Buggy Safari Tours In Crete Heraklion

If you’re after an activity that combines adrenaline, spectacular scenery, and a touch of off-road daring, the Buggy Safari Tours in Crete Heraklion might just be your perfect match. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions give a clear picture of what to expect from this off-road adventure. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply eager to see Crete from a different perspective, this experience is designed to deliver.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers access to new Polaris RZR Trail S 1000 buggies, ensuring reliability and power. Second, the routes are carefully crafted by off-road specialists, promising a mix of breathtaking views and challenging terrain. Lastly, the professional guiding and exclusive locations mean you’re in safe hands while exploring Crete’s unspoiled natural beauty.

A potential consideration is that the route involves dangerous roads, and the experience may not be suitable for those with fear of heights or certain health issues. But for most adventure lovers, the thrill and panoramic vistas outweigh this small warning.

This tour suits travelers who love a mix of adventure and scenic exploration, especially those eager to combine off-road fun with authentic local experiences. If you’re comfortable with a bit of dirt and excitement, you’ll find this tour to be both memorable and worthwhile.

Contents show

Key Points

Reliability and Power: The use of new Polaris RZR Trail S 1000 buggies ensures a smooth yet exhilarating ride.
Expertly Designed Routes: Routes are tailored by off-road specialists for maximum scenic impact and adventure.
Inclusive Experience: All routes over 4 hours include a traditional tavern lunch, adding a cultural touch to the adventure.
Professional Guidance: Every tour is led by a knowledgeable guide with GPS and intercom communication, ensuring safety and guidance throughout.
Flexible Duration: Tours range from 2 to 8 hours, catering to different levels of adventure and available time.
Authentic Views: Expect to see landscapes worthy of postcards, from rugged hills to panoramic vistas, as highlighted by reviewers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect from Start to Finish

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Heraklion

Meeting Point and Departure

The adventure kicks off at Alligator – Off road Side by side ATV Tours, conveniently located on the grounds of Cretan Camping. The meeting spot is easy to spot—a yellow flag and the tour banner mark the entrance. Once there, you’ll park your car and gather with your group, ready for what promises to be an exciting journey.

The Briefing and Preparation

Before hitting the trails, you’ll go through a comprehensive briefing that covers safety, vehicle setup, and basic driving instructions—crucial steps, especially for those newer to off-road vehicles. Reviewers mention guides like George and Nikos, who are praised for their clear explanations and friendly approach. They’re well-versed in ensuring everyone feels comfortable, whether you’re a seasoned driver or a passenger.

The Routes: Two to Eight Hours of Off-Road Fun

Depending on your selected duration, the routes will vary, but all promise a combination of breathtaking views and off-road challenges. The routes are primarily on rugged terrain, which means you’ll experience the island’s natural beauty away from the tourist crowds.

For those opting for the 2-hour quad bike ride, expect a shorter but still exhilarating experience that showcases some of Crete’s wild side. Longer trips—up to eight hours—take you deeper into the landscape, with more varied scenery and more challenging paths. These extended routes include stops at viewpoints and hidden spots that most travelers never get to see.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch and Rest Stops

All routes lasting 4 hours or longer include a traditional tavern lunch, a chance to relax, refuel, and enjoy local flavors. Guests frequently mention the delicious, hearty food and friendly atmosphere, adding a cultural dimension to the adventure that makes it more than just a ride.

There's plenty more to explore in Heraklion

Photography and Memories

Throughout the tour, you can choose to order professional photography or videography—a great way to capture the adrenaline and scenery. The guides are experienced and attentive, making sure everyone gets great shots, whether you’re in the driver’s seat or a passenger.

Safety and Support

Throughout the ride, a professional guide with GPS and intercom keeps everyone together, offering instructions and support. This setup ensures you won’t get lost and that help is just a call away if needed. Since the route involves dangerous roads, the guides emphasize safety, making sure everyone stays within safe limits.

What Reviewers Love Most

Reviewers repeatedly praise the knowledgeable guides, like Mahine who called the experience “GREAT I RECOMMEND,” and Manel who highlighted the stunning landscape and clear explanations from the guide. Manel described the views as “crazy,” noting that the landscape was “worthy of a postcard,” and appreciated the friendly atmosphere and the fun on top of the scenery.

Guests also appreciate the value for money, considering the inclusion of lunch in the longer routes and the professionalism of the outfit. The tours are described as “so perfect” by travelers, emphasizing how well-organized and enjoyable the experience is.

The Experience in Detail: What You’ll Really Do

Vehicle Setup and Safety Briefing

The experience starts with a thorough briefing, where guides like George and Nikos ensure everyone understands how to operate or ride along safely. This is critical, especially as routes are on dangerous roads, and some guests may not have driven off-road vehicles before. If you have an international driving license, you’ll likely be able to drive one of the Polaris RZR buggies. Without a license, no worries—you can still enjoy the ride as a passenger.

The Off-Road Adventure

The routes are designed to showcase Crete’s rugged natural beauty. Expect to pass through steep inclines, rocky paths, and scenic viewpoints. The terrain is challenging enough for a fun experience but not overly technical, making it accessible for most thrill-seekers with a sense of adventure.

Along With the thrill of driving, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views—possibly including sunsets, mountain peaks, or lush valleys. The guides are skilled at pointing out interesting landmarks and hidden spots that you might miss without local knowledge.

Authentic Crete and Local Flavor

The inclusion of a traditional tavern lunch provides a taste of local cuisine, often described as hearty and flavorful. Reviewers note that the food is a highlight, adding a cultural layer that complements the adrenaline rush. This is an excellent chance to rest, chat, and soak in the atmosphere of rural Crete.

Professional Photography and Video

For an extra fee, you can have professional photos or videos taken during the tour. Many guests find this worthwhile, as the shots capture both the stunning scenery and the fun moments with friends or family.

End of the Tour and Return

The tour concludes back at the starting point, with many guests feeling that they’ve experienced a true slice of Crete’s wild side. The guides ensure everyone is safe and satisfied before heading back to the vehicle parking area.

Practical Details to Know Before Booking

Duration and Starting Times: Tours last from 2 to 8 hours, so you can choose based on your preferred level of adventure and available time. Check the availability for specific starting times.

Price and Value: At $508 per group (up to 2 people), the experience is priced to reflect the quality of equipment, guides, and inclusions like lunch. Considering the personalized service and scenic routes, many find this a fair price for a full-day adventure.

Group Size: The tour is designed for private groups of 1 to 4 participants, providing a more intimate experience.

Driving Requirements: One to two persons must have an international driving license to operate the buggy, depending on the number of participants. Guests without licenses will ride as passengers.

Age Restrictions: This experience is not suitable for children under 12 due to the nature of the terrain and safety precautions.

Clothing: Wear clothes that can get dirty—think outdoor, practical gear, and closed-toe shoes.

Restrictions: No alcohol, drugs, or audio recording allowed during the tour—safety first.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Experience?

This buggy safari offers a fantastic mix of adventure, stunning landscapes, and cultural experience. It’s especially appealing for off-road enthusiasts and travelers eager to see Crete’s less accessible natural beauty. The guides’ professionalism and the quality of equipment make it a reliable choice for first-timers and seasoned thrill-seekers alike.

If you’re looking for a fun, authentic, and scenic activity that delivers both adrenaline and incredible views, this tour ticks all the boxes. The inclusion of a hearty local lunch and the option to capture professional photos makes it a complete adventure package.

However, if you have height fears or health concerns or prefer more relaxed sightseeing, this might not be the best fit. Still, for those craving a high-energy exploration of Crete’s rugged terrain, this could be one of the most memorable experiences on your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a driver’s license to participate? Yes. Depending on the number of participants, at least one person must have an international driving license to drive the buggy. Passengers don’t need a license.

Can I ride as a passenger if I don’t have a license? Absolutely. You can join as a passenger if you don’t hold a license, but you won’t be driving.

What’s included in the price? The price covers the guided off-road route, equipment setup, safety briefing, and for routes over 4 hours, a traditional tavern lunch. You can also purchase professional photography or videography.

How long do the tours last? Tours range from 2 hours up to 8 hours, offering flexibility based on your schedule and desire for adventure.

Are the routes suitable for children? No, this activity is not suitable for children under 12 due to safety reasons and the challenging terrain.

Is this activity safe? The trip is led by experienced guides and includes safety instructions. However, the routes are on dangerous roads, so participants should be comfortable with heights and physical activity.

What should I wear? Dress in clothes that can get dirty and wear closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor activity.

Are meals included? Only for tours lasting 4 hours or more; the experience includes a meal at a traditional tavern.

What languages are guides available in? The guides speak English, Greek, and Russian, ensuring clear communication for diverse groups.

Where do I meet the tour? The meeting point is at the Cretan Camping grounds, marked by a yellow flag and the tour banner.

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

In essence, if you’re craving an adventure-packed day with incredible scenery, knowledgeable guides, and a taste of authentic Crete, this buggy safari tour is a fantastic choice. It’s a chance to go off the beaten path, challenge yourself, and create unforgettable memories on one of Greece’s most beautiful islands.