Gran Canaria: Off-Road Buggy Adventure in the Canyons

Exploring Gran Canaria: Off-Road Buggy Adventure in the Canyons

If you’re thinking about adding a bit of adrenaline to your Gran Canaria trip, this off-road buggy tour could be just what you need. Based on a wide array of glowing reviews, this excursion offers an exciting way to see the island’s southern landscapes, combining scenic drives with some fun off-road moments. Although we haven’t tried it ourselves, the feedback suggests it’s a highlight for many travelers, especially those who love a mix of adventure and stunning views.

What we really love about this tour is how it balances adventure with natural beauty. You’ll get to see the Ayagaures Valley, reservoirs, and mountain canyons, all from the seat of a buggy that’s perfect for exploring less accessible spots. Plus, the guides seem to make the experience engaging and safe—something that’s important when you’re bouncing along unpaved roads. On the flip side, a noted consideration is that most of the drive is on paved roads, with only a shorter segment dedicated to off-road fun, which might disappoint those craving more rugged terrain.

This experience seems best suited for adventurers, nature lovers, and groups looking for a fun, guided activity. It’s not ideal if you’re expecting pure off-road dune bashing or dunes — the scenery is mountain-rich, and the off-road parts are limited but exciting. If you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and lively ride, this could be an excellent choice.

Key Points

• Two hours of scenic off-road and on-road driving in southern Gran Canaria
• Guided by friendly, knowledgeable hosts who prioritize safety and fun
• Beautiful panoramic views of the Ayagaures Valley, surrounding mountains, and reservoirs
• Short but enjoyable off-road sections perfect for a quick adrenaline boost
• Includes pickup and drop-off from select areas, making logistics easier
• Great reviews for value and overall experience from a large number of happy travelers

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Buggy Adventure

This tour offers a blend of scenic driving and off-road fun, exploring parts of Gran Canaria that are often hidden from typical tourist routes. Starting with a pickup from your hotel or designated spot, you’ll head towards the southern part of the island, specifically the Ayagaures Valley. The journey itself sets the scene for what’s to come: lush landscapes, mountain views, and the promise of some exciting driving.

The first stop is the Pedro Gonzales viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the reservoir, valleys, and mountains. It’s a perfect spot for photos and just soaking in the landscape. Afterward, the real fun begins as you drive along unpaved roads into the more rugged canyons, experiencing some off-road terrain. Here, the guide will take you into impressive canyons and mountain villages, giving you a taste of the island’s more remote beauty.

Reviewers rave about the views and guides. “The scenic views were amazing,” says one guest, highlighting how the tour isn’t just about the speed but about taking in the scenery. Guides are often described as fun, friendly, and safety-conscious, with many reviews mentioning how they went above and beyond to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves—whether it was by taking photos or sharing local insights.

The duration of 2.5 hours sounds short, but most travelers agree it’s enough time to pack in a lot of sightseeing and off-road driving. Some reviews note that most of the ride is on paved roads, with about 15-20 minutes of actual off-road driving, which is worth considering if you’re craving those rugged, dusty tracks.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off with a pick-up process, taking you comfortably from your hotel area. Once there, you’ll be given a safety briefing and instructions on how to handle the buggy, which is a 2-seater designed for fun and safety. You’ll need to bring your driver’s license and closed-toe shoes—something to bear in mind if you’re planning your packing list.

As you head out in your buggy, the first major stop is the Pedro Gonzales viewpoint. This is a highlight for many, as the view of the Ayagaures Valley, its reservoir, and mountain ranges is truly breathtaking. You’ll likely want to take plenty of photos here, and it’s a good chance to swap drivers if you’re traveling with a partner or friend who also holds a license.

The ride then continues through more adventurous roads into the canyons and valleys. Expect to see mountain villages, reservoirs, and natural formations. The off-road segments, although brief, are described as super fun by reviewers—an ideal quick adrenaline rush to break up the scenic drive. Many mention the guides’ enthusiasm and humor, making the experience feel relaxed and enjoyable.

