This buggy cross ride turns the Taurus Mountains into motion. You’ll drive a buggy for a real 20-kilometer loop, with tight curves and fast moments that feel a lot more physical than you expect from a short tour. I especially like the Taurus Mountain views mixed with that hands-on, bumpy trail feeling.

I also like how the tour keeps you from jumping in blind. You get a quick lesson, a test drive near the base, and a guide right there helping you learn the basics. Afterward, you can even watch a video of your ride at the station and take a shower before heading back to Side.

One thing to consider: the ride can be more uncomfortable than people imagine, especially because the buggy seats are on the hard side. Also, if you’re hoping for tons of mud, the conditions can be hit-or-miss, since the route may only include a small amount of wet ground.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• 20-kilometer guided buggy cross through the Taurus Mountains area, broken into two driving stretches
• Lesson + test drive first, so you’re not guessing when the road gets curvy
• Manavgat River area route, which means you’ll feel more breeze on your skin as you speed along
• On-station shower afterward, so you can clean up before returning to Side
• Harder seating is possible, so bring the mindset that this is about fun, not comfort
• Ride footage available for purchase, with video shown at the end (DVD/photos cost extra)

From Side to the Taurus: How the Setup Works

Your tour starts in Side, with pickup from the front of your hotel within the Side area. Then you’ll ride to the base station by air-conditioned bus. For a 2-hour experience, this is a good sign: the day isn’t built around long waiting times. You’re moving to the action pretty quickly.

Once you arrive, you’ll get outfitted with the equipment you need and get the basics from your guide. This part matters more than people think. Buggy cross is simple in theory, but you still need quick instruction on how to handle the buggy, how to position yourself, and what to expect on turns and bumps.

Then comes a short test drive near the base station. It’s not the full ride, but it’s your chance to get your bearings. I like this pacing because it helps you feel in control before you commit to the full 20 kilometers.

Lesson and Test Drive: Where You Build Confidence Fast

The tour doesn’t expect you to be an expert right away. You’ll learn the basics from your guide, and before the main route begins, you do a short practice run nearby. This is where you should pay attention, because after that you’ll be driving in a real rhythm: accelerate, slow down, and take tight curves without overthinking it.

The guide is also part of why this is a smooth experience. The tour operates with live guidance in German, English, and Turkish, so you should be able to ask questions and get clear answers without being stuck guessing. And since you’ll be on a guided route, you’re not trying to navigate dusty terrain yourself.

If you’re riding as a passenger, the mindset is different, but still useful: you’ll feel the bumpy motion and wind, so choose clothes you don’t mind getting scuffed or dirty.

Riding the Taurus Mountains Loop: The Real Adrenaline

The main drive is a total of 20 kilometers with a guide leading the way. The route takes you near the Manavgat River, and that matters. Even when you’re not thinking about the scenery, being near water and open areas tends to make the air feel different, with more airflow and a stronger “speed” sensation as you move through curves.

You’ll start riding and cover about 10 kilometers before a short break. This is long enough to feel you’re really doing something, but not so long that you lose focus. After the break, you hop back on and complete a final circuit of another 10 kilometers before returning to the base.

The curve work is a big part of the fun. You’ll go around tight turns quickly, and that’s where the adrenaline comes from. It’s not just speed. It’s the combination of handling, bumps, and fast steering decisions.

Do keep expectations realistic. This is a buggy cross ride, not a smooth countryside drive. You should plan for vibration, wind, and dust. That’s part of the deal.

The Break and the Group Pace: Practical Comfort Mid-Tour

The tour includes a break after the first 10 kilometers. This gives your body a moment to reset, and it also keeps the ride from feeling like one long push without any pause.

One small consideration from what I’ve seen in similar setups: if you’re the kind of person who gets sore easily, you’ll want to treat the first half as a warm-up. By the time you return for the second circuit, your posture will either feel more natural or you’ll wish you had prepared for the seat firmness.

Speaking of which, there’s a clear note to take seriously: the buggy seating can be hard. One rider described seat discomfort as basically expected. That doesn’t mean the tour is bad. It means you should go in knowing you might want to stand your shoulders relaxed, brace your legs, and plan to switch positions when the break comes.

