Buggy Tour Gran Canaria

Feel the island beyond the beach. This Buggy Pirates outing takes you from El Tablero into the Fataga natural park, mixing winding mountain roads, broad views, and a short, dusty off-road section. I like the 800cc buggies and the chance to see Ayagaures, bamboo, palms, prickly pears, and a reservoir in one compact trip.

I also like the cheerful staff, especially guides such as Sebastian and Carmelo, known as Speedy Gonzales. The main caution is simple: this is more of a scenic buggy drive with a taste of off-road fun than a hardcore off-road expedition. The dirt section can be brief, and some departures may feel crowded.

Key points to know before booking

• Ayagaures viewpoint: The paved climb to the Pedro Gonzales viewpoint gives you the tour’s strongest wide mountain views and a proper photo stop.
• Road driving comes first: Much of the route follows winding paved roads, so expect scenery and convoy driving before the dirt section.
• Short but dusty off-road action: The dirt area is fun and energetic, but usually consists of a few loops rather than long remote tracks.
• A driving license is mandatory: At least one participant must bring a valid Class B car license to start the excursion.
• Pickup depends on your resort: Pickup and return are included in several southern resort areas, but some locations receive drop-off only.
• Come ready for dust: Old clothes, closed shoes, and a face covering make the off-road portion much more comfortable.

What the Gran Canaria Buggy Tour is really like

This is a two-hour motor adventure through the southern interior of Gran Canaria. You drive your own buggy in a guided convoy, following the road from the Buggy Pirates Outdoor Center in El Tablero toward the Ayagaures area.

The experience has two distinct moods. The first is a scenic mountain drive on paved roads. The second brings loose dirt, gravel, dust, and a more playful drive around a limited off-road area. Knowing that split is important because the name buggy tour may lead you to expect nonstop rough tracks. That is not what this outing provides.

I see the tour as a good middle ground. You get the thrill of handling a large buggy, but you also get time to look around and enjoy the island. It is less intense than a dedicated four-wheel-drive adventure, yet more active than sitting on a standard sightseeing bus.

The tour is highly rated, with a 4.8 score from 914 reviews and recommendation from 95 percent of customers. The strongest praise goes to the staff, organization, scenery, and overall fun. The main criticism focuses on the limited dirt driving and larger groups on some days.

Starting in El Tablero with an 800cc buggy

The meeting point is the Buggy Pirates Outdoor Center at C. Puntarenas 16 in El Tablero. The listed start time is 9:00 am, though pickup time varies by resort area.

Before you set off, expect the practical setup: identification, disclaimers, instructions, and a briefing on how to operate the buggy. This part can take longer when many people arrive together. Some departures use a convoy of roughly 10 to 15 buggies, while one account describes a much larger group, so the exact size can vary.

The 800cc machines give the trip a proper sense of occasion. You are not sitting in a tiny amusement-park cart. You handle a vehicle with enough power to make the road climbs and dirt loops enjoyable, while the guides keep the group together.

At least one person in your party must hold a Class B car driver’s license. This is not optional, and you need the license before the excursion begins. If two people share one buggy, the driving opportunities can be divided during the stops.

Children can join when accompanied by an adult, provided they are at least 1.35 meters tall. People with reduced mobility may also be able to take part, but this needs to be arranged in advance.

The paved climb to Ayagaures

The first major section heads uphill on paved roads toward the Pedro Gonzales viewpoint in the Ayagaures area. This is where the tour feels most like a mountain sightseeing trip, with the buggy adding a bit of engine noise and wind to the experience.

I like this portion because it gives you time to see a less developed side of southern Gran Canaria. The roads climb away from the resort zone, and the views open up around the dry mountain interior. You are not simply racing from one dirt patch to another. The road itself is part of the attraction.

The viewpoint is the clearest scenic highlight. The group stops for memorable photos, so you can take a breath, look across the surrounding country, and switch drivers if needed. If you are sharing a buggy, this stop is one of the best chances for both people to get time behind the wheel.

The convoy format also matters here. You are following a guide rather than choosing your own route, which makes the experience easier for drivers who are unfamiliar with Spanish roads or driving on the right. It also means this is not a free-for-all. You should expect a controlled pace and regular regrouping.

The paved section can be the best part for anyone who values views over rough driving. Several customers specifically preferred the road portion, while others arrived hoping for much more dirt. Set your expectations according to your own idea of adventure.

Reservoir views, palms, and prickly pears

After the viewpoint, the route descends toward the reservoir. The change in scenery gives the drive a pleasant rhythm. You move from open mountain views into areas marked by bamboo fields, palm trees, and prickly pears.

These details help explain why the tour is more than a simple speed activity. You get a quick look at the dry, rugged interior of Gran Canaria, a side of the island that can be missed if your holiday stays around Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, or the beach resorts.

The guides also add plenty of personality. Sebastian receives repeated praise for his friendly and professional approach. Carmelo, known as Speedy Gonzales, is described as funny, energetic, and constantly moving around the group on a moped. The staff also take photos and video during the trip, giving the outing a lively, playful feel rather than a silent convoy ride.

You can buy the recorded media separately. One customer received an edited video of about 16 minutes along with more than 750 photos, delivered the same afternoon. That level of coverage is not guaranteed for every departure, but it shows why the photo and video option appeals to people who want a record of the day.

The off-road section: fun, dusty, and shorter than expected

The dirt portion is the part you need to understand most clearly. You leave the paved roads and enter a dusty off-road area where you can drive loops through loose dirt and gravel.

It is fun. You will feel the buggy slide and bounce more than it does on the road, and the dust adds the messy, comic element many people want from this kind of outing. Flying stones are possible, so keep some distance from the buggy ahead and protect your eyes and face as best you can.

But do not book this expecting miles of isolated tracks. The off-road area is limited, and some departures spend only 10 to 15 minutes on dirt. You may repeat the same loops from different angles while waiting for other buggies to move through the space.

That limitation is the one consistent point of concern. A rider seeking serious off-road driving may feel shortchanged, especially after seeing the word buggy in the title. Someone looking for a manageable burst of dust and excitement, followed by a scenic mountain drive, will probably be happier.

The short dirt section may also suit families and first-time drivers. It gives you a taste of rough driving without making the entire experience physically demanding. The company describes the tour as suitable for most people, and the guided structure keeps the activity approachable.

How much value do you get for $90.70?

At $90.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Gran Canaria. The price makes more sense when you count the buggy, the guide team, the mountain route, hotel pickup in selected areas, and the organized photo stops.

I see good value here for two people who want an active excursion without committing to a full-day trip. You get transport from many southern resorts, a vehicle to drive, scenic roads, and a short off-road section in one package. The staff energy also appears to be a major part of what you are paying for.

The value drops if your main goal is extended off-road driving. In that case, much of the paid time will be spent on paved mountain roads, and the dirt area may feel too small. Before booking, ask yourself which sounds better: driving through the mountains in a convoy or spending most of the time on rough tracks.

The included pickup is especially useful if you are staying in Bahia Feliz, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustin, Sonnenland, or Meloneras. Pickup is also available from Salobre, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Puerto Rico, Playa de Amadores, Playa del Cura, Taurito, and Playa de Mogán, but return to those latter areas is not included.

For those resorts, the company takes you to a suitable bus or taxi stop after the activity. You must provide your hotel details when booking, and pickup time depends on where you stay. There is no pickup service in Las Palmas or at the port.

Group size and the pace of the convoy

The stated maximum is 18 people, yet group size can feel different depending on how many buggies and passengers are present. Some departures use a convoy of 10 to 15 buggies, while a particularly crowded outing included more than 20 buggies.

Why does that matter? A larger group slows the dirt section because everyone needs a turn through a small area. It can also lengthen the paperwork and briefing at the start. On the other hand, a convoy gives the trip a social, lively mood, and the guides work hard to keep the energy high.

I would choose an early departure if possible, since the listed start time is 9:00 am. The exact group size cannot be promised, but an early schedule may help you avoid some of the day’s buildup. The tour ends back at the El Tablero meeting point unless your arranged transport takes you elsewhere.

The pace is structured rather than wild. You follow the leaders, stop when instructed, and regroup along the route. That is good news if you want to feel safe and enjoy the scenery. It is less appealing if you want to race or choose your own path.

What to wear and bring

Wear old clothes. The dirt section creates a lot of dust, and it can reach your shirt, shoes, bags, and face. Several people strongly recommend a bandana or other face covering.

Closed shoes are a sensible choice, although specific footwear rules are not provided. Bring only what you can keep secure and do not mind getting dirty. The center has washing facilities where you can clean off some of the dust afterward.

Sun protection is also practical for an outdoor mountain activity, though the tour information does not specify what equipment is supplied. Keep your camera or phone protected from dust if you carry one. The company’s own photo and video service may be the easier option if you want pictures without handling your device during the drive.

If two people share a buggy, agree in advance about who drives first. The photo stop and other pauses provide chances to swap, but you should not assume that every minute can be divided evenly.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families with older children who want to break up a beach holiday. It suits people who like driving, mountain scenery, and a little controlled mess without needing an extreme sports experience.

It is also useful for visitors who want to see inland Gran Canaria but do not want to arrange a rental car. The guide leads you through the route, and the convoy format removes much of the stress of navigation.

You may want another activity if your priority is long-distance off-road driving, technical terrain, or a small private group. The dirt section is limited, and the group may be larger than expected. You should also avoid booking if nobody in your party has the required Class B license.

The friendly staff make this a good choice for people who enjoy a lighthearted atmosphere. Sebastian, Carmelo, and the rest of the crew are often praised for keeping the mood fun while still giving clear instructions. That balance is valuable when you are handling a powerful vehicle in unfamiliar surroundings.

Should you book the Buggy Pirates tour?

Book it if you want a scenic mountain drive with a dusty burst of off-road fun, not a full afternoon of rough-track driving. The views around Ayagaures, the reservoir route, the 800cc buggies, and the upbeat guides make this a memorable two-hour outing for many people.

Skip it if you would be disappointed by a short dirt section or a convoy that may include many buggies. At $90.70, the experience earns its price through the whole package, not through nonstop off-road action.

For most couples and groups staying in southern Gran Canaria, I think it is a strong choice. Bring an eligible driver’s license, old clothes, a face covering, and realistic expectations. Do that, and you can enjoy the road, the views, the dust, and the laughs without asking the tour to be something it is not.

FAQ

How long does the Buggy Tour Gran Canaria last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours. It begins and ends at the Buggy Pirates Outdoor Center in El Tablero unless your transport arrangement takes you to a different return point.

What time does the tour start?

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

Do I need a driving license?

Yes. At least one person must hold a Class B car driver’s license before the excursion begins.

Can children join the buggy tour?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Guaranteed pickup and return are offered in Bahia Feliz, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustin, Sonnenland, and Meloneras. Pickup is also available from several other southern resorts, but return to those areas is not included. There is no pickup service in Las Palmas or at the port.

Is the tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?

People with reduced mobility may participate upon request. You should arrange this before the excursion.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If the company cancels because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.