Gran Canaria: Off-Road Buggy Adventure in the Canyons

This off-road buggy tour in Gran Canaria promises a 2.5-hour adrenaline-filled journey through some of the island’s most breathtaking terrain. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews, impeccable safety standards, and stunning photos suggest it’s a fantastic way to see the southern part of Gran Canaria beyond the usual tourist spots.

What truly draws us to this experience are the panoramic views of the Ayagaures Valley, the friendly, knowledgeable guides, and the thrilling combination of on-road and off-road driving. Plus, the opportunity to explore hidden canyons, charming villages, and reservoirs sounds ideal for adventure lovers. One potential consideration is that the tour is somewhat road-heavy, with only brief off-road segments, which might not satisfy those craving hours of rugged terrain.

This tour is perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone keen to see Gran Canaria from a fresh, exhilarating perspective. Families with children over 1.35 meters tall, and those with a valid driving license, will find this activity fits perfectly into their holiday plans.

Key Points

• Scenic exploration: Offers spectacular views of mountains, canyons, and reservoirs.
• Expert guides: Highly praised for their humor, safety focus, and local knowledge.
• Value for money: Includes pickup, insurance, and plenty of photo opportunities.
• Short but sweet: 2.5-hour tour, ideal for fitting into a busy holiday schedule.
• Family friendly: Suitable for kids over 1.35 meters tall with a valid license.
• Limited off-road time: Primarily on paved roads with brief adventurous sections.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Exciting Way to See Gran Canaria’s Natural Beauty

Gran Canaria is known for its diverse landscapes—from sandy dunes to lush valleys—and this buggy tour captures the island’s essence in a way that’s both fun and visually stunning. The journey begins with a pickup from designated areas like Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, and Meloneras, making it accessible and convenient for most travelers staying in the southern resorts.

Once at the base, you’ll receive a safety briefing and instructions—crucial for first-timers or those unfamiliar with driving buggies. The guides, such as Lucian and Eloy, are frequently mentioned for their humor and professionalism, helping everyone feel comfortable behind the wheel. This is especially important given the mixed group sizes, with the option of small groups ensuring personalized attention.

The Itinerary: From Mountain Views to Canyons

The first stop takes you to the Pedro Gonzales viewpoint, a highlight for panoramic photos. From here, expect sweeping vistas of the Ayagaures Valley, including its reservoir and surrounding mountains. Reviewers love to mention how this viewpoint alone justifies the trip, with one noting the impressive natural scenery that makes the entire experience worthwhile.

Next, the tour continues along unpaved roads leading into more exciting canyons and valleys, where the terrain becomes more adventurous. Although the off-road driving segment might be shorter (around 15-20 minutes according to some reviews), the thrill of speeding along dusty tracks and dirt roads is a definite highlight. Many mention that the guides encourage safe driving while allowing plenty of opportunities to unleash your inner speed demon.

What You’ll See and Experience

Travelers will pass through typical villages of the Ayagaures Valley, getting a taste of local life away from tourist hotspots. The reservoirs and lush scenery provide excellent photo ops, with guides often capturing your moments on camera. Reviewers like Demi-Louise rave about the scenic views and the fun of the video snippets taken by their guide Speedy, who’s become a memorable part of the experience.

The Off-Road Adventure: How Much Do You Get?

While the off-road sections are praised as fun, some reviews suggest that they’re relatively brief compared to the on-road segments. For example, one reviewer mentions about 15-20 minutes of off-road driving, but still found it exhilarating. The majority agree, however, that the combination of scenic drives and off-road moments creates a balanced, enjoyable experience.

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The Guides: The Heart of the Tour

Multiple reviews highlight how guides like Lucian, Eloy, and Speedy contribute to the atmosphere with their humor, enthusiasm, and safety-conscious approach. One reviewer commented, “The guides made sure we had fun while staying safe,” which is crucial when navigating challenging terrains on a buggy. Their ability to create an enjoyable environment, even during brief stops, adds to the overall value.

Professionalism and Safety

Safety is a recurring theme in reviews. The tour includes insurance and requires participants to hold a valid driving license—either for a car or motorcycle. Children over 1.35 meters tall are welcome, making it family-friendly for those with kids eager for adventure. Participants are advised to wear closed-toe shoes and bring their driver’s license, ensuring everyone can drive if they wish.

The Photos and Videos

Photographers and videographers follow the tour, capturing fun moments and scenic vistas. While some reviewers feel the €35 charge for photos and videos is steep, most agree it’s worth having a lasting souvenir of the trip. The quick turnaround for delivery by email adds convenience.

How Does the Tour Compare to Others?

Compared to similar experiences, this buggy tour offers a solid mix of scenery and adventure at a reasonable price. It’s especially praised for its friendly guides, excellent value, and breathtaking views. While some might hope for more off-road driving, the overall experience remains highly positive, with many travelers repeating the activity or recommending it to friends.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour lasts around 2.5 hours, which fits well into a day of sightseeing or relaxing on the beach.
• Pickup is included from specific locations such as San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, and Maspalomas—be sure to provide your hotel name during booking.
• Bring your driver’s license, closed-toe shoes, and a scarf or bandana (optional, but recommended to protect from dust).
• Children must be over 1.35 meters tall and are only allowed if they meet height requirements.
• The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or those under 4 ft 4 in (135 cm).
• You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility if plans change.

Is it worth the cost?

Considering the included pickup, insurance, guide service, and opportunity to explore iconic viewpoints, the value for money is quite good. The joy of driving a buggy through scenic landscapes, combined with the friendly atmosphere and professional guides, makes it a worthwhile adventure.

Final Thoughts

This buggy tour in Gran Canaria offers a lively, scenic, and safe way to explore the island’s southern landscapes. You’ll love the stunning viewpoints, the thrill of off-road driving, and the engaging guides who make every moment fun. Perfect for those craving adventure and authentic sights, it’s an experience that combines exploration, adrenaline, and excellent value.

While it might lean more on the scenic and on-road side than pure off-road thrill-seeking, the overall package delivers a well-rounded, memorable outing. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or in a small group, this tour promises plenty of laughs, breathtaking vistas, and a dash of dirt.

For anyone eager to see hidden corners of Gran Canaria in a fun, active way, this buggy adventure hits all the right notes. Just remember to wear closed shoes, bring your license, and prepare for an unforgettable ride through the best sights the south of the island has to offer.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from specific areas such as San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Sonnenland, and Meloneras. You’ll need to provide your hotel name during booking.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, closed-toe shoes, and optionally a scarf or bandana to protect from dust.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children over 1.35 meters tall can participate, but younger children or those under height restrictions are not permitted.

Do I need a driving license?
A valid driving license for a car is mandatory. If your co-driver also brings a license, you can take turns driving the buggies.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including pickup and briefings.

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

Are there off-road driving segments?
Yes, there are off-road sections, but reviews suggest they’re around 15-20 minutes. Most of the tour is on paved or unpaved but accessible roads.

Is this suitable for families?
Absolutely, provided children meet the height requirement and have a valid license. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity.

What about photos and videos?
Guides take photos and videos during the tour, which are available for purchase at €35. Delivery is via email after the tour.

If adventure, scenic vistas, and a chance to see Gran Canaria from a different angle appeal to you, this buggy tour offers a memorable experience filled with fun and fantastic views.

You can check availability for your dates here: