Planning a day trip from Tenerife to La Palma? You’re in for a treat! La Palma is one of the best Canary Islands, boasting stunning landscapes and some of the darkest night skies on the planet. So, if you are about to take an excursion from Tenerife to explore the natural wonders surrounding the island, this is the place to be.
Now, let’s talk about how to make the ferry trip from Tenerife to La Palma as smooth as possible. La Palma offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle, making it the perfect destination if you’re looking to unwind without the typical tourist frenzy. This day trip, for example, is one of my favorite excursions. It includes visiting the lava flows and smoke plumes produced by the last volcanic eruption.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best options for taking a ferry to La Palma from Tenerife. From the best things to do in La Palma to snagging top-notch excursions, I’ve got all the details to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. So, let’s get started!
How to get to La Palma from Tenerife
If you are planning to take a ferry to La Palma from Tenerife, first, make sure to use the DirectFerries website, which allows you to compare prices, schedules, etc.
How to get to La Palma from Tenerife
The best way to explore La Palma without opting for guided excursions is by renting a car in Tenerife. Most ferries from Tenerife to La Palma allow you to bring your rental car along for the ride, so once you get off the boat, you can freely explore the island. Just don’t forget to check out the rental conditions first to make sure there are no restrictions.
If you’re not bringing a rental car, once you get to La Palma, you can take the bus (guagua) to get around the island. You can check the bus fares and schedules on this website. Another way to explore all the must-see attractions on La Palma is by booking a private transfer or getting around by taxi. Private transfers ensure maximum comfort, but they come with a hefty price tag.
Ferry to La Palma from Tenerife
You can book a boat from Tenerife to La Palma through DirectFerries, which has ferries departing from the ports of Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Another great option is booking a day trip from Tenerife to la Palma which includes ferry transportation.
Tenerife to La Palma ferry schedule
As for the Tenerife ferry schedules, it depends on which port you’re departing from. The ferry from Los Cristianos, Tenerife, usually runs from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, ferries to La Palma operate between 3:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Tenerife to La Palma ferry schedule
Of course, the ferry schedules depend on the time of year, so I recommend checking the DirectFerries website before you buy your ticket.
Please note that the ferry ride from Tenerife to La Palma takes approximately two and a half hours from Los Cristianos and approximately five and a half hours from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Tenerife to La Palma ferry prices
Ferry prices from Tenerife to La Palma vary depending on the time of year, how far in advance you book, and other factors, including whether you depart from Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Los Cristianos.
You’ll find cheaper ferry tickets if you leave from the port of Los Cristianos. One-way ferry tickets start at around €45 per traveler (€90 round-trip). With enough advance notice, you could find tickets from Santa Cruz de Tenerife for around the same price, although most of the time, these tickets start at about €75 per trip (€150 round-trip).
Tour to La Palma from Tenerife
If you’re looking to book a day trip from Tenerife to La Palma, I highly recommend this tour, which includes a visit to the Cumbre Vieja Volcano. This excursion starts early in the morning, when you’ll board the ferry at the port of Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife. When you touch down in Santa Cruz de La Palma, the capital of La Palma, you’ll have some free time to wander through the historic center. The adventure continues with a visit to La Concepción viewpoint, treating you to breathtaking views of the city.
Tour to La Palma from Tenerife
There’s also a fascinating stop at the Time Tunnel, leading you straight to the Tajogaite volcano, also known as Cumbre Vieja. This volcano stole the show in 2021 with its eruption, the latest in the Canary Islands. In fact, this excursion is one of the rare day trips from Tenerife to La Palma that allows you to witness Tazacorte up close, the spot where the lava flows from the last eruption settled.
Before you hop back on the ferry to Tenerife, there’s more to explore! Check out the Tacande neighborhood and the Tajuya viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the volcano.
It’s not just an excursion; it’s a complete La Palma experience, giving you a taste of the capital and some of its most enchanting natural landscapes.
This day trip to La Palma from Tenerife lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours, so I recommend clearing your whole day for this adventure. You should also keep in mind that the ferry to La Palma from Tenerife takes about two and a half hours, but the time will fly by.
The tour costs €135 per person (€80 for kids ages 4-11), and the price includes round-trip ferry travel, bus transportation on La Palma, food, and drinks. You’ll also have an English-speaking guide who will accompany your tour group and offer interesting tidbits about the different attractions.
Day trip to La Palma from Tenerife
Remember that this day trip from Tenerife to La Palma doesn’t include transportation to the meeting point, so you’ll have to arrange that yourself.
If you need to cancel the excursion, you can recover the cost if the cancellation is made up to 24 hours before the start of the activity. Beyond this timeframe, there are no options for changes or refunds. In the event that the organizing company cancels the activity, all travelers will be entitled to either a change of date or a full refund.
Flying, another alternative to the ferry to La Palma from Tenerife
Finally, you could also fly from Tenerife to La Palma if ferry options are not favorable or don’t align with your plans. I recommend checking our guide on how to find cheap flights to Tenerife and using Kiwi or Skyscanner to book your flight.
