Buggy Tour Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria’s southern mountains are the main event here. You drive an 800cc buggy up paved roads to the Ayagaures viewpoint, then descend toward a reservoir and a dusty off-road section. I like the mix of open mountain views and hands-on driving, and I like that guides such as Sebastian and Carmelo keep the convoy lively without turning it into a free-for-all.

One thing to keep in mind: this is mainly a scenic road tour, not a long off-road challenge. The dirt section is short, and the route is guided, so book it for the views and the fun of driving, not for hours of rough trail.

At a glance

• Mountain-road route: Climb toward the Pedro Gonzales viewpoint above Ayagaures, with time to stop for photos.
• Short dirt section: Continue past the reservoir and through palms, bamboo, and prickly pears, with a limited off-road portion.
• You drive: The tour uses 800cc buggies, and at least one driver in your party must have a Class B car license.
• Dust is part of the deal: Take a face covering and wear clothes and shoes you do not mind getting dirty.
• Pickup varies by resort: Several southern areas have guaranteed pickup and return, while some western resorts have pickup only.
• Strong value for a half-day outing: At $90.70 per person for about two hours, you get a guided drive, scenic stops, and a change from the beach routine.

From El Tablero toward the Ayagaures viewpoint

The outing starts at Buggy Pirates Outdoor Center on C. Puntarenas in El Tablero, unless you have arranged pickup from an eligible area. The listed start time is 9:00 am, though pickup time depends on where you are staying. Once everyone is gathered, the staff handle the driving instructions and preparation before the convoy sets off.

The first stretch is on paved roads. That matters if you are picturing a bumpy off-road adventure from the first minute: the route is built around a mountain drive, with the buggies following the guide rather than racing independently. You get to settle into the vehicle and take in the changing views as the road climbs.

The destination is the Pedro Gonzales viewpoint above Ayagaures. This is the tour’s clearest scenic highlight, and the planned photo stop gives you a chance to pause rather than trying to admire the view while steering. Bring your phone or camera, but keep it secure while you are driving.

The mountain roads are a big part of the experience, not simply a way to reach the dirt. If you enjoy a winding drive and views over Gran Canaria’s southern interior, you may find this section more memorable than the off-road laps. If you are expecting a wilderness route with long stretches of unpaved track, adjust that expectation before booking.

Down to the reservoir and into the dust

After the viewpoint, the route descends toward the reservoir. From there, the tour continues through an area described for its bamboo fields, palm trees, and prickly pears. It offers a different side of the island from the resort strip, with the scenery unfolding as part of the drive rather than from a coach window.

The off-road portion is fun, but it is brief. Accounts of the route describe a small dirt area where the buggies make a few passes or loops. The space and time available can make this feel more like a short taste of off-road driving than a sustained trail ride.

That limitation is worth weighing carefully. The tour is a good fit if you want to kick up dust, handle a buggy, and enjoy a varied route. It is less suited to someone who wants technical terrain, long gravel tracks, or a serious test of driving skill.

Dust is a practical issue, not a minor footnote. A face covering or bandana, older clothes, and shoes you can clean easily will make the ride more comfortable. One couple also found the chance to swap drivers at stops useful, so if you are sharing a buggy, ask the guide when driver changes are allowed.

A guided convoy, not a race

You drive your own buggy, but the format is organized and guided. The group travels together, with staff leading and supporting the convoy. That structure helps keep the outing manageable, especially on public roads, but it also means you should not expect to choose your own pace or route.

The staff are a major part of the experience. Sebastian is named as a guide, and Carmelo, nicknamed Speedy Gonzales, is known for bringing plenty of energy to the day. A guide on a moped also helps keep the group moving and can take photos or video along the way. The lively style is a plus if you enjoy a bit of humor with your outing; if you prefer a quiet, low-key trip, the team’s high-energy approach may not be your favorite part.

The group size is listed as a maximum of 18 travelers. The actual feel of a convoy can still depend on the day and how the buggies are arranged. Larger groups may mean extra waiting during paperwork and at the dirt section, so the stated maximum is useful context, but it does not guarantee a small, private-feeling ride.

