Four wheels, dust, and big-sky views. Costa Calma Buggy Safari is fun because you get real off-road driving and you end up at standout coasts like Playa de Ugan. One catch: the route is bumpy and dusty, so your face gear matters more than you’d think.

I like the tight group size and the way the guides keep things moving without feeling rushed. In recent runs, guides like Jurjen and Dominique were singled out for being friendly, clear, and attentive. If you hate rough roads or you’re not comfortable driving, this may feel like a lot—especially on the dirt tracks.

Key points before you go

• Drive off-road through desert hills and dry riverbeds, not just along paved roads.
• Playa de Ugan brings black sand and big, dramatic surf for photos.
• La Pared viewpoint gives you west-coast energy and Jandía Natural Park views.
• Small groups (limited to 7 participants) with a guide per 6 vehicles helps with attention.
• Dust control is essential: sunglasses plus a scarf or balaclava make a real difference.
• A local café stop is quick and simple, and you’ll want a little cash.

Costa Calma Buggy Safari in plain words

This is a 3-hour buggy ride across the Costa Calma area, built for people who want movement and variety. You’re not bouncing from one tiny viewpoint to another with a cookie-cutter route. Instead, you drive through desert-like stretches, dry riverbeds, and dirt paths, then you hit a few high-impact stops where the scenery does the talking.

The tour is structured around two things you’ll feel immediately. First: the buggy puts you low to the ground, so every turn and uneven patch feels hands-on. Second: you’re mostly on paths that feel away-from-it-all, which is exactly why the Canaries look so different when you’re traveling by road vehicle rather than on foot.

The pace is laid-back for the stops, but the driving itself is active. If you’re expecting a gentle ride with no vibration, set your expectations now.

The route: east-to-west energy, with a few big stops

Even within a short 3-hour window, the itinerary is designed to cover different “moods” of the island.

You start from Costa Calma with pickup available at your accommodation (drop-off back to your lodging is included). From there, the driving takes you between desert hills and dry riverbeds, where the terrain changes texture constantly. This is the kind of driving that makes you pay attention—steering, spacing, and speed all matter more than on smooth roads.

Then you hit the coastal moments:

• Playa de Ugan for the black sand beach and monster-wave look. This is the stop with the loudest visual impact.
• La Pared, known as a surf paradise on the west coast, where the dirt paths lead you up for a strong viewpoint.
• Playa Sotavento back near Costa Calma, set up for those final, relaxed photos.

Some days include more road segments than others. A few people noted the mix of on-road and off-road, and at least one mention of extra roadwork before the sandy lanes. That doesn’t kill the experience, but it helps you understand why good dust protection and patience matter.

What you’ll actually do in the buggy

You drive a buggy for the length of the tour, and you’ll get a helmet. The guide leads the group with a focus on keeping you comfortable and in sync, especially at turns and stop points.

Based on guide behavior in past departures, the best experience tends to happen when you go in ready to learn the driving rhythm:

• Use steady steering inputs on dirt.
• Keep a buffer from the vehicle ahead, because dust and uneven ground distort visibility.
• Expect the buggies to be rugged rather than like polished street racers.

One review described the vehicles as “rough and ready” compared with other tours, and another noted limited braking or steering play during on-road sections. That doesn’t automatically mean unsafe. It does mean you should treat this as an off-road thrill ride, not a smooth city drive.

If you’ve never driven in another country, you’re not alone. The guide’s job is to give a safety briefing and keep an eye on confidence levels, and several people praised the way their guide made sure they felt okay.

Guide style: clarity, humor, and constant attention

This is one of the big reasons the safari scores so high. In multiple accounts, guides were singled out for being:

• Friendly and informative
• Attentive to each group
• Willing to adapt if someone needed extra reassurance

Names you’ll hear in past runs include Jurjen and Dominique. People also mentioned a Dutch guide taking care of someone who was nervous and pausing briefly to check in. That’s a good sign of how the tour balances fun with control.

Expect safety instructions in multiple languages (English, German, Italian, Spanish), plus a briefing before you set off. Then it’s mostly hands-on driving with the guide managing the line and the stops.

Playa de Ugan: black sand and serious surf moments

Playa de Ugan is the stop built for impact. You’re going for the black sand beach look and the dramatic wave scene—often the kind of surf that makes you stop and stare for a minute even if you’re not a beach person.

From a photo perspective, this is the kind of location where the background does half the work. The contrast between the dark sand and the sea can make even quick smartphone shots look like real travel photos.

A practical note: this is also where wind and dust tend to matter. Even when you’re just standing still for photos, you’ll want your face protection ready.

La Pared viewpoint: surf paradise with Jandía Natural Park views

La Pared is where the tour switches from beach energy to west-coast viewpoint energy.

You’ll drive along dirt paths up toward the area known as a surf paradise, and once you’re up there, you get views over the Natural Park of Jandía. Even if you’re not a “nature park” person, this viewpoint gives you a sense of scale that’s hard to get from ground-level stops.

