REVIEW · SIDE
Antalya/Side: Quad, Buggy, Rafting & Zipline Tour with Lunch
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Payless Turizm · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Rain boots optional, bravery required. This is a packed quad/buggy + rafting + zipline day out of Side, with a scenic Taurus Mountains ride and real instructors guiding you step-by-step. You get the best of Turkey’s coast views, then swap the sightseeing pace for dust, rapids, and that quick zipline moment over the river.
I especially love how much support you get once the action starts. Guides like Mustafa and Salim have a knack for making first-timers feel calm, while the rafting team keeps things organized and safe. Add the included lunch stop and the day feels like more than a quick thrill run.
One thing to plan for: you will likely get filthy and soaked. The program is active, and even with precautions, you should expect muddy boots and wet clothes, especially around the rafting segment.
In This Review
- Key Things That Make This Tour Worth Your Time
- Side Pickup and The Taurus Mountains Ride: Settle In, Then Start Moving
- Monster Jeep Safari and Country Stops: Dusty Dirt Roads With Real Energy
- Quad or Buggy Safari: Choose Your Ride, Then Accept the Mud
- Rafting in Cold, Foamy Water: The Moment the Day Changes
- How wet should you expect to get?
- Breaks and buying extras
- Lunch: Included, Filling, and Sometimes Later Than You Expect
- What is lunch like?
- Zipline Over the River: Short Flight, Big Nerve Test
- Safety and who should skip it
- Money and Comfort Notes: Photos, Water, and What to Pack
- Expect extra costs in common areas
- What to bring so the day stays fun
- Keeping belongings safe
- How the Day Really Flows (and Where It Can Feel Slow)
- Who Should Book This From Side, Antalya?
- Should You Book This 10-Hour Quad, Rafting, and Zipline Day?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the quad, buggy, rafting & zipline tour from Side?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?
- Can I choose between a quad safari and a buggy safari?
- Is ziplining included automatically?
- Where do I meet the driver for pickup?
- What languages are available for the live tour guide?
- What should I bring for the day?
- Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments?
Key Things That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

- A true 4-in-1 day: Monster Jeep Safari, quad or buggy, rafting, and zipline if you select the options
- Transfer with stories: the driver doubles as a guide and talks about the Taurus Mountains on the ride
- Rafting with instructors on the water: you’re not left to figure it out alone
- Zipline over the river: a confidence boost, even if you’re nervous about heights
- Included lunch, but timing can vary: build your day around possibly eating later
- You trade comfort for fun: dust, mud, and wet gear are part of the package
Side Pickup and The Taurus Mountains Ride: Settle In, Then Start Moving

Your day usually begins with a hotel pickup in Side. If they schedule you for pickup, show up early at the main security gate. They ask you to wait about 10 minutes before the scheduled time, and the driver won’t hang around more than 5 minutes after that. It keeps the schedule tight, so don’t count on a casual start.
The transfer is more than just transport. Your ride goes through the countryside and the Taurus Mountains area, and the driver is also an experienced guide. You’ll get a bit of explanation along the way, plus a few stops that let you stretch and admire sea views.
One practical note: depending on your group and options, you may ride in an off-road jeep or a regular bus for parts of the day. That matters if you’re traveling with small children, need easier boarding, or simply don’t love getting bounced around.
Monster Jeep Safari and Country Stops: Dusty Dirt Roads With Real Energy

Before rafting, the tour shifts from road travel to off-road. The Monster Jeep Safari is where you feel the adrenaline start early. You’ll go along rougher tracks and pass villages in the countryside, with breaks built in so you’re not stuck constantly in motion.
This is also where you’ll learn the first rule of the day: bring dust-resistant gear. Reviews point out how off-road time can get you gritty fast. Sunglasses help, and a bandana can cut down on dust in your face. If you don’t want your hair to look like it’s been in a sandstorm, consider covering it.
Some tours include short stops where you can explore and admire the sea. These aren’t long hikes, but they’re a nice break from sitting in vehicles and help the day feel varied instead of one long grind.
Quad or Buggy Safari: Choose Your Ride, Then Accept the Mud

