Koprulu Canyon on an ATV is pure action with a real sense of nature around you. You’ll get a guided 20 km quad safari through the Koprucay River area, plus a short training routine before the ride starts. The best part is the mix of speed, scenery, and that quick swim break that breaks up the bumpy road time.

I particularly like how the operator builds in safety from the start: you watch a short driving movie, then you do hands-on practice loops twice before you head out. I also like the way the route stays focused on the canyon and river scenery, including moments where the ride can run alongside the water or even through it.

One consideration: this isn’t a smooth, paved experience. Terrain can be rugged and the ride can feel bumpy, so if you’re worried about control on uneven ground, you may prefer a buggy-style option if it’s available through the same supplier.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Practice before you go: a short driving movie plus two test rounds at the facility so you can get your bearings fast
• 20 km of guided riding: follow the tour leader in convoy for a clear, confidence-building route
• River time built in: the Koprcay/Koprucay swim break (about 15 minutes) is a fun reset mid-adventure
• Scenery on the move: canyon views plus mountain backdrop from places that stay interesting the whole way
• Safety check, gear provided: helmets come with the tour, and the briefing is part of the flow

Entering Koprulu Canyon by ATV: why this route hits different

If your idea of vacation includes a little adrenaline, this is a smart way to spend a morning. You’re not just driving in circles on a track. This quad safari is built around the canyon area near Koprulu Canyon National Park, with the Koprucay River acting like the anchor of the experience.

The river route matters because it changes the feel of the ride. You’ll spend a lot of time next to canyon walls and open river stretches, so you get variety instead of repeating the same view. And because the group follows a leader in a convoy, you can enjoy the ride without worrying about navigation.

Pickup in Side: fast start, clear timing, and less hassle

The tour begins at 10:00 am, and pickup is offered for hotels across Side, Turkey. They collect you from your hotel’s security door, which is a practical touch for a busy tourist area where driveways and entrances can be confusing.

You’re also in an air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer to the quad facility. That sounds minor until you’re starting in warm weather and don’t want to lose energy before you even begin.

Group size is capped at 45 travelers, which usually helps keep the flow controlled—less crowding at the briefing and less chaos when you line up for the ride.

Safety briefing and the training loop that makes the ride easier

This is one of the most important parts of the experience, and it’s built into the schedule. Before anyone mounts a quad for real, you get a short movie about driving and basic guidance on how to handle the vehicle.

Then comes the part I appreciate most: you do a practice loop around the facility twice. That’s not just theater. It gives you a chance to:

• get comfortable with acceleration and braking
• learn how the quad reacts on uneven ground
• practice following distance in a line

If it’s your first time on an ATV, this approach reduces the awkward phase where you’re trying to figure everything out while the terrain is already changing. Even if you’ve ridden before, the practice rounds help you adapt to the specific quads and the group’s convoy style.

The 20 km quad safari: what you can expect on the ground

The core of the tour is a 20 km ride along a special circuit that runs parallel to the Koprucay River. Sometimes the route can include sections where you ride along the river or inside the river. That’s great fun, but it also means you should expect water splash, wet gear, and terrain that can feel unpredictable compared to dry trails.

You’ll ride with a tour leader and follow the group in convoy. This matters because it keeps the experience organized. Instead of scattering into random lines, you’ll have a clearer sense of pace and direction.

Also: this is not a gentle sightseeing stroll. Multiple people noted the ride can be challenging on rugged terrain, with bumps and corners that demand attention. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe—helmets are included and there’s a briefing—but it does mean your comfort level with uneven ground affects how much you’ll enjoy it.

Views that make the effort worth it

One of the strongest reasons to book this quad safari is that the scenery isn’t an afterthought. The ride passes canyon views, river stretches, and surrounding mountain scenery. Because you’re moving at a pace that feels thrilling, the scenery feels closer and more alive than it would on a slow bus tour.

When you’re riding near water, you’ll likely notice how the canyon walls and the river corridor create a natural route. You get that sense of being in a channel carved by nature, with open stretches that let you breathe before the next rocky section.

The 15-minute swim break in Koprucay River

Yes, there’s time to cool off. The schedule includes a 15-minute swim break in the Koprucay River. This stop is one of the best “value moments” in the entire itinerary because it adds a totally different kind of fun without extending the tour much.

