Private Excursions For Cruise Ship Passengers

Exploring Tenerife by Private Tour: A Deep Dive into the Island’s Natural and Cultural Gems

If you’re visiting Tenerife via cruise and want an experience that feels personalized, flexible, and comfortably paced, this private excursion might just be your best bet. This six-hour journey, operated by Gloma Travel, offers a tailored way to see the highlights of the island without the hassle of crowded tours or rigid schedules. From majestic volcanoes to charming towns, it’s a blend of natural beauty and cultural insight that keeps many travelers coming back for more.

What we really love about this tour is its customizable nature. The driver is there to adapt the route based on your preferences, which means you get to focus on what interests you most. Plus, pickup directly from the cruise port saves precious time and stress—no need to hunt down a meeting point or worry about transportation logistics. However, a potential consideration is the price point—while the tour offers excellent value for a private experience, it’s still an investment compared to larger group excursions.

This private tour suits travelers who enjoy a personal touch, are keen to explore at their own pace, and appreciate expert guidance sprinkled with local knowledge. If you’re someone who wants to avoid crowds and prefers a more intimate setting, this experience will surely resonate. It’s also perfect for those arriving by cruise who want a comprehensive yet relaxed overview of Tenerife’s top sights.

Key Points

• Flexible and tailored itinerary allows you to focus on your personal interests.
• Pickup from the cruise port makes the start seamless and stress-free.
• Expert guides and drivers enhance the experience with local insights.
• Highlights include Teide National Park, La Orotava, and scenic viewpoints—perfect for photography.
• Includes private transportation, ensuring comfort and exclusivity.
• Cost reflects a premium private experience, offering good value for personalized service.

A Full Breakdown: What to Expect on Your Tenerife Private Excursion

Starting Point and Timing

You’ll meet your driver at the Muelle Santa Cruz de Tenerife at 9:00 am. From there, the journey begins with the comfort of private transport—no crowded buses or shared shuttles here. The duration? Around six hours, which is ample time to explore the island’s highlights without feeling rushed. This makes it ideal for cruise travelers who want to maximize sightseeing within a limited window.

The First Stop: Mirador de Chipeque

Your adventure kicks off with a viewpoint over the Orotava Valley. As you stand at Mirador de Chipeque, the lush landscape sprawls beneath you like a green canvas. On clear days, Teide’s silhouette is proudly visible in the sky, while Teno Massif and La Palma add to the panoramic scene. This spot is a photographer’s dream, and the 15-minute visit is perfect for stretching your legs and snapping some stunning photos.

According to reviews, visitors love the way guides help them appreciate these views—one guest praised the “amazing views and highlights,” noting that the landscapes are truly breathtaking. It’s a gentle start that sets the tone for the rest of the day.

The Geological Wonders: Centro de Visitantes El Portillo & Teide National Park

Next, you’re headed to the El Portillo Visitor Center. Inside, you’ll find informative panels and a small museum that explain the volcano’s origins and unique species. It’s a small but engaging exposure to Tenerife’s volcanic heart. Reviewers highlight how fascinating it is to learn about the natural environment and even see a volcanic tube—an authentic glimpse into the island’s fiery past.

From there, the focus shifts to the Teide National Park itself. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a highlight for many. With its towering volcano (at 3,718 meters) and the surreal landscape of volcanic formations, you’ll understand why this place is considered one of the 12 Treasures of Spain. A full hour allows ample time to take in the views, walk around the crater area, and really soak in the otherworldly scenery.

Travelers consistently mention how knowledgeable guides share interesting facts—one noted that the guide was proud to show visitors the “great sights of the island.” The landscape here is vast, dramatic, and constantly shifting as you move through the Cañadas del Teide.

Los Roques de Garcia: Nature’s Sculptures

One of the most Instagram-worthy stops is Los Roques de Garcia. These rock formations, shaped over millions of years, resemble giant sculptures guarding the mountain. They’re truly a sight to behold, with some reviewer describing it as feeling like stepping onto a landscape that’s “both ancient and alien.” The 30-minute visit allows plenty of time to wander, take photos, and marvel at the erosion that created these natural monuments.