This is one of the big decision points. You can typically select either a quad safari or a buggy safari. If you’re traveling with a partner or friends, you may drive one vehicle and switch during break times. That’s a good setup when you want both people to get real time behind the wheel.
What to expect on the ground: the ride can get dirty, and you should plan for it. Solid advice from past participants is simple—wear shoes and clothes you’re willing to ruin. Crocs-style footwear can work, but the key is comfort and traction, not fashion. For quad/bike days, some people even suggest optional goggles or mask protection if it’s offered on-site.
Speed can vary by group. One caution I’d take seriously: you may be in a long line and not feel like you’re flying the whole time. If your goal is pure speed, check whether your itinerary emphasizes long stretches of open driving or more convoy-style riding.
Also, if you’re thinking about photos during the quad/buggy ride: they’re often sold as an add-on and can be pricey. And the quality isn’t always great, so don’t treat it like a guaranteed souvenir.
Rafting in Cold, Foamy Water: The Moment the Day Changes

Then comes the headline: river rafting. The tour description says you’ll raft on cold, foamy river water for about two hours, with instructors guiding you down the rapids. Reviews back up the idea that it feels safe and structured even if you’ve never rafted before.
This is where the guides matter. People specifically praised rafting captains and instructors such as Janis, Mahsud, Mussa, and Yaanis. You’ll be given instructions on using the equipment and what to do in the raft, and you’ll have support while you’re on the water.
How wet should you expect to get?
Very wet. Even if you avoid deliberate splash-fighting, the raft experience is water-heavy by nature. One tour participant also warned that you might need a change of clothes not just for comfort, but to make it possible to sit comfortably on the ride back.
If you want to keep your phone functioning, a waterproof case is one of the best-value items you can pack. Past participants also mention waterproof vests/cases as a good call. Without one, you’re left relying on your memory.
Breaks and buying extras
On-raft breaks often include time to purchase snacks or drinks. One review mentions a stop where you can buy flatbread (including cheese or Nutella) and also use toilet facilities. Another mentioned that bringing drinks may not be allowed on the raft and that you might be encouraged to buy what you want at breaks. So it’s smart to eat before rafting and keep cash handy for small purchases.
Photo and video rules can be strict. Several people noted you don’t get rafting or zipline photos as part of the standard package, so if souvenirs matter to you, plan to take your own shots.
Lunch: Included, Filling, and Sometimes Later Than You Expect

Lunch is included, but the timing can be a little tricky. The tour description frames lunch as part of the morning flow, before rafting starts. At the same time, some schedules have lunch served closer to the end of the day, which can feel late when you’re active all morning.
So here’s what you should do: eat a real breakfast before pickup. If you skip breakfast, you’ll feel it when the day runs long or when lunch lands nearer to late afternoon.
What is lunch like?
The food is described as basic but filling. One participant mentioned chicken kebab skewers with salad and bulgur rice. Another described a menu where you can choose options like chicken skewer, bulgur, tomato pasta, and salad. Drinks were described as extra, so plan on water purchases.
If you’re the type who gets hangry, pack snacks for the road if that’s allowed on your bus/vehicle time. At minimum, expect lunch to be the meal that carries you through the last activities.
Zipline Over the River: Short Flight, Big Nerve Test

Zipline is the final adrenaline chapter. Once you cross the river in the air, it’s fast and memorable, and it has a funny way of changing your mood from nervous to proud. One participant called it a fear-overcoming moment for zipline height nerves, and that theme shows up in other comments too.
In terms of expectations, don’t assume it’s a long series of lines. Some reviews describe the zip time as quick—just a couple of minutes for the experience. Even so, it’s a cool way to end the day after getting soaked in rafting.
Safety and who should skip it
You’ll have equipment and guidance, and the activity runs as part of an organized program. That said, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments, which fits with the physical movement involved across the day.
If heights aren’t your thing, this is still one of the better chances to try. The structure of the tour helps, and you’ll be guided through what to do step-by-step.
Money and Comfort Notes: Photos, Water, and What to Pack

