GOAT guide to Boat Trips

Fancy bobbing about in the big blue on a boat?  Of course you do, it’s brilliant!  There are such an amazing variety of Tenerife boat trips that searching through the lot can easily leave you with a scrollers-thumb injury.  Add to that the constantly changing covid-19 regulations playing havoc with boat schedules that once you’ve clicked on your pick you can be disappointed to find that it’s not currently available.  This is why we at GOAT offer our free personal booking service with up to date information to match you up with your ideal aquatic jaunt. Whether that’s whales and dolphins watching with the family, a fishing expedition, or private hire for your select few, we work with an extensive list of reputable boat tour companies with options to suit all budgets. Here are the many ways in which you may splice the mainbrace on the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’.

The Tenerife Fleet: there are big boats, catamarans of every size, large and small sailing and motorboats, those with glass bottoms, speed boats, luxury yachts, a submarine, and a Viking ship.

What do they do: whale and dolphin watching, sightseeing, sunset cruising, swimming and snorkelling, entertaining the kids, partying, scuba-diving, sea fishing, turtle visiting, and booze-cruising, either en-masse, a smaller group, a tour for 8, or private hire of a boat (with or without crew) just for you and your friends, or a special occasion with a loved one.

Timetables and sailing times: Each boat company keeps their own departure schedule so you can find one to suit, whether you’re an early bird or enjoy a lay-in.  Choose from two-hour short jaunts perfect to test your sea-legs (or your childs attention span), going up to five-hour ocean adventures. 

Additional details: some tours offer drinks, others include snacks, a buffet, or a full lunch, the shorter trips may not stop, but most 3 hours and upwards include a swim and snorkel, there may be a free pick-up/drop-off service from your door (or nearest designated point), guides that speak your language, onboard kids activities, and wheelchair accessibility.

Departure points: Boat trips depart from several ports including Puerto Colon, Las Galletas, Los Cristianos, and Los Gigantes.  Once you’re out in the big blue you’ll have the magnificent south-western coastline to marvel at and, depending on which tour you’re on, the spectacular cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca bay, caves, coves, and beaches, or the fish farm by the Palm-Mar cliffs. 

What to bring with you:

Gents -sunscreen 

Ladies – sunscreen, camera, a cap, water-resistant bag, a sarong, towel, a smaller towel, a book, flat shoes, SPF20 lip balm, spare swimsuit, inflatable pillow, and a cardigan.

Kids – a parent carrying all of the above

Party booze cruise – sunscreen and your best dance moves.

*In line with virus regulations, you should bring your own snorkel mask*

If they liked it then they would’ve put a Flag on it

The ‘Blue Flag’ is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education, and is awarded only to boats and companies which meet safety and service standards, and respect the environment and wildlife.  The whales and dolphins who happily flourish in our waters have to be protected, so care is taken not to interfere with them or their habitat.  It can’t actually be guaranteed that you will see them on your boat tour as they’re not on the payroll and obliged to show up, but your experienced captain will know their favourite hang-outs so you have to be unlucky not to get a glimpse.  We of course only work with Blue Flag certified companies.

Top Tips

Tenerife is blessed with a year-long temperate climate, with trade winds saving us from the searing heat of our Morrocan neighbours.  In winter months you can enjoy the sun on the beach while Mount Teides peak is covered in snow.  But while the Atlantic looks calm from the shore it may not be so peaceful further out.  Having a heads-up regarding the weather conditions can really make a difference to your excursion.  There may be a calima on the way, or certain days predicted better than others, so give us a shout and we’ll let you know if you need to pack a sou’wester. 

For the best choice and range of options, it’s advisable to book at least a couple of days in advance.  With that said, you are on holiday after all and last-minuters are always welcome at GOAT.  So when you’re sat enjoying your barraquito and are suddenly overcome with the urge for a sea-bound adventure, drop us a message and we’ll let you know late availability without making you walk the plank.

In conclusion

Contact your GOAT advisor via the WhatsApp button or email, tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll get right on it, give you options, and deliver your tickets. 

With Tenerife boat trips in particular there are such a variety of excursions to choose from.  So if you’re in the south of Tenerife, why not request a visit by a GOAT advisor who, for no extra charge, can meet you at your hotel, or even your favourite cafe, armed with videos, photos, schedules, and up to the minute information on all your options.  With trips for every budget, we’ll find you an excursion that really floats your boat!

GOAT guide to Masca

 

The GOAT Guide to Masca

If you google ‘best day trips in Tenerife’, Masca will pop up. The ancient hamlet atop a mountain range is one of the most visited sites on the island. Historically a Guanche settlement, a refuge from invading Spaniards, witches lair, and rumoured pirates hideout, if you’re looking to have your timbers shivered at an altitude of 600 metres, there’s literally nowhere better.  With a selection of rustic restaurants offering typical Canarian fare, shops selling handmade souvenirs, a craft centre, museum, and tiny picturesque square, and 18th century church, Masca is a truly memorable day out.

