Costa Calma: Buggy Safari

Dust, surf, and wide-open views await. This three-hour buggy safari gives you a lively way to see southern Fuerteventura, combining road sections with rough dirt tracks, dry riverbeds, desert hills, and remote coastal viewpoints. I especially like the mix of hands-on driving and scenic stops, plus the friendly guides, including Jurjen and Dominique. The main drawback is the dust, along with buggies that some people found basic and less comfortable on paved roads.

The route links Costa Calma with the island’s west coast, Playa de Ugan, La Pared, and Playa Sotavento. You get a small-group outing limited to seven people, hotel pickup or drop-off in Costa Calma, safety equipment, and insurance. Bring a driving license, sunglasses, and something to cover your face. You will probably get dusty, and that is not a minor detail.

Key points at a glance

• Mostly off-road driving: Expect dirt tracks, sandy lanes, dry riverbeds, and bumpy sections, with some paved road riding between areas.
• Playa de Ugan stop: See a dramatic black-sand beach and the powerful Atlantic surf on Fuerteventura’s west coast.
• La Pared viewpoint: Follow the tracks toward this west-coast surf area for broad views toward the Natural Park of Jandia.
• Dust protection matters: Sunglasses and a scarf, balaclava, or other face covering make the ride far more comfortable.
• Friendly, attentive guides: Guides keep an eye on the group, explain the route, and give extra reassurance to nervous drivers.
• Good small-group value: The three-hour trip includes pickup in Costa Calma, a helmet, insurance, and a multilingual guide.

Why this buggy trip works so well

I like excursions that let you see more than the main resort road. This one takes you away from Costa Calma’s familiar beaches and into the dry, open interior of Fuerteventura, then across to the rougher west coast. You are not simply sitting in a vehicle while somebody else points out the view. You are behind the wheel, following a guide through changing terrain.

The trip has a useful balance. There is enough driving to make the buggy feel like the reason for booking, but the route also includes stops where you can get out, take photographs, listen to the guide, and enjoy the scenery. Several people found the pace relaxed rather than rushed, which is welcome on a three-hour outing.

The 4.8 rating from 699 bookings reflects the strongest parts of the experience: good organization, cheerful guides, attractive viewpoints, and a strong sense of fun. Still, this is not a polished luxury safari. The vehicles can feel rough and noisy, and the ride is dusty and sometimes bone-rattling. Think practical adventure, not a smooth sightseeing coach.

Starting in Costa Calma with a safety briefing

If you choose pickup, transport is arranged from your accommodation in Costa Calma. Pickup has generally been punctual, and the return transfer is included as well. Exact starting times depend on availability, so check the time offered for your date before booking.

At the starting point, you receive a helmet and instructions before setting out. The briefing can be given in English, German, Italian, or Spanish. That matters because driving a buggy on unfamiliar tracks is more enjoyable when you understand how to handle the vehicle and how to stay with the group.

You must be at least 18 years old to drive and must bring your original driving license. A photograph or phone copy is not accepted. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

If you have never driven abroad, do not assume you need to be an expert. Guides have helped nervous first-time drivers gain confidence, and they monitor the group during the ride. One guide even gave a hesitant participant a chance to try driving while making sure she was comfortable. That kind of attention is useful in a small group.

Across dirt tracks, dry riverbeds, and desert hills

The first part of the outing mixes paved roads with unsealed tracks. Once the route leaves the smoother sections, the character changes quickly. You pass between dry hills and along rough paths where the buggy’s low seating position makes the speed feel greater than it might in a normal car.

The dirt sections are the heart of the trip. Expect bumps, loose dust, and the occasional need to slow down for the group. The route is not presented as a technical driving course, but it is active enough to feel like an adventure. You will steer, brake, follow the guide, and deal with the surface under your wheels.

The last buggy in the line may receive the most dust, especially when the group is moving along a dry track. A scarf helps keep dust out of your mouth and nose, while sunglasses protect your eyes. Several people wished they had goggles instead of ordinary sunglasses, particularly those who already wear glasses.

I would wear old, dark clothing and closed shoes. The dust is part of the fun, but it can settle on your face, clothes, and hair. A light jacket is also sensible. Fuerteventura can feel breezy, and one person found a short-sleeved shirt too thin during cooler stretches.

Playa de Ugan and the black-sand coast

One of the most memorable stops is Playa de Ugan, a black-sand beach on the west coast. The dark sand gives the shore a different look from the pale beaches around Costa Calma, and the Atlantic surf can be powerful, with the large waves adding drama to the stop.

This is a good place for photographs, but do not expect a long beach day. The itinerary is built around driving, not swimming or sunbathing. One person would have preferred more time at the beach, so keep your expectations clear. You will have time to look around and take pictures, but the group will continue along the route.

The west coast feels more exposed and rugged than Costa Calma. That contrast is part of the appeal. In a single trip, you see the resort side of the island and then reach a coast shaped by strong surf and open wind.

The local bar stop

The route includes a stop at a small local bar, where you can buy a coffee or another drink. Food and drinks are not included, so bring a few euros. Cash may be particularly useful, as the coffee stop has been described as cash-only.

This is a modest pause rather than a major attraction, but I think it improves the rhythm of the trip. Three hours of driving in a noisy buggy benefits from a chance to sit down, drink something, and talk with the guide. The stop also feels more local and low-key than a large commercial rest area.

Do not count on a full meal here. If you need substantial food, arrange that before or after the excursion, since the supplied details include drinks but no food.

La Pared and views toward Jandia

After the west-coast section, the route follows dirt paths toward La Pared. The area is known as a surf spot on Fuerteventura’s western side, and the stop gives you a chance to see another side of the island away from the hotel strip.

The views toward the Natural Park of Jandia are a major reason to bring a camera. From the higher points, the dry hills and open coastline stretch out in broad layers. The guide can add context about the places you pass, and the stop provides a welcome break from concentrating on the track.

This section is also a good reminder that the buggy is a transport method as much as an amusement. You move from the east side toward the west, crossing different surfaces and seeing how quickly the scenery changes. If your main goal is a fast off-road thrill, the paved stretches may feel like a compromise. If you want a broader look at the southern part of Fuerteventura, they help connect the route.

Returning to Playa Sotavento

The final scenic area is Playa Sotavento, one of the best-known beach areas near Costa Calma. It is a fitting end to the outing because the pale beach and open coastline provide a clear contrast with the black sand at Playa de Ugan.

This is another strong photography stop. You can put away the steering wheel for a moment and focus on the shore, the wind, and the wide views. The tour then returns to Costa Calma, with drop-off at your accommodation included when pickup has been arranged.

The route does not promise a long stay at every site. You are covering a good amount of ground in three hours, so the stops are there to break up the driving and give you memorable views rather than provide extended sightseeing time.

The buggies: fun, basic, and not perfectly smooth

The vehicles are best understood as sturdy adventure machines. They are fun off-road, but some have been described as rough around the edges. The ride can be loud and bumpy, and one buggy experienced an accelerator problem that caused about an hour’s delay while a replacement was arranged.

There have also been isolated complaints about steering play, limited brakes, and a missing brake light on one vehicle. These comments are worth taking seriously, even though the overall experience remains highly rated. Vehicle condition can affect your comfort and confidence, particularly on paved roads.

The positive side is that the buggies make the route feel active. You sit low to the ground, so even moderate speeds can feel thrilling. The older, less polished feel may appeal to you if you prefer a simple, noisy, hands-on ride over a modern-looking UTV.

The guide leads the group and watches the vehicles. If something goes wrong, tell the guide at once. The trip is not designed for you to race ahead or choose your own route, so staying together is part of the safety setup.

Dust, clothing, and what to bring

The most repeated practical advice is simple: protect your eyes and face. Sunglasses are useful, but a scarf, balaclava, neck gaiter, or similar covering will help with dust. Some people bought face coverings and sunglasses locally before setting off.

Goggles may offer better protection than sunglasses, especially if you wear glasses or are riding near the back of the group. The operator does not list goggles among the included equipment, so do not assume they will be supplied.

I would pack:

• Your original driving license
• Sunglasses or protective goggles
• A scarf or face covering
• Old, dark clothing
• A light jacket for breezy weather
• A few euros for the café stop
• A camera or phone for the viewpoints

The helmet is provided, along with insurance for the driver, passenger, third party, accidents, and rescue. All listed taxes, fees, and handling charges are included. Food and drinks are not.

Who should book this three-hour outing?

I would recommend it to adults who enjoy driving, do not mind dust, and want to see parts of Fuerteventura that are difficult to reach on a standard resort excursion. It works particularly well for couples, friends, and parents with accompanied children who want an active shared experience.

It can also suit a nervous first-time driver if you listen carefully during the briefing and tell the guide that you need support. The guides have been praised for staying attentive, explaining clearly, and checking that everyone is comfortable.

I would think twice if you dislike bumpy rides, loud engines, wind, or getting dirty. You should also avoid it if you are pregnant, since the activity is not recommended during pregnancy. A moderate amount of walking is involved at the stops, although the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

The seven-person limit keeps the outing personal. One guide is assigned per six vehicles, which helps the leader keep track of the group and take photographs at the stops. It is still a group ride, so you will not set the pace entirely yourself.

Is the $117 price good value?

The listed price is $117 per group up to one person, so check the final booking price carefully if you are traveling with a passenger or sharing a vehicle. The value depends on how much you would pay for transport, a guided route, insurance, and three hours of activity separately.

For that package, the price is reasonable if you want more than a short buggy spin. You get hotel pickup or drop-off in Costa Calma, a helmet, a multilingual guide, insurance, and a route that reaches both coasts and several viewpoints. The outing also saves you from arranging your own route through unfamiliar dirt tracks.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a long stay at Playa de Ugan or a pure off-road driving session. Some road travel is included, and the beach stops are brief. You are paying for the complete combination of driving, guiding, scenery, and transfers.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less rigid. The trip can be canceled if weather conditions are poor, with an alternative date or full refund offered.

Final verdict: should you book it?

Yes, I would book this Costa Calma buggy safari if you want a lively way to see Fuerteventura’s southern and western scenery. The strongest reasons are the mostly off-road route, the black-sand beach at Playa de Ugan, the La Pared views, and the guides’ friendly, hands-on support.

Book it with realistic expectations. Wear clothes you can get dusty, cover your face, bring cash, and accept that the buggies may feel rough rather than pristine. If that sounds like part of the fun, this is a good-value three-hour outing and one of the more memorable active choices around Costa Calma.

FAQ

How long does the Costa Calma buggy safari last?

The activity lasts three hours.

Where does the buggy safari take place?

The tour operates around Costa Calma in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. The route includes desert hills, dry riverbeds, Playa de Ugan, La Pared, the Natural Park of Jandia viewpoints, and Playa Sotavento.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup or drop-off is available at accommodation in Costa Calma, and pickup is optional.

Do I need a driving license?

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

Can children join the activity?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Is the buggy safari suitable during pregnancy?

No. The activity is not recommended for pregnant women.

What languages are available for the guide?

Guides are available in English, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. A moderate amount of walking is involved.

Are helmets and insurance included?

Yes. Helmets are included, along with insurance for the driver, passenger, third party, accident, and rescue.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can stop at a small local bar to buy a coffee or another drink, so bring a few euros.