Costa Calma: Buggy Safari

The best part of this three-hour buggy safari is the switch from Costa Calma’s resort roads to dusty tracks, dry riverbeds, and rough western terrain. You cross Fuerteventura from the east coast toward La Pared, with stops at Playa de Ugan, a small local café, and several scenic points.

I like the mix of real driving and useful sightseeing, rather than a short spin around one fenced-off course. I also like the careful guiding from people such as Jurjen and Dominique, who help nervous drivers get comfortable. The main drawback is dust. Sunglasses help, but a scarf, balaclava, or proper goggles will make the ride much easier.

Key points at a glance

• Three hours from Costa Calma to the west coast: Expect both road sections and mainly off-road dirt trails.
• Playa de Ugan brings the drama: Stop at a black-sand beach known for large waves and a rugged Atlantic setting.
• La Pared gives you the big view: Look across toward the Natural Park of Jandía from one of Fuerteventura’s surf areas.
• The buggies are fun but rough: They can rattle, kick up dust, and feel less polished than newer UTV-style vehicles.
• Come prepared for the elements: Wear old, dark clothing and bring sunglasses plus something to cover your nose and mouth.
• The price works best for two people sharing: The listed cost is $117 per group up to one, with pickup, helmet, guide, and insurance included.

Leaving Costa Calma for Fuerteventura’s dirt tracks

You begin with pickup or drop-off at accommodation in Costa Calma if you choose that option. Pickup has generally been prompt, and the short transfer keeps the day simple. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to reach the start point if your accommodation is within the pickup area.

Before driving, you receive a safety briefing. It is offered in English, German, Italian, and Spanish, and the guides explain how to handle the buggy before the group heads out. This matters if you have never driven abroad or have only driven a car. One especially useful quality of this trip is that the guide keeps an eye on each vehicle rather than simply leading the group and disappearing ahead.

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

The booking information lists a small group of up to seven participants and a guide for every six vehicles. That keeps the convoy fairly compact. It also gives the guide a reasonable chance to notice if someone is struggling with the controls or falling behind.

What driving the buggy is really like

This is not a silent, smooth sightseeing ride. The buggies are noisy, low to the ground, and often bumpy. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you should arrive ready for a physical three hours.

The route combines paved roads with dirt paths, sandy lanes, and rougher sections. Most of the fun comes off the road, where you feel the suspension work over uneven ground and see a side of southern Fuerteventura that is hard to reach by ordinary sightseeing bus.

Some of the vehicles have been described as rough and ready. One vehicle was reported to have steering play and limited braking on paved roads, while another broke down when its accelerator stopped working. These incidents appear to be exceptions within an otherwise strongly positive experience, but they are worth keeping in mind. This is an adventure ride, not a polished luxury excursion.

The guides are the strongest part of the operation. Jurjen is repeatedly praised for being friendly, funny, attentive, and informative. Dominique has also been singled out for clear help and a warm manner. That personal attention is useful when a driver is nervous. One first-time driver felt comfortable enough to try after the guide patiently encouraged her and checked on her progress.

You can expect the pace to vary. Some sections feel relaxed, while other parts can feel fast because the buggy sits low and the ground moves close beneath you. If you want a gentle, slow drive with no jolts, this is not the right activity. If you enjoy being behind the wheel and do not mind dust and vibration, it delivers much more fun than a short paved-road circuit.

Dry riverbeds, desert hills, and the route west

After leaving the resort area, the route reaches the open interior. You drive between dry riverbeds and bare hills, following dirt tracks through a part of Fuerteventura that feels stark and exposed.

The scenery is the reason to choose a buggy rather than staying on the main roads. The trip gives you changing views as you move from the east side toward the west coast. You are not simply driving for the sake of speed. The guide stops at viewpoints and explains the places along the route, giving the ride some local context.

You should expect dust from the vehicle in front of you. If you are at the back of the group, you may get more of it, especially on dry days. A scarf or balaclava over your mouth and nose is useful, and sunglasses are essential. Some people have found that ordinary sunglasses are not quite enough, particularly when the dust becomes thick. Goggles that fit over prescription glasses would be a sensible choice if you already own them.

Wear clothes you do not mind dirtying. Dark clothing hides dust better than pale fabric, though you should still expect a clean-up afterward. A light jacket is also sensible in cooler or windy conditions. One driver found a T-shirt inadequate when the breeze picked up, even though the ride itself was enjoyable.

Playa de Ugan and its black sand

One of the most memorable stops is Playa de Ugan. This black-sand beach is known for large waves, so it offers a very different mood from the bright, resort-style beaches around Costa Calma.

The stop gives you a chance to get out, take photographs, and enjoy the coast without being behind the wheel. The rough Atlantic setting suits the whole trip: this is not a manicured beach stop, but a wild-looking stretch of shore where wind and waves are central to the view.

Do not expect a long beach day. The schedule balances several stops with the driving, and some people would prefer more time at the beach. If you want to swim, sunbathe, or linger by the water, a dedicated beach outing will suit you better. If you want a photographic stop and a quick look at a striking part of the west coast, Playa de Ugan fits well.

The sea conditions also mean you should treat this as a viewpoint rather than a swimming invitation. The large waves are part of the attraction, but the tour is built around driving and sightseeing, not water activities.

The small café stop and a taste of local routine

The route includes a stop at a small local bar where you can buy a drink or coffee. It is a modest break, not a full meal stop, and food and drink are not included in the tour price.

