Gran Canaria: Off-Road Buggy Adventure in the Canyons

Imagine exploring one of the most visually stunning parts of Gran Canaria without the constraints of typical sightseeing. That’s exactly what this off-road buggy adventure offers. Based in the southern part of the island, this tour takes you along dirt tracks, through charming villages, and into breathtaking canyon landscapes—all in a lively, small-group setting. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike who want a taste of authentic Gran Canaria with a dash of adrenaline.

Two things we really like about this experience are the knowledgeable guides who keep things fun and safe, and the spectacular panoramic views of the Ayagaures Valley and surrounding mountains. The guides’ humor and friendliness shine through, making the ride feel less like a tour and more like an adventure with friends. A potential drawback is that the tour tends to include a good deal of on-road driving, so if you’re craving nonstop off-road action, this might feel a little more like a scenic road trip in a buggy.

This experience suits travelers looking for a lively, scenic, and safe way to see Gran Canaria’s natural beauty. It’s great for families (children over 1.35 meters), groups of friends, or couples eager for a fun day outside the usual tourist spots. If you’re seeking a unique view of the island with plenty of photo opportunities and a touch of off-road excitement, this tour is likely to hit the mark.

Key Points

• Scenic 2.5-hour buggy ride through Gran Canaria’s south, including unpaved roads and mountain tracks.
• Expert guides provide safety, humor, and local insight, enhancing the experience.
• Breathtaking views of Ayagaures Valley, reservoirs, mountains, and charming villages.
• Includes pick-up and drop-off from select hotels, making logistics simple.
• Limited off-road driving may not satisfy those seeking nonstop rough terrain.
• Good value for money given the length, scenery, and guides’ friendliness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic and Exciting Way to See Gran Canaria

This buggy adventure offers a lively, up-close look at some of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful landscapes. What makes it stand out? For starters, the guides consistently earn praise for their enthusiasm, humor, and commitment to safety. Multiple reviews highlight how guides like Speedy, Eloy, and Lucian make the journey more enjoyable, blending local knowledge with humor that keeps everyone relaxed.

The itinerary mixes scenic viewpoints with fun off-road sections. The tour begins in the area of Ayagaures, where you’ll get a sense of the rural side of the island. The first stop is the Pedro Gonzales viewpoint, offering sweeping vistas of the reservoir and mountain ranges—perfect for photos and just taking a breather from the drive. From there, the route continues into unpaved terrain with some gentle canyons, reservoirs, and mountain villages, giving you a real feel for the landscape that’s often overlooked in standard tours.

On-road driving is a significant part of the trip, which some may find less adventurous if they crave relentless off-road action. As one reviewer noted, “not so much off-road driving, but that might suit some people who don’t enjoy too much rough riding.” Still, the off-road sections are fun, with enough speed and dust to satisfy most thrill-seekers. Expect to swap drivers if you’re with a partner, as the buggies are two-seaters, and you’ll need a valid driving license.

What to Expect During the Tour

The adventure kicks off with a hotel pick-up from areas such as San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Sonnenland, and Meloneras. A friendly guide will brief you on safety and driving instructions, often with a humorous twist to keep spirits high. You’ll need a driver’s license valid for a car and closed-toe shoes—flip flops are a no-go, as safety gear is essential.

Once at the start point, you’ll get familiar with your buggy, which is a two-seater, and then set off. The drive takes you along some of the island’s most adventurous roads, with stops along the way for photos and to swap drivers. The scenery is simply stunning—the contrast of lush valleys, rugged mountains, and arid canyons makes for spectacular photos.

The guides are attentive, ensuring everyone feels comfortable behind the wheel or passenger. They often take videos and photos during the tour, capturing moments of fun and breathtaking scenery. As one reviewer said, “Speedy the bike guy was hilarious, making it that extra bit special,” highlighting how the guides’ personalities can elevate the experience.

The off-road sections offer some exhilarating moments, especially if you enjoy a bit of dust and speed. The final stretch often involves a dusty, rougher track where you can really push the buggy and feel the thrill of the terrain. The total drive is approximately 2 hours, but the entire experience—including pick-up, safety briefing, and stops—can take around 4 hours.

The Scenic Highlights

One of the main draws is the panoramic views. The Pedro Gonzales viewpoint alone offers a sweeping vista of the Ayagaures Valley with its reservoir, framed by rugged peaks. From there, you’ll explore canyons and mountain roads that reveal the island’s rugged beauty.

Many reviews mention how the views surpass expectations: “the scenery was amazing, and the guides made sure we saw the best spots,” says one happy customer. You’ll see reservoirs, lush valleys, and traditional villages, giving you a broader sense of the island’s geography and culture.

The guides often stop at well-chosen observation points, where you can take in the views and snap memorable photos. These stops may be short but are well timed to maximize your photo opportunities and give you a breather before the next stretch of driving.

The Value for Money

Given the length of the tour (2.5 hours of driving plus additional time for pick-up and stops) and the inclusion of insurance and professional guides, many travelers find this to be a good deal. Several reviews praise the friendly guides, “well worth the money,” and mention that the overall experience is “great value.”

However, some mention that the photo and video packages can be expensive—around €35 for downloads of photos and videos taken during the trip. If you’re interested in capturing the adventure, it might be worth buying, especially if traveling with a group, but it’s not included in the base price.

The small-group setting adds to the value, allowing for more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the door-to-door pickup service from select hotels makes logistics easier and more comfortable.

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Who Should Consider This Tour

This buggy adventure is best suited for adventurous souls wanting a mix of scenic beauty and fun driving. Families with children over 1.35 meters will find it perfect, especially since children must be tall enough to drive or ride along. It’s also popular among couples and groups of friends looking for a lively activity away from typical beaches and resorts.

Those with limited mobility or back problems may want to reconsider, as the ride involves some bouncing and off-road sections. Pregnant women are advised against participating, too.

Overall, if you’re after a high-energy, visually impressive, and fun way to explore Gran Canaria’s natural landscapes, this tour fits the bill. The guides’ great sense of humor and the breathtaking scenery ensure a memorable outing.

The Sum Up

This buggy adventure in Gran Canaria offers an excellent mix of scenic views, off-road excitement, and friendly guides. It’s a chance to see the island from a different perspective—driving through canyons, mountains, and valleys you might otherwise miss—and doing so in a way that’s safe, fun, and inclusive.

Travelers who appreciate professional guidance, humor, and a bit of dust will find this tour hard to beat. It’s particularly good for families and groups who want a memorable, active day out that combines natural beauty with a dash of adrenaline.

At a reasonable price for the experience, it provides genuine value for those eager to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. Just remember to bring closed shoes, your driver’s license, and perhaps a bandana for dust protection. With positive reviews pouring in from all over, this buggy ride is a solid choice for an authentic adventure in Gran Canaria.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes, a valid driving license for a car is required to drive the buggy. If your co-driver also has a license, you can take turns driving during the trip.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children must be over 1.35 meters tall to participate, making it suitable for older kids and teenagers.

What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for safety, and it’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty. Flip-flops or sandals are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems or pregnant women?
No, the activity is not recommended for pregnant women or those with back problems due to the bouncing and off-road nature of the ride.

Where do I get picked up?
Pickup is included from specific areas such as San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Sonnenland, and Meloneras. Be sure to provide your hotel name during booking.

How long does the entire experience last?
The actual buggy driving lasts around 2 hours, but including pickup, briefing, and stops, the full experience can take approximately 4 hours.

Can I buy photos and videos?
Yes, there’s an option to purchase photos and videos taken during the tour, typically for around €35. Reviews suggest the package is good for groups or those wanting keepsakes.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
While not explicitly stated, outdoor activities like this are best enjoyed in good weather. It’s worth checking the forecast and rescheduling if conditions are poor.

This guide aims to give you a clear, honest picture of what to expect from the Gran Canaria off-road buggy tour. It’s a lively, scenic, and fun way to see an often-overlooked part of the island — perfect for those who want a bit of adventure with their sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here: