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Looking for the best ways to explore the Canary Islands? Well, you’re in the right place!
We jump at any excuse to go and spend time enjoying all that these Spanish islands have to offer, from spotting whales and dolphins to hiking, quad biking, and paragliding. The Canaries are full of outdoor adventures, but with so much on offer, where do you begin?
Well, we’ve rounded up our top 10 picks for things to do in the Canary Islands. This guide features Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura, aka the four most popular islands, so whichever one(s) you’re visiting, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in the Canary Islands was this whale and dolphin cruise! We lounged on the catamaran, spotted pilot whales up close, and even snorkeled near dolphins. Add in lunch, snacks, and epic views—this tour had it all!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in the Canary Islands
- 1. Visit Teide National Park for sunset, stargazing, and dinner
- 2. Spot whales and dolphins on a catamaran cruise from Tenerife
- 3. Kayak and snorkel with dolphins and turtles
- 4. Learn how to surf at Playa de las Américas in Tenerife
- 5. Get your adrenaline pumping on an off-road buggy in Gran Canaria
- 6. Relax on a sailboat around Lobos Island from Fuerteventura
- 7. Dip your toes into scuba diving in Lanzarote
- 8. Go tandem paragliding in Tenerife
- 9. Hike through Gran Canaria’s volcanic landscape
- 10. Ride a jet ski and go quadding on a Tenerife combo adventure
- Where to Stay in the Canary Islands
- Thanks for reading!
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Spain
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in the Canary Islands
1. Visit Teide National Park for sunset, stargazing, and dinner
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Time: Various departure times between 4 pm and 7 pm (dates vary)
- Highlights: Stargazing from Tenerife’s volcanic peaks, using a powerful telescope, observing the moon, planets, and faraway galaxies, learning about constellations, sunset drink, restaurant dinner
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, expert astronomer guide, use of high-powered telescope, dinner at a Canarian restaurant, two souvenir photos, warm jackets
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 2,100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We were completely blown away by this stargazing tour in Tenerife’s Teide National Park! If you’re spending time in Tenerife during your trip to the Canary Islands, this tour is a must. It’s the best way to spend a night on this beautiful island!
Before the stargazing began, our tour guide took us to a charming Canarian restaurant nestled in the hillside. We had amazing golden hour views of Tenerife’s volcanic landscape, and we certainly never would have found this super local spot on our own!
After dinner, we drove through dramatic lava fields and pine forests to reach a lookout point high above the clouds. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky exploded in color, we toasted as we waited to begin stargazing.
And boy was it worth the wait! We got to observe the night sky through powerful telescopes, while our guides used lasers to point out different constellations to us. I was even lucky enough to get a crystal-clear view of Saturn’s rings on the night that we went, and I could see the craters of the moon through the telescope. It was surreal!
This tour is a truly magical experience, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. No wonder it has THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews!
It runs every day except Tuesday and Saturday, and times do change along with daylight hours. It’s also very popular, so don’t wait too long to book!
Grab your spot on this top-rated stargazing tour here!
2. Spot whales and dolphins on a catamaran cruise from Tenerife
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am, 1 pm, or 4 pm
- Highlights: Catamaran cruise, snorkeling, spotting whales and dolphins, small group tour, enjoying drinks and tapas on board
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned minivan transport, catamaran cruise, use of snorkeling equipment, marine expert guides, drinks, buffet, snacks
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 2,400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This whale and dolphin watching cruise in Tenerife is hands down our top pick of things to do in the Canary Islands! We had the best time spotting dolphins and whales with the passionate crew, and cruising along on a catamaran certainly made us feel like VIPs. This is the ultimate way to make the most of your Canarian vacation!
We set off in style, lounging on the wide sundecks and enjoying some of the complimentary beer and wine on board. It wasn’t long before we spotted a group of pilot whales gliding calmly near our boat, which was so exciting. The crew turned the engines off to avoid disturbing them, and a few of them actually swam up even closer to the boat!
A little later on, we saw a pod of playful dolphins, and we were even able to don our snorkeling gear and get in the water alongside them. It was epic, and the guides were on hand to make sure that we stayed safe.
