Motorcycle riding on the Canary Islands is a beautiful experience. The scenery is stunning, and there are many places to explore. The weather is perfect for riding all year round and there are many different routes to take, coastal roads, curvy mountain passes, routes that take you through the forest or rough, rocky landscape.
Why not try something new and go on a motorcycle tour of the Canary Islands? Whether you want to go on a self-guided tour or a guided tour, you are sure to make the most out of your time here.
You can either choose to go on a self-guided tour, or you can go with a guided tour. There are pros and cons to both choices, and it ultimately comes down to what you want out of your trip. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of guided vs. self-guided motorcycle tours so that you can make the best decision for your next vacation!
Going on a guided motorcycle tour
Pros:
-You will have someone who knows the area and can show you the best places.
The Pros of a guided motorcycle tour clearly are that your guide will have knowledge about the area and not only show you places which you would have not found on your own, but also tell you more about them.
-Guided tours can be a great way to meet new people.
If you join a tour by yourself it’s just the best way to meet new, like-minded people that enjoy riding just as much as you do and the experiences you’ll share may make great new friendships.
-The Guide will know how to improvise in case of any unforeseen changes.
In case of any unforeseen changes just as closed roads, sudden weather changes etc. the guide will know to improvise and take you an alternative route.
-You will have someone to help you with anything you need.
Also in case of any breakdown the guide will be able to take care of you. He’ll help with anything such as ordering food in a foreign language or adjust your bike to your needs.
Cons:
-You may not have as much freedom to explore on your own.
A con of a guided motorcycle tour might be that you will not have as much freedom as when you ride on your own. The guide will most likely stick to his route and has to keep the group together, so if you want to spontaneously explore something you might not be able to do so (although the guide for sure will show you another way to go there some other time).
-If you are an experienced rider, you may not want to wait for the group.
On guided tours, riders will have different experience levels. Some of them are more used to curvy mountain roads like here on the Canary Islands and others might come from more flat regions with more wide and open roads. There will always be riders that want to go a bit faster, but guided tours are for enjoying the landscape and group feeling.
-Guided tours can be more expensive than self-guided tours.
One obvious point is, that a guided tour is more expensive than doing the same tour self-guided. The guide dedicates his time preparing the route and being with you to make sure you have the best time and everything runs smoothly.
Going on a self-guided tour
Pros:
-You will have the freedom to explore on your own.
On a self-guided motorcycle tour you will be provided with routes to follow but if you want to explore a bit more on your own you can just do so. Also the lunch, coffee or cigarette pauses are up to you.
-The Tour can be more individual
You don’t like the suggested routes of maybe already know some parts of the planned tour? No problem, on a self-guided tour the routes can be planned individually and adjustments can be made easily.
-You can go with your group of friends but also by yourself
A self-guided tour can be designed for your group of friends but also just for you. It’s the perfect way to deeply explore a place whether you’re alone or not. You don’t have to hope for the number of minimum participants to take part in the tour.
Cons:
-You will have to be able to follow the suggested routes with your navigation system
While riding self-guided you will have to follow the routes provided with your chosen navigation system. Sometimes those can be a bit confusing in unknown places and you’ll have to manage to find the stops on your own.
-In case of unforeseen incidents you have to manage by yourself
In case of breakdowns, taking some wrong turn, closed roads or sudden weather changes you will have to find an alternative or solution on your own. Of course, usually the tour company is available by telephone to help you as much as you can, but it’s not the same as having a guide with you.
-You will have to find your own places to stop for lunch, coffee, or cigarettes.
On self guided routes we may make some suggestions about where to stop for lunch & coffee but you will ride at your own pace and therefore reach those places at different times.
At Canary Ride, whether it’s a self-guided or guided tour, we take care about all the details: we’ll book the best hotels, ferries and motorcycles for you and plan the routes. You just have to come and enjoy the tour. On our guided tours, we take you personally to our favourite spots to show you what we love most about the Canary Islands. We’ll share our local knowledge and have a great time together. But also on our self-guided-tours you will get all the routes and details about which places to visit! Everything will be taken care of by us.
So, which option is better for you? It depends on what kind of rider you are and what you want to get out of your tour. If you like the freedom to explore and going at your own pace, maybe the self-guided tour is your way to go. But if you prefer someone else to take care of the details and want the company of other riders, a guided tour might be a better option. Either way, you’re sure to have an incredible experience!
If you’re ready to book your motorcycle tour, visit our website or contact us today! We can’t wait to show you the best of the Canary Islands.
info@canaryride.com
