Tenerife is an island of many facets with all sorts of things to do to keep you more than busy for two weeks – or more. The island caters for everyone with a huge range of activities, tours and excursions on offer. Read on for details of the top 5 activities to do in Tenerife.
If the idea of lying on a beach all day is your idea of holiday hell, read on for just a smattering of the things you can do on the island. Alternatively, take a look at our Tenerife sightseeing guides for less sporty options.
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Spend a day at Siam Park
In 2019, Siam Park was voted World’s Best Waterpark for an unprecedented 6th time running. Siam is the undisputed king of waterparks and should be top of your list of activities to do while on the island.
From the Tower of Power to Kinnaree and the Volcano, Siam Park features some of the most adrenaline-filled rides you’ll find in any water park, anywhere. Couple that with the more laid back rides like Mai Thai River and, of course, the world-famous Siam Beach – and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect day out, young or old.
The only (minor) criticism you could possibly put to Siam Park is the horrendous queues at peak times of the holidays. Still, that’s hardly fair – more, it’s a reflection how good the park actually is.
Our top tips? Arrive early, work the opposite way to the majority of traffic (look at the map – it’s pretty obvious), stay out through lunchtime and leave later in the day (almost always the quietest period).
Also worthy a mention – buy the surf socks on sale – your feet will thank you. Also, in mid-summer, either take your own tight-fitting t-shirt of consider buying one of the Siam-branded ones. The sun is fierce in Tenerife through the summer and, regardless of how well you plan things, you will spend time standing around (ie burning).
Also, there are free buses which tun direct to Siam Park from all major tourism areas in Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas (look for the Siam Park branded bus stops). Another top tip – buy your ticket in advance. It saves a load of time at the main gate. Check prices and availability on this link, including options to buy reduced price two-park tickets for Siam and Loro Parque.
Do Siam Park. You won’t regret it.
Take a day trip to Loro Parque
While it’s a little further away from the main tourist conurbations, a trip to Loro Parque should be high up your list of things to do in Tenerife.
The award-winning park has won best zoo in the world twice and, should you be concerned about animal care issues, its owner Wolfgang Kiessling also won a Champion of Conservation award from the American Humane Organisation.
Loro Park first opened its doors in 1972 and has since welcomed over 50 million visitors. It is renowned around the world as being a champion of conservation.
The park now occupies the space of around 33 acres and is home to some 4000 parrots (350 species) as well as many other animals.
A regular bus service leaves from around the island – from all of the major tourist areas. Alternatively, a much easier option is to book a pre-arranged tour complete with bus service and park tickets. Check prices and availability on this link, including options to buy reduced-price two-park tickets for Siam and Loro Parque.
Fly high above the Tenerife coastline and resorts in a paraglider
See Tenerife like you’ve never seen it before – from 1000m up, high above the main tourist areas and beaches. It’s an experience you will never forget.
Paragliding trips typically leave from high above Costa Adeje – however your pilot will come collect you. After the flight, he will also drop you back at your apartment or hotel.
The easiest way to arrange paragliding on Tenerife is either through the TenerifeGuru or using this link to find the best prices from a variety of different operators.
Go paragliding. Seriously, you’ll love it.
Take a boat trip
The waters around Tenerife have some of the most diverse marine species in the world – including whales and dolphins, a major attraction for most visitors to the island.
Whale and dolphin boat trips typically leave from Puerto Colon and Los Cristianos. Most operators will come and collect you prior to sailing and drop you after the trip is done.
There is no better experience than seeing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Your boat will sail as close as it is safe to the animals, though be prepared – sometimes the dolphins are a little shy in making an appearance. Whales are almost guaranteed, at any time of year. In most cases, the animals are playfully inquisitive around the boat, coming close by choice.
A whale or dolphin trip is exciting for young and old. Many longer trips also make stops further up the coast where you can take a dip with giant turtles. Most excursions also include free drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks) and a snack on the way.
A word of warning – if you take the catamaran or open-topped boats, be sure to take plenty sunscreen and clothes/a hat to cover your skin. The sun fierce in the summer months in July – more so at sea due to reflecting off the water. You need to make sure you have protection.
Jetski or Jetski safari on Tenerife
Jetskiing is available on Tenerife in two varieties – either jetski racing around a circuit or the (potentially) more sedate jetski safari option.
The majority of jet ski trips leave from Puerto Colon near Costa Adeje – or there are also trips from Los Gigantes and Los Cristianos. As is common with most activities on Tenerife, your guide will come and collect you (and drop you back) at your accommodation.
Jetskiing on the circuit at Adeje is typically sold in half hour/hour blocks while the jetski safari trips can last considerably longer (upwards of two hours, depending on the trip). Many trips go up the coastline to the magnificent Los Gigantes cliffs.
Jetskiing is great fun and, unlike many other watersport activities, you can do it as a couple (though probably best agree who’s driving before you set off!)
Prices are very reasonable considering what you get – particularly for the safari trips. Also, you get a completely different perspective of the island from sea. The view alone is worth the fee.
An island of many personalities
Tenerife offers everything you could possibly want from a summer holiday – from heady nights out that can last forever right down to secluded walking and trekking far from the madding crowd – plus pretty much everything else in between. A holiday on the island is very much what you make it but if you prefer things a little more sedate, check out our Tenerife excursion guide.
To see more videos from Tenerife, click here for the first day wakeboarding at Costa Adeje Tenerife – day two wakeboarding in Tenerife here – and day three wakeboarding in Tenerife on these links. You may also be interested in learning more about the best Tenerife attractions. Alternatively check the iRide summer guides and winter guides for ideas of things to do.
