Mallorca: Formula Car and Buggy combo tour

The unusual part of this Mallorca tour is that you drive two very different vehicles in one outing: a manual slingshot and an automatic buggy. The route runs from Calvia along the coast and into the Sierra de Tramontana, with stops for Malgratz Island, the Estellencs coast, Port Andratx, and views over Camp de Mar.

I like the mix of open-air driving and mountain scenery, and I like that the group is limited to 10 people, which should keep the briefing and vehicle change fairly manageable. The main catch is important: the slingshot has a manual gearbox, and the €30 driver insurance charge is extra. Also, this is a scenic road tour, not an off-road buggy adventure.

Key points to know before booking

• Two vehicles in two hours: You drive both the manual slingshot and the automatic buggy, switching vehicles during the route.
• The slingshot needs manual driving skills: You must know how to operate a manual car to take the wheel.
• The route favors views over dirt tracks: The buggy portion takes place on the tour route, but off-road driving is not promised.
• Malgratz Island is the first photo stop: You get about 10 minutes there, with additional stops depending on traffic and timing.
• The driver must be at least 21: You also need a valid driving license and at least two years of driving experience.
• Budget for the extra insurance charge: Driver insurance costs €30 at the office, and the vehicles have a €350 excess.

Two vehicles, one compact Mallorca outing

At $69 per person, this tour gives you a short taste of two driving experiences rather than one long session behind the wheel. You start with either the slingshot or buggy, depending on the day’s arrangement, then change vehicles at the main stop.

That format works well if you want variety. The slingshot gives you a more traditional sports-car feel, with a manual transmission and a low, open design. The buggy has an automatic gearbox, so it is easier to operate if you do not want to think about clutch control and gear changes.

The tradeoff is time. Two hours sounds generous until you allow for the safety briefing, the vehicle change, photo stops, traffic, and the return drive. You will get meaningful driving time in both vehicles, but this is not a full-day motor tour or a technical driving course.

The tour uses a small group of up to 10 participants. That matters because the guide can explain the vehicles before departure and manage the changeover without the feel of a large coach excursion. Guides are available in German, English, Spanish, and French.

Starting in Calvia with a proper vehicle briefing

You meet at the Formula Tours garage. Before setting off, the guide explains the route and the vehicles, including the controls and driving requirements.

Pay close attention during this part. The slingshot has manual transmission, and you need to know how to drive a manual car before booking. The buggy is automatic, but you still need a driving license to operate it.

The starting vehicle may vary. You might begin in the slingshot and later move to the buggy, or start with the buggy and change to the slingshot at the main stop. If driving both vehicles is the main reason you are booking, ask the office how the changeover is being arranged on your date.

You also need a credit card, a valid driving license, and a passport or identity card. Closed shoes are required for the driver, and sunglasses are mandatory for both driver and passenger. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, which is sensible in open vehicles where your feet are exposed to sun, wind, and road dust.

A child seat is available from age three. The minimum age for a passenger is six, while the driver must be at least 21 years old and have two years of driving experience.

Along the Calvia coast toward Malgratz Island

The first section follows the coast near Calvia and passes several points of interest before reaching the view toward Malgratz Island. This is where the tour begins to feel like a scenic outing rather than simply a vehicle rental.

You get roughly 10 minutes at the Malgratz stop for photographs. That is enough time for a few views and pictures without turning the tour into a long sightseeing break. If you want carefully composed photographs, have your phone ready before you stop. The scheduled pause is brief.

The open design of the vehicles is a big part of the appeal here. You are not looking through a bus window. You feel the wind, hear the road, and get a broad view around you. That also means you should expect direct sun and exposure to the weather, so sunglasses are not just a formality.

The first stretch may be the most comfortable part for anyone who wants a gentle introduction. You have time to get used to the vehicle before the route heads farther into the mountains. If you are driving the slingshot first, the early road section also gives you a chance to settle into the manual gearbox.

The Estellencs stop and the best coastal views

From Malgratz Island, the route continues toward Es Grau in Estellencs. This is the main stop, with a broad view of the coastline and the Sierra de Tramontana.

I would treat this as the scenic high point of the tour. The appeal is not a long list of monuments. It is the combination of mountain roads, sea views, and the open vehicle itself. You get a sense of Mallorca’s southwestern edge in a way that a standard sightseeing transfer cannot provide.

This is also where you change vehicles. The timing makes practical sense because you can leave one vehicle, take photographs, and then receive the instructions for the second one before continuing.

There is one detail to keep in mind. The tour description allows two or three stops depending on traffic and available time. In practice, the number and length of stops can vary. One recent experience had a single stop lasting around 40 minutes, which reduced the driving time and meant the buggy portion was not available. That is not presented as the normal plan, but it shows why you should confirm the day’s vehicle schedule at the office.

If both vehicles matter to you, ask directly before departure: Will I drive both today, and how much time is planned in each? That simple question can prevent disappointment.

Changing from the manual slingshot to the automatic buggy

The vehicle change is the tour’s central feature. The slingshot requires manual driving, while the buggy uses an automatic transmission.

For an experienced manual driver, the slingshot should feel like the more demanding half. You need to manage the clutch, gears, and road position while also taking in the views. If you have only driven automatic cars, this is not the right place to learn from scratch.

The buggy is easier from a transmission point of view. You can focus more on the route and scenery, but do not assume that the word buggy means a dirt-track excursion. The available information describes driving through the coastal and mountain route, not a dedicated off-road course.

That distinction matters. Some people book buggy tours expecting rough tracks, mud, and sharp turns away from paved roads. This experience is better suited to someone who wants to try a distinctive vehicle while touring the southwest of Mallorca. If off-road driving is your priority, you should ask the provider for a clear answer before paying.

You may be assigned one vehicle per booking arrangement. If two people want to share one vehicle, book for two people. If two or more people each want their own vehicle, each driver needs an individual reservation. This is worth sorting out in advance because the per-person price does not automatically mean one vehicle per person.

Port Andratx and the return through Camp de Mar

After the vehicle change, the route heads toward Port Andratx, one of the more exclusive areas in southwest Mallorca. The drive gives you another perspective on the coast and brings the tour through an area known for attractive coastal scenery and high-end residences.

Port Andratx is not presented as a long walking visit. You are passing through by vehicle, so think of it as part of the route rather than a separate sightseeing stop. The value comes from the combination of driving and viewing, not from time spent exploring the port on foot.

The return journey passes through the mountains with views toward the Camp de Mar golf courses before heading back to the Formula Tours garage. This final section helps make the outing feel like a loop rather than a simple ride out and back.

Traffic can affect the exact timing. The tour normally makes two or three stops, but the provider allows for changes based on road conditions and available time. If you have a tight connection afterward, do not schedule anything immediately after the stated two-hour duration.

What the $69 price really covers

The $69 price is reasonable for a two-hour small-group outing that includes driving two unusual vehicles, fuel, guide service, taxes, water, and a helmet if needed. It is especially fair if you want a quick activity between beach time and other sightseeing.

The value becomes less clear once you add the required driver insurance. The additional charge is €30 per driver, paid at the office. The vehicles have full insurance with an excess of €350, so you should understand exactly what the extra policy covers before signing anything.

Bring a credit card, as required. One recent account raised concern about being asked for the insurance money in cash, so I would clarify the payment method and request a receipt if cash is requested. This is not a reason by itself to reject the tour, but it is a sensible precaution whenever an extra charge is collected on site.

Water is included, which is useful in open vehicles under the Mallorca sun. Fuel and taxes are also included, so you are not paying for a surprise fuel bill after the drive.

The free cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mallorca schedule is still moving around.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this outing to:

• Couples who want a shared driving experience with strong views
• Adults who already know how to drive a manual car
• Families with children aged six or older who want a passenger-friendly activity
• Visitors staying in southwest Mallorca
• Anyone who prefers a small group to a large organized excursion
• People who want to try a slingshot and buggy without committing a full day

It is less suitable for anyone under 21 who wants to drive, anyone without a license, or anyone uncomfortable with manual transmission.

It is also a poor match if you are mainly seeking off-road buggy action. The route is scenic and road-based, and the buggy is part of a vehicle-switching tour rather than a separate dirt-track session.

The experience should suit confident drivers more than nervous beginners. You need to manage a manual car, follow a guide, share the road, and adjust to an open vehicle. The guide gives instructions, but the tour is not described as a driving school.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Wear closed shoes with a secure fit. Avoid loose sandals, even if the weather is hot. Sunglasses are required for both people in the vehicle, and you should keep your passport or identity card and driving license with you.

Bring a credit card for the insurance requirement and any on-site payment arrangements. Carrying a phone is useful for the photo stops, but protect it carefully in the open vehicle.

If you are booking as a couple, decide how you want to share the vehicle. Two people can travel in one vehicle when booking for two, but separate bookings are needed if each person wants to drive their own vehicle.

At the garage, confirm three things before setting off:

• Which vehicle you will drive first
• Where and when the vehicle change will happen
• How the €30 driver insurance charge will be handled

I would also ask if the buggy portion is definitely operating that day. A mechanical or scheduling issue can affect the promised vehicle combination, and the tour’s short duration leaves little room to make up lost driving time.

The best and weakest parts of the experience

The strongest feature is the combination of driving and scenery. You are not simply sitting in a vehicle while someone else takes you to a viewpoint. You get behind the wheel, change vehicles, and see the coast and mountains from a low, open position.

The Sierra de Tramontana views are another clear strength. The route near Estellencs provides the kind of wide coastal outlook that makes a short outing feel worthwhile. The first stop at Malgratz Island adds a focused photo opportunity, while Port Andratx gives the route a polished southwest Mallorca finish.

The friendly welcome and clear introduction can also make a difference, especially if you are handling an unfamiliar vehicle. Water, fuel, taxes, and the small group help keep the basic package straightforward.

The weak points are mostly about expectations. Two hours is not a long time for two vehicles, several stops, mountain roads, and traffic. A long main stop can reduce the time spent driving. The buggy may not be available in every situation, and no off-road riding is promised.

The extra insurance charge also changes the true cost. At $69, the outing looks simple to budget. Once you add €30 per driver, you should compare it with other activities before deciding.

Should you book the Formula Car and Buggy combo?

Book it if you want a compact, scenic driving experience in southwest Mallorca and you are comfortable with a manual car. The best reason to choose it is the mix of the slingshot, automatic buggy, coastal roads, mountain views, and Port Andratx in one two-hour loop.

Skip it if you want a serious off-road buggy course, a long time behind the wheel, or a no-extra-fee booking. Before departure, confirm that both vehicles are available, ask about the stop schedule, and clarify the €30 insurance charge.

For the right driver, this is a lively way to see part of the Sierra de Tramontana without giving up the fun of driving. Just book it for the scenic road adventure it is, not for an off-road thrill ride.

FAQ

How long does the Mallorca slingshot and buggy tour last?

The tour lasts two hours, including the driving route, stops, vehicle change, and return to the Formula Tours garage.

What vehicles will I drive?

You will drive both a slingshot and a buggy. The slingshot has manual transmission, while the buggy has automatic transmission.

Do I need to know how to drive a manual car?

Yes. Drivers must know how to operate a manual vehicle because the slingshots have manual transmission.

What is the minimum age to drive?

The driver must be at least 21 years old and have two years of driving experience, along with a valid driving license.

Can children ride as passengers?

Yes. The minimum age for a copilot is six years old. A child seat is available from age three.

How many stops does the tour include?

The tour normally includes two or three stops, depending on traffic and available time. The planned stops include Malgratz Island and a main viewpoint near Estellencs.

Is driver insurance included in the price?

No. Driver insurance costs an additional €30 at the office. The vehicles have full insurance with an excess of €350.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring your passport or identity card, driving license, sunglasses, and credit card. Wear closed-toe shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed.