Kayaking in Tenerife

The island of Tenerife offers many natural beauties along its entire coast. Also, many friendly marine animals live near Tenerife's pristine coasts, including dolphins and sea turtles.

Join a kayaking tour of Tenerife to discover the island's most beautiful coasts, where dolphins and sea turtles live in their natural habitats. A kayak excursion is the most ecological way to visit protected marine reserves.

Continue reading our guide to find out more about kayaking, one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Tenerife.

What are the best places to kayak in Tenerife?

Cliffs of Guaza

The Guaza cliffs are located south of Los Cristianos, southwest of the island of Tenerife. The cliffs are accessible by kayaking from the beaches of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas. This stretch of coast is best for a kayak tour and snorkeling.

The Guaza cliffs are a protected marine reserve. Many pods of dolphins spend their time along this stretch of coast, and sea turtles live in isolated bays. Palmar's cave is located along the cliff and is accessible by kayak.

Puerto de la Cruz

The coast east of Puerto della Cruz, located in the north of Tenerife, is another interesting place for kayaking and snorkeling. Some kayak tours depart from Martiánez Beach and head to Bollullo Beach. Along the way, there are many inlets, bays and cliffs that can only be easily visited by sea and set up for diving and snorkeling.

What are the best kayak tours in Tenerife?

Snorkeling and kayaking with dolphins and turtles

Go on a kayaking adventure to see sea turtles and dolphins near the coast of Tenerife. You will be able to observe the peaceful life of these fantastic creatures in a protected natural area.

This kayak tour departs from Los Cristianos, a town in the southwestern tip of Tenerife. The kayaking excursion lasts around 2.5 hours and aims to show you as many dolphins and turtles as possible.

Both dolphins and turtles live naturally along this coast. While it's not guaranteed to see them, there's a 95% chance you'll spot them from a short distance. Kayaking is the ideal way to observe sea creatures, because it does not produce noise and has no ecological impact on the environment. You'll also be able to swim and snorkel among sea turtles in a bay that is only accessible by kayak.

Private kayaking dolphin and turtle tour

This private kayak excursion is ideal for a group of friends or a couple looking for a more private experience. The tour departs from Playa de las Americas, in the south of the island.

The kayaking excursion lasts about 3.5 hours and takes you to see dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat. You can see different types of dolphins and snorkel among the turtles. The multilingual guide will guide you along the coast to visit the best places, including the incredible Palmar cave.

Kayaking and snorkeling tour in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

This kayak tour is one of the few available in Puerto de la Cruz in the north of the island. The kayaking excursion starts from Martiánez beach and goes east towards Bollullo beach.

That stretch of coast is fascinating because it is full of coves where you can snorkel. Your guide will accompany you along the entire route of this 2-hour kayaking excursion.

Sunset kayaking tour with dolphins

Go on a kayaking excursion in search of dolphins and sea turtles. This tour departs from Los Cristianos beach and heads to the Guaza cliffs, a protected natural area where pods of dolphins live.

This kayak tour is particularly exciting as it takes place during sunset. You can therefore admire the intense colors of the cliff illuminated by the color of the sunset, as well as see the sunset over the sea.

The tour includes a visit to the Palmar cave and the chance to snorkel in the pristine bays of the marine reserve.

Kayak safari with dolphins and turtles in Guaza

This kayaking tour also heads for the Guaza cliffs, which is the ideal place on the Tenerife island to snorkel and see marine animals in their natural habitat.

The tour includes a break in the Guaza Marine Reserve to be able to snorkel, visit the Pal Mar cave or climb the cliff and take panoramic photos.

How much do kayak tours in Tenerife cost?

• All group kayak tours cost from € 38 to € 50 per person.
• Private kayak tours cost between € 75 and € 90.

How long does a kayak trip in Tenerife last?

Kayak tours in Tenerife last between 2 and 3 and a half hours. The price variation between the various offers is often due to the duration.

Which safety devices are needed to kayak in Tenerife?

Each participant is required to wear a life jacket provided by the tour operator. Kayaking is simple and not very dangerous; therefore, it is an activity suitable also for beginners.

Do the participants of the kayak tours in Tenerife have to be in good physical shape?

Taking part in a kayak trip does not require great physical skills. However, participants must be in good physical shape to paddle and follow the speed of the tour.

Kayak tours are not recommended for pregnant women, people with severe back problems, people with reduced mobility, people with seasickness problems or adults over 65. All participants must be able to swim.

Can children join a kayak tour in Tenerife?

Many kayak activity tour operators allow children to participate. There is a minimum age, which is decided by the tour operator. Therefore, check the specific tour description carefully. The minimum age is usually 6 years old, but it can also be 14 years old. Children must always be accompanied by their parents.

What happens in case of bad weather?

The possibility of kayaking safely depends on weather conditions. If there is bad weather, the activity is canceled and the price paid is fully refunded.

Where do kayaking excursions in Tenerife start from?

The most interesting area for kayaking is the Guaza cliffs, south of the island. Therefore, many kayak tours depart from Los Cristianos or Playa de las Americas.

Some tours run along the north coast and depart from Martiánez beach in Puerto de la Cruz.

What languages do the kayak tour guides speak in Tenerife?

Tenerife is a very international destination, which receives visitors from all over Europe and also from abroad. Therefore, many guides can speak multiple languages, such as English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish.

What is the best season to go kayaking in Tenerife?

Like all the Canary Islands, Tenerife is located at a latitude where the seasons are not very marked. In all months of the year, you can take part in a kayaking adventure.

The autumn and spring months are the months with the highest tourist influx because the temperatures are high but not too high as in summer. Many tourists prefer to visit the island in winter, trying to escape the cold of the Northern European countries.

In winter, the sea is more likely to be rough and you can't go kayaking, while in summer, it rarely happens. The water temperature in Tenerife is relatively constant throughout the year and is around 20 ° C.

Which other outdoor and sports activities can be done in Tenerife?

Tenerife is a small paradise for lovers of outdoor activities and sports. Being an island, you will be able to try out tons of water activities as well as take advantage of the natural heritage of the interior of the island for activities on the ground.

• Boat trips and tours. Set sail on a catamaran to discover the island's hidden bays or spot whales and dolphins.
• Snorkeling. Join a boat or kayak tour to get to Tenerife's best snorkeling spots, observing turtles, fish and dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Whale watching. Tenerife is one of the few places in Europe where you can spot whales. Take a boat tour to see these giants of the sea up close.
• Stargazing. Mount Teide is famous for its excellent conditions for stargazing. A star observatory is built on the mountain. Join a nighttime stargazing activity to see celestial bodies up close.
• Scuba diving. If you want to try scuba diving, Tenerife is the place to try it for the first time. Take part in a scuba diving course where you can see sea creatures up close.
• Jet ski tours. Race along the coast of Tenerife at high speed aboard a jet ski
• Quad tours. Explore Teide National Park on an adventurous quad bike tour on dirt trails.

Travel tips

Here are some tips to better enjoy your kayak excursion in Tenerife.

• Remember to bring sunscreen and a camera.
• Book in advance to reserve the tour at your preferred time.
• Check all the offers online to book at the best price.