What you can see from a kayak

The board says coastal paddling takes you to volcanic cliffs, caves and natural coves, shaped by volcanic activity, wind and sea erosion. Depending on the tour, you may see Los Gigantes up close or the Cueva de El Palmar. Whales, dolphins and fish can also be seen; the board says that bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales live in the waters of the south-west coast all year. The board also describes the clear water and good visibility that make the island a diving destination, and mentions sea turtles, so a snorkelling stop is a sensible part of a kayak tour: see Tenerife scuba diving for the diving side.

Which option for whom

  • You want the best scenery. Choose a Los Gigantes departure: the cliffs rise up to 600 m and are the sight the board highlights. See Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago.
  • You want wildlife. The GetYourGuide kayak and snorkel tour in Turtle Bay above is the one with the most wildlife appeal. Its 4.9 rating rests on 15 reviews, so read the listing for the meeting point, the duration and what is included before booking.
  • You prefer a quieter coast. Las Galletas and El Palm-Mar are on the quiet south coast: see Costa del Silencio.
  • You do not want to paddle. A boat is the alternative for whales and dolphins: read Tenerife boat trips, Los Gigantes boat trip and Tenerife dolphin watching.

Operators listed by the tourist board

The board lists four companies for sea kayaking: Adventoure, Anaga Experience, Canarias Nature Guides and Teno Activo (Activities in Nature). Its page gives no prices, durations or group sizes for any of them, so ask each for those details. The board recommends renting equipment from a specialised shop or from a company that organises the activity.

Rules and safety

  • No permit. None is required for kayaking.
  • Check the weather. The board asks you to check conditions before going out. It also warns about swimming near the Los Guíos pools next to Los Gigantes port in rough sea.
  • Keep distance from animals. The board's whale-watching rules mention a 60 m marine exclusion zone for boats in Tenerife, and national and international rules protect pilot whales and dolphins. Its kayaking page does not say how the 60 m applies to kayaks, so ask your operator how they keep to the rules.
  • Sea temperature. The board gives about 19 °C in winter and 26 °C in summer for the island's water.

When to go

Paddling is possible all year, but the board's best period for boat trips from Los Gigantes runs from November to May, with temperatures generally 20 to 23 °C, and July and August are hotter, often above 30 °C, and suit water sports. See the best time to visit Tenerife.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Booking a kayak tour as a whale trip. If whales and dolphins are the goal, the boat trips linked above are built around them; the board says boats can usually go out on about 8 days in 10.
  • Reading the 5.0 rating without the number of reviews. It rests on 35.
  • Assuming a launch area from the tour title. Check where the tour starts, because the seven areas are on different coasts.
  • Ignoring the weather forecast. The board asks you to check conditions.

FAQ

Do I need a licence or permit to kayak in Tenerife?

No. The tourist board says no special permit is required.

Where can I kayak in Tenerife?

The board lists Caleta de Adeje, El Palm-Mar, Las Galletas, Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes, Playa de las Teresitas and Radazul.

Can I see dolphins from a kayak?

Sometimes. Bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales live off the south-west coast all year, and the board says dolphins may be spotted on coastal paddles.

What is the best month?

You can paddle all year. The board's best months for sea trips from Los Gigantes are November to May.

Can I rent a kayak without a tour?

The board says equipment can be hired from a specialised shop or from a company that organises the activity.

The Tenerife Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.