Puerto del Carmen: Buggy Adventure

Buggy time over Lanzarote is pure fun. This Puerto del Carmen outing mixes on-road cruising with real off-road stretches, guided by pros who keep things organized and safe, and you still get time to take it all in. It also includes a jet ski speed moment over the Atlantic, plus a high-altitude view stop.

I love the format: you get to self-drive the buggy, not just sit back, so you feel the island under you in a controlled, beginner-friendly way. I also like the way guides such as Alex bring Lanzarote to life with practical route guidance and island stories at stops, so the time feels more than just seat time.

One thing to consider: the ride gets dusty and you may want warm layers. And while the tour is fun for many people, it is not for kids under 8, or for anyone under 135 cm tall, and drivers must be 21+.

Quick things I’d highlight before you go

• Self-drive buggies with a clear pre-ride briefing so you can focus on driving.
• Small group limit of 6, which helps everyone stay together on the route.
• Alex-style guiding, friendly, safety-focused, and full of Lanzarote facts during the stops.
• Photo opportunities at key points, including a viewpoint at altitude.
• Off-road time on volcanic terrain, plus a mix of on-road sections for pacing.
• A package that’s marketed as including a jet ski splash in Atlantic waters.

Puerto del Carmen, Playa Chica, and an easy start

This tour’s starting point is at the Paracraft office next to Playa Chica. That matters because you are not fighting across the island just to begin the fun. Puerto del Carmen is set up for tourists, so getting to a meeting point near the beach is usually straightforward.

If you’re staying in the main resort area, you can treat this like a planned afternoon activity rather than a half-day logistics project. And because it’s only 2 hours, you can pair it with a proper meal afterward, or use it to break up a beach-heavy day.

How the buggy works (and why the briefing is the real deal)

You do not need a racing background. The tour is designed as a self-drive experience with robust, easy-to-drive buggies and a comprehensive pre-ride briefing. That briefing is more important than it sounds, because you’re not just learning controls, you’re learning how the guide wants the group to move.

You will want your basics ready before you arrive:

• Bring your driver’s license
• Wear closed-toe shoes
• Expect rules around safety and comfort (like no bare feet and no alcohol in the vehicle)

Drivers must be 21+, and the activity is not suitable for children under 8 or people under 135 cm tall. If you’re a couple and one person is under 21, you’ll likely hit that limit fast, so check before you plan your day.

In practice, the small group size helps you feel less like you’re in a queue and more like you’re part of a controlled convoy. That also makes it easier for the guide to stop, regroup, and explain things without rushing.

The pacing: on-road cruising first, then the off-road pull

This adventure is built on variety. You get stretches on main roads and then the route turns into off-road terrain, including volcanic terrain. That mix is a big part of why the tour works for so many different people in one group.

On-road time helps you get comfortable in the vehicle. You learn how the buggy handles when you’re steering, braking, and moving as a group. Then when you hit the off-road sections, you actually notice the difference: the bumps, the traction changes, and the feeling that you’re leaving the easy path for something messier and more fun.

From what you can expect in the ride style, don’t assume it’s all dirt the whole time. Some people love that balance because it keeps energy up and reduces fatigue. If your goal is maximum time off-road, it’s smart to know you may still spend a meaningful chunk on paved sections, before you hit the more rugged parts.

The guides keep things orderly. In real-world terms, that means you’re not a loose pack of vehicles trying to fend for yourselves. The group stays together, with stops to make sure everyone is aligned.

Volcanic terrain, photo stops, and the viewpoint moment at altitude

Lanzarote has a way of looking otherworldly, and this tour leans into that. You’ll drive through dramatic terrain and hit scenic pauses where you can take photos and get context for what you’re seeing.

A standout element here is the viewpoint at high altitude, described as part of the overall experience. That’s your chance to shift from up-close driving to a wider perspective, where you can actually read the island’s shapes and scale. Even if you’ve seen photos before, standing above it changes how it all clicks.

These stops also tend to be where the guide shines. Guides like Alex are known for using the halts as mini lessons, explaining what you’re looking at and what you’ll see next. That turns the drive into a moving tour, not just a stop-and-go sprint.

Photo opportunities are built into the route, so you’re not stuck trying to shoot pictures one-handed while everyone behind you waits. It feels more relaxed, and you get time to step out, look around, and rejoin the group when it’s time.

The jet ski add-on over the Atlantic

One of the most intriguing highlights here is the jet ski segment over Atlantic water. If you like switching activities, this combo is a nice way to keep your afternoon from feeling one-note.

Why that matters: a buggy tour gives you speed over land and control over terrain. A jet ski gives you speed over water and a different kind of thrill. If you’re traveling with someone who gets bored easily by slow sightseeing, this kind of mix can keep the day moving and keep everyone happy.

That said, the exact flow and time split between the buggy portion and the jet ski portion isn’t detailed here. So if you’re planning around schedules, just treat the jet ski as a highlight included in the overall package, not something you should plan as a standalone, long session.

Safety rules you’ll actually feel on the drive

Safety here is not just a poster on a wall. You are guided as a group, and you’re briefed before you start. People tend to remember two things: the guide’s focus on keeping drivers comfortable and the consistent regrouping if anything gets separated.

There are also clear vehicle and behavior rules:

• No alcohol and drugs
• No alcoholic drinks in the vehicle
• No bare feet
• Closed-toe shoes required

Those rules make the ride feel more serious, which helps when you’re moving off-road where attention matters. It also makes the experience work better for mixed groups, including couples and families where everyone has different comfort levels.

Dust, cool air, and what to wear for comfort

This part is practical and worth taking seriously. Even if it feels sunny at the beach, the ride can be dusty, and some people find it chilly enough to want a warm layer.

From real on-the-day experience, I’d plan for:

• A layer that can handle wind
• Something to protect your face from dust (a buff helps)
• Goggles or sunglasses you don’t mind getting dusty

One nice touch is that the guide can help with comfort if you’re not prepared, and there’s even mention of protective items like a bandana being available if needed. Still, I’d rather bring what you need than count on it.

Also, closed-toe shoes are required. That’s not just about rules, it’s about grip and comfort while you’re bouncing around.

Price and value: $294 per group up to 4

At $294 per group up to 4, this is priced like an activity designed for shared value. The big win is that you’re not paying the same rate as if you were booking a per-person thrill ride.

How to think about value:

• You get a guided tour plus fuel and insurance coverage
• You get photo stops included
• The group size is capped low, limited to 6 participants total
• The self-drive format is part of what you’re paying for, not just guided sightseeing

If you’re traveling with a full car of four adults, the math usually looks better than a strict per-person tour. If you’re a couple, it can still be good value because the format is fun for two, and you still benefit from the small-group pacing.

Just keep expectations aligned. This is 2 hours, so it’s not a long full-day exploration. But that short duration is also why it can be such a good use of time in Puerto del Carmen. You’re getting a concentrated burst of driving, views, and the jet ski highlight without surrendering your whole day.

Who should book this buggy adventure

This works best if you want:

• A self-drive experience with expert guidance
• A mix of on-road and off-road driving
• A small-group feel with real stops and explanations
• A day that includes a second thrill moment via the jet ski

It’s especially well-suited for couples who want something active without needing hiking gear. It’s also a good family option for kids who meet the age and height minimums, since the rules are clear and the ride is organized as a group activity.

It might not fit you if:

• You dislike dust or cold wind exposure without preparation
• You don’t meet the driver requirements (license, 21+, and comfort with controls)
• You’re traveling with someone who doesn’t meet the height or minimum age limits

A smooth way to plan your day around it

Because the tour is only 2 hours, treat it like a pivot point in your afternoon. You can start near Playa Chica, do your driving and viewpoints, and then transition back into a normal beach or dinner plan.

Bring exactly what the tour asks for (driver’s license and closed-toe shoes), then add a layer for comfort. If you’re sensitive to dusty conditions, plan for that too. It’s a small change that makes a big difference to how much you enjoy the off-road part.

Finally, if you want the best experience, lean into the guide’s flow. The whole thing works because you move as a group, take pauses, and let the briefing translate into smoother driving.

Should you book the Buggy Adventure in Puerto del Carmen?

I’d book it if you want a short, high-energy Lanzarote experience with real driving time, a guide who keeps safety and group flow tight, and a couple of scenery moments that give context for what you’re seeing. It’s one of those activities that feels worth it because you control the buggy yourself, not just the camera.

Skip it if you’re looking for a long, slow scenic tour, or if dust and wind will be a problem for you without extra preparation. If you’re ready for a mix of paved and volcanic terrain, plus the jet ski highlight, you’ll likely have a memorable couple of hours near Playa Chica.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Puerto del Carmen Buggy Adventure?

You’ll meet at the Paracraft Office next to Playa Chica.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

What is the price, and how many people does it cover?

The price is $294 per group up to 4.

What’s included in the experience?

It includes an expert guided buggy tour, a comprehensive pre-ride briefing, off-road adventure through scenic routes, stops for photo opportunities, fuel and insurance coverage, and discounts for group bookings.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes, you should bring your driver’s license.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear closed-toe shoes. Bare feet are not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 8 years, or for people under 135 cm tall. Drivers must be 21+.