Buggy Safari In Costa Calma

A Fun and Adventurous Way to Explore Costa Calma
The Buggy Safari in Costa Calma offers a lively, half-day exploration of some of Fuerteventura’s most scenic spots, all from the seat of a quad or buggy. This tour is designed for those craving a mix of adventure, nature, and a taste of local surf culture. It takes you along rugged dirt tracks, past volcanic landscapes, and to beaches with striking black sand, making it perfect for thrill-seekers who also want to see the island’s unique scenery.

One aspect we appreciate is the compact yet comprehensive itinerary that combines exhilarating drives with picturesque stops like Playa de Ugan and Playa del Rey. The tour’s guided element and inclusion of helmet use and insurance help keep things safe and accessible. However, potential travelers should be aware of the moderate physical requirements and the importance of a valid driving license if they want to take the wheel.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable with a group size limited to 7. If you’re looking for a quick, fun way to see some of Fuerteventura’s highlights while experiencing the thrill of a buggy ride, this could be a good fit. Those with little time but a love for adventure will find this trip offers good value, with the added bonus of hotel pickup in Costa Calma.

Key Points

• Scenic Exploration: Takes you through natural landscapes, including riverbeds and dunes.
• Visit Iconic Spots: Highlights include Playa de Ugan’s black sand and Playa del Rey for surfers.
• Guided Experience: Includes expert guides and safety equipment, making it accessible for newcomers.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (max 7) allow for more personalized attention.
• Moderate Duration & Price: Around 3 hours, costing approximately $117, offers a balance of adventure and value.
• Reviews Highlight: Positive feedback on guides and scenery, with some noting the importance of bringing protective gear.

The Experience in Detail

Booking and Practicalities

Costing about $116.95 per group—note, this is for up to one person per booking—this tour typically attracts bookings about 26 days in advance. The price includes all taxes, fees, helmet use, and insurance, which makes it straightforward when planning. Hotel pickup is available only in Costa Calma, so if you’re staying centrally, arrangements are simple. Meeting time is at 9:30 am, with a brief explanation of safety and vehicle operations before setting off.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour kicks off with a short drive from your hotel, heading toward the rugged natural landscape. The first stop is a panoramic viewpoint over Playa del Rey—a spot praised for its big waves and surfers. It’s a perfect place to snap photos or just soak in the view. A reviewer, T_W, describes it as a “great morning out” with plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery and take in the views.

Next, you’ll navigate along natural parks and sand dunes, skirting the Jandia Natural Park. This area is renowned for its wild, untouched beauty—think sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, perfect for photography and nature lovers. The return route passes through quiet coastlines and offers a look at the diverse terrain of the island.

The highlight visit is to Playa de Ugan, famed for its black volcanic sand. Here, you’ll see a less-visited, authentic beach that offers a contrasting landscape to the white sands of more typical tourist spots. While not explicitly detailed in the reviews, the black sand area is likely to be a quiet retreat for those wanting a peaceful moment.

Surfers and Scenic Views

A key stop gives you a panoramic view near Playa de Sotovento, famous for its surf waves. Emma_D notes that “the big waves typical of this side of the island” make for great surfing scenes and excellent photo opportunities. This stop is all about appreciating the natural power of the Atlantic and the island’s volcanic origins.

Guides and Safety

Guides are a notable feature—reviewers often mention how knowledgeable and friendly they are. Kevin_P highlights a guide named Gilberto, describing him as “very kind and approachable,” which adds a personal touch to the experience. Helmets and insurance are included, and safety is taken seriously, which is reassuring for those new to driving buggies or quad bikes.

Practical Tips from Reviews

Several reviewers recommend bringing sunglasses (sunnies) to protect against dust and sun, along with sturdy shoes—especially since dust and dirt are part of the adventure. Others suggest bringing a scarf or cloth to cover your nose and mouth, as the dust can be intense, especially after several stops. You might end the tour looking a bit dusty, but that’s part of the fun.

Value and Considerations

While the price of around $117 might seem steep for a short, 3-hour activity, it’s important to consider what’s included: guides, safety equipment, insurance, and pickup/drop-off. For thrill-seekers and those wanting a snapshot of Fuerteventura’s diverse terrain, the value is there. The small group size also allows for more personalized attention and flexibility, which many guests appreciated.

A potential drawback—highlighted in the less favorable reviews—is the check-in process. Emma_D mentions arriving an hour early due to the need to verify driving licenses and complete paperwork, which might catch some off guard if not prepared. Clearer communication about timing and requirements could improve the experience.

The Feedback: What Travelers Love

Most reviews praise the guides, with Kevin_P calling Gilberto “very friendly.” Scenic views and the thrill of driving through diverse landscapes are also consistently highlighted. Several mention that the tour is “exciting” and offers great opportunities for photos, especially at Playa de Sotovento and the natural park.

The Challenges

Some guests noted the dust and dust protection is essential—bringing sunglasses, a scarf, or a bandana can make a big difference. Also, travelers should have a valid driving license if they want to take the wheel, which is clearly a requirement for safety reasons.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This buggy safari is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see the natural beauty of Fuerteventura from an exciting high-speed vantage point. It’s well-suited for small groups and those comfortable with some physical activity and dust exposure. Families with older children, or groups of friends, will find it a fun, memorable way to spend half a day.

If you’re after luxury or a relaxed sightseeing experience, this isn’t the right pick. But if you love off-road adventures, scenic photography, and a little adrenaline, then this tour hits the spot.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

In essence, this Buggy Safari offers a combination of fun, scenic beauty, and local flavor. The inclusion of knowledgeable guides and safety gear makes it accessible even for beginners. The stops at Playa de Ugan and Playa del Rey are highlights, providing beautiful landscapes and great photo ops.

The tour’s small group format and friendly guides—especially Gilberto—add a personal touch that many travelers will appreciate. The price is fair when considering the value of guided, insured adventure over a half day. For those craving a thrilling outdoor activity that combines nature, the sea, and a bit of local surf culture, this experience is likely to satisfy.

However, it’s worth being prepared for dust, arriving early for check-in, and ensuring you have the correct driving license if you plan to take the wheel. This tour is most suited for adventure lovers and outdoor explorers who want a fun, authentic taste of Fuerteventura’s rugged side, with enough flexibility and safety to make it memorable.

FAQ

Do I need a driving license to participate?
Yes, a valid driving license is required if you want to drive the buggy or quad. This is a standard safety measure.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, but only in Costa Calma.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3 hours, providing enough time for several scenic stops and some off-road driving.

What is included in the price?
The price covers all taxes, fees, helmet use, and insurance, making it a straightforward booking without hidden costs.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and while no specific age restrictions are mentioned, the physical and driving requirements mean it’s best for older children or teens.

What should I bring?
Wear sturdy shoes, bring sunglasses, and a scarf or cloth to protect against dust. A sense of adventure is also recommended.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring water or purchase at stops if desired.

What kind of scenery will I see?
Expect a mix of rugged coastlines, dunes near the Natural Park of Jandia, surf spots at Playa del Rey, and the distinctive black sands of Playa de Ugan.

This buggy safari in Costa Calma offers a lively, scenic, and memorable way to experience Fuerteventura’s wild side. Perfect for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and small groups ready for an adventure filled with stunning views and local flavor.