Side Forest Quad Safari with Hotel Pickup

Taking a quad bike ride through the lush forests surrounding Side in Turkey offers an exciting way to explore the area’s natural beauty. This tour, rated 4.3 out of 5 by past travelers, combines a dose of adrenaline with the chance to soak in scenic views and enjoy some outdoor fun. Whether you’re a first-timer or have some experience on a bike, this adventure promises a memorable day in nature.

What we particularly like about this experience is the convenience of hotel pickup, the friendly guides, and the variety of terrains you’ll encounter—from dusty trails to rocky paths. On the downside, some riders note that the ride isn’t quite as long as they might hope, often covering more of a circuit than a lengthy trail. Still, for just $29 per person, it offers solid value and an authentic taste of off-road excitement. This tour is ideal for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and those wanting an active break during their stay in Side.

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Key Points

Accessible for all skill levels thanks to full safety briefings and automatic quad bikes.
Scenic forest routes provide a refreshing escape into nature.
Midway photo stop allows for capturing memorable moments.
Expert guides like Serdar and Mustafa enhance safety and enjoyment.
Shorter duration (about 70 minutes) is perfect for a quick adventure.
Cost-effective at $29, with options to reserve and pay later.

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What is the Side Forest Quad Safari?

This is a guided off-road adventure where you’ll ride a quad bike through the pine forests and rugged terrains around Side. The experience starts with hotel pickup, ensuring a hassle-free start, and takes you to the designated training area. Here, the guides provide a comprehensive safety briefing and demonstrate how the fully automatic quad bikes are operated. No prior experience is necessary, making it accessible whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned rider.

Once you’re suited up with helmets and safety gear, you’ll set out to explore the trails. Expect a mix of dusty, muddy, and rocky paths that wind through towering pine trees and scenic countryside. The terrain is varied, with gentle shaded forest tracks and more challenging sections like rocky stretches and small river crossings.

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The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

Hotel Pickup and Transfer

The adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup, typically arranged from centrally located accommodations in Side. This door-to-door service helps streamline your day, avoiding the need to find a meeting point on your own.

Training & Safety Briefing

At the starting point, friendly guides like Serdar or Mustafa will walk you through a safety briefing and basic operation instructions. The quad bikes are fully automatic, making them easy to handle, even for beginners. The guides are praised for their clear, friendly communication and knowledge of the area, which makes newcomers feel comfortable.

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The Forest Trails

Your ride will start with a shaded forest trail, where you’ll enjoy the crisp air and lush surroundings. Reviewers mention that the scenery is stunning, with towering pines and natural sounds, making it a relaxing yet exciting environment. The dusty and muddy tracks add a rugged element, providing a real thrill, especially when navigating bumps or small obstacles.

One rider noted, “I had a lot of fun riding through the mud and water, especially when I splashed around in small streams.” The diversity of terrain keeps the activity interesting and engaging, with enough challenge to test your riding skills without being overwhelming.

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Scenic Midpoint Break

Midway through the tour, there’s a photo stop at a picturesque spot. This is a great chance to rest, chat with fellow riders, and enjoy the vistas of the countryside. Past travelers have appreciated this peaceful pause, with one commenting, “The stop gave us an opportunity to take photos and soak in the natural beauty of Side’s surroundings.”

The Return and More Adventure

After the break, the ride continues with more intense off-road sections, including rocky patches and small river crossings. These parts are often praised for their exhilarating bumps and speed, providing an adrenaline rush and a real sense of adventure. The guides are attentive throughout, ensuring everyone stays safe while enjoying the thrill.

End of the Tour

Once back at the base camp, you’re given a chance to clean off the dust and mud before being transferred back to your hotel. The short duration (~70 minutes) makes it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule, and the value for money is considered good, especially given the inclusion of full insurance and safety gear.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Many previous participants highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, notably Serdar and Mustafa, who went out of their way to ensure safety and fun. One reviewer stated, “The guides were very knowledgeable and explained everything clearly. They made us feel safe even on the rocky parts.”

Some travelers mention the limitations of the experience, such as the ride’s circuit-like nature, rather than a long trail. A traveler noted, “You don’t really cover much distance, but it’s still a lot of fun riding in circles on the practice area.” This emphasizes that, while the tour is shorter, the focus is on fun and safety rather than a long-distance adventure.

Others found the price reasonable, especially considering the included training, safety gear, and transfer. However, some mention additional costs for optional items like glasses or scarves, which are sold at the start—though bringing your own might save a few euros.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Quad Safari is perfect for anyone seeking a quick dose of excitement and outdoor activity. It’s especially suited for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting an adrenaline boost without a long commitment. The activity’s beginners-friendly approach makes it accessible, but the rugged terrain ensures thrill-seekers will find enough challenge.

It’s also a great option if you’re interested in scenic nature and want a break from cultural sightseeing. While not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, it’s a good choice for teenagers and adults looking for adventure.

Practical Tips for Participants

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty—they’ll get dusty or muddy.
Bring a change of clothes if you want to freshen up after the ride.
Wear sunglasses or bring your own bandana (though they sell these options if you forget). Cameras and phones, however, are not allowed during the ride for safety reasons.
Cash might be needed if you wish to purchase optional accessories like glasses or scarves.
No prior quad biking experience is needed, but drivers must be at least 17 years old.

The Sum Up

The Side Forest Quad Safari is an enjoyable, well-organized way to explore Turkey’s scenic forests in a fun, active way. For just $29, you get a safe, guided experience with memorable views and enough adrenaline to satisfy thrill-seekers. The tour’s highlight is the friendly guides and the stunning natural scenery, which make up for the relatively short ride time.

While it’s not a long-distance trek, the mix of forest trails, rocky paths, and photo stops offers a balanced, engaging adventure that’s ideal for a quick outdoor escape. It’s particularly suited for those looking for a casual yet exciting activity that combines nature and adrenaline.

If you’re after a fun-filled, accessible off-road experience with great guides and scenic landscapes, this safari offers strong value for its price. Just prepare to get a little dusty and come ready for a taste of Turkey’s natural beauty in a way that’s both lively and memorable.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient to start and end the experience without stress.

Do I need previous experience to join? No, full safety training and instructions are provided, and the quad bikes are automatic, so no prior riding skills are necessary.

What is the duration of the safari? The actual quad bike riding lasts about 70 minutes, making it perfect for a quick outdoor activity.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothes suitable for getting dirty, and shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy or dusty.

Are cameras allowed during the ride? No, cameras and cellphones are not permitted during the ride for safety reasons, but you can take photos during the midway stop.

How old do I have to be to ride? Drivers must be at least 17 years old to operate a quad bike.

Is the experience suitable for children? It’s not suitable for children under 4 years old, and safety considerations suggest it’s best for older kids and adults.

Can I cancel my reservation? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages do guides speak? Guides are fluent in English, German, and Russian.

Are there additional costs? Optional items such as glasses or scarves are sold at the start, costing around 5 euros each, but bringing your own can save money.

This Side Forest Quad Safari offers an authentic, exciting way to explore Turkey’s countryside, combining scenic views with a dose of adventure in a safe, friendly environment.