Mallorca: Formula Car and Buggy combo tour

The unusual part is clear from the start: you do not simply ride in one off-road machine. You drive both a manual slingshot and an automatic buggy through southwest Mallorca, moving from the Calvià coast into the Sierra de Tramontana. I like the mix of driving and sightseeing, plus the chance to reach viewpoints that would be easy to miss on a standard coach excursion.

I also like the small-group limit of 10 people and the useful extras, including fuel, water, a helmet if needed, and a child seat from age three. The main catch is that the slingshot has a manual gearbox, and the route does not promise a true dirt-track adventure. One recent booking included only one long stop and no buggy driving, so confirm the vehicle rotation and stop plan before setting off.

Key points to know before booking

• Two vehicles in two hours: You drive both a manual slingshot and an automatic buggy, although the order can change.
• Manual driving is essential: You need a driving licence, must be at least 21, and need at least two years of driving experience.
• The route is scenic rather than purely off-road: Expect coastal roads, mountain views, Port d’Andratx, and the Camp de Mar area.
• Malgratz Island is the first photo stop: The planned stop lasts about 10 minutes.
• Insurance costs extra: Driver insurance is €30 at the office, with a €350 excess on the vehicle’s full insurance.
• A small group helps: The tour is limited to 10 participants and is offered in English, German, Spanish, and French.

Why this Mallorca driving tour is different

Many Mallorca excursions place you in the passenger seat. This one gives you the wheel, twice. You start with either the slingshot or the buggy, depending on the day’s arrangement, then change vehicles at the main stop.

That gives the outing more variety than a standard scenic drive. The slingshot uses a manual transmission, so it feels more like driving a small performance car than operating a typical automatic sightseeing vehicle. The buggy is easier to manage mechanically, since it has an automatic gearbox, but it still gives the trip a more open-air, recreational feel.

The experience is best understood as a road-based driving tour with viewpoints, not as a full off-road expedition. The description focuses on the coast, mountain roads, and stops near scenic points. One booking specifically expressed disappointment that the buggy did not go onto dirt paths, so do not book this expecting a long trail ride through the mountains.

The two-hour duration is short enough to fit into a busy Mallorca day. It is also short enough that the driving time can feel limited if traffic slows the group or a stop runs long. The operator says you will make two or three stops depending on time and traffic, which means the exact balance between driving and sightseeing can vary.

Starting near Calvià with the first vehicle

You meet at the Formula Tours garage. After a briefing from the guide, you are assigned your first vehicle, either the slingshot or the buggy. The guide can provide instructions in English, German, Spanish, or French, which is useful when the group includes drivers with different language preferences.

Pay close attention during the briefing. The slingshot is manual, and the operator requires you to know how to drive a manual car. This is not the right place to practice changing gears for the first time. You need to be comfortable with clutch control, gear changes, and starting on a road route before arriving.

The buggy is automatic, so the changeover is simpler from a mechanical point of view. Still, you drive both vehicles during the tour, not just choose one. If you are booking as a pair, decide how you want to use the vehicles. Two people sharing one vehicle must book for two participants. If each person wants a separate vehicle, each driver needs an individual reservation.

This matters because the price is listed per person, while the practical experience depends on how many vehicles your party uses. Ask the office to explain the arrangement clearly before departure.

The coast of Calvià and Malgratz Island

The first stretch follows the coast of Calvià and passes several points of interest before reaching the view toward Malgratz Island. The planned stop here lasts about 10 minutes, giving you time for photographs.

Ten minutes is enough for a quick look and a few pictures, but not for a long pause. Bring your phone or camera ready, and wear sunglasses as required. The open vehicles mean bright sun and wind are part of the experience, not minor details.

The Malgratz stop also gives you an early test of the tour’s rhythm. You are not stopping at every viewpoint for a leisurely visit. This is a moving route, with short breaks fitted into a two-hour schedule. If you want long periods at each scenic point, a private car day around the southwest coast would give you more control.

Still, the stop adds value because you get a clear visual break from the driving. It lets you step out, see the island from the coast, and take home a few photographs before the route heads toward the mountains.

Estellencs and the main Sierra de Tramontana viewpoint

From Malgratz, the route continues toward Es Grau in Estellencs. This is the main sightseeing stop, with views over the coastline and the Sierra de Tramontana.

This is where the tour’s setting does its best work. The southwest of Mallorca combines steep mountain roads, open sea views, and small coastal settlements. The stop gives you time to appreciate that change in scenery instead of watching it pass while concentrating on gears and traffic.

The timing of this stop is important. The operator says the whole tour makes two or three stops depending on traffic and available time. A recent booking described one 40-minute stop rather than several shorter ones. That may suit you if you prefer one proper viewpoint, but it reduces the time spent driving the vehicles.

At this stop, you change from the first vehicle to the second. The vehicle swap is the central feature of the tour, so make sure you understand when it will happen and which machine you will drive next. If operating both vehicles is the main reason you booked, ask the guide directly at the briefing how the rotation will work that day.

Driving toward Port d’Andratx

After the vehicle change, the route continues toward Port d’Andratx, an exclusive marina area in the southwest. The drive gives you another stretch behind the wheel rather than turning the rest of the tour into a photo excursion.

Port d’Andratx is a useful contrast to the mountain viewpoint. The route moves from open coastal and mountain scenery toward a polished harbor setting. You may find this section more interesting if you enjoy seeing how different parts of Mallorca fit together in a short distance.

The tour does not promise a long stop in Port d’Andratx. Treat it mainly as part of the route unless the guide announces otherwise. Since traffic affects the number and length of stops, the amount of time here can vary.

The return leg passes through the mountains and includes views toward the Camp de Mar golf courses. This final section keeps the scenic element going while bringing you back to the Formula Tours garage. It also means the tour is not simply a loop around one coastal road. You get a broader taste of the southwest, even within a compact two-hour schedule.

What the €69 price really covers

At €69 per person, the price is reasonable if you value the chance to drive two different vehicles and want a guided route through the Tramontana area. Fuel, taxes, a bottle of water, and a helmet when needed are included, so the advertised price covers several normal operating costs.

The extra insurance fee needs attention. Driver insurance costs €30 at the office, and the vehicles have full insurance with a €350 excess. Add that cost when comparing the tour with other Mallorca activities. One booking reported being asked for the insurance payment in cash, so confirm the accepted payment method before you arrive rather than assuming your card will be accepted.

The value depends on your priorities. If you want a short, social driving experience with scenic stops, the cost is attractive. If you mainly want extended off-road buggy time, the price is less compelling because the advertised route centers on paved coastal and mountain roads, and at least one booking did not include buggy driving as expected.

The tour’s 4.6 rating from 58 bookings suggests a generally strong experience, but the lower scores point to the details that matter most: vehicle availability, stop length, and the extra insurance charge. I would treat those as questions to settle at the office, not as small technicalities.

Age, licences, clothing, and safety rules

The driver must be at least 21 years old and have two years of driving experience. A valid driving licence is required, and people who cannot drive a manual transmission are not suitable for the tour.

The minimum age for a passenger is six. A child seat is available from age three, but the information also says the minimum copilot age is six, so families with younger children should confirm the rules before booking rather than relying only on the seat provision.

Bring your passport or identity card, driving licence, sunglasses, a credit card, and closed-toe shoes. Sunglasses are mandatory for both driver and passenger. Closed shoes are required for the driver, and sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

Do not arrive expecting to have a drink before driving. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited. These rules are ordinary for a motor tour, but the open vehicles and strong sunlight make them especially practical. Wear secure clothing, keep your belongings under control, and follow the guide’s instructions during the vehicle change.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this tour to a confident manual-car driver who wants a compact activity with scenery built in. Couples and small groups are a natural fit, especially if you enjoy taking turns between two unusual vehicles.

It also suits you if you have limited time in Mallorca. Two hours leaves room for another activity, a beach visit, or a meal in the southwest. The multilingual guide service and 10-person limit make it easier to follow instructions without the feel of a large coach group.

Families can consider it if the passenger meets the age rules and the adults are comfortable with the driving requirements. Check the child arrangements carefully, especially if anyone in your party is under six.

I would not choose it for a driver under 21, someone without a licence, or anyone who only drives automatics. I would also skip it if your main goal is serious off-road driving. The route’s appeal lies in combining vehicles with mountain and coastal views, not in covering rough trails for hours.

A few practical questions to settle before departure

At the garage, confirm which vehicle you will start with, when the changeover will happen, and how many stops the guide expects to make. The published plan allows two or three stops, but traffic and timing can change that.

Ask about the €30 insurance payment and the €350 excess before you sign anything. One recent booking raised concerns about the extra charge and how it was collected, so clarity here will make the start of the tour more relaxed.

If photographs matter to you, bring your own phone or camera. The tour includes scenic stops, but the guide is not required to take personal photographs while driving or between stops. One booking specifically requested this and was refused, so plan to take pictures during the official pauses.

Finally, be realistic about the pace. You may spend much of the two hours moving between viewpoints rather than sitting at each one. That is part of what lets you drive both vehicles, but it also means you should not expect a slow sightseeing day.

Should you book the slingshot and buggy tour?

Book it if you want a short, active way to see southwest Mallorca and you are comfortable with a manual gearbox. The combination of two vehicles, Malgratz Island, Estellencs, Port d’Andratx, and Camp de Mar gives the €69 base price a fair value, especially with fuel and water included.

Think twice if you want guaranteed buggy trail driving, long independent stops, or a simple all-in price. Confirm the vehicle rotation, expected stops, insurance payment, and €350 excess before you commit. For the right driver, this is an entertaining mountain-and-coast outing. For someone seeking a pure off-road adventure, it may feel like the wrong tool for the job.

FAQ

How long does the Mallorca slingshot and buggy tour last?

The tour lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability when booking.

Do I drive both the slingshot and the buggy?

Yes. You drive both vehicles during the tour, with the changeover taking place during the route.

Is the slingshot manual or automatic?

The slingshot has a manual transmission. You need to know how to drive a manual car before taking part.

What is the minimum age for the driver?

The driver must be at least 21 years old and have at least two years of driving experience.

How old must a passenger be?

The minimum copilot age is six. A child seat is listed as available from age three, so confirm the arrangement if your child is under six.

What documents and clothing do I need?

Bring a passport or identity card, driving licence, sunglasses, credit card, and closed-toe shoes. Sunglasses are required for both people in the vehicle, and sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

Is insurance included in the price?

Driver insurance costs an additional €30 at the office. The vehicles have full insurance with a €350 excess.