Gran Canaria ATV Quad Tour: An Authentic Mountain Adventure with Mixed Reviews
Exploring Gran Canaria’s rugged interior on an ATV might sound like a blast, and I’ve come across this long-tour option offered by MULTIACTIVITY that promises a 2.5-hour off-road experience through valleys and canyons south of Maspalomas. This tour is designed for small groups—up to two people per quad—and includes hotel pickup, helmets, goggles, and water. While some travelers rave about the guides and the adventure itself, others point out issues with terrain quality and the overall environment.
What I like most about this experience is the personalized service—the small group size limits to four participants, which can make for a more intimate and flexible outing. Plus, the ability to switch drivers at no extra cost means both of you can take turns behind the wheel, adding to the fun. I also appreciate that guides speak multiple languages including English, German, Spanish, Italian, and French, making it accessible for many travelers.
The main concern seems to revolve around the quality of the terrain and the environmental presentation. Some reviews mention poor road conditions and large stones that make off-road riding less smooth, and the visual environment has been called “third-rate” by one traveler, which might be disappointing if you’re expecting pristine scenery. If you’re looking for picture-perfect vistas, this might not fully meet those expectations, but the ruggedness does add a true sense of adventure.
All in all, this tour offers a hands-on, exciting way to see Gran Canaria’s mountains, especially if you’re eager for off-road thrills and guided stops at scenic locations like Fataga and Ayagaures. It’s worth considering if you’re comfortable with a bit of dirt and uneven terrain, and if you value knowledgeable guides and flexibility during your ride.
Key points / Takeaways
- Small group size ensures a more personalized experience and flexibility for drivers.
- Guides speak multiple languages, making communication smooth and easy.
- Terrains may be rough, with large stones and poor roads, affecting ride comfort.
- Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you time and hassle.
- Limited to drivers with at least 1 year of experience, suitable for those who can handle ATV riding confidently.
- Visual scenery may be average, but the off-road adventure offers genuine thrill and exploration.
Exploring Gran Canaria on Four Wheels: A Detailed Review
If you’re craving a taste of adventure and want to explore Gran Canaria’s mountains, this ATV quad tour offers a chance to get off the beaten path. Sitting behind the wheel of a quad bike, you’ll traverse valleys, canyons, and dirt trails in the southern part of the island. As someone who loves authentic, active experiences, I find that tours like this can give you a different perspective—if you’re prepared for a bit of dirt and rough terrain.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Fataga
What the Tour Promises
This longer version of a quad adventure lasts about 2.5 hours, taking you from Maspalomas towards Fataga and Ayagaures. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a real plus, especially in a tourist-heavy area where parking and logistics can be tricky. Once picked up, you’ll hop into a van for a brief 15-minute ride before starting your quad rides—both on and off-road.
You’ll be provided with helmets and goggles—crucial for safety and comfort—and a bottle of water to stay hydrated. The experience is designed for drivers with at least one year of driving experience, so it’s not suitable for absolute beginners or children under 8. Kids from about 1.40 meters tall can ride as copilots, making this a family-friendly activity with some restrictions.
Itinerary Breakdown
The tour kicks off at one of seven pickup points, including Arguineguín, Puerto Rico, and Maspalomas. After a quick van transfer, you’ll stop at Maspalomas, where you get a short 15-minute quad ride—a warm-up for the more scenic parts ahead. From there, your journey takes you to Fataga, famous for its stunning landscapes, where you’ll enjoy a photo stop, a guided tour, and a one-hour quad ride. This is the main highlight, giving you a taste of the mountainous terrain and local scenery.
Next, you head to Ayagaures for another guided ride and exploration, which offers a different angle on the island’s landscape. After a final quick ride back in Maspalomas, you’re transferred to your hotel. The whole experience is designed to balance off-road excitement with scenic stops—though the quality of the terrain varies.
Authenticity and Atmosphere
While the itinerary sounds exciting, several reviews suggest that the quality of the terrain and scenery can be hit or miss. One traveler mentions “crap roads” and stones too big for comfort, which could make the ride less enjoyable if you’re expecting smooth trails or picturesque landscapes. Another review points out that quads struggle to keep up with buggies in rough terrain, especially since quad drivers aren’t supplied with glasses like buggy drivers, making it harder to see.
Regarding the environment, one traveler notes that the visual appearance was only “third-rate,” which could slow down your photographic ambitions but might be less noticeable if your focus is on the thrill of riding. On the upside, guides like Enzo receive praise for their incredible service—making the experience more enjoyable despite the terrain.
The Guide and Service Experience
The guides are multilingual and seem well-trained—something I always look for in adventure tours. Having guides who speak several languages means better communication and safety, especially if you’re not a fluent speaker of the local language. From reviews, it seems guides like Enzo really shine, offering knowledgeable support that can make or break the experience.
Hotel pickup is mentioned as a free service, which adds value and convenience. With only four participants per group, you’re less likely to feel lost in a mass of travelers, and the ability to switch drivers at no extra cost means both partners can enjoy the ride equally.
Cost and Value
At $180 per group (up to two people), this experience can seem steep for some, especially considering the mixed terrain quality. However, when you factor in hotel pickup, safety gear, guided stops, and the chance to explore different scenic spots, it offers a solid value—if you’re someone who appreciates adventure and off-road riding.
This price might be more palatable if you’re traveling with a partner or a close friend, as it’s a shared experience that provides a lot of active engagement. For families, note that kids under 8 are not allowed to ride, although they can be copilots if they are tall enough.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This ATV tour is ideal for adventure-loving travelers with some driving experience who want to explore Gran Canaria’s mountains in an active way. If you’re prepared for rough terrain and don’t mind a somewhat uneven visual environment, you’ll probably enjoy the thrill of the ride and the guided stops. It’s also suitable for families with older kids and those looking to avoid crowded group tours, thanks to the small group size.
However, if your priority is scenic beauty or a polished environment, you might find this tour lacking. Also, if you’re not comfortable with off-road driving on uneven surfaces, or you prefer smoother trails and better scenery, you could be disappointed.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
In the end, this ATV experience offers a hands-on, active way to see parts of Gran Canaria that are rarely accessible by standard tour buses. The small group size and multilingual guides add a personal touch, and hotel pickup makes logistics simple. Despite some complaints about terrain quality and environment, many travelers leave with a sense of achievement and fun.
If you’re craving adventure, off-road riding, and local guidance, this tour is worth considering—especially if you’re comfortable with some rough patches and dirt. Just keep expectations in check regarding scenery quality, and you’ll find it a memorable, active way to explore the island’s mountain heart.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides free pickup and drop-off from your hotel, which makes logistics stress-free.
What is required to participate?
You must have at least one year of driving experience on a quad and hold a valid driver’s license. Drivers under 18 or anyone without experience should not participate.
Can I switch drivers?
Absolutely. The tour allows free driver switches during the ride, so both of you can enjoy driving.
Are children allowed?
Kids from approximately 1.40 meters tall (around 8 years old) can ride as copilots. However, children under 8 cannot ride.
What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license and wear closed-toe shoes. No sandals, flip-flops, or high heels are permitted.
Is the scenery worth the ride?
Reviews vary—some mention average scenery and rough terrain, but others appreciate the thrilling off-road experience. It’s more about the adventure than picture-perfect landscapes.
In summary, this quad tour is a solid choice for adventure-minded travelers who want an active exploration of Gran Canaria’s mountain terrain, with the convenience of small group service and multilingual guides. Prepare for some uneven terrain and a bit of dirt, but you’ll likely come away with stories and memories of a true mountain adventure.