Why this stop is valuable: it breaks the driving into a story. You start with interior, head to a dramatic beach moment, then finish with elevation and panorama. Your photos also diversify. You’re not just collecting sand-and-sea shots.

The drawback is simple: elevation can mean breeze, and the air can feel cool at certain times of day. A few people noted the wind catching them if they dressed lightly, so pack for a temperature swing rather than one steady day.

Playa Sotavento return: your final photo stretch

After the inland and west-coast segments, you circle back toward Costa Calma and spend time at Playa Sotavento for pictures.

This stop feels more like the payoff. By then, you’ve handled the driving rhythm, your eyes have adjusted to dust and brightness, and you’re not scanning for the next turn as intensely. You can slow down, frame a few shots, and enjoy the coast without the pressure of navigating.

It’s also a good place to check if your face protection did the job. If your sunglasses and scarf/balaclava kept most of the dust out, you’ll be grateful later when you’re back at your hotel.

Price and what makes it good value

The listed price is $117 per group (with the booking size shown as up to 1). In real booking examples, people have reported paying around £111 for two adults with pickup from their Costa Calma hotel.

Either way, what you’re paying for is not just the buggy. You’re paying for:

• Hotel-area pickup/drop-off
• A guide (with a guide-to-vehicle structure)
• Helmet
• Insurance coverage for driver, passenger, third party, accident, and rescue
• Taxes and handling

Food and drink are not included, but there is a quick local bar café stop where you can buy a drink or coffee. People reported keeping it simple and using cash, with one example mentioning very low cost for two coffees.

So the value equation is best if you like experiences where transportation is part of the entertainment. If you only want a couple of scenic photos, a bus tour might feel cheaper. If you want to drive, though, the cost starts to make a lot more sense.

Logistics you should plan for (and what to bring)

This safari runs on dirt and dust. Plan for that.

Bring:

• Your driver’s license. It needs to be the real thing, not a photo.

Not allowed:

• Unaccompanied minors.
• Drivers must be at least 18 years old to drive.

A few practical comfort tips from what people learned the hard way:

• Wear sunglasses and bring a scarf/balaclava to keep dust out of your face.
• Darker clothing can help you tolerate the dirt.
• If you wear glasses, you’ll likely want something that improves dust protection around the eyes. People have suggested goggles and similar add-ons, especially for heavier dust days.

Also, the experience includes a moderate amount of walking. It’s not a long hike, but it’s enough that you’ll want stable shoes, especially if you step around in sand or gravel near viewpoints.

Weather, safety, and the reality of buggy days

The tour runs only in favorable weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll get an option for an alternative date or a full refund.

In terms of safety, you can expect:

• A safety briefing
• Insurance included
• A guide who stays attentive to the group line

But here’s the reality check: this is off-road driving in vehicles meant for rugged use. That’s part of the charm and part of the trade-off.

One breakdown was reported where an accelerator stopped working and the group waited about an hour for a replacement buggy. The key thing was that the guide handled it calmly and the wait happened in a scenic area, so the trip didn’t feel like a total loss.

If you’re risk-averse, you can still enjoy this kind of driving—just choose your expectations carefully. Think thrilling and dusty, not slick and controlled like a paved-road rental.

Who should book this buggy safari

You’ll likely love it if you:

• Want a high-fun driving experience in a short time
• Enjoy photos at multiple coastal and viewpoint stops
• Are comfortable getting a bit dirty and managing dust

You might skip it if:

• You’re pregnant (it’s not recommended)
• You dislike bumpy rides and unpredictable dust
• You’re expecting a calm, minimal-motion tour

Solo travelers can feel comfortable too. One person described feeling safe as a solo female traveler, and the guide attention seemed to be part of that confidence.

Should you book the Costa Calma Buggy Safari?

If your idea of a good holiday includes driving, variety, and scenery that looks different from the road, I think this is a strong pick. The stops are well chosen: Playa de Ugan for contrast and drama, La Pared for viewpoint scale and Jandía views, and Playa Sotavento for final photos.

But book it with two conditions in mind. First, come prepared for dust and vibration with proper face and eye protection. Second, be honest about driving comfort, since some on-road segments and the vehicle feel can be less refined than you might expect.

If that matches your style, you’ll get a lot out of a short 3 hours.

FAQ

How long is the Costa Calma Buggy Safari?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included in Costa Calma?

Yes. Pick up or drop-off at your accommodation in Costa Calma is included, and pickup is described as optional.

Do I need a driving license to take part?

To drive the buggy, you must be at least 18 years old and have a driving license. The driving license must be in its original form, not a photo.

What safety gear and insurance are included?

You get a helmet, plus insurance for the driver, passenger, third party, accident, and rescue.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included. There is a stop at a small local bar where you can buy a drink or coffee.

What are the main stops during the 3-hour route?

You’ll visit Playa de Ugan (black sand beach), make a stop at a local bar, drive up toward La Pared for views (including the Natural Park of Jandía), and finish with photo time at Playa Sotavento.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group, limited to 7 participants.

What languages are the guided tours offered in?

The live tour guide is available in English, German, Italian, and Spanish.

What happens if weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered the option of an alternative date or a full refund.