The question we hear most from people looking for an off-road tour in Alanya is: buggy or ATV? Both give you about two hours of driving with a guide on dusty tracks, through muddy sections and across water crossings, but the driving feel and the level of comfort are different. This article is written to make your decision easier.
What is a buggy?
A buggy is an off-road vehicle with a steering wheel, pedals, seat belts and a protective cage. It gives a driving feel close to a car: you sit and steer with a wheel. The tour page offers single and double buggies; in a double buggy your friend or partner sits in the seat next to you.
What is an ATV (quad)?
An ATV, or quad, is a four-wheeled vehicle that you sit on like a motorbike. It is steered with handlebars and ridden sitting or leaning forward; the ride feels freer and more “open”. A helmet is compulsory during the tour and no licence is needed: before you start, the instructor shows you how to drive the vehicle and a short test drive is made.
The differences at a glance
- Protection: The buggy has a cage and belts, so you feel more protected. On a quad, protection comes from the helmet and your riding technique.
- Comfort: In a buggy you sit and are relatively sheltered from the wind; on a quad you get more wind, dust and shaking.
- Driving feel: A quad is like a motorbike and more lively; a buggy is steadier and more like a car.
- Vehicle options: Both buggies and quads come in single and double versions; in a double vehicle you share the vehicle.
- Getting dirty: Dust and mud are unavoidable on both; on a quad you and your clothes usually get dirtier.
Licence and age requirements
No licence is needed for the ATV tour. For buggy drivers, we recommend contacting us before booking about the age and licence requirements. The conditions for children to ride in a vehicle are set according to vehicle safety, so it is a good idea to ask us in advance when booking with children. On these two tours the ticket is not bought at child and infant prices but per single or double vehicle; for families with children, the jeep safari is usually an easier choice.
Programme and duration
Both tours take about four hours, of which about two hours are driving. The rest of the time goes on hotel pickup, the safety briefing, a break and the return. The tours run at two times, in the morning and in the afternoon; in summer the morning tour is cooler. You drive in convoy behind the guide, and where you do not feel comfortable you can slow down.
What happens before the ride?
- Hotel pickup: For the morning or afternoon tour you are picked up at your hotel at a time set for your area.
- Introduction: You get to know your vehicle, put on your helmet and listen to the instructor explain the rules of the ride. On the ATV a short test drive is also made.
- The ride: For about two hours you follow the guide over dusty tracks, muddy sections and water crossings.
- Break and return: A short rest follows the ride; the vehicles are handed back and you are dropped off at your hotel.
Tips that help while driving
The following are general off-road driving suggestions; the instructions of the instructor and the guide always come first.
- Leave a gap to the vehicle in front: a cloud of dust can block your view.
- Slow down before water crossings and muddy sections; do not make sudden moves on the throttle and steering.
- Follow the line the guide takes and do not overtake the guide.
- Do not take your helmet off during the ride.
- Choose control over speed; slow down where you do not feel comfortable.
Morning or afternoon?
The tours run in two sessions that start at about 09:00 and 14:00; the morning tour finishes towards noon and the afternoon tour towards the evening. In summer the morning tour is cooler. If you choose the afternoon tour, you can spend the morning on the beach or at the hotel. Your pickup time depends on your area and is sent to you after you book.
Single or double?
If you want to drive on your own and at your own pace, choose a single vehicle; if you want to be in the same vehicle as a friend or your partner, choose a double. You can compare the current prices on the Buggy Safari and ATV Safari pages.
Who should choose which?
If the buggy suits you
- You want to be in the same vehicle as your partner, a friend or a family member,
- You feel safer with a cage and a seat belt,
- You prefer less dust and wind.
If the ATV suits you
- You are looking for a freer, motorbike-like ride,
- You do not have a driving licence (no licence is needed for the ATV),
- You want to drive on your own at your own pace.
Dust, mud and the camera
Your clothes will get dirty on the ride; accepting that from the start makes the day easier. Use a dust-proof cover for your phone and camera and put your phone in a zipped pocket. Sunglasses help against dust and splashing water; if you wear contact lenses, have your glasses with you too. Bring a bag to carry dirty clothes back to the hotel.
For first-time drivers
If you have never driven an off-road vehicle, do not worry: the pace is adjusted for every level. Listen carefully to the instructor before you start, ask if there is anything you do not understand and go slowly in the first section while you get used to the vehicle. You can ask the instructor to show you once more how the throttle, brake and steering work.
What to wear
The same rule applies to both: comfortable clothes you do not mind getting dirty and closed shoes. Sandals are not suitable. Bring a bandana or neck gaiter against dust, sunglasses, a spare T-shirt and a dust-proof cover for your phone. The helmet is included in the price of the tour.
Safety
Before the ride the instructor gives a safety briefing, everyone puts on a helmet and the ride follows a guide. These tours are not suitable for pregnant guests or guests with back, neck or heart conditions. In unsafe conditions such as heavy rain, the tour is moved to another day.
Short questions, short answers
- What is included in the price? Hotel pickup and drop-off, instructor and guide, safety helmet, vehicle rental and insurance. Food, drinks, personal expenses and photo and video recording are not included.
- Is there a break? Yes, a short rest follows the ride.
- What if it is my first time? The instructors set the pace for first-time drivers; a short briefing is given before you start.
Is it hard to decide?
If you cannot decide, try this: if you are driving off-road for the first time and have someone with you, choose the buggy; if you want a motorbike-like experience on your own, choose the ATV. If you have questions before booking, you can write to us on WhatsApp.
About 2 hours of off-road driving at the wheel yourself. Helmet, insurance and safety briefing included; morning, midday and sunset groups. Daily No licence required: about 2 hours of quad driving after a safety briefing. Helmet and insurance included; morning, midday and sunset groups. Daily
Adventure
4 hours
Alanya Buggy Safari
Adventure
4 hours
Alanya ATV (Quad) Safari
To get ready, take a look at the pre-safari checklist.
