Side Quad and Buggy Safari Experience

Side Quad and Buggy Safari Experience Review

If you’re heading to Side and craving a little outdoor adventure, the Quad and Buggy Safari might catch your eye. While I haven’t personally tried this tour, I’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear picture of what it offers. It’s designed for those who want a fun, active way to explore the rugged outskirts of Side, with plenty of opportunities for excitement and some stunning scenery.

One thing we really like about this experience is its affordability—at just around $23 per person, it offers more than enough thrill for the price. Plus, the safe, guided environment means even beginners can enjoy the ride without stress. On the flip side, some reviews point out that the activity might feel a bit slow, especially if you’re looking for high-speed action.

If you’re someone who enjoys off-road adventures, scenic views, and trying something a bit different, this tour could be a good fit. It’s also suitable if you’re traveling with friends or a partner who wants to share the experience, as each buggy fits two people and no prior driving experience is required. But if you’re after an adrenaline rush with top speeds, you might find it somewhat tame.

Key Points
– Affordable fun at around $23 per person for a roughly 3.5-hour adventure
– No driving license needed, accessible for beginners and first-timers
– Includes safety gear, lockers, showers, and hotel pickup for convenience
– Stunning scenery with views of pine forests, rocky paths, and water splashes
– Some reviews mention slow pace and worn-out vehicles, so expectations should be tempered
– The tour is best suited for adventure seekers who enjoy guided off-road rides and outdoor exploration

What to Expect from the Side Quad and Buggy Safari

Initially, the excitement begins with a hotel pickup in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. This is a handy way to start your day, especially since it takes away the hassle of figuring out transport. The driver will pick you up at your preferred time, and then you’ll be driven to a specially designed off-road track. This track is quite varied, featuring muddy patches, water splashes, rocky terrain, and physical obstacles like rivers—think of it as a mini outdoor playground with a bit of everything.

Once at the base, you’ll be greeted by professional instructors who will explain how to control the buggies and go through safety procedures. You won’t need any prior experience or a driving license, which makes this accessible to most travelers. After a quick test drive of about 20 minutes to get comfortable, you’ll be ready to jump into the real adventure.

The self-driving segment lasts around 1 hour 15 minutes, which is a good chunk of time to really enjoy navigating the rugged paths. It’s an active, hands-on experience—you’re steering your buggy through pine forests, over rocky sections, and splashing through water. It’s a physically engaging activity that gets your adrenaline pumping, all set amidst the natural beauty of the Turkish landscape.

The Terrain and Route

The tracks are purposely designed for off-road fun, with muddy and watery sections adding some excitement. Expect to feel the wind in your hair as you zoom through pine forests and over uneven terrain. The routes aren’t overly long, but there’s enough variety to keep things interesting. Some reviews mention that the vehicles are a bit worn out and that the route isn’t exactly as depicted on the website, but most still found the experience fun.

The guides do their best to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, explaining what to do and offering safety equipment like helmets. The buggies are built to meet safety standards, so you can focus on having a good time without worry.

Water and Scenic Views

One of the highlights is splashing through water obstacles, which adds to the fun and cools you down on a warm day. You’ll also get some great views of the countryside, especially the pine forests and rocky outcrops. While the route may not exactly match the promotional pictures, the landscape is still quite scenic and worth seeing up-close.

Pros and Cons from Travelers’ Perspectives

Reading through reviews, we can see some consistent themes. Many folks appreciated the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery, which made the activity memorable. Several travelers mentioned that the buses and vehicles, while functional, could be a bit dated or worn out—something to keep in mind if you’re expecting top-notch equipment.

On the downside, some reviews pointed out slow pacing—for those craving a speedy, adrenaline-pumping ride, this might be a letdown. One traveler noted that they spent a lot of time braking and waiting, which could reduce the thrill factor. Plus, the route isn’t exactly the same as in promotional images, which can lead to some disappointment if you were hoping for a more “adventurous” or varied route.

The tour duration of about 3.5 hours strikes a good balance—long enough to enjoy the thrill but not so long that it becomes tiring. The inclusion of lockers, showers, and hotel pickup adds convenience, especially if you prefer a hassle-free experience.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At roughly $23, this tour offers decent value, especially considering it includes safety gear, a 1 hour 15-minute self-driving session, and hotel transfers. The experience can be a highlight for those who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic drives, but it’s important to temper expectations about the pace and vehicle condition.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, fun off-road ride with scenic views and friendly guides, this activity delivers. It’s not a high-speed race, but it’s engaging enough to get your adrenaline going and see some of Turkey’s beautiful countryside from a different perspective.

Who Would Enjoy This Experience?

This safari is best suited for adventure seekers who like guided outdoor activities. It works well for solo travelers, couples, or friends wanting a day out with a bit of adrenaline and scenic fun. It’s also suitable for beginners, since no prior experience is needed. However, if you’re after a fast-paced, high-speed ride, you might find this tour a bit tame.

Travelers who don’t mind a sometimes slow pace, or those who appreciate the chance to enjoy nature in a guided setting, will find this activity enjoyable. Keep in mind that the vehicles are a bit worn, and the route may differ from what’s shown online, so temper expectations accordingly.

The Bottom Line

In essence, the Side Quad and Buggy Safari provides a well-priced, guided outdoor adventure that’s perfect for those wanting a taste of off-road driving in Turkey. The scenery, safety precautions, and friendly guides make it a pretty straightforward pick if you’re after some fun and fresh air.

It’s a good choice if you’re traveling with friends or a partner who can share the ride, or if you simply want a memorable way to explore the area’s natural beauty without the complexity of renting your own vehicle. However, if your main goal is high-speed excitement or a more rugged, challenging route, this might not fully meet those expectations.

Overall, it’s a solid, enjoyable activity—simple, scenic, and safe—that offers a genuine taste of Turkey’s landscape, with enough thrill to keep most travelers satisfied.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged 5 to 17 can join as passengers behind the driver, with only one passenger allowed behind each driver. Kids cannot drive but can ride along, making it family-friendly for those with children in that age range.

Do I need a driver’s license?
No, you do not need a driving license or previous experience. Instructions are provided, and safety measures are in place to help beginners enjoy the ride.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities are recommended. Helmets and safety equipment are provided, and you’ll have lockers and showers available at the base to store belongings or freshen up afterward.

How long is the self-driving part?
You’ll get about 1 hour 15 minutes of self-driving time, which is a good stretch for enjoying the off-road tracks and scenery.

Are the vehicles well-maintained?
Some reviews mention the vehicles being worn out, so don’t expect brand-new buggies. They are generally safe and meet standards, but they might show signs of use.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, as long as children are within the age range and are passengers, not drivers. The activity is active and involves physical obstacle navigation, so consider this if traveling with younger kids.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If the weather conditions are poor, the experience might be canceled. In that case, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance aren’t refunded.

Is the pickup service reliable?
Most travelers find the pickup convenient, though some reviews mention slight delays. The pickup is included, which adds to the overall hassle-free experience.

How many people typically join this tour?
The maximum group size is 46 travelers, which helps keep the experience personalized and manageable.

All in all, if you’re after a fun, reasonably priced outdoor adventure that mixes scenic views with some off-road action, this safari could be just what you’re looking for. Just keep your expectations in check regarding pace and vehicle condition, and you’re likely to have a good time.