Koprucay quad rides are pure motion. This Side-area tour mixes 250cc power with canyon scenery and a real river run, so you’re not just sitting on a track. I also like that it’s built around a clear route: a guided warm-up circuit, a swimming break, then more driving by the water.

The main thing to consider is timing and comfort before you get moving. Some riders report waiting at the facility when groups overlap, and dust can be a factor if you don’t bring eye protection.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• 20 km quad driving around the Koprucay River area, not a short loop
• First 10 km special circuit with a swimming break
• Helmet included (with the option to buy extra gear on-site)
• Allianz insurance plus a safety briefing before you start
• Photo and video are shown afterward for purchase

Why This Koprucay River Quad Safari Is Such a Good Side Excuse

Side is a great base, but after a couple of beach mornings you’ll probably want something louder than a lounge chair. This quad safari is a simple trade: you give up some comfort, and you get a full-on ride with wide views and constant movement.

What makes it work is the setting. Koprucay River runs through the Koprulu Canyon National Park area, and the route is designed to take you in and around the river—not just through a generic “ride around a field” setup. If you like the idea of driving with water nearby, this is one of the more direct ways to combine adrenaline with scenery.

Also, the tour length is honest. You’re out for 4 hours total, and within that you ride 20 km. That ratio matters because quad tours vary a lot in how much actual driving you get versus waiting around.

One more practical plus: pickup and drop-off are handled by an air-conditioned bus from multiple Side-area resorts, so you’re not hunting down transportation or paying for a taxi.

From Your Hotel: The Smooth Pickup and the First Reality Check

The tour starts with hotel pickup in the Side region, including Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu. That coverage is a big deal. If you’re staying outside central Side, it still keeps the plan simple.

Once pickup happens, you’ll be driven toward Koprulu Canyon National Park, where the Koprucay River is the star. In transit, you’ll get your quad safety briefing. This is where you learn how to handle the bike and what the route style will feel like.

Plan for one “reality check” moment: facilities like this often handle multiple groups at once. One rider noted there was a lot of waiting in the lobby because there were more people than quads available at that moment. That doesn’t mean the tour is poorly run—it just means the experience can include some downtime before your group goes out.

If you want a smoother mental ride, treat the waiting as part of the deal. Bring your patience, wear something that can handle dust, and keep your swim gear accessible.

Safety Gear, Helmets, and the 250cc Feel

You’ll get a free helmet when you arrive, and there’s an option to purchase additional equipment if you want more protection or comfort. The tour is also insured by Allianz, which is worth noting even if you consider yourself a confident driver.

You’ll receive an expert guide and a pre-ride briefing on safe operation. The goal is to get you comfortable enough to ride in an area where you’ll be driving near water and through an off-road environment.

About the quad itself: it’s a 250cc all-terrain vehicle. That’s powerful enough to feel exciting, especially when you hit the more open stretch on the way back. One review also mentioned an engine heat/petrol smell issue on a specific quad, and the workaround was keeping a leg up to avoid burning. I’m not saying every quad has that issue, but it’s a good reason to pay attention to how your particular bike feels before you commit.

If you want to feel better from the start, do what you can control:

• Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dusty and warm
• Keep your sunglasses ready, or consider goggles if you’re sensitive to dust
• Keep your body position comfortable and stable on the seat

And an important rule: people under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. If you’re traveling with teens, it affects how the bike assignments work.

The Route Setup: Training, Test Ride, and How the Driving Works

Before you roll into the full safari, you’ll likely do a short test drive around the facility. That small practice loop is more useful than it sounds. Quads feel different from normal bikes, especially when you’re switching between braking, turning, and throttle on uneven ground.

Once the group goes out, you’ll be shown a special circuit for the first 10 km. This part matters because it sets the rhythm. The tour isn’t only about speed; it’s also about staying in line and following the route guide.

From what the ride description suggests, the first segment is designed to ease you in and give you a controlled start before you move into the longer river-and-canyon section. That’s good for first-timers and also helps prevent chaos if the group includes different experience levels.

First 10 km: River Circuit, Big Views, and a Real Swimming Stop

The standout moment on this tour is the swimming break during the first part of the route. You’ll drive in the river area, and you’ll get a designated swim stop, which turns the safari from pure adrenaline into something you’ll actually remember for the contrast.

Why that matters: quads are often dusty, dry, and loud. A swim breaks that up. It also makes sense in this specific landscape, since you’re riding near the Koprucay River inside the Koprulu Canyon National Park zone.

A couple of practical tips come straight from common sense here:

• Bring swimwear and plan to change if you get wet
• Pack a towel so you’re not drying off with nothing
• Wear something you can manage quickly between driving and swimming

Also, if you’re dust-sensitive, treat eye protection as mandatory rather than optional. One rider regretted not bringing goggles because dust can be intense and visibility can get limited at times.

This is the part where you’ll likely feel the most “I’m really doing something” energy—driving, water, canyon scenery, and a break from the engine noise.

Second 10 km: More River Driving, Speed on the Return, and Dust Management

After the first circuit and swimming stop, you continue for the next 10 km, now driving in and around the river and canyon area. This is where the safari feels longer and more immersive in motion.

