From the south of Tenerife: La Gomera full day trip

If you’re planning to explore the Canary Islands and are considering a day trip from Tenerife to La Gomera, you’ll want a clear picture of what to expect. This full-day tour offers a chance to see some of La Gomera’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning everything yourself. It’s a popular choice for those wanting a taste of the island’s rugged landscapes, lush forests, and charming towns—all wrapped into a single day.

What makes this trip appealing? For starters, you get to ride a ferry with Fred Olsen Express, which is a nice bonus if you enjoy boat rides. Plus, the visits to Garajonay National Park and its famous laurel forests are genuinely special, especially as UNESCO has declared the area a World Heritage Site. The panoramic viewpoints are another highlight, offering some of the best photo ops and vistas in the Canary Islands.

That said, there are some caveats. The entire day can feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re someone who prefers to linger and really soak in each stop. Also, the guide’s multilingual commentary, while helpful, sometimes feels a little hurried or repetitive, according to reviews. If you’re not a fan of bus tours or prefer a more relaxed pace, this might not be your ideal way to explore.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers eager to see La Gomera’s highlights in a single day, especially if you appreciate scenic viewpoints, forest walks, and organized logistics. It works well if you’re looking for a hassle-free, informative experience with a good mix of sightseeing and cultural flavor.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation and ferry included make for a seamless day trip.
• Garajonay National Park offers a rare look at UNESCO-protected laurel forests.
• Guides are generally friendly and multilingual, but some reviews mention limited knowledge or overtalking.
• Lunch at a restaurant is included, with options and a local menu.
• You’ll see panoramic viewpoints that provide fantastic photo opportunities.
• The duration is just over 10 hours, so be prepared for a full day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the La Gomera Full Day Trip

This tour kicks off early in the morning from Los Cristianos, with your pickup arranged in the south of Tenerife. Once aboard the Fred Olsen ferry, you’ll enjoy the roughly 50-minute ride across the sea to San Sebastián de La Gomera, the island’s somewhat charming capital. The ferry ride itself is a highlight if you like boat travel, offering views of the ocean and the chance to feel the sea breeze.

Arriving in La Gomera: First Stops and Scenic Views

After arriving, the tour heads straight into the interior of the island. The first notable stop is Roque de Agando, a striking volcanic formation that juts out from the landscape. Even if your weather isn’t perfect—some reviews mention clouds or rain—you might still appreciate the dramatic scenery. The guide will briefly explain the significance of this landmark, but don’t expect an in-depth geological lecture.

From there, the journey continues to Garajonay National Park, which is the star of the day. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to one of the most important laurel forests in the world. We loved the way the forest creates a mystical, almost primeval atmosphere—perfect for nature lovers or those wanting a cooler escape from the sun. Expect walking through lush greenery, where the canopy filters sunlight and the air feels fresh and slightly humid.

Highlights of Garajonay Park

The park can be busy, especially in peak season, but most visitors find the scenery worth the effort. The walks are generally manageable, but do wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes—something many reviewers agree on. The park’s dense greenery and mossy trees are a stark contrast to the more arid parts of the island, making it a memorable part of the trip.

Lunch at Las Rosas Restaurant

After exploring the forest, you’ll head to Las Rosas Restaurant for lunch, which is included in the tour price. The menu offers two options: a vegetable cream soup with chicken salmorejo or a fish fillet with rice and potatoes. Both options come with wine and dessert, offering a decent taste of local flavors. Based on reviews, the food is quite traditional and served with friendly service, making it a pleasant break in the day.

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Exploring the Town of Agulo

Post-lunch, the tour takes you through Agulo, a small town with charming streets and scenic views. It’s a brief stop, enough to appreciate the quaintness of this place—ideal for quick photos or a short stroll. It’s not a lengthy sightseeing session, so if you enjoy wandering through quiet towns, you might wish there was more time here.

Return to Tenerife

The final leg involves heading back to the pier for the ferry ride to Los Cristianos, arriving around 6:00 p.m. The return trip wraps up what is a long but packed day of sightseeing, about 10.5 hours in total.

The Pros and Cons Based on Real-World Feedback

Positive aspects
Many travelers praise the guides for their friendliness and multilingual explanations. One reviewer remarked, “Hector’s been an awesome guide,” highlighting how a good guide can make or break the experience. The views from the viewpoints and the forest garner consistent praise—they’re genuinely stunning, especially if you enjoy nature and scenic landscapes.

Drawbacks and considerations
Some reviews mention the overlapping languages spoken by guides, which can make it hard to follow along if you don’t speak all four languages fluently. As one reviewer pointed out, “she was speaking phonetically,” which could be tiring. The food also received mixed feedback; while some found it traditional and tasty, others felt the fish was somewhat generic, and the overall meal was somewhat basic.

The timing can sometimes feel rushed, especially since many stops are brief and primarily photo ops. One traveler noted, “Felt a bit rushed at times,” which is worth considering if you prefer more in-depth exploration.

How about the value?

At $122 per person, including ferry, guide, lunch, and transportation, many find this a fair price for a full day of sightseeing and convenience. However, some reviews suggest that the ferry alone costs around €70 (~$75), so the added value is in the guided experience and meals.

Who is this tour best suited for?

If you’re a traveler who enjoys organized outings with a structured itinerary, this trip offers an efficient way to see La Gomera’s highlights. It’s especially good if you want a guided overview of the island without the stress of planning transport or logistics. Nature lovers will appreciate the lush Garajonay Park and scenic viewpoints, while those interested in local culture can enjoy the brief town visits.

However, if you prefer slow-paced adventures or more time in each location, this might feel too tight, and you might consider splitting the day into separate trips or exploring independently.

FAQs

Is the ferry ride included in the tour price?
Yes, the ferry with Fred Olsen Express is included, making the trip more seamless and enjoyable.

How long is the total tour?
The entire day lasts about 10.5 hours, so be prepared for a full and active day.

Is food included in the tour?
Yes, a meal at Las Rosas Restaurant is part of the package, with options for different tastes, served with wine and dessert.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak Spanish and English, along with other languages. However, some reviews mention that multiple languages spoken simultaneously can make explanations a bit tiring.

What kind of footwear should I bring?
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended, especially for walking in Garajonay Park.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but expect some walking and bus rides. It’s probably fine for older children who can handle the full day.

What is the overall rating?
This tour has a solid 4.4 out of 5, based on 29 reviews, indicating generally positive feedback with some minor critiques.

Final thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic day trip to La Gomera with a good mix of nature, viewpoints, and local culture, this tour from Tenerife is worth considering. You’ll enjoy the convenience of transport, a guided experience, and a taste of the island’s lush forests and breathtaking vistas. Be mindful that the schedule is tight, and a few reviews mention the guide’s multilingual chatter can sometimes be a bit much, but overall, most travelers leave satisfied.

This trip is especially suited for travelers who want a rundown of La Gomera without the fuss of organizing each element themselves. If you’re comfortable with a busy pace and appreciate guided commentary, it could be a memorable part of your Canary Islands adventure.

Happy travels, and I hope your trip to La Gomera is just as beautiful as the landscapes you’ll see.

You can check availability for your dates here: