All at sea

Parks

Active

Sightseeing

Evening Entertainment

All at sea

Of course this website is dedicated to diving - for sure the best way to see the marine life and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean around Tenerife. But there are other options....

Whalewatching

A visit to Tenerife represents a very special opportunity to view these magnificent mammals in the wild as this is one of the few places in the world with a resident pod of short-finned pilot whales. Although these whales inhabit a large zone of temperate and tropical waters of the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, resident populations are rare, so this opportunity is not to be missed.

Certain authorised boats are allowed to take members of the public to view the whales as they rise to the surface for air. There are a variety of styles of boat from which to choose, departing from the harbours of Puerto Colon and Los Cristianos.

Trips can be of 2, 3 or 5 hours duration and may include lunch and a further sightseeing destination such as Los Gigantes or Masca. All but the 2 hour trips include an option to cool off in the water with a splash-about, swim or snorkel.

Boats range from economy to luxury, pirate ship to catamaran, motor boat or yacht. On the trip you can practice your sailing skills, top up your tan, learn more about the wildlife you are about to observe or choose a trip specifically catering for kids - let us know your preferences and we will advise you accordingly.

Submarine Safari

How about this for another rare opportunity? Experience a dive on board a real submarine and see the underwater world of Tenerife without getting wet! Onboard the submarine you will be allocated your personal seat, right in front of a large viewing port, ensuring a great view of the outside underwater world. Each view port has its own TV monitor giving you alternative viewing angles, along with a digital display panel giving continuous information about the submarine. Including boarding and disembarking each trip takes an hour.

Sailing or cruising

Charter your own boat, with or without skipper (subject to licence!) for anything from 2 hours to an overnight trip to La Gomera. Avoid the crowds and have the luxury of a boat to yourself and your family or friends.

Parks

By far the most popular of the many theme or animal parks on the island are the spectacular zoo of Loro Park in Puerto de la Cruz and the superb and fun filled water park, Siam Park, located in Las Americas - both of which make for great days out. Buy your tickets at the Dive Centre and avoid the entry queues. You can buy a 'twin ticket' to gain entry to both parks which gives you a saving of 10 euros per person. Optional transport is available to Loro Park if you don't have a hire car.

If you´d rather stay closer to home and would like to visit an animal park in the South of the island, Jungle Park has an excellent Birds of Prey show; Monkey Park has spontaneous entertainment provided by the resident cheeky monkeys - or go for a camel ride at Camel Park.

Active

Trekking

There are a number of half or full day trekking options on Tenerife. You can go solo or guided, and in the latter case boots, backpack, picnic and transport are provided. This is an opportunity to see Tenerife at its most tranquil, up close and personal. One very popular option is to trek down from the pictuesque village of Masca to the beach and from there catch a boat taxi to Los Gigantes. There is also the possibility to trek in the National Park of our neighbouring island of La Gomera.

Cycling

We have mountain bikes, town bikes and kids bikes available to hire. Whether you wish to ride along the promenade or tackle an uphill route, this is a very pleasant way to get the wind in your hair!

Paragliding

See Tenerife from the air in an exhilarating tandem flight with a qualified and experienced instructor - no experience necessary.

Horseriding

Enjoy the countryside of Tenerife on horseback - suitable for beginners or experienced riders.

Karting

With an adult track and a children's track, this can be enjoyed by all the family. The main circuit is an impressive 1200m long and 8 metres wide. Competitions can be arranged - great fun if you are here with a group.

Quads

For those with a driving licence, choose between the Forest Explorer or the Mount Teide Tour. Without a driver's licence, you can still enjoy this fun activity on the off-road rocky trail.

Water sports

Water skiing; parascending, banana boat and jet skis are all available from our local beach. Jet skis can be anything from a 20 minutes dash-about to a 3 hour safari along the beautiful coastline of the South East of Tenerife.

Sightseeing

Mount Teide

Hire a car or book a coach or jeep trip - but whatever you do, don't leave Tenerife without seeing Mount Teide! At 3,700 metres this spectacular volcano is the highest mountain in Spain. You can reach approximately 2,300 metres by road, passing from a sub tropical landscape through a 'forest crown', with several dramatic viewing points along the way culminating in a lunar-like desert. At 2000+ metres you will find many different landscapes and rock formations, and will find it hard to believe you are still on Tenerife. If you wish to go further, a 10 minute cable car ride takes you from 2,300 metres to 3,500 metres. From there several paths wind around the mountain allowing views in all directions. Access to the final 200 metres to the peak is restricted to a maximum number of people per day in order to protect the landscape, but free permits can be requested in advance on-line: www.reservasparquesnacionales.es. Coach excursions may take a route via the village of Masca on the North West coast, claimed to be the prettiest village in Tenerife.

There are signposted hiking routes or you can participate in guided walks in the National Park.

There is an interesting evening tour of Teide which, after dining in the highest village in Spain (Vilaflor), then watching the sunset accompanied by a glass of champagne, culminates in some star gazing in the company of one of Tenerife’s informative and entertaining astrologers. NB It can be extremely cold at the top, even in summer, and with a significant danger of sunburn, even in winter.

