Tenerife is a fantastic place for a quick getaway, especially if you want to make the most of just a couple of days. Thanks to its diverse landscape — from volcanic peaks to vibrant coastlines — there’s plenty to see and do. We particularly like how easy it is to combine active adventures, like scuba diving or biking, with breathtaking natural sights such as Mount Teide. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, Tenerife’s 2-day tours give you a good taste of what this island has to offer.
In this guide, we’ve picked the top four options to help you plan your perfect short break. From beginner-friendly scuba courses to guided mountain explorations, each offers a unique slice of Tenerife. Read on for detailed descriptions, pros and cons, and who each tour is best suited for.
What Types of 2-Day Tours Made the List?
Our list covers a range of activities that highlight Tenerife’s natural beauty and adventure potential. First up is the PADI Open Water Diver Course, perfect for those wanting to explore underwater life safely and professionally. Then, there’s the guided road bike tour, ideal for active travelers wanting panoramic views without the hassle of navigation. If you already have your diving certification, the Advanced Open Water Diver Course offers a chance to deepen your skills over two days. Lastly, for a taste of Tenerife’s iconic scenery, the Teide 1/2 Day tour provides a manageable exploration of the volcanic national park.
Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of each experience. Whether your interest is in learning a new skill, soaking up spectacular vistas, or combining both, there’s a tour here that can work for you.
1. PADI Open Water Diver Course (OWD) – 2 days
At number 1, this scuba diving course offers the chance to earn a professional qualification during your short stay. Over three days, you’ll learn in a relaxed setting with certified PADI instructors, and all the gear, insurance, and learning materials are included for hassle-free planning.
What makes this course stand out is its focus on beginners, so no previous experience is necessary. It’s perfect if you’ve always wanted to see the underwater world but felt intimidated by the idea of a long course. The 95 reviews praising its professionalism and clarity make it clear this is both worthwhile and fun.
You’ll start with classroom lessons, then move to shallow pools, and finish with open water dives in Tenerife’s clear waters. The emphasis is on safety and confidence, so you can look forward to exploring coral reefs, fish, and maybe even some turtles if luck’s on your side.
For around $649, this is a solid investment in a new skill, especially considering the included gear and instruction. The only potential downside is the need for three days on the island — but if snorkeling wasn’t enough, this could be your highlight.
Bottom Line: If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a certified diver, this course delivers a professional, no-stress introduction in Tenerife’s calm waters.
2. 1/2 day guided roadbike tour
Coming in at number 2, this guided mountain biking experience offers a fantastic way to get your bearings of Tenerife. For approximately $56.68 per group, you’ll spend about 3 hours cycling from Puerto de la Cruz, with a guide leading the way.
What makes this tour special is its focus on scenery and ease of navigation. The guide handles all the route planning, so you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Teide, the Atlantic Ocean, and local villages without a map in hand. You’ll pass through the charming Orotava valley and visit the Humboldt Observatory plateau, along with some surprise viewpoints.
The group size is small enough to feel personal, and bottled water is provided to keep you hydrated along the way. Riders of all levels are welcome, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. The highlight, according to reviews, is the expert guidance and the “super parcours” that combines natural beauty with manageable effort.
Potential drawback: If you’re a very casual cyclist or prefer longer rides, this might feel brief, but as a snapshot of Tenerife’s panoramas, it’s hard to beat.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want a guided, scenic introduction to Tenerife’s landscapes without the hassle of planning.
3. PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course (AOWD) – 2 days
This advanced diver course appeals to those with previous scuba experience seeking to level up their skills. Over two days, you’ll complete five dives covering night dives, wreck dives, deep dives, and buoyancy skills. All equipment rental is included, making the process straightforward.
What makes this course stand out is its focus on specialized diving experiences. The 18 reviews praise how small groups enhance the learning environment, and the $532.44 price is quite reasonable for such an in-depth upgrade. You’ll explore more challenging conditions and learn techniques that open up new areas of the ocean you couldn’t access before.
Tour guide skills are important here, as the dives require some level of comfort and fitness, but overall, this is a great way to build confidence and see different underwater scenery in Tenerife’s waters. It’s ideal if you’ve already completed your Open Water certification but want to push further.
Potential downside: It’s more technical and intense than the beginner course, so it’s not suited for absolute newcomers.
Bottom Line: For certified divers ready to expand their skills and explore deeper or more varied sites in Tenerife, this course offers excellent value and new adventures.
4. Teide 1/2 Day
Finally, at number 4, this half-day tour to Teide National Park is a fantastic option for those who want a manageable, no-fuss excursion. Starting with private pickup and air-conditioned transport, you’ll arrive at Spain’s most visited national park.
The tour includes several stops at lava fields, volcanic craters, and the iconic Los Roques de Garcia. The admission tickets are included, so you won’t waste time queuing. You get around 3 hours in the park, enough to soak in the stunning lunar landscapes and impressive rock formations.
While the rating is slightly lower at 3.5/5, reviews mention the scenic views and helpful guides. Some note that the tour can be long if you’re doing the cable car, but this doesn’t have to be included in your plan. It’s well suited for travelers who want a quick, scenic overview without a full day of traveling.
Potential drawback: If you’re a dedicated hiker or want a more in-depth exploration, this might feel a bit rushed.
Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors who want a comfortable, scenic half-day trip to experience Mount Teide and its surrounding landscapes.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tenerife 2-Day Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and physical fitness. If you’re eager to learn a new skill and love the idea of exploring underwater life, the PADI Open Water Diver Course is hard to beat. For active travelers who want scenic views on land, the guided bike tour offers a relaxed yet immersive experience. If you already have a diving certification and want to explore deeper waters, the Advanced Open Water course pushes your limits in a supportive environment. Lastly, if just seeing Mount Teide in a short time appeals to you, the half-day park tour provides a comfortable and scenic overview.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, as tours like the scuba courses and guided bike rides tend to fill up quickly. And always check if there are options to customize or combine tours — for example, pairing the Teide trip with some local wine tasting can make for a memorable 2-day adventure.
Final thoughts
Tenerife offers a wide range of 2-day tours that suit different tastes and activity levels. For a comprehensive underwater experience, the PADI Open Water Diver Course is unbeatable. If you prefer exploring on land, the guided road bike tour provides scenic thrills with expert guidance. For seasoned divers, the advanced course offers a chance to deepen your underwater skills. Lastly, the Teide half-day is perfect for those looking for a quick but stunning showcase of Tenerife’s volcanic landscape.
No matter your choice, booking ahead will help ensure you get the experience that best suits your interests and schedule. Now, all that’s left is to pick your adventure and start planning your Tenerife escape.
