Fuerteventura: Can am buggy experience Costa Calma

The best part of this Costa Calma buggy trip is that it takes you from the resort side of Fuerteventura to the wilder west coast in two hours. You follow rough tracks through ravines and open country, then stop at La Pared and Ugan Beach, where the scenery feels far removed from the hotel strip.

I like the small groups, limited to eight people, and the useful hotel pickup right to your door. I also like the friendly guiding style. Edgar and Alejandro are often singled out for clear instructions, good humor, and taking action photos along the route.

The main thing to know is that this is not a high-speed race. The buggies are limited to about 35 km/h, so you get a controlled sightseeing ride with bumps and dust, not a full-throttle motorsport session.

Key points at a glance

• A west-coast route from Costa Calma: Reach La Pared and Ugan Beach by tracks that show you a quieter side of southern Fuerteventura.
• About 75% off-road: Expect dirt tracks, ravines, rough sections, and small roads rather than nonstop paved driving.
• Beginner-friendly pace: The guide explains the Can-Am controls and keeps the group moving at roughly 35 km/h.
• Four seats, minimum age seven: A buggy can carry up to four people, making this useful for families and couples who want to share one vehicle.
• Dust is part of the deal: Wear dark, comfortable clothing, closed shoes, and bring a scarf or face covering.
• Good value for two people: The listed price is $140 per group of up to two, with fuel, insurance, equipment, guide, and hotel transfer included.

From Costa Calma to Fuerteventura’s west coast

You start near the operator’s facilities in Costa Calma, with pickup available from your hotel. The exact pickup time is sent on the morning of the trip, and the vehicle collects you at the hotel door. Be ready on time because the transfer waits no more than five minutes.

At the starting point, the guide explains how to operate the Can-Am buggy and covers the basic safety points. This matters if you have never driven one before. Several guests with no previous buggy experience found the controls easy to pick up once they had a short introduction.

The vehicles are four-seat Can-Am buggies, though the price is listed for a group of up to two people. If you are traveling alone, check the booking terms carefully, since one driver reported paying the price of two people to have a buggy alone. For a couple, the price works more neatly because you share the vehicle and the cost.

The trip lasts two hours, but the route is not fixed down to every turn. Weather, recent rain, track conditions, and the pace of the group can change the route and timing. That flexibility is sensible on Fuerteventura, where dirt tracks can become rougher after rain and conditions can shift quickly.

Las Hermosas and the first off-road tracks

The route begins on a track close to the facilities before reaching Las Hermosas. From there, the group takes a smaller route through the Las Hermosas ravine.

This early section gives you a feel for the buggy without throwing you straight into the most difficult ground. You move across dirt tracks and uneven sections while the guide stays nearby and controls the pace. Expect some jolts, but this is designed as a tourist outing, not a technical off-road test.

The controlled speed is important. The buggies are limited to around 35 km/h for safety, and the guide keeps the group together. You can still enjoy the engine, the open air, and the rough track under your wheels, but you should not book this expecting racing speeds or dramatic competition driving.

I would call the driving level manageable for beginners. You need a valid driving licence and at least one year of driving experience, but you do not need advanced off-road skills. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes help you stay steady in the footwell, and dark clothing hides the dust better than white shorts or a pale shirt.

Ugan Beach and the quieter south coast

After the Las Hermosas section, the route heads toward Ugan Beach. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose the trip. You are not simply driving in circles near Costa Calma. You reach a remote-feeling coastal spot by tracks that are part of the experience.

Ugan Beach is a good place to pause, get out, and take photographs. The beach and surrounding coast give you a break from the engine noise and let you see the rougher character of southern Fuerteventura. The stop is especially useful for anyone who wants sightseeing as well as driving.

The route may also include a walk toward a cave or another coastal feature, depending on the day and the guide. The exact plan can change, so treat these extra stops as possible additions rather than fixed promises.

Bring a scarf. Dust can blow around the group, especially when several buggies follow the same track. A face covering makes the ride more comfortable, and sunglasses or the provided goggles help protect your eyes. The operator supplies goggles, fuel, insurance, and the buggy, but drinks and scarves are not included.

La Pared and the black-sand coast

La Pared is another major stop, and it gives the tour its most striking coastal moment. The area is known for its dark sand and open views over the west side of the island. After a dusty track, stepping out beside the coast provides a welcome change of pace.

You get time for photographs at the stops, and the guides often help with pictures. Edgar is particularly associated with taking action shots from close by and at a distance, while Alejandro is praised for explaining the buggy clearly and keeping the mood relaxed. Photos are not included, and an optional photo package has cost around €20 in the past, so ask before the trip if you want to know the current price.

La Pared is also known as a surf spot, giving you a glimpse of a more exposed Atlantic coast than the calmer beaches around Costa Calma. Do not expect a long beach stay or a full sightseeing walk. The focus remains the buggy route, with short stops that fit inside the two-hour schedule.

The scenery is the reward here: dark sand, open sea, dry hills, and rough tracks. Fuerteventura does not offer lush greenery on this route, but its bare, volcanic character is exactly what makes the west coast feel different from the resort area.

Returning through Matas Bay and Matas Blancas

From the west-coast section, the route heads back toward the calmer side of the island and the Matas Bay windsurfing club. You then take more tracks before returning to the starting area near the Matas Blancas gas station.

This return section keeps the ride active rather than turning it into a simple transfer back to base. You continue on dirt routes and small roads, with the group moving at the guide’s pace. If recent rain has left puddles on the tracks, you may get splashed. That can make for memorable photographs, but it also confirms why dark clothing is a smart choice.

The exact distance and number of stops can vary. The route time is estimated, and the group’s speed affects how long you spend at each point. A slower group may cover less ground, while a quick group may reach more viewpoints. This is one reason to judge the experience as a guided island outing rather than a precisely timed transport service.

What driving the Can-Am is really like

A Can-Am buggy gives you more involvement than sitting in a tour van. You feel the rough ground, steer around the tracks, and share the drive with your passenger. That makes the scenery more memorable because you are actively moving through it.

At the same time, the drive is not extreme. The speed limit keeps things controlled, and much of the route uses established tracks and small roads. Beginners can enjoy the ride without needing to master difficult terrain, while experienced drivers should set their expectations at scenic adventure rather than adrenaline sport.

The four-seat design adds flexibility. A family can share one vehicle, and children from age seven can take part. The minimum age applies to children, while the driver must bring a driving licence and have more than one year of driving experience. The supplied information does not state a separate minimum driving age, so confirm that point when booking if a younger person plans to drive.

The guide leads in English, German, or Spanish. Clear instructions are one of the practical strengths of the trip, especially during the first few minutes when you are learning the controls. Guides such as Edgar and Alejandro also add local context and help organise photographs at the stops.

Price, group size, and what you get

The price is $140 per group of up to two people. That is a reasonable deal if two people share the buggy, since the rate includes the vehicle, fuel, insurance, goggles, guide, and hotel transfer.

The value is less straightforward for a solo driver. One person may need to pay the two-person rate, so check the final booking conditions before committing. The small group size, limited to eight participants, helps explain the price. You are not being moved through the countryside in a large convoy with little contact with the guide.

Hotel pickup adds useful value in Costa Calma. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the start point, but you do need to watch for the morning pickup message and wait at the hotel entrance. The five-minute waiting limit is strict, so do not arrive late.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date and time before booking.

What to wear and bring

The practical advice is simple:

• Bring your driving licence.
• Wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes.
• Choose dark clothing that can get dusty.
• Bring a scarf or face covering.
• Use the supplied goggles.
• Do not count on drinks being provided.
• Ask about optional photographs if you want action shots.

The route can be dusty even on a dry day. After rain, it may be muddy or include larger puddles, which can create fun photos but also make a clean outfit a poor choice. You should be comfortable with getting dirty. This is not the activity for anyone who wants to return to the hotel spotless.

The operator includes insurance, but the supplied details do not explain the excess, deposit, or exact cover. If those terms matter to you, ask before paying. That is a sensible step for any motorised activity.

Who should book this ride

I would choose this trip if you want to combine driving with coastal sightseeing. It suits couples, small groups, and families with children aged seven or older who want a taste of off-road travel without a full-day commitment.

It is also a good first buggy experience. The route stays at a safe pace, the guides explain the controls, and the driving is mostly on tracks and smaller roads. You still get bumps, dust, and open scenery, but you are not expected to handle a rally course.

You may want a different activity if your priority is speed. The 35 km/h limit is clear, and several people specifically appreciated the safe, controlled style. If you expect racing, sharp competition, or long stretches at top speed, this ride will feel restrained.

It may also disappoint if you want a long beach stay. La Pared and Ugan Beach are scenic stops, but the main event is the route between them. Think of the beaches as well-chosen viewpoints within a driving experience, not as a beach excursion with hours for swimming.

Should you book the Costa Calma Can-Am tour?

Book it if you want an easy way to reach the west coast, enjoy a four-wheel adventure, and see places around La Pared and Ugan Beach that you might not reach during a standard resort day. The hotel pickup, small group, friendly guides, and included equipment make the $140 price attractive for two people.

Skip it if you want a high-speed buggy race, a quiet sightseeing trip, or a clean and polished outing. For most first-timers, though, this is a well-balanced introduction to Fuerteventura’s rough tracks and Atlantic coast. Bring a scarf, wear old dark clothes, and expect the photos to show a little dust.

FAQ

How long is the Can-Am buggy experience?

The activity lasts two hours. The route time is estimated and can change with weather, track conditions, and the pace of the group.

Where does the buggy tour take place?

It starts from Costa Calma and crosses toward the west coast, including routes near Las Hermosas, Ugan Beach, La Pared, Matas Bay, and Matas Blancas.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $140 per group of up to two people.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

How many people can sit in one buggy?

The available Can-Am buggy has four seats.

What is the minimum age for children?

Children must be at least seven years old to take part.

Do I need a driving licence?

Yes. You must bring a driving licence and have more than one year of driving experience.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfer is included, and pickup is available from your hotel door. The pickup time is sent on the morning of the activity, and the vehicle does not wait more than five minutes.

What languages are available?

The instructor service is available in English, German, and Spanish.