Arrecife: Timanfaya and Green Lagoon for Cruise Passengers

Exploring Lanzarote’s Volcanic Wonders: A Honest Look at the Timanfaya and Green Lagoon Tour

If you’re cruising through the Canary Islands and looking to get a real taste of Lanzarote’s unique landscape, this tour might be just the thing. From the dramatic volcanic terrains of Timanfaya to the vibrant Green Lagoon, it offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s natural beauty. We’ve seen plenty of reviews and details that suggest it’s a solid choice for curious travelers wanting more than just beaches and shopping stops.

One thing we love about this experience is its value for money—at around $56, it packs quite a lot into five hours, including a guided tour of some of the most iconic sites. Another highlight is the knowledgeable guides, who keep things lively with informative, humorous commentary. The wine tasting in La Geria is a lovely bonus, giving you a taste of Lanzarote’s local flavor and culture.

However, a point to consider is that the tour is quite fast-paced to cover all the highlights, which means some stops, like the Green Lagoon or vineyard visits, might feel a bit brief. If you’re after a relaxed, in-depth experience, this might not satisfy your need for longer explorations. Still, if you want a comprehensive snapshot of the island’s volcanic landscape in a short time, this tour has a lot to offer.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate organized, efficient trips with a mix of natural beauty, local culture, and fun activities like camel riding. It’s particularly good for cruise passengers wanting an easy, well-structured way to see Lanzarote without the hassle of arranging transport and guides themselves.

Key Points

• Great value for the price with a comprehensive itinerary
• Expert guides keep the day lively and informative
• Designed for cruise passengers with convenient pick-up and drop-off
• Fast-paced schedule means some stops are quick but highlights are well covered
• Includes exciting activities like camel rides and wine tasting
• Ideal for travelers wanting a balanced overview of Lanzarote’s landscapes without spending too long at each site

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Lanzarote Experience

If you’re curious about the landscape of Lanzarote, this tour hits the main points efficiently. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to see the fire mountains and volcanoes that give the island its character. The drive from the cruise ship port to the various stops is smooth, and the air-conditioned bus keeps everyone comfortable, even on warmer days.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at the HiperDino Express Marina Lanzarote, a straightforward meeting spot near the cruise terminal. The convenience of the pickup—right from the port—means you don’t have to worry about logistics or long walks with your luggage. The group size tends to be manageable, and the guide speaks multiple languages, which helps cater to international visitors.

Timanfaya National Park—A Fiery Landscape

The highlight for many is the visit to Timanfaya National Park, famous for its impressive lava fields and geothermal activity. The guided tour here lasts about an hour, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular stop. The landscape feels otherworldly, with vast stretches of black, hardened lava that tell stories of volcanic eruptions from the past.

Travelers have raved about how well-organized and informative the guide is during this part. One reviewer noted that their guide, Vanessa, kept the group engaged with interesting stories and humor. The narrow roads inside the park are tricky to navigate, but the driver skillfully handles them, earning praise for the smooth ride through such tight spaces.

Green Lagoon—A Unique Geothermal Site

Next up is the Green Lagoon, a natural wonder with vivid colors that contrast sharply with the volcanic terrain. The visit here is brief—around 20 minutes—but it’s enough to appreciate the extraordinary hue of the water, caused by algae and minerals. It’s a perfect spot for photos and marveling at nature’s quirks.

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Wine Tasting in La Geria

One of the real treats of this tour is the visit to La Geria, Lanzarote’s renowned vineyard region. The volcanic ash creates a unique environment for grape growing, and the guides often include a wine tasting here, which is highly appreciated. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed sampling local wines—an authentic and tasty way to connect with the island’s culture.

This stop is relatively short, about 20 minutes, but well worth the time. Travelers have praised the friendly guides and the chance to learn about Lanzarote’s distinctive wine production.

Casa Museo y Monumento al Campesino

A quick visit to this cultural site offers a glimpse into Lanzarote’s rural life and history. It’s only about five minutes of sightseeing, but it enriches the overall experience, offering a break from the volcanoes and a chance to reflect on the island’s agricultural roots.

Camel Ride—A Memorable Activity

The camel ride isn’t included in the price but can be added for about $11 (25 minutes). According to reviews, this is one of the most fun parts of the trip. Many travelers describe it as a highlight—a playful, memorable way to see the landscape from a different perspective. The camels are well cared for, and the experience is suitable for most ages, though some might find it a bit bumpy or slow.

Wrapping Up and Return

After the activities, the group heads back to the starting point, usually with plenty of time left to explore the port or grab a bite. The entire day runs smoothly thanks to the efficient communication and prompt scheduling.

What Are the Downsides?

While this tour hits most of the major sights effectively, it’s quite fast-moving. If you’re someone who prefers longer, in-depth explorations or more free time at each stop, you might find the schedule a bit tight. The Green Lagoon and vineyard visits are brief, giving only just enough time to take photos and sample wines.

Another consideration is that the camel ride is an optional extra and isn’t included in the base price. For some, the extra cost might be worth it, but if you’re on a strict budget or not keen on riding animals, you can skip it.

Plus, the tour’s multilingual guides do their best, but since they switch between languages, some travelers have mentioned occasional difficulty understanding, especially when accents are strong. Still, most agree the guides are knowledgeable and friendly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works best for cruise passengers who want a well-organized, efficient way to see Lanzarote’s highlights without the hassle of planning and logistics. It’s perfect for those interested in volcanic landscapes, local wines, and fun activities like camel rides. If you’re okay with a busy schedule and brief stops, you’ll get plenty of value.

It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate guided commentary and being part of a group. If you prefer a more relaxed, unstructured adventure, you might want to look for longer or more specialized tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, children generally enjoy the camel ride and wide-open landscapes. However, you should consider the pace, as it’s quite fast, and some stops are brief.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers entrance to Timanfaya National Park, an English, German, or Spanish tour guide, transportation in an air-conditioned bus, travel insurance, and pickup from the cruise terminal.

Can I customize or add activities?
The camel ride is available as an extra, costing about $11. It’s popular and highly recommended by travelers but not included in the initial price.

How long is each stop?
Timanfaya gets about an hour, the Green Lagoon around 20 minutes, and La Geria roughly 20 minutes as well. The cultural site is just 5 minutes. Some reviews mention that the quick stops are just enough to see the sites but not to linger.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are advised. The tour involves some walking and photo opportunities at scenic spots.

Is the tour flexible with timing?
Since it’s a guided tour with a fixed schedule, timing is pretty tight, but the organization is generally praised for punctuality and smooth transitions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Lanzarote on a cruise and want a cost-effective, engaging way to see the island’s volcanic highlights, this tour offers a lot. The combination of spectacular landscapes, cultural insights, and fun activities like wine tasting and camel riding makes it a memorable experience. The guides and drivers are often praised for their friendliness and professionalism, which helps make the day flow seamlessly.

While it’s a fast-paced snapshot rather than an immersive deep dive, it’s perfect for those with limited time who want to tick off key sights without stress. The value for money is high, and the reviews consistently reflect high satisfaction.

This tour is a reliable choice for cruise passengers seeking a lively, informative, and visually stunning introduction to Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain.

Feel free to ask if you want tips on what to wear, how to prepare, or other Lanzarote adventures. Happy travels!

You can check availability for your dates here: