This selection of must-do excursions in Tenerife will help you discover the most attractive activities to plan your stay on this diverse Canary Island, considered among the best tourist offers in Spain. With the imposing Teide as the central point of many of the Tenerife tours, the island offers the opportunity to enjoy hiking trails in spectacular natural parks, explore its coastline in unique ways, observe cetaceans with complete respect, practice scuba diving to explore some of the country’s most outstanding seabeds, or immerse yourself in the history and traditions of cities declared World Heritage such as La Laguna.
It is essential to know that Tenerife is vast and the ideal way to explore it is by renting a car, although for many activities it is better to have the guidance of experts who will help you make the most of each experience. Below, we present the best excursions in Tenerife so you can choose the one that suits your preferences. Let’s get started!
1. Excursion to Teide
At 3,715 meters above sea level, Teide is the highest peak in Spain and the main attraction of Tenerife. A visit to the island would not be complete without exploring Teide National Park, where numerous trails will take you through landscapes that seem from another planet.
Although you can approach it in your own vehicle and enjoy the journey along its impressive roads, we suggest taking advantage of the experience by booking one of the Tenerife tours. There are options for all tastes: from pick-up services at accommodations with jeep or quad tours of the area, to excursions that include a cable car ride to nearly the peak’s summit (yes, it’s possible to reach it!). The cable car takes you up to 3,555 meters, offering unforgettable views.
To help you choose, we have segmented the excursions to Teide into various categories:
Excursions to Teide with pick-up and specialized guide:
- Pick-up in La Orotava or Puerto de la Cruz and access to the cable car
- Excursion to Teide from Puerto de la Cruz (without cable car)
- Pick-up in the south (from Los Gigantes to El Médano) and access to the cable car
- Excursion to Teide from the south (without cable car)
Hiking routes:
- Free tour of Teide: a 2-hour tour that starts at the Roques de García viewpoint. Ideal for those who wish to explore independently, yet benefit from expert guidance.
- Excursion to the Teide peak with pick-up in the south and cable car access: reach Spain’s highest point with the help of an expert. This option includes the processing of the necessary permit, as ascending the peak requires booking in advance.
- Excursion to the Teide peak from Puerto de la Cruz with pick-up and cable car
Tours for the more adventurous:
- Quad tour of Teide: if you are looking for a bit of adrenaline, this tour is perfect for you. Drive your own quad through picturesque towns such as Vilaflor until you reach Teide. A type B driving license is required, and the activity accommodates one to two people. Pick-up points are available in the south.
- Jeep safari in Teide National Park: explore the best views of the park in a 4×4, departing from the Las Américas area and descending through the municipalities of Guía de Isora.
- Jeep safari through Teide and Masca: similar to the previous option, but with an extended route that includes the impressive Masca ravine area.
- Cycling tour of Teide: if you enjoy cycling and unique landscapes, this excursion picks you up in the south (from Los Gigantes to El Médano) to start a guided route from the La Camella area. The tour lasts between 5 and 6 hours.
You can also opt for a visit to the Teide Observatory with a guide specialized in astronomy. Considered one of the best in the world, this tour offers an introduction to the history and functioning of the observatory, along with a brief astrophysics workshop.
For more details, check out our post about how to ascend Teide.
2. Boat Excursions in Tenerife with Cetacean Watching
Although Tenerife’s landscapes are incredible from land, enjoying a boat excursion in Tenerife allows you to get a complete perspective of the island.
The channel between Tenerife and La Gomera is home to more than twenty cetacean species, including sperm whales, pilot whales, and bottlenose dolphins, which can be seen year-round. For this reason, we recommend booking one of the following trips:
- 3-hour catamaran cruise with cetacean watching and audio commentary: departs from the Colón port in Costa Adeje, sailing along the coast to observe pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, while a guide provides interesting facts about these animals. It includes a stop for a swim, snacks, and drinks.
- Sailing trip with cetacean watching: a more exclusive option on an intimate sailboat with capacity for 11 people, ideal for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.
