Forget the beach—drive the mountains. This 2-hour buggy safari sends you from the Arguineguín area into Gran Canaria’s rougher, more wild side, with dirt trails, cliffs, and viewpoints along the way. You’ll also get the point of it: seeing fauna and terrain you usually miss when you’re only in coastal towns.

I especially like the calm start at Esnautica: you get instructions for operating the buggies and access to lockers for your stuff. I also like that the experience is built for the ride itself—glasses are included, and the guide works stops into the journey for photos and big-sky views.

One thing to think about first: you need a valid driver’s license, and the buggies do not exceed 40 km/h. So if you’re hunting for full-throttle speed, this is more scenic-adventure than motocross.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Two hours of mountain dirt trails, aimed at views plus adrenaline without going too fast
• Esnautica base camp setup: instructions, plus lockers to keep belongings secure
• Cliffs and viewpoints with built-in stops for photos along the route
• Fauna spotting opportunities in places you don’t usually reach from the beach
• Family-friendly energy (the outing worked for a family with a 4-year-old in at least one case)
• Strict rules on driving and alcohol, so it stays focused and safe

Esnautica Base Camp: Where the Adventure Starts

Your outing begins at Esnautica, the base camp where you’ll handle the practical stuff before the engines do their thing. Expect clear guidance on how to operate the buggies and where to keep things while you’re riding. This matters because the whole experience is about feeling in control, not worrying about your bags or your footing.

Plan to arrive ready to move. You’ll also get convenient lockers on site, which is a big relief because a buggy ride is the kind of activity where you don’t want to think about where your phone or wallet is going. Bring shoes with grip and closed toes, because the terrain is dirt trail, not showroom pavement.

If you’re coming by pickup, you’ll meet the branded Esnautica blue van from select areas in the Maspalomas and Mogán region. The supplier confirms the exact pickup time, so I’d treat that as the key timing point rather than the headline start time.

The Drive Itself: Southern Mountains and the Arguineguín Region

Once you roll out, you’re heading to the southern mountains, specifically the Arguineguín area. This is the core value of the tour: it gets you off the coastal routine and into more rugged terrain, where the views feel more dramatic and the air feels less like beach life.

You’ll be on dirt trails for a full two-hour safari-style ride. The route is designed for variety—riding, slowing at stops, and then continuing deeper into mountain scenery. The buggies are capped at 40 km/h, so the driving is thrilling in a controlled way. It’s still fun, but you’re not spending the whole ride white-knuckling your speedometer.

The guide presence is another practical plus. You’re not left to fend for yourself through the hills. One of the most repeated compliments is that staff check on people during the activity, and that’s exactly what you want when you’ve got passengers who may need help or reassurances.

Stops for Views and Photos (Without Turning It Into a Photoshoot)

The tour includes pauses along the way for photographs and for enjoying the viewpoints. That sounds basic, but it’s actually what makes the experience land. If you only drive and never stop, you miss what you came for: cliffs, wide angles, and Gran Canaria’s sharper, higher edges.

This also explains why the guide taking photos at stops is such a praised detail. It’s not just a drive; it’s the kind of guided experience where you get help capturing the moment without everyone juggling cameras one-handed while the ride continues. If you’re traveling with teens or kids, that matters even more because everyone’s attention stays on the day, not the logistics.

One small reality check: the tour doesn’t include photos as a paid add-on in the basic package. So if you want official shots, you’ll need to handle that separately. Still, the guide taking photos during stops is a smart way to make sure you don’t leave with just blur and dust.

Fauna, Cliffs, and the Stuff You Usually Miss

The route is built around more than scenery. You’ll learn about the island’s fauna, plus see rocky terrain, cliffs, and viewpoints that you don’t usually reach on foot from typical beach promenades.

What I like about this angle is that it turns the buggy ride into a guided nature moment. You’re moving fast enough to feel the thrill, but you also get the explanation and the context so you’re not just passing through.

And because you’re in the mountains, you naturally notice different textures—rocky edges, changing light, and the kind of lookout points that make you stop talking for a second. This is a great “other side of the island” plan when you feel like you’ve already done the beach photos and want something with grit.

How Messy Is It? What to Wear (and Why It’s Part of the Point)

This is a dirt-trail activity, so dress like you mean it. You’ll want clothes that can get dirty, and that’s not just company humor—it’s the reality of riding across rugged tracks.

Bring closed-toe shoes that won’t complain after a little dust. Skip anything delicate. If you’re going to sweat, plan for it. If you get dust, that’s normal. The tour includes glasses, but it won’t stop all airborne grit, so good shoe choice and dirty-appropriate clothing do most of the heavy lifting.

You can also buy handkerchiefs at the point of sale, which tells you something important: they expect dust and want you prepared in a practical way. If you like being ready, grab them on arrival rather than trying to improvise.

