Like most people, we enjoy a bit of adventure when we travel. We especially like the sound of activities that involve going fast through the air, on the water or through mud.

We heard about a new activity operator near San Juan, Green Zebra Adventures, that offers something that sounded like a cross between an ATV and go-kart activity. It looked interesting, but how different was it than your typical ATV tour? We decided to give it a try to find out.

The Tomcar

The vehicles that Green Zebra Adventures uses are called Tomcars. Huh? A quick web search turned up marketing material from the company that makes the Tomcar. They describe it as a military-grade, commercial, off-road vehicle that is ready for anything. Uh … OK. We’ll see.

As it turns out, a Tomcar looks like a dune buggy — with a wide wheelbase and low front, which reduces the risk of roll-over. It has a windshield, but it is open-sided. You are strapped into a 4-point harness inside the car.

It drove like a car — gas pedal, brake pedal and steering wheel. They are actually street-legal vehicles. They have 2-seaters (side-by-side, unlike an ATV) and 4-seaters (so a family can experience it together). It is built for performance, not comfort. It sturdily went over and through everything we encountered. Kinda cool!

Arrival & Getting Started

Once you arrive at the gate of Hacienda Campo Rico, you sign-in with the guard and he directs you to the activities office. Once at the office, you’ll meet the guides, sign the usual waivers and they introduce you to the vehicles. They give you a quick run-down on how to drive the Tomcar, safety measures, etc. Once you are securely buckled in (no helmets required), we did one quick lap around the parking area and we were off.

I was surprised at how firmly you had to press the gas pedal. Also, it did not have power steering, but it was a small wheel which did not require much effort to turn.

Out on the Trail

We went a little bit of everywhere inside of Hacienda Campo Rico. They have cut new trails since we were last there, so we were able to see more of the place.

On straight flat paths, you could get up to a nice speed. But it was really fun to just go up and down the hills, over some rough terrain and, the best part, through the mud.

The windshield provides protection from most of the mud, dirt and water that the cars kick up. But you will get wet and a bit muddy. Beware of the drain hole in the floor — it works both ways! I’d suggest that you wear glasses to keep stuff out of your eyes.

As we drove around the hacienda, the guides would stop and offer us water and give a brief narrative about what you are seeing, every 15 minutes or so. We saw plantains and bananas, mangrove forests with crabs, fields with other crops, and a small lake. The area also has caves, which we couldn’t get to that day, but may be available in the future.

You can change drivers at any stopping point, so others can get a chance at the fun.

About mid-way, we had a potty break. Here is a little hint — hit the restrooms before you start the trip. You will be joggled and jostled around in the car — it makes you appreciate the opportunity to use the rest rooms.

The ground was mostly dry the day we did our trip. It was fun, but the mud and water parts were the most fun. So I bet it would be even better when it has rained recently or is even currently raining. Be prepared with a change of clothes!

Details

The cost is $109 per person for the first 2 adults. $49 per person for adults #3 and #4. Kids are $49 each with a paying adult. Solo driver is $149. The price includes transportation from San Juan area hotels/cruise piers. Transportation can be arranged from hotels in Rio Grande and Fajardo for an additional fee. The is no discount if you provide your own transportation.

If you're happy, let them know it — Don't forget to tip your your bartender, tour guide or trip operator if you enjoyed yourself. Gratuities are appreciated and typically aren't included in the price they charge you.

Tours are at 9:30am and 1:30pm seven days/week. They may be able to accommodate a different schedule — contact them to find out.

Drivers must present a valid driver’s license. The minimum age for drivers is 18 years old. The minimum age for passengers is 4 years old.

Tours last 1½ to 2 hours. You need to show up 15 minutes before your tour to sign paperwork, etc.

You can call 787-908-7177 for more information or to make a reservation.

You can visit the Green Zebra web site for more information.

Closed-toe shoes and sun glasses are recommended. It got a bit warm inside the vehicle, but my long pants did keep my legs from getting dirty. They have showers, restrooms and changing areas available.

Driving Directions: Take Route 26 to Campo Rico Avenue. Take Campo Rico Avenue north until it ends. Directly across the street you will see a closed, chain-link gate. Drive up to the gate and tell the guard you are going to the Green Zebra tour and he will open the gate, let you in and direct you to their office.

If you have a GPS unit, these coordinates should help you

Hacienda Campo Rico Entrance: (18.419157, -65.953827)

You can locate Hacienda Campo Rico on our Interactive Island Map