- 5-hour catamaran cruise with cetacean watching and audio commentary: similar to the first option, but with lunch included and a route extending to the impressive Los Gigantes area, also making a stop in Masca Bay. One of the best excursions in Tenerife.
- Cetacean watching in Los Cristianos: a 2-hour trip departing from Los Cristianos to enjoy the sea and, with a bit of luck, observe these majestic animals. There is a stop at the Cueva del Amor to refresh with a swim.
- Yacht cruise with cetacean watching: sets sail from the charming village of Playa San Juan and offers options for 3 or 4-hour trips; the extended itinerary includes a visit to Los Acantilados and Masca Bay.
Remember that, as this is an activity involving wild animals, sightings are not guaranteed and depend on factors such as sea currents and weather conditions.
3. Night Tours of Teide, One of the Best Excursions in Tenerife
Teide during the day is awe-inspiring, but opting for a night excursion allows you to admire one of the most star-filled skies in the world. The near-total absence of light pollution, the altitude, and the scarcity of tourists create a unique experience.
You can start with a simple night hiking route through the Teide Cañadas, guided by an expert who will explain the wonders of the Tenerife sky. If you are passionate about astronomy and prefer using telescopes, book one of the following options, considered among the best excursions in Tenerife:
- Stargazing in Teide: a 75-minute activity that begins at the cable car station, where you will learn about astronomical observation through the expertise of a guide and professional telescopes.
- Astronomical tour of Teide from northern Tenerife: with pick-ups in Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, and Santa Úrsula, it includes transportation, a visit to the Teide Observatory, a sunset in the national park, and telescope observation at the base of the cable car. You can choose to include a meal. For more details, check out this post about things to do in Puerto de la Cruz.
- Astronomical tour of Teide from southern Tenerife: ideal if you are staying in the south, with the same benefits as the northern tour.
4. Hiking in Anaga Rural Park
Covering more than 14,000 hectares, Anaga Rural Park is one of the most charming corners of the island. Located in the northeast and declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2015, it is renowned for hosting the largest number of endemic species in Europe.
Walking along its trails is a must; let yourself be enveloped by the lush Canary laurel forest on routes such as the “Trail of the Senses” or the “Forest of Mysteries.” Although you can explore it on your own, we recommend joining this hiking tour that, with the help of a guide, will allow you to fully appreciate the beauty and importance of this natural space. The route is quite simple and lasts approximately 3 hours, making it suitable for all types of travelers, including children.
5. Boat Trip in Southern Tenerife
Tenerife offers numerous options to enjoy the pleasant weather aboard a vessel and admire unique landscapes from the sea. There are tours for every taste and budget, whether you prefer to rent a motorboat or enjoy the comfort of a yacht.
According to traveler reviews, some of the best boat excursions in Tenerife are:
- Catamaran cruise along Costa Adeje: enjoy 3 hours on a catamaran that sails along the south of the island, offering views of Teide and pristine beaches such as Diego Hernández. With an aperitif and open bar, and the possibility of cetacean watching, this option may include transportation based on your choice.
- Sailing trip from Costa Adeje: a more intimate alternative on a boat with a capacity for 10 people, ideal for snorkeling in the crystal-clear Canary waters. It departs from Puerto Colón.
- Sailing trip along Los Gigantes: possibly one of the most outstanding tours, focused on the majestic landscapes of Los Gigantes. Departing from the Los Gigantes marina, this 3-hour journey includes swims, a buffet, and drinks, along with the opportunity to observe whales and dolphins.
- Boat rental with skipper in Costa Adeje: if you are traveling in a group, renting a private boat for up to 7 people is a fantastic option.
- Boat rental without a license in Costa Adeje: would you like to captain your own boat? With basic instructions, sail along the southern coast with a group of up to 5 people, departing from Puerto Colón in Adeje.
- Motorboat rental without a license in Costa Adeje: a more economical option, available for periods ranging from 1 to 4 hours.