If you like speed, you’ll probably notice a difference on the return leg. One review specifically called out that you could go full speed on the way back. That doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all—it still follows the route and group flow—but the pace tends to pick up once you’ve warmed up.

Here’s the consideration to plan around: dust. Multiple riders talk about dust getting into eyes and making visibility harder. The tour description doesn’t promise goggles, it just says you can buy extra equipment, and you’re encouraged to bring sunglasses. If you wear sunglasses that trap dust well, fine. If you’ve ever had trouble with dust in the past, goggles can be the best small upgrade you’ll make.

One more point: the ride style can feel more straightforward than some people expect. At least one review noted it’s somewhat monotone because you’re mostly riding and following the line, with no jumps or drifting. If what you want is freestyle stunts, you may feel slightly underwhelmed. If what you want is a well-run ride through the canyon-and-river setting, it fits perfectly.

Captured on Camera: Video and Photos You Can Buy Later

At the facility when you return, you’ll be shown professional video footage and photos captured during the ride. That’s handy because quad events are hard to film well from the saddle, and dust plus vibration makes shaky phone footage more common than you’d like.

The photos and DVD/video are available for purchase, but they’re not included in the tour price. So think of this as an add-on rather than a guarantee you’ll spend extra. If you like having a clean “proof of adventure,” it’s a good option. If you’re the type who prefers to keep things digital and minimal, you can skip it.

Food, Time, and What You’ll Miss by Not Packing Smart

This tour doesn’t include food and drinks. Plan for that. Even with a swimming break, you’ll be burning energy while driving, and a dry canyon run can make you feel thirsty earlier than you expect.

You’re also on the clock. The total time is 4 hours, which includes pickup, driving time to the park area, the briefing and test drive, the two segments of quad riding, and the return to your hotel.

That means you should treat this as a stand-alone activity. Don’t book a tight dinner right after unless you know your schedule can absorb some travel buffer. The payout of this activity is that it’s action-heavy—so you’ll want time to recover after.

Price and Value: Is $32 Worth a 20 km Quad Safari?

At about $32 per person, the pricing can look easy to justify for what you get: hotel pickup/drop-off, an expert guide, Allianz insurance, helmet included, and 20 km of quad driving in a canyon-and-river setting.

To judge value, look at what’s included versus what’s extra:

• Included: pickup, drop-off, helmet, guide, insurance, and driving distance
• Not included: food/drinks, extra gear like bandana/mask/sunglasses/shoes, and the photo/video products

The experience feels especially good value if you were already thinking about paying for transportation plus renting something for a day. Here, the logistics are handled for you, and the ride is the main event.

Where value can feel lower is if you’re expecting a stunt-style freestyle experience. The ride seems more route-driven than stunt-driven, and part of the fun is seeing the river and canyon environment rather than doing tricks.

Who This Quad Safari Fits (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a strong fit if you’re:

• Looking for an adrenaline hit that’s still scenic
• Comfortable driving and following route instructions
• Interested in a river experience, including the swim stop
• Traveling in a group where shared fun matters more than quiet luxury

It’s not a good match if you:

• Need something stroller-friendly or toddler-friendly (it says not suitable for children under 3 years)
• Are pregnant (not suitable)
• Have pets (not allowed)
• Want stunts like drifting and jumps (the ride is mostly about driving the route)

And if you’re traveling with a younger teen, remember the under-16 back-seat rule. That affects how the quad assignments and comfort will work.

A Practical Packing List That Actually Helps

If you want less hassle and better comfort, pack like you’re going to do two activities: quad riding and a swim.

Bring:

• Sunglasses (and consider goggles if dust bothers you)
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel

Also, wear something that can handle dust and movement. The tour mentions suitable shoes for extra equipment, but it doesn’t say your shoes are provided—so plan on wearing your own.

Should You Book the Quad Safari Tour in Side?

I’d book this if you want a high-motion day with real scenery and a built-in swim break, without needing to plan transport or hunt down equipment. The 20 km riding distance, hotel pickup, and Allianz-insured safety setup make it feel like a “do it once” adventure that still holds up as value at $32.

I’d think twice if your top priority is a more freestyle, stunt-heavy ride, or if you hate waiting around when groups are scheduled close together. And if dust is a problem for you, take eye protection seriously—bring goggles if you have them.

If you’re ready for a fun, guided, route-based quad ride through the Koprucay River area, this one makes a very solid call.

FAQ

How long is the quad safari tour?

The duration is listed as 4 hours total. Starting times depend on availability.

How much is the tour?

The price is $32 per person.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel using an air-conditioned bus.

Where are pickup locations offered?

Pickup is included from hotels in Titreyen gol, Sorgun, Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colaklı, and Gundogdu.

What distance do I ride?

You’ll drive about 20 km on the quad.

Do I receive a helmet?

Yes. You’ll be given a free helmet, and you can purchase additional equipment on-site.

Is the tour insured?

Yes. The quad bikes are insured by Allianz.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. The route includes a swimming break, and the first circuit involves driving in the river area.

What should I bring?

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

What age or participant limits apply?

The tour notes that children under 3 aren’t suitable, and people under 16 can only sit in the back seat of an ATV. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women.