A Real Look at the 2025 Monster Truck, UTV & Rafting Day from Side

You find yourself soaking up the beautiful sunshine on the Turkish Riviera. The ancient ruins of Side have filled your camera roll. The serene beachfront is your happy place. Still, a little voice inside is asking for something with a bit more punch, a day that gets the heart pumping. If that sounds familiar, the three-part adventure combining a Monster Truck safari, a personal UTV drive, and a cooling rafting session through Köprülü Canyon National Park might be exactly what your holiday needs. It’s a popular choice for visitors staying in the area. The reason for its appeal is pretty clear. The tour presents a trio of distinct activities packed into a single, well-organized day. You get a taste of off-road power. You experience the freedom of driving your own buggy. You then splash through one of Turkey’s most stunning natural settings. This review is built to give you a clear picture of what the day involves, helping you decide if this high-energy outing fits your idea of a perfect day away from the beach.

Riding High in the Monster Truck

The morning often starts with a convenient hotel pick-up, whisking you away from the coastal town and into the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. Soon enough, you lay eyes on the first ride of the day: the Monster Truck. These are not the car-crushing behemoths from stadium shows. Instead, they are custom-built safari trucks with enormous wheels and an elevated, open-air seating area. The height alone gives you a completely fresh perspective on the countryside. The initial part of the journey is about settling in and soaking up the scenery. The big truck rumbles along roads and dirt tracks that a normal tour bus would never attempt. You feel every bump. The wind rushes past you. The smell of pine from the forests is strong in the air. This leg of the tour is a group experience, filled with shared laughter as the truck navigates muddy puddles with a satisfying splash. You pass through tiny, timeless Turkish villages. You will see local life unfolding at a slower pace. The drivers, who are often charismatic characters, make stops at points of interest, maybe a picturesque spot for photos or a small local café. It’s a fun, bouncy introduction to the rugged beauty of the region that lies just beyond the popular tourist resorts.

Taking Control on the UTV Trails

After the communal fun of the monster truck, the day shifts gears. You get a chance to take command of your own vehicle. The Utility Task Vehicles, or UTVs, are waiting. They are sturdy, two-person buggies made for this kind of terrain. Before you set off, a team of instructors provides a full safety briefing. They explain how the simple controls work: a steering wheel, an accelerator, and a brake. No prior experience is needed, making it accessible to most people. Once everyone gets the hang of it, you set off in a convoy, following a lead guide. This is where the dust flies. You navigate your own UTV through a specially prepared network of trails. The tracks wind through forests and across open, dusty plains. The feeling of steering your own machine, kicking up a trail of dirt behind you, is incredibly liberating. It’s a definite contrast to being a passenger. You feel a direct connection to the path ahead. This segment of the tour is about personal thrill. You are responsible for navigating your own small part of the adventure, all within the safe confines of the guided group. Expect to get dusty. Expect to grin from ear to ear. It’s a messy, noisy, and absolutely brilliant piece of the overall experience.

Cooling Off with the Rafting Finale

Just when you think the excitement has peaked, and you’re covered in a fine layer of honest trail dust, the tour delivers its grand finale. You arrive at the rafting basecamp on the banks of the Köprülü Canyon river. The vibrant turquoise water is a shocking, beautiful sight against the towering cliffs of the canyon. Here, you trade your dusty clothes for swimwear and are kitted out with a life vest, helmet, and paddle. The professional rafting guides are a critical part of this section. They are not just experts in navigating the river. They are masters of making the trip enjoyable, often filling the time with jokes and creating a fun rivalry between the boats. The rafting itself is generally Grade 1-2, meaning it’s more about splashy fun than extreme, dangerous rapids. This makes it a perfect activity for families and first-timers. You paddle as a team to steer the raft through the chilly, clear mountain water. The journey downstream offers breathtaking views of the immense canyon walls. There are moments of calm paddling where you can just lean back and appreciate the massive scale of the natural park. Then there are stretches of bubbly rapids that get everyone squealing and working together. A break for lunch is typically included in this portion, a simple but tasty meal that tastes extra good after a morning of adventure.

Practical Advice for Your Adventure Day

To get the most enjoyment out of this jam-packed day, a little preparation goes a long way. First, think about your clothing. Wear something comfortable that you do not mind getting dirty and wet. Many people wear their swimwear under their clothes to make the change for rafting quicker. For your feet, secure footwear is a must. Water shoes, strapped sandals, or old sneakers are ideal. Flip-flops are a bad idea as they will likely get lost in the river or prove unsafe on the UTVs. The sun in Turkey is strong, even in the mountains, so bring high-factor sunscreen and apply it generously. A waterproof bag for your phone or a small amount of cash is a smart item to pack. Some operators rent or sell water shoes and waterproof phone cases at the base camp, but bringing your own is cheaper. Remember to pack a full change of clothes, including underwear, and a towel for after the rafting. You will appreciate having something dry and comfortable for the ride back to your hotel. The tour usually includes lunch, but you’ll need to purchase your own drinks throughout the day, so having some Turkish Lira on hand is useful.

The best choice you can make is wearing a pair of old sneakers. They are perfect for the dusty UTV portion of the day. They protect your feet. They will stay on securely during the rafting adventure.

Is This Full-Day Trip Right for You?

This combo tour is a fantastic choice for a wide range of travelers. It’s particularly well-suited for families with teenagers who are past the sandcastle-building stage. Groups of friends will find the mix of activities sparks a lot of fun and friendly competition. Adventurous couples seeking a memorable day out will also find a lot to love. The tour is physically active but does not demand a high level of fitness. The rafting is splashy but not overly difficult. The UTV driving is controlled and supervised. The Monster Truck is a bumpy ride but a passive experience. It is perhaps not the best choice for everyone. Individuals with significant back or neck problems might find the Monster Truck safari too jarring. The tour is generally not recommended for pregnant women or for families with very young children due to the nature of the activities and the long duration of the day. For those who fit the profile, this trip delivers exceptional value. It offers three distinct adventure experiences for the price of one, set against the stunning backdrop of the Taurus Mountains and Köprülü Canyon National Park. It’s a surefire way to create some lively stories to tell when you get back home.

Read our full review: Monster Truck, UTV, and Rafting in Side Full Review and Details

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Key Takeaways from the Day:

This is a three-in-one tour: a monster truck safari, a self-drive UTV experience, and a white-water rafting trip.
The day is long and full of action, representing a departure from relaxing beach days.
All activities are beginner-friendly with professional guides and safety briefings provided.
Expect to get both dusty from the safari and wet from the rafting. Pack accordingly.
The tour showcases the natural beauty of the Taurus Mountains and Köprülü Canyon National Park.
It’s best suited for adventure-seekers, families with older children, and groups of friends.