Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a bustling port city that offers much more than just its cruise ships and lively streets. The island’s diverse landscape, from volcanic craters to lush forests, makes it a prime spot for tours that showcase its natural beauty and local culture. Among the standout experiences, we particularly like the Tenerife Buggy Tour The Golden Mile, which combines high-energy fun with scenic stops, and the Tenerife: Landscape photography, coaching workshops 5 hrs., perfect for shutterbugs eager to improve their skills. Whether you’re after adrenaline, cultural insights, or just a chance to capture the island’s stunning vistas, Santa Cruz has a tour for you.
This list features a variety of experiences: thrilling buggy rides, spelunking in volcanic caves, private VIP tours of Anaga and La Laguna, photography workshops, beginner diving, and portrait sessions. Each offers a different way to explore Tenerife’s landscapes and local flavors, helping you choose based on your interests and travel style.
1. Tenerife Buggy Tour The Golden Mile
At number 1, the Tenerife Buggy Tour The Golden Mile ranks highly for its lively, entertaining approach to sightseeing. This 45-minute tour takes you along Tenerife’s iconic Golden Mile — a stretch famous for its luxury shops, hotels, and vibrant atmosphere. But what makes this experience truly stand out is that it’s “a party on wheels” with music, wigs, and plenty of laughs.
You’ll ride a colorful buggy, feeling the wind in your hair, with stops that give you a chance to snap photos of the lively promenade and nearby scenic spots. It’s designed for all ages, making it an ideal family activity or a fun escape for friends. The tour isn’t just about the adrenaline — it’s about sharing a memorable, lively experience that combines fun, scenery, and a touch of showmanship.
Guests often mention how much they enjoyed the non-stop good vibes and the chance to be the center of attention. The tour’s value lies in its combination of excitement and social interaction, all in a manageable 45-minute window.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those looking to add some upbeat energy and fun photos to their Tenerife trip, especially if you like music and a bit of silliness.
2. Volcanic caving Cueva de Las Palomas (ES-EN) LA PALMA
Number 2 on our list is the Volcanic caving Cueva de Las Palomas, an adventure that offers a window into Tenerife’s volcanic past via nearby La Palma. This tour explores a volcanic tube formed during the 1949 eruption of the San Juan Volcano. It’s a fascinating blend of geology and exploration, perfect for natural history enthusiasts and those who love getting underground.
The tour involves a 30-45 minute walkway along a constructed path over volcanic lava, followed by roughly the same amount of time exploring the cave itself. In total, you’ll spend about 2 hours immersed in this geological wonder, crossing pathways that reveal the island’s fiery origins. The cave’s natural state means sturdy, closed-toe shoes are mandatory — no sandals or flip-flops allowed.
What makes this tour special is the chance to walk through a real volcanic tube, seeing how lava once flowed through this channel. The guided walk is both educational and visually impressive, with the dark cave contrasts highlighting the raw power of volcanic activity.
Guests appreciate the clarity of the explanations and the opportunity to stand inside a volcanic formation. The tour is especially suited for curious travelers interested in geology and outdoor exploration.
Bottom Line: An engaging, educational experience that combines scenic walking with volcanic history — ideal for families, geology buffs, and adventure seekers.
3. Tenerife: Anaga and La Laguna VIP Tour
Coming in at number 3 is the Tenerife: Anaga and La Laguna VIP Tour, a private, tailored exploration of two of Tenerife’s most enchanting areas. This 6-hour journey offers the comfort of private transport and personalized attention, making it a luxurious way to discover the island’s hidden gems.
The tour includes a detailed visit to Anaga, a mountainous region with lush forests, rugged coastline, and panoramic views. You’ll also explore La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture and vibrant streets. The highlight is a visit to the Casa del Vino, where you can enjoy wine tastings and learn about Tenerife’s wine-making traditions — a must for oenophiles.
What sets this tour apart is its exclusivity: it’s crafted to suit your interests, with a guide who shares insights into local culture, history, and gastronomy. The private transportation ensures flexibility and comfort, allowing ample time for photos and spontaneous stops.
Guest reviews have praised the personalized service, with one noting the “exclusive guided tour” that felt “like exploring with a friend.” The value lies in the tailored experience and VIP treatment, making it suitable for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a more in-depth, relaxed experience.
Bottom line: For those looking for a personalized, cultural, and scenic day, this VIP tour offers a premium way to see Tenerife’s highlights.
4. Tenerife: Landscape photography, coaching workshops 5 hrs.
Number 4 on our list is the Tenerife: Landscape photography, coaching workshops 5 hrs. Designed for photographers of all levels, this workshop is perfect if you want to improve your skills while capturing Tenerife’s stunning scenery.
Led by an award-winning photographer, the session covers how to work with light, framing, and perspective. The workshop is suitable for beginners and advanced photographers alike, and it’s flexible enough to include mobile phone photography — so you don’t have to lug around expensive gear.
The workshop runs for around 5 hours, with options for individual sessions throughout the week. Participants rave about the practical advice and personalized feedback, with one saying, “I learned so many new tips for both my DSLR and my phone cameras.” The instructor’s approach focuses on emotional and individual insights, making each session unique.
The setting includes some of Tenerife’s most photogenic spots, with the guide carefully choosing locations that highlight the island’s natural beauty. It’s an excellent choice for travelers eager to turn their snapshots into art or just learn how to better capture their memories.
Bottom line: A highly recommended experience for photography lovers wanting to sharpen their skills in a beautiful setting.
5. Tenerife: Introductory Dive for Cruise Ship Passengers
Number 5 is the Tenerife: Introductory Dive for Cruise Ship Passengers, a beginner-level diving experience designed specifically for those stopping in Santa Cruz. If you’re curious about exploring underwater but don’t have previous experience, this 2.5-hour session offers a safe, guided introduction.
The dive takes place in crystal-clear waters close to the Santa Cruz port, with instructors providing a thorough briefing before you descend up to 5 meters. The setup is ideal for cruise visitors who want a quick, memorable taste of diving without committing to a full certification course.
Many reviewers appreciate the ease of access — the tour is right in the port area, making it very convenient for cruise passengers. The small group size ensures personal attention, and the marine life in Tenerife’s waters is vibrant and colorful, making for great photos.
Guests report feeling comfortable and well-supported during their dive, with some calling it “the perfect introduction to diving.” The price point offers good value considering the included instructions and equipment.
Bottom line: A great choice for beginners who want a safe, fun underwater experience during a short visit.
6. Western Tenerife Trip with Portraits of You
Our final pick, number 6, is the Western Tenerife Trip with Portraits of You, a full-day journey that combines sightseeing with personal photography. This isn’t just a tour — it’s about capturing your experience in beautiful, atmospheric settings.
You’ll visit some of the most photogenic spots in western Tenerife, with an emphasis on authentic, mood-filled images rather than typical sightseeing shots. The guide carefully selects locations that reflect the island’s beauty and atmosphere, creating a unique backdrop for portraits.
The experience includes a professional photographer taking candid and posed portraits, ensuring you’ll leave with high-quality images that highlight your trip and personality. It’s ideal for travelers who want meaningful keepsakes and a personalized connection with the landscape.
One reviewer describes it as “living and feeling the moments,” emphasizing the emotional quality of the photos and the journey. The tour is designed for those who value authentic experiences over standard sightseeing, with a focus on capturing the true spirit of Tenerife.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want to combine exploration with personalized photos and meaningful memories.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your interests, budget, and physical activity level. If you love adventure and fun, the Buggy Tour offers a lively, high-energy experience. For geology buffs, the volcanic caves (Cueva de Las Palomas) provide a fascinating underground walk.
If culture and personalized service are your priorities, the Anaga and La Laguna VIP Tour or the Western Tenerife Portraits give you exclusive insights and memorable keepsakes. Photography enthusiasts should look at the workshop, especially if you want to improve your skills amid stunning scenery.
For those on a tight schedule or arriving on a cruise, the Introductory Dive offers a quick but rewarding underwater taste.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private or guided experiences, and consider the best seasons—spring and fall generally offer milder weather and fewer crowds.
Tenerife’s tours are as diverse as the landscapes they explore. Whether you crave adrenaline, cultural depth, or photographic inspiration, this list offers options for every traveler. For an adventure to remember, pick a tour that fits your style and book early — Tenerife awaits.
