3 Hour Amazing Automatic Can Am Buggy Tour of Beautiful Lanzarote

Lanzarote has a way of surprising visitors who venture beyond the resort beaches, and this three-hour buggy tour delivers exactly that kind of discovery. We appreciate this experience for two compelling reasons: first, you’re actually behind the wheel of your own vehicle navigating a mix of paved roads and off-road terrain, which creates a genuine sense of agency and fun that passive bus tours simply can’t match. Second, the combination of dramatic volcanic landscapes, a stop at a working winery in La Geria, and access to parts of the island most travelers never see makes this feel like a genuine local adventure rather than a checkbox activity.

That said, there’s one consideration worth mentioning upfront: this tour is genuinely dusty. You’ll need to come prepared with a face covering—a scarf, buff, or bandana—because the off-road sections kick up significant dust clouds. It’s not a drawback so much as a reality you should embrace as part of the authentic experience.

This tour works best for travelers who want to get out and see the “real” Lanzarote, who don’t mind a little dirt on their clothes, and who have at least a couple of years of driving experience under their belt. If you’re someone who comes alive when you’re behind the wheel and you want to see more of an island than a typical guided coach tour shows you, this is absolutely worth your time and money.

What You’re Actually Getting

The tour operates through Buggies Lanzarote, a company that’s been refining this experience for years. With a 4.5-star rating across 787 reviews and 90% of travelers recommending it, the numbers suggest they’ve figured out what works. The price of $205.58 per group (up to two people) breaks down to around $100 per person, which is reasonable when you consider you’re getting three hours of guided driving, access to private vehicles, and stops at scenic and cultural locations.

The buggies themselves are automatic Can Am Mavericks—top-of-the-range machines that handle both road and off-road driving with ease. One repeat visitor who’s done this tour four times in four years noted that “the buggies are automatic now and very easy to drive,” which speaks to the company’s commitment to keeping their fleet current. These aren’t beat-up vehicles that barely function; they’re proper off-road buggies designed for this exact kind of adventure.

The three-hour timeframe is well-calibrated. It’s long enough to feel substantial and see real variety across the landscape, but short enough that you won’t be exhausted by the end. You’ll spend roughly 30 minutes driving to your first major stop, an hour exploring and driving through different terrain, and another hour returning with a winery visit included.

The Route and What Makes It Special

The tour kicks off at Puerto Calero, also known as Millionaires Marina, which is a striking starting point in itself. This upscale marina gives you an immediate sense that this isn’t a budget operation—you’re beginning your adventure from one of the island’s most exclusive locations. The guides lead you out from here into a carefully planned route that balances on-road driving with genuine off-road exploration.

One traveler described the drive perfectly: “The scenery you drive through is breath taking and beautiful.” You’re not just seeing Lanzarote; you’re seeing it from multiple perspectives—speeding along coastal roads one moment, then tackling rocky volcanic terrain the next. The landscape shifts dramatically as you move through different elevations and regions.

The itinerary includes stops in picturesque villages that most independent travelers would drive right past. These aren’t tourist-trap villages with souvenir shops on every corner; they’re actual communities where locals live. You get a genuine sense of how islanders in less-developed areas of Lanzarote go about their daily lives, which adds authentic cultural context to your visit.

La Geria Wine Stop: More Than Just a Tasting

The tour includes a stop at Bodega La Geria, positioned on the edge of Timanfaya National Park. This is where the experience shifts from pure adrenaline to something more contemplative. La Geria is one of Spain’s most unique wine regions—the vines are actually grown in volcanic soil in small craters called “pocillos,” a technique that’s been used for centuries. The winery stop gives you about 20 minutes to grab a coffee, take photographs, and sample local wines if you’re interested.

One visitor summed it up nicely: “Beautiful drive through the wineries and a great stop as well to try the wines.” The views from this vantage point overlooking the volcanic landscape are genuinely stunning, and it’s the kind of place where your phone’s camera will actually do justice to what you’re seeing.

What makes this stop work well is that it’s not overly commercialized. You’re not being herded through a gift shop or pressured to buy expensive bottles. The staff is friendly, the wine is authentic, and the views are free. If you want to spend money on a drink or snack, that’s your choice. One traveler wisely advised bringing €20 in cash for this stop—it’s the kind of detail that shows they’ve thought through the logistics.

The Off-Road Experience: Expect Bumps and Smiles

The off-road sections are where this tour distinguishes itself from standard sightseeing. You’re not just watching someone else navigate rough terrain; you’re doing it yourself. The buggies can handle speeds up to 65 kilometers per hour even on rocky ground, and guides ensure you’re driving safely while still having genuine fun.

One visitor captured the feeling well: “The off road experience what great fun. A must for a adrenaline activity with amazing views of the island.” Another noted that even though “it’s not really her choice,” even reluctant participants found themselves thoroughly enjoying the experience. The guides manage to make the driving feel thrilling without being reckless—they’re prioritizing your safety while still delivering the excitement you came for.

The bumpy sections are real, though. One honest review mentioned that “your bum will be a bit numb by the end,” which is exactly the kind of authentic detail that helps set expectations. You’re not going to be uncomfortable, but you will feel every rock and ridge of the terrain. That’s actually part of what makes it memorable.

The Guides Make a Genuine Difference

If there’s a secret ingredient to why this tour works so well, it’s the quality of the guides. Multiple reviews mention specific guides by name—Mario, Dean, Jimmy, Rob—and speak about them with genuine affection. One four-time visitor called their guide Mario “fascinating” and praised how he shared “insights and history about the island.”

The guides aren’t just driving you around; they’re actually knowledgeable about Lanzarote. One traveler appreciated that they “learned a ton about the island” and another noted that their guide was “quite patient” with nervous drivers. The guides also work in multiple languages, which matters for international groups. They provide good advice on driving technique, safety, and how to handle the buggies in different conditions.

This isn’t always guaranteed with tour operations, but the consistency of praise across the reviews suggests Buggies Lanzarote invests in training their team properly. When someone books this tour multiple times over four years, it’s usually because of the people running it, not just the buggies themselves.

Practical Details That Actually Matter

What’s Included: Protective glasses for dust and a discount at the company’s restaurant back at the marina. The protective glasses are important—dust will be a factor, and you’ll be grateful for eye protection.

What You Need to Bring: A valid driver’s license with at least two years of driving experience is required. U.S. citizens must obtain an International Driving Permit before arriving in Spain. Wear sensible footwear—flip-flops are explicitly not allowed, and for good reason given the terrain. Bring your own face covering (scarf, buff, or bandana), or you can purchase one at the office. The dust factor is real enough that multiple reviews mention it unprompted.

Group Size: Maximum 20 travelers per tour, which keeps things manageable and ensures the guides can actually pay attention to everyone.

Transportation: The tour starts and ends at Buggies Lanzarote in the Galeria Nautica at Puerto Calero. The location is near public transportation, though the company notes that while they can sometimes arrange transport, they can’t guarantee it. If you’re relying on a pickup, confirm arrangements well in advance.

Timing: Tours are typically booked about 22 days in advance on average, suggesting popular dates book up. Confirmation comes within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Value Analysis: Is It Worth the Money?

At $205.58 for up to two people ($100-103 per person), you’re looking at a mid-range price for an adventure activity in Europe. What you’re getting for that price is significant: three hours with a professional guide, exclusive use of a modern vehicle, access to parts of the island most travelers never see, and a winery stop with tasting opportunity.

Compare this to what you might pay for a standard bus tour of Lanzarote (typically €50-80 per person for three to four hours), and you’re paying a premium. But you’re also getting something fundamentally different—agency, participation, and a more personal experience. You’re not passively watching the landscape; you’re actively engaging with it.

One visitor who’d clearly done the math noted that they were “very glad we did that as it was definitely worth the money,” and they weren’t alone in that assessment. The 90% recommendation rate and 4.5-star average suggest most people feel they got good value.

What to Expect Realistically

The tour delivers authentic off-road adventure and genuine sightseeing. You will get dusty—seriously dusty. One traveler recommended wearing “the oldest clothes you have with you. They will probably end up in the bin after.” That’s not meant to discourage you; it’s meant to set proper expectations. Wear something you don’t mind getting filthy, bring a change of clothes if possible, and embrace the messiness as part of the experience.

You’ll be driving for most of the three hours, with breaks for photos and the winery stop. If you’re nervous about driving, the guides are patient, but you should know that you’ll be responsible for handling the buggy. They’ll give you instruction, but this isn’t a tour where you can just sit back and relax.

The views are genuinely striking. Multiple reviews use words like “breathtaking” and “amazing” without irony—these are people who’ve traveled and know what they’re comparing it to. The combination of volcanic rock, green wine country, ocean views, and dramatic lighting creates a landscape that photographs well and looks even better in person.

The Occasional Rough Review: What It Tells Us

Among the overwhelmingly positive reviews, there are a few one-star and three-star ratings worth examining. One person felt they saw “more of the dusty areas almost at the same spot” rather than varied scenery, suggesting the route might feel repetitive to some. Another felt the winery stop was too brief and would have preferred longer at certain locations.

One review mentioned a guide being “very aggressive” toward their son at the end of the tour, which is a legitimate concern. The company responded but didn’t fully address the complaint, which is worth noting. With a team of guides, consistency will vary somewhat.

One cruise passenger had a pickup miscommunication that resulted in them not getting picked up. The company’s response suggests there were communication breakdowns on both sides, and they offered alternatives (like taking a taxi), but the passenger felt unsupported. This is worth considering if you’re arriving by cruise ship—confirm arrangements multiple times and keep your phone charged.

These reviews represent a tiny fraction of the total feedback but are worth acknowledging because they’re real concerns some travelers have experienced.

The Cancellation Policy and Weather Considerations

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is fair and standard. The tour requires good weather to operate, and if it’s canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund. This matters in Lanzarote, which generally has excellent weather year-round, but it’s good to know the policy exists.

The experience requires a minimum number of travelers to operate. If that minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date or alternative experience. This is standard practice and shouldn’t be a concern unless you’re booking during an unusually quiet season.

Who Should Book This Tour

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see more of Lanzarote than the resort areas offer, who enjoy being behind the wheel, and who aren’t afraid of getting a little dusty in the process. It works for couples, small groups, and even families with older children (as long as they have valid licenses and driving experience).

It’s less suitable for people who are uncomfortable driving in unfamiliar terrain, who have mobility issues that make sitting in a buggy for three hours difficult, or who want a completely passive sightseeing experience. It’s also not the right choice if you’re looking for an extremely off-road-heavy experience—one review noted the tour was only about 30% off-road and 70% on-road, which is worth considering if you’re seeking maximum adventure.

The tour appeals to experienced travelers who’ve done standard coach tours before and want something different. It appeals to people who value authenticity over comfort. It appeals to anyone who gets a genuine thrill from driving through landscapes that most travelers never see.

Booking Logistics and Getting Started

Contact information for Buggies Lanzarote is available through the tour listing, and you’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking. Mobile tickets are provided, so you don’t need to print anything. The starting point is easy to find in the Puerto Calero marina, and the location is accessible via public transportation if you’re not renting a car.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to meet your guide and get oriented with the buggy. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, bring sunscreen even though you’ll be dusty, bring water, and bring cash for the winery stop. Leave valuables at your hotel—you’ll want minimal possessions while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to have extensive off-road driving experience?
A: No. The company specifically notes that the buggies are automatic and very easy to drive. Multiple reviews mention that guides provide good instruction and are patient with nervous drivers. You do need a valid driver’s license with at least two years of driving experience, but you don’t need to be an expert off-roader.

Q: How dusty does it actually get?
A: Dusty enough that multiple reviewers unprompted mentioned wearing old clothes they didn’t mind ruining. The company provides protective glasses, but you need to bring your own face covering (scarf or buff). One traveler noted being “very dusty” and recommended the oldest clothes possible. It’s part of the experience, not a bug.

Q: Is the winery stop included in the price, or do I pay extra?
A: The winery stop at La Geria is included in the tour price. However, any drinks, wine tastings, or food you purchase there cost extra. One reviewer recommended bringing €20 in cash for this stop.

Q: What’s the actual ratio of on-road to off-road driving?
A: Based on one review, the tour appears to be roughly 30% off-road and 70% on-road. If you’re looking for a heavily off-road-focused experience, you might want to check with the company about route specifics, as one reviewer felt disappointed by the balance.

Q: Can the company arrange transportation from my hotel or cruise ship?
A: The company states they cannot guarantee transportation arrangements, though they can sometimes arrange it. If you need a pickup, contact them well in advance to discuss options. Don’t rely on a pickup without confirming multiple times beforehand.

Q: How many people typically go on this tour?
A: The maximum is 20 travelers per tour, which keeps the group manageable. Your specific group size will depend on the day you book, but you won’t be dealing with a massive coach tour situation.

Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
A: The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Lanzarote generally has excellent weather year-round, so this is rarely an issue, but it’s good to know the policy.

This tour represents genuine value for travelers who want to experience Lanzarote beyond the typical resort-and-beach routine. You’re not just seeing the island; you’re actively exploring it, learning from guides, and creating the kind of memories that make travel worthwhile. The 4.5-star rating across nearly 800 reviews isn’t inflated—it reflects consistent positive experiences from people who’ve genuinely enjoyed themselves. Come prepared for dust, embrace the bumpy terrain, and you’ll walk away with a richer understanding of what makes Lanzarote special. This tour works best for independent travelers with some driving confidence who want to see the island on their own terms, with expert guidance pointing out what matters most.