Gran Canaria isn’t just about sandy beaches and sunbathing. The island’s diverse landscapes—mountains, valleys, and canyons—make it a perfect playground for quick, thrilling excursions that get you off the beaten path. Whether you’re craving an adrenaline rush or a relaxed scenic ride, you’ll find options that fit perfectly into a busy schedule. We’re particularly fond of the buggy tours for their mix of off-road excitement and island exploration, and the e-scooter tours for a comfortable, eco-friendly way to see the coast. The horse riding experience offers a gentle way to enjoy the countryside, especially if you’re new to riding or traveling with kids.
If you’re short on time but want to squeeze the most out of your day, these 1-hour tours show that even a quick trip can give you a real taste of Gran Canaria. For example, a buggy tour to explore canyons and valleys, or a jetski safari along the coast, can leave you feeling exhilarated. Meanwhile, a Segway or e-scooter ride offers a laid-back way to discover beaches and dunes with minimal effort. Whatever your style, these short tours deliver a memorable slice of the island.
Quick Overview
This list covers adventure-packed buggy tours, relaxing horseback rides, eco-friendly e-scooter city tours, Segway sightseeing, and jetski safaris—each with unique highlights. For those seeking a thrilling off-road experience, the Gran Canaria: 1 Hour 45 Min Afternoon Buggy Tour and the Buggy Sunset Tour offer fantastic mountain and canyon explorations. For a more relaxed pace, the 1-hour relaxing horse riding tour and the e-Scooter city tour provide scenic views with minimal physical effort. Finally, the Maspalomas Jetski Safari delivers a quick dose of adrenaline on the water.
Now, let’s explore each tour’s details to help you decide which one suits your style.
1. Gran Canaria: 1 Hour 45 Min Afternoon Buggy Tour
At number 1, this buggy tour offers a full 2.5 hours of off-road fun, including a memorable stop at the archaeological site La Fortaleza. It’s perfect for those who want an exhilarating experience with a taste of the island’s wild side. The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, making logistics simple, and takes you through the south’s mountain terrain, valleys, and canyons—places that are difficult to access without a proper 4×4.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of adventure and cultural insight. You’ll learn about Gran Canaria’s history during a stop at La Fortaleza, an archaeological site with ancient cave dwellings. The driving experience is highly praised, with many reviews mentioning the fun of switching drivers and getting covered in dust. The terrain is challenging enough for thrill-seekers but accessible for beginners with some guidance.
The itinerary includes sightseeing stops, photo opportunities at Presa de Ayagaures, and multiple pickup/drop-off points for convenience. The cost of $76 per person offers good value for the mix of adventure and scenic views. This tour is ideal if you want to combine a mountain adventure with a bit of history and sightseeing.
Bottom line: Perfect for thrill-seekers who want to explore deep into the island’s mountains while learning a little about Gran Canaria’s past.
2. 1 Hour Relaxing Horse Riding Tour in Gran Canaria
For those who prefer a gentle yet scenic experience, the 1-hour relaxing horse riding tour offers a peaceful stroll through the countryside with views of the sea and mountains. Suitable for beginners and kids over 5 years old, it’s a wonderful way to connect with nature without any riding experience needed.
This tour is about relaxing, with the chance to learn the basics of horse riding while enjoying the Canarian landscape. It’s particularly well-suited for families or travelers who prefer a slower pace. The horses are described as lovely and quiet, making it accessible even for nervous riders. The reviews highlight the instructor’s friendliness and the overall enjoyable atmosphere, even if there was some minor scheduling change.
Pricing isn’t specified, but the emphasis is on comfort and scenic beauty. It’s a fantastic choice if you want to avoid adrenaline but still want to get out into nature, perhaps after a morning at the beach or a city tour.
Bottom line: An excellent option for families, beginners, or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic ride in the countryside.
3. Gran Canaria: Buggy Tour – Afternoon Sunset Tour 1 Hour 45 Min
This Buggy Sunset Tour offers essentially the same off-road adventure as the daytime version but with the added magic of sunset views. Starting in the afternoon and continuing into early evening, it’s a chance to enjoy the mountain landscapes and canyons at dusk, when the light makes everything look even more dramatic.
