Side Buggy Safari: Two-Seat Off-Road Adventure Behind the Coast
Staying in Side and itching to swap the sun loungers for a dusty adventure? A buggy safari is the answer. You climb into a proper two-seat, side-by-side off-road buggy, fire it up and blast away from the resort strip into the wild country behind the coast. This isn't a gentle sightseeing lap. It's engine growl, flying dust, muddy bends and shallow water crossings in the Taurus foothills just inland from Side, with a guide leading the way and the whole convoy churning up the trail behind you. If you've been eyeing the buggies rumbling past your hotel, here's everything you need to know before you book.
The Ride From Side
The great thing about riding from Side is that the real off-road terrain sits only a short drive inland. After your free hotel pick-up, you're driven up towards the foothills where the tracks begin, so you spend your energy on the fun part rather than a long slog. From there it's all off-road: dry, dusty forest tracks that kick up a proper cloud behind each buggy, twisting bends slick with mud, and shallow river and water crossings that send up a satisfying splash. The trail rolls and dips through pine-scented country, opening onto views back towards the coast on the higher stretches.
Pace is entirely manageable. A lead guide sets a sensible speed at the front and a sweep guide follows at the back, so nobody gets left behind and nobody feels pressured to push harder than they want. You can hang back and cruise, or open it up on the clear straights when the guide gives the nod. The full outing usually runs a few hours door to door, with the actual driving making up a good chunk of that, and there's normally a break in the middle to catch your breath, take photos and let the dust settle.
One Buggy, Two People, One Price
Here's what makes the buggy such good value: it seats two, side by side, for one price. You and your partner, mate, teenager or friend share a single buggy and simply take turns driving. Swap at the halfway break and you both get a proper go behind the wheel. That means one person drives while the other rides shotgun, filming, whooping and pointing out the next big puddle. No arguing over who paid for what, no going solo unless you want to. Compared with a single quad, a buggy is roomier, more sheltered thanks to the roll cage, and simply more sociable, because you're doing the whole thing together rather than riding in single file on your own machine.
Who It Suits: Couples, Friends, Families and Total Beginners
This is a brilliant shout for couples who want a shared adrenaline hit, groups of friends chasing something more memorable than another beach day, and families who'd rather ride together than split up across separate vehicles. Because two share a buggy, a nervous partner can sit alongside a confident driver, and a parent can ride with an older child.
And if you've never driven anything off-road in your life? Perfect. You need no driving licence and no experience whatsoever. Every safari opens with a clear safety briefing and a practice lap so you get the feel of the throttle, the brake and the steering before you hit the real trail. The controls are genuinely simple, the guides keep the pace friendly, and within minutes you'll be splashing through the first crossing like you've done it a hundred times.
Safety, the Roll Cage and Your Gear
The buggy is built for exactly this. It has a sturdy roll cage over your head, proper seatbelts to keep you strapped in, and you'll be given a helmet to wear throughout. That cage and seat combination is a big part of why a buggy feels more secure and sheltered than an open quad, so it reassures first-timers and families no end. Add the briefing, the practice lap and the two-guide system, and you've got a set-up designed to let you go wild while staying looked after.
What to Wear and Bring
Come dressed to get filthy, because you absolutely will. This is a dusty, muddy, splashy day out and the trail will leave its mark.
- Old clothes you don't mind trashing. Dust and mud do not wash out easily, so leave the nice holiday outfit at the hotel.
- Closed shoes. Trainers or old boots, never flip-flops or sandals. Your feet will thank you.
- A change of clean, dry clothes for afterwards.
- Sunglasses or eye protection against the dust, plus sun cream.
- A little cash to pay the guide on the day, and a strapped or waterproof-cased camera or phone if you want to film the action, because there's water involved.
Speaking of water, many rides finish with a light-hearted water fight, so expect to end the day soaked as well as dusty. It's all part of the fun and a guaranteed grin-inducer, especially in the heat.
Free Hotel Pick-Up From Side
We include free hotel pick-up and drop-off from across Side. There's no need to find your own way to the trails or sort out taxis. You'll be collected from your hotel in the morning or early afternoon and brought back a few hours later, still buzzing and covered in a fine layer of trail dust. Just be ready in reception at the arranged time and we'll handle the rest.
Booking: Best Price Direct, Pay on the Day
Booking direct with us is the smart move. You get the best price direct and, crucially, no prepayment. Reserve your spot free online in a couple of minutes and simply pay the guide on the day. No card details held hostage, no deposit lost if the weather turns, no faff. The buggy safari runs most of the year thanks to Antalya's long, warm season, so there's almost always a good day to ride. For the current live price and available dates, just start a booking, and you'll only pay once you're actually there and ready to go.
Quick Questions Before You Ride
Do I need a licence or experience? No. The briefing and practice lap get complete beginners comfortable before the real trail begins.
Can two of us share one buggy? Yes, that's the whole idea. Two seats, one price, and you take turns driving.
Is it safe for nervous riders and families? Very. Roll cage, seatbelts, helmets, a lead-and-sweep guide team and a friendly pace all keep things secure.
Will I get dirty? Absolutely, gloriously so. Wear old clothes and closed shoes, and bring a dry set for the ride home.
How long does it take? A few hours in total including your free transfers, with a solid stretch of driving and a break in the middle.
Explore More Buggy Adventures Near Side
If you're comparing pick-up points along the coast, take a look at our Manavgat buggy safari and the Kumköy buggy safari, both running the same style of two-seat off-road adventure from nearby resorts. You can read the full rundown on our main buggy safari page, or browse everything on offer over on our tours.
Ready to trade the beach towel for a roll cage? Reserve your Side buggy safari free online now, pay the guide on the day, and get set for a dusty, splashy, unforgettable ride through the hills behind the coast. Book your buggy safari today and grab a partner, because two ride for one price.