Gran Canaria: 1 Hour 45 Min Afternoon Buggy Tour

Introduction

If you’re craving an adrenaline rush and a chance to explore Gran Canaria’s wild side, the Buggy Tour in the south of Gran Canaria might just be the adventure you’re looking for. This 2.5-hour journey whisks you off-road through mountain valleys, canyons, and scenic viewpoints — all in a fun, hands-on way. With a good balance of driving, sightseeing, and cultural stops, it offers a lively mix of excitement and authenticity.

One thing we particularly love about this experience is how much fun it is to drive your own buggy — there’s nothing quite like the feeling of dust kicked up as you weave through rugged terrain. Plus, the free change of drivers means sharing the fun isn’t just a possibility, but encouraged. That said, if you’re not comfortable driving or don’t have a valid driver’s license, this might not be the best fit. This tour suits thrill-seekers, families with older children, or anyone eager to see Gran Canaria from a less typical perspective.

Key Points

• Authentic off-road experience with both on-road and off-road driving
• Includes cultural stops at sites like La Fortaleza to learn about the island
• Flexible driver options with free driver swaps
• Suitable for families with young children as copilots (around 4 years old, approximately 1 meter tall)
• Pickup from multiple locations enhances convenience
• Good value for the price considering the scenic routes and guided stops

What to Expect from the Buggy Tour

This adventure invites you to drive a fully automatic buggy through some of the most striking landscapes in the south of Gran Canaria. Starting from Maspalomas, the route is designed to showcase both the natural beauty and historical sites of the island. You’ll enjoy a mix of off-road trails and scenic viewpoints that give you a fresh perspective on Gran Canaria’s rugged terrain.

The tour is structured around a series of stops, blending sightseeing, cultural insights, and fun driving moments. Each aspect is designed to maximize your time and provide a memorable experience. With an emphasis on safety and fun, the tour offers off-road goggles and the opportunity to switch drivers at no extra cost, ensuring everyone gets a chance to take the wheel or relax as a passenger.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Departure

Your day begins with a free pickup from your hotel at one of six locations, including Maspalomas, Bahia Feliz, Sonnenland, Puerto de Mogán, Puerto Rico, and Arguineguín. This takes away the hassle of organizing transport, especially if you’re tired of trying to navigate rental cars or public transport.

First Stop: Maspalomas & Sightseeing (20 minutes)

The tour kicks off with a guided drive around Maspalomas, famous for its dunes and desert-like landscape. This quick sightseeing round offers a taste of the local scenery before heading into more adventurous territory. It’s a good chance to get comfortable with your buggy and listen to some introductory commentary.

Presa de Ayagaures Stop (1.5 hours)

The highlight of the tour revolves around the Presa de Ayagaures, a picturesque dam surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains. Here, you’ll enjoy a break and photo opportunities while soaking in stunning views. The guides often share interesting tidbits about the area’s history and geology — for example, one reviewer notes the guide’s attentiveness and how they shared local insights.

During this longer stop, you’ll get to explore, take pictures, and enjoy some downtime. Many reviewers mention how this part feels like a perfect balance—enough time to relax and really absorb the scenery without feeling rushed.

Return to Maspalomas & Additional Sightseeing (15 minutes)

After the break, the tour continues with a short guided drive back through Maspalomas, giving you one last chance to soak in the landscape and panoramic views of the dunes and mountains.

Drop-off and Flexibility

The tour concludes with drop-offs at multiple locations, including Sonnenland, Puerto de Mogán, Maspalomas, Bahia Feliz, Puerto Rico, and Arguineguín. If you opt for the premium drop-off, you may even get a direct return to your hotel — a real plus for convenience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Driving Experience & Vehicle Flexibility

Unlike many guided tours, this experience puts you firmly behind the wheel, offering an automatic buggy that’s easy for beginners. The free driver change is a standout feature — you can switch with a friend or family member, making it perfect for sharing the fun. Kids from about 4 years old (roughly 1 meter tall) can act as copilots, which is a wonderful way to include younger family members in the adventure.

Scenic Routes & Off-Road Trails

The route has been praised for its beautiful scenery, from mountain vistas to canyon landscapes. Several reviewers appreciated that the tour ventured onto off-road trails, providing an authentic buggy-driving experience that’s more than just a scenic drive. One reviewer mentioned that they went “right up on top of the mountains,” emphasizing the impressive views.

Cultural & Historical Insights

The inclusion of a stop at La Fortaleza or the surrounding archaeological site adds an educational element, helping travelers connect with the island’s history beyond the natural beauty.

Guides & Customer Service

Many reviews highlight the guides’ knowledgeability and friendliness. Rafael, one of the guides, is noted as “lovely and chatty,” which makes the experience feel warm and personalized. The team’s attentiveness — such as delivering a forgotten hat or sunglasses to the hotel the next day — demonstrates a high level of service.

Safety & Practicalities

The tour provides off-road goggles and advises bringing a driver’s license — drivers must have at least 1 year of driving experience. Some reviews mention that the drivers sometimes drove fast (up to 160 km/h in an 80 km/h zone), which may concern some, but overall, safety measures are in place. The waiver about potential damages and responsibility is standard, and no mention of insurance issues was raised.

Practical Details and Value

At $76 per person, this tour offers quite good value considering the overall experience. You get a small group limited to 10 participants, which keeps things personal and manageable. The 2.5-hour duration allows for plenty of driving, sightseeing, and breaks, making it more than just a quick jaunt.

The pickup service from multiple locations is a bonus, especially in a tourist-heavy area like Maspalomas. For those worried about logistics, the fact that the tour offers both standard and premium drop-off options means you can choose convenience or save a little by using public transport or taxis if needed.

The inclusion of off-road goggles at no extra charge is thoughtful, protecting your eyes from dust and debris during the bumpy off-road sections. Some reviewers mentioned the need to bring a dust mask if desired, as it’s not included.

Authentic Experience & Tips

Based on reviews, this tour often exceeds expectations in terms of scenic beauty and guide friendliness. For example, travelers mention that the views from the mountains are “amazing,” and guides like Rafael and Neko are praised for their informative and engaging manner.

A useful tip is to wear old clothes because of the dust — many reviewers note that dust can quickly take over your outfit. If you want to stay comfortable, pack sunglasses, a hat, or bandanas to cover your hair and face, especially if you’re sensitive to dust or sun.

For families, the chance to share the driving and have children act as copilots makes this a memorable multi-generational activity. The off-road trail offers thrilling moments that will appeal to adventure lovers, but it’s also accessible enough for beginners.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers who enjoy outdoor activities and want a hands-on exploration of Gran Canaria’s rugged terrains. It’s also well-suited for families with older children or groups of friends looking for a fun, interactive day out.

If you’re after a more relaxed sightseeing tour or have mobility issues, this might not be the best fit. Plus, if you’re uncomfortable with fast driving or don’t have a driver’s license, it’s worth considering other options.

For those who love beautiful landscapes, good company, and a bit of dust on their clothes, this buggy tour delivers a memorable slice of Gran Canaria’s natural charm.

The Sum Up

The Gran Canaria Buggy Tour is a fantastic option for anyone craving a fun, off-road adventure mixed with cultural insights and breathtaking views. With knowledgeable guides, the chance to drive your own buggy, and stops at scenic and historic sites, this experience offers more than just a thrill — it provides a real sense of connection to the island’s wild landscapes.

It’s a solid value for the price, especially considering the personalized small-group setting and the inclusiveness of driver swaps and family-friendly options. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline or simply want to see parts of the island most visitors miss, this tour strikes a good balance between excitement and authenticity.

If you’re prepared for dust, enjoy scenic mountain drives, and want to learn a bit about Gran Canaria along the way, this adventure should definitely be on your list.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license to join the buggy tour?
Yes, you must bring a valid driver’s license, and drivers need at least one year of driving experience.

Can children participate in this tour?
Children around 4 years old or approximately 1 meter tall can act as copilots. They are not drivers but can enjoy the ride with an adult.

What should I wear for the tour?
Old clothes are recommended because dust can cover your outfit. It’s also advisable to bring sunglasses and a hat for sun protection and dust coverage.

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Yes, free pickup is offered from six locations, including Maspalomas, Bahia Feliz, Puerto de Mogán, Puerto Rico, Arguineguín, and Sonnenland.

How long is the tour, and what’s included?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including sightseeing stops. It includes off-road goggles, a guided experience, and the option to switch drivers.

What if I cancel last minute?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Last-minute bookings might not guarantee pickup, but the nearest meeting point will be provided if needed.

Embark on this lively buggy adventure for a taste of Gran Canaria’s rugged beauty, guided by friendly experts who make sure you get the most out of every dusty, scenic moment.