3 Hour Amazing Automatic Can Am Buggy Tour of Beautiful Lanzarote

The best part of this Lanzarote outing is the mix of automatic Can-Am buggy driving and volcanic scenery. You leave Puerto Calero, follow a guide through village roads and rough tracks, then pause in the La Geria wine region near Timanfaya for photos, coffee, and optional wine tasting. I like the easy driving and the chance to reach places beyond the resort roads. The main drawback is that the route includes more paved road than some people expect, and the off-road sections can be very dusty.

I also like the human side of the trip. Guides including Mario, Rob, Jimmy, and Dean have earned praise for keeping groups safe while adding useful island stories. Just bring a scarf or buff, old clothes, and sensible shoes. The goggles protect your eyes, but they do not keep volcanic dust out of your mouth and nose.

• Automatic Can-Am Mavericks: Easy controls make the buggies approachable for drivers with the required licence and experience.
• Puerto Calero departure: You start and finish at the attractive marina often called Millionaires Marina.
• Road and off-road route: You see villages and open volcanic scenery, but the drive is not an all-off-road adventure.
• La Geria stop: Pause near the National Volcano Park for views, photographs, coffee, and optional wine tasting.
• Dust is part of the deal: Goggles are supplied, but you need your own face covering or can buy one at the office.
• Strong overall rating: The experience holds a 4.6 rating from 787 reviews, with 90 percent recommending it.

Three Hours from Puerto Calero to Volcanic Country

This is a guided driving experience, not a sightseeing bus tour. You take the wheel of a two-person Can-Am Maverick and follow the lead buggy out of Puerto Calero. The route combines normal roads with off-road tracks, so you get both the feel of driving through Lanzarote and the fun of handling rougher ground.

The guide sets the pace and leads the group, which removes the stress of map reading. That matters in Lanzarote, where a short distance can take you from a marina road to black volcanic ground and then into the carefully worked vineyards of La Geria.

The activity lasts about three hours. It starts and ends at Buggies Lanzarote, Galeria Nautica in Puerto Calero, with a maximum group size of 20 people. That is large enough to create a lively convoy, though it also means the pace and number of stops can depend on the group.

Why the Automatic Buggies Make a Difference

The automatic transmission is one of the strongest reasons to choose this version of the tour. You can focus on steering, road position, and the scenery instead of managing a clutch while bouncing over uneven tracks.

Most people find the buggies easy to drive, including older participants who may feel unsure about a rough vehicle at first. The published experience is aimed at most people who can meet the driving requirements, but you still need a full driving licence and at least two years of driving experience.

There is one point to keep in mind. A few comments describe controls or gear changing as less than perfect, and one person found the seating and pedal position awkward. Equipment condition can vary, so if you are short, tall, or need a very adjustable driving position, ask the staff for help before setting off.

The vehicles can reach about 65 kilometres per hour according to one account, but this is not a race. You follow a guide, stay with the group, and drive at a speed suited to the road and track conditions.

Leaving Puerto Calero and Following the Guide

Puerto Calero is a practical starting point. The marina provides a clear meeting location, and the office is down the hill from the main parking area. On busy market days, parking can take extra time, so arrive early enough to find the office without rushing.

Before departure, the staff explain the basic controls, safety, speed, and road sense. The guides then lead the convoy away from the marina. Mario is frequently singled out for his humor, island stories, and calm handling of the group, while Rob, Jimmy, and Dean have also been praised for friendly and careful guiding.

The guide’s role is important here. You do not need to decide which turn to take or worry about getting lost. You also get some explanation of what you are seeing, although the amount of commentary may depend on the guide and how spread out the convoy becomes.

One practical weakness is that the rear of a group can sometimes lose sight of the guide. Keep the buggy ahead in view and follow the group’s road position rather than trying to catch up quickly.

Villages, Roads, and the First Taste of Lanzarote

The road sections take you beyond the main resort areas. You pass through picturesque villages and see parts of Lanzarote that are easy to miss if you stay around Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, or the marina.

This part of the tour gives the experience a useful local feel. You are not simply driving in circles around a purpose-built track. You cross real roads and see how the island changes as you move inland toward volcanic country.

The trade-off is pace. Some people book a buggy tour expecting almost constant rough-track driving. This route has been described as roughly 30 percent off-road and 70 percent on-road by one unhappy participant, while others found the mix just right. The exact balance can change with the route and group, but you should book this as a combined road and off-road trip, not a dedicated off-road assault.

The Dusty Off-Road Sections

The rough sections are where the buggy earns its place. You leave smooth tarmac behind and move across dusty ground, bumps, and open volcanic terrain. The drive is energetic without requiring specialist off-road skills, and the automatic controls let you concentrate on the track.

You will get dusty. Very dusty. The supplied protective glasses are essential, especially when following another buggy. They protect your eyes, but you should bring a scarf, buff, or other face covering for your nose and mouth. A second old T-shirt can also work as a basic dust shield, according to practical advice from the experience.

Wear clothes you do not mind washing heavily or throwing away. Avoid flip-flops, sandals, and loose footwear. Sensible closed shoes are required, and your lower back or seat may feel tired by the end because of the bumps.

The off-road ride is a good fit for someone seeking a little adrenaline and plenty of outdoor fun. If you want a quiet scenic drive with long stops for photography, the dust, noise, and limited time at viewpoints may feel too rough.

La Geria and the Bodega Stop

The stop at Bodega La Geria brings a change of pace. La Geria is Lanzarote’s famous wine-growing area, where vineyards occupy dark volcanic ground near the National Volcano Park. The contrast between the black earth, low vines, and broad island views is one of the most memorable parts of the route.

