mixes canyon scenery with actual water time, so it feels more than a quick driving loop. My only heads-up: you may spend some time waiting before you roll out, and dust can be a factor unless you come prepared.

I also love the simple setup: you’re picked up and dropped off by an air-conditioned bus, and the whole thing is run with safety briefings plus Allianz insurance. You get a helmet on arrival, and the guide keeps the ride organized so you don’t feel like you’re wrestling a bunch of ATVs at once.

One more consideration: it’s not an action-movie stunt session. The ride is mostly steady driving (no big tricks promised), so if you’re chasing jumps and drifting, you might feel slightly under-stimulated.

Key Points I’d Plan Around

• 20 km quad route near the Koprucay River in Koprulu Canyon area
• First 10 km special circuit plus a river swimming break
• Helmets included and Allianz-insured quad experience
• Hotel pickup/drop-off across Side and nearby resorts
• Professional photo and video offered at the facility afterward
• Dust and waiting are the two practical things to manage

Getting From Side to Koprulu Canyon: Pickup, Briefing, and Helmet Fit

Your day starts with a hotel pickup in Side and nearby areas like Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu. The transfer is in an air-conditioned bus, which matters because the safari itself is messy in a good way, with dust and water, and you’ll want to start comfortable.

Once you’re on the way, you’ll get a safety briefing for driving the quad. This is where the tour earns trust: there’s an emphasis on how to control the bike, where to ride, and what to avoid. On top of that, the experience includes insurance by Allianz, which gives you peace of mind that the operators think about risk management, not just excitement.

When you arrive, helmets are provided and you’ll usually do a short test-drive around the facility so you can get your bearings fast. This is one of the small steps that makes the big difference. If you’re new to quad bikes, that practice moment helps you avoid the awkward first minute jitters.

If you’re thinking about what to wear, keep it simple. You’ll want sunglasses (the sun can be strong), swimwear, and a towel plus a change of clothes. If you’re thinking about bringing extra items like a bandana, mask, or sunglasses, know there’s an option to purchase extra equipment on-site, so you’re not stuck if you forget.

Your 250cc Quad: How the Route Works and Why the River Circuit Matters

The core of the experience is your time on a 250cc quad bike. The tour is built around a 20 km driving route, but it’s the way those kilometers are arranged that makes it feel like more than a straight line.

Here’s how it runs: you start with a specially set circuit for the first 10 km, and that’s tied to the most refreshing part of the day—there’s a swimming break during the river segment. After that, you continue for another 10 km in and around the river area. This second stretch keeps the momentum going, so you don’t feel like you’re parked waiting for the real fun to begin.

One helpful note: the tour includes guided handling of the experience, which means you’re not left to figure it out on your own. You follow the route your guide sets, and the bikes are driven in a way that keeps the group moving.

Based on firsthand experiences people share, the pace can include faster stretches on the return trip. That’s great if you like speed, but it’s also a reminder to stick with the line and don’t try to out-drive the group. Quad rides go well when everyone plays nice with the same rhythm.

Koprucay River and Koprulu Canyon Views: What You’ll See on the Ride

The scenery is the quiet reason people keep booking this safari. You’re riding in and around the Koprucay River, within the wider Koprulu Canyon National Park area, which is known for its canyon scenery and water sports zone.

On your route you’ll see turquoise waters, canyons, and ancient landmarks in the broader area. You’ll also have a chance to pause for the swim break, which is not just a break from the bike—it’s a reset from the heat and dust that come with quad riding. That river moment is often the part people remember most clearly because it feels like a mini escape inside the ride.

The ride also tends to include moments where you’re driving through the river itself. When you hit that water portion, the texture of the day changes. It’s still about controlling the quad, but the environment is more dynamic, and that makes the experience feel more alive than a plain dirt track.

Do note one reality check from the experience style: it’s mostly driving. People who went in expecting lots of stunt moves sometimes feel the track is pretty straightforward. The trade-off is that the course stays smooth enough for most riders to enjoy without needing technical bike skills.

Timing, Waiting, and Dust Control: Practical Tips That Make the Day Better

Let’s talk logistics that can make or break your mood.

A common issue is waiting time at the start. Some people report that there were more participants than the number of bikes ready at once, which can mean you’ll hang around until other groups finish their initial test ride and head out. If you’re the kind of person who gets grumpy when a schedule slides, this is your heads-up.

