On-Road Guided Buggy Volcano Ride in Lanzarote

REVIEW · LANZAROTE

On-Road Guided Buggy Volcano Ride in Lanzarote

  • 4.563 reviews
  • 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • From $211.19
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Operated by Buggy Experience Lanzarote · Bookable on Viator

A buggy ride through Lanzarote’s volcano country.

This tour is interesting because it mixes guided driving with two real volcanic stops, including time near El Cuervo and the famous Las Grietas canyon area. It’s set up for you to see a lot in about 2.5 hours without spending your day glued to a coach.

What I like most is the way the day is paced. You get clear guidance, plus proper breaks to look around, take photos, and walk a bit in the volcanic park.

One thing to consider: even though it’s a buggy, it is more on-road than full-on off-road. Also, there is some walking at the volcano stop, so plan for that if mobility is an issue.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

On-Road Guided Buggy Volcano Ride in Lanzarote - Key Things to Know Before You Go

  • El Cuervo and Las Grietas are the main geological highlights
  • On-road driving with volcanic scenery, not a long mud-and-dunes session
  • Windbreaker (windbeaker) and visor use help with Lanzarote’s breezes and sun glare
  • First-time drivers get instructions, and the operation runs in a small-group format
  • Walking is part of the value, especially around the crater/canyon stops
  • Most tours cap at 20 people, which usually means less chaos at brief photo stops

Puerto del Carmen to El Cuervo: what this buggy tour is really about

On-Road Guided Buggy Volcano Ride in Lanzarote - Puerto del Carmen to El Cuervo: what this buggy tour is really about
This is a guided buggy road trip in Lanzarote that focuses on volcanic terrain close to Puerto del Carmen. You’ll drive during the main portion of the experience, then slow down at two stops for viewpoints and short walks.

The best part is that it gives you variety. You’re not only driving past scenery from the passenger seat. You also get time on foot in the volcanic park area, where you can actually see the shapes, colors, and textures up close. The El Cuervo stop feels like the “volcano moment” of the day. Las Grietas is the “wow, look at that” follow-up.

If you’re expecting a heavy off-road adventure, adjust your expectations. Based on how the experience is described, it’s mostly road driving with “volcano close-up” moments when you stop and walk. That still can feel exciting, because you’re doing it in open buggies and you’re steering through real volcanic country, not just a normal scenic drive.

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Driving rules, small-group size, and the vibe with guides like Angel and Diego

This tour is capped at a maximum of 20 travelers, so it tends to feel more managed than large bus excursions. You also get included guidance at the start, and several guests specifically praise guides such as Angel, Saul, and Diego for clear instructions and a friendly, attentive style.

Here are the key practical points that matter before you show up:

  • To drive the buggy, you need a full driving license with at least 2 years of experience.
  • Pickup (when offered) is designed to be easy: the vehicle waits 10 minutes after the agreed time.
  • The tour ends back at the meeting point, so plan your timing around that if you’re coordinating with other activities.

If you’re a little nervous about driving an open vehicle, you’re not alone. People who have never driven a buggy before often feel better once the instructions are done and the group gets moving. Still, keep in mind that you’ll be driving alongside other vehicles on the route, so this is not the place to be half-awake.

Stop 1: Volcán El Cuervo viewpoints and the short walk that adds real value

On-Road Guided Buggy Volcano Ride in Lanzarote - Stop 1: Volcán El Cuervo viewpoints and the short walk that adds real value
Volcán El Cuervo is the first major stop, and it sets the tone. This is where the tour shifts from driving to geology.

What you’ll likely feel here is a mix of dramatic views and a “step back and look around” pause. Some guests mention a crater visit and highlight that the guide explains what you’re seeing. That matters because Lanzarote’s volcanic shapes can look similar from a distance. With context, you start noticing differences in rock color, crater edges, and how the terrain was formed.

The tradeoff is physical effort. Reviews flag that there is walking involved around the volcano stop. One group noted the walk time at roughly 20 minutes there and back. If you’re comfortable with a moderate walk on uneven volcanic ground, you’ll probably enjoy this part a lot. If not, consider bringing help for pacing and plan to take it slowly.

Also, if the weather is rough, visibility can take a hit in an open buggy and at viewpoint stops. You’ll want to be ready for wind and glare, which is where the provided gear becomes useful (more on that below).

Stop 2: Las Grietas canyon formations and how to time your photos

On-Road Guided Buggy Volcano Ride in Lanzarote - Stop 2: Las Grietas canyon formations and how to time your photos
Las Grietas is the second highlight, and it’s the part many people bring home pictures from. It’s described as a unique volcanic formation, and it’s often framed as the “canyon” or “cracked earth” moment of the tour.

The value here is the combination of:

1) the moment you arrive and can see the formation clearly, and

2) the time spent on foot in the volcanic park area, where you can see how the ground opens and changes.