You have time for photographs and can choose a coffee or a little wine tasting. Some descriptions put the stop at around 20 minutes, so think of it as a short refreshment break rather than a full winery visit. You may have time for a drink and a few photographs, but not an extended tasting or detailed cellar tour.

That short stop divides opinion. I like it because it gives you a chance to remove your goggles, catch your breath, and see one of Lanzarote’s most distinctive agricultural areas without another long drive. If your priority is maximum driving time, you may see it as time taken away from the tracks.

The wine stop also makes the outing more than a simple motor activity. You get a brief taste of how local people use the island’s volcanic conditions, rather than seeing the terrain only as a playground for buggies.

Timanfaya Views Without a Full Park Visit

Timanfaya National Park is part of the promotional appeal, but you should set your expectations carefully. The route reaches the La Geria wine region on the edge of the National Volcano Park and includes volcanic scenery, yet it is not a full guided visit through every major part of Timanfaya.

One person expected more of the national park, scenic viewpoints, and named points of interest. That is a fair caution. The route can show you the volcanic character of Lanzarote, but the buggy tour is built around driving, not a complete park sightseeing program.

You may also find that some stops are brief or that the group spends time on similar dusty ground. The guide may explain local features, but the amount of information and the number of photo stops can vary.

If seeing Timanfaya in depth is your main goal, book a separate park visit. If you want to combine volcanic views with an active drive and accept a quick look rather than a full tour, this excursion makes more sense.

What You Actually Get for $205.58

The listed price is $205.58 per group of up to two people. Split between two, that works out to about $102.79 per person for three hours of buggy use, guiding, protective glasses, road and off-road driving, and the La Geria stop.

That is reasonable if both people share one buggy and both want the driving experience. It is less compelling if only one person is interested in driving, or if you expect a long winery visit and a detailed Timanfaya tour included in the price.

You also receive a discount at the restaurant in Puerto Calero, which adds a small extra benefit after the ride. Drinks, snacks, and the optional wine tasting are not stated as included, so carry some money. One practical suggestion is to keep about €20 in your pocket and avoid taking bags or valuables onto the buggy.

The price also covers the convenience of a guide-led route. You do not need to plan a route through the interior, hire a separate vehicle, or work out how to reach small villages and tracks on your own.

Clothing, Documents, and Transport Details

Bring the following:

• A full driving licence
• Proof of at least two years of driving experience
• An International Driving Permit if you are a US citizen
• Closed, sensible footwear
• Old clothing
• A scarf, buff, or face covering
• Money for a drink or snack at the stop

US citizens must obtain an International Driving Permit before arriving in Spain if they intend to drive. This is easy to overlook and could prevent you from taking the wheel.

The tour is offered in English and operates near public transport. Transport can sometimes be requested, but it is not guaranteed. If you are coming from a cruise ship or another part of the island, confirm the meeting plan and arrival time carefully. The start and finish point is Puerto Calero, not the ship itself.

The activity uses a mobile ticket, and booking confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. It requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for weather or because the minimum is not met, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Buggy Tour Most

I would choose this for a couple or two friends who want to see more of Lanzarote while doing something active. It works especially well if one person enjoys driving and the other is happy to ride along, since the buggy holds up to two people.

It also suits visitors who have already seen the main resort areas and want a quick look at villages, volcanic scenery, and La Geria. Older participants can enjoy it too, provided they are comfortable with bumps, dust, and the driving requirements.

You may want another option if you expect:

• Almost all of the route to be off-road
• A long visit inside Timanfaya National Park
• A full winery tour
• Smooth, quiet transport
• Perfectly adjustable seating and new equipment

The experience has a strong 4.6 rating from 787 reviews, and 90 percent of customers recommend it. The most consistent praise is for the guides, the views, the easy automatic buggies, and the fun of combining paved and rough roads. The main complaints concern dust, short stops, equipment condition, and expectations about how much of the island or national park you will see.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if you want three hours of active sightseeing, enjoy driving, and are happy with a roughly shared mix of road and off-road travel. The automatic Can-Am buggies make the experience approachable, and the route gives you village roads, volcanic scenery, La Geria, and a guide who handles navigation.

Do not book it expecting a full Timanfaya tour or an all-day off-road expedition. Bring a face covering, old clothes, closed shoes, and realistic expectations about the short winery stop. For the right person, the dusty convoy, the bumps, and the broad views are exactly what make this a memorable Lanzarote outing.

FAQ

Where does the buggy tour start?

It starts at Buggies Lanzarote, Galeria Nautica, 35571 Puerto Calero, Las Palmas, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The tour ends back at the meeting point in Puerto Calero.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $205.58 per group of up to two people.

Is the buggy automatic?

Yes. The tour uses automatic Can-Am Maverick buggies.

Do I need a driving licence?

Yes. You need a full driving licence and at least two years of driving experience.

Do US citizens need an International Driving Permit?

Yes. US citizens must obtain an International Driving Permit before arriving in Spain in order to drive.

What should I wear?

Wear sensible footwear and do not wear flip-flops. Old clothing is recommended because the off-road sections are very dusty.

Do I need to bring a face covering?

Yes. You need to bring a scarf, buff, or similar face covering. You can also buy one from the office.

Is wine tasting included?

A little wine tasting is available at the La Geria stop if you want it, but the supplied information does not state that drinks or snacks are included in the tour price.