Practical expectations:

• You’ll likely get wet, even if you only dip your feet.
• River conditions can make footing feel different than a beach, so don’t rush.
• You’ll want footwear that can handle getting wet and muddy.

People do this stop as either a full reset (short swim, quick change of mind) or a chill break to recover your grip and focus for the rest of the ride. Either way, it turns the quad portion into a more complete nature outing.

Gear, what you’ll get, and what you should plan to buy

Here’s what’s included:

• Helmet
• Insurance during tour
• 20 km riding
• Swim break at Koprucay River
• Air-conditioned vehicle

What’s not included are the “make it comfortable” items:

• shoes (€7)
• bandana (€7)
• mask (€7)
• raincoat and sunglasses available to purchase
• photos and DVD movie (extra)
• drinks and food (extra)

Based on the vibe of the experience, I’d treat this like a water-and-dirt activity. If you show up without the right gear, you can buy essentials on site, but it’s better to arrive ready so you aren’t paying for convenience you could bring for free.

If you don’t already have them, plan on:

• wet-okay shoes (or shoes you don’t mind getting dirty)
• something to protect your face from dust (they sell bandanas and masks)
• sunglasses if you want eye comfort, especially for bright river sections

Convoy riding style: fun, but keep your head in the moment

The route is run with everyone following the tour leader. That means you won’t be alone out there, and it also means you should focus on keeping a steady rhythm with the group line.

A convoy style has two benefits:

1. you reduce decision stress (no route planning for you)
2. you keep visual contact with the ride leader and the next rider

If you like to go fast, you may get chances to pick up speed in places, but the overall pace is still guided by safety and terrain. Think of it as controlled thrill rather than a free-for-all.

Also, there’s an important detail to understand: swapping drivers may not be allowed. If you’re hoping to trade who rides, confirm that policy before you arrive.

Time on the clock: how the full experience fits together

The whole quad safari runs about 4 hours. That time is used efficiently:

• pickup from Side hotels
• driving intro (movie + practice loops)
• the guided 20 km circuit
• a 15-minute river swim break
• wrap-up and return to your hotel

At the end, you’ll watch an aftermovie and then get dropped back to hotels. It’s not a long multi-day adventure, so you get the buzz of the canyon without losing an entire day.

Price and value: is $32.44 a bargain?

At $32.44 per person, this quad safari is priced like a value-first activity, especially since it includes the big ticket items people usually pay for separately: the quad experience itself, a helmet, and insurance.

The main trade-off with value pricing is that comfort and extras cost extra. Shoes, bandanas/masks, and optional items like raincoats and sunglasses are add-ons. Photos and a DVD movie are also extra, and you’ll need to handle drinks and food yourself.

So the value equation is simple:

• If you arrive with the right gear, you’ll feel like this is a strong deal.
• If you arrive without gear and expect to buy everything on site, your total cost will climb.

Either way, you’re paying for a guided canyon-and-river ride, not just a rental quad for the day.

Who should book this ATV quad safari, and who should pause

This tour fits best if you want:

• guided ATV action in a canyon setting
• a river swim break
• an organized experience with a safety briefing and practice rounds

It may not fit as well if you:

• get nervous on uneven terrain
• want something smoother and more predictable
• dislike getting wet and dirty

One practical tip from how the activity works: if you’re worried about stability or control, a buggy option may feel easier since the terrain is rugged and the quads require more active handling.

Should you book Quad Safari at Koprulu Canyon?

I’d book it if your perfect day includes fast rides, real canyon scenery, and a mid-trip swim moment—and you’re okay with the idea that the ground can be bumpy and wet. The safety flow (briefing, practice loops, helmets, insurance) makes it feel more trustworthy than many “ride-only” ATV activities.

If you’re sensitive to rugged terrain, or you hate the idea of muddy shoes and dust protection, pause and consider whether a buggy-style ride better matches your comfort level. For the price, though, the mix of 20 km riding + river swim is a lot to like.

FAQ

How long is the quad safari at Koprulu Canyon?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where do they pick me up?

Pickup is offered for all hotels in Side, Turkey, from the hotel security door.

What’s included in the price?

You get a helmet, an air-conditioned vehicle, 20 km riding, a swim break at the Koprucay River, and insurance during the tour.

Is there a swim stop during the tour?

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

What should I bring or plan to buy on site?

Bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. If you need them, shoes, bandana, and mask are available for purchase. Raincoat and sunglasses are also available to buy.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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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