Tenerife is a standout among the Canary Islands for its diversity of tours and experiences. Whether you’re into wildlife encounters, marine adventures, or thrilling rides, Tenerife offers something for every type of traveler. I personally love how easy it is to combine fun with learning here—like visiting Loro Parque for a close-up with parrots and orcas, or hopping on a whale-watching cruise to spot dolphins in their natural habitat. With so many options, you can craft a trip that perfectly matches your interests and energy level. And the best part? Many tours have excellent reviews, like the Loro Parque entry ticket with a 4.8-star rating from over 9,200 reviews, or the eco-friendly whale-watching cruises with consistently high marks for their sustainability and wildlife viewing.
Quick Overview
Tenerife’s top-rated tours cover a wide range of activities:
– Wildlife parks and animal shows such as Loro Parque
– Marine life adventures, including whale and dolphin watching and catamaran trips
– Thrilling water parks like Siam Park
– Outdoor sports, including kayaking and paragliding
– Sailing and whale cruises such as Los Gigantes whale watching
Now, let’s explore each experience in detail.
1. Tenerife: Loro Parque Entry Ticket
At number 1 on our list, the world-famous Loro Parque offers a full day of animal encounters. For around $50 per person, this zoological park provides spectacular shows featuring orcas, sea lions, and educational parrot demonstrations. The park’s lush setting, with tropical palms and Thai architecture, makes for a visually stunning environment. Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness and well-maintained enclosures, with reviews highlighting the value for money and variety of animals. Kids love Kinderlandia, a dedicated play area, making it a great option for families.
What sets Loro Parque apart is its reputation for animal welfare and engaging shows, which are both educational and entertaining. Reviewers rave about the orca and dolphin shows, describing them as “amazing” and “worth every penny.” The park is large but well signposted, and shaded paths make it manageable even on hot days.
Bottom line: If you want a day full of animal entertainment and learn about conservation, Loro Parque is hard to beat. It’s a full-day experience that appeals to all ages.
2. Tenerife: Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles with Free Videos
Number 2 offers an eco-conscious marine adventure—kayaking and snorkeling with sea turtles. For just $40, this 3-hour trip combines dolphin and turtle sightings from a kayak with underwater time in a secluded bay. The trip includes comfortable kayaks with back support, snacks, photos, and videos to capture your marine encounters. The itinerary takes you along Tenerife’s coastline, with stops at Playa de Los Cristianos and Cueva de los Enamorados, plus a “secret stop” for snorkeling.
What makes this experience stand out is its focus on sustainable tourism. You observe the animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them—a refreshing approach compared to more commercialized options. Travelers love the spectacular views of the coast and the chance to get up close to marine life.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want an authentic, eco-friendly marine experience without the crowds, with the bonus of free videos to relive your adventure.
3. Siam Park Entry Tickets
At number 3, Siam Park is a water park with a reputation for being one of the best in the world, boasting a 4.5-star rating from over 11,400 reviews. For $50, you get full-day access to thrilling rides like the Tower of Power, which plunges nearly 100 feet, and the world’s largest man-made wave reaching 10 feet high. The park’s themed Kingdom of Siam setting makes it a visual treat, with lush gardens and impressive architecture.
Guests often mention the excellent value considering the variety of rides and attractions, including a lazy river, water slides, and wave pools. The food options are reasonably priced, and the park’s safety standards and cleanliness are consistently praised.
Bottom line: If you’re after adrenaline rides combined with a beautifully themed environment, Siam Park offers a full-day of splashy fun suitable for thrill-seekers and relaxation lovers alike.
4. Los Cristianos: Eco-Yacht Whale Watching Cruise with Swim
Number 4 features a sustainable whale-watching cruise that lasts around 2 hours. For just $17 per person, this eco-friendly trip takes you along Tenerife’s coast, with low emission yachts supporting sustainable tourism. You’ll likely see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, with expert commentary along the way. The boat stops for a swim and snorkel in clear waters, making it a perfect combination of wildlife viewing and relaxation.
Reviews praise the friendly crew and clean boat, emphasizing the opportunity to see animals in their natural environment. The boat’s design reduces dizziness and enhances comfort, making it suitable for everyone.
Bottom line: A budget-friendly, environmentally conscious way to see marine wildlife while enjoying the ocean and coastline views.
5. Loro Parque and Siam Park Combined Admission Tickets
Number 5 is a combination ticket that allows access to both Loro Parque and Siam Park for $88. The pass is valid for 14 days, giving you flexibility. This combo offers an excellent value for families or travelers wanting a multi-day adventure, combining animal shows with water park thrills.
Guests enjoy the diversity of attractions and appreciate the well-organized process of visiting both parks. Some reviews mention the distance to Loro Parque, but overall, the full-day access makes it worth it.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking multiple experiences over a couple of days—perfect for families with varied interests.
6. Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks
Number 6 offers a 3 to 5-hour eco-cruise departing from Costa Adeje. For $48, you’ll encounter whales and dolphins in their habitat while enjoying snacks and drinks onboard. The cruise guarantees sightings, or you can reschedule for free. You also get to listen to underwater sounds and learn about marine life from knowledgeable crew.
Guests often comment on the professionalism of the crew and the relaxing atmosphere. The boat’s eco-conscious design minimizes environmental impact, adding an ethical dimension to the trip.
Bottom line: A great choice if you want a relaxing, informative cruise with a good chance of wildlife sightings and onboard refreshments.
7. Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat
Number 7 features a sailing whale-watch cruise from Los Gigantes, rated at 4.9 stars. For $85, the 3-hour trip offers dolphin and pilot whale sightings and the chance to see the cliffs of Los Gigantes from the sea. The small group size (around 10 passengers) makes for an intimate experience.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The experience of sailing on a luxury sailboat adds a special touch, and many mention it as a highlight of their trip.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a luxury, intimate sailing experience with excellent wildlife viewing in a stunning setting.
8. Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop
At number 8, this 2-hour cruise is a quick but rewarding trip with a 4.7-star rating. For only $32, you get to see dolphins, whales, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the ocean. The boat sails close to the spectacular cliffs of Los Gigantes, making it visually memorable.
Guests highlight the friendly crew and the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the blue waters. Travelers also note the good value for a short, yet rewarding trip.
Bottom line: If you’re short on time but want to see marine life and have a chance to cool off in the sea, this cruise is a smart pick.
9. Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks
Number 9 is a 2 to 3-hour catamaran tour offering guaranteed whale sightings and complementary drinks. For $39, this trip from Puerto Colon is perfect for travelers who want a comfortable, social experience with frequent sightings and the chance to relax on the deck.
Reviews mention friendly staff and excellent value, with many noting they saw pilot whales and dolphins. The relaxed vibe makes it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers.
Bottom line: A solid mid-length cruise for wildlife enthusiasts who want onboard drinks and good camaraderie.
10. Tenerife: Respectful Whale Watching Pirate Cruise + Swim
Number 10 offers a pirate-style whale-watching adventure that’s certified and eco-friendly. For just $18, you get a 2-hour trip with legally permitted whale and dolphin watching. The pirate theme adds fun, and the trip emphasizes sustainable practices, ensuring minimal impact on marine life.
Reviewers value the informative crew and the authentic pirate experience. It’s suitable for families and those interested in conservation.
Bottom line: For a fun yet responsible marine outing, this pirate cruise combines entertainment with ecological awareness.
11. Tenerife: Marine-Life Tour with Transfer, Buffet and Drinks
Number 11 provides a 3-hour small-group cruise with transfers, buffet, and drinks for $67. It’s a comprehensive package that includes dolphin and whale sightings, snorkeling, and relaxing onboard. The small group size enhances the experience, and reviews mention friendly staff and great food.
It’s especially suited for travelers who want an all-in-one day—seeing wildlife, enjoying a buffet, and relaxing in style.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a full, comfortable day at sea with plenty of wildlife and culinary delights.
12. Tandem Paragliding Flight in South Tenerife
Finally, at number 12, the paragliding experience offers spectacular aerial views of Tenerife. For $130, you’ll fly with a certified pilot over the island’s most scenic spots. The 2-hour flight includes hotel pickup and is suitable for beginners.
Passengers rave about the friendly pilots and the breathtaking views that most visitors don’t see from the ground. It’s an ideal choice for adventure lovers or those wanting a once-in-a-lifetime view of Tenerife.
Bottom line: If you’re after an unforgettable aerial adventure, this tandem paragliding experience is the way to go.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Tenerife
When selecting your perfect Tenerife experience, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. For a family-friendly day, Loro Parque and Siam Park are excellent options. If marine life is your focus, the whale-watching cruises (like Costa Adeje Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise) and smaller boats (e.g., Los Gigantes Sail Boat) deliver memorable wildlife viewing. For thrill-seekers, the paragliding flight offers a unique perspective.
Think about timing—many parks and cruises are best enjoyed early or mid-week to avoid crowds. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season.
Tenerife offers an impressive variety of tours that can turn your holiday into a memorable adventure. Whether you’re drawn to animal shows, marine excursions, or adrenaline sports, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained and inspired. For a full-day family outing, Loro Parque combined with Siam Park is a winner. For adventurous travelers, the paragliding or sailing trips provide spectacular views and exciting memories.
Now is the time to start planning—many tours fill up fast, so booking early ensures you get your preferred date. Whatever your style, Tenerife’s diverse experiences promise a trip to remember.