Wild Island Adventure in Tenerife
Hike, kayak, stargaze and spot whales on an epic adventure to uncover the wilder side of the Canary Islands
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesAccommodation
5 nights in a rural mountain houseMeals
All breakfasts, all lunches, 4 dinnersTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment & Permits
Everything you need for kayaking, snorkelling and stargazing, plus all permits and entry feesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Head into Teide National Park to hike among pine forests and lava fields, and stargaze beneath dazzlingly clear night skies
Kayak along the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes, snorkel in the crystal waters and keep watch for dolphins and pilot whales
Hike across the open ridges of the Teno Highlands and Anaga Natural Park, with stunning views over the Atlantic to La Gomera
Bunk down in a cosy rural refuge in the island's northwest, for an authentic Canarian vibe well away from the resort crowds in the south
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Tenerife!
Touch down at Tenerife South Airport, where your local host will be waiting. If you land in the morning, you’ll head straight to a cove at Montaña Amarilla for a swim, followed by lunch (not included) at a nearby Canarian spot. The rest of the group will be collected as they arrive, then you’ll all make your way northwest across the island. Caserío Los Partidos will be your base – a peaceful rural lodge tucked above Santiago del Teide, surrounded by pine forest and ancient lava flows. Settle in and take it easy before the adventure kicks off properly tomorrow.
Day 2
Sea kayaking and whale watching at Los Gigantes
Kayaking
Snorkelling
Wildlife Watching
After tucking into breakfast at your finca, you’ll head out to see Tenerife’s iconic cliffs of Los Gigantes – a dramatic backdrop and a haven for marine life. Following a safety briefing from your guide, you’ll hop into sea kayaks and paddle along the coastline, scanning the waves for playful dolphins and sea turtles. Take a break on the water for a swim and some snorkelling, while your guide points out the island’s wild natural secrets. By early afternoon, you’ll be ready for a delicious lunch at Marina Los Gigantes. Afterwards, set off on a scenic boat trip (semi-private, with up to 36 guests) along the island’s southwest coast – one of the world's prime spots for whale and dolphin sightings (although sightings can't be guaranteed, they're highly likely). Keep your eyes peeled for pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and turtles. If conditions are ideal, you’ll stop at Masca Bay for another swim before returning to port. Back at your base, there’s time to freshen up before dinner with the group at a local restaurant.
Day 3
Hike in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Hiking
Driving
Today you’ll head into the Anaga Rural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famed for its biodiversity and wild, unspoilt landscapes of dense forest, sharp peaks and deep ravines. You’ll hike along ancient trails through the lush Laurisilva forest, where mist curls between the trees and the air hums with bird calls. Anaga has the highest concentration of endemic plants and animals in Europe, with over 800 unique species – from the Canary Island spurge and Phoenician juniper to dragon trees, Tenerife lizards and a dazzling variety of birdlife. As you explore the park’s quieter corners, your guide will share its ecological importance and the work being done to protect it. After completing the hike, you’ll visit the charming town of La Laguna before heading to La Orotava for dinner at a traditional Guachinche, a local eatery famous for authentic Canarian dishes.
Day 4
Hike and stargaze in Teide National Park
Hiking
Lace up your boots for a high-altitude adventure starting right from your base. You’ll hike a wild, rugged trail through the lava fields of the Chinyero eruption zone – site of Tenerife’s most recent volcanic eruption. The climb towards the high plains of Las Cañadas del Teide takes you from dense pine forest to open volcanic landscapes shaped over centuries. At the Samara area, perched on the rim of the great Teide caldera, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch with sweeping Atlantic views on a clear day. Then it’s a short van ride to Roques de Garcia, an iconic cluster of lava-sculpted rock formations. In the evening, gather for dinner at the atmospheric Parador Nacional de Las Cañadas del Teide. Sitting at over 2000m above sea level, this cosy mountain spot serves local dishes and sweeping starlit views in equal measure. After dinner, wrap up for a guided stargazing session under one of Europe’s clearest night skies, with a local astronomer helping you spot constellations and planets through the telescope.
Day 5
Highland trails and shepherd traditions in Teno
Hiking
Head off to one of Tenerife’s most remote corners today in the highlands of Teno Alto. Tackle a hike following a network of old trails carved into the green ridges and open valleys of Tenerife's wild northwest. The trail is blessed with views of the Atlantic on one side and the rugged peaks of Teno on the other. Midway through, you'll reach a tiny hamlet nestled in the hills where you'll discover the traditional cheese-making process that has been passed down through generations. When available, a local shepherd will personally share insights into this age-old craft; otherwise, your expert local guide will bring the story and flavours to life. Of course, you’ll also get to sample some of the rich, handmade cheeses. Complete the hiking loop and return to the lodge, where the afternoon is yours to unwind and enjoy the location ahead of dinner to toast the end of the trip.
Day 6
Goodbye Tenerife!
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before bidding farewell to Tenerife. Your host will provide a transfer to South Airport, in time for your flight back home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
10:30 on Day 6
Transfers
On Day 1, your host will meet you at Tenerife South Airport. Pick-ups run every two hours from 11:00, with the last at 19:00. If you arrive later, please contact your host in advance to arrange a taxi to the hotel at your own expense.
Arriving early means jumping straight into the adventure with a visit to a cove for a swim and lunch at the rustic and authentic Canarian eatery, 'Guachinche El Cordero' (not included). Later arrivals will head directly to the group transfer towards the base at Caserio los Partidos in the northwest of the island. If you’re already in Tenerife, let your host know as they may be able to collect you from a spot along the route from the airport to the accommodation.
On Day 6, your host will transfer you back to Tenerife South Airport by 11:00 in time for your flight home. We recommend booking a return flight that departs after 13:00 to give enough time for security checks.
Airport transfers are included on Day 1 and depart on Day 6. Outside of these dates, your host isn't able to arrange private transfers or pre and post accommodation for this trip.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Tenerife South Airport from major airports across the UK, Europe and the east coast of North America.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Start your day with a traditional Canarian breakfast at your base, with options such as a hearty bowl of gofio escaldado (a porridge-like dish made from toasted flour mixed with broth), or try almogrote (a savoury cheese spread made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and paprika). On Day 3, Day 4 and Day 5 you'll be exploring Tenerife, so you'll dig into tasty picnic lunches to allow you to stay immersed in nature for the majority of the day. For dinner, you'll try local specialities like conejo en salmorejo (rabbit stewed in a marinade of wine, vinegar, garlic, and spices) or cherne (white fish grilled to perfection). Be sure to try papas arrugadas (the famous wrinkled, salted potatoes), and morcilla dulce (a sweet blood sausage made with onions, almonds, raisins, and sugar).
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Caserio Los Partidos
Tucked away in the rugged hills of northwest Tenerife, Caserío de Los Partidos is a 17th-century farmhouse turned cosy rural hideaway. Perched at 1000m above sea level in the Teno mountains, it’s all wooden beams and thick stone walls, with views across pine forest and volcanic valleys. You’ll stay in simple, rustic ensuite rooms with plenty of character and all the comfort you need after a day’s exploring. The surrounding silence is broken only by the occasional goat bell – a true escape from the everyday. Breakfasts and dinners are freshly prepared using seasonal Canarian produce and served in the warmth of the farmhouse’s communal dining area.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, a private room can be booked for an extra charge. Please see Optional Extras for the price and request this at the time of booking – there are limited rooms at Caserio de Los Partidos, so be aware that this is subject to availability.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This trip involves four to five hours of activity each day. You’ll kayak along Tenerife’s volcanic coastline at a relaxed pace, stopping often to swim, snorkel, and soak up the scenery. On land, you’ll hike for a couple of hours before breaking for a picnic lunch in a national park, then continue for a couple more hours through otherworldly volcanic landscapes. While a few steady climbs add a challenge, the sweeping views across the island and Atlantic make the effort more than worthwhile.
Is this trip for me?
No previous experience is required – just a reasonable level of fitness and confidence in the water. Kayaking routes are beginner-friendly and your expert guide will be on hand to show you the ropes. Hikes involve some gentle ascents but are manageable for anyone used to a few hours of walking. If you’re up for active days and love the idea of exploring Tenerife from both the sea and the trails, this adventure will be right up your street.
What if i need to skip an activity?
You're welcome to skip any activity if you wish and relax at the base, just let your host know.
What will I need to carry?
No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be kept at your accommodation throughout the trip, and then a small daypack to carry personal items during each day of activity.
Tenerife is an attractive destination year-round. The high season runs from December to February, coinciding with the cooler months in Europe. Temperatures are comfortably mild, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 24°C (75°F), with clear skies and minimal rainfall. March to May has pleasant weather, with temperatures between 22°C (72°F) and 26°C (79°F), and the island is lush and blooming with spring flowers. May can occasionally bring light showers. June to August marks the summer season and temperatures are at their peak, often reaching highs of 29°C (84°F) to 32°C (90°F). While it's hotter, the coastal areas benefit from refreshing sea breezes. In September to November, the weather remains warm, with temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 28°C (82°F), and the sea is still warm for swimming. The temperature can go down to 10°C (50°F) during the coldest nights of winter from December through to March, so pack extra layers during those months.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided sea kayaking along Los Gigantes
- Snorkelling session
- Whale and dolphin watching boat tour
- Guided hike in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Anaga
- Guided hike in Teide National Park
- An astronomer-led stargazing session
- Guided hike in the Teno Alto
- Cheese tasting session with a local shepherd at a rural farmhouse
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides with Starlight certification for astronomical tourism
- Kayaking and snorkelling guides
- Specialist guides on the whale watching excursion
- Local guide for the hike in Anaga natural park
Accommodation
- 5 nights in a historic, rural, Canarian house, dating back to the 17th century
Meals
- All tasty breakfasts
- 4 picnic lunches
- 4 local dinners
Transfers
- Scheduled arrival transfer from Tenerife South Airport before 19:00 on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Tenerife South Airport on Day 6
- All transfers throughout the trip
Equipment
- Everything you need for kayaking, snorkelling and stargazing
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
What's included?
- All kayaking, snorkelling and stargazing equipment
What do I need to bring?
- Suitcase or luggage
- Small backpack with rain cover
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar (it'll get cold during stargazing)
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Quick-drying travel towel
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- An additional pair of trainers that can get wet (for use when kayaking)
- Shoes for the evening
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Refillable water bottle x 1.5 litre
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
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We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 146kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Overall, weather conditions in Tenerife are favourable in the months when this trip is scheduled to run, with mild to warm temperatures ranging from 20-26°C on average. However, as always, Mother Nature is unpredictable so the best you can do is to be prepared for anything and come equipped with sunscreen, a hat and waterproofs. Health and safety are the top priorities. Your host will be monitoring the weather conditions throughout the trip and may suggest alternatives if any planned activities need to be cancelled due to adverse weather.
You'll have two main tour leaders guiding the majority of this trip. These are qualified guides who also hold the Starlight Guide certification in the Canary Islands so they are officially qualified in astronomical tourism to benefit from the stargazing on this trip.
Additional specialist guides will join the group for the kayaking and snorkelling at Los Gigantes, the whale watching excursion and the hike at Anaga reserve.
Tap water in Tenerife is safe to drink, so please bring a 1.5-2L refillable bottle with you to avoid purchasing single-use plastic bottles locally.
This trip has a single base where you can leave your luggage for the entirety of the trip.
The waters in the southwest of Tenerife are among the best in the world for cetacean sightings, particularly bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales, which are resident in these waters year-round. Depending on the time of year, you may also see tropical whales, sperm whales, spotted dolphins, common dolphins, turtles, and more. The rich biodiversity of this area has led to its recognition as a World Marine Sanctuary. The boats are run by companies that comply with all the official regulations as well as good sustainability practices, respecting the habitat of these wonderful creatures.
Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been recognised as a 'Starlight Destination' by the Starlight Foundation. This means that the area is renowned for its exceptionally dark skies, high altitude, and minimal light pollution, making it one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Workshops are typically led by certified Starlight guides who provide in-depth knowledge about the night sky. Guides introduce basic celestial navigation, helping you to locate stars and constellations with the naked eye, and will even share insights into the mythology related to constellations. You'll use professional telescopes to observe planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies. The workshops often include viewing meteor showers and phenomena like the zodiacal light. The activity takes place at around 2000m altitude, and it will get really cold in the park in the evening. Bring a warm jacket and scarf to keep wrapped up.
The departure dates for this trip are planned to coincide with the new moon, when the sky is at its darkest, providing the best conditions for stargazing.
Your host will provide two-seater kayaks, perfect for beginners and beyond. These kayaks are lightweight, stable, and easy to manoeuvre. Their design makes it nearly impossible to tip over unless done intentionally (which you might choose to do for fun). Before you set off your host will give you all the necessary information for using the kayaks safely, ensuring you have a wonderful day exploring the spectacular landscape of Los Gigantes. Despite the typically calm waters and for your peace of mind, a support and assistance boat will accompany you at all times, ready to return you to port in less than two minutes if needed. Your host will also have some single kayaks available for anyone with more experience and who prefers this.
In Tenerife, particularly in the southern regions like Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, overtourism has created several challenges. The influx of visitors has led to extended wait times for local services, increased traffic, and the displacement of traditional businesses in favour of those catering to tourists. Overcrowding has diminished the peace and tranquillity for both residents and visitors. To help avoid contributing to these issues, you'll stay in a rustic rural lodge in a remote part of the northwest of the island, offering a refreshing alternative to the more crowded areas. This choice not only alleviates pressure on heavily visited areas but also allows you to experience Tenerife’s authentic culture and natural beauty in a more peaceful setting.
This trip includes locations where temperatures can range from extremely hot to extremely cold during different parts of the itinerary. In some areas, you may face high daytime temperatures, strong sun, and humidity with limited shade. Elsewhere, especially at higher elevations, temperatures may drop below freezing, particularly at night.
These extremes can affect your physical performance and increase the risk of heat-related issues such as dehydration or heat stroke, or cold-related risks like frostbite and hypothermia. Your guide will manage the pace, monitor group wellbeing, and adjust the plan when needed to keep everyone safe.
We recommend considering how you personally respond to heat and cold, and speaking with a healthcare professional if you have any conditions that could be affected. Packing the right gear for both climates is essential, and arriving early may help your body acclimatise more comfortably, especially if you're coming from a more moderate climate.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
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You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details
DEPARTURE DATES
Sunday 7th December 2025
to Friday 12th December 2025
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
