Pine forests and mud on an ATV.

This Side Forest Quad Safari turns Side’s countryside into a hands-on off-road playground, with dusty tracks, pine shade, and rocky sections you can actually feel in your legs.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off. It keeps the day simple, so you focus on gearing up and riding. I also like that the ride is built for all skill levels, with a safety briefing and automatic ATVs that are easy to get comfortable with fast.

One thing to consider: cameras and cellphones aren’t allowed, and the photo break is part of the flow. If you want to control every photo yourself, plan around that reality.

Key things to know before you go

• Automatic ATVs and basic training, even if it’s your first ride
• 70 minutes of riding on dusty, muddy, and rocky terrain
• Mid-tour scenic stop for photos and a breather in the countryside
• Small river crossings and bumps during the final off-road stretch
• Helmet + full-insurance included, plus an instructor on hand
• No cameras or cellphones on the course, so you’ll think differently about photos

Side’s pine forests make this ATV tour feel real

Side might be best known for beaches and old-town strolling, but this ATV safari lets you see the other Side of the area. You ride through pine forests and rugged trails around Antalya Province, not just a paved track with a few turns.

That forest setting matters. Shade helps when the sun is out, and the tree-lined routes keep the ride feeling varied. Add in the mix of dust, mud, and rocky stretches, and the experience becomes less about speed and more about handling the terrain.

You’ll get scenic views too, especially during the ride sections that open up beyond the denser trees. It’s the kind of setting where the scenery isn’t just something you pass by on a bus. It’s part of the ride itself.

From hotel pickup to training: the start is straightforward

The day starts with hotel pickup and a short drive to the quad safari training area. It’s not a long haul to get to the action, which helps when your day is only about 3 hours total.

At the training site, you get a safety briefing and basic instructions on operating the ATV. The quads are fully automatic, so you’re not dealing with clutch work or gear shifting. If you’ve never ridden before, this is a big deal. Your brain can focus on steering, balance, and staying calm when the trail gets bumpy.

You’ll also get safety gear: a helmet and the added support of an instructor. The tour’s languages are English, German, and Russian, which can make instructions easier to understand if you’re not fully confident in another language.

Pickup timing is clear: you should be at the main security gate of your hotel about 10 minutes early. Drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled time, so don’t cut it too close.

The 70 minutes that matter: shaded tracks, then rock and water

Even though the full tour is about 3 hours, the actual quad time is 70 minutes. That’s enough time to feel like you did something active, not just a quick sample.

First leg: pine shade and winding dirt tracks

The earlier portion focuses on dirt trails and a shaded forest route. You’re riding winding tracks with tall pine trees around you, which makes the ride feel like it’s moving through real terrain instead of repeating the same loop.

This part is also where first-timers tend to settle in. You can ride at your own pace while you get used to throttle control and how the quad reacts on uneven ground.

Mid-ride break: a breather and photo moments

About halfway through, you get a short break at a picturesque location. It’s your chance to rest, look around, and take in the countryside.

This stop can also feel like a reset button for your body. If you’ve been bouncing over rocky bits, the break gives your arms and legs a moment to unclench.

Final stretch: rocky terrain, bumps, and small river crossings

The last part is where the tour shifts into more intense off-road fun. Expect rocky terrain, thrilling bumps, and small river crossings.

This is also the section where you’ll notice how quickly riders can get too confident. In these moments, smooth inputs matter more than forcing the ride. Keep a steady line, give yourself time to react, and follow the instructor’s guidance on how to handle crossings and uneven ground.

The photo stop and the no-phone rule

There’s a mid-tour photo break, and it sounds great on paper. But here’s the catch: cameras and cellphones aren’t allowed during the activity.

That changes how you plan your memories. You can look around and enjoy the scenery, and the stop is designed for photo opportunities, but you won’t be documenting everything on your own device.

Also note the tour doesn’t include personal photo & video. So if you want images after the ride, you may need to rely on the tour’s photo offering.

This is worth thinking through before you arrive. If you love taking your own photos, you’ll feel more constrained than usual. If you’re okay with letting the tour handle photos and you mainly care about the riding, it’s less of an issue and you can stay fully in the moment.