A common theme in the feedback is that the photos look better once you’re actually near the features, not only from a roadside pull-off. The walking section adds depth, even if it’s not a long trek.

One fair consideration: not everyone will enjoy the physical part at this stop. Some guests felt the walking or hiking at the second stop was more than they expected. If you’re traveling with older adults or anyone who struggles on uneven ground, talk to the guide at the start about what the walk will feel like. You can also plan on a slower pace for photos and take breaks if you need them.

If you wear glasses, come prepared. Multiple guests note that you’ll need to use a visor, and you should bring something to wipe it down if the weather is windy or gritty.

Wind, sun, and what to wear in open buggies (the small stuff that makes a big difference)

Lanzarote can feel mild by the sea, then surprise you with wind once you’re out in the volcanic areas. That’s why the gear matters. This tour includes a windbreaker (listed as windbeaker), and guests often mention jackets being provided, plus a visor for eye protection.

Here’s what you should bring, based on how the experience is described:

  • Waterproof outer layer: not just a light sweater. Even when it’s warm, wind can cut through.
  • Hat and gloves: at least light gloves. People specifically recommend this because it can feel colder than expected while driving.
  • Sunglasses and/or a way to handle visor use: if you wear glasses, plan for the visor and have a wipe ready.
  • Water: several guests say it’s worth packing plenty.

Packing smarter helps you enjoy the walking portions too. If you feel cold and miserable, the volcano stops turn into “just get me through this” instead of a memorable part of your day.

Price and value: $211.19 per group, plus the small transport add-on

The headline price is listed as $211.19 per group (up to 4) for about 2 hours 30 minutes. That group structure can be good value if you’re traveling as a small party of friends or a family who doesn’t mind sharing a buggy.

But one detail can change your final cost: transport is an extra of 5 euros per person, and it’s not included. If you’re figuring out whether this is a good deal, add that in early instead of at the last minute.

The big value question isn’t only the math. It’s whether you want:

  • guided driving that’s faster than a rental car without doing the planning, and
  • time at two volcanic stops that include some walking for real viewpoints.

For people who don’t want to spend all day on a coach, this can feel like a sweet spot. It’s also a good option when you want to see geology but still keep your schedule flexible.

That said, if your main goal is intense off-road thrills, you may feel underwhelmed. A few guests were disappointed that it is not an off-road dirt adventure. Your best bet is to think of it as a guided road buggy experience with volcanic stops and hikes, not a “mud buggy” day.

Who should book: first-time drivers, families, and people who like photo pauses

This tour can work for a lot of people because it offers most travelers can participate and it’s capped at a small group size.

It’s especially a good fit if you:

  • want a more active alternative to a coach tour,
  • like being in control of where you’re looking (rather than always being a passenger),
  • enjoy geology and want both driving + short walks for context, and
  • travel in a small group (since pricing is per group up to 4).

Families can enjoy it too. One review described it as a great option for kids aged 14 and 9, and people also mention it as a highlight for cruise days (when schedules allow).

Where you should slow down on the decision:

  • If someone in your group has limited mobility, the walking at the volcano and especially at the second stop may be challenging.
  • If you’re sensitive to wind or you get travel-worn easily, dress for the elements.
  • If you expected full off-road driving trails, read the experience as more “on-road buggy tour” than “dune buggy adventure.”

Should you book this Lanzarote on-road buggy volcano ride?

Book it if you want a guided Lanzarote experience that mixes driving control with two standout volcanic stops: El Cuervo for the volcano moment and Las Grietas for the dramatic canyon formations. The small-group feel, the helpful instruction, and the quality of guides like Angel and Diego are major strengths.

Skip it (or choose carefully) if you want long off-road dirt roads and mud-style thrills. This one is built around road driving plus walking viewpoints, so it pays to match your expectations to that.

If you book, pack like it’s breezy and you’ll be outside longer than you think. Windbreaker, hat, gloves, water, and a glasses plan will help you turn the day into something fun instead of something you just survive.

In short: this is a solid value pick for people who want volcanic scenery, a guided route from Puerto del Carmen, and enough walking to make the stops feel real.

FAQ

How long is the buggy volcano ride?

It’s about 2 hours 30 minutes.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered. The transport waits 10 minutes after the agreed pickup time.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is the Buggy Volcano Road trip excursions center at H2O, C. Capellanía, 1, 35510 Puerto del Carmen, Las Palmas, Spain.

Do I need a license to drive the buggy?

Yes. You need a full driving license with at least 2 years of driving experience.

What stops will we visit?

You’ll visit Volcán El Cuervo first, then Las Grietas.

What’s included in the price?

A windbreaker is included.

Is transport included?

Transport is an extra of 5 euros per person.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the experience may be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor weather.

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