If you’re pondering taking an excursion on Tenerife, you’re in for a treat. Numerous of the most populardaily trips in Tenerife visit the island’s key points of interest, like Mount Teide, or involve enjoyable activities like whale-watching.
Below I will share what I consider to be the best excursions on the island of Tenerife, including their approximate costs and details about the experiences. I feel it is important to note that renting a vehicle is likely the most convenient way to explore the landscape of Tenerife independently. However, for those seeking an organized tour, options like this tour from the north or this tour from the south visit many premier attractions across the island such as the remarkable cliffs in Los Gigantes, the historic town of Candelaria, the picturesque village of La Orotava, and other noteworthy destinations across the island.
In addition to these two activities, here are some tours in Tenerife that I suggest considering, whether traveling by vehicle or not:
- Mount Teide
- Dolphin and whale-watching
- Submarine trip
- Anaga Rural Park
- Masca Gorge
- Snorkeling with turtles
- Stargazing from the peak of Mount Teide
- Kayaking at Punta de Teno
- La Gomera
- La Palma
Table of Contents
1. Mount Teide, one of the most popular excursions in Tenerife
Firstly, this tour is one of the best excursions in Tenerife, as it takes you to the island’s crown jewel, Mount Teide. This is one of the most iconic destinations to visit in Tenerife, and if you take this tour, you’ll have your transportation, cable car ticket, and hiking permit taken care of.
This Tenerife day excursion departs from Puerto de la Cruz, where there are several pick-up points, and starts with a bus ride to the base of the cable car station in Teide National Park, at an elevation of 7,730 feet. From there, you’ll take the cable car up to La Rambleta, which is 11,665 feet above sea level. Then, it’s only about 650 feet to the top, so you’ll walk the Telesforo Bravo path to the end.
The good thing about reserving this Tenerife excursion is that you won’t need to worry about getting the permit to access the summit since it’s covered in your tour booking. You’ll also have the advantage of being accompanied by a guide, who will explain many interesting facts about Teide National Park, a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Highlights: Bus access, cable car ticket, and approved guide to reach the summit
- Duration: 5 hours approx.
- Price from: €128
- Origins from: Puerto de la Cruz
- Description: This tour departs from Puerto de la Cruz and reaches the base of the cable car station in Teide National, where you’ll enjoy a 10-minute ride to La Rambleta. From there, you’ll hike to the top. This tour includes a hiking guide and your permit to access the summit.
This is among the most thorough tours around Mount Teide, but if you’re interested in looking at other visiting options for Mount Teide, check out our guide. For example, this excursion comes with bus transportation from Tenerife North and your cable car pass, but not the permit to reach the summit. There is additionally this one, which includes the same things but leaves from Tenerife South.
Frankly, if you simply want to do the cable car journey and have use of a vehicle, you can accomplish it independently. Our guide on how to climb Teide provides all the data you require .
2. Dolphin and whale-watching, the best tour in Tenerife
Without question, a Tenerife dolphin trip is among the coolest experiences and something we always aim to do whenever visiting the island. It is possible to see up to 21 varied cetacean species here, with dolphins and pilot whales being easiest to spot.
Even if you have the option to charter your own watercraft in Tenerife with a helmsman, there are numerous expeditions focused on watching whales and dolphins, but I suggest the specific tour we participated in. It launches from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje and migrates 2-2.5 miles to search for dolphins and whales. Best of all, this expedition around Tenerife occurs aboard a catamaran with a transparent underside, allowing you to view the marine mammals below the surface.
On the tour we took, we were fortunate to see numerous species, such as quite a number of pilot whales. However, one must bear in mind that no two whale excursions in Tenerife are identical, as these are untamed creatures that live with absolute freedom. Even so, the tour operators have many years of know-how, enabling them to anticipate the movements of whales and dolphins with outstanding accuracy.
- Highlights: Dolphin and whale viewing
- Duration: 2 hours approx.
- Price from: €27
- Departs from: Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje
- Description: Maritime tour with a transparent bottom vessel to view dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. .
3. Submarine trip, a favorite tour in Tenerife for families and kids
A underwater boat ride ranks amongst the most unusual day trips possible from Tenerife. A complete guide is provided on submarine sightseeing tours in Tenerife, although I`ll mention now that this dive represents one of the optimum possibilities.
You’ll board the Sub Fun Cinco, a bright yellow submarine with panoramic home windows that will allow you to discover the Amarilla Marina area, one of the least explored regions in southern Tenerife. During the ride, keep your eyes peeled for flute fish, octopi, barracudas, parrot fish, manta rays, and other sea creatures.