Back on the boat, we enjoyed a tasty buffet lunch and some yummy tapas-style snacks as we cruised along the coastline back to Puerto Colon. With the mountains on one side and the sparkling ocean on the other, it was certainly a memorable note to end on.
We only have good things to say about this tour, as do over 2,000 happy reviewers! If you only book one tour in the Canary Islands, it should be this one!
Book our FAVORITE Canary Islands tour here!
3. Kayak and snorkel with dolphins and turtles
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple time slots between 9 am and 3 pm (not available Sundays)
- Highlights: Paddling around the beaches and bays of Costa Adeje, spotting up to five species of dolphins in their natural environment, amazing ocean views,and snorkeling in the Atlantic
- Inclusions: Kayak and paddles, wetsuit, aqua shoes, life vests, dry buckets, snorkeling equipment, professional guide
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 1,100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This kayaking trip along Tenerife’s Costa Adeje is a must for active and adventurous travelers! Saying that, no prior kayaking experience is required, so no worries if you’re not a pro paddler. Plus, all the gear is provided, from wetsuits to water shoes, so all you’ll need to bring is a swimsuit and a towel.
We met our friendly guides, geared up, and then paddled along the coastline beneath the dramatic cliffs of the Guaza Mountains. The views alone were worth the trip, but about 20 minutes in, we spotted a small pod of bottlenose dolphins swimming right alongside our kayaks. It was absolutely magical!
Later, we got to see striped dolphins, too! We also really enjoyed the snorkeling stop in a protected cove, where we swam among schools of colorful fish. Our guide even took underwater photos for us and shared them later, which was a lovely bonus.
The paddle back offered more breathtaking views, including Mount Teide silhouetted in the distance. We were even lucky enough to spy a spotted dolphin on the way back to shore, which our guide told us is one of the rarer types of dolphins found here. If you’re at all interested in spotting marine life, this kayak tour is an absolute must!
Check availability here and book this kayaking tour!
4. Learn how to surf at Playa de las Américas in Tenerife
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: Multiple times available between 7:30 am and 9 pm
- Highlights: Learning new surfing skills, personalized feedback, friendly instructor
- Inclusions: Surfboard, professional instructor, wetsuit, reef booties
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing (or, like us, just needed a refresher), this group surf lesson at Playa de las Américas, Tenerife, is absolutely perfect. We booked it, hoping to shake the rust off, and ended up having an absolute blast.
Everything was super well-organized, and all of the gear was included, which made our lives much easier! We started on the sand, learning the basics such as positioning, paddling, and how to pop up. The instructors were really patient, breaking everything down step by step and tailoring tips to each person. There was a really positive energy, which we very much appreciated!
With everyone feeling more confident, our group hit the water. The waves were pretty gentle, and the instructor stayed close by, cheering us on and giving pointers in real time. They even captured some photos and did an analysis to help us improve, which was surprisingly helpful.
The class had a great mix of total beginners and people like us, just trying to get back into it. Even though the beach was a bit busy, the vibe was laid-back and fun. By the end, we were catching waves and grinning like kids.
If you’ve been curious about surfing or want to brush up without pressure, this is the ideal way to do it!
Read all of the 5-star reviews here and book this group surf lesson!
5. Get your adrenaline pumping on an off-road buggy in Gran Canaria
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 9 am (not available Sunday)
- Highlights: Exciting off-road adventure around the Fataga Natural Park, tackling paved roads and dirt tracks, racing through bamboo fields, palm trees, and prickly pears
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, 800cc buggy, cross protection goggles, insurance, professional guide
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 780+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
This buggy tour of Gran Canaria’s Fataga Natural Park delivers adrenaline with a side of jaw-dropping scenery. We signed up on a whim and ended up having an amazing time!
We were picked up from our hotel in the morning and were whisked over to our start point, where we went through a safety briefing and geared up. Then, it was time to hop in our buggy and hit the road, or rather, the dirt track.
