Costa Calma: Buggy Safari

Costa Calma’s best buggy outing is less about polished vehicles and more about getting out into Fuerteventura’s rough west coast. You’ll cross dry riverbeds, desert hills, and dirt tracks before reaching black sand at Playa de Ugan and surf country around La Pared. The route gives you a lively taste of the island in three hours.

I like the mix of real off-road driving and big coastal views, and I like that the group stays small, with one guide for as many as six vehicles and up to seven people. The local café stop is another nice touch. The catch is dust, noise, bumps, and vehicles that can feel a little rough on paved roads.

Quick points to know

• Three hours from east coast to west coast: The route links Costa Calma with Playa de Ugan, La Pared, and Playa Sotavento.
• Mostly dirt trails: Expect dry riverbeds, sandy tracks, and uneven ground, with some road driving between off-road sections.
• Dust is part of the deal: Sunglasses and a scarf, buff, balaclava, or goggles will make the ride much more comfortable.
• A guide stays with the group: English, German, Italian, and Spanish are available, with guides including Jurjen, Jürgen, and Dominique praised for their help.
• You need an original driving license: A photograph or copy is not accepted for the driver.
• The price is for a group listing: The advertised rate is $117 per group up to one, so check the final party pricing before booking.

Why this buggy route works so well

This is a good choice if you want more than a quick spin around a marked track. The route connects several very different parts of southern Fuerteventura, and the buggy puts you close to the ground, where every bump, bend, and spray of dust feels more dramatic.

You begin around Costa Calma, then head through a mix of paved roads and rough tracks. The road sections help link the route together, but the dirt paths are the real reason to book. They take you through dry riverbeds and between bare hills, with plenty of open views and a sense of getting away from the resort.

I would not call this a quiet sightseeing trip. The buggies are loud, the ride can be bone-rattling, and the person at the back of the group may collect plenty of dust. Yet that roughness is part of the fun for many people. If you want a smooth, air-conditioned tour, choose something else. If you like driving and do not mind getting dirty, this has much more character.

The small-group setup matters. One guide leads up to six vehicles, with a maximum group size of seven participants. That gives the guide a reasonable chance to watch the pace and help nervous drivers. Several guides, including Jurjen and Dominique, have been praised for clear explanations, friendly conversation, and keeping an eye on less confident drivers.

Starting in Costa Calma with a clear safety briefing

Pickup is available from your accommodation in Costa Calma, and the transfer is included when selected. The pickup service has generally been punctual, which removes one common worry from an activity with a fixed start time.

Before setting off, you receive a safety briefing. Instructions are available in English, German, Italian, and Spanish. That is useful if you have never driven a buggy before or are nervous about driving abroad.

You must be at least 18 and carry your original driving license. A picture of the license on your phone is not enough. Children can join only with an adult, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

You do not need to be an experienced off-road driver. The guides are expected to explain the controls and make sure you are comfortable before leaving. Still, this is a driving activity, not a passive ride. You need to pay attention, follow instructions, and cope with uneven tracks.

The route is wheelchair accessible, but a moderate amount of walking is involved. If you have particular mobility needs, it is sensible to confirm the practical details before booking.

Leaving the paved roads for dry riverbeds and dirt trails

The first part can include road driving, so do not expect three uninterrupted hours of off-road action. The paved sections connect Costa Calma with the wilder parts of the route, and they also give you time to settle into the buggy.

Once the group reaches the dirt paths, the ride becomes far more physical. You pass through dry riverbeds and sandy lanes, with the buggies bouncing over uneven ground. The low seating position can make the speed feel greater than it is, especially on rough sections.

You should expect dust to blow back from the vehicle ahead. Sunglasses are essential, and a scarf or face covering protects your nose and mouth. Several riders found that ordinary sunglasses and a scarf helped but did not block everything. Goggles that fit over glasses would offer better protection, particularly if you are driving at the back.

Wear old, dark clothing. Pale clothes can show dust quickly, and the ride may leave you with a fine coating of Fuerteventura on your sleeves, hair, and face. This is not a complaint so much as a warning to avoid wearing your best holiday outfit.

The buggies are described as comfortable enough on dirt, but some can feel rough on the road. Reports include steering play, limited brakes, and one vehicle with a missing brake light. These issues were not described as ruining the trip, but they are worth keeping in mind. Tell the guide immediately if your buggy feels unsafe or develops a problem.

Playa de Ugan and its black sand

One of the most memorable stops is Playa de Ugan, known for its black sand and powerful waves. This is a good counterpoint to the pale beaches usually associated with Fuerteventura.

The stop gives you time to get out, look around, and take photographs. The waves can be impressive, but this is not presented as a swimming stop. Treat the beach as a scenic and photographic break, especially if the surf is heavy.

Time at the stops is balanced against the driving. Some people would like longer at the beach, so do not expect a leisurely beach afternoon. The attraction here is seeing a dramatic stretch of coast as part of a moving route.

