Two vehicles, one wild ride in Mallorca. This Slingshot and buggy combo turns the Sierra de Tramontana into your own moving viewpoint, with great stretches of coastal driving. I love the chance to switch vehicles during the tour, and I also love the payoff at the main lookout where the coastline and mountains open up wide. One thing to plan for: the Slingshot part is manual, so if you do not already feel comfortable driving stick, you will want to skip this tour.

The whole experience is built around simple fun, not long lectures. You get a guide in multiple languages, small groups (up to 10), and water on board, then you set off for a route that feels scenic even when traffic slows you down. If you want a relaxed pace with extra time for photos and roaming, you may find the timing tight since the tour makes 2 to 3 stops depending on the day.

You’ll meet at the Formula Tours garage and follow the briefing before you drive. From there, expect a mix of coastal curves, quick photo breaks, and a “wow” moment or two from higher ground, especially near the Estellencs area.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Manual Slingshot + automatic buggy so you get two very different driving styles in one outing
• Sierra de Tramontana viewpoints with big sightlines over the coast
• Island of Malgratz photo stop for a quick 10 minute break to grab photos
• Vehicle swap at the main viewpoint so you get both experiences without feeling rushed
• Small group size that keeps the briefing and the driving smoother

Why the Slingshot and Buggy Combo Works in Mallorca

This tour is one of those Mallorca ideas that makes sense on paper and then delivers in practice: two vehicles, one route, and one shared goal, views. You start along the coast near Calvià, work your way into mountain country, and end in the southwest, with a return that keeps the scenery moving. The best part is that you do not just ride along, you drive.

I like the variety because the vehicles feel like different activities. The Slingshot demands more focus with manual gears, while the buggy portion is automatic and feels more “sit back and enjoy” once you are rolling. That contrast makes the tour feel longer than 2 hours, even though the schedule is compact.

The value also comes from what you actually get for $69 per person. Your ticket covers the guide in several languages, fuel, taxes, and a bottle of water. You also get the structure of multiple stops, not just one long ride with no chances to pull over. The only real caution is that you may spend extra time thinking about the driving side, especially if you are not comfortable with manual transmission.

Calvià Coast Start and the 10 Minute Stop at Malgratz

After a guide briefing at the Formula Tours garage, you begin your tour with whichever vehicle you are scheduled to start in, either Slingshot or buggy. The early part of the route runs along the coast near Calvià, which is a good warmup. You get a sense of how the vehicle handles on real roads while the sea and shoreline keep the horizon interesting.

Your first break is a short stop in front of the Island of Malgratz. The idea here is simple: you get around 10 minutes to take photos and reset your attention before the tour climbs toward the main viewpoint. This is the kind of stop that works well for people who want memories without turning the outing into a long bus-style sightseeing day.

If you care about photos, treat this as your “quick grab” moment. Since the tour is time-managed and stops are limited, keep your phone charged, your camera ready, and your sunglasses on from the start. (Yes, sunglasses are mandatory, and your guide will expect you to follow the rules.)

Es Grau in Estellencs, the Sierra de Tramuntana Main View

The biggest payoff comes at Es Grau in Estellencs, where the tour makes its main stop. This is where you switch vehicles and keep moving, heading onward after you enjoy the coastline view.

Why this stop matters: you are gaining altitude and angles, and the Sierra de Tramuntana starts doing what it’s famous for, giving you wide views over the coast. It is not just a pretty roadside moment. The way the route is set up, this is where the scenery feels like a “destination,” not just something you pass through on the way to somewhere else.

This is also where you notice how the tour flows between driving and stopping. The main stop is long enough to take in the panorama and re-orient, then you get back into motion with the other vehicle. That swap is smart because it keeps you from having to switch mental modes while you are still ramping up to driving. You get time in each vehicle without it feeling like chores.

If you are traveling with someone who gets nervous behind the wheel, this part of the day can help. You get a natural breathing point, and you also get a clear sense of what comes next as the guide continues to Port Andratx afterward.

Port Andratx Finish, Plus the Camp de Mar Return Drive

From Es Grau, the route heads direction Port Andratx. This is Mallorca’s southwest vibe, and the driving is part of why it feels special. Even if you are not stopping to walk around Port Andratx, the approach is scenic, and the vehicle experience keeps you engaged.

After reaching Port Andratx, you return toward the office while driving through the mountain areas with views over the Camp de Mar golf courses. It is a nice “last look” section, and it helps that you are not just retracing the exact same moments from earlier in the tour. The return route keeps the scenery changing, which helps the 2 hour total feel more satisfying.

One practical note: since the tour can make 2 to 3 stops depending on time and traffic, your exact timing may shift. The good news is that the driving itself is the core activity, and the route is designed so you still get plenty of viewpoints even if one stop runs shorter.

What It Really Means to Drive the Slingshot and the Buggy

This is a driving tour, so the key details are about how you handle the vehicles. The Slingshot has manual transmission. That means you need to know how to drive a manual car before you arrive. If you are only comfortable with automatic, do not plan on learning during the tour. You will be expected to drive.

The buggy is automatic transmission. That is the smoother learning curve option in the combo, and it can make the buggy segment feel more relaxed once you get going. Since you will drive both vehicles, you should think of the tour as a practice in switching driving styles, not just riding for sightseeing.

Helmets are provided if necessary, and you do need to wear sunglasses and closed-toe shoes. The “closed-toe” detail matters more than you might think because the foot space and controls work best when your footwear does not flop or slip. This is one of those small rules that makes the difference between comfortable driving and constant adjusting.

