Our Kayaking Experience in Tenerife

I’m continuing my series on the best things to do in Tenerife, and this time we’re talking about kayaking in Tenerife. I had planned to try it myself, but unfortunately the weather wasn’t on our side. After speaking with the operator, I postponed the tour, only for the conditions to be unsuitable again because there was far too much wind around Los Gigantes. It was a shame, and I was definitely disappointed, but I quickly found something else to do that morning. There is no shortage of activities in Tenerife.

You can’t control the weather, and Tenerife’s microclimates make it particularly unpredictable. It’s quite remarkable: I’ve seen the temperature rise or fall by 5 degrees between two bends in the road. You can never fully predict what the conditions will be, but that’s also part of Tenerife’s adventurous side. Even the locals are sometimes surprised, and they shared a few stories with us about it, especially around Teide National Park.

Another great thing about kayaking is the chance to observe marine life around you. Tenerife’s waters are home to species such as parrotfish and sea turtles, particularly around rocky areas near Los Gigantes. Below, you’ll find all our tips for kayaking in Tenerife. Stay with me to the end if you’re considering it—the practical advice may come in handy!

If you love the sea and outdoor activities, kayaking in Tenerife is a wonderful way to experience the island. You can paddle past volcanic cliffs, sea caves, and small coves that are only accessible from the water. The activity is suitable for different experience levels, although wind can make conditions challenging very quickly. When the weather cooperates, grab a paddle and enjoy the coastal scenery up close. There are several excellent kayaking areas around the island, and I’ve rounded up some of the best below.

For more places to spend a relaxing day between the sand and the sea, take a look at our guide to the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife.

I’m starting with this route for a reason: it’s one of Tenerife’s best-known kayaking trips, and it’s easy to understand why. Located in the south of the island, it offers striking scenery and generally sheltered water. You’ll paddle along a dark, rocky coastline that contrasts beautifully with the deep blue ocean, passing a few sea caves along the way.

Most operators depart from the beach at Los Cristianos and make their way toward Palm-Mar at a relaxed pace. Marine wildlife is often present along this stretch, so you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins in the distance, although sightings are never guaranteed. I saw them at close range during my whale- and dolphin-watching boat trip—on a sailboat, to be precise. It’s another water-based activity I highly recommend, provided you don’t get seasick.

Back to the route: the water is often clear enough to see fish swimming around your kayak and paddle. Guides also frequently include a snorkeling stop. In my opinion, this is a route with plenty to enjoy.

If there’s one place that immediately comes to mind for kayaking in Tenerife, it’s the foot of the Los Gigantes cliffs. This is where my tour was supposed to take place. These towering rock faces rise more than 600 meters in places and blend so dramatically into the landscape that they almost look deliberately placed there.

Starting from the small harbor at Los Gigantes, you’ll paddle beneath the cliffs with views toward La Gomera on the horizon. The main drawback is that this coast can be exposed to wind and swell. A morning departure may offer calmer conditions, although there is never a guarantee. When the sea cooperates, though, it should be an unforgettable outing. Instructors often include a snorkeling stop here as well, giving you a chance to look for fish sheltering among the rocks. Since parts of this coastline can only be reached from the water, it’s a great opportunity to experience them properly.

Although I couldn’t explore the cliffs by kayak, I did see them from a boat, and the experience was memorable. Looking up at them from so close almost made me dizzy—it was the first time I fully grasped their scale.

This route takes us in a completely different direction, to the northeast of the island between the well-known Las Teresitas beach and Anaga Rural Park. It feels worlds away from the south. The landscape is greener and wilder, with a rugged coastline and quieter, more secluded coves. Kayak outings in this area may depart from Las Teresitas, which is easy to reach by car or public transportation.

The setting makes an immediate impression: you enter the water from a golden-sand beach lined with palm trees and framed by turquoise water. Las Teresitas can be busy, but I also found it calm and family-friendly, which helps you feel at ease before setting off. Once you’re in your kayak—often a tandem—you’ll follow the coast toward Anaga, where the scenery quickly becomes more rugged and green.

This route offers views of secluded beaches that are best appreciated from the sea. One thing to keep in mind is that the area can be windy, so a morning departure may improve your chances of calmer conditions.

Of all the routes mentioned so far, this one feels the most distinctively northern: wilder, quieter, and more removed from the busiest resort areas. Travelers who enjoy getting off the beaten path may find it especially appealing.

At Tenerife’s western tip, Punta de Teno is already a striking place from land, so paddling through this setting must be quite an experience. With its famous lighthouse, steep cliffs, and clear water, the area feels wonderfully remote. The appeal lies in being surrounded by largely unspoiled scenery.

Some tours launch near Punta de Teno beach, beside the lighthouse, and explore the surrounding coastline toward Los Gigantes. You’ve probably gathered by now that these cliffs are a personal favorite of mine. They create a setting you might not expect, and their scale is even more impressive from the water. Depending on the excursion, you may also stop to snorkel in a secluded cove, where the clear water gives you a chance to observe the area’s marine life.

This is also a good moment to mention that I took a snorkeling tour in Tenerife, and it was a lot of fun. I even spotted a bright orange starfish! Kayaking around Punta de Teno offers a distinctive way to experience another beautiful part of Tenerife, making it a fitting final stop on this list.

As you’ve seen, there are options in several parts of the island. Some departure points can also be reached without a rental car, which may help narrow down your choice—and choosing the route may well be the hardest part!

Kayaking in Tenerife is already an adventure, but joining a guided tour changes the experience in several useful ways. Whatever your level or previous experience, having a guide means you don’t need to plan the route yourself: you can follow their instructions and focus on enjoying the outing.

Local instructors know the island’s coastline and changing conditions extremely well. They are also familiar with Tenerife’s microclimates, which is reassuring from a safety perspective. Even when swimming, you need to be careful in certain areas because the Atlantic can bring strong currents and swell. I’ve had a few moments that reminded me not to underestimate the ocean. I’m not saying this to frighten you—only to stress that caution matters.

Another advantage is that many guided kayak tours include a snorkeling break. Equipment such as a mask and snorkel is usually provided, although inclusions vary by operator. Guides choose the stop according to the conditions and may help you spot fish or, occasionally, turtles. Dolphins may also be visible farther offshore, but wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

I often book activities through Manawa, and my experiences with the platform have gone smoothly. The operator I selected there for a departure from Los Gigantes was:

Teno Activo: a local outdoor-activity company based at the Los Gigantes marina. The excursion I had booked was a small-group kayak trip beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs. The company also offers snorkeling, boat trips, and guided outdoor activities in the Teno area and around Teide National Park. Its current website and Manawa listing confirm that the Los Gigantes kayak-and-snorkel activity is still available, although prices, schedules, and exact inclusions should always be checked for your travel date.

That’s my take on the benefits of booking a guided kayak tour with a local operator. The rest is up to you!

This section covers the main practical points to know before kayaking in Tenerife.

Kayaking is possible throughout the year in Tenerife, but the activity always depends on the sea and weather conditions on the day. Temperatures remain relatively mild, although they vary by coast, season, and altitude. In general, spring through early fall can be appealing because the water is warmer, but calm seas are never guaranteed. I visited in late September and saw days with ideal conditions as well as others when tours could not run.

Winter outings are also possible, although wind and swell may reduce the number of suitable routes. More sheltered areas around Los Cristianos are often considered a practical option, but Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje, and other locations may also work when conditions allow. Tenerife has a way of keeping you flexible.

To choose your travel dates and coordinate your other activities, read our guide on when to go to Tenerife. It includes seasonal advice for beach time, hiking, nature, and water activities.

Morning is often the best time to go kayaking in Tenerife. The sea may be calmer before the wind builds, and the softer light is lovely along the coast. Popular areas such as Los Gigantes and Los Cristianos can also feel less busy before the later tours begin.

Temperatures are usually more comfortable earlier in the day as well, especially in the dry, sunny south. When schedules allow, a departure between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. can be a good choice, but the operator’s assessment of the day’s conditions should always come first.

Kayak tours in Tenerife are generally accessible at a range of budgets, but prices vary considerably by route, operator, group size, and what is included. Current online listings for guided outings around Los Gigantes and Los Cristianos can start below €40, while many two- to three-hour tours fall around the €35–€50 range per person. Equipment such as the kayak, paddle, and life jacket is normally included, along with a professional guide. Some excursions also include snorkeling equipment.

Private tours, longer outings, or more personalized small-group experiences can cost more, sometimes €70 or above. Since prices and inclusions change, check the current booking page carefully before confirming.

The duration depends on the route and package you choose. Many standard kayak tours last around two to three hours, which gives you enough time to enjoy the scenery, paddle at a comfortable pace, and potentially stop for swimming or snorkeling. In my opinion, that’s also a manageable length for enjoying the activity without returning completely exhausted.

Some operators offer longer or half-day outings, particularly around Los Gigantes or Punta de Teno. These may travel farther from the departure point and reach quieter sections of the coast. Naturally, you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness, especially if the sea is choppy. Choose the format that suits you best—the time will probably pass quickly once you’re on the water.

Seeing a sea turtle during a kayak tour in Tenerife would be a special moment. It may happen, but no responsible operator can guarantee a sighting. Sea turtles are protected wildlife, and they should never be touched, chased, surrounded, or disturbed. The same principle applies to every marine animal you encounter.

If a turtle appears nearby, keep a respectful distance, avoid blocking its path, and let it move away on its own. Pausing quietly also gives you a better chance to appreciate the encounter without interfering with the animal.

This is also a good way to judge whether the operator you booked with takes environmental responsibility seriously. Reputable guides normally explain wildlife rules and safe behavior before you enter the water. The same guidance applies to dolphins, rays, whales, and the other species found around Tenerife.

The southwest coast includes the protected Teno-Rasca Special Area of Conservation, an important marine zone known for its biodiversity. Protection helps safeguard these habitats and the animals that use them, so visitors have a responsibility to minimize disturbance as well.

We’ve reached the end of this guide to kayaking in Tenerife. You now have the main information you need to choose a route and prepare for the activity. Although the weather prevented me from doing the tour myself, the combination of paddling, coastal scenery, and marine life makes it an experience worth considering.
Tenerife also offers plenty of other water sports, including kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding. I did, however, go scuba diving in Lanzarote! Although Tenerife and Lanzarote are not neighboring islands, both are home to species such as parrotfish, trumpetfish, viejas, sargos, and many others.

See you soon for more water-based adventures in Tenerife!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to discover the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Lanzarote, so that I could share these island paradises with you. Two real favorites of mine!

Despite our vigilance, an error may have crept into this article. If you spot one, please don't hesitate to let us know so that we can correct it immediately and keep our information up to date!