Gran Canaria: 1 Hour 45 Min Afternoon Buggy Tour

If you’re seeking a fun, adrenaline-filled way to see the southern mountains of Gran Canaria, this 1 Hour 45 Min Afternoon Buggy Tour offers a dynamic mix of off-road thrills, scenic views, and cultural stops, all wrapped into a manageable 2.5-hour experience. With a solid average rating of 4.3 from over 220 reviews, it’s clear this activity resonates with travelers looking for authentic adventure without overpaying.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the ride not just exciting but also engaging. Second, you’ll love the diverse scenery, from valleys and canyons to mountain overlooks—perfect for snapping memorable photos. Third, the value for money feels just right considering the duration, included transportation, and the opportunity to share driving duties.

A potential consideration: this activity involves dust and outdoor elements, so dressing appropriately and bringing face coverings might be necessary. Also, for those with height or altitude sensitivities, it’s worth noting the off-road nature and occasional bumpy moments.

This tour is best suited for adventure lovers, families with older children, or anyone eager to explore Gran Canaria from a new perspective—fast-paced, dusty, and full of scenic surprises.

Good To Know:

• Off-road adventure with plenty of dust and fun
• Guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful
• Multiple pickup points for convenience
• Stops at cultural sites like La Fortaleza enrich the experience
• Longer than expected tours (sometimes nearly 3 hours from 1:45 scheduled)
• Good value, including transportation and goggles

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Buggy Tour Experience

What This Tour Offers and Why It’s Special

This buggy tour covers both on and off-road driving through the southern mountain region of Gran Canaria, an area famed for its rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes. Starting from Maspalomas, the route takes travelers through scenic valleys and up to mountain vistas, with stops at notable sites like La Fortaleza, an archeological location that adds a touch of local history to the adventure.

The experience lasts about 2.5 hours, inclusive of pick-up, driving, sightseeing, and breaks. The buggies are automatic, making driving accessible even for those not used to manual gear shifts. Plus, the option to switch drivers at no extra cost** means both partners or family members can take turns behind the wheel, enhancing the overall fun.

What’s Included and What to Prepare For

The package includes free hotel pickup—a real convenience—and off-road goggles to protect your eyes from dust. You just need to bring a valid driver’s license, and the tour is open to those with at least a year of driving experience. Children who are approximately 1 meter tall (about 4 years old) can join as copilots, which makes this accessible for families.

A notable detail from reviews is that dust masks are not included, so bringing your own might be wise if you’re sensitive or simply want to stay cleaner.

The Itinerary and Scenic Highlights

The tour typically follows this structure:

• Start from your hotel with pickup options in Maspalomas, Bahia Feliz, Sonnenland, Puerto de Mogán, Puerto Rico, or Arguineguín. This broad coverage helps travelers avoid long commutes to the starting point.
• A guided sightseeing stop in Maspalomas (about 20 minutes), where you get a quick preview of what’s ahead.
• The main excursion takes you to Presa de Ayagaures, a scenic reservoir. Here, you’ll enjoy a photo stop, a guided tour of the area, and a break lasting approximately 1.5 hours, giving you time to stretch legs and snap photos.
• A second short guided segment in Maspalomas (around 15 minutes) rounds off the scenic drive before returning.

At the end, you’ll be dropped off at your original location or in some cases, at nearby stops, with additional options for direct hotel drop-off depending on your booking.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

What Travelers Love and What Could Be Better

Reviewers frequently praise the guides—notably Rafael and Neko—for their friendliness, humor, and attentiveness. Kim from the UK mentioned that their guide was “brilliant craic,” and that they appreciated their willingness to go the extra mile, even delivering lost items to their hotel free of charge.

The scenery is consistently highlighted as a major draw—“beautiful scenes,” “amazing views,” and “mountain top vistas” are phrases that come up repeatedly. Several reviews note the experience was longer than scheduled—up to nearly 3 hours instead of 1:45—mainly because travelers wanted more time on the buggies and at scenic stops. Stacy and others found this extra time “worth every penny.”