We cruised in convoy along the winding paved roads to the Pedro González viewpoint, and the views were just unreal! We had a moment to gaze out on the sun-drenched mountain landscapes before the most exciting part of the tour began. Yes, of course I’m talking about the off-road portion!
We had so much fun bumping and bouncing our way down dusty dirt tracks, passing bamboo fields, palm trees, and clusters of prickly pear cacti along the way. We were able to swap seats in our buggy regularly so that everybody got a turn to drive—if they wanted to, of course!
By the end of the journey, we were covered in dust but smiling from ear to ear! If you’re looking for an exciting adventure in Gran Canaria, this is most definitely it. It’s a SUPER popular thing to do here, though, so grab your spot before it sells out.
Don’t wait too long—book this buggy tour here before it sells out!
6. Relax on a sailboat around Lobos Island from Fuerteventura
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 10 am or 2:30 pm
- Highlights: Sailing around Lobos Island, seeing beautiful beaches and bays, guided tour of Lobos Island, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, unlimited drinks on board, seafood paella lunch
- Inclusions: Hotel or port pickup and drop-off from Corralejo, half-day boat cruise, snorkel equipment, paddle boards, single kayaks and paddles, lunch, semi-rigid boat transport to the island, guided Lobos Island tour, unlimited drinks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 760+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This 4-hour sailing trip to Lobos Island from Fuerteventura was hands down one of the highlights of our time in the Canaries. In fact, we think it’s the best thing to do on this particular Canary Island.
We met the crew in Corralejo and within minutes, we were sailing across the turquoise water, with a drink in our hands and sun on our faces. As we approached Lobos Island, the views got even better, with crystal-clear caves and rugged volcanic coastline.
Once anchored, the fun really began. We got to go snorkeling with colourful fish, enjoyed a spot of paddle boarding, and even hopped into a kayak for a quick spin around the bay. At one point, we were laughing so hard trying to balance on the paddle board that we both toppled in—and it just made the day even better!
We also got to take a smaller boat over to the island to explore on foot, and then were treated to an amazing seafood paella lunch back on board. You can always request chicken if you don’t eat seafood, just remember to do it in advance.
The crew kept the drinks flowing, and they served fresh fruit and snacks throughout. Honestly, this tour was pure fun from start to finish. Lobos Island is magical, so don’t pass up the chance to explore it while you’re in Fuerteventura!
Book this Lobos Island tour here and enjoy FREE 24-hour cancellation!
7. Dip your toes into scuba diving in Lanzarote
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 1:30 pm or 3 pm (not available Sunday)
- Highlights: Introductory dive, SSI instructor, training in shallow waters, diving up to 5 meters (16 feet) in Playa Chica Bay, small group experience
- Inclusions: SSI Instructor, training session, 2-hour diving excursion, 30-minute dive, diving equipment, 10-20 souvenir photos
- Rating: 5 stars (check 760+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve always wanted to try scuba diving, don’t pass up the chance to enjoy this introductory dive in Lanzarote! It’s a fun and well-organized experience that takes you diving off the coast of Playa Chica, and we think it’s ideal for first-timers.
First, we completed some paperwork, and then our SSI instructor gave us a thorough briefing on the essentials of scuba diving. We suited up with the provided wetsuits, masks, and fins, and then it was time to head to Playa Chica.
The shallow water made it feel safe and comfortable as we practiced some basic skills like controlled breathing. Then, we went under the water for our first proper dive! The visibility was amazing, and we saw sea bream, parrotfish, and even a turtle!
Our dive lasted for around 30–35 minutes, and we were in a really small group, so we got plenty of one-on-one attention from our instructor. I never felt rushed or uncomfortable.
If you’ve ever wondered whether scuba diving is for you, this is the perfect way to try it. I guarantee you’ll get hooked and be raring to go diving again. And we’re not the only ones who had a great time, judging from the 700+ 5-star reviews—read them here!