A couple of reviews mention that the off-road portion is about 15-20 minutes—so don’t expect hours of rough terrain, but enough to satisfy most thrill-seekers. The guides also take the opportunity to stop for photos and to let you switch drivers, so everyone gets a turn behind the wheel.

Toward the end, the group heads back, enjoying the scenery as they descend from the mountains. The entire experience, including pickup and drop-off, typically takes around 4 hours, which makes it a full morning or afternoon activity.

The Value and Practicalities

In terms of price, many reviews mention that the tour offers great value, especially considering it includes pickup, insurance, and the chance to drive a buggy through stunning landscapes. The photos and videos can be purchased afterward—though some find the €35 price a bit steep, especially if you’re the only one buying. It’s worth noting that the price for the photos might be more economical for larger groups.

The tour is designed for an international audience, with guides speaking English, French, German, and Spanish. It’s suitable for children over 1.35 meters tall, but not for pregnant women or people with back problems. Make sure to bring your driving license and closed shoes to comply with safety rules.

Pickup options are available from popular tourist areas like San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Sonnenland, and Meloneras, which makes it convenient to join if you’re staying in those areas. Remember, drop-offs are only included in some areas, so if you’re staying elsewhere, you might need alternative transport afterward.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

From the reviews, it’s clear that this tour is especially well-loved for its guides’ humor and friendliness. Many guests mention the guides’ efforts to make everyone feel comfortable and to keep the atmosphere lively. The views, of course, are a big draw—most travelers seem to agree that the mountain vistas and canyon scenery are worth the trip.

While some mention the limited off-road time, most are satisfied with the overall balance of scenic driving and fun on dirt tracks. The photos and videos are a popular add-on, letting you relive the adventure later, though some find the €35 price a bit high for the limited number of photos.

One thing to keep in mind: if you’re expecting a pure off-road, dune-bashing experience, this might not fully meet that expectation. The majority of the drive is on paved roads, with the off-road parts being a shorter segment. However, the speeding through dusty tracks and mountain views still makes for a memorable adventure.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This buggy adventure is perfect for adventure lovers who want a guided, scenic exploration of Gran Canaria’s south. It’s also great for those who enjoy group activities with fun guides and easy-to-organize logistics. Families with children over 1.35 meters tall will find it manageable, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with back issues.

If you’re looking for a quick adrenaline fix and enjoy panoramic mountain views, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s also a solid option if you want to combine sightseeing with a bit of off-road fun, all within a well-structured, safe environment.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be over 1.35 meters tall to join. It’s a fun activity for older kids and teenagers, especially if they enjoy driving or scenic adventures.

Do I need a driving license?
Yes, a valid car driving license is mandatory because you’ll be driving the buggy. If your co-driver also has a license, you can take turns.

What should I bring?
You’ll need your driver’s license and closed-toe shoes. It’s advisable to bring some dust protection like a bandana or face scarf—these are available for purchase at the shop.

Are there any restrictions?
Pregnant women and those with back problems are advised against participating. Also, children under 135 cm are not permitted.

How long is the tour?
The actual buggy driving lasts about 2 hours, but including pickup and drop-off, the whole experience takes approximately 4 hours.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers insurance, the buggy experience itself, and pickup/drop-off from designated areas. Photos and videos can be bought afterward.

Is off-road driving extensive?
Most reviews say about 15-20 minutes of the ride is off-road, with the rest on paved roads. It’s enough for a thrill, but not a full-on dirt track adventure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a scenic, guided buggy ride with a good dose of off-road fun and panoramic mountain views, this tour offers plenty of value. The guides’ humor and friendliness seem to add to the overall experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s an adventure you’ll remember.

It’s a great pick for those who want to explore Gran Canaria’s hidden spots in a relaxed yet lively setting. The limited off-road segment might not satisfy the hardcore thrill-seeker craving hours of dusty tracks, but for most, it strikes a good balance of scenic exploration and light adventure.

This activity wins points for value, organization, and memorable views. If you’re keen to try something different and enjoy being behind the wheel in beautiful surroundings, this buggy tour is worth considering.

Happy exploring, and may your adventures be full of great views and good laughs!

You can check availability for your dates here: