Tenerife: El Medano Self-Drive Slingshot Tour

Reviewed · SELF-DRIVE & NOVELTY CAR TOURS

Tenerife: El Medano Self-Drive Slingshot Tour

★ 4.6 · 3 reviews 2 hours From $212 Operated by Excursling Tenerife · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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South Tenerife in a Polaris Slingshot is the kind of day you remember in full color. You’ll get that 220-horsepower rush while a professional guide keeps you pointed the right way, with plenty of photo stops and ocean views along the drive. I love the mix of roads here: highway stretches plus coastal curves, then those slower mountain sections with the Atlantic showing off.

I also really like the stops’ pacing. You’re not stuck in a long, slow group tour loop. You drive, you pause, you take photos from a viewpoint over Montaña Roja, then you’re back on the road. One thing to consider: this isn’t a relax-in-a-van experience. You’re driving a small, open-air vehicle, so you’ll want to be comfortable with wind, sun, and getting in and out at stops.

Why this Slingshot tour feels worth it

Tenerife: El Medano Self-Drive Slingshot Tour - Why this Slingshot tour feels worth it
The pricing is per group (up to 2), and that helps it feel more like an activity than a random transfer. For $212 for the group, you’re paying for a guided convoy, the Slingshot itself, included insurance/roadside help, plus the key scenic stop that makes the day feel like more than just “driving around.”

The convoy format is the other value piece. It’s not just you, a map, and hope. The guide leads the route and handles safety briefing and driving instructions so you can focus on enjoying the trip.

Other odd little ways to tour the island

Key things I’d circle before you go

  • 220-horsepower fun with real driving time (not just a short demo loop)
  • Convoy guidance so you get the scenic route without the stress
  • Montaña Roja viewpoint stop with Atlantic views and a coffee-break feel
  • El Médano time including a short walk and local harbor atmosphere
  • Ocean-view mountain roads on the way back, before you return to base

Picking up at Gara Suites Golf & Spa (and why it matters)

Your tour starts at Gara Suites Golf & Spa, which is handy because it’s an easy reference point in South Tenerife. For many people, getting going smoothly matters as much as the actual driving day. A clean start time also makes the whole 2 hours feel focused instead of rushed.

If you’re staying in South Tenerife, you may be offered hotel pickup and drop-off for extra comfort. That’s worth it if you don’t want to spend energy on transport logistics before you’re already wearing sunglasses and steering a three-wheeler.

The Polaris Slingshot: what you’re really signing up for

Tenerife: El Medano Self-Drive Slingshot Tour - The Polaris Slingshot: what you’re really signing up for
You’re driving a Polaris Slingshot with 220 horsepower. The big thrill here isn’t just speed—it’s how different it feels from a normal car. You’ll have that open-vehicle sense of motion, with road feel and wind in the mix, which is why people pick this experience in the first place.

And because you’re in a convoy, the day is structured. You get a safety briefing and driving instructions first, so you’re not guessing how to handle it once you’re rolling with the group. That’s a comfort factor for anyone who’s curious but not sure how “intense” it will be.

Practical tip: wear closed-toe shoes. It sounds basic, but with an open driving setup, shoes matter for control and comfort. Sunglasses help too—South Tenerife light can be bright even when the air feels pleasant.

El Médano: the start stretch and your first taste of the coast

Tenerife: El Medano Self-Drive Slingshot Tour - El Médano: the start stretch and your first taste of the coast
You’ll begin with a scenic drive out of El Médano area. Even early on, the route is aimed at giving you views fast—harbors, coastal stretches, and that laid-back island vibe that feels distinctly Tenerife, not generic.

Then you’ll get a break in El Médano. This is where the tour shifts from “driving the vehicle” to “driving the experience.” You’ll have time for photos, a bit of walking, and local atmosphere while the group regroups.

One note: there’s a short walk built in, around 10 minutes. It’s not a long hike. But if you’re sensitive to steps, uneven ground, or strong sun, plan to move at an easy pace and bring water for the walk time (bottled water is included).

More of Tenerife worth a place on the itinerary

Stop for views over Montaña Roja and the Atlantic

Tenerife: El Medano Self-Drive Slingshot Tour - Stop for views over Montaña Roja and the Atlantic
The Montaña Roja viewpoint stop is the kind of pause that makes the whole day feel like a mini road trip rather than a straight run. You’ll stop somewhere with an overlook of Montaña Roja and the Atlantic, perfect for photos and a relaxed break.

This is also where you can slow down mentally. Driving a Slingshot is fun, but your eyes also need a chance to rest—this stop is basically a reset button. If you’re traveling with a camera phone, put it to good use here. If you like coffee breaks, this is the natural moment to take one, even if it’s just a pause while everyone catches up.

Practical tip: keep a simple photo routine. One wide shot for context, one tighter shot of the view angle, then one “you are here” style photo. It’s faster than trying to shoot everything at once while the group waits behind you.

Heading toward Playa de las Américas (without feeling stuck)

Tenerife: El Medano Self-Drive Slingshot Tour - Heading toward Playa de las Américas (without feeling stuck)
After El Médano, you’ll spend another stretch of scenic driving—about 40 minutes—toward Playa de las Américas. Even though that’s a known tourist area, the route is designed to show you more than just the destination. You’re seeing roads, coastlines, and the change in terrain that happens across the south of Tenerife.

The best part of this phase is the sense of variety. You get highways and coastal roads, then later the drive evolves into mountain roads on the return. That mix keeps the day from feeling monotonous, which is a common issue with short excursions.

If you’re prone to motion discomfort, take a moment before you start this second drive stretch to settle into your seat position. The Slingshot is engaging to drive, but that also means your body notices every turn.

