How a Buggy Tour Changed the Way I Travel (and How It Might Change Yours Too)
Editor’s note: This entry is written by Valentina, a traveler who did our buggy tour. She decided to share her experience exactly as she lived it so others can feel inspired and know what to expect.
I arrived convinced I was about to become Toretto… until I saw the mud puddles
Imagine planning your vacation for the very first time, choosing the Dominican Republic as your destination, and thinking you’re going to have a luxury trip because you booked a stay at the Nickelodeon resort. But then you have this super adventurous friend who decides your vacation can’t be ordinary.
Well… that’s the story of my trip.
I had never in my life thought about doing buggies—I hadn’t even heard the word—until my friend found out about my vacation and started telling me about this adventure so exciting that, according to him, I had to experience it. He kept pushing me to leave my fears behind and try new things. After so much insisting, I finally decided to give it a chance.
I started watching videos of these famous buggies and they looked amazing. I should clarify: I don’t know how to drive, but I read that you don’t need a license, so off I went, full of excitement, already picturing myself as a female Toretto. When I realized we had to drive through mud puddles for the experience to really make sense, I preferred to let my friend take the wheel. And of course, after he spent so much time convincing me, I asked him to show me the real adrenaline he kept talking about.
We went straight into the mud pits and I ended up absolutely covered in dirt; I laughed so hard that mud even got into my mouth because I didn’t wear the bandana. I came out red as a shrimp because, even though they told me to protect myself from the sun, I ignored it. I lost my voice from screaming with joy and, in the end, we cooled off in some cenotes where I finally washed off all that mud.
Would I do it again? Of course I would. Next time I’ll cover my mouth and put on sunscreen so I don’t burn. Thanks to Carlos for convincing me to do this—because I even ended up trying a zipline and feeding squirrel monkeys. I dare say that everyone should throw themselves into trying new experiences.
Now let me walk you through the different types of buggies you can choose from and what you need to know so you don’t repeat my mistakes.
Buggy, ATV or Polaris?
If this is your first time doing this kind of experience, you probably have a lot of questions.
What is a buggy vehicle like?
There are several models. For example, the classic buggy is a low, open vehicle recommended for those who like medium-level adrenaline. This type of vehicle lets you feel every turn and every puddle.
Is doing buggies safe for kids?
Thanks to the side nets, it’s safe for children, and kids from 7 years old and up can ride as long as they are supervised by their parents.
Do you need a driver’s license?
You don’t need a license, you just need to be over 18 and know how to drive. Up to four people can ride. Just remember, this isn’t a race: keep a safe distance and a moderate speed because some buggies go on the road and you may come across other vehicles.
ATV – Power for the Brave
If you’re 100% team adventure and love feeling that adrenaline rush, then this is the one for you.
How powerful are the ATVs?
ATVs have 800 cc engines that offer a lot more power.
How many people can ride in this vehicle?
They can fit 2 or 4 people, as long as you’re all looking for speed. The lightness of the vehicle and its power make the adrenaline build up fast. But it’s crucial to place your feet correctly and use the bars so you feel safe. The tour team always carries tools and prioritizes your safety.
Polaris: Comfort Without Getting Too Dirty
If you like going fast but getting dirty isn’t really your thing, then the Polaris is for you. I call it “medium-level adrenaline.”
The Polaris is larger and more comfortable, and there are options for families of 4 or for couples. It has big wheels and high suspension, so it absorbs bumps better and you’re less likely to end up covered in mud.
Before you head out, the team checks each Polaris and gives you a helmet and protective gear. If you prefer a cleaner adventure, but still an exciting one, this may be your best option.
Everything That’s Included When You Do This Experience
One thing I really have to highlight is that what I liked most was not just the buggies themselves, but everything that came with the experience:
Round-trip transportation from your hotel
Safety equipment
Expert guides
Three hours of touring
Visits to Macao Beach, a cave, and an organic farm
Rum and mamajuana tasting
Unique views and local wildlife
All this from 65 USD per person. In short, you’re paying for a complete experience, not just a simple ride in a vehicle.
Safety First: Myths and Realities
Since you can find all kinds of information online, here are some recommendations to keep in mind when choosing the right tour operator.
How do you find the right company?
The key is choosing reliable operators. Check how many reviews they have, look them up on Google to see what people say, email them or call their phone number and ask any other questions you might have so you can properly vet them.
Once you’ve chosen one and you’re about to start your experience, they should give you protective gear and instructions. Please follow those instructions—whether your vacation has a happy ending depends on that. Serious companies inspect every vehicle.
For a Comfortable Experience
Bring towels, a waterproof camera, insect repellent, a hat, sunscreen, and a bandana.
Bring cash for extra purchases and tips.
Pack snacks and water; even though there are tastings, you might get hungry along the way.
Wear clothes you’re okay with getting dirty and bring a spare outfit. Wear closed, comfortable shoes, and consider water sandals for the beach stop.
About sunscreen… don’t make my mistake. I ended up looking like a shrimp and learned the hard way that in Punta Cana, the sun hits hard.
If I Could Do It, So Can You
You might be wondering if all of this is real or just a marketing trick. I wondered the same thing. But my experience showed me that sometimes the only thing we need is to just go for it.
That day, as I washed off the mud and sand in the cenote, I understood that it’s not just about driving a vehicle—it’s about breaking your own limits.
So, if after reading this, I dare say that everyone should give themselves the chance to try new experiences. Grab that friend who never dares to do anything crazy, book the tour, and then tell us how your first time in a buggy went. Are you in?