Arrecife: Timanfaya and Green Lagoon for Cruise Passengers

Exploring Lanzarote’s Volcanic Beauty: A Detailed Review of the Timanfaya and Green Lagoon Tour

If you’re visiting Lanzarote on a cruise and want to see the island’s most iconic sights without spending a fortune or wasting time on busy shops, this 5-hour tour is a solid choice. It offers a well-rounded glimpse of Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain, unique green lagoon, and local wine culture—all led by engaging guides who keep things lively and informative.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is its combination of natural wonders and authentic local tastes, all conveniently organized for cruise passengers who value efficiency and value. One thing to keep in mind: the tour is quite packed, which means you’ll get a taste rather than a deep dive into each location. Still, if you’re after a memorable snapshot of Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes and cultural highlights, this tour hits the mark.

We appreciate how this trip balances scenic sightseeing with cultural insights, making it suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive yet manageable overview of the island. However, it’s worth noting that the camel ride, while fun and memorable, is an optional add-on and not included in the base price—so consider if that’s a must for your adventure.

Key Points

• Excellent value: At around $56, this tour offers a lot of highlights for the price, including park entrance, guides, and transport.
• Authentic experiences: Visit a local vineyard, explore volcanic landscapes, and see the Green Lagoon, not just touristy spots.
• Well-organized: The guide keeps the schedule tight, respecting your time while covering all major sights.
• Beautiful scenery: From lava fields to lush vineyards, Lanzarote’s geology and agriculture are on full display.
• Knowledgeable guides: Many reviews praise guides like Vanessa for their passion, humor, and ability to share interesting facts.
• Group size and transport: Comfortable air-conditioned buses and small groups ensure a friendly, efficient experience.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Starting Point: HiperDino Express Marina Lanzarote

Your day begins conveniently at the port’s meeting point. This saves you from long transfers and means you can maximize your sightseeing time right after disembarking. The guide will meet you here, often via WhatsApp for clarity, and you’ll hop onto a comfortable, air-conditioned bus.

First Stop: La Geria Vineyards and Wine Tasting

We loved the way the tour kicks off with a visit to the La Geria wine region. Here, vines grow on volcanic ash, which makes for a striking landscape—imagine rows of lush green vines set against the stark black and brown volcanic terrain. The highlight is tasting local wines, which is both fun and educational, giving you a taste of Lanzarote’s unique climate and soil conditions.

Travelers have praised this stop for its authenticity. Many reviews mention the wine tasting as a highlight, with one noting that they appreciated the chance to sample wines at a local winery, adding cultural depth to the trip. This stop is short but sweet—about 20 minutes—allowing you to enjoy the scenery and a quick sip.

Second Stop: Timanfaya National Park

This is the star of the tour—impressive lava fields formed during six years of volcanic activity, now a protected park. The guided tour here lasts about an hour and takes you through the Fire Mountains, a landscape that looks like a different planet.

Travelers rave about the narrow, winding roads driven by an expert driver, with many appreciating how skillfully they navigate the steep and winding paths. The real treat is seeing the geothermal demonstrations—geysers spouting steam and “cooking” demonstrations by the park rangers (though not every tour includes this). The scenery is dramatic, with vast lava flows and volcanic craters. Be prepared for some wind and sun, and wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be on foot during the guided part.

Third Stop: The Green Lagoon

Next, a brief 20-minute guided visit to the Green Lagoon (Lago Verde). This small but stunning body of water is colored by algae and minerals, creating a vivid contrast to the black volcanic sand beaches surrounding it. It’s a cool photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate Lanzarote’s diverse volcanic terrain.

A reviewer mentioned that they loved seeing the lagoon and found the guide’s explanation about its formation interesting. While the lagoon is relatively small, it’s a memorable sight that captures the island’s unusual geological features.

Fourth Stop: Casa Museo y Monumento al Campesino

In just five minutes, you’ll visit this cultural site dedicated to Lanzarote’s farming history. It’s a quick stop, but some travelers found it insightful and worth a quick look, especially those interested in local traditions.

Fifth Stop: La Geria Viticultural Region

Returning to La Geria for another 20-minute visit, you’ll get a deeper appreciation for the island’s unique agriculture. The guide explains how vineyards thrive despite the volcanic soil—an example of human ingenuity. This stop offers more tasting opportunities and photos of the landscape.

Return to the Port

After these highlights, you’ll head back to the starting point at the port, ending your tour around five hours after it begins. It’s a packed schedule, but many reviewers appreciate the tight organization, enabling you to see quite a lot in a short time.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers excellent value: for $56, you get entrance tickets to Timanfaya, an air-conditioned bus, a knowledgeable guide in your preferred language (English, German, or Spanish), and travel insurance. Pickup from the cruise terminal’s police checkpoint makes it seamless.

Optional extras include a camel ride—which costs around $11 for 25 minutes—and lunch at the park’s restaurant, which is not included. Many travelers praise the camel ride as a fun, memorable part of the day, with one reviewer calling it “an experience you won’t forget.”

Note that the tour does not include a meal, so consider bringing some snacks or planning to eat after your excursion.

The Experience: What Travelers Are Saying

Based on hundreds of reviews, many describe this tour as “well-organized,” “informative,” and “great value.” Guides like Vanessa and Laura are singled out for their enthusiasm and expertise, adding personality to the trip. One reviewer appreciated that the guide kept to a schedule, allowing ample time at each stop without feeling rushed.

The landscapes impress even seasoned travelers—lava fields, volcanic craters, and green lagoons make for visual drama. Several mention the driver’s skill navigating narrow park roads, which can be challenging but are handled confidently.

The wine-tasting stop is often highlighted as a standout, especially for those who like to add a cultural element to their sightseeing. The combination of natural wonders and local flavors makes this tour appealing for those seeking a balanced experience.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking on uneven volcanic terrain and inside the park.
• Bring a camera: The landscapes are stunning and photo-worthy.
• Dress for the weather: Expect sun and wind, especially in the lava fields.
• Bring some snacks: Lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly.
• Book early: The tour is popular, and availability can fill up quickly.
• Consider the optional camel ride: It’s a fun addition if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Arrive on time: Meeting at the police checkpoint is straightforward, but punctuality ensures you won’t miss out.
• Stay hydrated: The tour covers outdoor sites; bring water to stay comfortable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for cruise passengers eager to see Lanzarote’s most iconic sights without staying on a crowded bus. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy natural scenery, unique geological formations, and local culture—especially those interested in wine. The guided approach means you’ll learn about the island’s volcanic history and agricultural practices from locals, making it more than just sightseeing.

Families with older children will find it engaging, though the short stops and packed schedule might challenge very young kids. It’s also a good fit for travelers who appreciate efficient, well-organized tours that maximize their limited time in port.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most stops involve short walks or vehicle access. The lava fields and park areas can be uneven, so travelers with mobility challenges should consider this.

How long is the bus ride?
The entire tour lasts about 5 hours, including transportation from and back to the port. The actual time spent at each location varies but is generally enough to enjoy the main sights without feeling rushed.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan to eat after the tour.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides operate in Spanish, English, and German, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

Is the camel ride included?
No, the camel ride costs about $11 for 25 minutes and is an optional extra.

How do I meet the guide?
Meet at the police checkpoint at the cruise terminal, where the guide will be waiting, often with a sign.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, sun protection, and water are recommended.

Will I have enough time to see everything?
Yes, the schedule is tight but well-organized, providing a good overview of Lanzarote’s highlights in five hours.

To sum it up, this Lanzarote tour offers a well-balanced combination of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and fun experiences at an accessible price point. It’s ideal for cruise passengers who want a comprehensive taste of the island’s volcanic landscapes, local traditions, and unique geology without the hassle of organizing multiple stops on their own. Many reviewers commend the knowledgeable guides, the striking scenery, and the good value for money—making it a reliable choice for your port day.

Whether you’re a first-timer or someone eager to revisit Lanzarote’s volcanic wonders, this tour will leave you with a memorable snapshot of the island’s most iconic sights and flavors.