Back through the mountains: ocean views and winding roads

Tenerife: El Medano Self-Drive Slingshot Tour - Back through the mountains: ocean views and winding roads
On the way back, the tour focuses on winding mountain roads with ocean views. This is where the experience really leans into what makes Tenerife special: the way the island changes as you go up and around.

The convoy structure matters again here. Mountain roads can be busy, and you don’t want to be thinking about navigation. With the guide leading, you can focus on the scenery and the driving itself. The goal is safe adventure, not risky autonomy.

If you’re a driver, you’ll likely feel the difference in how the Slingshot behaves through curves. If you’re riding passenger-style (when available), you’ll still get that “we’re actually going somewhere” feeling as the route twists and reveals new angles of the Atlantic.

Through Tenerife’s oldest fishing village feel

Tenerife: El Medano Self-Drive Slingshot Tour - Through Tenerife’s oldest fishing village feel
A key part of the day is driving through the island’s oldest fishing village. In practice, that vibe ties closely to the El Médano area you’ll experience on the tour, where the harbor and fishing-world atmosphere gives the scenic driving something grounded underneath.

This matters because it’s not just scenery—it’s the human side. Coastal towns like this make the views mean more. Instead of looking at waves from a viewpoint with no context, you see how locals live around the sea.

One small caution: you’ll spend time in town and on roads, so keep sunglasses and sun protection top of mind. That sun can be intense, especially when you’re moving between shaded breaks and bright open-air driving.

Safety, insurance, and the convoy style of touring

Tenerife: El Medano Self-Drive Slingshot Tour - Safety, insurance, and the convoy style of touring
This tour includes a safety briefing and driving instructions, and you’ll follow your guide in a convoy for a safer adventure. For me, that convoy approach is the difference between feeling “guided” and feeling “on your own with a loud group behind you.”

The tour also includes insurance and roadside assistance. That’s not exciting like views, but it reduces stress. When you’re driving something fun but different from a normal car, it helps to know you’re not stuck if something unexpected happens.

And your rules for the day are clear: no alcohol and drugs. That’s not only about safety. It keeps the experience consistent so everyone can drive and stay alert.

What the 2 hours feels like in real life

Two hours can sound short, but this is a tight, efficient format. You start at Gara Suites Golf & Spa, get scenic driving time, have a break with photos and walking in El Médano, include the Montaña Roja viewpoint, then finish with scenic driving toward Playa de las Américas and back.

Because the stops are purposeful (not filler), the time doesn’t drag. You’re not waiting around for half the group to come out of a store. You’re moving through a route with key scenic checkpoints.

If you want a “big hits” day instead of a long itinerary, this is well matched. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants hours of museum time, you might find this too compact.

Who this tour suits best

This is a great fit if you want a short, adrenaline-tinged sightseeing day. The Slingshot driving element makes it ideal for people who learn best by doing. It’s also fun for couples and friends because it turns ordinary coastal sightseeing into something you talk about afterward.

It’s less ideal if you:

  • don’t have a driver’s license (you need one, valid for at least 2 years)
  • prefer fully seated, low-activity tours
  • want a slow walking tour or heavy cultural focus

Also, it’s guided in English, Spanish, and Hungarian, which is helpful if you want clear instructions and fewer language gaps.

Price and value: how $212 per group makes sense

At $212 per group up to 2, you’re not paying “per person” in the usual sense. That can be great value if you’re traveling with someone who will share the experience—two people in one group can make it feel much less expensive than it looks at first glance.

You’re also buying more than driving. You’re getting:

  • the Slingshot experience itself
  • guided route leadership in a convoy
  • safety briefing and driving instructions
  • insurance and roadside assistance
  • a scenic viewpoint stop plus photo moments
  • bottled water

So the cost feels like activity + guidance + equipment, not just transport. For many visitors, that’s the sweet spot: you’re paying to remove stress and maximize fun in a short window.

What to bring so the day goes smoothly

Bring:

  • your driver’s license (valid at least 2 years)
  • sunglasses
  • comfortable clothes
  • closed-toe shoes

Plan for sun and wind since you’re driving an open-feeling vehicle. Even if the weather is comfortable, those small exposure factors add up over a 2-hour drive day.

Should you book the Tenerfie El Médano Slingshot tour?

I think you should book it if you want a guided, safe way to drive a powerful machine through South Tenerife without turning the day into a planning project. The Montaña Roja viewpoint, the El Médano time, and the ocean-view mountain roads give you enough variety that 2 hours feels like a full experience.

Skip it if you don’t want to drive, if you’re not comfortable with open-air driving conditions, or if you’re expecting a long, slow sightseeing day with lots of walking.

If you’re the right kind of traveler—someone who likes motion, views, and a clear guided route—this is one of those excursions where the “fun factor” is doing real work, not just marketing.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license to drive the Slingshot?

Yes. You need a valid driver’s license, and it must be valid for at least 2 years.

How long is the Slingshot tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Gara Suites Golf & Spa.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from South Tenerife for extra comfort.

What languages are the live guides?

The tour guide is available in English, Spanish, and Hungarian.

How much does the tour cost?

It’s listed at $212 per group, up to 2 people.

What’s included in the price?

Included features are the self-drive Polaris Slingshot tour, guided tour, safety briefing and driving instructions, Montaña Roja viewpoint stop, bottled water, photo opportunities, and insurance and roadside assistance.

Do I need any prior driving experience?

No experience is needed, but you do need the required driver’s license.

Are there any restrictions during the tour?

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your driver’s license, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you tell me your travel dates and where you’re staying in Tenerife, I can help you judge whether this fits best with your other plans.

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