Also, you need a driving license to operate a vehicle on this tour. The driver requirements are strict enough that you should check your paperwork ahead of time, not after you arrive.

Stops, timing, and how to manage expectations

This tour is scheduled for 2 hours, with between 2 and 3 stops depending on time and traffic. That means it is not a “slow sightseeing day,” and it is also not a “constant action without breaks” day. It sits in the middle.

Here’s how to make it work for you: use the stop windows strategically. The Malgratz stop is brief, so take photos quickly. The main viewpoint at Es Grau is your priority stop, so plan to spend more time there absorbing the view, getting your bearings, and swapping vehicles.

Be prepared for the tour rhythm to vary. If roads are busy, you might get fewer or shorter stops. That does not automatically mean the tour fails, but it does change how much time you have for photos, questions, or extra walking.

A good mindset is to treat the driving as the main event. The scenery is the reward, but the “why” is that you are controlling the vehicle and choosing the line through the coastal and mountain roads. If you go in expecting tons of off-road time or long wander breaks, you may feel disappointed.

Price and value: what $69 includes, and what costs extra

At $69 per person for a 2 hour tour, this combo is priced like an activity with real driving time, not just a guided scenic drive. Your ticket includes a multilingual guide, bottled water, fuel, and taxes. There’s also the comfort side: a helmet if necessary, and a child seat option from age 3 years.

The part that can surprise people is the insurance requirement for the driver. Driver insurance is extra and paid at the office, 30€ per driver. The vehicle insurance has a full coverage structure, but there is an excess of 350€. In other words, your up-front price is not the whole cost if you plan to drive. Budget for that driver insurance fee in addition to the tour price.

I think this setup is fair if you like hands-on driving and you are comfortable with the manual requirement for the Slingshot. If you are not sure you can handle stick shift confidently, the extra driver cost plus the risk of a frustrating experience makes this a harder value call.

Gear rules, documents, and the “small stuff” that keeps you smooth

You will want to show up ready to drive, because the tour rules are clear. Bring your passport or ID card, your driving license, and a credit card. Credit card requirement can be easy to miss, so make sure it is in your wallet, not in a hotel safe.

What to wear matters. Closed-toe shoes are required and sandals or flip flops are not allowed. Sunglasses are mandatory for both drivers. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, so keep it clean and focused for driving.

If you are thinking about bringing kids, note the minimum copilot age is 6 years old. The tour also specifies the minimum age for the pilot is 21, with at least 2 years of driving experience. If you are traveling with multiple people and want to distribute vehicles, the rules are strict enough that you should plan your booking carefully so nobody ends up paired into an arrangement that does not match your expectations.

If you are only two people traveling but you want to ride in one vehicle, you need to book for 2 people. If you want one vehicle per person with two people, you will need an individual reservation for each person.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This tour is best for people who want to drive, not just look. If you already drive manual cars, you’ll get a more complete experience because the Slingshot segment will feel natural instead of stressful. If you prefer automatic driving, the buggy portion will feel friendly, but you still must handle the Slingshot at some point in the combo.

It also works well for couples and small groups who enjoy short photo stops and scenic driving without needing long walks. Small group size (up to 10) helps the tour feel personal, and having a guide makes the route safer and easier to follow.

If you are expecting lots of trail riding, know this tour is built around roads with viewpoints. One way or another, the schedule prioritizes driving time and scenic stops over extended off-road exploration. If that is your dream, you might want to look for a more trail-focused buggy experience instead.

And if you cannot drive manual or you do not meet the age requirements, the tour is not for you. The guide and operator set the rules for safety, and you will save yourself stress by choosing a different activity that matches your driving ability.

Should you book the Mallorca Formula Car and Buggy combo?

If you want a hands-on Mallorca outing with real driving time, the Slingshot plus buggy combo is a strong pick. The route gives you coastal atmosphere early, then a big Sierra de Tramuntana viewpoint, and then a satisfying return drive through mountain scenery near Camp de Mar. Add in the included water, fuel, taxes, and multilingual guide, and $69 feels like a reasonable deal for what you do.

I would book it if: you are comfortable driving manual, you like scenic stops with a clear schedule, and you want both vehicles in one outing. I would think twice if: you are unsure about manual driving, you need tons of downtime for photos or walking, or you are traveling with expectations of very long off-road buggy time.

In short, this is a fun, efficient way to experience Mallorca’s best viewpoints from behind the wheel. Just go in prepared to drive.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is the garage of Formula Tours.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included are a guide in different languages, a bottle of water, fuel, taxes, and a helmet if necessary. A child seat from age 3 years old is also included.

Is driver insurance included?

No. Driver insurance is extra and is paid at the office, 30€ per driver. The vehicles have full insurance with an excess of 350€.

Do I need a manual driving skill?

Yes, if you drive the Slingshot. The Slingshot has manual transmission, and you need to know how to drive manual cars. The buggy has automatic transmission.

What documents and items should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, your driver’s license, sunglasses, a credit card, and closed-toe shoes.

Are sandals or flip flops allowed?

No. Sandals or flip flops are not allowed. Closed-toe shoes are required.

How old do pilots and copilots need to be?

The minimum age for the pilot is 21 with 2 years of experience. The minimum age for a copilot is 6 years old.

How many stops are there and where do they happen?

You will make between 2 and 3 stops depending on time and traffic. The route includes a photo stop in front of the Island of Malgratz, a main stop at Es Grau in Estellencs for a coastline and Sierra de Tramuntana view, and then driving onward toward Port Andratx with additional viewpoint time on the return.