Tag: tenerife sightseeing

Whale Watching, Tenerife: Feel the Wild

erasmus

Whale watching in Tenerife has become one of the favourite excursions of every tourist, as it provokes an absolutely magical experience. Getting to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat is always a memorable event. Tenerife South waters are full of these large mammals, which gives you a chance to get up close and study them in their own environment.

Best spots for dolphin and whale whatching in Tenerife

There are 21 types of species of dolphins and whales in Tenerife waters. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted so boat trips are nearly guaranteed a sighting. Getting to see them in the wild instead of in a small pool doing tricks is much more gratifying. Knowing that they have complete freedom is uplifting. As you spot the tail of a whale or the fin of a dolphin you can’t help but be full of excitement, getting to capture its grace.

Your success of a sighting does depend on a few factors. Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and other Southern resorts do offer boat trips but for best results go to Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje or Los Gigantes. Los Gigantes will also give you a fantastic view of the cliffs as an added bonus.

Dolphin and whales in Tenerife
Two dolphins in the wild

Choosing the right boat trip

Boat trips can vary, some are 2/3 hours long while others could be up to 5 hours. There are different types, shapes and sizes, and the prices can vary too. Choose a boat trip that suits your own needs and wants, take a look around the coast and check them out for yourself. You might even be able to negotiate a price!

All of these boat trips for dolphin and whale watching in Tenerife are completely ethical and regulated. They have limits on how close they can get to the animals, as well as the maximum time to be spent with them. It’s forbidden to feed them or swim with them. All these rules are put in an effort to conserve these cetaceans’ natural habitat and freedom. All they simply have to do to entertain us, is to make an appearance.

Most of the ports can be reached by public transport but for easier travel we suggest a car hire as the most convenient way to get around the island. So check out our website for car hire in Tenerife, choosing from a wide range of models for any taste.

Whale watching in Tenerife
Pilot whale

Soak Up the City in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Sarah

There’s nothing quite like a city break to fuel the senses and melt the credit card. And when you’ve got glorious sunshine, fabulous Spanish cuisine and chic waterside living to boot, your city break just got a whole lot better.

Have you guessed where it is yet? That’s right – Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s effervescent capital. It’s amazing to think that most city slickers head to the historic sights of Rome or the designer boutiques of Paris when they need their fix of tall buildings and nightlife. But Santa Cruz is equally abundant in great sights, impressive architecture and a buzzing scene after dark.

So if you’re planning a holiday in Tenerife this year, and once you’ve armed yourself with maps, a fully loaded credit card and a hire car from none other than http://www.tenerifecarhire.com/, make sure you build in a trip to Santa Cruz. Here’s why…

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival

  • Historic: The city dates back to at least the late 15th century, when the Castilians arrived and established a settlement – the early building blocks of Santa Cruz – which began to spring up around the port.
  • Beaches: If you like the idea of basking on a beautiful beach, head to Las Teresitas – it’s the city’s largest beach and features imported golden sand. Over on the next bay is Las Gaviotas, a quieter affair featuring Tenerife’s natural black volcanic sands. You’ll probably find a few sunbathers sporting the ‘natural’ look too, so be warned!
  • Party: If you think Rio knows how to party, look no further than the spectacular Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s one of the world’s biggest carnivals and attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year.
  • Taste: All the Spanish favourites are here, including steaming plates of paella and oh-so-tasty tapas. Fresh seafood is in abundance, and if you move away from the tourist trail around the harbour, you can find cheaper restaurants dotted around the city that are invariably better quality – especially if packed with locals.

These are just a few reasons why we think Santa Cruz is worth a look. And don’t forget, if you’re staying in the north of Tenerife, try our Puerto de la Cruz branch for local car hire. It’s easy to get to and it’s just a short drive from Santa Cruz, making getting in and out of the capital that little bit easier. Plus, you’ll find a wide range of car hire options to suit your needs, as well as your budget.

See you in Santa Cruz!