At a Glance

Our pick
Orlando Dune Buggy Tour
Length
About 3 hours
Drivers
Usually 16 and up
Wear
Clothes you can throw away

Most people picture Orlando as theme parks, but there's rough country a short drive away, with mud, sand and water. Here's what's out there and how to choose.

Dune buggy or ATV?

  • Dune buggy: Two seats side by side, with a roll cage feel. Better for couples, since you share the ride and swap drivers.
  • ATV: You straddle it and steer with handlebars. More physical, and usually one rider per machine.

Most off-road trips here run 16 and up to drive, with a photo ID.

Our pick: Orlando Dune Buggy Tour

This three-hour tour goes through mud, dirt, sand and water. Each buggy holds two, you can swap drivers at set stops, and a helmet and goggles are included. Check-in is in St. Cloud, southeast of Orlando, and a shuttle takes you out from there.

Know before you book:

  • Drivers must be 16. Younger guests ride as passengers.
  • Each buggy has a 440 lb limit and a 6'2" height limit.
  • The shuttle leaves exactly 15 minutes after your reservation time, and missing it means no refund.

See the Orlando dune buggy tour

Revolution Adventures

An off-road park in the Orlando area with guided ATV rides and buggy experiences. Ticket listings say guided ATV riders must be over 16 with a photo ID, and that older drivers with a license may be able to bring younger passengers on some options. Check its site for the current rules.

Which should you book?

  • Date or couple: Dune buggy.
  • Solo rider who wants handlebars: A guided ATV ride.
  • Kids under 16: Only as passengers, and only where the operator allows it. Ask about the minimum age first.
  • Rather not get muddy? An airboat tour at Boggy Creek has speed and real gators, and you stay dry. (I'm Boggy Creek's marketing manager.)

What to bring

  • Clothes you can throw away. The mud doesn't always wash out.
  • Closed-toe shoes. A towel and a change of clothes for the drive home help too.
  • Your ID.
  • Skip it with a back injury or during pregnancy. Operators warn against it.

More ideas: things to do in Orlando with your boyfriend and go-karts in Orlando.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to drive an ATV or buggy near Orlando?

Usually 16 with a photo ID. Younger guests can ride as passengers on some tours. Check with the operator.

Will I get muddy on a dune buggy tour?

Almost certainly. Wear clothes you don't mind ruining and bring a towel and a change of clothes.

Where does the Orlando dune buggy tour start?

Check-in is in St. Cloud, southeast of Orlando, and a shuttle takes you out from there. Confirm the address in your booking confirmation.

Drive a Dune Buggy Near Orlando

Three hours through mud, sand and water, with two to a buggy. See live times and prices.

See the Dune Buggy TourGo-karts in Orlando

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