REVIEW · SIDE
City of Side: Quad Safari Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by River Quad Safari · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Quad rides in Koprulu Canyon feel unreal. This 20 km quad safari around the Koprucay River mixes fast, guided riding with a river swim break and big canyon views. I like that it’s not just a quick spin—there’s a real route to follow—and that you’re insured by Allianz with a safety briefing before you start. One watch-out: there can be waiting at the facility if the quad lineup is busy, and dust can get aggressive if you’re not prepared.
The setup is straightforward: hotel pickup and drop-off on an air-conditioned bus, then a helmet handed to you on arrival. I also like that you get a brief practice/test-drive area first, so you can get comfortable before you hit the river circuit. A possible downside is that the ride is mostly steady driving—expect speed and views, not tricks—so if you want jumps and drifting, you might feel a little let down.
If you’re ready for a fun outdoors day with a guided line and a scenic canyon backdrop, this is a solid value pick for Side.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth getting excited about
- Quad Bikes on the Koprucay River: What You Actually Get for $32
- From Side Pickup to Koprulu Canyon Briefing and Helmet Check
- Safety Training, Test Ride, and How the 250cc Quads Feel
- The Route: First 10 km Circuit, River Driving, and Swim Break
- Second Half: More River and Canyon Riding Back to Base
- Photos, Video, and the After-Ride Reality Check
- What to Bring (and what to wear) so dust and heat don’t ruin it
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and who should skip it)
- Price and Logistics: Timing, Value, and Booking Smart
- Should You Book This Quad Safari Tour?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the City of Side Quad Safari Tour?
- Where do you get picked up from?
- How far do you ride on the quad bikes?
- Do I get a helmet?
- Is the quad ride insured?
- Is there a swim break?
- What’s not included in the price?
- What should I bring?
- Are kids allowed?
Key highlights worth getting excited about

- 20 km quad route: A full out-and-back style riding plan rather than a short lap.
- 250cc quad bikes: Enough punch for adrenaline without feeling like a stunt show.
- Koprucay River driving + swim break: You don’t just look at the water—you ride through it.
- Koprulu Canyon National Park scenery: Canyons and river views are part of the point.
- Allianz insurance + safety briefing: You get instructions before you accelerate.
- Optional photo/video purchase after: They’ll capture you on the ride for keepsakes.
Quad Bikes on the Koprucay River: What You Actually Get for $32

For $32 per person, this quad safari makes sense because you’re paying for more than the bike time. You’re getting round-trip hotel transport, an expert guide, Allianz insurance coverage, a helmet included, and a guided route of 20 km in Koprulu Canyon country.
The duration is listed as 4 hours, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be riding continuously. With pickup, a briefing, possible facility waiting, and photo/video time at the end, your actual driving will feel shorter. In practice, it often comes down to one main riding stretch with a swim stop—still plenty if you came for speed and scenery.
This is also one of those tours where the value is in the setting. You’re not just driving on a random dirt track. You’re in and around the Koprucay River with the canyon terrain as your backdrop, plus the watersports area vibe in that region.
You can also read our reviews of more city tours in Side
From Side Pickup to Koprulu Canyon Briefing and Helmet Check

The day starts with pickup from hotels in Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu. The bus is air-conditioned, which matters when you’re heading out and the sun is already doing sun things.
Once you arrive at the base, you’ll get briefed on safe quad driving. Your quad is insured by Allianz, and that’s a real comfort in a sport where small mistakes can turn into big tumbles. You’ll also receive a free helmet, with the option to purchase extra equipment.
One practical thing to expect: the facility can feel busy. If there are multiple groups arriving at once, you may wait in a common area until it’s your turn. I’d plan your mood around that. Bring a little patience, because once you’re mounted, the ride is the payoff.
Safety Training, Test Ride, and How the 250cc Quads Feel

Before you hit the main circuit, you’ll get a short practice/test drive around the facility. That’s more important than it sounds. Quad bikes can feel different from what you imagine—balance, steering sensitivity, and how the bike responds on loose ground.
You’ll be on a 250cc quad, which gives you enough power for real momentum. The guides keep you moving as a group, so it’s not “go-anywhere chaos.” It’s controlled riding with a line and rules.
A tip that’s worth taking seriously: dust and heat are part of the equation. Some riders report a quad that runs hot and even fumes/petrol smell from the engine area. If that happens on your bike, you’ll want to position yourself carefully and keep your legs where you can manage the heat exposure. Closed-toe, solid shoes help a lot too (more on that later).
The Route: First 10 km Circuit, River Driving, and Swim Break

The tour’s rhythm is built around a clear split: first 10 km, then 10 km more.
For the opening stretch, you’ll follow a special circuit that’s focused on getting you into the right mindset. Then you’ll reach a swimming break—not a photo stop, not “stand near the water,” but a true break where you can cool down. This is where the Koprucay River setting really earns its keep.
The water-and-river driving element is the big draw. You’ll ride in and around the river area, and that means you’re dealing with wet ground, splashes, and dust mixed together depending on the day. It’s thrilling, but it also means you’ll feel it in your clothes and shoes if you’re not prepared.
Also, expect the first part to feel like “get used to it.” Even if you’re an experienced driver, the group format makes the pace a bit more steady. The payoff comes as you settle into the route and start noticing the canyon views you’re passing by.
Second Half: More River and Canyon Riding Back to Base

