Buggy Safari at Koprulu Canyon National Park – 20 km riding experience

Buggy Safari at Koprulu Canyon National Park – 20 km Riding Experience

Imagine zooming along rugged trails, feeling the breeze and the thrill of pushing a buggy through natural landscapes, all for around $40. That’s essentially what this Buggy Safari in Koprulu Canyon offers. Located near Side, Turkey, this half-day adventure combines adrenaline with scenic views, making it perfect for travelers eager to escape the crowded beaches and explore Turkey’s more wild side.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly it’s organized — from hotel pickup to the final aftermovie, it feels thoughtfully curated. The 20 km trail takes you alongside the Koprucay River and sometimes even inside it, adding splashy fun to the ride. Plus, the opportunity to cool off with a river swim halfway through is a real highlight. We also appreciate the presence of a guide at all times to keep things safe, especially for those new to ATV or off-road driving.

One consideration to keep in mind is the nature of the ride. While most reviewers find it accessible and fun, some mention that it’s more convoy-style driving — following a lead in a group — rather than a completely freeform adventure. So, if you’re looking for total independence on your buggy ride, this might be more guided than you imagined.

This tour suits adventurous families, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a quick adrenaline fix while enjoying stunning Turkish scenery. If you’re after a fun, well-organized excursion that offers good value and memorable moments, this is worth considering.

Key Points

Authentic off-road experience: Enjoy a 20 km trail that combines dirt tracks and river crossings.
Guided safety: A knowledgeable guide is always on hand to ensure safe driving.
Added thrill: Includes a river swim break and the chance to cool off in Koprucay River.
Smooth logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off make the experience hassle-free.
Value for money: At around $40, it delivers a fun, scenic adventure with all essentials included.
Family-friendly: Suitable for most travelers, with reviews praising the well-organized nature and professional setup.

Exploring the Koprulu Canyon Buggy Safari: What to Expect

When you book this tour, the first thing to note is the convenient hotel pickup. We found it reassuring that the guides pick you directly from your hotel’s security door, removing the stress of navigating unfamiliar transportation arrangements. Once at the facility, you’re greeted with a short instructional movie on driving safety and a practical test ride around the yard. This setup helps build confidence whether you’re a novice or have some experience behind the wheel.

The core of the tour is a 20 km buggy ride, following a guide along a carefully planned route. The trail runs parallel to the Koprucay River, offering a variety of sights and experiences. The guide ensures everyone stays safe, and most drivers can follow along comfortably — even if you’re not experienced with ATV or buggy riding. Several reviews note that the pace is manageable, with some drivers even being removed if they drive too slowly or unsafely.

The halfway point is a river swim break. Here, you can cool off after the initial driving segment, often in the Koprucay River, which is reputed for its clear water and scenic surroundings. This pause gives you a chance to relax and enjoy the natural environment while taking in the views. Expect to spend about 15 minutes swimming or simply soaking up the outdoors.

After the break, the journey continues through a special circuit designed for a mix of adventure and fun. The route offers varied terrain, from dirt trails to river crossings, sometimes even driving inside the river itself, which adds a splash of excitement. The trail covers approximately 12.4 miles (20 km) and typically lasts around four hours, including the safety briefing, ride, swim, and post-ride activities.

At the end of the ride, the tour includes a watching of an aftermovie — a great souvenir to remember your trip. Then, you’re escorted back to your hotel, making it a stress-free experience from start to finish.

What’s Included and What Costs Extra

The tour price of $40.32 per person covers a lot: helmet, insurance, air-conditioned transport, the 20 km buggy ride, and the river swim break. We think this offers good value, especially considering the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

However, some extras are available for purchase — like shoes, masks, bandanas, sunglasses, and raincoats — which can be useful if you want to protect yourself from dust or sun. Photos and DVDs of your ride are also optional but can add a keepsake for about 15 euros for a set of professional photos.

Food and drinks aren’t included, so it’s wise to bring water or a snack if you want to stay refreshed. If you’re interested in capturing memories beyond photos, you might want to consider buying the available professional photos, which reviews say are high quality and reasonably priced.

How It Compares and Who Will Love It

Compared to other adventure options around Side, this buggy safari offers a more guided, family-friendly experience rather than a full-blown off-road challenge. Many travelers appreciate the well-organized setup and the safety measures in place. As one reviewer noted, “The facilities are spot on with showers, shop, etc, all onsite,” making it a comfortable day out.

Some travelers mention that the ride is convoy-style, which might limit the sense of total freedom for some adventurers. Still, the scenic route alongside the river and the chance to splash through water provide plenty of fun.

Given its moderate duration, accessible riding, and scenic highlights, this tour is especially suitable for those looking for an adventure suitable for most fitness levels. It’s perfect if you want a taste of off-roading without the complexity or danger of a more extreme ride.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a thrilling yet safe outdoor adventure, this buggy safari offers a compelling mix of scenic beauty and adrenaline. The guided nature ensures peace of mind, especially for those new to off-road driving or traveling with family. The river swim provides a refreshing break and adds an extra layer of fun, making it more than just a driving tour.

The value for money is solid, considering everything included — from pickup to the post-ride memories. Travelers who want a well-organized activity that’s both exciting and scenic will find this a great choice. It’s especially suitable for groups, families, or solo travelers keen on experiencing Turkey’s natural landscapes from a unique perspective.

However, if you’re a solo adventurer looking for total freedom or a more extreme off-road experience, you might find this tour somewhat limited by its guided convoy format. But for most, this offers a perfect balance of adventure and comfort with lots of memorable moments.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup directly from your hotel’s security door, making the day more convenient.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately four hours, including safety briefing, riding, swimming, and drop-off.

What’s the distance covered?
You’ll ride about 20 km (12.4 miles) on a specially designed circuit that runs parallel to and sometimes inside the Koprucay River.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?
Most reviewers say yes, as a guide is always present to assist and ensure safety. The initial training and test ride help build confidence.

Are food and drinks included?
No, but water and snacks are recommended since they’re not part of the package.

Can I buy photos of my ride?
Yes, professional photos are available for about 15 euros, which travelers find a good value.

What should I wear?
While shoes and protective gear are optional extras, comfortable clothing and sunglasses are recommended. Raincoats and masks are available for purchase if needed.

Is this activity family-friendly?
Yes, many reviews highlight its suitability for families and groups, with safety and organization praised.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Riding along scenic trails, river swimming break, guided driving, and picturesque views of the natural landscape.

What’s the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour — full refunds are issued if canceled in time.

This buggy safari at Koprulu Canyon delivers a fun, safe, and scenic experience for those wanting to add a dash of adventure to their Turkey trip. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a memorable outdoor activity, you’ll likely appreciate the well-organized, reasonably priced nature of this excursion. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure, a smile, and perhaps a camera to capture the splashy moments!