Gran Canaria: Buggy Tour Morning OR Midday- LONG TOUR 2.5 HR

Gran Canaria’s Buggy Tour: An Off-Road Adventure You’ll Remember

If you’re thinking about adding a splash of adrenaline and exploration to your Gran Canaria trip, the Buggy Tour offers an engaging way to see the island’s mountains, valleys, and canyons. Spanning around 2.5 hours, this tour combines off-road driving with sightseeing stops, making it a great choice for adventure lovers and curious travelers alike. The experience is offered in both morning and midday sessions, starting from various pickup points across the southern coast, including Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, and Arguineguín.

Two things I really like about this tour: First, the freedom to switch drivers at no extra cost — perfect for groups or families where everyone wants a turn behind the wheel. Second, the stunning viewpoints at Fataga and Ayagaures, which give you a chance to step out, snap photos, and really soak in the landscape. It’s also notable that the buggies are well-maintained and the guides, like Turivio and Antonio, earn praise for their friendliness and local knowledge.

However, a key consideration is that a valid driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience are required. This means it’s not suitable for very young or inexperienced drivers, and parents should consider this if traveling with children. Also, keep in mind that the ride can be dusty — a dust mask is not included, so bringing your own might be wise if you’re sensitive.

This buggy adventure strikes a nice balance of thrilling off-road driving and scenic stops, making it a memorable part of your Gran Canaria trip.

Key points / Takeaways

• Off-road driving adds excitement — you’ll get dusty and muddy, which is part of the fun.
• Multiple pickup points and flexible drop-offs make logistics easier for travelers staying in different parts of the south.
• Includes safety gear like off-road goggles and a bottle of water, but dust masks are not provided.
• Switching drivers is free, making it ideal for shared experiences or families.
• Guides like Turivio and Antonio are highly praised for their friendliness and local knowledge.
• Stops at Fataga and Ayagaures offer photo opportunities and scenic breaks, enriching the adventure.

Entering the Mountains: What to Expect from the Itinerary

Starting from your hotel, the tour offers the convenience of free pickup, which is a real bonus. You’ll hop into a minibus operated by Multiactivity, and within about 15 minutes, you’ll be at the starting point. For those who prefer to join directly, the tour provides various meeting points, including Patalavaca, Sonnenland, and Puerto Rico.

The first significant stop is at Fataga, where you’ll spend around an hour soaking in the views. This is one of the highlights, as the picturesque mountain village offers a peaceful backdrop for photos and a chance to stretch your legs after the initial drive. Several reviewers mention how the guides make the experience enjoyable, with one describing their guide as “super” and noting that the trail was “amazing.”

Next, you’ll pass through Ayagaures, which offers a quick break and sightseeing, passing by local sights that enrich the off-road experience. The actual buggy ride alternates between smooth on-road driving and rough off-road terrain, including gravel and sand, giving you a taste of both driving on main roads and navigating mountain trails.

The tour ends back in Maspalomas, with options for drop-off at your hotel or nearby taxi stops, depending on your booking. The full itinerary is well-paced, with plenty of breaks for photos and rest, ensuring you don’t feel rushed.

Driving Through the Mountains: Off-Road Trails and Scenic Views

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the off-road driving through valleys, canyons, and mountain trails. You are in control of your buggy, which adds to the thrill, especially when navigating tight turns or rocky patches. The guides are known for not rushing and allowing you to take your time on the more challenging sections, which is appreciated by those new to off-road vehicle driving.

According to several reviews, the condition of the buggies is quite good considering the tough terrain they endure daily. The feeling of dust on your face and the roar of the engine make this feel like an authentic adventure. Some reviewers note that kids from about 5 years old can ride as copilots, provided they meet height requirements, which makes it family-friendly for those with children.

Expect beautiful panoramic views of the island’s mountains, deep valleys, and lush canyons. The guides often share interesting tidbits about the landscape, adding a layer of local knowledge to your sightseeing. Many reviewers mention how the pictures snapped during stops turned out spectacular, making this a great photo tour.