La Gomera

After a 35 minute ferry crossing you can explore Tenerife's nearest and more rugged neighbour, by coach or jeep. The island is only 25km across at its widest but has enough microclimates to fill an entire continent ranging from dry valleys in the south to a verdant forest in the west.

You will be taken on a full day round-the-island tour, stopping at various points to hear about the geography, history, culture and folk-lore. Lunch is included and you will be treated to a demonstration of the ancient whistling language of La Gomera. This is an extremely memorable day out and is one of our most popular excursions.

Santa Cruz

This is the capital not only of the island but of the Western province of the Canary Islands, i.e. La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro (the capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, being responsible for the other islands). We think it is well worth a visit with its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, great shopping and many historical attractions. (It is here that Lord Admiral Nelson lost his arm and the battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1797).

From the recently re-landscaped Plaza de España you can admire the imposing government buildings of the city and explore the ancient cobbled streets with their shops, bars and restaurants. Visit the colourful walled fruit and flower market, El Mercado de Nuestra Señora de Africa, the auditorium with its gravity defying architecture or take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful Garcia Sanabria Park.

Other nearby interesting sights to look out for are the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción with its 6-tiered tower, and the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de Africa – the walled city market. The curious museum of humanities is also worth a visit.

Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz was founded in the 17th century as the major port of the North. However its lack of natural harbour, the rocky coastline and Atlantic swells meant that it soon lost out to its neighbour, Santa Cruz, on the Northeast coast.

It later became a fashionable seaside resort for wealthy Victorian travelers as well as locals. It remains the resort of choice for those who prefer a more laid back pace than is offered in the South, despite (or perhaps because of) its cooler, wetter climate.

We recommend a visit to the tranquil haven of the ancient botanic gardens and the extensive and recently refurbished lido of Lago Martianez as well as a wander through the old town and stroll along the seafront. Puerto de la Cruz is also home to the famous Loro Park (see Parks for more on this).

La Anaga

The mountain range of La Anaga is in the North Western tip of Tenerife, just North of Santa Cruz and a visit can therefore be easily combined with a visit to Santa Cruz. If you can handle the twisty roads, the tiny fishing village of Taganana at the Northern end of the mountain range is a treat for nature lovers and walkers.

The North Coast

There are several lovely places to visit on or near the North coast which can be combined with a visit to Puerto de la Cruz. For example, just South of Puerto de la Cruz lies La Orotava. This historic and picturesque town was founded in the 16th century, its wealth deriving from the fertile agricultural lands of the Orotava Valley.

You should make a point of seeing some of the 17th century houses with carved wooden hanging balconies. Also not to be missed are the spectacular ‘hanging’ gardens (really gardens on a steep slope). Just wander around the old centre and you'll find it all there.

If you happen to be around at the time of the Corpus Christi festival (usually late May) the flower decorations at the Town Hall square are spectacular. Should you decide to continue from here to Mount Teide this takes you on a very scenic route across the mountain to return to the South.

Alternatively, further West along the North coast you will come to the famous Drago (dragon) tree of Icod and the beautiful town of Garachico, once the most important trading city of Tenerife which had to be rebuilt after the eruption of Mount Teide in 1706.

The West Coast

Adeje

A drive up the West Coast should start with a detour away from the coast road into the market town of Adeje. If you just keep going up you will come to the ancient old centre with its lovely architecture, church and plaza with several cafes on a tree-lined street, serving anything from just a coffee to excellent garlic chicken. Higher even than the church and plaza is the entrance to the famous barranco walk, Barranco del Infierno.

Playa de San Juan / Los Gigantes

We really like the pretty seaside town of Playa de San Juan and recommend a stop here for a stroll along the boardwalk. Next stop, check out Los Gigantes, named after the black basalt rock cliffs that tower over this attractive, hilly resort. The cliffs reach over 600m high and stretch for more than 11km – easily visible as you are flying into Tenerife, just a few minutes before landing.

Masca

North of Los Gigantes, after negotiating a series of hairpin bends, you come finally to the lovely valley and village of Masca, reputed to be the prettiest place on the island. Despite being included in the itinerary of some of the coach trips to Mount Teide, it is still a charming place to stop for lunch and a little exploration. From here you can hike down to the coast and catch a boat taxi to Los Gigantes - giving you the opportunity to see this dramatic landscape from all angles.

Evening Entertainment

Rock Story

A medley of Abba, Queen and Pink Floyd form the basis of this popular show but this is much more than a tribute show. We have never had any disappointing feedback, even from sceptical teens!

Medieval Night

This is fun for all the family, cheering for your particular Knight on horseback whilst enjoying your medieval banquet all in the setting of Castle (Castillo) San Miguel.

Aire

When in Spain, a quality flamenco show is really a must! The famous dance company of Carmen Mota has produced this spectacular show, which includes many styles of dance from tradtional Spanish through to modern styles resulting in 'flamenco fusion'. The show takes place in the Piramides theatre within the Mare Nostrum resort, very near to the dive centre.