Guests rave about the friendly guides, the mix of road and off-road driving, and the good value for the experience. The terrain is described as challenging and exciting, perfect for those who want a thrilling ride that includes moments of dust and dirt. The tour lasts 2.5 hours, making it a longer, slightly more immersive experience—ideal if you want to combine adventure with the stunning sunset scenery.
The tour includes multiple pickup locations, and reviews often mention how much fun it is to switch drivers and share the experience. Although some reviews note the terrain isn’t for the faint-hearted, this is part of the appeal for adventure lovers.
Bottom line: An exciting option for those who want to combine mountain exploration with unforgettable sunset views.
4. e-Scooter 2 Seat City Tour: 1 Hour Playa Ingles
For a relaxed, eco-friendly way to explore Gran Canaria’s southern coast, the e-Scooter 2 Seat City Tour is hard to beat. This 1-hour ride is perfect for families or couples who want to glide along at a comfortable pace while taking in sights like the Maspalomas Dunes and Playa del Ingles.
The e-Scooters are suitable for two people—one driver and one passenger—and are easy to operate, making this a great introduction to motorized sightseeing. Your local guide will share insights into the area’s past and present, making it more than just a ride. The panoramic views and the chance to visit popular spots make it especially appealing for families with children over 7 years old.
The reviews praise the smoothness of the ride and the knowledge of the guide, with one reviewer describing it as “the best way to get around the island and see all the sites.” It’s a perfect option for travelers seeking a brief, scenic, and comfortable tour.
Bottom line: Ideal for families or those wanting a gentle, informative exploration of Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas Dunes.
5. Maspalomas: 1 Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour
If you’re looking for a fun, active way to see Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles, the Segway sightseeing tour stands out. In just one hour, you’ll glide along seaside promenades, cycle paths, and near the iconic dunes, gaining a new perspective on this popular area.
The tour includes a brief instruction session, so no prior experience is necessary. The guide provides detailed explanations of local sights, making it both entertaining and educational. The reviews highlight how friendly and accommodating the guides are, with many noting how the tour went beyond the scheduled time, emphasizing the generous experience.
Great for active travelers who want a quick, engaging activity that combines sightseeing with a bit of skill-building. The equipment is well-maintained, and the tour is suitable for most fitness levels.
Bottom line: Perfect for quick, energetic exploration with a fun twist—especially if you want to try something different.
6. Maspalomas: Jetski Safari 60 Minutes – Free Pickup & DropOff
For pure adrenaline, the Jetski Safari offers a high-speed ride along the south coast. This tour is a favorite for thrill-seekers who want to feel the wind and spray while watching the dunes from the water. The 1.5-hour experience includes guided jetskiing, with possibility of changing drivers, making it suitable for sharing the fun.
The tour begins with hotel pickup, then heads out to the water, where you’ll enjoy scenic views and the chance to spot dolphins. Reviewers describe it as “pure adrenaline” and praise the “panoramic views of the dunes.” It’s not for the faint-hearted, as the terrain is fast-paced and sometimes bumpy, but for those craving a quick thrill, it’s hard to beat.
The cost is $84 per person, and the included pickup makes logistics simple. Be prepared for some splash and excitement, and a memorable ride along the coast.
Bottom line: Best suited for adventure lovers who want a quick, high-energy experience on the water.
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you crave off-road adventure and don’t mind getting dusty, the buggy tours are hard to beat. For a relaxing, scenic experience suitable for families or beginners, the horse riding or e-scooter tours are excellent choices. If you’re after water-based excitement, the jetski safari offers a quick adrenaline rush.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the buggy adventures and jetski safaris. Think about your preferred pace—do you want a thrill or a gentle exploration?—and pick the tour that matches your style.
In summary, Gran Canaria offers a diverse selection of short, engaging tours perfect for a quick taste of adventure or relaxation. For adrenaline junkies, the buggy tours and jetski safaris deliver action and excitement. Families and leisure travelers will appreciate the horse riding or e-scooter explorations for their comfort and scenic value. Whatever your choice, booking early will help you secure your spot for these memorable 1-hour adventures.