Sailing Guide Tenerife
The magnificent island Tenerife is not just known for its fine wines and beautiful diving spots, it is also home to a stunning lava cave - which is the world’s fifth largest of its kind. A boat hire in Tenerife allows you to explore all of the island’s magnificent natural wonders from up close.
Things to do and see when sailing in Tenerife
When sailing in Tenerife, there are plenty of exciting things to see and do. From majestic cliffs, windsurfing and exploring historical sites, there is something here for everyone.
Activities in Tenerife
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Admire the world’s fifth largest lava cave in Tenerife
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Visit Los Gigantes: Sail along the western coast of Tenerife and marvel at the impressive cliffs of Los Gigantes. These towering cliffs reach heights of up to 800 meters (2,600 feet) and will take your breath away as you spot them.
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Explore Masca Bay: Anchor your boat in Masca Bay and take a hike through the picturesque Masca Gorge. This scenic hike offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and leads you to a beautiful beach where you can relax and enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
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Visit La Gomera: Sail from Tenerife to the nearby island of La Gomera. Explore the charming capital of San Sebastian de la Gomera, visit the impressive Garajonay National Park, and experience the unique whistling language, Silbo Gomero, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
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Rent a boat in Tenerife to make the most of your holiday on the island and to admire the beautiful cliffs from up close
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There are plenty of destinations to choose from that will make your boat trips around Tenerife memorable
Beaches in Tenerife
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Playa de las Teresitas: Located near Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this golden sandy beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. It offers calm waters, a palm tree-lined promenade as well as a beautiful mountainous backdrop.
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Playa del Duque: Another fantastic beach along Costa Adeje, Playa del Duque is renowned for its pristine golden sand, luxurious sun loungers, and a variety of high-end beachfront restaurants and shops.
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Playa de la Tejita: Located in the south of Tenerife near El Médano, Playa de la Tejita is a beautiful, natural beach with golden sand and clear waters. It is backed by the stunning Montaña Roja (Red Mountain) and is particularly known for its amazing windsurfing and kiteboarding opportunities. The 2015 world championship in windsurfing has even been held here
Restaurants in Tenerife
Casual dining in Tenerife:
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Royal Bar: This eatery might sound like a rather expensive restaurant, but the name is misleading. Enjoy a variety of cheeses, cold cuts and waffles after a cruise around Tenerife
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Pizzeria Fuoco&Pizza: You might not be in Italy, but you don’t have to miss out on enjoying a delicious and affordable pizza while vacationing in Tenerife
Best restaurants with a view in Tenerife:
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Restaurante El Guanche: Traditional Spanish food meets fantastic service and stunning views. Could you imagine enjoying your meal in a different place than this after a long day out on a boat?
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Lucky 7's Burger Joint: You probably already guessed it, but you can enjoy a very delicious, very juicy burger with a side of crunchy fries here. The views are not bad either!
Fine dining in Tenerife:
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Kensei Contemporary Japanese: Experience an explosion of flavors inspired by the healthy and experimental Japanese cuisine
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El Taller Seve Díaz: Exquisitely presented dishes and wonderful creations will make your dining experience one to remember. Particularly the tuna tartar is a popular favorite
Bars and Clubs in Tenerife
Explore historical Tenerife
Tenerife is not just a magnificent place to admire the wonders this world has to offer, but also to learn more about the fascinating history of the island.
The capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has a mix of modern and historic attractions. Visit the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife, a modern architectural masterpiece, and explore the historic neighborhoods such as La Noria and El Toscal. Here, you can also visit a castle that was built in the 16th century to defend the city against pirate attacks. Although only a small part of the castle remains, San Cristóbal Castle is an interesting place to go back in time and offers panoramic views of the city and the harbor that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Discover mystical Tenerife
While not located directly on Tenerife, Garajonay National Park on the neighboring island of La Gomera is easily accessible by boat. This mystical park and UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its ancient forests, misty landscapes, and quiet serenity. Hike through the park's trails to discover magical viewpoints, listen to the sounds of nature and feel immersed in its mystical ambiance. Just walking alongside these old trees and mystical mountains will make you feel like stepping right into a fairytale.