You can reduce the stress by preparing mentally. Plan for a delay at the facility before you ride. Bring bottled water if you can, and use the time to organize your gear: towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, and a plan for where your dry clothes will go.

Dust is the other big practical point. One experience tip that keeps coming up: get goggles. If you only bring sunglasses, you’ll probably still notice how dusty the air can get, and it can limit visibility during certain stretches. Goggles help you keep your eyes comfortable, and they make the ride more enjoyable rather than something you endure.

There’s also a “how should this feel?” moment. Some riders report a bike running hot and a smell of petrol from the engine area. That doesn’t mean your ride will be like theirs, but it’s worth knowing what to expect if you’re sensitive to heat or odors. A simple tactic from those experiences: keep your leg positioned up and away from hot parts while you ride.

Finally, one more note: the route can feel monotonous to some people because it’s primarily a guided ride with few chances for showy maneuvers. The fun comes from the duration, the river segment, the speed moments, and the scenery—not from big tricks.

Photo and Video After the Ride: Worth It or Just a Sales Stop?

After you return to the facility, the tour includes a photo and video moment. You’ll be shown professional video footage and photos that were captured while you were on your quad. These are available for purchase.

This is fairly common on quad safaris, but it can be genuinely useful. If you’re wearing a helmet and dust gear, you might not get great self-records during the ride. The official media gives you a way to remember yourself driving in the river and canyon area without having to risk your own phone or camera.

What to watch for is how you feel about the sales pitch. The tour does include the viewing step, and that can take a bit of time. If you’re not interested in buying, you’ll want to keep your expectations simple: treat it as a bonus, not a requirement.

Who Should Go: Ages, Health, and Rider Comfort

This is a fun ride, but it’s still a real driving activity. The operator sets clear limits, and you should follow them.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 years old, and it also isn’t suitable for pregnant women. People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV, which matters if you’re traveling with teens and you were hoping everyone could drive.

Pets are not allowed, so plan accordingly if you’re staying with animals.

On comfort, think ahead. You’re going to get sandy and wet at times. Bring a towel, swimwear, and a change of clothes. If you hate feeling sticky, you’ll love the chance to freshen up right after.

If you like outdoor speed and want to experience Koprulu Canyon National Park area from a quad bike (not just on foot), this is a good match. If you’re looking for a calm sightseeing day with long stops and guided history explanations, you might find this experience focused more on riding than on slow culture time.

Price and Value: Is $32 Worth It for 20 km?

At $32 per person, this quad safari looks like a budget-friendly thrill—especially because the value isn’t just the ride. You also get hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus, a live tour guide, an Allianz-insured setup, and the fact that you’re driving a quad for a defined route of 20 km.

The biggest “value” question is what you’ll actually get for the money: will it feel like a short thrill, or will you feel like you rode enough to justify it?

From what people report, the total tour length is around 4 hours, with the actual driving sometimes feeling like about an hour depending on timing and group flow. Even if the ride time feels shorter than you’d imagine, the included water circuit plus the scenery makes it feel more complete than a quick local drive.

Also, because the ride includes a river swimming break and a defined circuit for the first 10 km, it’s not just 20 km of dirt. The mix of water and canyon scenery is what makes it feel worth booking at this price point.

Should You Book the City of Side Quad Safari Tour?

You should book if you want an active day with real quad time, a river circuit, and views around Koprulu Canyon National Park without spending a fortune. It’s a strong choice for couples, friends, and solo riders who are comfortable following a guide, handling dust, and getting a little wet.

Hold off if you need a highly relaxed day, hate waiting around at the start, or expect lots of stunt-style quad driving. This ride is about controlled fun and scenic routing, not guaranteed jumps and drifting.

If you do book, pack like a pro: bring swimwear, towel, a change of clothes, and strongly consider goggles for the dust. Plan for a bit of waiting before you roll out, and you’ll feel much more satisfied with the whole day.

FAQ

What is the duration of the quad safari tour from Side?

The tour duration is listed as 4 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the specific departure.

How long is the quad route?

You’ll drive a total of 20 km on a 250cc quad bike around the Koprucay River area.

Do I get picked up and dropped off from my hotel?

Yes. The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off by an air-conditioned bus, with pickup from multiple areas including Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu.

Is insurance included?

Yes. The quad bikes are insured by Allianz.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. A free helmet is provided, and you have the option to purchase additional equipment.

What should I bring with me?

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

Who can ride on an ATV?

The activity 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 or for pregnant women.