Costa Calma: Buggy Safari

The best part of this three-hour buggy safari is the change of scenery. You leave Costa Calma, cross the island from east to west, and trade smooth resort roads for dusty tracks, dry riverbeds, and rough ground. At Playa de Ugan, black sand and heavy Atlantic surf give the trip a wilder edge than a standard sightseeing drive.

I like the small groups, with no more than seven people and one guide for up to six vehicles. I also like the mix of driving and short stops, especially the views toward the Natural Park of Jandia and the final visit to Playa Sotavento. The main drawback is dust: you will get dirty, and some buggies have felt rough or less comfortable on paved roads.

Key points to know before you book

• Mostly off-road driving: Expect sandy tracks, bumps, dust, and dry riverbeds, with some road travel between sections.
• Three worthwhile stops: Playa de Ugan, La Pared, and Playa Sotavento each show a different side of southern Fuerteventura.
• Guides stay close: Jurjen, Dominique, and other multilingual guides give instructions, watch the group, and help nervous drivers.
• Bring dust protection: Sunglasses and a scarf are useful, while goggles or a balaclava offer better protection on windy days.
• Adults drive the buggies: You must be at least 18 and carry your original driving license, not a photograph.
• Good value for active sightseeing: The listed price is $117 for a group of up to one, with pickup, insurance, equipment, and taxes included. Check the final price for your party when booking.

Leaving Costa Calma for the dirt tracks

The trip begins with optional pickup at your accommodation in Costa Calma. Pickup has generally been prompt, and the return transfer is included when you choose that option. After meeting the guide, you receive a safety briefing and instructions on handling the buggy before setting off.

You do not need advanced driving skills, but you do need to feel comfortable behind the wheel. The guides use several languages, including English, German, Italian, and Spanish. That matters here because the route includes rough surfaces, turns, stops, and changes in pace.

The first part may include paved roads. This section is not the reason to book the excursion, but it gets the group out of town and toward the more open country. Once the route reaches the dirt paths, the experience changes quickly. The buggies are low to the ground, so even moderate speed can feel lively, especially over uneven tracks.

I would not call the ride gentle. You may bounce in your seat, raise clouds of dust, and need to brace yourself through rougher sections. That is the fun for some people, but it is worth knowing before you book. If you want a quiet scenic drive, choose another outing.

Off-road riding through dry hills and riverbeds

The main ride follows dirt paths through desert hills and dry riverbeds. These areas show the spare, exposed character of Fuerteventura far better than the built-up parts of Costa Calma. You see open slopes, pale earth, broad skies, and very little between you and the Atlantic air.

The route is not a race. The guide leads the group and keeps an eye on each buggy. A group of six vehicles per guide gives the leader enough room to check on drivers without turning the trip into a large convoy. That personal attention is useful if you are driving abroad for the first time or feel unsure after the briefing.

Several people have found the guides particularly helpful with nervous drivers. Jurjen is known for a friendly, patient approach, while Dominique has also been singled out for clear guidance and a good sense of humor. The exact guide depends on the day, but the setup is the same: instructions first, then steady supervision on the route.

The buggies themselves are part of the charm and part of the compromise. Some passengers enjoy the older, rough-and-ready feel because it makes the ride more physical. Others have found the steering less precise and the brakes limited on paved sections. One buggy has even needed replacement after a mechanical problem, causing about an hour of waiting. That appears to be an exception, but it is a fair reminder that this is an outdoor motor activity, not a polished amusement-park ride.

Playa de Ugan and the black-sand coast

One of the most memorable stops is Playa de Ugan, a black-sand beach known for powerful waves. The dark shore gives the coast a striking look, and the exposed setting makes a good contrast with Costa Calma’s lighter, calmer beaches.

This stop is mainly for photographs and a chance to take in the sea. Do not expect a long beach visit or a swimming session. The schedule has several stops to fit into three hours, and some people would prefer more time at the beach. If your priority is sitting by the water, book a beach day instead.

The surf is part of the appeal. The Atlantic can look forceful here, and the beach feels tied to the west coast’s reputation for rougher water. Keep your attention on the guide’s instructions and the planned stop rather than treating this as a place for casual swimming.

You will want your phone or camera ready, but protect it from grit. Fine dust can settle on everything during the ride, and a sandy lens will not help your beach photos. A small sealed bag is a sensible extra, although the tour information only requires a driving license.

A local café stop with a useful cash tip

The route includes a stop at a small local bar where you can buy a coffee or another drink. This is a short, practical pause rather than a meal stop, so do not arrive expecting a full lunch.

Bring a few euros in cash. The café has accepted cash for coffee, and two coffees have cost only a few euros in recent experiences. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. The low-cost stop is useful because it gives you a break from the buggy, a chance to talk with the guide, and a look at a simple local business rather than another tourist complex.

This is also a good point to check your face covering and sunglasses. Dust can work its way into your nose and mouth, particularly if you are near the back of the group. A scarf helps, but several passengers have found that ordinary sunglasses do not fully protect their eyes. Ski goggles or dust goggles worn over glasses provide better coverage if you already own them.

La Pared and the west coast view

The dirt paths continue toward La Pared, a small west coast area associated with surfing. The name means the wall, fitting the rough coastal setting and the sense of a natural divide between parts of the island.

The stop gives you a broad view toward the Natural Park of Jandia. This is one of the best parts of the excursion for people who want more than engine noise. You can step away from the buggies, take photographs, and see the scale of southern Fuerteventura from a higher viewpoint.

