Buggy driving in Jandía feels like Mad Max light. This guided ride gets you onto your own buggy and lets you steer through Jandía Natural Park toward Puerto de la Cruz, while the guide keeps you safe and moving. I love driving most of the route and spotting goats, sheep, and donkeys along the dusty tracks.

One key consideration: this is a dusty outing. Expect limited bathroom options along the route and bring a face covering to keep your nose and mouth comfortable.

Quick hits before you go

• You drive a real chunk of the tour: the best part is the time spent at the wheel, not just sitting on a ride-along transfer.
• Safety is structured, not casual: you get a pre-ride driving class, then a safety talk, then dust goggles before you head out.
• Wildlife shows up when you slow down: squirrels, goats, sheep, donkeys, and other local critters can be part of the scenery.
• A coastal “turnaround” makes the views worth it: the route works toward the island’s south-coast viewpoints, with a short scenic break.
• Bring the right face protection: goggles help, but a scarf or bandana makes a big difference when it’s dry or muddy.

Price and what you’re really paying for (2 hours, up to 2 people)

This tour is priced at about $165 per group up to 2 for a 2-hour experience. That pricing matters because you’re not paying like a standard sightseeing bus tour. You’re paying for the buggy vehicle time, the guide-led route through the natural areas, and the safety setup (class, safety talk, dust goggles).

For couples, it can feel like good value because you’re both in the same activity bubble: one or both of you can drive depending on who has the required license. For families, it depends on who is actually eligible to drive, since the tour isn’t suitable for children under 7.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys hands-on travel—like renting a scooter for a day, but with less stress than finding your own route—this tour lines up well.

Where you start: hotel pickup that keeps the day moving

You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off in the Jandía area (including Costa Calma, Morro Jable, and Esquinzo). The pickup is arranged outside the hotels, so you usually won’t be walking through the property lobby hunting a meeting point.

From there, you head to the Port of Morro Jable area, where the tour transitions from “transfer day” to “driving day.” Several reviews highlight that pickup is smooth and on time, and that the transfer itself is quick, so you don’t lose the best part of your afternoon waiting around.

The practical win: you’re not stuck managing transport plus parking plus navigation. You show up, you gear up, and then you’re rolling.

The driving class and safety talk: the part that makes you relax

Before you hit the trails, you get a short theoretical driving class and a safety talk from your guide. You’ll learn how the buggy system works and how your group will be directed using the guide’s signals.

This matters because the driving environment is mixed. You’ll spend time on easier surfaces at the start, but then you move into gravel and off-road-style tracks. Having a “how it works” setup first takes the edge off, especially if you’re new to driving on uneven ground.

If your guide is patient, it helps too. One review mentions a guide named Lo Ely, and the overall vibe described is friendly guidance without being intrusive. That’s exactly what you want when you’re trying to have fun and not second-guess every bump.

Dust goggles, plus the face cover tip you’ll be glad you followed

Dust goggles are included, and they’re not a gimmick. Fuerteventura’s south can get dry fast, and you’ll kick up dust when the buggies roll through trails and gravel stretches.

Here’s the real-world upgrade: bring a bandana or scarf for your nose and mouth if you can. One review specifically recommended taking something cheap like a scarf rather than paying last-minute. Even with goggles, a face covering cuts the irritation and makes the wind feel less abrasive.

Also, plan clothing that can take a hit. Multiple reviews mention sand, dust, and muddy patches after storms. Wear something you don’t mind washing later—or at least shaking out aggressively.

The route: Jandía Natural Park, then down toward The Puertito

Your tour day is built around moving through the Jandía Natural Park area and then reaching Puerto de la Cruz, often called The Puertito.

In the park, you’re not just looking at views from the roadside—you’re moving through the area at buggy speed, which changes the feel of the landscape. Reviews describe it as off-road in the fun sense: gravel trails, wind in your face, and that sharp mix of desert dirt and engine smell that makes the experience feel like a different world.

This is also where wildlife spotting can happen. You may see squirrels, goats, sheep, donkeys, and other animals that tolerate the wider open space. The trick is to slow down for a moment when your guide allows it, rather than pushing nonstop. Wildlife is easiest to spot when the vehicle isn’t vibrating at full attention.

A note on “how off-road” it feels

Not everyone experiences it the same way. Some reviews say the off-road segments are thrilling and that it’s mostly gravel, not asphalt. Other reviews temper expectations: they describe the driving as mostly gravel trails that a normal car could handle.

So think of it as “real dirt-road driving,” not rock-crawling or extreme motocross. If you want a Hollywood adrenaline ride, this may feel more like controlled fun than full-on chaos. If you want a hands-on way to see the south, it fits nicely.

The stop-and-turn phase: Punta Jandia views and that short break

Most tours work toward the island’s south-coast viewpoints and then return. Reviews repeatedly mention a stop near Punta Jandia, with a chance to take photos and admire the ocean-facing view from the coast.

Some runs include a welcome coffee stop and a bathroom break at or near the turning point. Other mentions say bathroom access can be limited depending on what’s open at the time (for example, one review noted that a lighthouse stop was closed seasonally).

