How to Experience Dune Buggy Riding in Dubai like a Pro

The desert safari experience is one of the best and most famous ones in Dubai. It involves some unique and thrilling adventures, which would not fail to give you an adrenaline rush. One such is the dune buggy ride. A dune buggy is an off-road vehicle used for recreational purposes. With single as well as double seats, the dune buggy is an open vehicle that is used on beaches and deserts. It features huge, low-pressure tires so that the vehicle rides smoothly while off-roading. Most tour companies offer dune buggy riding as an individual experience or as part of a desert safari tour. Here is a complete guide to dune buggy riding in Dubai. 

Dune Buggy Ride: Overview

A Dune buggy ride is an experience like no other. If you have ever been on a desert safari, you would have gone on a dune bashing ride. While dune bashing involves riding a 4×4 vehicle with a professional driver, a dune buggy adventure in Dubai gives you the chance to explore the desert dunes on your own. Alternatively, you can also choose to hire a driver for your dune buggy ride.

How to Choose the Right Dune Buggy Tour

Buggy Selection: When you book your dune buggy tour, you need to book the vehicle as well. Most tour companies offer two options for dune buggy rental in Dubai: Dune Buggy 800 CC and Dune Buggy 1000 CC. In both these options, you can go for either a two-seater buggy or a four-seater buggy. While the former is suitable for solo travelers who want to try the thrilling ride on their own, the latter is perfect for small groups. Dune buggies can be both manual and automatic.

Self-Driven or Professional Driver: You can choose to either drive the dune buggy on your own or go on a tour with a professional driver. The former is for adventure enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. While the ride is thrilling, it can be exhausting as well. On the other hand, you can choose to get the help of a professional driver, who will drive you around while you enjoy the thrill and beauty of the desert. This is perfect for inexperience drivers, families with young children, and senior citizens.

Duration: The next thing to choose is the duration of the tour. Dune buggy rides last anywhere between 60 minutes to 120 minutes, depending on the tour package you selected. Some companies also offer exclusive dune buggy rides that last for 2-4 hours. The dune buggy ride is a leisure ride that involves riding on the high and sand dunes of the desert while enjoying the beautiful nature surrounding you.

Most of these tours include a complete desert safari experience, featuring various activities, entertainment programs, a BBQ dinner, and more. 

What to Expect During Your Dune Buggy Tour

• The dune buggy adventure begins with the pickup at the hotel. Most tours include transportation. Still, it is best to check with your tour operator about the same.
• Once you reach the desert, you will be undergoing a briefing session, where your tour guide will provide you with safety instructions. It is extremely crucial to be alert, so that you do not miss any important points. You must also follow the instructions to the T, especially if you are opting for a self-driven dune buggy tour.
• The next step is to gear up. You need to put on all the safety gear, including helmet, suit, goggles, and gloves. Be sure to secure all the safety gear correctly. 
• Before you go on a dune buggy ride, there will be a practice session, allowing you to understand the vehicle better.  
• Once you get the hang of the vehicle, the actual dune buggy ride begins. The tour is usually led by a professional driver who knows the routes. It is important to follow the guide for a smooth dune buggy ride experience.
• The dune buggy ride is not just about riding on the high and low slopes of the sand dunes. On the other hand, it also involves rest stops where you can enjoy the view and also take some cool photographs.
•  At the end of the tour, you would either be dropped back home or reach the desert camp for the remaining Dubai desert safari adventure activities.

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Safety Tips: How to Keep Yourself Safe during the Dune Buggy Ride

• Do not miss any safety gear. Each piece of safety equipment is important and meant to keep you safe. So, make sure you wear them at all times. 
• Follow the instructions provided by the tour guide carefully to ensure your safety throughout the ride. 
• It is best to avoid indulging in any risky stunts, especially if you do not have any prior experience.
• You must be aware of your limits regarding speed and control. It may seem very cool to speed up and down the dunes, but you must remember that you may lose control while doing this, especially if you are riding a dune buggy for the first time. 
• Have a light meal before you go on a dune buggy ride. Heavy meals just before the ride can make you feel nauseous and uncomfortable. Do not forget to keep yourself hydrated.

What to Wear during the Dune Buggy Ride?

•  The Dubai desert safari outfit guide advises you to wear a long-sleeved top or shirt and long pants for your dune buggy ride.
• This will help protect your skin from the harsh desert sun.
• For footwear, opt for closed shoes. Sneakers and lightweight boots are fantastic options. Avoid wearing sandals and flip-flops while driving, as they do not provide good support. 
• Do not forget your sunglasses, hat, and scarf. These accessories will help protect you from the sun and sand of the desert.
• You must apply sunscreen with a high SPF on all your exposed parts of the body. Lip balm is also essential for keeping your lips from getting chapped. 
• Do carry a bottle of water and keep sipping from it whenever you take photo breaks during the ride.

Frequently Asked Questions?

1. Is the dune buggy ride for beginners?

Yes, beginners can go for a dune buggy ride.

2. Does one need driving experience to ride a dune buggy?

No, you do not need any prior driving experience to ride a dune buggy. If you do not have driving experience, you can opt for an automatic vehicle and drive as per the instructions provided by your guide.

3. Is a dune buggy ride safe for kids?

Dune buggies are not meant for very young children. Kids above the age of 12 can be passengers on a dune buggy ride.

4. Are a dune buggy and a quad bike the same?

No, dune buggies and quad bikes are not the same. Dune buggies are larger vehicles with 2-4 seats, while quad bikes are smaller ones that can accommodate only one rider. However, both are used for desert recreational activities.

Conclusion

The best time to go on a dune buggy ride in Dubai is between November and March, when the weather is more pleasant. Mornings are best for dune buggy rides, although an evening ride would give you the chance to enjoy a beautiful sunset in the desert.