A Practical Look at the Gran Canaria ATV Quad Tour
If you’re after an adventurous way to see Gran Canaria’s rugged southern landscape, this 2.5-hour ATV tour offers a chance to explore some of the island’s most scenic valleys and canyons. Starting from Maspalomas, you’ll drive your own quad bike through varied terrain, including off-road sections that promise dust, excitement, and a feeling of true exploration. The tour includes several stops, guided commentary, and the chance to switch drivers if you’re riding with someone else—making it flexible for couples or small groups.
We especially appreciate the small group size—limited to four participants—which can help ensure a more personalized, engaging experience. The organized pickup and drop-off from your hotel make logistics easy, especially if you’re staying in popular areas like Arguineguín, Puerto Rico, or Maspalomas. The friendly guides are a highlight, often praised for their professionalism and helpfulness.
One potential drawback, however, is the varied quality of the terrain—as some reviews point out, the off-road paths can be quite challenging, with large stones and rough patches that might not be suitable for everyone. Plus, the appearance of the tour environment has received mixed reviews; while the staff is superb, some travelers feel that the setting could be upgraded to match the quality of the guides.
This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers with some driving experience, looking to combine scenic views with a bit of off-road excitement. If you’re a family with older children or a couple eager to see the countryside from a different perspective, this could be a memorable addition to your Gran Canaria trip.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Small group experience ensures personalized attention and safety.
- Guided stops for photos and sightseeing enrich the adventure.
- Off-road terrain offers thrilling driving but can be rough.
- Includes transportation from your hotel, simplifying logistics.
- Drivers must have at least 1 year of experience and a valid license.
- Mixed reviews highlight both excellent guides and some concerns about terrain quality and environment.
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A Closer Look at the ATV Quad Tour Experience
What the Tour Offers
This long tour packs in a lot in 2.5 hours, including off-road driving, scenic stops, and guided commentary. It begins with a pickup from a convenient list of seven locations, including Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, and Arguineguín, making it accessible regardless of where you’re staying in southern Gran Canaria. The 15-minute van ride from your hotel takes you to the starting point, setting a relaxed tone before the adventure begins.
Once at the starting point, you get a brief safety briefing and equipment fitting, including helmets and goggles, so you’re ready for action. It’s worth noting that drivers are required to bring their license, and must have at least a year’s experience on a quad, ensuring a certain level of competence on tricky terrain. If you’re traveling with a child around 8 years old and above 1.40 meters, they can join as a co-pilot—making this suitable for families with older kids.
The Itinerary: Exploring Valleys and Canyons
The core of the tour is a loop through Fataga and Ayagaures, two stunning spots that showcase the natural beauty of Gran Canaria. The first scenic stop in Fataga offers a chance for photos and a brief guided tour, giving you context about the landscape. The hour-long ride here is a highlight, as you traverse winding paths and get dust on your face.
Next, the tour continues to Ayagaures, where another guided ride and photo stop allow you to appreciate the lush surroundings and volcanic formations. The final leg revisits Maspalomas, where a short 15-minute guided ride rounds off your adventure. The entire experience includes two longer stops and two shorter rides in between, offering a good balance of exhilaration and sightseeing.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Terrain and Driving Experience
The reviews suggest that the terrain can be challenging, with large stones and uneven paths that might be tough for some riders. One reviewer described the roads as “crap”, with stones too big for comfortable riding, which could be uncomfortable or even unsafe for less experienced drivers. Another pointed out that the quad bikes struggled to keep pace with buggies in rough terrain, and the lack of goggles for quad drivers meant they had to keep a distance to see anything.
We loved that guides are knowledgeable and friendly, often going the extra mile to ensure everyone feels comfortable and informed. Their expertise helps mitigate some of the terrain issues, but it’s clear that this experience favors confident drivers who can handle off-road conditions.
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The Equipment and Safety
The tour provides helmets, goggles, and water, which are essential for a safe and comfortable ride. However, one review pointed out that dust masks are not included, so if you’re sensitive to dust, you might want to bring your own. The free transfer service from your hotel simplifies logistics—no need to worry about transportation or navigation.
Price and Value
At $180 for up to two people, the price is reasonable considering the 3-hour duration and the inclusive transport, helmets, goggles, and water. For those seeking an authentic off-road adventure with a professional guide, this offers good value. That said, if terrain quality or environment aesthetics are a priority for you, it’s worth noting that some travelers felt the surroundings looked “third-rate” compared to the staff’s professionalism.
Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?
This quad tour is ideal for travelers with some driving experience eager to explore Gran Canaria’s natural beauty from a different perspective. It’s suited for adventure-seekers who don’t mind getting dusty and tackling uneven paths. It’s also perfect for families with children over 8 years old, looking for a shared activity amidst spectacular scenery.
However, if you’re sensitive to rough terrain or prefer smoother, more polished environments, you might find the experience less satisfying. It’s important to be comfortable with off-road driving and to manage expectations about the environment’s appearance.
Final Thoughts
The Gran Canaria ATV Quad Tour offers a good mix of thrilling off-road riding, scenic stops, and professional guides. Its value lies in the shared adventure, and the ease of logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off. If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of dust and the challenge of uneven terrain, this tour delivers a memorable experience that takes you beyond the usual tourist spots.
For travelers who prioritize authentic natural scenery and guided safety, this adventure is well worth considering. Just keep in mind that the terrain can be tough, and the environment may not be the most picturesque, but the guides’ expertise helps make up for that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a driving license for this tour?
Yes, you must bring your driver’s license, and you need at least one year of driving experience on quads to participate.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children who are approximately 8 years old and at least 1.40 meters tall can join as copilots. The tour is not suitable for children under 8.
What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for outdoor activity, and bring your driver’s license. Shoes like sneakers are recommended; avoid high heels, sandals, or flip flops.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, free transportation from and back to your hotel is included, making it easy to relax and focus on the adventure.
How demanding is the terrain?
The terrain can be quite rough, with large stones and uneven paths. Some reviews mention that the roads are challenging, especially for less experienced drivers.
Can I switch drivers during the tour?
Yes, there is an option to switch drivers at no extra cost, ideal if you’re sharing the quad with someone else.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
Is there any equipment not included?
Dust masks are not provided, so if dust is a concern, bring your own.
To sum it up, this ATV quad tour in Gran Canaria is a solid choice for those wanting a small group, guided off-road adventure with scenic views, provided you’re comfortable with some rough terrain. It’s a fun, authentic experience that captures the spirit of exploring the island’s wild side, especially if you value professional guides and convenience.
You can check availability for your dates here: