Two hours, one dusty grin. The Buggy Tour Gran Canaria with Buggy Pirates sends you through Fataga Natural Park by tarmac first, then adds a controlled off-road finish so you get views plus real driving time.

I especially like the 800cc self-drive setup. You’re not just riding in a van. You’re actively steering, with guided stops and a structured convoy that keeps things moving.

One heads-up: the off-road part is short and you’ll get dust (and the occasional flying stone), so this is more about scenery and fun laps than hardcore trail riding.

Key things I’d bet on before you go

• 800cc buggy driving: you’re in control for the whole experience
• Ayagaures Pedro Gonzales viewpoint: a real photo stop with big views
• Fataga Natural Park route: tarmac climb, descent to a reservoir, then countryside scenes
• Short but fun off-road segment: structured loops, not an all-day mud fest
• High-energy guiding: Sebastian and Carmelo (Speedy Gonzales) help set the tone
• Small max group size: capped at 18, with convoy driving in the field

Meeting at Buggy Pirates and the Pickup Reality

Most people start either by joining at the Buggy Pirates Outdoor Center in El Tablero (C. Puntarenas, 16, 35109, near Las Palmas), or by getting picked up from a nearby resort area. The tour starts at 9:00 am and runs about 2 hours total, so plan to be ready early.

Pickup is offered in a specific set of areas, with guaranteed pick-up and return in places like Bahía Feliz, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Sonnenland, and Meloneras. If you’re staying in Las Palmas (including the Nor port), you should know there is no pickup service there.

For other southern resorts (like Salobre, Arguineguín, Patalavaca, Puerto Rico, Playa de los Amadores, Playa del Cura, Taurito, and Playa de Mogán), pickup is included but the return is not. In that case, you’ll be dropped at the nearest suitable bus or taxi stop for your trip back. That detail matters if you’re relying on a direct return to your hotel.

Your 800cc Buggy: What You Need to Drive

This is a drive-your-own tour, and the “own” part has a real requirement: at least one driver must have a Class B (car) license to begin the excursion. If you’re traveling as a duo, it’s smart to make sure at least one of you meets the rule before you arrive.

The tour is designed so you can share the driving. Many groups get time to swap drivers so nobody has to fight the same learning curve the entire route. It’s a nice touch, especially if you’re traveling with someone who wants turns.

For kids, the key rule is height: children can participate from 1.35 meters when accompanied by an adult. If anyone in your party has reduced mobility, it’s possible to participate upon request, but you should ask ahead so the team can confirm what works for your group.

Finally, remember you’ll be in the open with dirt flying around at times. Old clothes are a better plan than your best outfit. You’ll thank yourself later.

Fataga Natural Park by Tarmac: The Ayagaures Viewpoint Stop

The tour starts with you rolling out into Fataga Natural Park on paved roads. This is where the route earns its reputation. You begin climbing on smooth tarmac, and that climb is part of the fun because you’re earning those wide-angle views.

A major highlight is the ascent to the Ayagaures Pedro Gonzales viewpoint. You’ll get time for photos here, and it’s the kind of stop that makes the rest of the morning feel worth it. You’re high enough to see how Gran Canaria’s interior changes from coast-near tones into harsher, rockier terrain.

This tarmac section also helps first-timers. Even if you’re not used to driving a buggy, paved roads let you find your rhythm before the dirt starts. If you’re cautious, this segment gives you a confidence boost without forcing you onto rough ground right away.

One more practical detail: after the climb and viewpoint moments, you head back downhill toward a reservoir. That downhill flow can feel quick, so keep your grip steady and enjoy the view rather than white-knuckling the whole way.

Down to the Reservoir, Then Through Plant Life

After the viewpoint, the driving shifts from pure “up high” scenery to more grounded countryside. You descend toward the reservoir, then continue through areas with bamboo fields, palm trees, and prickly pears.

This part doesn’t feel like a theme park. It feels like you’re crossing through real, lived-in nature edges—places where the terrain looks tougher than what most people see from the beach road. You’ll notice the colors change as you move through the route, especially in late-morning light.

It’s also a good time to settle in because the driving transitions gradually. You’ll get enough movement and scenery to keep your attention, but it’s not the chaotic part of the day. If you’re the sort who likes to photograph while still enjoying the ride, this leg is a good balance.

And yes, the route keeps you moving. This isn’t a slow scenic bus tour with long waits. It’s closer to a guided ride with purposeful stops and then back to driving.

The Off-Road Finish: Structured Laps, Real Dust, and Safety Notes

The off-road segment is the part most people want to talk about after. Here’s the honest expectation-setting: it’s short compared with the paved driving, and it’s structured.

Your drive happens in a convoy. In the field, groups often run with something like 10–15 buggies at a time. That structure makes it easier to feel safe and not lost. You’re not free-roaming. You’re following a plan.

Off-road play usually comes as a gravel and dirt stretch with a few laps from different angles. On some days, the convoy can feel large, and the off-road portion may end up feeling like repeated loops rather than a long stretch of trail. You still get the thrill, but if you’re imagining hours of hardcore tracks, you might end up slightly disappointed.

Also: dust is part of the deal. Bring or buy a simple bandana/face covering and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Some operations include a washing setup at the venue so you can clear dirt from clothes, shoes, bags, and even yourself before you head back out.

One more caution: flying stones can happen. If you’re driving your buggy with sunglasses and no protection, you might regret it. A face covering helps, and keeping a steady driving line helps reduce problems.

Guides Like Sebastian and Speedy Gonzales Make It

I don’t think this tour works as well without the people running it. The guiding here is noticeably high-energy and organized, from the start where they get you sorted to the moment the convoy kicks off.

Names I’d remember: Sebastian and Carmelo, who goes by Speedy Gonzales. They bring humor and momentum. If your group likes a bit of showmanship, this is a good bet. Many people also appreciate the pre-drive instruction. You’ll get a clear sense of how to handle the buggy before you hit the route.

There’s often extra attention during the ID and disclaimer process too, especially when the group is large. If the lineup feels slow for a few minutes, don’t panic. Once the engines start, things tend to flow.

The tour is also offered in English, which makes the briefing easier to follow if you’re not fluent in Spanish. And since it runs near public transport, it’s not a deep-island-only operation. You’re not isolated once the tour ends.

Value Check: Is $90.70 Worth It for Two Hours?

At $90.70 per person for about two hours, the value depends on what you want from your day. If you want a guided interior experience without spending half the day on buses, this price can make sense. You pay for a small-group setup, an 800cc driving experience, a viewpoint stop, and an off-road finish.

The biggest “value drivers” for me are the things that turn a tour into an activity: you drive it yourself, you get a high-impact photo viewpoint at Ayagaures Pedro Gonzales, and you do a structured off-road segment instead of just seeing a road from the passenger seat.

It also helps that the company caps at 18 travelers. Smaller groups usually mean less waiting around, even if the convoy in the dirt can still look busy depending on the day.

One optional extra that comes up often is media. They capture photos and video during the ride, and you may be able to purchase an edited video and photo set afterward. If that kind of souvenir matters to you, it can add value. If you don’t care about edited media, just budget for it as optional, not required.

Who Should Book This Buggy Tour (and Who Might Not)

This tour fits best if you want a mix: you like great viewpoints, you’re comfortable driving a small vehicle for a short learning period, and you want off-road fun without committing to hours of hardcore terrain.

You’ll probably love it if you’re:

• going with a friend or partner and want a shared driving experience
• curious about inland Gran Canaria and not just the beach strip
• the type who enjoys photos from a real viewpoint stop

You might want to think twice if you’re:

• expecting all-day off-road riding or long trail sections
• worried about dust and flying stones
• hoping for a calm, quiet nature walk pace

The tour moves fast enough to feel energetic, but not so intense that it turns into a white-knuckle endurance test. It’s a practical “do something different” day.

Should You Book Buggy Pirates in Gran Canaria?

If your goal is to drive an 800cc buggy through Fataga Natural Park, reach the Ayagaures Pedro Gonzales viewpoint, and finish with a short off-road burst, this is a strong choice. The organization and the high-energy guiding by people like Sebastian and Speedy Gonzales are exactly what turn it from a ride into a real experience.

My one caution is expectation management: off-road time is limited, and dust is normal. If you pack for that and you want a scenic interior route with fun driving, you’ll likely feel like you got your money’s worth.

If you want me to tailor advice: tell me where you’re staying (which resort area), and whether you’re a first-time driver or sharing driving with someone—then I can help you judge how the pickup and driving rhythm will feel for your group.

FAQ

What time does the Buggy Tour Gran Canaria start?

The activity starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the buggy tour?

The duration is about 2 hours.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but it’s area-specific. There is no pickup service in Las Palmas (Nor port). Guaranteed pick-up and return is offered in Bahia Feliz, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Sonnenland, and Meloneras.

What is the meeting point?

The tour meets at Buggy Pirates Outdoor Center, C. Puntarenas, 16, 35109 El Tablero, Las Palmas, Spain.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. At least one Class B (car) driver’s license is required to begin the excursion.

Can children join the tour?

Children accompanied by an adult can participate from a height of 1.35 meters onwards.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. If canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour/activity has a maximum of 18 travelers.