Our Story

The idea for Sonoran Rovers Tours LLC began with our founder, Marcus Whitaker, an adventurous and well-traveled British schoolteacher, and father of two youngsters, who created one of the first comprehensive outdoor education programs for the public school system in Tucson, Arizona. 

One day, Marcus decided to take his middle school geography class out for a field trip to Sentinel Peak in his classic Land Rover Defender and was inspired by how much fun the kids had riding in the back on this little urban adventure. 

We at Sonoran Rover Tours hope to provide responsible, eco-friendly tours that give back to the human and ecological community. We want to help people explore the unique public lands of the Sonoran Desert region, based in both Southern Arizona and across the border in Mexico.  There is something about exploring this landscape in iconic Land Rover that we just love.

In addition, through our sister business - the Sonoran Rovers Shop, we connect with a large and diverse audience of overland driving enthusiasts.

Many of these adventurers want to test their metal on backcountry roads and build crucial skills in routine vehicle maintenance, field mechanics, and dirt road driving.

Our current vehicles are set up for two people or three for shorter journeys.  They are rugged and charming, perfect for dirt roads.  They are all have their unique ticks and rattles here and there.  They are all mechanically sound and ready to go.

We are likely the only business in the US that offers the opportunity to embark on an overland adventure behind the wheel of a classic Land Rover Defender - be it your own or one in our fleet and learn by experience before committing to a major purchase or expedition.

Wherever the spirit of adventure takes you, we want to help you get there.