Things to see on a day trip from Tenerife to La Palma
If you decide to take the day trip from Tenerife to La Palma that I mentioned above, you’re in for a treat. Below are the exciting attractions you’ll see during the trip, although you can also visit these places if you’re taking the ferry and traveling on your own:
Santa Cruz de La Palma
Santa Cruz de La Palma, the island’s capital, is a must-see during your day trip from Tenerife to La Palma.
Santa Cruz de La Palma
Its historic center, which is declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, is a picturesque maze of old buildings, flower-laden balconies, charming squares, and delightful churches. I recommend taking a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets and swinging by the Mercado de la Recova and Plaza de España – two top attractions in La Palma.
Trust me, it’s the highlight of your excursion from Tenerife to La Palma that you won’t want to miss!
La Concepción Viewpoint
Next up, La Concepción Viewpoint (Mirador de la Concepción) – a gem you’ll encounter on your Tenerife to La Palma ferry excursion.
La Concepción Viewpoint
It is a viewpoint located at the top of the Caldera volcano, a designated Natural Monument, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Cruz de La Palma and its surroundings.
Here’s a fun tidbit: La Concepción Viewpoint is a hot spot for stargazing. So, if you find yourself back in La Palma for an overnight stay, make sure to check it out after the sun goes down!
Tajogaite Volcano
The Tajogaite volcano, also known as Cumbre Vieja, takes center stage on any day trip from Tenerife to La Palma.
Tajogaite Volcano
It made headlines with its eruption in 2021, marking the latest volcanic activity in the Canary Islands. If you opt for one of the recommended ferry tours to La Palma from Tenerife, like the one I suggest in this article, you’ll have a front-row seat to witness the aftermath – the lava flows and the impact on the surrounding vegetation. However, if you decide to venture to La Palma on your own, you should remember that accessing the site is only possible with a guide due to ongoing restrictions stemming from the recent eruption.
Tazacorte
Tazacorte is one of the most popular towns in La Palma, along with the capital. This charming town is especially famous for its beach and port, serving as a departure point for many excursions to spot whales and dolphins in La Palma.
Tazacorte
The scenery here vividly reflects the impact of the recent eruption of the Tajogaite volcano, with lava flows dramatically transforming the landscape. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the most impressive locations you’ll see during a Tenerife to La Palma ferry ride, as the town expanded by about 116 acres along the seafront due to the eruption.
Mirador Tajuya
The Mirador Tajuya (Tajuya Viewpoint) is the closest viewpoint to the Tajogaite volcano. From here, you can enjoy incredible views of the volcano and observe the lasting effects of its eruption on the surrounding lands. It’s a featured stop on your ferry trip from Tenerife to La Palma precisely for this reason.
Mirador Tajuya
Interestingly, during the eruption, the Tajuya viewpoint was recognized as the safest vantage point on the island to observe the spectacle. Plus, if you’re into stargazing and photographing the Milky Way, then this viewpoint is an excellent spot for just that.
FAQs – Ferry to La Palma from Tenerife
Now that you’ve discovered the best day trip from Tenerife to La Palma, as well as where to board the ferry, here are the answers to some common questions:
Do you need any documentation to visit La Palma from Tenerife?
You need a valid passport, photo ID, or national identity card.
Where does the ferry to La Palma from Tenerife depart from?
The ferry from Tenerife to La Palma departs from the port of Los Cristianos in the southern part of the island and from Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the northern part of the island.
Can you take a day trip to La Palma from Tenerife year-round?
Yes, you can book a day trip from Tenerife to La Palma year-round. The ferry from Tenerife to La Palma also operates year-round. If there is inclement weather, the ferry will shut down, and you can get a refund or change your travel dates.
Are the La Palma excursions from Tenerife available in English?
Yes, the boat trips from Tenerife to La Palma are available in English.
How long is the ferry to La Palma from Tenerife?
The ferry from Tenerife to La Palma takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes if you’re departing from Los Cristianos. If you’re departing from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
How much is the ferry from Tenerife to La Palma?
The Tenerife to La Palma ferry prices vary, with tickets ranging between €45 and €75 one-way.
When is the best time to take the ferry to La Palma from Tenerife?
You can take the ferry year-round since the weather is quite favorable no matter the season. That said, the spring and autumn have mild, pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
I recommend catching the ferry from Tenerife to La Palma on the first departure around 8:30 a.m. to make the most out of your day.
Can you take the ferry from Tenerife to La Palma with a car?
Yes, boats from Tenerife to La Palma can transport vehicles, as they have car decks. But keep in mind that car-deck spaces may be limited in availability, so make sure to book in advance.
That concludes our Tenerife – La Palma ferry guide. I hope it helps you plan your Tenerife to La Palma day trip and have a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. In case you’re interested, you can also hire a yacht in Tenerife to visit other Canary Islands, but it won’t be the cheapest option.
If you have any questions or wish to share your own experience visiting Tenerife, feel free to leave a comment below. I’d be happy to hear from you!
Wishing you a fantastic time in La Palma!