Bring a few euros in cash. The café may not take cards, and two coffees have cost only a few euros in the past. That low-key stop adds a useful pause after the dust and noise of the trail. You can stretch your legs, have a drink, and talk with the guide before setting off again.

This is also where the practical nature of the tour shows. You are not being moved from one major attraction to another on a strict sightseeing timetable. There is room for a simple coffee and a chat. The pace has been described as laid-back, with no frantic rush between stops.

Still, plan to eat before or after the tour. With three hours on the route and no included food, you should not count on the café as lunch. Carrying anything in the buggy may expose it to dust, so keep belongings protected.

La Pared and the Natural Park of Jandía

The route then follows dirt paths toward La Pared, a west-coast area known for surfing. The name refers to a historic wall that once divided parts of the island, but the key reason for this stop is the open view and coastal setting.

From La Pared, you can look toward the Natural Park of Jandía. The view gives the trip its strongest sightseeing moment, especially after driving through the dry inland tracks. You see how quickly Fuerteventura changes from resort coast to bare hills and open Atlantic country.

This stop works well for photographs, but keep your expectations realistic. The activity does not promise a long guided walk or a detailed nature tour. There is a moderate amount of walking, and the main experience remains the buggy ride. Comfortable shoes are a good idea, particularly if you want to walk around at the viewpoints.

The guides add value here by pointing out the scenery and answering questions. Several guides speak good English, and the multilingual setup makes this accessible to mixed groups. You are not left to guess what you are looking at, though the amount of commentary may depend on the guide and the pace of the day.

Returning through Playa Sotavento

The return to Costa Calma includes a stop at Playa Sotavento, one of the most famous beaches in southern Fuerteventura. The beach is known for its broad open shoreline and strong coastal views, making it a natural place to finish the photography side of the trip.

This is a good final contrast with Playa de Ugan. Ugan is rugged and dark, while Sotavento gives you the wide, open beach scenery associated with the island’s southeast. You can take photographs before returning to Costa Calma.

The route provides a satisfying variety: dry tracks, west-coast waves, a café pause, surf country, a protected natural area, and a well-known beach. That variety is why the tour feels like more than a simple vehicle rental. You are using the buggy to link several places that would otherwise require a car and careful route planning.

The time at each stop can feel short if you want to explore at length. The tour is designed to keep moving, so photographers may need to work quickly. You will get a taste of each location rather than a complete visit.

Is $117 good value?

The listed price is $117 per group up to one, so check the final booking setup carefully if you are booking for two people or more. The value depends on what is included and how you plan to spend your time in Fuerteventura.

You receive a three-hour guided route, optional accommodation pickup in Costa Calma, a helmet, and insurance covering the driver, passenger, third party, accident, and rescue. Taxes, fees, and handling charges are also included. You are paying not only for the buggy, but for the guide, route planning, safety support, and access to a series of stops across the south.

For two people sharing, the cost can compare well with arranging a separate rental car, fuel, and a self-guided route. You also avoid the work of finding the dirt tracks and deciding which roads are suitable. The guide handles the route while you concentrate on driving and scenery.

The value is weaker if you want a smooth vehicle, long stops, or a quiet sightseeing day. You may also need to budget a few euros for coffee and possibly for a scarf or face covering if you do not bring one. Sunglasses, old clothes, and protective gear are small costs, but they make a big difference to comfort.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour can be moved or refunded if poor weather forces cancellation. That is helpful for an outdoor activity in an exposed part of the island.

Who should book this buggy safari?

I would choose this tour if you want to drive rather than sit in a coach and you like a little roughness in your sightseeing. It suits couples, friends, and families with an eligible adult driver and passenger. It also works for a solo participant who wants a guided outing, though the cost structure should be checked carefully.

You do not need advanced off-road driving experience. The guides provide instructions and keep watch over the group. Several first-time drivers have felt safe after the briefing, and the guides have helped people who were unsure at the start.

You should reconsider if you are pregnant, dislike loud engines, have difficulty with bumpy motion, or want to avoid dust. The activity involves a moderate amount of walking and is subject to weather conditions. It is wheelchair accessible, but you should confirm the practical arrangements for your own needs before booking, since getting in and out of a buggy may still require assistance.

This tour is also not ideal if your priority is a long beach stop. The beaches are scenic parts of a moving route, not places where you spend most of the afternoon.

Final verdict: book it for the ride, not a polished sightseeing bus

I would book the Costa Calma Buggy Safari if I wanted a lively way to see southern Fuerteventura and did not mind getting dusty. The strongest reasons are the mix of mostly off-road driving, the west-coast stops, and guides such as Jurjen and Dominique who help keep the outing friendly and controlled.

Bring your original driving license, sunglasses, a face covering, sturdy shoes, a light jacket, and a few euros for the café. Wear old clothes and expect the buggy to rattle. If that sounds like part of the fun, this is a practical, good-value way to reach Playa de Ugan, La Pared, the Natural Park of Jandía, and Playa Sotavento in one compact outing.

FAQ

How long does the Costa Calma Buggy Safari last?

The tour lasts three hours, including the driving route and stops.

Where does the buggy safari take place?

The activity starts in Costa Calma and travels through inland dirt tracks toward Playa de Ugan, La Pared, the Natural Park of Jandía, 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?

Yes. Pickup or drop-off at accommodation in Costa Calma is available as an option.

What should I bring?

Bring your original driving license. Sunglasses and something to cover your nose and mouth are strongly recommended because the route creates dust. A light jacket, old clothing, and a few euros for the café are also useful.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included, although the route stops at a small local bar where you can buy a coffee or another drink.

Can pregnant women join the tour?

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