Speed Limits and Safety: The 40 km/h Factor

The buggies do not exceed 40 km/h, which changes the feel of the tour. It’s not a speed race, so you’ll spend more time enjoying the road and the views than watching your tachometer.

That speed cap also makes it easier for the guide to manage the group. It’s one reason staff can take time at stops and still keep the ride flowing. If you’ve got passengers who aren’t used to driving on rough terrain, the slower cap keeps the experience fun instead of stressful.

You should still follow the rules and take the briefing seriously. There’s a driver licensing requirement (more below), and there are also restrictions on alcohol and drugs, plus no alcoholic drinks in the vehicle. This keeps it safe and keeps everyone focused on the ride.

Driving Requirements: Don’t Get Turned Away

This tour is for people who can drive the buggy. You’ll need a driver’s license, and the original document must be brought the day of the activity. The important bit here: the driver must own a valid driving license.

If you’re traveling as a passenger, you’ll still want to make sure your driver is ready with the original license. If you’re missing it, you could lose your spot, and that’s just not worth the risk.

Also note who should skip this outing: it’s not suitable for pregnant women and it’s not suitable for people without a driver’s license. On the flip side, it is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is useful if you’re comparing options that tend to be physical-access limited.

Pickup, Timing, and Getting There Without Stress

Duration is 2 hours, but starting times vary based on availability, so check the current schedule before planning the rest of your day. I’d also build buffer time around your pickup, because the supplier reconfirms the exact time and pickup point details when you book.

If you’re staying in the Maspalomas or Mogán area, hotel pickup is included. You’ll coordinate with the supplier, and you’ll ride in the branded Esnautica blue van. If instead you’re going directly to the meeting point in Arguineguín, you’ll need to tell the supplier when they contact you, so they can align with your arrival.

The lesson: treat confirmation messages as your real timeline, not the generic label of tour start.

What’s Included (and What You’ll Need to Plan For)

Included in the experience:

• Safari buggy ride for two hours through the mountains
• Glasses (provided)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected areas (Maspalomas and Mogán area)
• Lockers at the base camp for personal belongings

Not included:

• Food & drinks
• Photos (you may be offered shots, but they’re not included in the standard package)
• Handkerchiefs (you can buy them at the point of sale)

This is why I think it’s worth doing even if your day is already packed. You’re paying mainly for the ride and the guided route, not for a meal that you’ll rush through anyway. Just plan your water and snacks around your own schedule.

Price and Value: Is $147 Worth It?

The price is $147 per group up to 2, for a 2-hour mountain buggy safari. That pricing structure can be a good deal if you’re going as a duo—couples, friends, or a small family unit where one person is driving and the other is enjoying the ride.

Here’s how I judge value for this kind of tour:

• You’re getting a guided route focused on views, cliffs, and viewpoints, not just free driving.
• You get instructions, lockers, and glasses, so you’re not scrambling for basics.
• You’re also getting staff presence and photo help at stops, which elevates it above a simple rental.

If you’re traveling solo, the per-group model can feel less appealing, because you’ll want to split costs. If you can pair up with a traveling friend or family member, the value makes more sense fast.

Also, there’s flexibility built into booking language with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-and-pay-later option. I like that because mountain conditions and personal schedules can change, and you don’t want a rigid plan.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is ideal if you want:

• Adrenaline with a ceiling (fast enough to feel wild, capped at 40 km/h)
• A change of pace from beach days
• Guided stops for viewpoints and photos
• A route that includes fauna and cliffs, not just driving circles

It also seems like it can work for families. One family example includes a 4-year-old on the activity who still had a great time, with staff being welcoming and checking in. That said, it’s still a buggy ride with dirt trails, so judge it based on your child’s comfort level and your own risk tolerance.

If you want pure speed, or you’re driving without a license (or you’re pregnant), it’s not the right pick.

Should You Book the Gran Canaria Buggy Tour?

Yes—if you’re looking for a guided way to see the island’s rougher side, and you’re okay with a dirt-trail day. The combination of mountain views, stops for photos, and the practical setup at Esnautica is a strong match for people who want more than a beach highlight.

I’d book it when you can go as a small group (up to 2 in the pricing setup) so the value lands. Skip it if you’re chasing top speed, if you won’t have the original driver’s license, or if the activity isn’t a fit for your situation (pregnancy).

FAQ

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

Yes. The driver must have a valid driving license, and you must bring the original document on the day of the activity.

How fast do the buggies go?

The buggies do not exceed 40 km/h.

How long is the tour?

The safari lasts 2 hours.

Where is the tour based?

You start at Esnautica, the base camp.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What areas does the tour ride through?

After leaving Esnautica, the route heads into the southern mountains, specifically the Arguineguín region.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so plan your own before or after.

Are photos included in the price?

No. Photos are listed as not included.

Can I bring alcohol or alcoholic drinks?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.