Big shout out to the Teno Massif!

Masca is located in the north-west of Tenerife on the Macizo de Teno volcanic formation. An area of wild cypress trees, lush towering palms, bright flora and cacti. The isolated village comprises traditional buildings and stone pathways, running along a ridge punctuated by a rocky pinnacle. Below is the Masca Barranco, which cuts down to the ocean between the cliffs of Los Gigantes. Its remoteness made an ideal location for native Guanches to evade the Spanish conquerors who finally took Tenerife in 1496 after years of trying.

Magic, Piracy, and a dog with an underbite.

Relics and carvings of the Guanches show their belief in the magical and religious, and it’s said the hamlet was a place of witchcraft and practising mystics. Pirates frequented these parts during the 16th century, but it’s a point of discussion whether or not Masca was their enclave. Back in those days, when the trek up from the bay was no doubt rougher, it would have taken a good few hours of climbing to reach the village. Imagine how much longer if you’re hauling treasure, have a wooden leg, an overweight parrot, and a skin-full of rum. But when you’ve experienced the intriguing atmosphere of Masca, especially at low light with a touch of mist, you’ll want it all to be true.

We first went to Masca thirty years ago, and I’m overjoyed to say that not much has really changed since, aside from more visitor facilities and a larger choice of souvenirs. Back then we’d sat in the taverna ready to order a bit of lunch, and Igor appeared at our table. He had a crazy look in his eye, a quirky tuft of hair, and protruding bottom teeth. He wasn’t there to take our order, he’s a dog, but by the intensity by which he was checking us out I rather fancy he was the mystic guardian of his old pirate masters buried treasure. Once satisfied we’d just come for some tapas and not to steal his doubloons, he mysteriously vanished.

More hairpins than Toni&Guy

The journey by road to Masca is part of the fun. Driving there is not for the inexperienced nor faint-hearted. Nervous passengers may need to breathe in when negotiating the inch-space between themselves and a bus coming in the opposite direction. It’s narrow, steep, and you might feel like you’re on an episode of Top Gear. Otherwise going with an organised bus trip, or a private tour, you still get the thrill and spectacular scenery, but with an experienced driver at the wheel, and almost all of them do it sober now.

Just kidding, they could do it with their eyes shut but please don’t ask them to prove it.

En-route from the Santiago del Teide direction, a stop-off at the Cherfe Mirador will offer you a cracking 360° panorama, taking in the hamlet, the neighbouring islands of La Gomera and La Palma, the mountains of Teno, Santiago Valley, and a less often pictured western side view of Teide.

The famous Masca Gorge trail leading down to the beach has now been re-opened, but with restrictions. The closure came a couple of years ago when a group of holidaymakers, ignoring a bad weather warning ban of the area, were stranded in the barranco in storm conditions. Luckily a goat herder spotted them and led them to a cave to shelter, and emergency services rescued them the following day, but this brought to light safety measures which should be put in place, with planned checkpoints, phone signal access, permits, and repairs to the jetty. The 8.5km ravine walk from the village down to the rocky beach tucked into the Acantilados of Los Gigantes takes around 3 hours. Trekking down is not too strenuous but can be tricky in parts, especially if it’s been raining. Much like the return journey home from the pub, the ascent takes longer, and a reasonable fitness level and sturdy thighs are required.

Once operational, boat taxis and trips pick-up and drop-off at the Masca beach jetty, but as yet that option is still closed.

Every which way but loose

There are a variety of ways to enjoy this amazing place from all different angles, choose from:

a private tour (maximum 6 people), bus tour, quad, jeep safari, wave at it from the sea on a boat trip, or overhead from a helicopter, trek to it, through it, and around it, drive yourself there, or if you’re not in Tenerife just yet, stare at it lovingly on google maps.

A must for trekkers is the walk of Teno Rural Park, known as Camino Real, the royal walk, departing from Santiago del Teide and finishing at Masca, treading in the footsteps of ancient Guanche royalty. Organised trekking tours operate the nature walk, also with the option of a pick-up from Masca, to take you on a search for whales and dolphins from Los Gigantes harbour.

In conclusion

Whichever way floats your GOAT, Masca is an exceptional experience, charming, magical, and beautiful.  Contact us and we will find your ideal excursion there, with the latest information and schedules, and no extra charge for the personal service and ticket delivery to your door.  And when you do get to Masca, be sure to look out for Igor, he might have mellowed by now and willing to give up where that treasure is.

 

…IT’S GOING TO BE GOAT!