From Tenerife: Tajogaite Volcano, La Cumbrecita and Casco Antiguo

Exploring La Palma from Tenerife: An Authentic Journey into Volcanoes, Colonial Streets, and Stunning Views

This tour promises a full day of discovery, taking travelers from Tenerife’s southern port straight to the heart of La Palma’s natural and cultural treasures. With a carefully curated itinerary designed by an experienced guide, Basso Lanzone, it’s ideal for those craving an immersive experience that balances volcano sightings, charming towns, and spectacular vistas. The highlight? Approaching the recent Tajogaite volcano and witnessing the island’s resilience after the 2021 eruption.

What really sets this tour apart is the combination of expert narration and varied stops—each carefully selected to showcase La Palma’s authentic spirit. The knowledgeable guides make understanding La Palma’s history and geology accessible, even for first-time visitors. The negative? The ferry journey, lasting around 2 hours each way, can be rough, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer shorter crossings. Still, for lovers of scenic boat rides and island hopping, it’s a small price to pay.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive day trip that combines natural beauty with local culture. If you’re curious about volcanoes, love scenic drives, and enjoy learning about island life from a passionate guide, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s a long day, but packed with enough highlights to make it feel like a mini adventure.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Led by a licensed guide with deep Canary Islands expertise.
• Diverse Highlights: From colonial streets to volcanic landscapes and stunning viewpoints.
• Rough Ferry Ride: Expect a scenic but potentially bumpy 2-hour crossing each way.
• Value for Money: At around $162.55, it includes ferry, guide, and all entrance fees.
• Limited Free Time: Short stops in towns mean no extensive exploration, but enough to get a taste.
• Ideal for Curious Travelers: Perfect for those interested in volcanoes, local history, and authentic scenery.

A Deep Dive into the La Palma Day Trip

Starting the Journey: From Tenerife’s Port to La Palma

The day begins bright and early at the Los Cristianos harbor, where the ferry departs at 8:30 am. The ferry ride lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes, offering travelers a chance to settle in, enjoy the sea breeze, and maybe snap some photos of the Atlantic waves. Reviewers often mention the ferry as a scenic but sometimes bumpy part of the day, with some noting the boat can get rough, especially if the weather isn’t perfect.

The ferry itself is described as spacious, with plenty of seating options—so if you’re prone to seasickness, a good tip is to grab a seat at the front or on the upper deck where the views are best.

Exploring Santa Cruz de La Palma

Once on land, the tour kicks off with a quick but insightful stop in Santa Cruz de La Palma, the island’s charming capital. With roughly 30 minutes of free time, visitors can wander the streets, take in the colonial architecture, and admire the famous Balconies, a signature feature of the town’s facades. These double balconies facilitate air flow and ventilation—a practical design that also makes for picturesque photos.

Highlights include the Ship of the Virgin, a replica of Columbus’s Santa María, and the Castle of Santa Catalina, which once guarded the island’s strategic port. Several reviewers appreciated the short but enriching stop, with one noting: “The walk through Santa Cruz offered a glimpse into local life and colonial architecture, enough to leave you wanting more time to explore.”

Visiting the Caldera de Taburiente

Next, the group heads to the stunning Caldera de Taburiente National Park. A quick 15-minute stop allows for a panoramic view of the crater of the La Caldereta volcano. This stop offers a chance to appreciate the volcanic origins of La Palma while enjoying sweeping views of the landscape. The clarity of this scenery impresses many travelers, with some noticing how the landscape’s volcanic past has shaped the island’s geography.

Approaching the Recent Volcano: Tacande and Tazacorte

One of the most powerful moments comes when the group visits Tacande de Arriba, where the recent eruption of the Tajogaite volcano (which only erupted in September 2021) is still visibly affecting the area. Travelers will see lava flows and the scars of recent volcanic activity up close. Several reviews mention the emotional impact of witnessing the destruction—”You see with your own eyes the strength of nature,” as one reviewer put it.

From Tacande, the trip continues to Tazacorte, where the youngest lava flows in Spain are accessible, and the landscape looks like a moonscape. The guide explains how the eruption reshaped the island’s landscape and displaced hundreds of residents, offering a raw and honest portrayal of volcanic power.