Safety basics: helmet, training, and your own quick checks

The tour includes helmet and full-insurance, and you’ll get an instructor-led briefing before you go out. That’s the foundation you want on an ATV experience.

Even with that, I’d treat the first minutes like your personal safety checklist:

• Make sure your helmet fits comfortably.
• Listen carefully during the instructions and ask questions if anything is unclear.
• Stay aware of the group’s spacing on bumpy trail sections.

One review-style theme that’s worth respecting is that some people experienced concerns about quad condition and rider safety behavior. I can’t predict how your day will go, but you can reduce risk by riding defensively: maintain distance, don’t chase for speed, and follow the instructor when traffic on the trail gets tight.

Also, know the age rule: drivers must be 17 years or older to operate a quad bike. If you’re traveling with younger teens, plan around that.

If you have back problems or mobility impairments, this tour isn’t for you. The terrain includes bumps and uneven trails, so the physical reality is part of the experience, not a minor inconvenience.

What to wear and bring (this part is not optional)

This tour can get dusty or muddy, so dress for getting messy. The essentials are simple:

• Comfortable shoes (you need grip)
• Comfortable clothes you don’t mind dirtying
• A change of clothes
• Cash

The change of clothes is the one that most people underestimate. Even if you keep your pace controlled, you’ll still come back dusty.

And remember the no-camera rule: don’t plan on bringing your phone to film or snap photos on the route. If you show up with electronics, you’ll feel stuck and might end up scrambling.

Price and value: why $33 can feel like a steal

At $33 per person, this quad safari offers a lot for the price—especially because it includes real add-ons that other tours charge for separately.

You’re getting:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• 70 minutes of quad riding
• An instructor and training
• Helmet
• Full-insurance

The only clearly stated thing not included is photo & video. So if you’re budget-minded, you can keep spending under control by deciding in advance whether you want extras at the photo stop.

For me, the value comes from the mix of time + support. The tour doesn’t just throw you onto a vehicle. You get a briefing, and the quads are automatic, which lowers the learning curve. That makes the experience more likely to be enjoyable instead of stressful.

It also fits well into a short Antalya-area itinerary. A 3-hour total duration keeps it from eating your entire day.

Who this tour is best for

This is a great match if you want action without needing prior ATV experience. The tour is designed for first-time riders and experienced adventurers alike, thanks to automatic ATVs and a structured briefing.

You’ll especially like it if:

• You enjoy outdoor, off-road experiences
• You want variety: forest trails, rocky sections, and river crossings
• You’re okay with getting dusty and moving your body a bit

You should skip it if:

• You’re under 4 (the tour isn’t suitable for children under 4)
• You have back problems or mobility impairments
• You’re hoping for a hands-free photo-heavy activity with your phone in your pocket (since cameras and cellphones aren’t allowed)

Should you book the Side Forest Quad Safari?

I’d book it if you want a true ATV outing near Side—automatic, guided, and focused on real off-road terrain rather than a short, tame loop. The 70 minutes of riding plus the included pickup and safety gear makes it good value for the money.

I’d think twice if your priority is controlling your own photos, because no cameras or cellphones changes the experience. And if you’re very sensitive to safety details or equipment conditions, arrive with the mindset of riding carefully and staying alert from the start.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you’re going solo or with family. I can help you decide if this timing and format will mesh with your overall Side plan.

FAQ

How long is the Side Forest Quad Safari?

The duration is about 3 hours total, including pickup and transfers. The quad ride time is 70 minutes.

Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Do I need quad biking experience before going?

No. You’ll get a safety briefing and training before riding, and the ATVs are automatic.

Are the quad bikes automatic?

Yes. The quad bikes are fully automatic and easy to handle.

Is helmet and instruction included?

Yes. Helmet, an instructor, and training are included.

Can I bring a camera or use my cellphone during the ride?

No. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed.

What languages are offered by the instructor?

The instructor is available in English, German, and Russian.

How old do I need to be to operate a quad bike?

Drivers must be 17 years or older to operate a quad bike.

Is photo and video included in the price?

No. Photo & video are not included.

Who should not book this tour?

It’s not suitable for children under 4, and it’s not suitable for people with back problems or mobility impairments.

Is cancellation free if plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve without paying immediately?

Yes. There is a reserve now & pay later option, so you can book and pay later.