Getting Clean and Moving On: Shower at the Station

When you’re done riding, you return to the station. This is where you get a chance to reset before you go back to Side. The tour includes a shower at the station. In practice, this is a big value point. You’re likely to get dirty and wet, and being able to rinse off without hunting down a separate place is convenient.

After the ride and before you head back, you can watch footage of your adventure. The video is shown at the station, and you can purchase the DVD and photos if you want them. Extra costs apply, but the idea is simple: you’ll see what it looked like when you were driving and get a souvenir that feels more real than a few blurry snapshots.

What $34 Really Buys: Value for Time and Energy

At $34 per person, this tour sits in the “short but intense” category. And that’s the key to the value. You’re getting:

• Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus from Side
• All equipment needed for the buggy cross ride
• A guided 20-kilometer route
• Insurance during the tour
• A shower at the station

You are not getting food or drinks included. You’re also not getting the DVD/photos automatically, even though you can watch and then purchase them. And extra gear like sunglasses or a mask is not part of the package.

Still, for two hours, it’s strong value if you want a hands-on activity. You’re paying mainly for the guided driving experience, not for a long sightseeing day. If you’re hoping to spend your limited time in Antalya just watching, this won’t be the match. If you want motion, bumps, and a guided adrenaline hit, this price makes sense.

Equipment, Clothes, and Small Extras That Make a Difference

The tour gives you buggy and driving equipment, but you need to show up ready to get a little wet and dirty. The list is clear, and I recommend following it closely:

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Clothes that can get dirty

Also consider what you might not think about until you’re seated. Hard seats plus vibration can make you feel every jolt. Comfortable clothing can’t fix that, but it can make it easier to tolerate.

There’s also a practical note from the experience: at the start, there may be bandanas offered to buy. If you already have your own scarf for your neck or face, bring it. It can save you from paying for something you’d rather keep.

One more expectation check: mud depends on conditions. If you’re hoping for dramatic, deep mud, don’t count on it. The route can be mostly wet only in small patches. You might end up with dust and minor splash, not a full-on mud bath. Either way, the change of clothes will still be useful.

Safety Rules and Who Should Skip This Ride

This is an activity with real physical limits, so read the restrictions carefully.

Not allowed / not suitable:

• Children under 3 years
• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• People with heart problems
• Pets

Driving rule for kids:

• Children under 15 can ride as passengers, but they are not permitted to drive the buggy.

One thing that looks contradictory on paper is that wheelchair accessibility is listed, but the tour also says it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you’re using a mobility device or have limitations, don’t assume it will work. Ask directly before booking so you don’t show up and get turned away.

DVD Footage and Photos: A Souvenir Option, Not a Must

At the end, you’ll watch action-packed footage of your ride. If you like what you see, you can purchase the DVD and photos for an extra cost.

Here’s how I’d think about it: this is one of those activities where your camera doesn’t capture the true experience unless it’s strapped to you at the right angle. The station footage can feel more like a real record of what happened than phone clips. But it’s still optional, so don’t feel pressured to buy.

Booking Call: Should You Book the Side-to-Taurus Buggy Cross Tour?

Book this tour if you want:

• A short, high-energy day with guided driving
• Real movement and adrenaline over a long sightseeing schedule
• A tour that includes equipment and a shower, so you don’t have to plan extra logistics
• The chance to ride near the Manavgat River and get strong mountain scenery while you move

Skip it if you:

• Need a smooth, comfortable ride (hard seating is possible)
• Are sensitive to bumps, wind, or getting dirty and wet
• Fall into the restriction categories (pregnancy, heart conditions, young children, mobility limitations)

If you’re trying to choose between a gentle afternoon and something hands-on, this one leans hard toward action. For most people in good health who dress for getting messy, it’s a fun way to spend a couple of hours outside Side.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Taurus Mountains buggy cross tour from Side?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

How far do we ride on the buggy cross?

You ride a total of 20 kilometers, split into two stretches of about 10 kilometers with a short break in between.

Is pickup included from hotels in Side?

Yes. Pickup is included from in front of the security doors of your hotel within the Side area.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The tour is guided in German, English, and Turkish.

Are kids allowed to drive the buggy cross?

Children under 15 are not permitted to drive, but they can ride as passengers.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a change of clothes, a towel, and clothes that can get dirty.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there a place to shower after the ride?

Yes. You can take a shower at the station after the tour and before returning to your hotel.