Check out all the details and book this introductory scuba dive here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
8. Go tandem paragliding in Tenerife
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple departures between 10 am and 6 pm
- Highlights: Tandem paragliding flight, panoramic views of the island, flying over a black sand beach
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, paragliding equipment, professional instructor, 15–20 minute flight
- Rating: 5 stars (check 760+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Tenerife is famously home to a ton of adventurous activities, but I don’t think it gets much more exciting than this tandem paragliding flight! Not only is it a ton of fun, it’s also an epic way to take in the island’s unique landscape.
We were picked up from our hotel and whisked off to the takeoff site, where the excitement truly kicked in. Our experienced instructors gave us clear instructions on what to do.
Then, before we knew it, we were running off the mountainside and soaring over the gorgeous volcanic coastline. My heart was pounding, but the second we lifted off, it turned into pure exhilaration—I couldn’t stop smiling the entire flight.
We flew over one of Tenerife’s striking black sand beaches, which contrasted beautifully against the sparkling blue water. From up there, we could even spot tiny sunbathers and surfers below—it made the whole island feel alive beneath our feet.
Paragliding is thrilling, but I wouldn’t call it scary. You’re well harnessed in, so I always felt pretty secure up in the air. This flight lasted for 15–20 awe-filled minutes in total before my instructor swooped and twirled us down to earth.
If you enjoy paragliding or have ever wanted to try it out, then don’t hesitate to book this tour. It’s the best way to see Tenerife from a unique perspective, and the team ensures it’s a safe, unforgettable adventure.
Don’t miss out—book this exciting paragliding tour here!
9. Hike through Gran Canaria’s volcanic landscape
- Duration: 7 – 10 hours
- Time: 12 pm or 2 pm
- Highlights: Visiting Pico de Bandama viewpoint, exploring the Bandama Caldera, experiencing local culture at Cruz de Tejeda, dinner at a local restaurant, hiking to Roque Nublo, Pico de Las Nieves
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, local guide, guided hike, photos, insurance
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 620+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This guided tour of Gran Canaria’s volcanic landscape is certainly an experience I’ll never forget. It’s a fun and efficient way to explore the best of the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes. At times, I felt like I was walking on a different planet!
Our adventure began with amazing views of the Pico de Bandama crater. I was surprised by how lush and green it was! Then, we continued to Cruz de Tejeda, where we admired the stunning Tejeda caldera. I loved gazing out on the rocky black landscape, but having the chance to sample some local treats from the cute little market here was even better.
We had dinner at a local restaurant and then began my favorite part of the tour—the hike to Roque Nublo! It was a 3.5-kilometer (2.1-mile) hike to a viewpoint that offered 360-degree views of the island’s Sacred Mountains. It was absolutely epic!
Finally, we headed to Pico de Las Nieves to watch the sunset above the clouds from the highest point on Gran Canaria. “Magical” is the only way that I can describe it.
If you’re visiting Gran Canaria, this tour is an absolute must-do. The landscapes here are like nothing else, and this guided tour makes it easy to experience their natural beauty up close. But this tour always sells out, so book it ASAP!
Book this top-rated tour here, before it sells out!
10. Ride a jet ski and go quadding on a Tenerife combo adventure
- Duration: 1–4.5 hours
- Time: Multiple time slots between 9 am and 6:15 pm
- Highlights: Exciting jet ski adventure, exploring sites like Yellow Mountain, Red Mountain, Costa del Silencio, and Las Galletas, spotting marine life, ATV safari through Teide National Park (if option selected), riding through Chio Pine Forest and Zapatilla de la Reina, stopping at Pico Viejo, amazing views from the top of Mount Teide,
- Inclusions: Use of jet ski, ATV safari (if option selected), professional instructors and guides, tea and coffee, soft drinks, lifejacket, helmet
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 410+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure in Tenerife, then I don’t think it gets much better than this combo jet ski and quad bike tour. Not only is it an efficient and cost-effective way to tick off two of the island’s most iconic activities at the same time, but it’s also just a super fun way to explore.
I mean, who doesn’t want to tick jet skiing off their bucket list? I had such a blast riding past the Red and Yellow mountains, as well as spotting dolphins along the Costa del Silencio. And just when I thought this experience couldn’t get better, I saw a green sea turtle during the snorkeling session.