Before you set off, expect staff to explain how to drive the buggies and get the group ready. That preparation is reassuring if you have not driven this kind of vehicle before. At least one participant must have a valid Class B car driving license to begin the excursion, so do not assume a passenger can take over unless they meet that requirement.

What $90.70 buys you

At $90.70 per person, this is a fairly substantial activity cost for about two hours. The value depends on what you want from the outing: you are paying for the buggy experience, a guided mountain route, the viewpoint stop, and a short off-road section, rather than a long day of driving or extensive trail time.

Pickup can make the price more worthwhile if you are staying in one of the included southern areas. Guaranteed pickup and return are offered in Bahia Feliz, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Sonnenland, and Meloneras. Pickup is also available from Salobre, Arguineguín, Patalavaca, Puerto Rico, Playa de los Amadores, Playa del Cura, Taurito, and Playa de Mogán, but return to those areas is not included. Instead, the operator takes you to a suitable nearby bus or taxi stop.

There is no pickup service in Las Palmas or at the port. If you are staying there, you will need to make your own way to the meeting point in El Tablero. Tell the operator your hotel when booking, since pickup time and arrangements depend on your area.

Photo and video packages may be available to buy, but they are not included in the stated per-person price. Some riders have found the edited video and photos a worthwhile keepsake, particularly because a guide can capture the convoy in motion. Treat this as an optional extra and check the cost before deciding.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This tour suits couples, friends, and families looking for an active morning that breaks up a beach-focused holiday. You get a chance to drive, see the southern interior, and share the route with a group. Children accompanied by an adult can participate from 1.35 meters in height, though the adult driving requirement still applies to the driver.

It also works for people who are new to buggy tours and want a structured introduction rather than an independent off-road challenge. The convoy, driving instructions, and guided route help make the experience accessible to most participants. If you have reduced mobility, participation may be possible by request, so raise it with the operator before booking rather than assuming the standard setup will suit you.

The tour is not the best match for someone who dislikes dust, wants a long stretch of off-road driving, or expects a private outing. The road section takes up much of the ride, and the dirt portion can feel short. For many people, that balance is a feature: scenic driving first, a little dirt and dust at the end. For off-road enthusiasts, it may feel like the wrong balance.

Before you book

The experience lasts about two hours and ends back at the meeting point, unless you have arranged transport under the pickup terms for your area. The advertised start time is 9:00 am, but pickup times vary. This activity is typically booked around 21 days ahead, so do not leave it until the last minute if you have a fixed holiday schedule.

The operator requires a Class B car license for at least one driver. Confirmation usually arrives at booking, though bookings made within one day of travel may take longer and depend on availability. The tour is weather-dependent; if poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Should you book the Buggy Tour Gran Canaria?

Book it if you want a lively, guided drive through Gran Canaria’s southern mountains, with a viewpoint stop and just enough dirt to get dusty. The standout value is the combination of scenery, hands-on driving, and an enthusiastic team, especially if pickup is available from your resort.

Skip it if your main goal is extended off-road driving or a quiet, small-group trip. The route is mostly on paved roads, and the dirt section is limited. Pack a face covering, wear clothes you can wash, and go in expecting a scenic buggy tour with a short off-road finale.

FAQ

How long is the Buggy Tour Gran Canaria?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Buggy Pirates Outdoor Center, C. Puntarenas, 16, in El Tablero. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:00 am. Pickup time depends on your area.

Do I need a driving license?

Yes. At least one person with a Class B car driving license is required to begin the excursion.

Can children take part?

Children accompanied by an adult can participate from a height of 1.35 meters onward.

Is pickup included?

Pickup and return are guaranteed in Bahia Feliz, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Sonnenland, and Meloneras. Pickup is available from several other listed resorts, but return to those areas is not included.

Is pickup available in Las Palmas or at the port?

No. Pickup service is not available in Las Palmas or at the port.

How much of the tour is off-road?

The route includes a short dirt and gravel section. Most of the driving is on paved roads.

What should I wear?

Wear clothes and shoes you do not mind getting dusty. A bandana or face covering is a useful precaution.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the activity, you will be offered another date or a full refund.