Quad Or Buggy Safari, Platanias

Quad or Buggy Safari, Platanias, 3 hours, rated 4.7 across 129 traveller reviews.

Overview

This three-hour quad and buggy safari run by Beach Bums Tours sets off from Platanias and climbs into the hills behind it. Riders take either a 4x4 CFMoto 450 ATV or a CFMoto 800s UTV buggy, helmets included, and follow a professional guide along country roads that wind up through olive groves and mountain slopes before dropping back toward the sea.

The pace suits first-timers and families rather than dedicated off-road riders. Several travellers note the route stays mostly on paved roads shared with cars, which keeps the dust down but means it is not a rugged trail ride.

A guide leads throughout in English, French or Norwegian, and groups are capped at 16 travellers. An air-conditioned vehicle is part of the setup, with parking available at the start point for anyone driving their own rental. A soda is provided. Drivers need a full class B licence, and optional vehicle insurance can be bought on the day.

What's Included

Included

4×4 CFMoto 450 ATV + helmet(s)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional guide
Soda/Pop
Languages offered: English, French, Norwegian
4 x 4 CFmoto 800s UTV

Not Included

Insurance optional (half insurance 25€/full insurance 40€)

Itinerary

Pickup and briefingTravellers can park at the start point near Kolymvari if they have a rental car. A safety briefing follows before setting off.
Coastal stretchThe ride begins near the water, with one reviewer describing a short stretch along the beach before the route turns inland.
Villages and olive grovesThe convoy passes through countryside lanes and neighbourhoods, with olive tree farms on the hillsides.
Mountain climbThe route climbs into the hills above Platanias, with reviewers describing views over the countryside and coastline.
Break stopOne reviewer mentions a rest stop partway through the ride before the route turns back, but this is not a fixed itinerary item.
ReturnThe activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this tour goes, drawn from the listing and from what travellers report.

Licence and helmet. Drivers need a full driving licence, class B, and should bring it along. Helmets are provided for every rider.
Bring water. The listing includes a soda, and one reviewer mentioned receiving a cookie and water at a stop.
Paved, not off-road. Multiple travellers describe the route as mainly paved country roads shared with cars, up the mountain and back down. It suits people who want scenery and an easy ride rather than rough trail driving.
Riding time. Reviewers describe the tour as mainly riding with a stop for a break, and some found it ran longer than expected.
Group feel. The cap is 16 travellers, and reviewers describe mixed groups of families with children and adults. Guides are repeatedly described as friendly, laid back and generous with local knowledge.
Insurance option. Vehicle insurance is optional and paid on the day, at 25 euro for half cover or 40 euro for full cover.

Common issues. Pickup and transfer charges are the main sore point. Several reviewers reported being charged extra for hotel or cruise port pickup after booking, with amounts varying between travellers, and one said the fee was not clear on the listing. Weather and a minimum number of travellers can also cause cancellation, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and one rider flagged a quad with a shaking handlebar on the return leg.

Common Questions

What is included in the price?

The price covers the ATV or buggy with helmets, a professional guide, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a soda. Optional vehicle insurance is extra, at 25 euro for half cover or 40 euro for full cover. Some reviewers also reported a separate transfer charge for pickup, so confirm costs when booking.

Where does the tour start and is pickup available?

The base is near Kolymvari by Platanias, with parking at the start point if you have a rental car. One reviewer describes pickup from the cruise terminal being offered, though several reported an extra charge for it collected on the day. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need a driving licence?

Yes, drivers must hold a full class B driving licence and should carry it on the day. Helmets are provided for everyone.

Is it suitable for families and children?

The listing says most travellers can participate and reviewers describe families with small children and adults in the same group. The pace is easy, mostly on paved country roads, so it works for beginners rather than thrill-seekers.

How hard is the riding?

Several travellers describe a safe, easy ride on mainly paved roads shared with cars, and one notes it avoids dust by staying on tarmac. It is not a rugged off-road adventure. One reviewer found the return leg fast and busy among cars, so expect some normal traffic.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Later cancellations receive no refund, and changes inside that window are not accepted. The tour needs good weather and a minimum number of travellers, and if it is cancelled for either reason you are offered a different date or a full refund.