The route to La Pared is also where the trip feels most like an adventure. You are not simply being driven to a viewpoint. You are getting there over uneven tracks, with the vehicle responding to the ground beneath it. That connection is why I think the buggy works better than a normal coach tour for this particular part of the island.

The tradeoff is comfort. The rough ground can be hard on your back, and moderate walking is involved at the stops. Wear shoes that you can use on dusty, uneven surfaces. This is not a suitable outing for anyone who needs a smooth, fully seated experience from start to finish.

Playa Sotavento makes a strong final stop

The return toward Costa Calma ends with photographs at Playa Sotavento. This famous beach is known for a wide, open shoreline and strong views, making it a natural final stop after the more rugged west coast route.

Playa Sotavento gives the excursion a different finish from Playa de Ugan. Ugan feels dark, wild, and wave-battered, while Sotavento is a brighter, more spacious beach setting. You get a useful sense of how varied the southern coast can be within a short drive.

Again, time is limited. The itinerary aims to combine driving with several viewpoints, not give you a full afternoon at any one beach. I would treat this as a photo stop and a chance to enjoy the view, not as a replacement for a dedicated beach visit.

What to wear when dust is part of the deal

The most repeated practical advice is simple: protect your eyes, mouth, and clothing. At minimum, bring sunglasses and a scarf. A balaclava, neck gaiter, or dust mask helps keep grit out of your nose and mouth.

Goggles are even better, especially if you wear prescription glasses. Some passengers have found that sunglasses still leave their eyes exposed, and the last buggy in the group can receive a heavier dose of dust. Dark clothing is a smart choice because pale fabrics show every mark.

Bring a light jacket as well. Fuerteventura can feel warm in the sun but cool when the buggy is moving, particularly with an Atlantic breeze. One person found a T-shirt insufficient during colder stretches of the ride.

You should also expect noise, vibration, and dirt. The tour is not designed to keep you clean. That is not a flaw if you view the dust as part of the activity, but it may matter if you have evening plans immediately afterward.

Safety, driving ability, and who should skip it

You must be at least 18 years old to drive and carry your original driving license. A photo of the license is not accepted. Children may join only when accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Insurance covers the driver, passenger, third party, accidents, and rescue. A helmet is provided, and the guide gives a safety briefing before departure. These details reduce the worry for first-time buggy drivers, but they do not remove the need to drive carefully.

The tour is not recommended for pregnant women. It also involves a moderate amount of walking, so consider that if uneven ground is difficult for you. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but you should still confirm the practical arrangements at booking because the route includes off-road driving and stops away from the vehicles.

The trip depends on suitable weather. Poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. That is sensible for an activity on exposed dirt tracks, where strong weather can affect safety and visibility.

Is $117 good value for three hours?

The listed price is $117 per group up to one, so check how the booking system applies the charge to your party. The package includes accommodation pickup or drop-off in Costa Calma, a guide, a helmet, insurance, taxes, and handling charges.

Food and drinks cost extra, but the café stop is inexpensive. You should also budget for dust protection if you need to buy a scarf, goggles, or similar gear locally.

I see the value in the route rather than just the vehicle. In three hours, you cross between the east and west sides of the island, visit two distinct beaches, reach La Pared, and spend most of the time outside the resort area. A normal sightseeing outing may show you the same coast, but it will not give you the control, bumps, and sense of distance that come with driving yourself.

The value drops if you dislike rough vehicles or want long stops. It is also less appealing if you have already hired a car and prefer to explore slowly. For an active half-day with transport and insurance handled, though, the price is reasonable.

Who should book the Costa Calma buggy safari?

I would choose this for couples, friends, and families with adult children who want to see more of Fuerteventura while doing something physical. It also suits cautious first-time drivers because the guides explain the controls and stay with the group.

You do not need to be a serious off-road driver. The excursion has attracted both thrill seekers and people who were nervous before setting out. The guide can help you gain confidence, but you still need to accept speed, dust, noise, and bumpy ground.

I would skip it if you are pregnant, dislike driving, need a quiet outing, or want guaranteed time on the beach. I would also think twice if you have back problems, since the ride can be rough and the trip includes walking at several stops.

FAQ

How long is the Costa Calma Buggy Safari?

The activity lasts three hours, including the driving sections and stops at Playa de Ugan, La Pared, the local bar, and Playa Sotavento.

Do I need a driving license?

Yes. You must be at least 18 years old and bring your original driving license. A photograph of the license is not accepted.

Is hotel pickup available in Costa Calma?

Yes. Pickup or drop-off at your accommodation in Costa Calma is included when selected. Pickup is optional.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides operate in English, German, Italian, and Spanish. A safety briefing is provided before the drive.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The route stops at a small local bar, so bring a few euros if you want coffee or another drink.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The activity depends on suitable weather conditions. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this Costa Calma buggy safari if you want active sightseeing rather than a passive coastal tour. The strongest reasons are the mostly off-road route, the west coast views, Playa de Ugan’s black sand, La Pared, and the final stop at Playa Sotavento. The guides add reassurance, especially for a first drive abroad.

Bring sunglasses, a proper face covering, old dark clothes, sturdy shoes, and a light jacket. If dust and bumps sound like part of the fun, this is a memorable and fairly efficient way to see southern Fuerteventura. If you want comfort, silence, or a long beach stay, spend your $117 elsewhere.