At a low price point (listed around $11 per person), this tour delivers a lot of action. But the trade-offs are real, and they’re mostly about comfort and add-ons.
Expect extra costs in common areas
- Drinks are not included. You may be able to buy water or other drinks during breaks.
- Photos/videos often cost extra. One review cited around €15 for photos/videos from the quad/buggy ride, and some people weren’t impressed with the quality.
- No included rafting/zipline photo set in the same way as the quad/buggy part. You’ll likely rely on your own camera.
What to bring so the day stays fun
The tour suggests: comfortable shoes, a towel, comfortable clothes, and sunglasses. I’d treat that as the bare minimum.
Then add these high-value extras based on real-world experience:
- A change of clothes in a bag you can access later
- A waterproof phone case (for photos without stress)
- A towel you don’t mind getting muddy
- Closed-toe footwear with grip, because you’ll go from dust to water to transport again
Some people also recommend a waterproof vest or phone case specifically because the day gets wet in places you don’t expect.
Keeping belongings safe
If you’re traveling with more than you can carry on your body, you’ll often have a place to leave items. One review says you can leave belongings in a secure bus, which is a relief. Still, pack smart: don’t bring something you can’t afford to lose or ruin.
How the Day Really Flows (and Where It Can Feel Slow)

The program runs about 10 hours, including hotel pickup and return. The core activities happen in sequence: transfer and safari time, then rafting, then zipline.
Most of the time, the pacing feels energetic. But there are a few moments where waiting can happen, usually when groups finish rafting or when people move to the next location. One participant felt the day could be shorter and mentioned that waiting time can drag.
Here’s how I’d handle that mindset: bring patience, not expectations. You’re doing a mixed activity schedule across different sites, so small delays are normal. If you hate waiting, you might want a different style of tour with fewer moving parts.
Group mix can also affect your comfort. One solo adult described being stuck with a group of children and found the day slower. If you’re a solo traveler and that would bother you, it’s worth mentally preparing for a mixed-age group dynamic.
Who Should Book This From Side, Antalya?

This combo tour is best for people who want variety in one day: off-road riding, river action, and a zipline finale. It’s also a solid fit if you like structured activities with instructors, because you’re not left guessing in the water.
You’ll especially enjoy it if:
- You don’t mind getting wet and dirty
- You like active days over long museum-style pacing
- You want value for money with multiple activities included
- You’re comfortable with group logistics and a bit of waiting
You should skip it if:
- You’re pregnant or have mobility impairments (the tour is explicitly not suitable)
- You hate heights or don’t want any wet gear involved
- You want a fast, private experience with minimal waiting and maximum control over timing
Should You Book This 10-Hour Quad, Rafting, and Zipline Day?
If you’re choosing between a single activity and this full combo, I’d lean toward booking it if you’re traveling with energy. The combination of off-road fun, safe guided rafting, and a river zipline gives you a full day of memories, not just one highlight.
The main reasons to hesitate are also clear: you’ll get wet and dirty, lunch timing may feel late depending on the schedule, and photos or drinks can add up. If you’re picky about those add-ons, plan ahead with a waterproof case and your own water/snacks strategy.
Booking is also flexible based on the conditions offered: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-and-pay-later option. For a day this active, that flexibility is genuinely useful.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the quad, buggy, rafting & zipline tour from Side?
The total duration is listed as 10 hours.
What’s included in the tour price?
Included items are hotel transfer to and from, guide, equipment, full insurance, lunch, and rafting plus zipline if you select those options. Monster Jeep Safari and quad or buggy safari are also included if selected.
Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes. The tour includes transfer to and from your accommodation in Side.
Can I choose between a quad safari and a buggy safari?
Yes. The quad or buggy safari is offered as an option. You’ll select which one you want (and in some cases people may switch during breaks if traveling with others).
Is ziplining included automatically?
Zipline is included only if you select the rafting and zipline option.
Where do I meet the driver for pickup?
You should wait at the main security gate of your hotel. Be there 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
What languages are available for the live tour guide?
The live guide languages listed are English, Russian, German, Polish, and Turkish.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, comfortable clothes, and sunglasses. A change of clothes and waterproof protection for your phone are also strongly useful.
Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments?
No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.









