A buggy cross in the Taurus Mountains is a serious adrenaline reset. This guided 20-kilometer ride from Side mixes easy onboard instruction with big mountain scenery you can feel from the first turns. Expect to get a little dirty and wet, then cool down afterward with a shower at the base station.

The two biggest wins for me are how the guide sets you up to actually drive well (not just hold on) and how the route keeps changing—tight curves near the Manavgat River, a short break, then another circuit. One thing to plan for: the ride can be less about mud and more about dust, but if you get water or puddles, you’ll want the change of clothes ready—also, the buggy seats can feel firm.

Key things I’d bet on

• 20 km guided route in the Taurus Mountains, not a quick demo loop
• Hotel pickup by A/C bus from inside the Side area, then a short transfer to the base station
• Quick test drive + coaching before you go for real
• Manavgat River area riding with breezy, fast curve energy
• Shower at the station so you’re not stuck in mountain grime
• Optional video purchase after you ride

Taurus Mountains Buggy Cross Ride: The real vibe of the experience

This is the kind of outing that starts fun and stays fun. You’re not just watching someone else drive. You’re learning how to handle a buggy cross, then putting that instruction to work over a full 20 kilometers across the Taurus foothills.

The route is guided, which matters. It means you’re not guessing where to go or when to slow down. You follow your guide through a mix of turns and straight stretches that lets you feel confident—fast. And the scenery does the rest. Even if you’re focused on staying on line, you’re still getting those Taurus Mountain views in between curves.

At $34 per person, it’s priced like an activity, not a half-day luxury tour. The value comes from what’s included: round-trip A/C bus transport, the buggy and driving equipment, insurance, and a full 20 km guided ride plus post-ride shower time.

Getting from Side to the base station (and why it’s smoother than it sounds)

You meet your driver at your accommodation in Side—specifically in front of the security doors within the Side area. Then you travel by air-conditioned bus to the base station.

That transfer might look like a throwaway detail, but it actually improves the experience. You’re not trying to coordinate your own rides or figure out parking. You arrive geared up and ready, and the buggy instruction can start right away once you’re at the station.

Once you arrive, you’ll be outfitted with the equipment you need. Then the guide runs through the basics. This is where you learn how to operate the buggy cross safely and confidently before the main route begins.

Learning to ride: your quick confidence boost

Right after outfitting, you’ll get the basics from your guide. Then you do a short test drive near the base station. This is the moment you can shake out jitters without committing to the full distance.

Why this matters: if you’ve never driven off-road, a buggy cross feels different from a car on pavement. Speed comes quickly, bumps surprise you, and curves need quick steering. A test run helps you build muscle memory before you head into the more lively sections.

Your guide then takes you into the real ride with coaching as you go. The tour is designed for first-timers as long as you follow instructions and don’t try to freestyle the route.

The 20 km ride: Manavgat River curves, a break, then round two

The main ride is 20 kilometers total. It’s built in two chunks, with a short stop in the middle.

First, you ride near the Manavgat River. Expect a breeze, the adrenaline feeling you want, and the kind of tight curves that make you pay attention—in a good way. This isn’t a lazy scenic drive; it’s active and you’ll feel the buggy move.

After about 10 kilometers, you stop for a short break. This is useful because off-road driving can be tiring in your arms and shoulders. It also gives you time to reset before the final circuit.

Then you hop back on and complete another 10 kilometers before returning to the base station. That second stretch is where you’ll often feel more relaxed, because the first part teaches you what the buggy likes to do.

What “dirty and wet” means in practice (and how to be ready)

The tour description is clear: you may get dirty and wet. In real terms, that usually means splash zones, damp ground, and a buggy ride that ends with you looking like you’ve been in the outdoors—even if it isn’t a mud bath the whole time.

One detail that’s worth taking seriously: the ride may not always be dramatically muddy. Some routes can involve only small puddles. Still, don’t count on dry conditions. Bring what you need so you can swap into clean clothes afterward.

If you want to avoid discomfort, treat this as a “wear it, get it splashed” outing:

• Comfortable shoes you don’t mind scuffing
• Sunglasses for glare and dust
• Clothes that can get dirty
• A change of clothes and a towel

There’s also an extra real-world consideration from the field: the buggy seats can feel quite firm, so plan for a bit of vibration and seat pressure.

The station after the ride: shower, footage, and a chance to buy the memory

When you finish back at the base station, you’ll watch action-packed footage of your adventure. This is one of those post-activity extras that can be fun if you like seeing yourself driving from angles you didn’t notice in the moment.

