From Antalya – Side – Kemer: Quad Safari Tour

Planning an adrenaline-filled day exploring Turkey’s rugged terrain? The Quad Safari Tour from Antalya promises an exciting ride through pine forests, mountain trails, and sandy dunes. Though the tour is popular for its fun factor and scenic backdrop, it has mixed reviews that highlight both its strengths and some pitfalls to consider.

We love the chance to test your driving skills on technical trails, the opportunity for memorable photos amidst stunning mountain scenery, and the convenience of hotel pickup. However, some travelers have expressed disappointment over the actual route length and the condition of the bikes. This tour is ideal for those seeking a lively outdoor activity that’s accessible even for beginners but might not satisfy thrill-seekers craving a longer or more challenging ride.

Key Points

Accessible for beginners: The quad bikes are automatic and easy to handle, making this suitable for first-timers.
Scenic mountain landscapes: Expect pine forests, rocky trails, and photo stops that capture the beautiful Taurus Mountains.
Value for money: The roughly 2.5-hour experience includes transfers, safety briefing, and equipment — a fair deal for the price.
Mixed reviews on route quality: Some travelers report short rides and rough bikes, so manage expectations accordingly.
All-weather activity: Rain or shine, the tour runs, so be prepared for different weather conditions.
Group size varies: Though not specified, smaller groups could mean better guidance and more personal attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Itinerary: What’s Included

The tour begins with hotel pickup from Antalya, Side, or Kemer, which is generally smooth, though timing varies due to the scattered hotel locations. Expect to be transported to the meeting area, where you’ll meet your guides — they speak several languages including English, German, Russian, and Turkish. Once there, you’ll receive safety instructions and a brief practice session on the quads, which is particularly helpful for beginners.

After a short safety briefing, you’ll be handed your helmet and necessary equipment. The actual riding session lasts approximately 2.5 hours, during which you weave through pine forests, rocky trails, and sandy dunes. The ride involves a mix of technical trails and open dirt tracks designed to keep the experience lively without requiring prior experience. If you’re fortunate, depending on the season, there may be a water crossing and photo breaks at scenic spots to help you capture the moment.

What the Trail Feels Like

Most of the riding involves off-road tracks that vary from loose gravel to harder-packed dirt. Some travelers have noted that the route isn’t as long as initially expected; one reviewer bitterly remarked, “You only rode about 10 km at a snail’s pace,” and criticized the ride as being overly short. Others mentioned that the terrain is mostly gravel and rocky, which can be bumpy and requires some careful maneuvering.

Despite some complaints about the route length, others appreciated the chance to feel the rugged landscape and test their driving skills. The technical trails challenge your ability to control the quad, especially on uneven terrain and small rocks. The photo stops are considered highlights, providing opportunities to glance at the Taurus Mountains’ lush scenery and snap some memories.

The Bikes and Safety

The quads used on this tour are fully automatic and easy to operate, making them suitable for complete novices. The safety instructions are clear, and guides are present to help you get comfortable before hitting the trails. Helmets are provided, but some reviews suggest that face protection can be purchased separately from the guides if you want more coverage.

Bike condition appears mixed, with some travelers commenting on the bikes being in “very bad condition” or poorly maintained. This is reflected in the reviews, where some felt the bikes didn’t match expectations, especially if you’re used to well-maintained equipment. The tour does not include masks or personal protective gear beyond helmets, so bringing sunglasses and sunscreen is advised.

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The Scenic Experience and Photo Breaks

The tour emphasizes the natural beauty of the Taurus Mountains. Pine forests, rocky canyons, and open dirt tracks make for a picturesque backdrop. The scheduled photo shoot breaks allow you to immortalize your adventure, and guides often encourage capturing the scenery from different angles.

A water crossing, if available during your season, adds a splash of fun and a break from the dusty trails. It’s an excellent way to cool off and add variety to the ride. Be aware that during the dry summer months, water crossings may not be possible, which could slightly alter your experience.

