Looking for adventure in the Algarve? I went on a Buggy Tour with Algarve Riders and I’m sharing how it went and what I liked in this review. Don’t forget to check my tips too!
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Intro
Tavira may be best known for its cobbled streets and beaches, but if you head inland, you’ll find a completely different Algarve. You’ll find dirt tracks, rolling hills, and rustic villages. One of the most adventurous ways to explore it is on a buggy tour with Algarve Riders. This review will go over my experience on the Algarve Riders buggy Tour and some tips to make the most of your adventure.
Tickets
Book your Buggy Tour with Algarve Riders by clicking here. There are several options with differences being the duration of the activity and vehicle type (Quad, Buggy, or Jeep).
Algarve Riders Location
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
What the Tour is
Algarve Riders is a well-established adventure operator offering off-road buggy and quad tours around the Algarve. The Algarve Riders base is near Tavira, where you get to hop into a two-seater buggy and follow a guide through trails, forests, and hillsides. It’s a scenic drive paired with thrilling drives through dirt tracks and puddles. Tours can last between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on which tour you choose and there’s a stop for photos and a break to use restrooms or switch drivers.
The Experience
Check-in
Upon arrival at the Algarve Riders base, we are met with a staff member who then asks for at least 1 driver’s license (per buggy), a form to pay a deposit (cash or credit), and sign a waiver.
Safety First
Once signed, we are then told to get our helmets, where another staff member provides a helmet that should fit you. If the first choice doesn’t, then you can ask for either a bigger or smaller one. Goggles are also provided at this time.
Put on Covers (if desired)
Since you will be driving through dirt trails, you will get dusty and dirty. So if you prefer to stay as clean as possible, you’re able to put on a thin jacket and pants. They have multiple sizes and you’re free to try then on to find the perfect fit. I did not want to get too hot so I opted to not wear a jacket and pants.
However, I did not want to get my white shoes dirty, so they also do offer plastic covers to keep the shoes clean, which I definitely opted to put on. These did cost a few Euro to use and you do have to request for them as they are not out in the open to grab.
Brief Training in Buggy Functions
Once your group is all suited and geared up, then the guide will brief us on basic functions of the buggy. How to turn it on, put in idle, how to begin driving, and how to turn it back off. It’s pretty self-explanatory and intuitive, so the briefing was pretty short. In case we have issues out on the trails, the guide also lets us know how to signal for help.
Select a Buggy
Then it’s time to pick a buggy! We’re told that the seat is at a fixed position where you can’t modify how near or far the seat is from the pedals and steering wheels.
Since I was the shortest in the group, a staff member singled me out to make sure I got the buggy with the most-forward seat. He also made me sit in the chair and make sure I was comfortable reaching the pedals and being able to drive. I definitely appreciated the extra care!
The Scenery & Trail
Once everyone was in their buggy and buckled up, then we were off! Within minutes we’re driving out into town, then into the off-road dirt tracks! We drove through citrus groves, oak forest, and dusty hills. We could see hillsides covered with possibly vineyards and we passed by rural lands and farms.
There are several moments where we drove on concrete roads shared with normal vehicles. It’s important to follow the guide when on these roads and to drive carefully. When we’re not on concrete roads those, you get to smash through dusty dirt trails and really accelerate into every turn.
Fun Factor
Buggies are powerful enough to be exciting but east to handle and drive. You can expect a LOT of dust, a few splashes, and plenty of laughs.
Half-way Stop
About half-way through the tour, we take a brief stop at a what I think was a community watering hole. There were loads of people jumping and swimming in a creek, cooling off from the summer heat. Here, we got out the buggies, took a breather, used the restroom, and took photos with our buggies.
After about a 20-30 minute break, then we switched drivers, and went back on the trails heading back to the Algarve Riders base.
Post-Drive Clean Up
Once back at the Algarve Riders base, the staff showed us to a couple of high-compressed air hoses where we can blow off the dirt from our clothes. This was a pretty effective way to get a majority of the dirt off, but there will STILL be plenty of dirt left lol. We also used paper towels to help wipe off the dirt from our face and skin.
What I Liked
Professional Guides
The guides were all friendly and clearly knew the trails and points where we need to drive on public roads. They also recognized when the group got separated and slowed down so that those in the back can catch up and stay with the group. A few times, some of the buggies would seemingly stall as well, and the guides quickly reacted to help turn these buggies back on for the riders.
Well-Maintained Buggies
The buggy felt safe and seemed in good condition. It seemed that the buggies that stalled might have been user error and not buggy error, but I could be wrong.
Variety of Terrain
The hills, the dirt tracks, and the small streams gave us enough variety to keep the buddy ride exciting. There were also plenty of turns that gave us an opportunity to smash through and get a more thrilling ride.
Something Different
Going on a buggy adventure was definitely a refreshing change from beaches, resort pools, and historic sights. And I always love checking off a bucket list item, like driving a buggy in the Algarve! ✔
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. You Will Get Dirty
Expect to get dusty and dirty, even if you your best to cover up. Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toe shoes. During my visit, a neck gaiter was provided that can cover your neck, nose and lower half of your face. This definitely helped get too dirty on the face, but dust does still find a way to get into your mouth lol. For women with long hair, a quick tip is to also tuck your pony-tail into the neck gaiter and in your shirt.
2. Plastic Shoe covers Available
As mentioned, plastic shoe covers are available to keep your shoes from getting dirty. However, these are not out for you to grab so you do have to request for them. The do cost a few Euro to use too, so be sure to bring some coins and cash.
3. Bring Your License
You are required to present a valid Drivers License in order to drive any of the vehicles. So don’t forget to bring it with you!
4. Coin Lockers are Available
If you brought bags with you or simply just want to stow your belongings away safely, there are lockers available that only accepts Euro coins to use. But make sure you are ready to lock it once, because if you need to get into the locker briefly and lock again, then you will need to use another coin to do so. Unfortunately I don’t remember if it were a 1 Euro coin or a 2 Euro coin, but regardless, if you plan to use lockers, bring coins!
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Final Words: Absolutely Worth It!
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled way to explore the Algarve’s backcountry, the buggy tour with Algarve Riders in Tavira is definitely worth it. It’s well-organized, it’s a bit of a thrill, and shows you a side of the Algarve you wouldn’t see from a car or beach towel. For only a half-day adventure, it’s a memorable definitely a highlight but just don’t wear your best clothes. I hope this review encourages you to consider going with Algarve Riders for a buggy tour.
Would you go on a buggy adventure in the Algarve?
Let me know in the comments below!
(portuguese “thank you!”)
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