Side Quad Safari: Your Off-Road Adventure Behind the Coast
Side is one of the best places on the whole Antalya coast to swap the sun lounger for a set of handlebars. Just inland from the resort, the flat holiday strip gives way to the rolling foothills of the Taurus mountains, and that is exactly where our quad safari heads. This is the main Side off-road base, so the tour you book here is the real, bookable Side quad adventure, with free hotel pick-up and drop-off across Side and the wider Side–Manavgat corridor.
You will ride your own single-seat quad bike (ATV) along dusty forest tracks, splash through muddy bends and rattle over shallow water crossings, all with a guide leading the way. No previous experience is needed. It is an off-road tour, so safety leads every decision: guests who can handle the machine confidently drive it themselves, and anyone who would rather not rides the same route as a passenger, for the same price. If you can twist a throttle and squeeze a brake, you can do this. It is one of the most fun few hours you will spend on your Side holiday, and because we are the operator, you get the best price direct with no middleman and no prepayment — you reserve online for free and simply pay your guide on the day.
The Ride from Side
Your adventure begins the moment we collect you from your hotel. There are usually morning and afternoon departures, and our driver will meet you in reception and take you the short journey to the off-road base behind the coast. The transfer is included, so there is nothing to arrange and no car park to find.
At the base you will get kitted out, meet your guides and take on the trail. The whole experience typically runs around two to three hours including the ride, and you will be back at your hotel a few hours after pick-up — plenty of time to shower off the dust and still make dinner. If you are travelling as a group or a family, this is an easy half-day out that slots neatly into a beach-based holiday in Side.
The Trails and Terrain
The country behind Side is made for quad biking. Expect a proper mix that keeps every rider grinning:
- Dusty forest tracks winding through pine woodland in the Taurus foothills.
- Muddy bends where the trail dips and turns — the messier, the better.
- Shallow water and river crossings that throw up a satisfying splash.
- Open, rolling stretches where you can settle into the ride and enjoy the scenery.
A lead guide rides at the front and sets a sensible pace so nobody is pushed beyond their comfort, while a sweep guide follows at the back to keep the group together. The route is genuine off-road terrain, so it is dusty and often muddy — that is the whole point — but the pace is managed and the trail is one our guides know inch by inch.
Who It Suits, and Total Beginners
This safari is built for first-timers as much as for confident riders. Every tour opens with a safety briefing and a practice lap, so you get a proper feel for the controls before you hit the trail. Your guides watch the group throughout and adjust the pace to the riders they have that day.
You ride your own single-seat quad. Children ride pillion with an adult, or in a linked buggy where that option is offered, so families can join in together. It is a brilliant shared adventure for couples, groups of friends and families staying in Side who want to see a wilder side of the coast. If you fancy pairing your quad ride with something else, take a look at our Side combo tours for a bigger day out.
What to Wear and Bring
The single most useful thing to know is that you will get dusty and muddy — happily so. Dress for it:
- Old clothes you do not mind getting filthy. Dust and mud wash out, but come prepared to get messy.
- Closed shoes (trainers are ideal). No flip-flops or sandals on the trail.
- Sunglasses are handy, though we provide goggles for the ride itself.
- Sun cream, and a bottle of water to keep hydrated.
- A change of clothes back at the hotel — you will want it.
A light-hearted water fight often rounds off the ride, so being ready to get wet is all part of the fun. Leave anything you would hate to lose or soak safely back at your hotel.
How Free Pick-Up Works
Free hotel pick-up and drop-off is included from Side and the surrounding Side–Manavgat area. Once you have booked, we arrange your transfer — you just need to be ready in your hotel reception at the agreed time. There are usually morning and afternoon slots to choose from. Our driver brings you to the off-road base, and after the safari you are dropped straight back at your hotel. No hire car, no directions, no stress.
Staying a little further along the coast? We also run quad safaris from the neighbouring areas — see our Manavgat quad safari and Kumköy quad safari pages if that suits your location better.
Safety and Gear
Your safety is looked after from start to finish. Helmets and goggles are provided, and every tour begins with a briefing and a practice lap before you set off. Two guides ride with the group at all times — the lead setting the pace, the sweep keeping everyone together — so you are never left to find your own way.
The quads are straightforward to handle, and the pace is matched to the riders on the day. You do not need any special skills or fitness beyond being able to sit on the bike and work the controls. Just listen to your guides, follow the person in front, and enjoy the ride.
Booking: Reserve Free, Pay on the Day
Booking with the operator directly is the smart way to do this. There is no prepayment: you reserve your place online for free and pay your guide on the day. Because you are booking direct with no middleman, you get the best price — and for the live price and available dates, simply check the booking form when you reserve.
Spaces on popular morning and afternoon departures do fill up in high season, so it is worth reserving ahead once you know your dates. You can browse everything we run, including quad safaris and other adventures, on our tours page.
Quick Questions
Do I need a driving licence or experience?
Quads require no prior experience — the briefing and practice lap get you ready. It is not a paperwork question but a safety one. Guests who can handle the machine drive it themselves; anyone who cannot, or would rather not, rides the same route as a passenger for the same price.
Can children take part?
Yes. Children ride pillion with an adult, or in a linked buggy where that option is offered, so the whole family can join.
How long does it take?
Around two to three hours including the ride, with morning and afternoon departures and drop-off a few hours after pick-up.
What should I wear?
Old clothes you do not mind getting dusty and muddy, plus closed shoes. Expect to get wet in the end-of-ride water fight.
When can I go?
Quad safaris run most of the year, so there is nearly always a slot to suit your Side holiday.
Ready to trade the beach towel for the trail? Reserve your Side Quad Safari now — free to book online, best price direct, and you pay your guide on the day. Grab your dates and get ready to get dusty!