Sailing conditions in Tenerife
Tenerife offers excellent sailing conditions throughout the year, thanks to its favorable climate and strategic location just off the northwestern coast of the African continent. Tenerife benefits from the trade winds, which blow consistently from the northeast. These winds provide reliable sailing conditions, especially in the southern and southwestern parts of the island. The wind strength typically ranges from 10 to 20 knots, creating enjoyable sailing experiences. This also leads to a very pleasant average annual temperature of 23 degrees and makes a yacht charter in Tenerife particularly pleasant.
Along the coast of Tenerife, there are some ocean currents to be aware of, e.g. the Canary Current. These currents can influence sailing conditions, but they are generally mild and manageable for experienced sailors. Furthermore, Tenerife is known for its diverse coastline, which includes both sheltered bays and more exposed areas. In the sheltered areas, the waters tend to be calmer with smaller waves, while the exposed areas can experience larger swells. It's important to be aware of the specific conditions in your chosen sailing area.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Tenerife?
A boat rental in Tenerife really doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, you can find some very good deals for boat charters in Tenerife all year round with Borrow A Boat. Although prices can vary depending on the season, the age of the boat and the amount of people traveling with you, you can find reasonably priced boats as well as more luxurious yachts that cost more - it all depends on your personal preferences and your budget.
In fact, Spain and the Canary Islands specifically are some of the most affordable holiday destinations in Europe. You might be surprised and pay less for a boat rental in Tenerife than a hotel room. On average you will pay 68 EUR per person per day for a sailboat rental in Spain. A catamaran rental in Spain averages at 111 EUR per person per day. A motorboat charter in Spain is the most expensive option for a boat holiday in Spain and will cost 179 EUR per person per day on average. Renting a catamaran or motorboat in Tenerife might be a little bit more expensive, but it also means that you don’t have to miss out on any amenities you would also get with a hotel booking.
What type of boat is best for sailing in Tenerife?
The type of boat you choose to rent in Tenerife highly determines what kind of boat vacation you would like to experience here. You can rent a boat with a shallow draft and explore the stunning beaches or opt for a sailboat and go on an adventure to experience the true nature of the wild Atlantic ocean instead. It’s all up to you, but your yacht charter in Tenerife should definitely fullfill all your wildest dreams!
Rent a catamaran in Tenerife
Pros of renting a catamaran in Tenerife
Do you enjoy the sense of freedom when sailing across the sea, but are equally pleased to find more comfort than on a regular sailboat? Rent a catamaran in Tenerife and make the most of your boat holiday here. You can either sail with the wind if it’s strong enough or revert to using the engine if it’s not.
Hire a catamaran in Tenerife if you want to have a more comfortable and luxurious experience on a boat. The bedrooms and bathrooms are generally bigger and there is more space on deck.
A catamaran charter in Tenerife is great for anyone who wants to explore all the stunning bays and beaches this beautiful island has to offer. Catamarans have a shallow draft, making them the perfect water vehicles to do so. You can drive closer to the shore, which also allows for easier access to the beaches.
Cons of renting a catamaran in Tenerife
One of the downsides of a catamaran hire in Tenerife is the fact that they are relatively big in size and more difficult to navigate. The extra space might be incredibly tempting, but you will soon realize that it will be a lot harder to find a spot for mooring at the marinas - and even if you do find a spot for mooring, you might have some trouble navigating your boat to your designated spot.
Another downside of a catamaran charter in Tenerife can be the fact that catamarans are often lighter than other types of boats, which can slow them down. You would certainly not choose a catamaran if you want to go on a sailing adventure where you need to drive for longer periods of time all at once.
Rent a catamaran in Tenerife
Rent a sailboat in Tenerife
Pros of renting a sailboat in Tenerife
There are plenty of good reasons why you should opt for a sailboat hire in Tenerife. After all, many sailors who sail across the world opt for a sailboat as their water vehicle of choice. Sure, you depend on the wind, but you don’t need to stay close to any marinas in order to refill your tank constantly.
A sailboat charter in Tenerife is also great for anyone who cares about the environment and wants to sail more sustainably. Your sole source of power is the wind, no petrol necessary. This doesn’t just make sailboats more environmentally friendly, but also a lot more affordable. You don’t need to pay extra for fuel in addition to your bareboat charter in Tenerife.
Cons of renting a sailboat in Tenerife
A downside of a sailboat rental in Tenerife is simultaneously also one of its advantages. You might not have to pay extra for fuel, but you are highly dependent on mother nature. This could also mean that you might get stuck in the middle of the ocean should the wind suddenly stop blowing.
Another thing to keep in mind when renting a sailboat in Tenerife is the fact that sailboats are relatively difficult to navigate. You do need a lot of experience operating a sailboat and shouldn’t go out on your own if you don’t - especially, because the Atlantic ocean can be quite unpredictable at times.
Rent a sailboat in Tenerife
Rent a motorboat in Tenerife
Pros of renting a motorboat in Tenerife
A motorboat rental in Tenerife is great for those with a tight time schedule, but an extensive bucket list. Motorboats are generally faster than other types of boats, meaning that you get to explore more places in a shorter amount of time.
Another great thing about a motorboat hire in Tenerife is the fact that motorboats are relatively easy to operate and navigate. You don’t need extensive sailing skills and experience in order to drive a motorboat. You just need to know about the different buttons, how to use a steering wheel and what the weather is like.
Cons of renting a motorboat in Tenerife
One of the downsides of a motorboat charter in Tenerife is the fact that motorboats are only fueled by petrol. This makes them one of the most expensive and least environmentally friendly types of boats you can rent in Tenerife.
Rent a motorboat in Tenerife
What kind of boat license do you need when renting a boat in Tenerife?
Anyone who wants to drive a boat in Tenerife needs to be in possession of a valid boat license. However, there are a few exceptions where you can drive a boat without the need to carry a boat license. Any motorboat that is shorter than 5 meters and operates at less than 15 hp and any sailboat that is shorter than 6 meters can be rented without a license. However, you have some restrictions that come with it, including the fact that you can only operate a boat of this kind without a license as long as there is daylight. As soon as night falls, you have to be back at the marina.
Sailing routes in Tenerife
Tenerife offers a variety of sailing routes that allow you to explore its beautiful coastline, nearby islands, and diverse landscapes. One of the nicest and most enjoyable sailing routes starts in Costa Adeje where you can enjoy a beautiful day by the beach or at the water park.
Day 1 - Sail from Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje to Playa San Juan: Start in the marina of Puerto Colón and sail along the southwestern coast, stopping at Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos for swimming and exploring. Anchor for the night in the peaceful bay of Playa San Juan.
Day 2 - Sail from Playa San Juan to Los Gigantes: Sail towards Los Gigantes, admiring the dramatic cliffs along the way. Anchor near Los Gigantes and spend the day exploring the area, including a visit to Masca Bay, known for its stunning natural beauty.
Day 3 - Sail from Los Gigantes to Santa Cruz: Head northeast towards the capital city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Explore the city's historic center, visit the Auditorio de Tenerife, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Spend the night in the marina of Santa Cruz.
Day 4 - Sail from Santa Cruz to Las Teresitas: Anchor in the calm waters and spend the day sunbathing and swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise waters. In the afternoon, continue sailing to the charming fishing village of San Andrés and spend the night there.
Day 5 - Sail from Las Teresitas to the island of La Gomera: Anchor in the picturesque harbour of San Sebastián de La Gomera and explore the town's historic sites and local culture. Alternatively, you can anchor in the beautiful bay of Valle Gran Rey.
Day 6 - Sail back towards Tenerife and anchor in the stunning Anaga Peninsula. Take the opportunity to hike in the Anaga Rural Park, known for its lush forests, rugged landscapes, and breathtaking viewpoints. Spend the night anchored in one of the bays in the area.
Day 7 - Enjoy a leisurely sail along the northern coast of Tenerife, stopping at secluded beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Return to Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, in the afternoon, where you can relax, enjoy the marina facilities, and reflect on your memorable sailing adventure in Tenerife.