So I’d plan like this:

• Treat the stop as a photo break, not a reliable restroom stop.
• If you need a bathroom, use one of your “before you go” options rather than counting on facilities at the turnaround.

That approach keeps you relaxed and lets you enjoy the views instead of watching the minutes.

Who gets the most out of this buggy tour

This is a great match for people who want action and scenery in the same two-hour block.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You enjoy driving and don’t want to spend a whole trip as a passenger
• You want a change of pace from beach time and big city walking days
• You like outdoor travel that includes dust, wind, and rugged terrain
• You’re traveling with a partner or friend who can share the driving (license permitting)

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re expecting a very high-adrenaline, speed-demon style ride
• You hate dust or you’re sensitive to wind and dirt (goes hand in hand with wearing face protection)
• Your group is looking for a lot of cultural storytelling once you reach the village. The Puerto de la Cruz stop tends to be more of a scenic break than a long, guided “history talk.”

One review even described it as being like being a kid again with a go-cart feel. That tone matches the activity’s strength: playful, hands-on, and scenic.

Practical tips: licenses, weight limits, and what to wear

A driver’s license is required. The tour is not suitable for:

• Children under 7
• Pregnant women
• People over 309 lbs (140 kg)

On clothing, I’d treat this as a “messy-weather plan,” even if the day looks dry. Reviews mention that after rain the route can turn muddy, and that the buggies can throw sand everywhere. Darker clothing helps, and a scarf helps even more.

For comfort:

• Bring water (you’ll want it after dust and wind time)
• Consider a light jacket for wind if you run cold. Reviews mention strong wind in parts of the area.

Finally, if you’re the passenger, enjoy the ride at full volume. Drivers often focus on the terrain. Passengers usually get more time to look outward at the coast and mountains.

How “easy” is it to drive?

Most people find the driving manageable. Reviews describe the course as not too complicated: limited gear changes, no long stretches of city driving, and a setup that builds confidence quickly.

But there are two realistic factors:

• Hills and gravel traction: one review described a buggy struggling on an uphill stretch and others mention speed limits for safety and road conditions.
• Vehicle feel: a couple of reviews mention buggies that felt a bit tired (suspension or brakes needing extra patience). That’s not unusual on rugged seasonal routes, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

My advice: if you’re a normally confident driver, you’ll likely do fine. Go slow where it feels sketchy, trust the guide’s spacing rules, and keep your expectations on par with a controlled gravel adventure—not a track day.

Value check: is it worth $165?

Let’s look at the value honestly.

You’re getting:

• A guided route through Jandía Natural Park and toward Puerto de la Cruz/The Puertito
• A driving class plus safety talk
• Dust goggles included
• Hotel pickup/drop-off in the listed zones
• A short scenic stop with views at the south-coast turnaround area

What you’re not getting:

• Food and drinks
• A guaranteed long village experience
• A “dry and clean” day

So the tour is worth it if your priorities are driving time, outdoors, and scenic coast-and-mountains views without managing a rental car. If your priority is guided cultural storytelling in a town, you might feel like the Puerto de la Cruz stop is short.

Languages and your communication comfort

Guides operate in Spanish, English, German, and Italian. An audio guide is also listed for English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish.

That’s handy if your group has mixed language needs. It also reduces the risk of missing key safety info since the driving class and safety talk are meant to be understood clearly.

Should you book this buggy tour or skip it?

Book it if you want a fun, hands-on way to see Fuerteventura’s south and you’re okay with dust and wind. The driving class setup, included goggles, and guided route make it feel like a safe way to scratch that off-road itch without planning logistics yourself.

Skip it if dust and muddy terrain will bother you, or if you’re only interested in a town-based sightseeing experience. Also skip if you’re outside the stated comfort limits (age, pregnancy, or weight), or if you don’t have the required driver’s license and aren’t comfortable being a passenger.

If you’re on the fence, go with your personality: if you like steering the day, you’ll probably have a great time. If you prefer quiet sightseeing, you might find this more chaotic than you wanted.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license for the buggy tour?

Yes. The tour requires a driver’s license.

Where is hotel pickup and drop-off available?

Pickup and drop-off are included in Jandía, Costa Calma, Morro Jable, and Esquinzo. The operator will confirm the exact pickup time, and pickup is outside hotels (you don’t go inside to be collected).

How long is the buggy excursion?

The duration is about 2 hours.

What safety gear is included?

Dust goggles are included, and you’ll also receive a buggy driving class and a safety talk before you start.

Is there an extra cost for face masks or scarfs?

Dust goggles are provided, but a scarf or bandana is recommended to cover your nose and mouth because it gets very dusty. Some items can be bought at the venue, but bringing your own can save money.

Is there a toilet during the tour?

There is no toilet on the route. Some guidance suggests using a toilet before you set off, such as at the garage, since facilities may not be available during the drive.

Is it suitable for children?

No. The tour is not suitable for children under 7 years old.

Is it suitable for pregnant women or heavier passengers?

No. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, and it isn’t suitable for people over 309 lbs (140 kg).

What languages are offered?

The live tour guide is available in Spanish, English, German, and Italian, and audio guidance is listed for English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish.