Buggy off-road tour in Gran Canaria
We did the off-road buggy tour in southern Gran Canaria: what the route's like, what's included, the price, the requirements and where to book it.
Miriam6 min readVerified · June 2026
If you're after an exciting experience to enjoy as a couple or with friends, I'd recommend trying the buggy tour through southern Gran Canaria. For us, it was the perfect Christmas present for Daddy, since at home we love giving experiences as gifts.
Useful information
- Meeting point: km 7 of Tarajalillo, next to the Gran Canaria Aeroclub (south of the island). There's hotel pick-up in the south —Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, Bahía Feliz— for a small supplement.
- Duration: about 2 hours of driving (2–3 hours in total).
- Price: €130 per buggy (up to 2 people), with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
- Requirements: a valid category B driving licence (held at least 1 year) to drive; passengers can ride from age 7 and 1.30 m. Minimum 2 people.
- Language: English and Spanish.
- What to bring: mid-tone clothing, closed shoes, sunglasses, sun cream, water and a power bank.
What's included and what's not
- Included: the two-seater buggy, a guide who accompanies you throughout the route, and goggles to protect against dust.
- Not included: the bandana (€5, optional), snacks and drinks at the meeting point, or hotel pick-up (small supplement).
Location and getting there
The tour includes a pick-up service in several areas of the south of the island, such as Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín or Bahía Feliz. However, as we were staying at family's place in Gran Canaria, we decided to make our own way to the meeting point at the Gran Canaria Aeroclub. Getting there was super easy, and the best part is that we found somewhere to park very close by.
Before the tour
When we got to the meeting point, we found a chill-out waiting area, really well equipped with tables, lockers and toilets. It's an ideal spot to relax while you wait for the adventure to begin.
Before starting the tour, we filled in a form with our personal details and accepted the safety rules. Don't forget to bring your driving licence, as you must show it. As we'd booked the tour with Civitatis, we had to show the e-voucher we'd received. Even though we'd paid for the booking in advance, we had to leave a credit card as a deposit.
For the tour, they lend you goggles to protect you from the dust, but if you want a bandana, there's an extra cost of €5. It's very useful, especially if it's windy or you want to avoid dust on your face. They also sell some snacks and drinks at the meeting point.
The tour
The route starts near the Gran Canaria Aeroclub and, from the very first moment, you head onto dirt tracks that promise a good dose of adrenaline and spectacular scenery. The south of the island, with its arid terrain, has a special charm that makes you feel as if you were in the Grand Canyon itself. Along the way you're surrounded by rock formations, huge cardón cacti, sea views and, of course, plenty of dust.
It's incredible to think that such a wild, remote landscape is so close to the motorway, the sea and the tourist areas. This contrast is part of what makes this buggy experience so special.
At the first stop we did a short 2-3 minute walk led by the guide, up to a high point from which you can see Sioux City, a theme park inspired by the Wild West. This place, originally a film set in the 1970s, recreates an authentic western town with shows, saloons and cowboys, taking you back to the cowboy films of our childhood.
Near the end of the tour, we reached the second stop, where you can admire a reservoir located in the south of the island. This spot, once full of water, now shows the impact of the last few years of scarce rainfall, as it's almost empty.
During the route, the guides give interesting explanations about the island and the places we visited. In our case, we were lucky to have Aday, a local lad passionate about Gran Canaria. His love for the island was contagious, and he was without doubt the perfect host for this experience. We loved hearing his stories and learning more about this very special corner of Gran Canaria.
After two hours of pure adventure driving along dirt tracks and enjoying the unique landscapes of southern Gran Canaria, we returned to where it all began, near the Aeroclub. On arrival, we returned the goggles they'd lent us for the route. And here's a detail we found super handy: they have a compressed-air machine to blow off the dust that builds up on your clothes and shoes during the tour. After driving along those dusty tracks, it was great for leaving cleaner and more comfortable.
Tips for the tour
To make the most of the buggy experience in Gran Canaria, I'd recommend bringing:
- Water: although you can buy drinks in the waiting area, it's really important to stay hydrated throughout the route.
- Toilets: bear in mind that there are no toilets or cafés during the stops, so make sure you go before setting off.
- Sun cream: the sun is usually very strong in the south of the island, so don't forget to bring good sun cream to protect your skin.
- Comfortable clothes and shoes: go for light clothing and closed shoes, as the tracks are dusty and rocky. By the way, avoid black or white clothes, as the dust shows up easily on those colours. It's best to choose mid-tone clothing.
- Wet wipes: super useful for cleaning your hands or wiping off a bit of dust after the tour, especially if you're planning another activity afterwards.
- Power bank: if you're the sort who can't stop taking photos and videos along the route, a portable charger will be a big help. Take it from me — I ran out of battery in 2 hours, haha.
Booking
I booked through Civitatis, a really easy platform to use and with good cancellation options if something unexpected comes up. It's always best to book ahead to secure a place, as these activities tend to fill up fast.
Is it worth it?
Even though I'm from Gran Canaria and know the island well, this was a really fun way to keep discovering the beauty and hidden corners the island has to offer. Without a doubt, an experience to repeat.
More things to do in Gran Canaria
FAQ
How much does the buggy tour in Gran Canaria cost?
It costs €130 per buggy (up to 2 people, driver and passenger), with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Hotel pick-up in the south carries a small supplement.
Do I need a driving licence?
Yes. To drive the buggy you need a valid category B driving licence, held for at least one year, and you must show it on the day of the tour. They also ask for a credit card as a deposit.
Can children ride in the buggy?
Yes, as passengers: the company accepts riders from age 7 and 1.30 m tall. Only over-18s with a licence can drive.
How long is the tour?
The buggy route is about 2 hours of driving (2–3 hours in total, counting the pick-up and the initial briefing).
Where is the meeting point?
At km 7 of Tarajalillo, next to the Gran Canaria Aeroclub (Bahía Feliz / San Agustín area, in the south of the island). There's also pick-up in Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín and other southern areas.
Do you need to book in advance?
Yes, it's highly recommended: these activities fill up fast and a minimum of 2 people is needed to run. You can book online with free cancellation.
