If you think Gran Canaria is only beaches, this tour changes your mind fast. You’ll spend two hours on a mountain safari in the Arguineguín region, riding dirt trails and pulling up to viewpoints where the island looks rugged and wild instead of sunny-cardboard.

What I like most is the mix of action and scenery: you get the thrill of driving through the rough interior, and you also slow down enough to take in cliffs and lookout points. I also like that the staff focuses on making sure everyone’s comfortable, with helpful stop-and-brief moments during the ride.

One drawback to consider: you’ll get muddy, and this isn’t a laid-back stroller-style excursion. Wear clothes that can take a beating, and be ready for the fact that bigger adrenaline comes with more dirt than you’d expect.

Key Things That Make This Buggy Safari Worth Your Time

• Two-hour mountain loop that’s long enough to feel like a real safari, not a quick photo drive
• Max 40 km/h pace, so you get control and comfort without racing fear
• Esnautica base camp setup with instructions, plus lockers for personal items
• Viewpoints and cliffs built into the route, so you’re not just driving straight through
• Photo stops with a guide’s help, even though photos aren’t included in the price
• Pickup in Maspalomas and Mogán areas for an easier start

Why Gran Canaria by Buggy Feels Like a Different Island

Gran Canaria has a reputation for warmth and easy seaside days. This tour gives you the other half: the rough, dry mountain feel where cliffs break up the terrain and you can actually sense the island’s shape. The Arguineguín area is the working playground here—less “resort view,” more “canary island reality.”

The buggy format matters. Walking tours are great, but they often limit how far you can go in two hours. Driving lets you cover real ground, yet you still stop often enough to take photos and look around. And because it’s slower by design, the experience stays social: you can actually chat, react to the views, and feel like you’re part of the route rather than just passing through it.

One more thing I appreciate: they don’t oversell it as a fancy show. It’s a straightforward safari ride with instructions, a guide on hand, and a clear focus on mountains, fauna, and viewpoints.

Price and Value: What $147 Per Group Gets You

This tour is listed at $147 per group up to 2, for a total duration of about 2 hours. That structure can be good value if you’re traveling as a pair, because you’re sharing the group cost rather than paying per person like some single-seat adventures.

Here’s the practical way to think about it:

• If you have two people, the price likely feels fair for a guided buggy ride with pickup and drop-off in the included areas.
• If you’re traveling solo, you should check how the provider handles the group format, since the price is per group up to 2.

Also note what’s included vs. not included. You’ll get the safari experience itself, hotel pickup/drop-off (from selected Maspalomas and Mogán areas), and glasses. Food, drinks, and photos are not included, so budget a little extra if you plan to buy or snack along the way.

How the 2-Hour Safari Actually Runs

Your day starts with instructions at Esnautica, the base camp. You’ll get a rundown on how to operate the buggy, plus access to lockers so you can store personal belongings instead of carrying them on the ride. Then you’ll set off on a two-hour expedition departing from Esnautica into the southern mountains, specifically toward the Arguineguín region.

The route is built around dirt trails and scenic pauses. You’ll spend time driving, then stop to capture photos and soak in the views—cliffs and viewpoints are explicitly part of what you’re signing up for. The tour style is active, but not chaotic; it’s “adventure with guidance,” not “free-for-all.”

One key detail that affects your comfort: the buggies do not exceed 40 km/h. That’s a real factor on a windy, uneven mountain route. It means the experience stays adrenaline-forward, but you’re not strapped into a speed test.

Esnautica Base Camp: Instructions, Lockers, and Getting Ready

Arriving at Esnautica is where the tour gets practical. You’re not thrown onto a vehicle and told to figure it out. You’ll receive comprehensive instructions for operating the buggy before you ride.

Bring a couple of items ahead of time so you don’t scramble:

• Your driver’s license (you must bring the original document)
• Closed-toe shoes
• Clothes that can get dirty

Also, plan for the “dirty reality.” This is a safari through rugged dirt trails, and one of the reasons people enjoy it is exactly that it feels earthy and close to the terrain.

In terms of storage, you’ll have convenient lockers at the base camp. That helps if you’re carrying a small bag, phone, or camera and want it kept secure between stops. If you prefer to travel light, you still get the option to lock things away rather than handling them the whole time.

The Mountain Route: Dirt Trails, Cliffs, and Fauna Time

The core of the experience is the drive through Gran Canaria’s rugged interior. You’ll ride mountain dirt trails where the terrain is more dramatic than most beach-side views. The goal is to see the island beyond pristine shoreline days and understand its rugged character.

The tour highlights specifically include:

• Fauna you may not see elsewhere
• Cliffs and wonderful viewpoints
• A safari route through the southern mountains

A practical expectation: you won’t just sit and look. This tour is designed to be active—driving on uneven ground with scenery breaks built in. Those pauses are important. Without them, it would just be “go, go, go.” With them, you get the best of both: action and perspective.

If you’re the type who loves taking photos, you’ll likely enjoy how the route is structured around stopping at lookout moments. You’re also getting a guide’s presence, which helps keep the ride smooth and makes the stops feel intentional rather than random.

The Stops and Photo Moments You’ll Actually Enjoy

Even though photos are listed as not included, you’re not left on your own at the scenic points. The guide helps by taking photos during stops, based on what people report about the experience. In other words, you’re not just handed a time-lapse idea—you get help capturing the moment.

One small tip from how people describe the day: the staff checks in during the activity. That matters on a buggy route, because conditions can be bumpy and you’re focused on driving. Knowing someone’s looking out for the group keeps the energy fun instead of stressful.

You may still want to bring your own mindset for water. Food and drinks aren’t included, and one review-style feedback idea was the tour could offer complimentary water bottles. So if you know you get thirsty, plan accordingly before you go. (Even if water isn’t part of the package, a quick stop later or bringing your own snack plan can help.)

Safety and Comfort: What You Can Control

This is an adventure, and it’s also controlled. The buggies don’t go faster than 40 km/h, and you’ll start with instructions at the base camp. That speed limit isn’t just a safety note—it changes the feel of the ride. You can enjoy the terrain and views without the constant worry of high-speed handling.

That said, the tour still expects you to be physically and practically ready:

• You must have a driver’s license
• You must be able to ride on dirt trails
• You should wear closed-toe shoes
• You should wear clothes that can get dirty

Not allowed: alcohol and drugs, and no alcoholic drinks in the vehicle. If you were imagining a celebratory night-before vibe turning into a ride the next day, this isn’t built for that.

Also, the tour is listed as not suitable for pregnant women and not suitable for people without a driver’s license. If you’re in a group and one person can’t drive, double-check how the tour handles that before you book, since the requirement is very clear.

Included vs. Not Included: A Simple Checklist

To avoid surprises, here’s what’s covered and what isn’t.

Included:

• Safari (the buggy mountain experience)
• Glasses
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off from selected areas: Maspalomas and Mogán Area
• Live tour guide in English and Spanish
• Lockers for personal belongings at Esnautica (practical storage during the activity)

Not included:

• Food & drinks
• Photos
• Handkerchiefs (not included, but you can buy them at the point of sale)

My advice: if you hate planning, at least plan for the food/drink gap. Two hours can feel long in the dust and sun, and carrying a simple snack/water plan can keep the day smooth.

Who This Buggy Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip)

This tour is ideal if you want a mix of dirt-road driving and real views. It’s especially good for:

• Couples traveling together who want shared costs (since it’s per group up to 2)
• People who enjoy adrenaline but want it paced (max 40 km/h)
• Families with teens and adventurous kids, based on reported satisfaction from mixed-age groups
• Travelers who are ready to trade a clean, quiet beach day for the island’s rugged interior

It may not be the right fit if you:

• Can’t or don’t want to drive (a valid driver’s license is required)
• Prefer fully paved, low-impact sightseeing
• Are sensitive to dust or dirt (bring the right clothes)
• Are pregnant (listed as not suitable)

Small Tips That Make a Big Difference

These are the kinds of details that quietly shape your day.

• Wear closed-toe shoes even if you’ll be tempted to go sandals. Dirt + uneven terrain adds up fast.
• Bring clothes you won’t mind replacing later. This is a safari through mountains, and you’ll likely end up dusty.
• Plan for dryness. Food and drinks aren’t included, and the ride is active.
• Keep your license handy. They ask for the original document, and the driver must have a valid license.
• Use your locker. If you’re carrying extra items, lock them up at Esnautica so you can focus on driving and enjoying stops.

Also, if you’re booking for the pickup areas, remember that pickup is included for Maspalomas and Mogán Area only (selected areas). If you’re elsewhere, you may need to plan how you’ll get to the meeting point.

Should You Book Gran Canaria Buggy Tour?

If your idea of Gran Canaria includes more than beaches, I think this is a strong choice. The two-hour mountain safari hits a sweet spot: you get real driving time, meaningful stops for cliffs and viewpoints, and a guided experience that keeps things organized.

Book it if:

• You and your partner want a shared-cost adventure (up to 2 per group)
• You’re comfortable getting dirty and wearing closed-toe shoes
• You want the island’s rugged side in a time-efficient way

Skip it if:

• You don’t have a driver’s license or don’t want to drive
• You’re not comfortable with dust, dirt trails, or active riding
• You’re pregnant (listed as not suitable)

In short: this is for people who like their vacation with a little grit and a lot of mountain scenery.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria buggy safari?

The duration is 2 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where does the tour start?

You arrive at Esnautica, the base camp.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off is included from selected areas in Maspalomas and the Mogán area.

What’s the maximum speed of the buggies?

The buggies do not exceed 40 km/h.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. The driver must have a valid driving license, and you need to bring the original document on the day of the activity. It’s also not suitable for people without a driver’s license.

What should I bring?

Bring your driver’s license, wear clothes that can get dirty, and wear closed-toe shoes.

Are photos included?

No. Photos are not included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is alcohol allowed?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and there should be no alcoholic drinks in the vehicle.

What languages is the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.