Stargazing Experience with Dinner & Drinks

Imagine catching a glimpse of distant galaxies, planets, and nebulas under a clear night sky, all while enjoying a delicious Canarian meal and a glass of bubbly. That’s essentially what this Stargazing Experience with Dinner & Drinks offers — a chance to combine culinary delights with the awe of the universe. Hosted on Mount Teide, Tenerife’s highest peak and a designated dark sky reserve, this tour appeals to those with a curiosity for astronomy, a love for scenic sunsets, or simply a desire for a memorable night out.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it manages to blend professional astronomy guides with the relaxed vibe of enjoying good food and drinks in a beautiful setting. Plus, the fact that they provide warm jackets, blankets, and hot drinks makes it more comfortable for anyone worried about chilly mountain nights. On the flip side, the evening’s success heavily hinges on weather conditions, and some reviewers found the meal disappointing or the experience a bit crowded. This tour is likely best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of education, scenic beauty, and socializing — especially those who aren’t expecting a gourmet dinner but want a good story to tell.

Key Points

• Stunning Night Sky Views: From Mount Teide’s high vantage point, you’ll see stars, planets, and galaxies through powerful telescopes.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable astronomy guides help identify celestial objects and teach photography tips.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: The evening starts with a Canarian-style dinner and champagne, with plenty of comfort provided for cold nights.
• Weather-Dependent: Clear skies are essential; bad weather can mean cancellations or less impressive viewing.
• Group Size & Pace: With a maximum of around 55 travelers, expect a lively but manageable group, though it may get crowded at the telescopes.
• Value for Money: At around $90 per person, it offers a mix of dining, guided stargazing, and professional equipment, which many find worthwhile.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

What’s Included and How It All Comes Together

For about 5 hours, this tour takes you from your hotel — if you’re staying in the south of Tenerife — up to Mount Teide National Park. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if your hotel qualifies), making logistics easier. Once at the site, you’ll settle in for a three-course Canarian meal at a local restaurant. Many reviews mention the food as decent, but some found it crowded and limited in choices. If you’re after a gourmet experience, you might want to eat elsewhere beforehand.

After dinner, the guides kick into gear. They provide professional telescopes and astrophotography equipment, allowing you to see and capture planets, nebulas, and distant galaxies. The guided explanations help even novices understand what they’re looking at — a real highlight for those new to astronomy. Plus, you’ll learn how to take photos of the universe using your phone or professional gear, which makes for great keepsakes.

The Observatory at Mount Teide

The star of the show is, of course, the night sky. Positioned at high altitude, Mount Teide offers some of the clearest, darkest skies in Europe. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly manner, making the experience accessible without feeling overly scientific. They help you spot bright planets or constellations, and if the weather cooperates, you might even see shooting stars.

However, the experience isn’t perfect. Because of the size of the group, some reviewers found it frustrating to get enough time at the telescopes — with over 50 people, waiting your turn can take a while. Also, since this is a weather-dependent activity, clouds or rain could spoil the night, leading to cancellations or less impressive views. Many travelers noted that clear weather is crucial for this experience to shine.

What the Reviews Say

Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and stunning views. One reviewer shared, “Hans, the tour guide, was fantastic — very witty and informative. The star gazing was amazing.” Another praised the personal touches like the hot chocolate and drinks during sunset, adding warmth to the chilly night.

Criticism often revolves around the dinner — some felt it was rushed or limited in options, with one reviewer describing the meal as “awful,” citing a small, basic plate of chicken and chips. Another pointed out the restaurant’s crowded setting, which detracted from the overall vibe. Given that the main focus is on the sky, not the meal, it’s worth considering whether to dine beforehand if you’re a picky eater.

Group Size, Duration, and Logistics

This tour accommodates up to 55 travelers, which means it can get lively, especially at the telescopes. If you prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, this might feel a bit crowded. The duration of about 5 hours is ample enough for the sunset, dinner, and stargazing, but keep in mind that your experience heavily depends on weather conditions. The tour operates from late afternoon until late evening, with scheduled runs on Tuesday evenings, making it a nice evening activity after a day of sightseeing.

How Good Is the Value?

At roughly $90 per person, this experience offers a lot — dinner, drinks, professional telescopes, expert guides, and a chance to see the night sky in one of the best spots in Europe for stargazing. Many reviews indicate that most find it worthwhile, especially considering the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. However, some felt the meal could be improved, and the crowded setup might detract from the experience if you’re after a more relaxed or gourmet evening.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers with an interest in astronomy or scenic night views. It’s ideal if you’re keen to learn from guides, enjoy social settings with other travelers, and don’t mind weather-dependent plans. If you’re traveling with children used to stargazing or astronomy enthusiasts, this could be quite a memorable outing.

However, if you’re a very picky eater, or if your priority is a quiet, intimate experience, you might want to consider dining elsewhere first or look for a smaller, more exclusive tour. Also, keep in mind the weather — if clouds are forecast, it might be worth rescheduling or preparing for a less spectacular sky.

Practical Tips for Your Night Under the Stars

• Dress warmly: Temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially at high altitude. The tour provides jackets and blankets, but layering is always smart.
• Bring your phone or camera: The guides offer tips on astrophotography, and many travelers love capturing the stars.
• Arrive early if possible: To maximize your telescope time and find a good spot.
• Eat beforehand: The dinner is in a busy restaurant that might not suit all tastes, so if you’re particular about food, consider eating in advance.
• Check the weather forecast: Clear skies are essential for a good view, so keep an eye on the weather closer to your trip.
• Book in advance: This tour is popular, especially in peak season, and is typically booked about 28 days in advance.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the high-altitude environment and late hours might be less comfortable for very young children. It’s best suited for older kids who are interested in stars and astronomy.

What is included in the price?
For around $90, you get hotel pickup and drop-off (if applicable), a three-course meal, drinks including a glass of bubbly, hot coffee or tea, and guided stargazing with professional telescopes.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 5 hours, from late afternoon sunset to the end of the stargazing session.

What should I wear?
Layered clothing, warm jackets, and comfortable shoes. The tour provides jackets and blankets, but it can still be quite cold at night.

Is the dinner worth it?
Reviews are mixed. Some found it enjoyable, with good local dishes, while others felt it was rushed or limited. Consider eating prior if food quality is a priority for you.

What happens if the weather is cloudy?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t good, it may be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund offered.

Can I take photos during the experience?
Yes! The guides demonstrate how to photograph the sky using your phone or professional equipment, making it a fun opportunity to capture memories.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can join, but very young children might not find this the most comfortable experience given the cold and late hours.

If you’re after a unique way to spend an evening in Tenerife—combining scenic sunset views, a good meal, and a chance to gaze at the stars—you’ll find this tour offers a nice balance. The guides are knowledgeable, the setting is stunning, and the telescopes are impressive. That said, it’s worth being prepared for weather fluctuations, crowded conditions, and the possibility of a mediocre dinner.

This experience is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, couples, or groups of friends looking for a memorable night out. Just remember to set your expectations around the weather and the food, and you’ll likely walk away with some incredible starry photos and stories to tell.

Enjoy your night under the stars — Tenerife’s skies are waiting!