What to Expect When Plans Change Out North

Damage liability and excess charges

When you drive an off-road buggy across volcanic terrain, wear and tear is expected. However, you remain responsible for damage caused by negligent driving or failure to follow the guide's safety instructions. The operator does not publish a specific damage excess or liability cap on this tour, so clarify the terms with your booking confirmation or contact the operator before departure. Ask whether minor impacts, roll-overs, or punctures are your responsibility, and at what point costs become yours to cover.

Off-road driving in northern Lanzarote involves rocky ground, steep descents, and uneven surfaces. Damage to the buggy's undercarriage, suspension, tyres, or bodywork can occur even with careful driving. Request written details of any damage waiver or deposit held during the tour, and understand whether you pay upfront or are invoiced later. Insurance provided by your travel or car rental provider may not extend to off-road vehicle hire, so check your personal policy in advance.

What happens if your buggy breaks down

A mechanical failure mid-route is rare but possible on rough terrain. The guide stays with you and uses radio contact to call for support from the operator's base in Costa Teguise. Depending on the fault, you may wait for a replacement buggy to be driven out to your location, or the guide will arrange transport back to the start point. In either case, the tour is cut short; the operator does not offer a rescheduled trip or refund once you are on the route.

Breakdowns are most likely to affect tyres, since rocky ground can puncture or tear the rubber. The guide carries basic tools but cannot perform major repairs in the field. If a gearbox or engine fault occurs, you will need to leave the buggy and return by support vehicle. Confirm that breakdown assistance is included in your booking and that you will not be charged a separate recovery fee.

Your guide leads the convoy with two-way radio and emergency kit

Guide's first aid and radio equipment

Your guide is equipped with a two-way radio to maintain contact with the operator's office and request emergency services if needed. The guide carries a basic first aid kit for minor cuts, scrapes, and minor injuries sustained during the tour. However, the kit is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you suffer a significant injury, heat exhaustion, or suspected fracture, the guide will radio for an ambulance or rescue team to reach your location on the volcanic terrain.

The northern part of Lanzarote is remote, and response times for emergency services depend on road access and weather. Your guide is trained to stabilise you and keep you comfortable until help arrives, but do not assume rapid evacuation. Inform your guide of any medical conditions, allergies, or medications before the tour starts. If you feel unwell or unsafe at any point, tell the guide immediately; they can arrange early return to Costa Teguise.

Mobile phone signal in the volcanic north

Mobile phone coverage in northern Lanzarote is patchy and unreliable. The volcanic landscape and distance from populated areas mean that 4G and 3G signals drop frequently. Do not rely on your phone to contact family, emergency services, or the operator while you are out on the route. The guide's two-way radio is the only guaranteed communication method, and it is linked to the tour operator's base.

Before you depart, inform someone of your expected return time and the operator's contact number. If you have a medical condition or safety concern, carry written details and share them with your guide. Do not attempt to drive back on your own if you lose the group; stay with the buggy and wait for the guide to radio for assistance. Carry a basic water supply in case of delay, as the exposed volcanic terrain offers no shelter from sun or wind.

Switching to passenger seat if you tire

Off-road driving is physically demanding. Your arms and core work hard to control the buggy over bumps and rocks, and concentrate is required for 3 hours. If you feel fatigued, unsafe, or unable to continue driving, tell your guide. You can swap seats with your co-driver or ride as a passenger while another group member takes the controls. The guide will not penalise you or cut the tour short if you need to rest from driving.

Plan ahead if you have shoulder, back, or wrist injuries, or if you are unsure of your fitness for off-road driving. The guide can advise whether riding as a passenger throughout the tour is a better option. This does not reduce the cost of your booking. If you are a solo traveller with no co-driver, confirm in advance whether the tour can accommodate you as a passenger-only participant, or whether you must have a second seat to split driving duties.

Helmet requirements and safety gear

Helmets are not mentioned as included or required by the operator for this buggy tour. Before you book, contact the operator directly to confirm whether helmets are provided, mandatory, or optional. Off-road driving carries a higher risk of collision or roll-over than road driving, and head protection is a sensible precaution. If the operator does not supply helmets, ask whether you may bring your own or hire one locally.

The tour does include a windbreaker and goggles to protect you from dust and wind. These are essential for visibility and comfort on the volcanic terrain, where dust clouds are kicked up by tyres. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip, long trousers, and a long-sleeved shirt to shield your skin from dust, rocks, and sun. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended, although they are not provided with the tour.

Operator cancellations and rebooking policy

The operator may cancel the tour if weather conditions become unsafe, such as extreme wind, heavy rain, or poor visibility on the volcanic peaks. In this case, you are offered a rebooking on another date or a full refund of the tour cost. Cancellations due to mechanical issues or guide illness are handled on a case-by-case basis; contact the operator as soon as you are notified to discuss your options. Cancellations made by you within 24 hours of departure are typically non-refundable, unless the operator has already cancelled the tour.

If you are travelling from overseas or on a tight schedule, confirm the operator's full cancellation and rebooking policy in writing before you pay. Ask whether bad weather is forecast before your tour date, and whether you can reschedule if conditions look unsafe. The operator's flexibility varies, so clarify expectations upfront. Keep a record of all booking confirmations and the operator's contact details so you can reach them quickly if plans change.

Before you book