Dune Buggy vs Quad Bike: Which Should You Choose?
Choose a quad bike if you're solo, on a budget or want a light, nimble ride. Choose a dune buggy if you want more power, a roll cage, seat belts and to share the ride with a partner or family.
Showing 5 reviews selected by Google as most relevant.
Emdad was our guide for the dessert safari experience and he was amazing from the get go till the very end. He picked us up on time, drove smoothly to the dessert camp and took us on a fun ride for dune bashing followed by Sandboarding. We had a 1.5 year old baby with us and he helped make sure she was enjoying as well in her car seat in the back. He then also recommended to upgrade us to VIP plan because the food would be served first there and be better and we were so glad we did that because we got amazing food before others. And then all the shows including belly dance and fire show were amazing too. Highly recommend booking a private car tour!
Desert safari experience with them was amazing. It was totally worth it. Family including our little kid enjoyed. Had booked private tour with them. Dune buggy ride was the best part. Dune car bashing was also fun. Buffet dinner had wide variety. Took photographs in desert. Camel ride was short. Everything went as per package plan. We went to Arabian heritage camp. Live shows kept us entertained throughout. Loved the fire show in the end. Desert safari experience is a must while in Dubai. Thanks to our tour operator for memorable day.
Really amazing day, i really enjoyed lot Dune bashing and camp also very very recommended.guide and driver EMDAD is very kind and very helpful. Thankyou somuch team Desert safari travels
We had an amazing experience. The guider Mr Rufi Choudhry of Adventure Safari Tour was very friendly, funny and cheerful. If I plan to Visit the UAE I will definitely use his services and recommend to anyone interested as well.
Ali is truly the best guide. Thanks to him, we were able to end our Dubai trip on a beautiful note. He genuinely loves his job, sincerely cares for his guests, and was highly professional from the beginning to the very end of the tour. In particular, yesterday my husband had an emergency situation on the way to the desert tour after eating something wrong at a restaurant. Ali remained calm, immediately called an ambulance, and continued to check on the situation while staying in constant communication with us. Even after my husband was discharged from the hospital, Ali came a long distance to pick us up and personally took us back to our hotel. He also rearranged and carried out the desert tour today, which we were unable to do yesterday, and everything was absolutely perfect Once again, we sincerely thank Ali for his dedication, kindness, and outstanding care. I have traveled to many countries and had many great experiences, but without a doubt, Ali is the best! (I truly believe your company is extremely fortunate to have an employee like All.) Thank you so much Ali, God bless you and your family, Inshallah! See you again :)
Choose a quad bike if you're solo, on a budget or want a light, nimble ride. Choose a dune buggy if you want more power, a roll cage, seat belts and to share the ride with a partner or family.
- Seats: Quad bike (ATV): 1 (2 on double quads) · Dune buggy (UTV): 1, 2 or 4
- Price: Quad bike (ATV): From AED 130-AED 220 / 30 min · Dune buggy (UTV): From AED 499 / buggy / 30 min
- Safety: Quad bike (ATV): Helmet and goggles · Dune buggy (UTV): Roll cage, harness, helmet
- Skill: Quad bike (ATV): Balance matters · Dune buggy (UTV): Drives like a car
- Power: Quad bike (ATV): 150-700cc · Dune buggy (UTV): 1000-3000cc
- Best for: Quad bike (ATV): Solo riders, teens, budget · Dune buggy (UTV): Couples, families, thrill-seekers
How they feel to drive
A quad is ridden like a motorbike with four wheels. You lean into turns and use your body weight on the dunes, which is thrilling and hands-on but tiring after 60 minutes. A buggy (UTV) is driven like a car, with a steering wheel, pedals and a harness. Its long-travel suspension soaks up the dunes, so you can go faster and climb bigger dunes with less effort.
Cost per person
- Quad 400cc, 30 min: Price: AED 220 · Per person: AED 220
- Double quad, 30 min (2 riders): Price: AED 350 · Per person: AED 175
- Polaris RZR 2-seat, 30 min self-drive: Price: AED 499 · Per person: AED 250
- Polaris RZR 4-seat, 1 hr self-drive: Price: AED 899 · Per person: AED 225
Our recommendation
- Solo, or on a budget: quad
- Couples: 2-seat Polaris RZR (you can swap drivers)
- Families with teens: 4-seat buggy, so everyone rides together
- Adrenaline junkies: Can-Am Maverick X3 or the 3000cc Power Buggy
Is a dune buggy safer than a quad?
Buggies have a roll cage and harness seat belts, which gives more protection in a rollover. Quads rely on rider balance.
Which is more fun?
Buggies climb bigger dunes faster, while quads feel more hands-on. Many guests try a quad on a safari, then book a buggy.
Can I switch drivers in a buggy?
Yes, at the photo stops.
Which is better for kids?
A 4-seat buggy as a passenger, or a kids' quad for ages 6+ with a guide.