The Surreal White Sands: Mirador Minas de San Jose

Before descending back toward La Orotava, your guide will take you to Las Minas de San José. Here, an expansive stretch of powdery white sand appears almost out of place amid the volcanic terrain. It’s a surreal scene—many guests describe it as a “strange landscape” or a “mirage,” giving you a different perspective on the island’s volcanic nature.

Cultural and Botanical Exploration: Casa de Los Balcones & Hijuela del Botanico

Moving into the cultural side of the tour, the Casa de Los Balcones is a beautifully preserved 17th-century mansion. Beyond its stunning wooden balconies, it offers insight into Canary Islands architecture and history. Visitors often comment on how this stop feels like stepping back in time, with one reviewer calling it “a testament to the region’s architectural heritage.”

Next, the Hijuela del Botanico is a peaceful garden created in 1788. Covering 4,000 square meters, it showcases over a hundred plant species, including the ancient dragon tree. Reviewers love this stop for its tranquility and the chance to see unique flora, with one noting it as a “botanical masterpiece.”

Ending on a Soothing Note: Jardines Victoria

The Victoria Gardens in La Orotava provide a romantic and scenic finale. Designed in the 19th century, this garden features cascading fountains, vibrant flowers, and terraces with panoramic views. Guests describe it as “enchanting,” and it offers a perfect spot for a relaxed stroll and photos to remember.

Who Will Love This Tour?

From detailed natural stops to charming cultural sites, this private tour is ideal for travelers seeking a personalized, relaxed exploration of Tenerife. It’s perfect for those arriving by cruise who want to see the highlights without the overcrowding of group tours. The flexibility of the itinerary means you can focus more on landscapes, history, or even photography—whatever makes your heart sing.

Price and Value

At approximately $113.79 per person, this private tour offers good value for a tailored experience. When you factor in the personalized service, expert guidance, and convenience of door-to-door pickup, it’s often worth the extra cost compared to larger group excursions. Multiple reviews emphasize the quality of guides like Diego and Belen, who go out of their way to make the day special.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This private Tenerife tour is a fantastic choice for travelers craving a customized, intimate experience that covers the island’s top sights at a relaxed pace. If you’re a photography enthusiast eager to capture breathtaking vistas, or a history buff interested in cultural landmarks, you’ll find this itinerary highly satisfying. It also appeals to those who don’t want to be part of a large group, valuing the flexibility and personal attention that comes with a private guide.

While the tour’s price is on the higher side, the quality of guides, the scenic stops, and the tailored nature make it a worthwhile investment—especially for cruise passengers who want to maximize their limited time ashore. For families or couples seeking a combination of natural wonder and cultural insight, this experience delivers on many levels. Just remember to dress appropriately for mountain altitude, as some reviewers noted the temperature can drop unexpectedly.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes private transportation and pickup from the cruise port. Lunch, admission tickets, and additional expenses are not included.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Can the route be customized?
Yes, the driver can tailor the route based on your preferences, focusing more on particular sights or interests.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the stops are generally accessible. However, consider the physical demands of walking at viewpoints or in uneven terrain.

What should I bring?
Bring layers, especially if visiting Teide National Park, as temperatures can be cooler at higher elevations. Sunscreen and water are also recommended.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the listed price covers transportation and the guiding service. Any additional expenses like lunch or souvenirs are extra.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions prevent certain stops, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded. The scenic viewpoints depend on clear weather for optimal experience.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 109 days ahead—early booking ensures availability and a smoother planning process.

This private Tenerife tour strikes a great balance between personalized service, scenic diversity, and cultural insight. It’s an excellent way for cruise passengers to see the best of the island on their own terms, making for an unforgettable day on this volcanic paradise.