A buggy safari is one of the quickest ways to add adrenaline to Side. This one mixes guided off-road driving with a Koprucay River section that can get you wet.

What I like is the very practical setup: you’re not just dropped onto machines, you get trained and tested first. Another big plus is that you ride with a guide close by, which makes the whole thing feel controlled and safe.

I also appreciate the pace of the day: hotel pickup, a short briefing movie, then practice laps, then a steady guided circuit of about 20 km. Then you get a swim break, so you cool down before the ride wraps up.

One consideration: it’s mostly a convoy-style experience. You’re expected to follow the leader and stay in line, so true speed-chasing isn’t the focus, and some people felt the location details don’t match the way it’s marketed.

Key things that make this safari different

• Two rounds of test driving at the facility so you get comfortable before you hit the route
• Riding alongside the Koprucay River, including sections where you may drive right through the water
• A timed swim break (about 15 minutes) to cool off and reset
• Seat belts + helmet included, plus an always-present guide for peace of mind
• On-site showers and shop access, handy after you get muddy and wet
• Add-on professional photos/DVD available if you want a clean set of memories

Buggy Safari Basics: 20 km near Koprulu Canyon

This is a half-day buggy safari out of Side designed for people who want action without spending the whole day traveling. The core promise is simple: you’ll drive an off-road buggy for about 20 km with a guide, on a set route that takes you through natural areas near Koprulu Canyon National Park.

The starting point is organized and familiar to most tour companies: pickup from your hotel area, then you head to the buggy facility. From there, the day follows a clear rhythm—briefing, practice, ride, and back to your hotel. That structure matters. It keeps first-timers from feeling lost and it reduces the chance you’ll spend your best energy trying to figure out the vehicle.

The vibe here is “fun and controlled.” You’re not doing a free-for-all. You’re following instructions, staying in a line, and keeping the group together. If you want a thrill ride that feels like a moving obstacle course, this can deliver. If you’re expecting a high-speed motor-sport track experience, you might find it more mellow.

Getting Ready: film, helmets, and practice laps before the route

Before any real driving happens, you’ll go through a short orientation. You arrive at the facility, watch a short driving movie, and get the basics on how to handle the buggy and how to stay safe on the route.

Then comes the part I’d call “smart tour design”: you do test driving around the facility two times. That’s not wasted time. It helps you learn steering and throttle without the pressure of other buggies or a river section looming ahead. It also gives the staff a chance to spot anyone who’s not comfortable yet.

Helmet is included, and you should also use the seat belts. One of the strongest signals from the experience setup is that the buggies are kept in good working condition and riders use the safety restraints—this is a tour that wants you to come back smiling, not shaken.

You’ll also want to think about what you’re wearing. The tour does not include shoes, swim gear, or eye protection. Sunglasses, a bandana, and a mask are available to purchase, and a raincoat can also be available if the weather turns. If you show up in thin sneakers or flip-flops, you’ll feel it later.

The Off-Road Circuit: following the leader near the Koprucay River

The main ride is about staying on the planned route and keeping formation with the group. You’ll drive parallel to the Koprucay River, and sometimes you’ll be on sections that go through the water. That’s the highlight that makes this safari feel different from a typical “dusty trail loop.”

Practically, that means you’ll experience a mix:

• dry dirt and rocky sections where the buggy bounces a bit
• wetter spots where traction changes
• water sections where you’ll feel the ride shift from dirt grip to moving water contact

You also need to accept convoy rules. You’ll follow the tour leader, and there are expectations like holding your line and avoiding aggressive moves. Some riders mention that the route doesn’t allow overtaking or sudden zig-zags, and that the pace is managed so everyone stays together. That’s not a problem for most people—it’s what keeps the group ride from turning chaotic.

The upside is that you can relax and enjoy the physical experience. You’re not constantly scanning for instructions or trying to guess where to go. The guide is there, and the group stays organized.

A note on thrill level

Some travelers want to feel like they’re driving their own race. This safari is more “guided adventure” than “speed day.” If your idea of fun is blasting ahead and pushing maximum throttle whenever you see a straight, you may feel held back. If your idea of fun is controlled off-road driving through river scenery, you’re likely to be happier with the format.

The 15-minute swim break: what to expect in the water

One of the best parts of the day is the swim break in the Koprucay River. You’ll get about 15 minutes to cool off and take a quick break from the driving.

Think of this as a practical pause, not a long swim session. It’s there so you can:

• wash off some dust
• cool down from the bumpy ride
• reset your focus before you get back to the circuit

You’ll probably come back muddy. That’s normal. A review mentioned the experience can get you dirty and wet in a way that feels exactly like an off-road day should. Bring a towel in your head (even if the facility has showers) and plan on the reality that you’ll need to clean up afterward.

If you’re unsure about swimming, you can still benefit from the break by standing in shallow areas. You just need to follow staff directions and keep safety in mind.

After the ride: showers, shop, and photo add-ons

When the driving finishes, you’ll watch an aftermovie and then you’ll head back to your hotel. That end-of-day wrap-up is part orientation, part souvenir moment, and it helps keep the flow moving.

One genuinely useful detail: there’s an on-site setup with showers and a shop. That matters because you won’t want to “carry” mud and river water all the way back through town. Showers make this tour feel complete, not like a messy detour.

Photos are the other major add-on. You can purchase a professional photo deal and a DVD/movie option. Some people report buying the photo set and walking away with a large number of images. If you like having one clean memory where you don’t have to worry about wiping the lens or missing a shot, this is worth considering.

What you should do with your camera/phone

No specific policy is stated about water-proofing or phone handling. So the safest approach is simple: assume you’ll get wet or dusty. Keep electronics protected, and focus on enjoying the drive rather than constantly filming.

Price and value: is $40.81 fair for a 4-hour tour?

At about $40.81 per person, this buggy safari is priced like a value adventure—especially because several items that often cost extra elsewhere are handled here.

Here’s what you’re getting in the base cost:

• helmet included
• air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and drop-off
• insurance during the tour program
• 20 km buggy cross riding guided
• swim break at the Koprucay River

What you’re not getting (and may want to budget for):

• drinks and food
• shoes/mask/bandana/sunglasses/raincoat (available to buy)
• professional photos/DVD movie

So the price feels fair if you want a guided 20 km off-road experience plus a river moment, without the hassle of planning a rental, driver route, and safety gear.

Is it luxury? No. It’s a day out with mud in the plan. But it’s also not bare-bones. The training, helmet, and guided structure are real value items.

If you’re mostly in it for speed, you might feel the value is lower—because the tour runs as a managed convoy. If you’re in it for the driving experience, the river section, and the family-friendly adventure vibe, it can feel like a great deal.

Who this safari is best for (and who should think twice)

This tour suits most people who can participate in the experience style, and it’s a strong pick if you’re traveling with family. One account mentions doing it with an 8-year-old, and the child enjoyed it—suggesting it can work for kids who are comfortable following safety rules and staying engaged.

It’s also a good fit if:

• you want a single half-day activity that adds big energy
• you prefer a guided route rather than figuring out off-road riding yourself
• you like wet-and-muddy fun (and don’t mind that you’ll look like you had an adventure)

Think twice if:

• you only want high-speed, race-like driving
• you hate organized convoy-style travel
• you strongly dislike situations where you might get wet and dirty

A couple of riders have raised the point that the actual riding feel/location might not match the way it’s advertised as being right in the national park or exactly at the river the way you might imagine. That doesn’t mean the day is bad—it just means you should picture a guided off-road circuit near the Koprulu area, not a wild “directly in every postcard viewpoint” experience.

Practical tips: wear smarter, pack lightly, plan for mud

Here’s how to prepare so you enjoy the ride and don’t spend the day grumpy.

Wear for grip and cleanup. Closed-toe shoes are smarter than sandals. You can buy shoes and gear on-site, but it’s easier if you arrive ready. If you don’t bring anything, at least plan to purchase what you need.

Bring layers for the day’s temperature. The driving and water break can cool you down. You’ll be returned by air-conditioned vehicle, but the time outside matters.

Protect your eyes. Dust happens. Sunglasses or an eye mask/bandana can make the ride more comfortable. You’ll see options available for purchase.

Accept the water and dust. The river sections can get you wet. That’s part of the fun. If you want to keep your clothes pristine, pick a different activity.

Plan for photos. If you like having a professional set, budget for it. People talk about photo deals as a meaningful extra value because they capture you in the action without you hunting for the right shot.

Should you book the buggy safari?

If you’re in Side and want a fun off-road day that’s organized, guided, and includes both a training session and a river swim break, this is a strong yes. The included helmet, insurance, A/C transport, and 20 km guided riding make it feel like solid value for the money.

Book it if your idea of a great travel day is:

• learning how to drive safely with instructions first
• spending time outside instead of sitting in a bus all day
• enjoying a real muddy, wet adventure moment

Skip or reconsider if you want:

• maximum speed freedom
• a self-guided, choose-your-own-trail experience
• a day where you stay clean and dry

Overall, this is the kind of excursion that makes sense for a wide range of travelers because the day is structured and the safety basics are taken seriously. If you go in expecting a convoy-style adventure with river moments, you’re likely to have an excellent time.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Buggy Safari at Koprulu Canyon?

It lasts about 4 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Do you get hotel pickup in Side?

Yes. Pickup is offered from all hotels in Side Turkey, at your hotel’s security door.

Is a helmet included?

Yes. Helmets are included.

How much driving do I do?

You’ll drive about 20 km on the buggy cross circuit.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. There’s a swim break in the Koprucay River for about 15 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

Included are helmet, air-conditioned vehicle, 20 km buggy riding, insurance during the tour program, and the swim break.

Are photos or a DVD included?

No. Photos and a DVD movie are available to purchase.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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