City of Side: Guided Quad Bike Riding Experience

Trying to picture yourself zooming through rugged mountain trails, feeling the wind in your hair and the thrill of off-road biking? This guided quad bike tour in the Antalya region offers just that — a mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and a dash of mud-splattered fun. Priced at around $36 per person and lasting approximately 3 hours, this activity promises an energetic way to explore the Taurus Mountains, a highlight of the area’s natural beauty.

What we really love about this experience is its accessibility and the emphasis on safety. The tour includes all necessary equipment, a knowledgeable guide, and a brief training session, making it suitable even for first-timers. However, a potential consideration is that the ride covers about 15 km of off-road terrain, which can be quite muddy and bumpy — so packing a change of clothes might be a good idea. Perfectly suited for adventure seekers and nature lovers, this tour offers a lively way to add some adrenaline to your Turkish holiday.

Key Points

• Scenic Mountain Views: Ride alongside the Taurus Mountains and near the Manavgat River, capturing impressive landscapes.
• Safety and Guidance: The tour includes helmets, insurance, and a guide who explains riding basics, making it suitable for beginners.
• Active and Dirty Fun: Expect to get muddy, wet, and exhilarated on a 20 km quad biking trail.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve now with the option to pay later.
• Family Friendly: Drivers must be over 16, and passengers over 3, but not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.
• Photo Opportunities: You can purchase footage of your ride and souvenirs, with some reviewers mentioning the value of the photos.

A Full Breakdown: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Convenient Pickup and Transportation

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is the door-to-door pickup service. If you’re staying in Side or nearby areas like Kumköy, Evrenseki, or Sorgun, you’ll be picked up from your hotel’s security gate in an air-conditioned bus. This makes logistics super simple and avoids the hassle of figuring out transportation to a base station. The ride to the starting point offers a comfortable start to your adventure, giving you a moment to soak in some local scenery before the adrenaline kicks in.

Safety Briefing and Equipment

Once at the base station, you’ll meet your guide, who is likely to be multilingual (German, English, Turkish) — something many travelers appreciate for clear instructions. The team provides helmets and insurance, with the option to purchase sunglasses or masks if you didn’t bring your own. After a quick setup and a brief tutorial on how to operate the quad bikes, you’ll take a test drive to ensure everyone feels confident.

The Ride: Action Packed and Scenic

The core of the experience is a 20 km off-road trail around the Taurus Mountains, with about 15 km of actual riding. Expect a mix of tight curves, open stretches, and splash points that encourage getting a bit muddy and wet. Reviewers mention “good fun” and “beautiful spots to cool off by the river,” indicating that the route offers both adrenaline-pumping sections and moments of peaceful nature.

The guides are praised for their explanations and assistance, ensuring even novices feel comfortable. One reviewer, Tang, noted that staff was “friendly and welcoming,” and that they received 30+ pictures of their trip for a fair price, adding a memorable souvenir to the experience.

Post-Ride Refresh and Photos

After the ride, you’ll have access to an onsite shower where you can rinse off the mud and freshen up. Remember to bring a change of clothes! Many guests find this part refreshing after a wet and wild adventure. You can also watch the footage of your ride, which adds a fun element to reliving the experience. Most reviews agree that the photos and videos are reasonably priced and worth it for the memories.

Drop-off and Additional Tips

The tour concludes with transportation back to your hotel. A few practical tips: wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses, and pack a towel and swimwear if you’d like to cool off. It’s also wise to arrive with a sense of adventure and a willingness to get a bit dirty — this is not a pristine sightseeing tour but an active, muddy outing.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides. Michele called the experience “absolutely great,” while Vanessa appreciated the multilingual explanations, making the ride accessible for international visitors. Tang mentioned that the “driving speed was a little disappointing,” but overall, the fun and scenery made up for it.

Commenters also appreciated the opportunity to purchase extras, like USB photos, with one noting they paid £25 for a collection of images. Some guests mentioned the fun splash points, emphasizing the playful nature of this adventure.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for adventure enthusiasts eager to combine sightseeing with a bit of dirt and adrenaline. It’s a fantastic choice for families with older kids (drivers over 16, passengers over 3), groups of friends, or solo travelers looking to add some spirited activity to their trip. Keep in mind, if you’re pregnant, have mobility issues, or dislike getting muddy, this might not be your perfect fit.

Practical Details and Considerations

• The total ride covers about 15 km and lasts roughly 1.5 hours, leaving plenty of time for safety briefings and photos.
• Each participant is provided with a helmet and insurance, and guides are fluent in multiple languages.
• The activity is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or those with mobility limitations.
• Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a towel, and swimwear if you’d like to cool off.
• You might find it helpful to bring an extra change of clothes, especially since getting muddy is part of the fun.
• The tour costs $36 per person, offering good value considering the scenic adventure and included transportation.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there options for paying later?
Absolutely, you can reserve now and pay later, which offers flexibility in planning.

What should I wear for the ride?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and packing a towel, swimwear, and sunglasses will enhance your experience.

Is the activity suitable for children?
Drivers must be over 16, and passengers over 3, so it’s suitable for older children and teenagers, but not for very young kids.

Will I get wet and muddy?
Yes, expect to get quite muddy and possibly wet, so prepare accordingly.

Can I purchase photos or videos of my ride?
Yes, you can buy footage and photos; many reviewers found it to be fairly priced and a fun souvenir.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, unfortunately, this experience isn’t suitable for those with mobility or wheelchair limitations.

Final Thoughts

This guided quad bike experience around Side offers a lively, memorable way to explore the Taurus Mountains. The combination of scenic views, professional guides, and muddy fun makes it a standout activity for those craving adventure. With all necessary safety gear provided, it’s accessible enough for beginners and exciting enough for seasoned thrill-seekers.

The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off adds convenience, and the opportunity to purchase photos helps preserve the memories. While it’s not a serene sightseeing trip — expect to get dirty and energized — this tour delivers genuine fun and authentic natural beauty in a short, well-organized package.

If you want an active, scenic adventure that breaks away from typical sightseeing, this quad biking safari is well worth considering for your stay in Side.

Whether you’re after a fun family day, a group activity, or a solo adventure, this tour offers a spirited way to see the Taurus Mountains and make some muddy memories. Just don’t forget your change of clothes!