What Makes the Experience Stand Out?

The knowledgeable guides, like Turivio and Antonio, are consistently praised for their friendliness and ability to keep the tour engaging. Their local insights make the journey more interesting, and their safety-oriented approach ensures peace of mind.

The scenery is another major highlight. The stop at Fataga, with its charming village setting and mountain vistas, is often described as unforgettable. The combination of adventure and sightseeing makes this tour suitable for those who want more than just a drive — it’s a chance to see the island’s diverse landscapes.

Many travelers appreciate the flexibility of driver changes, which makes it feel more like a shared adventure than a rigid tour. Plus, the free pick-up and drop-off from most south coast hotels saves time and hassle, adding value for the cost.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This buggy adventure is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy driving or being driven in an off-road vehicle. It’s ideal for families with older children, given the requirement for a driver’s license and the need for some driving experience. If you’re looking for a fun, active outdoor experience with a mix of scenic views and a touch of adrenaline, this tour offers good bang for your buck.

But it may not be perfect for those with mobility issues, very young children, or anyone sensitive to dust and rough terrain. The dust masks not being included is a minor inconvenience, especially for those who want to stay clean, but bringing your own could make the experience more comfortable.

Finally, if you’re looking for a relaxed, slow-paced sightseeing tour, this might feel a bit too energetic. It’s definitely an activity that emphasizes action and adventure — and the views make it worth the effort.

Price and Logistics: Is It Good Value?

For roughly 3 hours of total experience, including hotel pickup, scenic stops, and the off-road driving, the price represents solid value. Many travelers emphasize the quality of the service, the well-maintained equipment, and the friendly guides as worth the cost.

Booking is flexible, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance — a smart feature for those with unpredictable plans. The reserve-now, pay-later option also adds peace of mind.

Just keep in mind that last-minute bookings (less than 24 hours) might not include pickup, and you’ll need to meet at a designated point. Also, the tour is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal.

Final Thoughts: Is This Adventure for You?

This buggy tour offers a fantastic mix of off-road fun, scenic sightseeing, and guided insight into Gran Canaria’s mountainous terrain. The friendly, knowledgeable guides make it feel safe yet exhilarating, and when combined with the stunning views, it becomes a memorable part of any southwest Gran Canaria trip.

It’s perfect for travelers who love outdoor activities, want a break from traditional sightseeing, and don’t mind a bit of dust. The experience is especially suitable for families with older children or groups of friends looking for a shared adventure. The value for money is quite good, given the length, stops, and included gear.

If you enjoy a bit of speed, beautiful mountain scenery, and the thrill of controlling a buggy, this tour hits the spot. Just be prepared for the dust, bring your driver’s license, and savor the chance to see a different, rugged side of Gran Canaria.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes, you must bring a valid driver’s license and have at least one year of driving experience. This is a strict requirement for safety reasons.

Are children allowed to ride as copilots?
Yes, children approximately 5 years old and taller than 1 meter can ride as copilots. Drivers can switch at no extra cost, so everyone gets a turn.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for getting dusty are recommended. Sandals or flip-flops aren’t allowed, and bring sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes.

Is transportation included?
Yes, free pickup from hotels in specified south coast areas is included. After the tour, you can be dropped off at your hotel or nearby taxi stops.

How long does each stop last?
Stops include a 15-minute pickup, 15-minute sightseeing in Maspalomas, a 1-hour photo stop at Fataga, and a 1-hour break at Ayagaures. The total tour duration is about 2.5 hours of driving plus stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The flexible booking options help accommodate last-minute changes.

In essence, if you’re seeking a fun and scenic mountain adventure that combines driving, sightseeing, and a taste of off-road excitement, this Gran Canaria buggy tour delivers. Just come prepared for dust, bring your license, and enjoy the ride.