A quad safari through the Koprucay River sounds simple, then adds real adrenaline fast. I like that you cover a full 20 km on a 250cc quad around Köprülü Canyon National Park, and I also like the smart pacing: you start with a short guided circuit and a swimming break before the longer ride. The main thing to consider is that the vibe can include some waiting at the facility if the group is large, plus you’ll want to protect your eyes from dust.

You get hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned bus, a free helmet at the start, and an expert guide who keeps the ride organized. It’s a straightforward 4-hour outing that trades fancy stops for real time on the quad, with river driving as the headline.

Key Points at a Glance

• 20 km of quad time around the Koprucay River, not just a short sample lap
• 250cc ATVs with a guided start so you’re not figuring it out at speed
• Koprulu Canyon National Park views while you drive through the scenic watersports area
• A swim break in the river after the first 10 km circuit
• Helmets included, optional extra gear available for comfort and dust control
• Photo and video sales after the ride, so you can decide later if you want the memories

Side to Köprülü Canyon: How the Pickup and Setup Works

This quad safari is built around convenience. You’ll be picked up from hotels in Side (and nearby areas like Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu), then driven by air-conditioned bus toward Koprulu Canyon National Park. Expect a real day-out feel, even though it’s only 4 hours total.

Once you arrive, you’ll get the briefing and the essentials. Helmets are provided for you to use right away, and you can buy additional equipment if you want more protection. You’ll also get time for a test-drive around the facility so you can get comfortable before the river route.

One practical note: if lots of people come in at once, you might spend some time waiting around before your group is called up for the ride. The upside is that the operation runs in waves, and once you’re out on the quad, the time moves quickly.

Your 250cc Quad and the Safety Brief That Actually Matters

This is not a slow go-kart loop. You’ll be riding a 250cc quad, which means you’ll feel the power as soon as you’re rolling. Before you head out, you’ll get instructions on how to drive safely. It’s not just a formality either, because your route includes dust, tight group spacing, and river sections.

Insurance is handled by Allianz, and you’ll also be using a provided helmet. If you’re the type who hates being uncomfortable, think about extra gear in advance. Optional add-ons can include items like bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes, depending on what you’re missing.

Also check the rules before you pack your expectations. People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. That means the tour is set up more like you’re riding as a passenger/seat-pairing situation for younger riders, not a free-for-all for anyone smaller than you.

And yes, there are moments where you may notice engine heat and fuel odor, especially if your quad runs warmer or you’re stuck near other bikes in the lineup. I’d treat this as a reminder to position your legs smartly and keep your gear tight and secure.

The First 10 km Circuit Through Koprucay River (and the Swim Break)

The tour’s most memorable early moment is the way it introduces the ride: you start with a special circuit for the first 10 km. This is usually where you get into rhythm, and it’s also where you learn how the group keeps spacing and follows the guide’s lines.

Then comes the highlight: you’ll drive in the river, and you’ll get a swimming break. This is the point where the safari turns from adrenaline-only into something you’ll actually remember as a full experience. The river section ties directly to the scenery around Köprülü Canyon National Park and the Koprucay watersports area.

What you should expect during the river portion:

• Water driving can be cool and refreshing, but it’s also wet and muddy.
• You’ll likely get dust later, so the wet parts don’t cancel out the dusty ones.
• Your timing depends on the group pacing, because you ride in organized sections.

This is also when you’ll want to have your change of clothes ready. If you didn’t bring swimwear and a towel, you’ll feel it here. The swim break isn’t described as optional, so plan as if you’ll actually use it.

The Second 10 km: Canyons, Turquoise Water Views, and Dust Management

After the first river circuit and swim, you continue for another 10 km through and around the Koprucay River area. This is where the safari keeps the energy up, and where your quad riding becomes the main event.

The views are a major part of why this is worth the effort. You’re moving through a landscape shaped by canyon walls and river bends, with those classic Mediterranean riverside visuals—clear water sections, rocky edges, and watersports energy nearby. It’s the kind of scenery that looks good even when you’re focused on staying in line.

Now the reality check: dust. Even though the route includes water, the track is still a quad track, which means visibility can get worse in dry patches. In particular, I’d strongly recommend goggles if you’re prone to watery eyes or you wear glasses. One rider regretted skipping eye protection because the dust got serious enough that you could barely see through it at times.

There’s also an interesting contrast in speed. On the way back, the pace can pick up, and you may get stretches where you feel like you can go full speed with the group. It’s not described as freestyle time—no focus on jumps or drifting—but it’s still fast enough to feel like a real quad day, not a slow parade.

Facility Time: Test Drives, and the Photo/Video Pitch

Between the pickup and the ride, you’ll spend time at the facility doing the essentials. You’ll get a test-drive area first, which helps you settle into the bike and understand how it responds. This matters because most people don’t ride quads every week, and a short warm-up prevents nervous mistakes later.

When you return from the route, there’s a photo and video segment. You’ll be shown professional video footage and photos captured during your ride, and those images are available for purchase. This is a common pattern for quad tours, and it’s useful if you want proof you actually did the river section and the 20 km route.

You don’t have to buy anything on the spot, but it’s smart to keep a budget in mind. It can be tempting to purchase the set if you’re happy with how you look in motion, especially because you’re likely to get great action shots in the river segments.

What to Pack for a Wet-and-Dusty Quad Day

This tour asks for a practical packing list. You’ll want:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel

That basic list is your safety net. Add shoes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy, especially since additional suitable shoes may be sold as optional equipment.

If you want to upgrade comfort, think about eye protection more than anything. Even with sunglasses, dust can still be a problem. Goggles can make the experience feel smoother, because you won’t be squinting or blinking nonstop through the dry sections.

Also consider how you’ll carry items. You’ll be moving around, and you’re riding with your hands and attention on the quad. Keep extra clothes easy to grab, and avoid packing anything that you’d hate to ruin.

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

At about $32 per person, this quad safari lands in the “good value” category if you want ride time over extras. The tour includes:

• hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus
• 20 km of quad bike driving
• Allianz insurance
• an expert guide

You’re paying mainly for the quad session and the guiding, not for a restaurant meal or a long sequence of sightseeing stops. That’s exactly why the value works. If you want the kind of day where the main story is riding, the pricing makes sense.

What’s not included is equally important:

• Food and drinks
• extra equipment like bandana/mask/sunglasses/suitable shoes
• DVD and photos

So if you need snacks or you plan to buy extra gear, factor that into your total trip cost. Still, compared to longer day tours, this one gives you a dense hit of action in just 4 hours.

Who Should Book: Ages, Pregnancy, and Realistic Expectations

This is a quad safari, so it’s best for people who want adrenaline with a guided structure. You should skip it (or choose another activity) if:

• you’re pregnant
• you’re traveling with very young children (not suitable for children under 3 years)
• you’re bringing pets (pets aren’t allowed)

Age rules matter too. People under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. If you’re planning a family group, check how you want the seating arrangement to work.

Realistic expectation: this is not a drift-and-stunts day. The ride is described as driving around nature and in the river, with a circuit setup for the first 10 km and a guided flow afterward. That’s good for safety and group management, but if you’re hunting for big showy moves, you might find it more controlled than you hoped.

Also, because you’ll be part of a group, timing and waiting can happen. If you’re the type who gets impatient waiting for calls and test rides, bring a calm attitude. Once you’re on the quad, it’s the fun you paid for.

Should You Book the Quad Safari Tour in Side?

If you want a real quad experience in and around the Koprucay River, this is an easy yes. The combo of hotel pickup, Allianz-insured riding, helmet provided, and a full 20 km loop makes it feel efficient and good value, especially for a 4-hour half-day.

Book it if you:

• like fast outdoor action
• want river driving plus a swim break
• can handle dust and want proper eye protection

Think twice if you:

• hate waiting around when groups are large
• get irritated by dust without goggles
• want a stunt-style quad show

FAQ

How long is the quad safari tour?

The duration is listed as 4 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the time that fits your day.

How far do you ride during the tour?

You’ll drive about 20 km on the quad bike, including the first 10 km circuit and another 10 km after the swimming break.

Do I get picked up from my hotel?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included in an air-conditioned bus. Pickup covers hotels in Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu areas.

Are helmets and safety gear provided?

A helmet is provided for free. You can also purchase extra equipment like bandana, mask, sunglasses, and suitable shoes if you want additional protection.

Is insurance included?

Yes. The quad bikes are insured by Allianz.

Is there a swimming break during the ride?

Yes. After the first 10 km circuit, you’ll have a swimming break while you’re out in the Koprucay River area.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to eat before or after based on your timing.