Quad or buggy? Almost everyone planning an off-road safari in Antalya asks this question. Both trips last about four hours including the hotel transfer, both put you at the controls for roughly 1.5–2 hours, and both send you back to the hotel dusty, muddy or a bit of each. The difference lies in how the vehicle feels, how much it shakes you about and where your passenger sits. Here is what to expect from each, so you can pick the one that fits your group.
Quad (ATV): handlebars and a motorbike feel
A quad, also called an ATV, is a four-wheeled bike that you sit astride and steer with handlebars. You lean into the bends and feel every bump through the seat and the bars. It is the livelier and more physical of the two: your arms and shoulders do some work, and you catch more of the dust and the splashes yourself. On a double quad, the passenger sits behind the driver and holds on.
Quads suit people who enjoy scooters or motorbikes, riders who want to go solo at their own pace and anyone who likes the feeling of being right out in the open.
Buggy: steering wheel, seat belts and a roll cage
A buggy feels much more like a small car. You sit in a proper seat with a seat belt, steer with a wheel and use pedals to accelerate and brake, while a tubular roll cage surrounds you. It is steadier and less tiring than a quad, and you are a little more sheltered from the wind and the shaking. In a double buggy the passenger sits next to the driver, so you can chat, laugh and point out the views together.
Buggies suit couples and friends who want to share one vehicle, drivers who feel more confident behind a wheel and anyone who prefers a seat belt and a cage around them.
Rules and details that apply to both
- No driving licence is needed.
- Helmets are compulsory.
- Every trip starts with a safety briefing and a short practice before the convoy sets off behind the guide.
- You ride for about 1.5–2 hours within a trip of about four hours, including the hotel transfer and a break.
- Vehicles come as single or double, and the ticket is per vehicle rather than per person.
- Lunch and drinks are not included, so bring a little cash for the break.
Drivers must be at least 16 years old. Under-18s may drive only with a parent’s consent, and some vehicles are for drivers aged 18 and over, so tell us the ages in your group when you book. Passengers can ride from the age of 7, which means a parent can drive a double quad or buggy with a child on board. Quad and buggy safaris are not suitable for pregnant guests or for anyone with back, neck or heart problems. With younger children, a jeep safari or a boat trip is the easier day out, as our guide to safaris with kids explains.
Where you ride from each resort
- Side and Manavgat: forest and river tracks in the Taurus foothills along the Manavgat River, with dust, mud and shallow river crossings. There are three groups a day (morning, midday and sunset) on the Side Buggy Safari and the Manavgat Quad Safari.
- Alanya: dusty tracks, muddy stretches and water crossings in the Taurus foothills behind the town, also with morning, midday and sunset groups on the Alanya Quad Safari.
- Belek and Antalya: an off-road park in the countryside of Kurşunlu (Aksu), about 30–40 minutes from Belek and 30–45 minutes from Antalya city, with dirt tracks, forest, mud and water. The Kurşunlu Waterfall nature park is nearby but is not part of the ride. Morning and afternoon groups run on the Belek Buggy Safari and the Antalya Quad Safari.
- Kemer: forest trails with river crossings in the pine-covered foothills around Kuzdere, a short drive from the hotels. Morning and afternoon groups ride on the Kemer Buggy Safari.
Every resort offers both vehicles, so whichever you choose, you won’t have to travel far to ride it.
Which one should you choose?
Go for a quad if…
- you like motorbikes or scooters and want a lively, hands-on ride;
- you would rather ride alone and set your own pace;
- a bit more dust and mud is part of the fun for you.
Go for a buggy if…
- you want to share one vehicle with your partner, a friend or a child aged 7 or over;
- you feel safer with a seat belt and a roll cage;
- you prefer a steadier, car-like and less tiring ride.
Morning, midday or sunset? In summer the morning group is cooler, while an afternoon or sunset ride leaves your morning free for the beach. Sunset groups run in Side, Manavgat and Alanya; Belek, Antalya and Kemer have morning and afternoon groups.
What to wear and bring
- Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, as dust and mud can stain
- Closed shoes; sandals and flip-flops are not suitable
- Sunglasses and a bandana or neck gaiter against the dust
- A spare T-shirt and a bag for the dirty clothes
- A dust-proof cover or a zipped pocket for your phone
- A little cash for drinks at the break
Still undecided? If it is your first time off-road and you are travelling as a pair, a double buggy is the relaxed way in; if you want a motorbike-style ride on your own, take a single quad. For a wider look at what each resort offers, read our overview of safari tours in Antalya or browse the tours from Alanya, Side, Manavgat, Belek, Antalya and Kemer. You pay in cash on the tour day and can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before.
