Costa Calma: Buggy Safari

The best part of this Costa Calma buggy safari is the change of scenery. You leave the resort behind, cross rough dirt tracks and dry riverbeds, then reach the wild west coast at Playa de Ugan, where black sand and heavy Atlantic surf make a striking stop.

I like the mix of proper off-road driving and scenic breaks. I also like the friendly, careful guiding, with guides such as Jurjen, Jürgen, and Dominique giving clear instructions and checking that nervous drivers are keeping up. The main drawback is dust: sunglasses alone may not be enough, and the buggies can be noisy, bumpy, and a little rough around the edges.

Key points at a glance

• Three hours behind the wheel: Expect a real driving experience, not a short ride around a prepared track.
• A proper east-to-west route: The tour links Costa Calma with Playa de Ugan, La Pared, and the west coast.
• Dust is part of the deal: Bring sunglasses, a scarf or balaclava, old clothes, and ideally protective goggles.
• Small guided groups: The activity is limited to seven participants, with one guide assigned per group of up to six vehicles.
• Useful local stop: A small bar provides a simple coffee or drink break, but bring cash because card payment may not be available.
• Good for first-time drivers: Guides provide a safety briefing and help you gain confidence before the rougher tracks.

From Costa Calma to Fuerteventura’s rougher side

This is not a polished sightseeing coach tour. You are low to the ground in an open buggy, following a guide across a mixture of roads and dirt tracks. That makes the ride noisy, dusty, and physical, but it also gives you a much closer feel for southern Fuerteventura.

The three-hour route is built around variety. You start near Costa Calma, then travel through dry terrain, sandy lanes, and open country before reaching the west coast. The exact amount of time spent off-road can vary, but the activity is mainly aimed at dirt-track driving rather than a gentle road tour.

That matters when you choose your excursion. If you want a calm ride with long stops and little dust, this is not the right fit. If you enjoy driving and want to see parts of the island that are awkward to reach by ordinary sightseeing transport, it offers good value in a compact half-day outing.

The group is limited to seven participants, and the guide works with up to six vehicles. That keeps the convoy manageable. You are not simply sent off with a map. The guide leads the route, gives instructions, and keeps an eye on the group at scenic stops and along the rougher sections.

What the buggy ride feels like

The buggies are described as comfortable enough off-road, but several practical points deserve attention. They are loud, low, and bone-rattling on rough ground. That is part of the fun, yet you should expect dust on your clothes and face, especially if you are near the back of the group.

The driving includes some public-road sections. This helps connect the different parts of the route, but it is less exciting than the dirt tracks. One four-star assessment found the vehicles better off-road than on paved roads, with some steering play and limited braking performance. Another noted that a buggy had a brake light problem. These comments do not cancel out the strong overall response, but they are useful reminders to drive carefully and follow the guide’s spacing instructions.

Your guide gives a safety briefing before departure. The activity is suitable for people who have never driven a buggy before, provided they meet the age and license rules. Guides have helped nervous drivers build confidence, and the group may pause if someone needs extra instruction.

You must be at least 18 to drive and carry your original driving license. A photograph of the license is not accepted. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Playa de Ugan and the black-sand coast

One of the most memorable stops is Playa de Ugan. Its black sand gives it a different character from the pale beaches around Costa Calma, while the west coast surf can be powerful and dramatic.

This is a photo stop rather than a swimming beach. The description highlights monster waves, so treat the water with respect and do not assume that a short break means safe bathing conditions. The attraction here is the contrast between dark volcanic sand, rough Atlantic water, and the dry hills inland.

Your time at the beach may feel brief if you want a long walk or a slow coastal pause. The route is designed to keep moving, with several stops packed into three hours. I see that as a fair trade for a wider view of southern Fuerteventura, but it is worth knowing before you book.

Bring a phone or camera that you can protect from dust. Fine grit can get into bags, pockets, and equipment. A small zipped pouch is sensible, though the tour information does not list camera protection as supplied.

The local bar stop

The stop at a small local bar adds a useful human pause to an otherwise rugged route. You can buy a coffee or another drink, sit for a short break, and let the dust settle before getting back in the buggy.

Do not count on this as a meal stop. Food and drinks are not included, and the cash-only detail is important. A few euros should cover a basic coffee, but the exact price can change. Bring small cash rather than relying on a bank card.

This is also a good point to check your face covering and sunglasses. If dust has worked its way in, you will appreciate a moment to clean up. The stop is simple, not a staged tourist show, which suits the tone of the trip.

La Pared and the view over Jandia

The route continues toward La Pared, a west-coast area known for surfing. Here, the interest is the broad view toward the Natural Park of Jandia and the feeling of reaching the island’s less developed side.

The scenery changes as you climb or follow the dirt paths toward the coast. The dry hills and open ground make a strong contrast with the resort area around Costa Calma. You are not visiting a museum or monument, so the pleasure comes from space, weather, rock, sand, and the drive itself.