- Submarine tour in southern Tenerife: explore the rich seabeds at 30 meters depth for 50 minutes, observing tropical fish and rays, with pick-up at various points in the south.
6. Hiking through the Masca Ravine
Considered one of the most spectacular hiking routes on the island (and perhaps in the entire Canary archipelago), this trail takes you through the impressive ravine formed by the Masca stream to its beach, surrounded by the imposing cliffs of Los Gigantes.
The route starts from the Masca hamlet, under the shadow of the Catana rock, in one of Tenerife’s most picturesque villages, where you can appreciate traditional Canarian architecture. An expert guide will provide you with all the details of the route, which includes a descent of approximately 3 hours and a subsequent ascent of about 600 meters of elevation gain from the beach back to Masca.
The good news is that beach pick-ups will soon resume, making the return more comfortable. You can book now the descent through the Masca ravine with a boat trip along Los Gigantes to experience one of the best excursions in Tenerife.
If you prefer to avoid an extensive hike, this free tour through Masca of 90 minutes will allow you to discover the essentials of the area.
7. Kayak Tours in Southern Tenerife
Not everything in Tenerife is about relaxing on the best beaches; if you are a sea lover, kayak tours are an ideal option.
This excursion from Los Cristianos allows you to paddle alongside the cliffs of Guaza, an area rich in marine fauna where it is common to spot turtles and dolphins. Additionally, it includes snorkeling equipment so that, if you wish, you can dive into its waters, always accompanied by a Spanish-speaking guide.
Another highlighted option is the kayak tour of Punta de Teno, which will allow you to enjoy Los Gigantes from sea level and feel even more in touch with nature.
8. Explore the Island’s Seabeds, Another Tenerife Excursion
Within Europe, the Canary Islands boast some of the most spectacular seabeds, full of diversity in marine flora and fauna with ideal temperatures. An excursion in Tenerife that you cannot miss is the one that takes you to explore this underwater world.
If you do not yet have a license for open water diving and want to try, the best option is to sign up for a diving baptism. Under the supervision of an instructor who will teach you the basics and fundamental exercises, you will have a safe and exciting experience. Check out options such as this one in Las Galletas, this one in Radazul, this one in Los Cristianos, this one in La Caleta de Costa Adeje or this one in Abades, located in areas perfect for beginners.
If you wish to certify with the PADI Open Water Diver title and dive around the world, the intensive 3-day course will allow you to learn everything you need while exploring the island’s incredible seabeds. Book this option (with discount) in Los Cristianos or, if it is more convenient, this alternative in Radazul.
9. Paragliding
For thrill-seekers, paragliding is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to admire the landscapes of southern Tenerife from a completely different perspective. Choose from options ranging from the most gentle to acrobatic variants. Book here and get ready to experience an adventure you will always remember.
10. Explore La Laguna with Some of the Best Tenerife Tours
La Laguna is one of the most charming cities in Tenerife and, in addition, the only one in the Canary Islands declared World Heritage. Walking through its historic center is like entering a world of stately mansions, religious monuments, and squares full of history. Therefore, it is ideal to join one of the tours known for their route and narration.
Among the most recommended and highly rated tours are:
- Free tour of La Laguna: over 2 hours, starting from Plaza del Adelantado, you will discover the city’s most emblematic spots in an engaging way.
- Mysteries and Legends Tour of La Laguna: delve into the hidden and enigmatic side of the city on a tour that begins at sunset.
- Free Legends and Folklore Tour in La Laguna: discover Canarian traditions and the mystical atmosphere of the city while visiting its most iconic sites.
- Guided Tour of La Laguna: for only 7€, enjoy a 90-minute tour covering the best of this historic Tenerife city.
Map of Tenerife Tours
To give you a better idea of where the tours in Tenerife take place, we have prepared this map:
Would you like to suggest any Tenerife tours or do you have any questions? Feel free to let us know in the comments.
