Quad or Buggy Safari in Side: Which One Should You Choose?

Both safaris start from the same base, follow the same forest trails beside the Manavgat River and finish with the same splashy river crossing. So why choose? Because the two vehicles feel quite different to ride. This guide puts the quad and buggy safaris side by side so that it is easier to pick the one that fits your group.

What is the same

• The route: pine forest, muddy tracks and a shallow river crossing, with a break for photos.
• The groups: morning (09:00–13:00), midday (13:30–17:30) or sunset (15:30–19:30).
• The timing: about four hours including the hotel transfer, with roughly one and a half to two hours of riding.
• The safety: a briefing and a practice ride first, a helmet for everyone and an instructor leading the group.
• The rules: no driving licence needed, drivers at least 16 (under 18 with parental consent), passengers from 7.
• The pricing: per vehicle, with a single seat for one person or a double seat for a driver and a passenger.

The quad: open, sporty and hands-on

On the quad safari you sit astride the vehicle and steer with handlebars, much like a motorbike. You feel every bump, lean into the turns and get the full dust-and-mud experience. It suits adventurous guests, friends travelling together and anyone who wants the most active ride. If you share a quad, the passenger sits behind the driver.

The buggy: a steering wheel and a seat belt

The buggy safari feels closer to driving a small car. You steer with a wheel, wear a seat belt and, if you take a double seat, your passenger sits next to you, so you can talk and laugh along the way. That makes it a popular pick for couples, for parents with a child old enough to ride as a passenger and for first-timers who would rather not balance on a bike-style seat.

What to expect on the day

You are collected from your hotel and taken to the base. There your instructor explains the controls and you drive or ride a practice lap. Then the group follows the instructor along forest trails, through mud and across the shallow river, with a break to catch your breath and take photos. After the ride you return to the base and are taken back to your hotel.

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the quad if you want the sportiest ride and are happy to hold handlebars for an hour or two.
• Choose the buggy if you prefer a steering wheel and seat belt, want to sit next to your passenger or feel unsure about a motorbike-style vehicle.
• Travelling with a child aged 7 or older? In a double buggy they can ride beside you.
• Still unsure? Both safaris start with a briefing and a practice ride, so you join the group with confidence.

Tips for either ride

Wear closed shoes and clothes that can get dirty, and bring a buff or scarf and sunglasses against the dust. A waterproof pouch protects your phone. On hot days choose the morning or sunset group. Quad and buggy safaris are not suitable for pregnant women or for guests with back, neck or heart problems, so please ask us first if you are unsure.

Book your ride

Pick your date and group on the tour page; there is no card payment and no deposit, and hotel pick-up is free. Looking for something slower? Compare every option in our guide to the best tours from Side, or try the jeep safari for a full day out.