After the swimming break, you continue with another 10 km riding. This is where you can feel more speed in the plan—returning with momentum as you navigate the terrain and keep pace with the group.
The canyon scenery stays in play. Koprulu Canyon National Park is the backdrop, and the route is designed so you’re not just staring at the river from one spot. You move through the terrain, and you get changing views as you go.
One expectation check from people who’ve done it: the ride is mostly driving, not showboating. There aren’t jumps or drifting-style maneuvers built into the route. It’s more about staying on the line, staying safe, and getting that continuous canyon-and-water feeling.
That line discipline matters. When the group moves as one unit, you’ll often see smoother progress. But it also means you won’t be doing your own freestyle stuff. If you want a controlled, scenic adrenaline ride, that’s exactly what you’ll get.
A few more Side tours and experiences worth a look
Photos, Video, and the After-Ride Reality Check

When you return to the facility, you’ll be shown professional video footage and photos taken during the tour. You’ll then have the option to purchase them.
This is pretty standard for quad safaris, but it’s still useful to understand why you might want them. Quad riding is fast. If you try to film everything yourself, you’ll either miss the best moments or end up with shaky, dusty footage. Their pics/videos can capture you with the canyon and river behind you—more “souvenir-worthy” than holding a phone while you’re steering.
There’s also a human factor: if your group size is larger than the quads available, waiting becomes part of the story. Some people notice a lot of time spent waiting before the safari starts. It doesn’t ruin the ride, but it’s good to know so you don’t feel like you’re wasting a vacation morning.
What to Bring (and what to wear) so dust and heat don’t ruin it

This is the section that can make or break your comfort. The tour’s not included with extras like bandanas, masks, sunglasses, or suitable shoes.
Here’s what you should bring based on the tour info:
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Change of clothes
- Towel
Now add a few smart extras that help with the real-world conditions:
- Goggles or a dust mask: dust can get intense, and it affects visibility fast.
- A bandana: it helps with dust on the face and throat.
- Suitable shoes: closed-toe shoes protect from heat and rubbing. Thin sandals are a bad idea.
And if you’re worried about heat coming from the engine area: keep your riding position adjusted so you’re not taking the hottest airflow/heat point directly on one body part for the whole time. It’s not about being dramatic—it’s about staying comfortable so you can keep enjoying the ride.
You’ll also want to bring towels and a quick clothes-change plan because you’ll get wet during the river portion and swim break. Even if the water seems refreshing, you still want to dry off afterward.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and who should skip it)

This quad safari is a strong fit for adults and older teens who want an outdoors ride with guidance, speed, and scenery. If you like active days where you do something instead of just watching, you’ll probably have fun here.
A few clear limitations from the tour info:
- Not suitable for pregnant women
- Not suitable for children under 3 years
- People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV
- Pets are not allowed
If you’re traveling with someone who hates dust, this might feel less comfortable than you want. Likewise, if you’re expecting a stunt park with jumps and drifting, you’ll likely find it more “ride the route” than “performance.”
But if you’re in the mood for a guided 250cc quad ride through canyon scenery with a river swim break, this hits the sweet spot.
Price and Logistics: Timing, Value, and Booking Smart

At $32, the pricing is low enough to feel like a no-brainer if you’re already in Side or the nearby areas picked up by the bus. The value comes from the package: transportation, insurance, helmet, a guide, and a 20 km guided route.
The main logistics consideration is time. 4 hours on the schedule doesn’t guarantee continuous riding. You’ll likely spend some of that time at the base—briefing, test ride, then possibly waiting if there are multiple groups.
So when should you book? Go for a time that leaves breathing room afterward. A quad ride can be dusty and wet, and you’ll want time to shower, change, and eat without rushing.
Also, do it with the right mindset: this isn’t just a ride you drive and forget. It’s guided riding in a busy canyon/riversports area. Staying flexible and following instructions makes the day run smoother for everyone.
Should You Book This Quad Safari Tour?
Book this if you want:
- a guided 20 km quad ride on 250cc bikes
- canyon and river scenery in Koprulu Canyon National Park
- a real swim break during the route
- an easy add-on from Side with hotel pickup and drop-off
Skip it if you:
- want jumps, drifting, or freestyle stunt riding
- hate dust and don’t plan to protect your eyes/face
- can’t do wet/sandy activities or need a very relaxed pace
- fall into the listed restrictions (pregnancy, very young children, or other rules)
If you come prepared with goggles (or at least dust protection), swim stuff, and shoes you trust, this quad safari becomes one of those straightforward “do it once” adventures that you’ll remember because you actually moved through the landscape—not just looked at it from a road.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the City of Side Quad Safari Tour?
The tour duration is 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.
Where do you get picked up from?
Pickup is included from hotels in Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu areas.
How far do you ride on the quad bikes?
You ride 20 km during the safari, including the river circuit and route segments.
Do I get a helmet?
Yes. A free helmet is included, with the option to purchase additional equipment.
Is the quad ride insured?
Yes. The quad bikes are insured by Allianz.
Is there a swim break?
Yes. During the first 10 km, you’ll be shown a circuit and there is a swimming break.
What’s not included in the price?
Food and drinks are not included, and extra equipment like bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes is not included. DVD/photos are also not included.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel.
Are kids allowed?
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 years. People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV.





























