The ultimate guide to the best water sports in Tenerife

The Canary Islands are situated off the coast of Africa and boast a temperate year-round climate. Ideal for winter sun holidays and sizzling beach escapes, Tenerife enjoys a subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from 15-20ºC in the Winter and 25-30ºC in the summertime. The island is famous for its microclimates making no two places the same. There is a noticeable variation between the north and south of the island with the south prone to higher temperatures. The coastline also boasts warmer weather with inland, hilly areas tending to be cooler. If you plan your stay in Tenerife, look at the water sports Tenerife offers and plan your trip based on your favourite activities. 

Not all water sports in Tenerife involve battling the forceful waves. From finding the best snorkelling spots in Tenerife to paddle boarding to secluded sandy coves it is possible to enjoy the power of the Ocean in a relaxing and laid-back way. 

The best way to get acquainted with the world of water sports in Tenerife is to grab a snorkel and dive into the briny blue. For the best snorkelling in Tenerife, it is recommended to head to the Ocean during the warmer months from May until October. 

This is when the water is at an enjoyable temperature and the visibility levels are at their best. If you are staying in the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort, you have one of the island’s best snorkelling spots at the foothill of the hotel.

La Caleta is a small fishing village near Costa Adeje that boasts calm waters and excellent snorkelling conditions. So much so that it is not uncommon for snorkelers to witness the occasional turtle while exploring the underwater world. Trumpet fish, sea cucumbers, parrot fish and many more marine species are common sightings making your experience extra special.

Kayaking is a wonderful way to get up close to Tenerife’s incredible cliffs. If you are staying in Barceló Santiago, you are a stone’s throw from the most impressive kayaking spot on the island - Los Gigantes. This majestic cliff face is an iconic setting in Tenerife and it is possible to rent a kayak to be mere metres away from this natural wonder. If the idea of kayaking on the open water sounds like an exhausting task, the Barceló Tenerife hotel offers guests the exclusive experience of kayaking through the protected San Blas Nature Reserve. You can even choose a glass-bottomed kayak to catch a glimpse of the surrounding aquatic life.

Not keen on riding the waves with a surfboard? No problem. The island has plenty of calm waters to enjoy the fun of paddleboarding. The calmest sea of all is that of Las Teresitas Beach in Santa Cruz, the island’s capital. Just a short bus ride from the Occidental Santa Cruz Contemporáneo, this beach is the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely paddle without the worry of any waves knocking you down. Further along the coastline, Radazul and Tabaiba also offer calm waters and a more expansive area to explore than that of Santa Cruz. Feeling creative? Practise your balance by trying paddleboard yoga, a combination of yoga poses, breathing exercises and paddleboarding - what’s not to love? 

If you want to go one step further than whale watching, this experience is for you. Be guided by an expert team of fishermen as you venture out to sea in search of the iconic Blue Marlin. Given the unique characteristics of the islands, trolling emerges as the primary fishing technique. Enjoy a relaxing laid-back experience as you are guided through the basics of Tenerife deep-sea fishing. If you are lucky, the serene atmosphere will suddenly transform as the fishing reel begins to spin. At that moment, tranquillity is replaced by a surge of adrenaline. As you tighten the line and exert more force, your heart rate quickens until either you or the catch concedes. With pick-up directly from your hotel, it cannot be easier to experience this once-in-a-lifetime activity. 

Tenerife’s reliable winds, all-year-round good weather and stunning natural settings attract surf aficionados from all corners of the globe. However, surfing is not the only thrilling pastime to be enjoyed on the shores of the island. Discover the wild water sports in Tenerife to enjoy on your next holiday.

If you are staying on Tenerife’s southern coastline, Las Americas offers a thrilling surf adventure thanks to the vibrant atmosphere and consistent waves ideal for surfers of all levels. Try your skills at this popular spot or join the crowds at El Medano, another southern Tenerife surf spot. In the north of the island, the rugged coastline makes for an exhilarating surfing experience. 

Head to La Izquierda near Puerto de la Cruz for challenging left-hand waves, or explore the dynamic breaks at El Socorro, a renowned spot for its powerful swells and international surfing competitions. For a more secluded but equally exciting surf session, venture to Almáciga on the northeast coast, where the pristine beach and formidable waves await experienced surfers.

If you are looking for water sports in Tenerife to enjoy as a couple, a jet ski excursion is an ideal way to enjoy the thrill of the waves. The coastal areas of Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas offer various places for jet ski rentals and for a romantic touch, schedule your outing for the golden hours of the sunset. Revel in the shared excitement of navigating the waves and feel the wind in your hair as you embrace the feeling of limitless adventure. 

The island’s consistent trade winds and diverse coastline make it a world-class kitesurfing destination. El Medano is a famous kitesurfing beach offering a vast stretch of coastline home to various kitesurfing schools that cater to all levels. Feel the power of the wind as you harness its energy and glide across the water as you master the kite and the board. Whether you are soaring over the waves attempting new tricks or simply enjoying the freedom of the open sea, kitesurfing is one of the water sports in Tenerife you must try on your holidays.

Tenerife’s coastline offers some impressive diving sports that offer an inviting experience for divers of all levels. Those staying in the metropolitan area of the island can head to the shores of Tabaiba where advanced divers can investigate the famous Tabaiba wreck, a 35-metre-long boat known as El Peñon. If you are new to scuba diving, the gentle waters of the southern coast are an ideal place to start. The towns of Los Abrigos and Abades are popular places for newbies to explore the wealth of sea life living in Tenerife’s sea. Expect to see starfish, sea horses, manta rays, octopus and even baby sharks when out exploring.