Group Size and Tour Duration

The tour lasts around 3 to 3.5 hours, including transfer time. The actual riding portion is approximately 2.5 hours. It’s not specified whether the groups are small or large, but reviews hint that smaller groups could offer a more personalized experience. The tour runs twice daily, giving flexibility for your schedule.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This activity is best suited for beginners or casual riders looking for a fun, scenic off-road experience without extensive technical challenges. It’s also suitable for families (with passengers under 16 riding with parents) or groups wanting a lively outdoor activity.

Those seeking longer, more challenging rides, or highly maintained bikes, might find this experience lacking. The inconsistent quality of bikes and the perceived brevity of the route have been points of criticism, so manage expectations accordingly.

Additional Notes: Practical Tips

• Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes, clothes that can get dirty, and sunglasses or sun protection.
• Weather: The tour operates rain or shine, so bring suitable attire for the weather.
• Health & Safety: Pregnant women are advised not to participate, and helmets are provided, but face masks are optional.
• Booking & Flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, which offers some flexibility in planning.

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Given the price point of $59 per person, this tour offers a decent value if you’re looking for a half-day adventure in the mountains. The inclusions — pickup, safety briefing, equipment, and photo opportunities — make it a convenient choice. However, the mixed reviews hint that some riders may feel shortchanged if expectations aren’t aligned with reality.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, beginner-friendly quad experience amid beautiful scenery, this tour delivers. It’s perfect for those wanting a quick adrenaline fix rather than a long, challenging ride. Be prepared for some variability in bike condition and route length, and don’t expect a high-adrenaline race through the mountains.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This adventure is ideal for travelers who want an easygoing, scenic outdoor activity that’s suitable for beginners and family groups. It’s a good option if you’re after a value-packed experience, with the convenience of hotel pickup and professional guides.

It’s less suited for seasoned off-road enthusiasts or thrill-seekers craving a longer or more intense ride. If you’re looking for highly maintained bikes and a meticulously planned route, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior experience necessary? No, the quad bikes are fully automatic and designed to be easy for beginners. Guides provide instructions to help you get comfortable.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience, including transfers, lasts around 3 to 3.5 hours. The actual riding time is approximately 2.5 hours.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes, clothes that can get dirty, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. Closed-toe shoes are a must.

Can children participate? Participants must be at least 16 years old to drive. Those under 16 can ride as passengers if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What’s included in the price? Hotel pickup and drop-off, quad instructions, helmets, and the quad bikes themselves are included.

Are there any seasonal restrictions? Water crossings and photo stops may vary depending on the season, especially in dry summer months when water may not be available.

What if it rains? The tour runs rain or shine, so come prepared for different weather conditions.

Can I buy masks or face protection? Yes, face protection can be purchased from your guide if desired.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women? No, pregnant women are advised not to participate for safety reasons.

Final Thoughts

The Quad Safari Tour from Antalya offers an accessible, scenic escape into the mountains with a dash of adventure. While some riders find the ride too short or bikes not in pristine condition, many enjoy the relaxed pace, beautiful vistas, and fun photo opportunities. It’s a budget-friendly activity with the convenience of hotel pickup, making it a solid choice for those new to off-road riding or families seeking a memorable outdoor outing.

If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable quad experience amidst nature’s splendor and don’t mind some variability, this tour fits the bill. Just keep your expectations in check, especially regarding route length and bike condition, and you’re likely to have an overall enjoyable day out.

In summary, this tour is best for beginners, families, and travelers looking for a quick, scenic adventure without high stakes. It provides good value for money, especially if you’re after a memorable photo experience and a taste of mountain off-roading. For those with more demanding expectations, exploring other options might be worth it — but for most, this will be a fun, if slightly inconsistent, ride through Turkey’s stunning Taurus Mountains.

You can check availability for your dates here: