Northwest Coast La Palma boat trip: Volcanic cliffs & wildlife

Two sea caves sit inside the cliffs, and the hydrofoil's underwater windows let you see straight into them.

A two-hour boat trip along the northwest coast of La Palma travels through volcanic sea caves, past hidden beaches and coastal cliffs, then into open water where whales, dolphins and sea turtles appear. The Fantasy hydrofoil has underwater viewing panels to see the seabed and cave interiors. The route stops at Playa de la Veta for a swim and snacks, and the return timing depends on weather and wildlife sightings. English and Spanish guides lead the tour. Minimum age is 18.

The experience

The boat leaves from the northwest coast and runs along the municipalities of Tijarafe and Puntagorda, where two million years of volcanic geology shapes every stop. You'll pass through Cueva Bonita and Cueva Colorada, sea caves carved into the cliffs, and the hydrofoil's underwater vision panels let you see inside them without leaving your seat. The route also passes Porís de Candelaria, Porís de Puntagorda and the Tinizara well, each one a different face of the island's volcanic past.

Playa de la Veta is where you always stop to swim and rest. The crew brings out snacks and drinks included with your ticket. After that, the boat heads farther from shore into open water to search for marine life: whales, dolphins, turtles and seabirds. The exact route and how long you spend in each spot shifts with weather and what appears that day, so no two trips follow the same path. Some days the return timing lines up with a sunset at sea. Others, the sightings decide how long you stay out.

Lifejackets and blankets are provided. The tour runs two hours total, which fits into a morning or afternoon without eating up the whole day.

What’s included

• Underwater vision hydrofoil with viewing panels.
• lifejacket and blankets if needed.
• snacks and drinks at Playa de la Veta.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDepartures at 11:00 and 12:00Last departure this season: 30 Dec

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Sports dock, SN, 38779 El Puerto de Tazacorte, Santa Cruz de Tenerife”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Nuevo rumbo, historia viva, S.L.

Is this one for you?Two hours leaves room for another activity before or after, so the trip fits into a half-day itinerary. The exact route and stops shift with weather and wildlife sightings, so each departure is different. Book this one if you want the coast to decide where you go, not a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What are Cueva Bonita and Cueva Colorada?

Cueva Bonita and Cueva Colorada are sea caves carved into the volcanic cliffs along La Palma's northwest coast. The hydrofoil's underwater viewing panels let you see inside them from the boat without entering.

Can I swim during the boat trip?

Yes, the boat stops at Playa de la Veta, where you can swim and relax. Snacks and drinks are included during the stop.

Will I definitely see whales or dolphins?

The boat heads into open water to search for whales, dolphins, turtles and seabirds, but sightings depend on what's present that day. The route adjusts based on wildlife activity and weather conditions.

How long is the entire trip?

The boat trip lasts two hours total, including the swim stop and time in open water.