La Gomera is a treasure trove for travelers who love diverse landscapes and authentic experiences. Its rugged terrain, lush forests, and dramatic coastlines make it an ideal place for all kinds of tours. Whether you’re after a guided hike through Garajonay National Park or a whale-watching boat trip, La Gomera offers a wide array of memorable ways to explore. We particularly enjoyed the Hiking in the Garajonay tour for its intimate encounter with the island’s flora and legends, and the Small Group Boat Whale and Dolphin Watching experience for its chance to see marine mammals in their natural habitat.
What makes La Gomera special is the variety of ways you can enjoy its spectacular scenery, cultural sites, and marine life. Whether you’re cruising the coast on an inflatable boat or walking through ancient laurel forests, each tour offers a chance to connect with the island’s authentic charm. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 best tours, covering everything from nature hikes and boat trips to cultural visits and off-road adventures.
1. 6 Hrs Private Tour In Tenerife
At number 1 on our list, this private tour in Tenerife (which frequently includes La Gomera as part of the broader Canary Islands experience) is praised for its personalized approach and expert guides. The approximately 6-hour trip covers key landmarks such as Santa Cruz Palmetum, San Cristobal de La Laguna, and architectural highlights like Santiago Calatrava’s Tenerife Auditorium. The tour is especially suitable if you want to see Tenerife’s diverse scenery with the flexibility to customize stops.
The reviews highlight how comfortable and engaging this experience is, with guests noting guides like Mariana and Diego who bring the island to life through their knowledge and personable style. This tour is perfect if you prefer an intimate, flexible day of sightseeing that includes cultural and scenic highlights. While technically based in Tenerife, it’s a great way to get a broad sense of the Canary Islands’ landscapes, which are often intertwined with La Gomera’s own natural beauty.
Bottom line: If you want a well-rounded, private experience with customized stops, this tour offers excellent value and a personal touch.
2. Private excursion to Teide National Park
Number 2 on our list is the Private excursion to Teide National Park, which captures the spectacle of Spain’s highest peak. This 5 to 6-hour journey guides you through the stunning volcanic landscape that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll visit the Teide volcano, the highest point in Spain, and ascend via the Teide Cable Car, reaching over 3,500 meters for breathtaking views.
Guests love the personalized nature of this tour, with the ability to tailor stops and explore at your own pace. The highlight is the Teide summit, which offers unrivaled scenery and a sense of scale that makes you feel tiny. Although the cable car ride isn’t included in the price, the views from the park alone justify the trip.
Good to know: This tour is best suited for those with a moderate level of fitness and a taste for volcanic landscapes and panoramic vistas. One reviewer mentions how the landscape was spectacular, even if they couldn’t go on the cable car due to wind.
Bottom line: For those wanting a focused, customizable trip to Spain’s highest volcano, this private tour delivers unforgettable scenery and a personal experience.
3. Hiking in the Garajonay
Number 3 is the Hiking in the Garajonay tour, a 4.5-hour private walk through La Gomera’s famous laurel forest. Led by a local guide, you’ll discover trails that are difficult to find on your own, with lush greenery, moss-covered trees, and scenic viewpoints from the park’s diverse trails.
This tour is ideal if you want to learn about La Gomera’s natural beauty while learning about the island’s legends and ecology. The guide, Juan, is praised for being both knowledgeable and friendly, making the walk informative yet relaxed. You’ll start at Parque Nacional de Garajonay and walk at a pace that suits your group, with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.
Guests appreciate how the forest feels like a fairy tale, and the tour’s flexibility makes it perfect for outdoor lovers who want an authentic, less touristy experience. The inclusion of hotel pickup simplifies logistics.
Bottom line: If a scenic, low-impact hike in a UNESCO World Heritage site appeals to you, this tour offers a memorable and personalized nature experience.
4. Private Excursion to Masca, Garachico, Icod in Tenerife
Number 4 is the Private Excursion to Masca, Garachico, Icod, a solid 6-hour journey that takes you through some of Tenerife’s most iconic spots. Starting in Masca Valley, a former pirate hideout, the trip continues to the charming town of Garachico, which rose from volcanic eruptions, and finally visits Icod de los Vinos to see the famous millennial dragon tree.
Guests praise the expert driving and personalized guidance of Diego, who makes each stop meaningful. The tour balances history, scenery, and local charm, making it suitable for those who want a comprehensive day. The drive along the twisty roads to Masca is often highlighted as exhilarating.
This tour is especially good for travelers who enjoy photo stops and local stories. The flexible schedule means you can linger at sites like Garachico or Icod.
Bottom line: For a diverse, scenic, and culturally rich half-day, this private tour is a great pick for curious explorers.
5. Half Day Tour Discovering Anaga Tenerife
Number 5 offers a Half Day Tour Discovering Anaga, a 5-hour private trip to one of Tenerife’s most endemic-rich and UNESCO-recognized areas. You’ll visit the Parque Rural de Anaga, known for its diversity of plant species, and enjoy scenic stops like Playa del Roque de las Bodegas and the Cruz del Carmen viewpoint.
Guests praise the informative guide Joel, who shares insights into the landscape and local legend, making the experience more than just sightseeing. The tour offers spectacular views of the coastline and the chance to see the famous “Stone Lion” rock from the road.
This trip suits travelers interested in nature, geology, and local culture. It’s ideal if you prefer a relaxed pace with opportunities to take photos and learn about the island’s ecological richness.
Bottom line: If you want a focused, scenic exploration of Anaga’s wild beauty and endemic species, this tour is a smart choice.
6. Inflatable Boat without a License
Number 6 offers an adrenaline-fueled way to explore La Gomera’s south coast with a self-drive inflatable boat. This experience costs around $157 for up to four people and lasts from 3 to 10 hours, depending on your plans.
Guests rave about the freedom and fun of navigating the waters without a license and the chance to swim in the open sea. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers who want a hands-on experience, with the option to enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant afterward.
While it’s not suitable for everyone—since you’ll need some level of confidence in handling the boat—the reviews show it’s a popular activity for groups or families looking for a flexible, active day.
Bottom line: If you’re after an independent marine adventure and have some boating experience, this rental provides a unique way to see La Gomera’s coastline.
7. Visit the Ethnographic Park of La Gomera
Number 7 is the Ethnographic Park of La Gomera, a low-cost, self-guided experience that immerses you in traditional Canarian life. For just under $6, you can explore a working farm, historical buildings, and local crafts.
This park is ideal for travelers interested in cultural history and local traditions. You’ll see agricultural practices, handicrafts, and historic settlements in action, with an audio guide that enhances your visit. The site includes a banana plantation and a cattle area, providing a live snapshot of rural life.
Guests appreciate how the park brings history to life without the crowds of larger museums. It’s a good choice for families or anyone wanting an affordable, educational stop.
Bottom line: For a hands-on, authentic look at traditional Canarian rural life, this ethnographic park is a worthwhile detour.
8. Small Group Boat Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
This Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour is a 4-hour trip perfect for marine life enthusiasts. The small group setting ensures a more intimate and flexible experience on the water.
The tour promises sightings of whales and dolphins, with expert guides explaining behavior and ecology. Guests enjoy the seaside breeze and the chance to see these mammals **performing—from jumping dolphins to passing whales. The tour is praised for being well-organized and respectful of animals.
It offers great value for the price of around $56 per person, especially given the small size of the group and the quality of the sightings.
Bottom line: If you want a personalized, educational whale-watching trip, this tour delivers a memorable marine adventure.
9. Enogastronomic Tour – 4 hours in Tenerife
Number 9 centers on Tenerife’s culinary traditions with a 4-hour enogastronomic tour. Starting at Bodegas Monje, you’ll sample local wines and learn about wine production, then visit a traditional Guachinche restaurant for grilled meats and regional dishes.
Guests enjoy guided tastings at each stop, with the flexibility to try different wines and dishes. The tour also includes a visit to Casa del Vino, where you can taste more wines and learn about their history. The activity costs around $141 per person, which is a fair value considering the depth of tasting and cultural insights.
Ideal for foodies and wine lovers, this tour offers an authentic taste of Tenerife’s gastronomic culture. Some reviews mention how the wine tasting was a highlight, making it perfect for relaxed, gourmet-focused travelers.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in local wines and traditional cuisine, this tour provides a delicious, educational experience.
10. 3 hrs Boat Excursion for whale watching from Valle GR
This 3-hour whale watching trip from Valle Gran Rey is a shorter but still exciting marine experience. For around $50, you’ll sail in search of dolphins and whales, with the added bonus of swimming in clear Atlantic waters.
While the reviews are mixed—some noting the shorter duration and fewer sightings—the overall experience offers a chance to see marine life in a relaxed setting. The boat is described as spacious and comfortable, with onboard tapas and drinks.
Suitable for families or travelers with limited time, this trip is less comprehensive but still offers a fun, oceanic adventure.
Bottom line: For a quick yet enjoyable marine experience, this excursion is a good choice, especially if you want to combine it with other activities.
11. Medieval Banquet and Tournament with return transport
Number 11 offers an unusual evening out with the Medieval Banquet and Tournament. Held at Castillo San Miguel, this event includes a multi-course feast, jousting, sword fighting, and performances by acrobatic dancers.
Priced at about $103, the experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easy. The event is described as entertaining, lively, and immersive, especially if you enjoy history and spectacle. The show’s highlight is the knights in action, which combines skill and storytelling.
However, with only a few reviews, the experience might appeal more to families or history enthusiasts seeking a unique night out than to those looking for a typical tour.
Bottom line: If you’re after a fun, atmospheric evening with dinner and entertainment, this medieval banquet provides a memorable, theatrical experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your interests, budget, and physical fitness. For example, if you love nature and hiking, the Hiking in Garajonay tour offers a serene walk through lush forests. If marine life excites you, the Whale and Dolphin Watching or 3-hour whale tour from Valle GR are excellent choices, especially for families or those short on time.
For travelers interested in cultural and historic sights, the Masca, Garachico, Icod tour is ideal, combining scenic drives with local stories. If you want a more independent experience, the Ethnographic Park offers a low-cost, self-guided cultural glimpse.
Finally, if your goal is gastronomy and wine, the Enogastronomic Tour delivers a flavorful journey, while the medieval banquet is best for a fun, themed night.
Booking early is advised, especially for activities with limited availability like whale watching or private tours, to secure your preferred date and time.
Final Thoughts
La Gomera offers a broad spectrum of tours that cater to nature lovers, history buffs, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike. For those after quiet explorations, the Garajonay hike provides an intimate walk into the island’s lush forests. If marine mammals are your thing, the small group whale watching offers a respectful wildlife encounter, while the inflatable boat rental invites you to explore at your own pace.
Travelers with limited time can enjoy a shorter boat trip or cultural visit, but those looking for a full-day immersion should consider the private or combined tours. Whatever your style, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these top-rated experiences in La Gomera.
