Bamboo Dune Buggy Tour

The Bamboo Dune Buggy Tour offers a lively, off-road adventure just outside Orlando in Fort Meade. For $69.99 per person, guests spend about an hour navigating custom-made trails filled with mud puddles, dirt, and bamboo forests. Led by professional guides from Lazarus Rise LLC, the tour provides all necessary equipment and instructions, making it accessible for most participants aged 16 and above. While the ride is not designed for speed—maxing out around 25 mph—it promises a fun, muddy experience that rewards those ready to embrace getting dirty.

The tour’s focus on off-road driving through lush tropical scenery, combined with personalized, private group experiences, makes it stand out. However, it’s important to note that the tour departs from 1015 Mt Pisgah Rd, Fort Meade, and travelers must have their own transport, as many reviews highlight the challenge of reaching the location without a car. Despite this, the friendly staff, clear instruction, and emphasis on fun make it a popular choice for families and adventure seekers alike.

Key Points

• Price of $69.99 per person for a 1-hour off-road dune buggy experience
• Suitable for ages 16 and up, with no driver’s license required for drivers
• All equipment and instruction are included, ensuring a straightforward adventure
• Custom-made trails feature mud, dirt, bamboo forests, and tropical fruit trees
• Private tour experience with only your group participating
• Max speed around 25 mph, focusing on fun and muddy thrills rather than racing

Fort Meade Location Offers Tropical Farming Views

The tour begins at 1015 Mt Pisgah Rd, Fort Meade, a scenic spot surrounded by bamboo, banana, guava, sugar cane, and jackfruit trees. This bamboo farm setting gives the experience a unique tropical flavor, adding an extra layer of interest beyond typical off-road rides. Expect to see Florida’s tropical trees and enjoy the lush greenery as your guide leads the way through the terrain.

This location also underscores the tour’s emphasis on off-road driving among natural scenery rather than a theme park or obstacle course. The visit to the farm provides a peaceful, scenic backdrop that contrasts with the muddy excitement of the ride.

The Custom-Made Trails Offer Muddy Fun and Forest Views

The trails are specially designed for dune buggy driving and include mud puddles, dirt paths, and bamboo forests. Participants can expect to zip through muddy sections, splashing and getting dirty—this is part of the charm. The ride also passes by fruit trees such as banana, guava, and jackfruit, which adds an interesting tropical dimension to the experience.

Guides ensure everyone is well-instructed and safe, so even first-timers can enjoy the ride. The trails are not obstacle courses or playgrounds, so those expecting playground-style fun for young children might find it disappointing, as the tour is geared toward off-road driving with a focus on mud and forest scenery.

Who Can Drive or Ride? Age and Equipment Requirements

Participants must be at least 16 years old to drive a dune buggy, with no driver’s license required. Anyone under 16 can join as a passenger, making it suitable for teenagers and families. The party leader must be 18 years old to book the tour.

All necessary equipment, including helmets and goggles, is provided to ensure safety. The two-person buggy allows for a driver and a passenger, and all guests pay the same rate, regardless of whether they drive or ride along.

The Pace and Speed of the Dune Buggies

While the experience is fast-paced and exhilarating, the dune buggies do not go very fast—maximum speeds around 25 mph. This slower pace emphasizes fun, control, and muddy thrills over racing or high-speed excitement, which many find makes the experience more enjoyable and accessible.

The reviews praise the friendly staff and helpful guides, who keep the ride entertaining and safe. Guests should be prepared for getting very muddy and consider wearing clothes that can get dirty, as splashing through mud puddles is part of the fun.

The Experience is Private and Only for Your Group

This tour is private, meaning only your group participates. This allows for a more personalized experience and the chance to ask questions or take photos freely. The guides are described as nice, helpful, and polite, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.

The duration of about 1 hour is ideal for those seeking a quick, thrilling outing without a long commitment. The tour’s focus on fun mudding and tropical scenery makes it a memorable activity, especially for families and groups of friends.

Booking and Weather Considerations

Reservations should be booked 6 days in advance, as the tour tends to fill up quickly. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be canceled or changed unless canceled due to bad weather. In bad weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Travelers are encouraged to arrive prepared for dirt and mud, as the reviews emphasize getting very dirty. The tour relies on good weather for optimal fun, so check the forecast when booking.

The Value Compared to Similar Off-Road Experiences

At $69.99 per person, the Bamboo Dune Buggy Tour offers a competitive price for a 1-hour private off-road adventure. The focus on bamboo forests and tropical scenery gives it a distinctive twist compared to more generic off-road rides. Its reviews highlight great value and friendly guides, making it a popular choice among those seeking muddy fun near Orlando.

While it’s not a high-speed race, the combination of scenic views, muddy trails, and personalized service makes it a worthwhile activity for families, teens, and adventure fans who don’t mind getting dirty.

Limitations and Considerations

The main consideration is the location outside Orlando, which many reviews note is about an hour and a half away. Travelers without a car might find transportation challenging, as Uber fares can be high and no shuttle service is mentioned.

The ride’s slow speed might disappoint those expecting high-velocity racing. Also, little children under 6 years old are not suited for this tour, and there’s no playground or obstacle park for very young kids.

Final Thoughts on the Bamboo Dune Buggy Tour

The Bamboo Dune Buggy Tour delivers a fun, muddy off-road experience in a scenic farm setting near Orlando. Its private experience, friendly staff, and tropical scenery make it especially appealing for families and groups seeking a unique adventure. The price point is reasonable, and the inclusive equipment and instructions add to its ease.

While the slower pace and location outside Orlando are factors to consider, those looking for a messy, tropical, off-road ride should find this tour delivers plenty of muddy fun and memorable scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum age to drive the dune buggy?
Yes, drivers must be at least 16 years old. No driver’s license is required.

Can children under 16 participate?
They can join as passengers but cannot drive the buggy.

What should I wear for the tour?
Expect to get very muddy, so wear clothes that can get dirty and comfortable shoes suitable for off-road terrain.

Is transportation provided from Orlando?
No, transportation is not included. Travelers need their own vehicle to reach the location.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour, including instruction and the ride.

What happens in bad weather?
If canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or rescheduling is offered. The tour relies on good weather for optimal fun.