Thinking about adding a bit of adrenaline to your Gran Canaria holiday? This ATV quad tour promises a fun and rugged way to see the island’s southern mountains and valleys. While some parts of the experience are genuinely exciting, others might leave you craving a bit more polish. We’re here to give you an honest look, so you can decide if this is the right adventure for your trip.
What we like? First, the fact that you get to drive your own quad—that hands-on feeling makes all the difference. Second, the scenic route through Fataga and Ayagaures, which offer some truly stunning views. On the flip side, a notable drawback is the rough terrain—not the best choice if you’re expecting smooth rides or are prone to discomfort. This tour could be perfect if you’re a bit of an off-road junkie or just want a different way to explore Gran Canaria’s wild side.
If you’re comfortable with driving experience and are looking for a thrilling outdoor activity, this could suit you well. Keep in mind that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility or health issues. It’s a good pick for adventurous travelers wanting a taste of dirt and dust in their holiday. Now, let’s take a closer look at what this tour actually involves.
Key Points
- Hands-on driving makes the experience more engaging than simply riding along.
- The scenic route includes stops at Fataga and Ayagaures, offering photo opportunities.
- The terrain is off-road and rugged, ideal for thrill-seekers but potentially uncomfortable for some.
- Group size is limited to four participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, helmets, goggles, and water, but not face masks.
- Not suitable for children under 8 or travelers with certain health conditions.
What Is This Quad Tour About?
This is a 3-hour adventure on and off road in the southern mountains of Gran Canaria. You’ll start with a pickup from your hotel, then hop into a van that whisks you off to the adventure zone, heading from Maspalomas toward Fataga and Ayagaures. The main thrill? Driving your own quad—you’ll get some dust on your face and a sense of freedom as you cross valleys and rugged paths.
The tour is designed to balance scenic sightseeing with adrenaline-pumping off-road riding. You’ll get about 2.5 hours of actual quad time, with breaks for photos, guided info, and rest stops. It’s a decent length for a day activity—long enough to feel like a proper outing but not so long that it becomes tiring.
Planning more time in Fataga? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Pickup and Initial Transfer
The tour kicks off with seven pickup options around popular spots like Maspalomas, Arguineguín, Puerto Rico, Sonnenland, Taurito, Mogán, and Bahia Feliz. The convenience of hotel pickup is a real plus—no need to worry about finding a meeting point. After a 15-minute van ride, you arrive at the starting point, ready to gear up.
Maspalomas Ride
Your first riding segment is about 15 minutes in Maspalomas, giving you a quick warm-up. This is a chance to get comfortable with the quad and understand the controls, especially if you’re new to riding off-road vehicles. The staff is generally helpful, and helmets plus goggles are provided for safety.
More Great Tours NearbyFataga Stop: The Heart of the Tour
Next, you’ll head towards Fataga, often called the “Valley of a Thousand Palms.” This is a longer stop—about an hour—including a photo opportunity, a guided tour, and another quad ride. The scenery here is quite striking, with lush greenery contrasted against mountainous backdrops. It’s a perfect spot to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and soak in the views.
Ayagaures Exploration
Your journey continues with a guided tour and an hour-long quad ride in Ayagaures. This area offers a different landscape—more arid, but equally scenic. You’ll get to experience more off-road terrain, which adds to the overall thrill and makes the experience feel authentic.
Return to Maspalomas
The final segment includes a quick 15-minute ride back to Maspalomas, with another guided tour and a short 15-minute quad ride. Afterward, a van transports you back to your hotel, completing the roughly 3-hour-long adventure.
What You Can Expect During the Ride
The tour promises off-road excitement, but the quality of the experience can vary based on terrain conditions. Several reviewers mention that the roads are quite rough, with stones and uneven surfaces. One reviewer pointed out that “the roads in the terrain are absolutely crap,” with large stones that make off-road riding less comfortable and more challenging.