Important: the video/DVD and photos are not included. They’re available at extra cost if you want them. If you’re on a tight budget, you can skip this and still leave with a full experience—20 km and all.

Then you can take a shower at the station. This is genuinely valuable. It means you don’t have to spend your evening in damp clothes or wash up badly in a quick hotel sink situation.

Included vs. not included: what you’ll actually pay for on the day

This tour keeps the essentials covered. Included:

• Round-trip transportation by A/C bus
• Buggy and driving equipment
• 20 km guided buggy ride
• Insurance during tour

Not included:

• Food and drinks
• DVD movie and photos (extra cost)
• Extra items like sunglasses, mask, comfortable shoes (if you need them, you’d have to buy or bring them)
• Safe box

That list affects your planning more than you might think. Since food isn’t included, either eat before pickup or budget for a meal afterward. And since extra gear isn’t included, don’t show up hoping the station will solve every comfort issue—pack your essentials.

Price and value: is $34 a good deal for Side?

At $34 per person for about two hours, you’re paying for a compact time block that includes transport, equipment, guided driving, and insurance. That’s a lot of operational stuff for one price.

Here’s how I judge value on tours like this:

• Are you actually driving for meaningful distance? Yes—20 km, not a token loop.
• Do you get guided help so you don’t feel lost? Yes—basics, test drive, and a guided route.
• Are you covered on logistics? Yes—pickup by A/C bus and return included.
• Are you leaving with an end-of-ride cleanup? Yes—shower at the station.

What could make it feel less good is if you’re expecting lots of mud splatter or you’re very sensitive to physical comfort. One more “cost” is your own planning: change of clothes, towel, and shoes that can handle the day. If you arrive unprepared, the experience can turn into discomfort rather than adrenaline.

Who should book (and who should skip it)

This tour suits you if:

• You want an off-road experience without needing prior driving experience
• You like guided activities where you get instruction quickly
• You’re comfortable with bumps, speed, and getting dirty
• You’d enjoy an A/C bus transfer and a shower afterward

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re very sensitive to seat comfort or vibration
• You need a low-activity day (this isn’t it)
• You can’t ride safely in a buggy environment

The tour data also flags several “no” categories:

• Children under 3 years
• Pregnant women
• People with heart problems
• People with mobility impairments (even though the tour lists wheelchair accessibility, the safety suitability note still applies—so think hard about whether buggy driving and transfers will work for you)
• Children under 15 can’t drive (they can ride as passengers)

Practical tips that make a real difference

A few small choices change how you feel halfway through the ride:

• Bring a towel and a change of clothes. The shower is great, but you’ll still want something dry after.
• Wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Off-road riding is not shoe-friendly.
• Sunglasses help with glare and dust. If you wear a cap, it can help too, though headwear isn’t specified—so just use what you already own.
• Expect firm seating. If you’re worried about comfort, plan for the ride to be a bit intense on your backside.
• Have something for your neck and face. Halstücher (neck scarves) are offered early in the experience, and if you have your own, bringing it can reduce the need to buy on the spot.

Should you book the Taurus Mountains buggy cross tour from Side?

If you want a fast, guided adrenaline hit with real driving distance, I think this is a strong pick. The combination of 20 km riding, instruction plus a test drive, and included transport, gear, and insurance makes it feel like a complete activity rather than a “just show up” experience. The shower afterward is also a big practical win.

I’d only hesitate if you’re looking for a clean, calm sightseeing day, or if seat comfort and physical strain are major concerns for you. And if you’re booking with kids, remember that under 15 can ride but can’t drive.

If that fits your style—book it. This is exactly the kind of outing that makes your Turkey trip feel active and a little wild, without requiring a major time commitment.

FAQ

How long is the buggy cross tour in total?

The duration is listed as 2 hours total.

How far do we ride in the Taurus Mountains?

You ride 20 kilometers in total during the guided buggy cross activity.

What’s included in the price?

Included are round-trip A/C bus transportation, the buggy and driving equipment, the 20 km guided ride, and insurance during the tour.

What do I need to bring?

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

Is there food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can children drive the buggy cross?

Children under 15 are not permitted to drive. They can ride as passengers.

Is a shower provided after the ride?

Yes. You can take a shower at the station before returning to Side.

What about the video or photos after the ride?

The action footage is shown after you ride, but DVD movie and photos are available at extra cost.