The Guardia Civil has uncovered a network of illegal enduro motorcycle tour operators running excursions through some of Fuerteventura's most environmentally sensitive protected areas, with organisers now facing potential fines of up to €300,000.
Officers from the Environmental Protection Service (SEPRONA) launched an investigation after receiving reports that several companies were promoting and organising off-road motorcycle tours in protected natural areas across the island.
The routes reportedly passed through specially protected conservation zones, including areas designated as Special Protection Areas for Birds (ZEPA) and Special Areas of Conservation (ZEC), which are among the most environmentally protected sites in the Canary Islands.
Tours Held During Bird Breeding Season
According to investigators, many of the excursions took place during the breeding season for several bird species, when temporary access restrictions are imposed to minimise disturbance and protect nesting wildlife.
SEPRONA officers discovered that some of the tours were operating in areas subject to temporary closures and environmental restrictions introduced by the island authorities specifically to safeguard vulnerable species.
The Guardia Civil carried out surveillance operations and monitoring activities in several locations across Fuerteventura, gathering evidence of the alleged illegal activity.
Complete Holiday Packages Advertised
During the investigation, officers found that organisers were not only offering guided motorcycle routes through protected landscapes but were also marketing complete tourism packages.
These packages allegedly included:
Authorities identified both the riders participating in the tours and the individuals responsible for organising and promoting the business activities.
No Tourism Licences
The investigation concluded that the companies involved allegedly lacked the licences, permits and authorisations required under Canary Islands legislation governing active tourism and leisure activities.
Officials say the businesses were operating without the documentation legally required to offer organised tourism experiences in the region.
Potential Fines of Up to €300,000
The organisers now face possible sanctions under two separate Canary Islands laws. Under the Canary Islands Land and Protected Natural Areas Law, individuals found responsible for driving through and damaging protected ecosystems could face fines ranging from €600 to €6,000.
More significantly, authorities say the commercial activity itself may have breached the Canary Islands Tourism Regulation Law, which governs tourism businesses operating in the archipelago.
Penalties under this legislation are considerably higher and can range from €1,500 to €300,000, depending on the severity of the offences committed.
Cases Referred for Sanctions
The Guardia Civil has already submitted its reports to the relevant government authorities, which will now decide whether to open formal sanction proceedings against those involved.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about illegal tourism activities in protected areas of the Canary Islands, where environmental authorities continue to balance visitor demand with the protection of fragile ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
