Tenerife is a fantastic destination for quick, immersive experiences that showcase both its natural beauty and adventurous spirit. With just a couple of days, you can explore underwater worlds, climb volcanic peaks, or discover charming villages—all without feeling rushed. We’re particularly fond of the PADI Open Water Diver Course, which offers a relaxed way to learn scuba diving in warm waters, and the Teide half-day tour, which takes you into Spain’s most visited national park. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, cultural sights, or simply soaking up scenery, Tenerife’s diverse tour options make it easy to craft a memorable short trip.
Two-day tours in Tenerife stand out for their ability to maximize your time. You can learn to dive, cycle along scenic coastlines, or visit iconic landmarks—all in just a day or two. These experiences are carefully designed to balance adventure, comfort, and unforgettable views, so you’ll return home with great stories and new skills.
Quick Overview
Our list features a mix of adventure-based and scenic tours that are perfect for a short stay. You’ll find diving courses suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike, like the PADI Open Water Diver Course, which lasts three days but can be tailored into a two-day experience. For those who prefer staying on land, the guided roadbike tour combines exercise with spectacular views of Mount Teide and Orotava Valley. Lastly, for a glimpse of Tenerife’s volcanic heart, the Teide half-day tour is a must. Now, let’s explore each one in detail.
1. PADI Open Water Diver Course (OWD) – 2 days
This popular scuba diving course is perfect for beginners eager to explore Tenerife’s underwater world. While the full certification normally takes three days, this condensed experience covers essential skills over two days, with the option to extend later if you wish. It includes diving equipment, insurance, and lessons with a professional instructor, making it a stress-free way to get started.
What makes this course stand out is its worldwide recognition — a PADI Open Water Diver certification opens up diving in 172 countries. The instructor-to-student ratio keeps things personal, and the course is designed for those with no prior experience. During the lessons, you’ll learn safety procedures, equipment use, and buoyancy control, all in the warm, calm waters of Tenerife.
Participants rave about how accessible and fun the course is, with a perfect rating of 5.0/5 from 95 reviews. Many say that the teacher’s patience and professionalism make all the difference. The price of around $649.04 is a fair investment considering the skills gained and the memories made, especially for those dreaming of open-water adventures.
Bottom Line: If you want to start scuba diving in a relaxed way without feeling rushed, this course offers excellent value and a genuine introduction to underwater exploration.
2. 1/2 day guided roadbike tour
For active travelers, this guided roadbike tour delivers a fantastic way to see Tenerife’s diverse landscapes. Starting from Puerto de la Cruz, your guide will handle all navigation, so you can focus on the views and the fresh mountain air. The tour lasts about three hours, making it an ideal half-day activity that won’t eat up your entire schedule.
This adventure takes you up to the Humboldt Observatory plateau, offering panoramic views over Puerto de la Cruz and the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll also visit the charming village of Orotava, with its colonial architecture and lush gardens. Bottled water is provided, and the route is carefully chosen to suit cyclists with a reasonable fitness level.
The tour has a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 23 reviews, with riders praising the “super parcours” and the guide’s attentive attitude. One reviewer appreciated that the guide was “at the écoute de ses clients,” which speaks to the quality of experience.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy cycling and want a guided experience that combines scenic beauty with cultural insights, this tour is a great choice. It’s also an excellent way to stay active while exploring Tenerife’s varied terrain.
3. PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course (AOWD) – 2 days
Already certified as a beginner diver? The Advanced Open Water Diver Course is designed to expand your skills and confidence in just two days. This course features five dives, including a night dive, wreck exploration, deep diving, and peak performance buoyancy sessions.
The advantage of this course is its focus on specialty dives that open up new underwater possibilities. Rental gear is included, so you can forget about sourcing equipment yourself. The small-group format ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of attention from your instructor.
Rated 5.0/5 by 18 reviewers, divers appreciate the opportunity to explore different facets of diving in a short period. A common highlight is the variety of dives, which introduce new challenges and sights—perfect for divers wanting to get more from their Tenerife vacation.
Bottom Line: If you’re ready to push your diving limits and explore deeper, wrecks, or night scenes, this course provides great value and the chance to enhance your underwater skills.
4. Teide 1/2 Day
This half-day trip takes you to Teide National Park, Spain’s most visited natural site and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour begins with private pickup and air-conditioned transportation, ensuring comfort from the start. Once in the park, you’ll explore volcanic craters, canyons, and rock formations, capturing some of the most iconic views in Tenerife.
The itinerary includes stops at Los Roques de Garcia, the park’s most photographed spot, famous enough to appear on old Spanish peseta bills. The tour lasts around six hours, with approximately three hours in the park, offering enough time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. Admission tickets to the park are included, simplifying logistics.
While reviews highlight the stunning vistas, some mention that long stops for cable car groups may extend waiting time. Still, most appreciate the convenience of private transport and the chance to see Tenerife’s volcanic landscape up close.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a quick, comfortable tour of Teide’s geology and scenery, especially if they prefer avoiding crowded public transport.
$59.41 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
Picking the best 2-day experience depends on your interests, budget, and physical activity level. If underwater adventures excite you, the PADI courses are excellent, offering certification and memorable dives. For outdoor enthusiasts, the guided bike tour combines exercise with breathtaking views. Culture and nature lovers should consider the Teide half-day, which provides a manageable yet immersive introduction to Tenerife’s volcanic landscape.
Think about whether you want a relaxing scenic tour or an active adventure — both are well-represented here. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular activities like diving courses or the Teide trip, to secure your preferred dates.
Final Thoughts
Tenerife offers a range of two-day tours that suit every travel style. For a sense of achievement and a new skill, the PADI Open Water Diver Course makes a great choice. If you prefer exploring on two wheels, the guided bike tour will let you see the island from a different perspective. For a quick, awe-inspiring visit, the Teide half-day provides spectacular scenery with minimal fuss.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural insight, these options can help you make the most of your short stay in Tenerife. Book early to secure your spot, and prepare for an unforgettable trip in this volcanic paradise.