Of course, this south Tenerife activity incorporates a knowledgeable guide who will share intriguing realities and history regarding the marine life and the sub’s technical specifics. Therefore, if you’re searching for a Tenerife sight-seeing tour that’s beyond this world, give this one a go.
- Highlights: Submersible ride around the Amarilla Marina area of southern Tenerife with a guide
- Duration: 50 min approx.
- Price from: €57
- Departs from: Marina San Miguel, San Miguel de Abona marina
- Summary: Journey in a transparent-hulled watercraft to explore the seabed near a marina. .
The following list item describes an underwater expedition offering close views of marine life: “
4. Anaga Rural Park, an unforgettable day trip in Tenerife
Anaga Rural Park is among the most stunning locales on the island, so it logically features some of the top-rated tours in Tenerife. There are multiple options worth considering before deciding on your tour selection.
Initially, you can book this excursion, which incorporates a guided walk through the Bosque de los Enigmas, one of the most popular trails in the park. It’s led by an expert guide who will share curious tales and facts about the forest.
To participate in this excursion in Anaga, Tenerife, you’ll need a motor vehicle to arrive at the meeting point (either Ermita de la Cruz del Carmen or San Cristóbal de La Laguna), from where you’ll board a bus. It may present a minor hassle, but it`s a suitable option if you have a limited budget, as it`s one of the most affordable trips in Tenerife.
Another possibility is this expedition, which I advise for individuals who do not have a vehicle or do not wish to deal with public transportation. It incorporates transportation from San Cristóbal de La Laguna to Anaga Rural Park, where you’ll traverse among the enchanted laurel woodlands. This tour also provides a guide and a delicious appetizer
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5. Masca Gorge, a guided tour in Tenerife for hiking enthusiasts
Another very well reviewed guided trip in Tenerife is the descent into the Masca Gorge. This is one of the most popular hiking routes in Tenerife, so you will not regret it.
The Masca Gorge is located in Teno Rural Park and creates one of the most spectacular landscapes on the island. Indeed, it’s one of the most visited places in Tenerife, after Mount Teide. One of the ideal ways to explore this striking region is through participating in a guided tour such as this one.
The tour starts in the Plaza de Masca, where you’ll meet your group and begin the 6.2-mile walk. During the hike, you’ll descend the gorge, following the Masca stream to the beach. Then, you’ll make the ascent back up the ravine.
The route involves a considerable challenge, so I only recommend this Tenerife excursion for people who are in excellent physical shape and possess hiking experience. Of course, if you take on this route, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most stunning views on the island, so it’s well worth the effort.
- Key highlights: Guided hike through the Masca Ravine
- Duration: 6-7 hours approx.
- Price from: €35
- Departs from: Plaza de Masca, in Masca
- Description: Make the descent down the Masca Gorge and visit Masca Beach, then undertake the ascent back up the ravine. Includes a guiding service and permit .
6. Snorkeling with turtles, a breathtaking excursion in Tenerife
Another boat ride in Tenerife you’ll enjoy is a snorkeling excursion. This way, you can witness the rich diversity of the ocean floor and possibly even swim among the sea turtles.
I recommend taking this kayaking experience, where participants can canoe out to the sea. Since individuals will be in kayaks instead of motorboats, they will be able to get closer to turtles, dolphins and other marine creatures without disturbing them. In reality, the chances of seeing dolphins are very high as up to five different species can be found in these waters.
I consider this to be one of the best tours in southern Tenerife, as nothing is quite as astounding as seeing these beautiful creatures up close. This trip also includes some time to go snorkeling among the sea turtles and fish, so it`s one of those activities in Tenerife South that you`ll never forget.
This excursion starts in Los Cristianos and incorporates all the necessary equipment and guided instruction that you’ll need. So, don’t hesitate to book your spot!
- Highlights: Excursion involving kayaking to see dolphins and snorkeling with sea turtles
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price from: €30
- Departs from: Los Cristianos
- Description: Take part in a kayaking expedition to see dolphins and enjoy a snorkeling session with sea turtles and other marine species. Includes all necessary equipment and guided instruction .
7. Star-gazing from Mount Teide, the best nighttime tour in Tenerife
- The notably recommended accommodation is the Hotel Le Bleu, which boasts sleek rooms, comfortable amenities, and as one of the few lodgings in NYC offering free parking, it makes a great place to stay in Park Slope.
If that type of experience interests you, I suggest this tour, which will permit you to witness one of the most lovely sunsets on the island, followed by the star-studded night sky. You’ll be accompanied by an expert guide who will demonstrate how to employ telescopes to spot shooting stars, nebulae, star clusters, and some planets. If the conditions are just right, you can even see the Andromeda galaxy.
Without doubt, this is one of the finest tours on Mount Teide, especially if interested in night photography. Plus, this Tenerife activity offers transportation and dinner options.