La Pared is a good stop for photographs, but keep your expectations practical. This is an active excursion with planned viewpoints, not a long coastal hike. A moderate amount of walking is involved, so you should be comfortable getting out of the vehicle and moving around uneven ground.

The guide adds value here by explaining the places you pass. English, German, Italian, and Spanish are available, and clear safety instructions are given in several languages. If you have questions about the island, the stops are a natural time to ask.

Finishing at Playa Sotavento

The return toward Costa Calma includes a stop at Playa Sotavento for photographs. This is a fitting finish because the beach is one of the best-known scenic areas in the south, and it gives you a final contrast with the black sand at Playa de Ugan.

The stop is focused on views and pictures rather than a long beach session. You might want to bring a light jacket, especially outside the hottest months. A rider in January found the breeze surprisingly cold in a T-shirt, and open buggies give you little shelter from wind.

The weather also affects the operation of the tour. Poor conditions can lead to cancellation, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy makes sense for an open-air activity that depends on safe driving and reasonable visibility.

Dust, clothing, and what to bring

The most repeated practical advice is simple: protect your eyes, nose, and mouth. Sunglasses help, but several people found that they still needed a scarf, balaclava, or other face covering. If you sit toward the rear of the convoy, dust from the vehicle ahead can be especially thick.

For the most comfortable ride, I would bring:

• Sunglasses or protective goggles
• A scarf, buff, or balaclava over your nose and mouth
• Old or dark clothing
• Closed shoes
• A light jacket if the day is cool or windy
• A few euros for the bar stop
• Your original driving license

Goggles that fit over prescription glasses would be useful, since ordinary sunglasses may not seal out the dust. This is practical advice rather than a supplied item, so you need to arrange it yourself.

Do not wear clothing you want to keep spotless. The dust is not a minor possibility. It is part of the route, and the activity is more enjoyable when you accept that from the start.

Is the $117 price good value?

The listed price is $117 per group up to one, which is an unusual way to display the cost. Check the final booking screen carefully to see how the total changes for a driver and passenger, since the supplied details do not clearly explain the passenger pricing.

The value is strongest if you want several experiences in one outing. You get transport from your Costa Calma accommodation if you choose pickup, a helmet, insurance for the driver, passenger, third party, accident, and rescue, a guide, and three hours of driving. You also cover a wide part of the southern island rather than staying near the resort.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a short thrill ride. You are paying for the route, guiding, stops, and transport as much as for the buggy itself. Compared with arranging separate transport to the west coast and visiting several viewpoints independently, the package is convenient.

Pickup and drop-off in Costa Calma remove one small planning problem. Transfers are not listed for places outside Costa Calma, so check your accommodation before assuming transport is included. Food and drinks are extra.

Safety, comfort, and access

The activity includes a helmet and insurance. The guide leads the convoy and provides instructions, which is reassuring if you are a first-time buggy driver or have not driven abroad before.

Pregnant women should not take part. The ride involves jolts, dust, and a moderate amount of walking, so anyone with mobility or medical concerns should consider the physical demands before booking.

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible, but that does not mean every part of the route is smooth or that every buggy setup works for every wheelchair user. Contact the provider before booking if you need specific assistance. The available information confirms accessibility, but does not describe transfer arrangements or vehicle adaptations.

The tour may be canceled in poor weather. You can then choose another date or receive a full refund. Standard cancellation allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available.

Who will enjoy this safari most?

I would recommend it to you if you like driving, outdoor activity, and strong scenery more than comfort. It works well for couples, friends, solo adults, and families with older children who can ride with an adult.

It is also a good choice for nervous first-timers, provided you are willing to learn and follow the guide. Several guides are praised for patience and clear explanations, and the small group format makes it easier to ask for help.

I would think twice if you dislike dust, loud engines, bumpy tracks, or wind. The tour is not a gentle scenic ride. It is a working, rattling, open-air excursion, and the better you prepare, the more enjoyable it becomes.

Should you book the Costa Calma Buggy Safari?

Book it if you want a lively way to connect Costa Calma with the west coast, Playa de Ugan, La Pared, and Playa Sotavento in three hours. The strongest reasons are the varied route, friendly guides, good photo stops, and the chance to drive across dirt tracks rather than simply look out of a vehicle window.

Prepare properly with a face covering, eye protection, old clothes, a jacket, cash, and your original license. Check the unusual price wording before payment, and remember that the buggies can be rough and the beach stops are not long.

For an active visitor who wants scenery with a little grit in the teeth, this is a strong choice. For anyone seeking a quiet, clean, slow-paced outing, choose something else.

FAQ

How long is the Costa Calma Buggy Safari?

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

Do I need a driving license?

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

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available at accommodation in Costa Calma. Pickup is optional.

What languages does the guide speak?

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

What should I bring?

Bring your original driving license, sunglasses, and something to cover your nose and mouth. Old clothing, a light jacket, and a few euros for the bar stop are also sensible.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy a drink or coffee at the small local bar, and cash may be needed.

Can pregnant women join the tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.