70s Buggy ride in Gran Canaria.

The unusual part comes first: you drive a vintage Volkswagen buggy through southern Gran Canaria, not a modern off-road vehicle. The route mixes sea views, steep canyons, and curving mountain roads, with Philippe, Phil, or Simon giving instructions and keeping the outing safe.

I like the small two-person format, which makes the ride feel personal rather than like a convoy bus tour. I also like the stop in Cercado de Espino, where you can have drinks in a typical Canarian bar. The main consideration is that the old VW engines can be temperamental, and the mountain roads are curvy enough to feel scary for some people.

Key points at a glance

• Vintage VW power: You drive buggies using engines from the 1960s and 1970s, so expect character rather than modern polish.
• Sea to canyon scenery: The route covers southern Gran Canaria’s coast and mountain interior in about three hours.
• Two people per buggy: The experience is designed for a maximum of two people per vehicle.
• Cercado de Espino stop: Drinks are served at a traditional Canarian bar during the outing.
• Port pickup may be possible: Cruise passengers have been collected and returned to the port, with the drive to the southern side taking about 45 minutes.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why a 1970s buggy is the real attraction

Many island excursions put you in a polished coach or a modern four-wheel-drive vehicle. This one gives you an old-style Volkswagen buggy with a simple engine, open-air feel, and plenty of mechanical personality.

The vehicles use engines dating from the 1960s and 1970s. That is a big part of the charm, but it also explains why the ride is not perfectly predictable. One buggy may need extra attention, and the operator carries mechanical support to deal with small problems. I would choose this experience for atmosphere and fun, not for speed or luxury.

The small group size helps. Two people share each buggy, and the activity has a maximum of two participants. That means you are not simply sitting behind a guide while someone else handles the interesting part. You get direct instructions, then take the wheel yourself.

The provider accepts departures between 9am and 5pm. Since the tour lasts about three hours, your start time affects the light, heat, and feel of the route. A morning start gives you more room in the day. A later start may suit you if you want a slower holiday morning, but confirm the exact departure time when booking.

From the southern coast toward the canyons

The route is built around the contrast between the sea and the mountains. You begin with coastal scenery, then head inland toward the canyons and higher roads of southern Gran Canaria.

That change happens fairly quickly on this island. The coast can feel bright and open, while the mountain roads turn narrow, steep, and winding. You get a better sense of the island’s shape than you would from a resort promenade or a standard sightseeing bus.

The buggy makes the scenery more immediate. You hear the engine, feel the bends, and notice the weather as it changes around you. The trade-off is comfort. This is not the smoothest way to cross the island, and anyone who dislikes noisy vehicles or winding roads should think carefully before booking.

The mountain section is likely to be the most memorable part. The route climbs through roads that have been described as well maintained, but the curves can still feel dramatic. Your guide gives safety instructions before driving and stays involved during the activity. That helps, especially if you have little experience with this kind of vehicle.

I would not treat the ride as a high-speed adventure. The appeal is the combination of old machinery, mountain bends, and views. You get excitement from the setting and the character of the buggy, not from racing.

A stop in Cercado de Espino

The break at Cercado de Espino adds a useful pause to the drive. You stop for drinks at a typical Canarian bar, giving you time to get out of the buggy, stretch your legs, and see a more local side of the island.

This matters because three hours behind the wheel can feel longer than three hours on a coach. The stop breaks up the drive and gives the outing a social rhythm. It is also more appealing than stopping only at a purpose-built tourist viewpoint.

The exact food and drink arrangement can vary. Drinks are part of the stated experience, and some outings have included sangria, tapas, or lunch at a mountain restaurant. Do not assume a full meal is included unless the operator confirms it for your date.

If you enjoy travel that includes a small village stop rather than only major attractions, this is one of the stronger parts of the day. You get a taste of a Canarian setting without turning the outing into a formal food tour.

What the mountain roads feel like

The road section deserves an honest warning. The route to the mountaintop includes many curves, and the height can make the drive feel a little frightening. That is part of the thrill for confident drivers, but it may not suit anyone prone to motion sickness or nervous on steep roads.

The available information describes the mountain roads as well maintained, which is reassuring. Still, road quality does not remove the bends, climbs, or exposure. You should be comfortable driving on curving roads before choosing this activity.

The guide’s role is important here. Philippe, also called Phil, and Simon have led the experience, giving instructions and checking that the driving remains safe. Philippe is French and speaks English, and the activity is offered in English. The tone appears relaxed and friendly, but you should still listen closely to the safety briefing.

The old vehicles can also be temperamental. That may mean a short delay or mechanical attention during the outing. The operator and mechanic are prepared to help, but you should build a little flexibility into your day rather than scheduling a tight appointment immediately afterward.

Pickup from the port and changing island weather

Pickup is offered, and cruise passengers have used the service from the port. One account describes a drive of about 45 minutes to the sunnier southern side of Gran Canaria. That detail is especially useful on a cloudy cruise day, since conditions can differ sharply across the island.

Do not cancel simply because the weather at the port looks poor. Ask Philippe or the operator about conditions in the south before making a decision. At the same time, the activity does require good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

The 45-minute transfer is not a minor detail. It adds travel time before and after the three-hour buggy ride, so the total outing can take much of your day. For cruise passengers, confirm the return timing carefully. Pickup and drop-off are valuable, but you need enough margin before the ship departs.

For other visitors, check the exact meeting point and pickup arrangements before paying. The activity is available near public transportation, but the supplied details do not give a single fixed meeting address for every booking.

Is $270.79 good value for two people?

The listed price is $270.79 per group of up to two, not per person. That works out to roughly $135.40 each if two people share the cost.

That is not a cheap short drive, but the price covers more than simply hiring a vehicle. You get the vintage buggy, guide instruction, the organized route, the mountain and coastal scenery, and drinks at the Canarian bar. Pickup may add real value, especially from the cruise port, where arranging transport to the southern side could be awkward.

The value is strongest for a couple or two friends who want to drive and prefer a distinctive experience over a standard island tour. It is less attractive if you mainly want a low-cost overview of Gran Canaria or a comfortable ride with minimal effort.

The two-person limit also keeps the experience intimate, but it means larger parties cannot simply book one vehicle together. The tour is designed for a maximum of two people, so groups should confirm availability before making plans.

I would compare the cost with the price of a private half-day excursion, not with a shared sightseeing bus. Against a private outing with pickup and a guide, the figure is easier to justify. Against a basic scenic drive, it is expensive.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend the ride to you if you like unusual vehicles, winding roads, and active sightseeing. It suits people who want to take part in the experience rather than simply look out of a window.

It is especially useful for:

• Couples seeking a private-feeling activity
• Cruise passengers wanting pickup and a southern island excursion
• Drivers who enjoy vintage machinery
• Visitors interested in mountain scenery and small Canarian stops
• People who want a relaxed outing with some excitement, rather than a formal cultural tour

Think twice if you need a smooth, quiet, highly predictable excursion. The old engines, curving roads, and weather requirement all add uncertainty. You should also be comfortable taking driving instructions and handling mountain roads.

The experience is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but the supplied information does not give detailed accessibility specifications for the buggies, so ask the operator directly if you have mobility concerns.

Timing, booking, and cancellation advice

This activity is available Monday through Sunday, from 9am to 5pm, during the stated operating period ending December 21, 2026. Your exact start time is arranged within that window, subject to availability.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, so do not assume the reservation is final until you receive it. The fact that the experience is often booked about 41 days ahead suggests that you should plan early, especially for a cruise date or a preferred morning departure.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted. Weather is the exception: if the operator cancels for poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund.

I would leave some breathing room around the tour if you are taking a cruise. The pickup drive, the three-hour activity, and the return journey can occupy most of the day.

My verdict on the 70s Buggy Ride

This is a character-filled way to see southern Gran Canaria. The best parts are the vintage VW buggies, the small two-person setup, the shift from coast to canyon, and the friendly stops along the route.

The drawbacks are clear too. The vehicles are old, the roads are curvy, and the total price is high for a three-hour activity unless you value the private transport and unusual format. Weather and mechanical issues can also affect the day.

I would book it if you want a memorable driving experience and are happy with a little noise, motion, and uncertainty. I would skip it if you prefer comfort, exact timing, and a calm sightseeing ride. For the right pair, though, this offers something most island tours do not: you get to drive a piece of vintage motoring through Gran Canaria’s dramatic southern scenery.

FAQ

How long does the 70s Buggy Ride last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can ride in each buggy?

Two people are accepted per vehicle, and the activity has a maximum of two participants.

What time can the tour start?

You can start at any time between 9am and 5pm, subject to availability.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. Cruise passengers have used pickup from the port, with one reported transfer taking about 45 minutes to reach the southern side of the island.

What language is the activity offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are offered at a typical Canarian bar in Cercado de Espino. Food such as tapas or lunch may be available on some outings, but confirm that arrangement before booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.