Polestar SELF-DRIVE Sunset Stars Tour in Teide National Park

Travelers looking to enjoy Teide National Park without the hustle and bustle of crowded bus tours might find this self-drive sunset and stargazing experience appealing. Offered by Stargazing Tenerife, this tour combines the magic of a sunset with the awe of night sky viewing—done at your own pace while guided by knowledgeable experts.

What caught our eye? First, the fact that you get to bypass busy group tours and craft your own adventure sounds like a real plus. Second, the inclusion of a telescope and expert advice promises an authentic, up-close look at stars, planets, and the Milky Way. However, a potential consideration is that this is a self-drive experience, which means you’re responsible for navigation and safety, and that might not suit everyone. This tour seems best suited for those who enjoy a bit of independence but still want expert guidance and stellar views.

Key Points

• Freedom to Explore: The self-drive format offers flexibility, allowing you to set your own pace.
• Expert Guidance & Equipment: Guides provide valuable tips, and telescopes bring the night sky to life.
• Stunning Locations: Spectacular sunset views from Mirador de los Poleos with panoramic vistas of La Gomera and La Palma.
• Inclusive Drinks: A glass of cava or non-alcoholic beverage is included for a celebratory toast.
• Weather-Dependent: The experience relies heavily on clear skies; poor weather might lead to cancellations or changes.
• Good Value: At around $41.50 per person, considering the guide expertise, telescopes, and wine, this offers a solid experience for the price.

Exploring the Experience: An In-Depth Look

The Booking and Overall Setup

The experience is priced at $41.50 per person and includes a mobile ticket, making it straightforward to book and organize. With most travelers booking for solo or small groups, you’ll generally be sharing the experience with like-minded night sky enthusiasts. The tour lasts roughly 2.5 hours, making it a manageable outing without feeling rushed.

Meeting Point and Start

You’ll meet at Mirador de los Poleos, a west-facing lookout overlooking La Gomera and La Palma. This spot is historically interesting too—it’s situated on the lava field of Boca Chanjero, the site of the first recorded volcanic eruption that Cristopher Columbus mentioned during his voyage in 1492. This adds a layer of historical intrigue to the already stunning scenery. The location is perfect for catching the sunset, with the chance to snap some fantastic photos as the sky changes color.

Sunset Viewing

Expect to arrive just as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. The views are often described as unforgettable—the colors of Mount Teide shift to shades of red, and the panoramic vistas give ample opportunity for stunning photos. The review from Sylwia highlights: “The sunset spot is really a memorable one,” and others echo that sentiment. The inclusion of a glass of cava or non-alcoholic drink turns this into a proper celebration of nature’s daily show.

The Drive and Further Exploration

After sunset, you’ll follow the guide’s lead as you drive into Teide National Park, passing notable volcanic sites like Mount Chinyero—famous for being the last eruption in 1909. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering scenic views that change as daylight fades.

The Star-Gazing Portion

Once you arrive at the designated lookout point, the real magic begins. Here, guides set up telescopes and share their knowledge about the night sky, stars, planets, and constellations. Reviewers mention the clarity of the Milky Way and the quality of the telescopes, which make for a memorable viewing. As Fiona noted, the guides are “incredibly friendly” and happy to chat about Tenerife and astronomy, adding a personal touch.

The Value of the Guided Approach

Some travelers, like TJ, felt that the self-drive aspect might be limiting, suggesting they could get much of the experience by just following a van. However, the guides emphasize that their expert advice and telescopes provide an experience that’s hard to replicate alone. The astrophotography opportunities under their guidance are something most solo visitors wouldn’t easily achieve on their own.

What the Reviews Say

The overwhelming majority of reviews are glowing, with a 4.8/5 rating from 17 reviews. Travelers praise the guides’ knowledge, the beautiful sunset, and the stellar clarity of the night sky. Several note the importance of dressing warmly, as temperatures can drop sharply—Aliya reminded us, “Don’t forget to dress up warm! It’s freezing up there.” The guides’ friendliness and the overall value for money are frequently highlighted.

Considerations and Tips

• Weather Dependency: The experience hinges on clear skies. If weather conditions aren’t suitable, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.
• Dress Warmly: Temperatures can get quite cold after sunset, so layers are a must, as recommended by multiple reviewers.
• Responsibility for driving: If you’re not comfortable with self-driving at night, this might not be the best option, but if you enjoy independence and scenic drives, it’s perfect.
• No dinner included: Be sure to eat beforehand or bring snacks if you get hungry during the 2.5-hour window.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is particularly suited for travelers who:
– Appreciate independent exploration but want guidance for the best views.
– Are interested in astronomy and star photography.
– Want to enjoy a memorable sunset paired with night sky viewing.
– Don’t mind driving themselves and are comfortable doing so in a remote, mountain setting.
– Are okay with weather variability—to get the best sky visibility, clear nights are essential.
– Are looking for good value—a combination of scenic beauty, expert guidance, telescopes, and drinks all at an affordable price.

This wouldn’t be ideal for those who prefer fully guided tours with transportation included or for those not comfortable driving at night. Families with young children might also want to consider the cold and the driving aspect, though older children with an interest in stars could enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a personalized, flexible way to experience Teide’s stunning sunset and starry heavens, this Polestar SELF-DRIVE Sunset Stars Tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. The combination of beautiful scenery, expert insights, telescopic views, and a glass of cava makes it a compelling choice, especially for those who enjoy a bit of adventure and independence.

The positive reviews from previous guests reflect the quality of guides, the clarity of the night sky, and the memorable sunset views. Just remember to dress warmly, plan for the weather, and embrace the drive—this tour might just be one of your trip’s highlights.

Do I need to bring my own telescope? No, telescopes are provided as part of the tour, along with guidance from knowledgeable hosts.

Is the tour suitable for children? The information doesn’t specify, but considering the cold temperatures and self-driving aspect, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers interested in stars.

What should I wear? Dress warmly—layers, hats, and gloves are recommended since temperatures can be quite low after sunset.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If the weather is poor, the experience might be canceled or rescheduled.

How long does the tour last? Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable outing for most travelers.

Is alcohol included? Yes, a glass of cava (Spanish sparkling wine) or a non-alcoholic drink is included, perfect for celebrating the sunset.

Where does the tour end? The stargazing stops vary depending on weather conditions but are generally at a designated lookout point in Teide National Park.

Is this tour eco-friendly? The focus on self-driving and minimal transportation makes it a relatively eco-conscious choice, but always consider your driving impact.

In essence, if you’re looking for a relaxed, independent adventure with expert guidance and stunning views in Tenerife’s Teide National Park, this tour is worth considering. It’s a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty and celestial wonders without the crowds, making for a memorable night under the stars.