After an epic hour of jet skiing, we went on quad biking through the spectacular Teide National Park. I loved racing through the Chio Pine Forest and seeing the unusual Zapatilla de la Reina rock formation. Then, we finished the day on a truly spectacular note by visiting the epic Pico Viejo viewpoint up Mount Teide.
This tour well and truly knocked my socks off. I got to see so much of Tenerife in just one day, and there were plenty of thrills along the way. No wonder it has hundreds of rave reviews!
To get the combo tour, select the “1-hour jet ski and 3.5-hour quad tour” on the booking page. This way, you’ll get the full experience, and it’s much easier than trying to arrange two separate tours.
Book this adventurous tour here and enjoy free 24-hour cancellation!
Where to Stay in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are made up of several gorgeous islands, each with its own unique vibe. However, Tenerife is the most popular destination, known for its vibrant tourism scene and a wide range of activities. It’s also where the majority of the above activities are!
The best area to stay in Tenerife is the South of Tenerife, specifically in Costa Adeje, Playa Las Americas, and Los Cristianos. This area is ideal for tourists, as it’s where most tours offer pickup. Plus, it’s close to the island’s best beaches, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, making it the perfect base to explore!
Luxury – $$$
Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur is a luxurious, colonial-style hotel in Costa Adeje that offers gorgeous ocean views—oh, and five swimming pools! It also boasts a sumptuous spa and two fantastic restaurants on-site. Plus, it’s just 500 meters away from Duque Beach—what could be better?
Prices at this gorgeous hotel generally range between €210 and €475 per night. Check availability and book your stay at Booking.com!
Mid-range – $$
Despite its glamorous-sounding name, Beverly Hills Heights offers a great value stay as well as a beautiful pool, comfy rooms, and complimentary breakfast! There’s also a free shuttle service guests can make use of, and the balconies offer great views.
Prices at this hotel range between €120 and €250 for a one-bedroom apartment. You can check out all of the options and prices here!
Budget – $
La Casita in Costa Adeje is a budget-friendly hostel that doesn’t compromise on comfort. It’s modern and minimalist but still has a really homey, welcoming vibe. Plus, with a ton of activities like yoga, shared dinners, and pool games on offer, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a fun and affordable stay.
Beds La Casita’s 4-person dorms start at €32 per night. Check prices and availability here!
For more accommodation options, check out all of Tenerife’s hotels here!
Renting a Car in Spain
Renting a car in Spain is the perfect way to explore beyond the cities—think small villages, coastal towns, and hidden gems impossible to reach by public transit! The roads are well-maintained, and driving here is generally pretty relaxed, making it ideal for a road trip.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Spain
- Drive on the right: Like most of Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side in Spain. And make sure you stick to the speed limit, speed cameras are common here!
- Pick the right car: Some of Spain’s smaller towns and villages have narrow streets and tight parking, so I recommend going for a compact car. Also, most rentals here are manual, so if you need an automatic (like me!), be sure to filter for it on Discover Cars when booking.
- Insurance is a must: I always add full coverage insurance, whether it’s a ding in a parking lot or a chipped windshield on a rural road, having full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable with Discover Cars!
- Toll roads: Spain has both toll and toll-free roads. Toll roads are usually marked with “AP” and can be paid using cash, credit card, or electronic devices like VIA-T. Plan your route accordingly and have a payment method ready.
- Parking tips: In urban areas, parking can be challenging. Look for designated parking zones and be aware of local regulations to avoid fines. Some areas may have restricted parking zones or require a resident permit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Spain
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Spain on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
We hope this list has helped you narrow down the best things to do in the Canary Islands! From exploring volcanic landscapes to spotting dolphins or gliding through the skies, these tours helped us experience the Canaries in unforgettable ways. Whether you’re headed to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, or Fuerteventura, there’s plenty here to fill your itinerary with fun and adventure.
Planning more island escapes or nearby adventures? Check out all our Spain blogs here—or browse some travel guides we’ve linked below for even more inspiration!
10 Best Things to do in Seville, Spain