The Viewpoint of Tajuya

The Tajuya viewpoint offers one of the most dramatic sights—Cumbre Vieja volcano, which erupted in September 2021. The view of the volcano, still active and with volcanic ash deposits, provides a stark reminder of nature’s might. Reviewers frequently mention the significance of this site, noting how powerful it is to see the destruction and resilience side by side. One reviewer shared, “It’s mind-boggling to see the devastation caused by the eruption, yet inspiring to see how the community is rebuilding.”

Returning to Tenerife

After a full day exploring, the group catches the ferry back at 5:00 pm for the return journey, arriving in Tenerife around 7:15 pm. The ride home is a good time to reflect on the trip’s highlights, with many praising the guide’s multilingual skills and the overall organization. Some reviewers appreciated the “delicious” lunch and the lively commentary that kept everyone engaged.

The Value of the Tour

At $162.55 per person, this tour offers a lot—ferries included—with a well-organized itinerary that balances natural spectacle, cultural insight, and emotional moments. The inclusion of all fees and taxes simplifies the booking process, and even though lunch is not included, reviewers often mention enjoying local food at stops or along the way.

While some found the ferry crossing a bit rough, most agreed that the scenery was worth it. The tour’s structure offers enough time in each location for a meaningful experience, though not enough for extensive exploration. If you’re someone who loves learning about volcanic activity and seeing powerful landscapes up close, this trip is a solid investment.

Guides and Experience

Reviewers consistently highlight Rosie, the guide, as a key part of the experience. Her ability to speak multiple languages and her knowledgeable commentary—covering everything from island culture to recent volcanic eruptions—adds depth to the trip. Many travelers felt she was empathetic, especially when explaining the volcano’s impact on local residents.

Transportation and Group Size

The air-conditioned coach provides a comfortable ride between stops, with group sizes capped at 50 travelers, maintaining a good balance between social experience and individual attention. The ferry ride, while scenic, is a key part of the journey that travelers should prepare for, especially in terms of seasickness.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for adventure-seekers and geology enthusiasts eager to see recent volcanic activity and learn about island resilience. It also suits history lovers interested in colonial architecture and local stories. If you’re comfortable with long bus and ferry rides and want a guided, well-organized day that hits multiple highlights, this trip offers excellent value.

However, it’s less ideal if you prefer free time for wandering or have mobility issues, given the short stops and ferry crossings. It’s also best for travelers who appreciate authentic, rather than commercialized, experiences of the Canary Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers find it suitable, provided kids are comfortable with long ferry rides and walking short distances.

Do I need to carry my ID or passport?
Yes, it’s mandatory to carry an identity document or passaporto for the ferry and border checks.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry ride is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes each way, with the possibility of rough seas.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch isn’t included, but reviewers mention enjoying local food and tapas at stops or restaurants along the route.

What language is the guide speaking?
The guide provides explanations in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and others, to cater to a multinational group.

Can I expect free time in Santa Cruz?
Yes, there’s about 30 minutes for exploration, enough for a quick stroll or photos but not extensive sightseeing.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Expect to see Santa Cruz’s colonial streets, volcanic landscapes at Caldera de Taburiente, recent lava flows, and the impressive Cumbre Vieja volcano.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The short walks and bus transport make it accessible for most, but the ferry ride and some stops might pose challenges for those with limited mobility.

How should I prepare for the rough seas?
If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand or bringing seasickness bands or remedies.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 50 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience with the benefit of guided commentary.

To sum it up, this Tenerife to La Palma tour offers a well-rounded, deeply engaging experience for travelers eager to witness recent volcanic activity, explore colonial towns, and enjoy breathtaking vistas. The knowledgeable guides, combined with authentic stops and spectacular scenery, make it a compelling choice for those craving a full-day adventure that highlights the true spirit of the Canary Islands. It’s especially suited for curious explorers and nature lovers who value insightful narration and cultural context, making this an excursion worth considering for your Canary Islands itinerary.