Things to Do in Tenerife: Sea, Thrills and the Outdoors
With warm ocean, constant wind and volcanic relief, whale watching in Tenerife is just the start of a huge choice of activities on land, sea and air. The island is one of Europe's best places to watch whales, a major surf and kitesurf spot, and a playground for diving, catamaran trips or paragliding. We haven't done them ourselves yet; this guide gathers verified, up-to-date information to help you choose your activities by level, season and where you're based.
The essentials at a glance
- Whales and dolphins: resident populations of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins year-round, in the south-west (Teno-Rasca area).
- Wind and waves: El Médano for windsurfing and kitesurfing, Las Américas for surfing.
- Underwater: diving and snorkelling (turtles, wrecks), jet ski, catamaran, kayak and paddle.
- Land and air: golf (mainly in the south), paragliding, quad and buggy.
Our approach: verified research, not first-hand experience (yet)
- We haven't done these activities in Tenerife ourselves yet. This guide is built from thorough research — local sources and up-to-date data — to help you plan your outings transparently.
- We'll enrich it with our own experience after our next visit. Until then, spots, prices and conditions are indicative: check the weather, required levels and operators before booking.
Watching whales and dolphins
This is the island's flagship activity. Whale watching in Tenerife is renowned across Europe: the south-west coast, in the protected Teno-Rasca marine area, is home to resident populations of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, seen year-round.
Boat trips leave from the southern ports, such as Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje), Los Cristianos or Los Gigantes. Choose a responsible operator (the 'Barco Azul' flag), keeping its distance from the animals — the rules require staying no closer than 50 metres.
To combine the trip with a spectacular backdrop, Los Gigantes beach and its marina, at the foot of the cliffs, make a fine departure point.
Surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing
Thanks to its wind and swell, surfing in Tenerife and its cousins sailing and kiting have found their paradise. The island's hotspot is El Médano, on the south-east coast, the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital: see our dedicated page on kitesurfing at El Médano.
For surfing, Playa de las Américas offers accessible waves and several schools, while the north coast has more technical spots. Beginners and improvers alike find lessons and equipment hire all along the coast.
Diving, snorkelling and water sports
Below the surface, the clear, year-round-mild water reveals turtles, rays and even a few wrecks. Diving and snorkelling are mainly practised in the south, with many clubs running taster dives and certified outings.
Activities on land and in the air
Tenerife isn't only about the sea. The island has several golf courses, mainly in the south (Golf Costa Adeje, Golf del Sur, Abama…), making the most of the mild year-round climate.
For thrills, tandem paragliding soars over the southern relief, while quad or buggy tours explore the volcanic hinterland. For walking, see our hiking in Tenerife section too.
When and how to book?
Most activities run year-round thanks to the climate, but book ahead in high season, especially whale watching and watersports lessons. Check the weather and the required level.
Car hire in Tenerife makes it easy to reach the various spots and departure ports. To plan the rest of your trip, see our Tenerife guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see whales in Tenerife?
Yes, it's one of Europe's best spots: the south-west coast is home to resident populations of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins year-round. Trips leave from the southern ports (Puerto Colón, Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes).
Where to surf or kitesurf in Tenerife?
El Médano, in the south-east, is the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital thanks to its constant wind. For surfing, Playa de las Américas has accessible waves and schools.
What water sports are there in Tenerife?
Whale watching, diving and snorkelling, jet ski, catamaran, kayak, stand-up paddle, parasailing, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, mainly from the south.
Can you dive in Tenerife?
Yes, the clear, year-round-mild water lets you see turtles, rays and wrecks. Many clubs, mostly in the south, run taster and certified dives.
Is there golf in Tenerife?
Yes, several courses, mainly in the south (Golf Costa Adeje, Golf del Sur, Abama…), making the most of the mild year-round climate.
Do you need to book activities in advance?
In high season, yes, especially whale watching and surf or kitesurf lessons. Check the weather and required level before booking.