This is also where the practical clothing advice becomes clear. Sand and dust can travel in the wind, and the west coast can feel breezy. A light jacket is useful in cooler weather, even if the day began warm in Costa Calma.

A small café stop with a local feel

The route includes a stop at a small local bar for coffee or another drink. Food and drinks are not included, so bring a few euros in cash. Coffee has been available at a very modest price, but the café accepts cash rather than card.

This is a short, simple stop, not a restaurant visit. That is part of its appeal. You get a chance to sit down, cool off, and chat with the guide without losing a large part of the three-hour outing.

Do not arrive expecting a full meal or a long break. If you need food, eat before pickup or bring whatever the operator allows. The formal inclusions cover the guide, helmet, insurance, taxes, and handling charges, not refreshments.

La Pared and the Natural Park of Jandia

The route then follows dirt paths toward La Pared on the west coast. La Pared is known for surfing, open coastal views, and a wilder feel than Costa Calma.

The stop is valuable because it shows how quickly Fuerteventura changes. You begin near a resort on the east coast, cross dry inland terrain, and arrive at a west-facing coast shaped by wind and surf. From here, you can look toward the Natural Park of Jandia and take photographs of the broad, open scenery.

The guide adds useful context along the way. This is not a formal history tour, but the driving stops give you chances to ask questions about the island and the places you pass. Guides such as Jurjen and Dominique have been singled out for being approachable and informative, while other guides have helped nervous drivers build confidence.

La Pared also highlights one limitation of the tour: you will not have unlimited time at each viewpoint. The route is designed to keep moving, so people who prefer long walks or extended beach stops may find the schedule brisk.

Finishing at Playa Sotavento

The return toward Costa Calma includes a stop at Playa Sotavento, one of the area’s best places for photographs. The beach is a fitting final stop because it brings you back to the pale sand and broad coastal views associated with the island’s southeast.

The contrast with Playa de Ugan is part of the fun. At Ugan, you see black sand and large west-coast surf. At Sotavento, the scene is lighter and more open. The stop gives you a chance to take photographs before returning to Costa Calma.

Do not expect a professional photo session. The guide may help the group get pictures at the stops, but you should bring your own phone or camera and protect it from dust. A sealed pocket or small case is a good idea.

What the $117 price means in practice

The advertised price is $117 per group up to one, with the exact booking total worth checking carefully if two people will share a buggy or if you are booking more than one vehicle. Price structures for activities like this can depend on the number of vehicles and passengers, so read the final selection before paying.

The value comes from the combination of transport, equipment, guiding, insurance, and access to a route that would be awkward to cover independently by buggy. Pickup and drop-off from Costa Calma are included when selected, and the three-hour duration is long enough to make the west-coast route feel worthwhile.

You also receive a helmet and insurance covering the driver, passenger, third party, accident, and rescue. Food and drinks are extra, and the café stop requires cash.

For a couple sharing the experience, the price can make sense if you want an active outing rather than a standard coach excursion. It is less attractive if you mainly want beach time, dislike dust, or are comparing it with a short, purpose-built buggy circuit.

Who should book this Costa Calma adventure

I would choose this for adults who enjoy driving, rough tracks, photography, and changing scenery. It also suits a first-time buggy driver who wants support from a guide, provided you are comfortable with noise, dust, and a bumpy ride.

It can work well for couples, friends, and families with older children, though the driver must be at least 18 and hold an original license. Children need adult supervision.

I would think twice if you are pregnant, since the activity is not recommended during pregnancy. I would also reconsider if you have limited tolerance for jolting or if you need long, calm stops at each location.

Bring:

• Your original driving license
• Sunglasses
• A scarf, buff, balaclava, or goggles
• Old clothing, preferably in a darker color
• A light jacket if the weather is cool or windy
• A few euros in cash for the café
• A phone or camera protected from dust

The tour depends on favorable weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours before departure.

Should you book the Buggy Safari?

Book it if you want to see several sides of southern Fuerteventura while doing something active. The strongest parts are the off-road sections, the west-coast views, the contrast between Playa de Ugan and Playa Sotavento, and the guides’ hands-on help.

Skip it if you want a polished vehicle, silent sightseeing, or a relaxed beach tour. The buggies can feel worn, paved sections are part of the route, and dust is unavoidable.

For most confident drivers, this is a lively and good-value way to spend three hours around Costa Calma. Pack face protection, accept that you will get dirty, and you will be ready for the rough-and-ready fun this trip promises.

FAQ

How long does the Costa Calma Buggy Safari last?

The activity lasts three hours, including the driving route and stops at Playa de Ugan, a local bar, La Pared, 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 photo or digital copy is not accepted for driving.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup or drop-off is available from accommodation in Costa Calma when the pickup option is selected.

What languages are available?

The live guides speak English, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Are food and drinks included?

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

What should I wear and bring?

Bring your original driving license, sunglasses, and something to cover your face from dust. Old, dark clothing is sensible, and a light jacket can help in breezy weather.