Tenerife: Pino Gordo Self-Drive Slingshot Tour

Taking to the winding roads of Tenerife in a Polaris Slingshot offers a unique way to see the island’s diverse landscapes. This self-drive experience combines adventure, natural beauty, and a touch of luxury—all for about $141 per group of up to two people. With a duration of approximately 1.5 hours, it’s a compact but memorable way to explore parts of Tenerife away from the busy coastlines.

What we particularly like about this tour is the freedom of driving your own vehicle through scenic mountain roads, combined with the guidance of a professional who helps ensure safety and offers insider tips. The opportunity to stop at a remarkably large pine tree, Pino Gordo, adds a special highlight that sets this apart from typical sightseeing. However, a potential consideration is that some might find the drive a bit brief, especially if eager for more time in nature or additional stops.

This experience is perfect for those craving a mix of adventure and natural scenery, especially if you enjoy driving or want a relaxed yet exhilarating way to see Tenerife’s interior. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate personalized, small-group outings that focus on authentic landscapes rather than large bus tours.

Key Points

• Self-Drive Freedom: You get behind the wheel of a powerful Polaris Slingshot, making the experience personal and engaging.
• Stunning Locations: The tour covers mountain villages, pine forests, and volcanic scenery, giving a well-rounded view of Tenerife’s natural beauty.
• Visit Pino Gordo: A major highlight with one of the largest pine trees in the Canary Islands, perfect for photos and enjoying fresh mountain air.
• Expert Guidance Included: A professional guide provides safety instructions and helps make the drive smoother and safer.
• Affordable and Value-Packed: The price includes insurance, roadside assistance, bottled water, and photo stops—adding great value for the experience.
• Optional Hotel Transfer: Convenient pickup and drop-off in South Tenerife can save you time and hassle.

Experience Overview: Scenic Drive in a Polaris Slingshot

This tour offers more than just a ride; it’s about feeling connected to Tenerife’s natural landscape. Starting with a comprehensive safety briefing, you’ll learn how to handle the Polaris Slingshot—a 220-horsepower open-air roadster that promises a fun and dynamic driving experience. Even if you’re new to driving such a vehicle, no previous experience is necessary, as guides will give clear instructions.

Once on the road, your guide will lead you along winding mountain roads that reveal Tenerife’s lush forests, charming villages, and volcanic terrains. The routes are carefully selected to ensure a safe, scenic, and enjoyable drive. The focus is on appreciating the landscape, with several photo opportunities at stunning viewpoints.

The highlight of the drive is the stop at Pino Gordo in Vilaflor, which is renowned for its size and age. This giant pine is a symbol of the island’s rich flora and offers fantastic photo prospects, framed by the crisp mountain air. Reviewers mention that the guides are not only knowledgeable but also very friendly, making everyone feel relaxed and well looked after.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Mountain Villages: Expect charming, quiet spots away from Tenerife’s more touristy areas. These small villages are perfect for soaking in local life and enjoying the tranquil mountain atmosphere.

Pine Forests and Volcanic Landscapes: The drive takes you through areas that showcase Tenerife’s volcanic origins. The scenery is dotted with dark lava fields, lush pines, and sweeping views of the island’s rugged terrain.

Pino Gordo: This giant pine tree, located in Vilaflor, is a focal point. It’s one of the largest pine trees in the Canary Islands, making it a must-see for nature lovers and photographers.

Driving Experience and Safety

Travelers consistently praise the professionalism of the guides, who provide thorough safety instructions and ensure everyone is comfortable before setting off. The tour is limited to three participants, which keeps the experience intimate and personalized.

The Polaris Slingshot itself is a head-turner—compact, stylish, and surprisingly powerful. With 220 horsepower, it’s a thrill to drive, especially along the curvy mountain roads. You’ll enjoy the open-air feeling, with the wind in your hair and the panoramic views all around.

The Role of the Guide

From the reviews, it’s clear that guides like Ricardo and Ricky go above and beyond to make the experience both fun and safe. They’re described as friendly, helpful, and full of local insights. Their knowledge enhances the experience, especially at key viewpoints or when explaining the significance of places like Pino Gordo.

Value and Extras

For $141, the tour includes all essentials—insurance, roadside assistance, bottled water, and photo stops. If you’re staying in South Tenerife, the optional hotel transfer service adds great convenience. The small group size makes this feel exclusive without the high price tag of private tours.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

• Adventure seekers who want a more active way to see Tenerife’s interior.
• Nature lovers looking to photograph impressive landscapes and giant trees.
• Driving enthusiasts eager for an exhilarating experience behind the wheel.
• Small group travelers who prefer personalized service and less crowded tours.
• Photographers and social media fans who love capturing unique viewpoints.
• Visitors with a valid driver’s license (minimum age 21, with two years’ experience) looking for a safe yet exciting activity.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a memorable mix of scenic beauty, driving thrill, and cultural charm. The small-group format ensures personal attention, and the professional guides help make safety and comfort a priority. The highlight, Pino Gordo, is a real standout—impressive size and beauty that’s worth the trip alone.

While the ride itself is relatively short, the experience’s value lies in the freedom to explore Tenerife’s less touristy inland routes and the opportunity to get some fantastic photos. The Polaris Slingshot adds a fun, sporty edge to sightseeing, making this a perfect choice for travelers who want a blend of adventure and relaxation.

If you’re after a unique, exhilarating way to see Tenerife’s lush forests and charming villages—and don’t mind a brief but impactful drive—this tour is well worth considering. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided safety, stunning vistas, and the thrill of driving something a bit different.

FAQ

Do I need previous driving experience?
No, you don’t need prior experience with a Polaris Slingshot. Guides provide a full safety briefing and instructions to ensure you’re comfortable before setting off.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the self-drive tour, safety briefing, insurance, roadside assistance, bottled water, and photo opportunities. Optional hotel transfer is available in South Tenerife.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes. Dress for outdoor conditions and the mountain air.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Only travelers aged 21 and older with a valid driver’s license for at least 2 years can participate. Not suitable for those without a driver’s license.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect short escape into Tenerife’s countryside.

Are there any restrictions?
Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The tour is limited to small groups of up to 3 participants for safety and intimacy.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility for your trip planning.

This Polaris Slingshot tour in Tenerife stands out for its combination of adventure, natural beauty, and personalized experience. Whether you’re a driver, photographer, or just a lover of scenic drives, it offers a fun, authentic way to explore the island’s mountains and forests.