If you’re used to off-road driving or seeking a high-adrenaline experience, this terrain might be just right. If comfort is your priority or you’re not confident in handling rough surfaces, it might feel a bit bumpy. Also, the terrain can cause dirt and dust, so bringing a face mask could make your ride more pleasant, although masks are not provided.
The Guides and Service
Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the superb staff. One traveler even exclaimed, “Incredible service, thank you very much Enzo!” It’s clear that the team is friendly and professional. The tour includes free transportation, helmets, goggles, and water—a good value considering the price.
However, one reviewer was disappointed with the visual environment, describing it as “only third-rate,” implying that some parts of the facilities or presentation could use improvement. While this doesn’t affect the riding itself, it’s worth noting if you’re expecting a more polished setup.
The Price and Value
At $180 for up to two people, the price breaks down to $90 per person if you’re sharing. For a three-hour guided adventure, that’s not a bad deal, especially since it includes hotel pickup, helmets, goggles, and water. If you’re someone who values hands-on outdoor activities, you’ll probably find this a fun way to spend part of your day.
That said, the experience’s value depends heavily on terrain conditions and how much you enjoy off-road riding. The rough terrain and the mixture of buggies and quads might not meet every rider’s expectations for comfort or pace. Reviewers suggest that quads can barely keep up with buggies, and some drivers didn’t have goggles, which could affect visibility and safety.
Suitability and Who This Tour Is Best For
This quad tour is best suited for adventure enthusiasts comfortable with driving experience and looking for a thrilling off-road ride. It’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or travelers with health or mobility issues. The rugged terrain and the nature of the ride require a certain level of physical capability and confidence.
If you’re after a family-friendly activity or smooth-road sightseeing, this might not be the best choice. However, if you value guided expertise and want to see some of Gran Canaria’s less accessible scenery, this tour checks those boxes.
Final Thoughts
This quad tour offers a genuine taste of off-road adventure in Gran Canaria’s mountains, valleys, and canyons. The scenic stops at Fataga and Ayagaures are genuinely memorable, providing a nice mix of thrill and landscape. The guides’ knowledge is appreciated by many, and the included gear makes it easy to just focus on the ride.
However, the rough terrain and some comments about the tour environment suggest that this experience is not for everyone. If you’re seeking a smooth, luxury ride, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re an adventure lover who doesn’t mind a bumpy ride and wants to get dusty outdoors, this could be a highlight.
In summary, this tour is best for active, experienced drivers craving a mountain adventure. It’s a fun, if slightly gritty, way to explore the wild side of Gran Canaria—just set your expectations accordingly.
GRAN CANARIA: ATV QUAD TOUR *DOUBLE 2PAX* LONG-TOUR 2,5 HR
“The tour was great! The visual appearance, however, was only third-rate. That's a shame, because the staff were superb and deserved a better enviro…”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 8 are not allowed, though copilots can be around 8 years old and about 1.40 meters tall.
Do I need a driver’s license?
Yes, drivers must have at least 1 year of driving experience on quads, and you need to bring your driver’s license.
What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license. It’s also wise to wear comfortable clothing suitable for dirt and dust, though masks aren’t provided.
Are there any restrictions for pregnant women?
Yes, pregnant women should not participate due to safety concerns.
Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s not suitable for very young children, but older children who can handle riding and meet height/experience requirements can join as copilots.
What’s included in the price?
Helmets, goggles, water, and hotel pickup/drop-off are included.
Are there any safety concerns?
The terrain can be rough, with large stones and uneven paths. Proper gear is provided, but bumps and dust are part of the experience.
How long is the total tour?
The total duration is about 3 hours, split between transfers, riding, and stops.
Is the experience worth the price?
For thrill-seekers who appreciate guided off-road adventures, yes. It offers a combination of scenery and adrenaline that’s hard to match in such a setting.
Can I switch drivers during the tour?
Yes, switching drivers at no extra charge is possible, which can be helpful if two people want to take turns driving.
If you’re ready for a mountain adventure that’s less about sightseeing and more about action, this quad tour could well be a memorable part of your Gran Canaria trip. Just keep your expectations aligned with the terrain and conditions, and you’re in for a good time.
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