- A highlight is visiting Teide National Park at night to see the stars.
- Duration: 3-6 hours
- Price from: €35
- Leaves from: Tenerife South (several locations)
- Description: Take part in a night tour through Teide National Park to observe the starry sky with a telescope. There is also the choice for round-trip transportation and dinner .
8. Kayaking at Punta de Teno, a cheap Tenerife day trip
If you’re looking for an inexpensive day excursion in Tenerife, consider kayaking at Punta de Teno, where you can experience the majestic Los Gigantes Cliffs.
This activity leaves from Punta del Teno, the northwesternmost part of Tenerife located in Teno Rural Park. It’s a commonly booked experience in Tenerife, especially since moving through water in a kayak allows you to get up near the imposing cliffs of Los Gigantes.
Don’t worry if you don’t have any kayaking experience, as the tour includes a tutorial in which you’ll learn different paddling techniques and safety measures. Throughout the tour, guides will be nearby to keep watch and provide insights about the area’s flora and fauna.
This Tenerife excursion also incorporates a brief pause at a bay so you can relax or enjoy a dip in the sea. Overall, I definitely recommend this tour if you want to experience Los Gigantes from a novel viewpoint.
- Enjoy a kayak tour around Punta del Teno.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Price from: €30
- Departs from: Punta del Teno
- Description: Experience paddling your kayak through Punta del Teno and glimpse the cliffs of Los Gigantes from the sea. The excursion incorporates all the necessary gear, as well as guides and refreshments .
9. La Gomera, one of the best excursions from Tenerife to another Canary Island
The Platinum Club at the hotel, which is an adults-only option that comes with access to various amenities like food service throughout the stay, offers exclusivity if you seek it. Landmar Playa La Arena is surely an ideal location to lodge in Tenerife for all visitors who prioritize comfort and closeness to attractions.
One of the better ways to explore diverse areas of La Gomera is by reserving this excursion from southern Tenerife. It visits multiple points of interest, such as Garajonay National Park, Roque de Agando, and San Sebastián de La Gomera. If staying in northern Tenerife, you can take this tour, which visits the same attractions, but in the reverse order. For even more options, check out our guide on taking the ferry from Tenerife to La Gomera.
Both of the excursions I mentioned utilize the ferry, and your tickets are covered in the price of the tour. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best options if you’re searching for a day trip in Tenerife that visits one of the most beautiful Canary Islands.
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10. La Palma, a fun boat trip in Tenerife
Another option that is considered among the most scenic excursions in Tenerife takes visitors to an additional island, particularly La Palma. This destination is viewed as one of the most aesthetically pleasing islands while also being among the quietest since it does not see large numbers of travelers.
A boat travel from Tenerife to La Palma like this option departs from Los Cristianos heading toward La Palma`s capital city of Santa Cruz de La Palma. This town boasts a charming historic center, so starting there allows getting acquainted with the island.
During the tour, you’ll gain knowledge about the explosion of the Tajogaite Volcano, also referred to as Cumbre Vieja, as well as enjoy magnificent views from the La Concepción viewpoint, the highest part of the Caldera Volcano. You’ll also visit other famous places in La Palma, such as the Time Tunnel and the Tajuya viewpoint.
This journey also involves lunch in Tazacorte, where you can sample some conventional Canarian dishes. As is evident, this is a highly comprehensive day trip from Tenerife, so I understand you’ll enjoy it. If you want more information, I suggest reading our guide on taking the ferry from Tenerife to La Palma.
- Highlights: Santa Cruz de La Palma, Tajogaite Volcano, La Concepción viewpoint, Tajuya viewpoint, and the Time Tunnel
- Duration: 10.5 – 11.5 hours
- Price from: €135
- Leaving from: Puerto Los Cristianos port
- Description: This all-day excursion from Tenerife to La Palma involves travelling by ferry and includes touring multiple points of interest on the island. The tour provides round-trip ferry tickets, transportation through La Palma`s interior region, a guide, and food.
Now that you have learned about the top tours available in Tenerife, all that remains is choosing the one that interests you most and making a booking. There are day trips for Tenerife catering to all budgets and schedules, ensuring there will be an option allowing anyone to deeply experience a visit to Tenerife, no matter their travel plans.
Additionally, if you are not planning to hire a vehicle in Tenerife, I recommend staying in Puerto de la Cruz. There exists a suitable number of excursions from Puerto de la Cruz, so you will be able to explore the island without requiring to drive.
In conclusion, if you have any inquiries or want to share your experiences participating in one of these Tenerife excursions, please leave a comment below. I`d be happy to hear from you!
Enjoy exploring Tenerife!