However, some concerns appear around driving behavior, with a few reviewers mentioning very fast speeds (like 160 km/h in an 80 zone). While this might be within the guide’s control, it’s something to be aware of if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Plus, organisational hiccups like delayed pickups or broken transport are noted but generally didn’t spoil the overall fun.

Why the Price Is Right for the Experience

At $76 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. You get transportation, goggles, scenery, cultural insights, and the thrill of driving a buggy across varied terrain. Considering the length, guided stops, and inclusive pick-up, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore Gran Canaria’s mountains more intimately.

Practical Tips for Your Adventure

• Dress appropriately—old clothes are recommended since dust will settle everywhere.
• Bring face coverings if dust poses a concern—though goggles are provided.
• Confirm your pickup details ahead of time, especially if booking at the last minute—last-minute bookings might be assigned a meeting point instead of hotel pickup.
• Make sure your driver’s license is valid and up-to-date.
• Be prepared for bumpy terrain and occasional dust clouds—it’s part of the fun, but not for everyone.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity suits adventure-seeking travelers, especially those eager to feel the thrill of off-road driving with stunning natural backdrops. Families with well-behaved children are welcome, thanks to the copilots’ option. If you’re looking for a unique way to see Gran Canaria’s landscape beyond the usual viewpoints, this tour hits the mark.

It’s also perfect for those who appreciate friendly guides and want a relaxed yet exhilarating experience with plenty of photo opportunities. However, if you’re sensitive to dust or prefer a more leisurely, less dusty excursion, this might not be the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special driver’s license?
Yes, you must bring your valid driver’s license. Drivers need at least one year of driving experience to participate.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children approximately 1 meter tall (around 4 years old) can join as copilots. The activity isn’t suitable for very young children or those with altitude sickness.

What should I wear?
Old clothes are recommended because dust and dirt will be part of the experience. It’s also advisable to bring a hat and sunglasses, and consider face coverings if dust is a concern.

Are there any breaks during the tour?
Yes, the itinerary includes stops at Presa de Ayagaures for about 1.5 hours and sightseeing in Maspalomas, giving you time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.

How long is the actual driving time?
While the scheduled tour is 1 hour 45 minutes, many reviews mention being out for nearly 3 hours, allowing for more fun on the buggies and additional sightseeing.

What if I make a last-minute booking?
Bookings made less than 24 hours before may not guarantee hotel pickup. In such cases, you’ll be assigned the nearest available meeting point.

Is transportation included?
Yes, free pickup from your hotel in specified areas is included, along with transportation back afterwards. For other areas, drop-offs might be via nearby taxi stops or public transport.

Final Thoughts

This buggy tour in Gran Canaria presents a fantastic mix of adventure, scenery, and cultural insight. The ability to drive your own buggy adds an element of freedom and fun, complemented by expert guides who keep the mood light and informative.

The route’s highlights—mountain views, valleys, and the archaeological site of La Fortaleza—offer a well-rounded experience that appeals to both thrill-seekers and those keen on discovering more about the island’s landscape. The reviews consistently praise the friendly guides, the stunning scenery, and the longer-than-expected duration, which all contribute to a memorable outing.

While dust and the occasional organizational hiccup are worth noting, they don’t overshadow the value and enjoyment of this activity. It’s ideal for visitors wanting an active, scenic adventure that’s easy to book and offers good value for the price. Perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends, this buggy tour can turn a regular holiday into a highlight.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for an adventure-packed way to explore the south of Gran Canaria, this buggy tour offers a lively, scenic, and well-supported experience. It strikes a good balance between fun, scenery, and cultural stops, making it a worthwhile addition to your trip plans—especially if you don’t mind a bit of dust and bumps along the way.

You can check if your dates are available here: