Tenerife: Sunset and Stargazing at Teide National Park

Explore the magic of Tenerife’s night sky with the Sunset and Stargazing at Teide National Park tour, offered by DAS Experience Tenerife SL for just $40 per person. This 3 to 4-hour experience takes place at Mt. Teide, one of the best places in the world to observe stars, galaxies, and planets in a small group setting. The tour showcases spectacular sunset views, luminous lava fields, and a dazzling starry sky that’s often highlighted as one of the clearest in the world.

While the tour is perfect for stargazing enthusiasts and those eager to learn about celestial objects, it’s important to prepare for cold temperatures at higher altitudes. The experience includes a glass of Cava, astrophotography, and guided telescope sessions, making it both educational and visually stunning. The tour’s flexible options include hotel pickup in South Tenerife or self-drive arrangements, catering to different preferences.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $40 per person for 3 to 4 hours of sunset and stargazing.
• Location: Begins at Mt. Teide, high above clouds, offering prime views of lava fields and islands.
• Highlights: Includes sunset over La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro, Cava toast, and professional astrophotography.
• Guides and Equipment: Led by starlight-certified guides with telescopes and laser pointers to identify stars and planets.
• Group Size: Options for small groups or VIP experience with fewer guests and personalized attention.
• Weather Considerations: Guides monitor conditions; if weather is adverse, they may stay at a lower viewpoint without compromising the experience.

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Starting Point: From the South Coast to the Mountain Viewpoints

The tour begins with hotel pickup in South Tenerife for those selecting the pickup option, or a meeting at Mirador de los Poleos for self-drive participants. The first drive lasts approximately 45 minutes, giving travelers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic ride through the island’s landscape. The journey heads towards a viewpoint at 1400 meters elevation, a spot chosen for its stunning views of lava fields and the sunset.

The scenic drive provides glimpses of Tenerife’s volcanic landscape, setting the tone for the evening. For self-drivers, arriving on time at the designated meeting point is key, as the guides coordinate the experience based on sunset timings, which vary throughout the year.

Witness the Stunning Lava Fields and Mount Teide at Sunset

As the tour reaches the viewpoint, guests are treated to sweeping vistas of Tenerife’s lava fields and the iconic Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. The sunset is the highlight here, with colors shifting across the sky, casting light on the rugged volcanic terrain.

During this time, a glass of Cava is served, allowing everyone to toast to the moment as the sun dips below the horizon. The view of La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro adds to the spectacle, offering a unique chance to witness the islands’ changing silhouettes in the fading light.

The sunset varies each night, making every visit a new experience. After the sun sets, if conditions allow, the group moves to another viewpoint to continue the spectacle and prepare for the stars.

Moving to the Perfect Stargazing Spot

Following sunset, the guides often transfer to a secondary viewpoint situated at a similar or slightly higher elevation, depending on weather conditions like wind, clouds, or temperature. This flexibility ensures the best possible conditions for night sky viewing.

The guides, skilled in storytelling and astronomy, lead guests on a tour of the star-studded sky using laser pointers and professional telescopes. Participants learn how to locate Polaris, the North Star, via the Ursa Major constellation, and find the Andromeda galaxy within the Great Square of Pegasus. They also share Greek mythology related to celestial objects, enriching the viewing experience.

The 12-inch Dobsonian telescope allows for a detailed look at planets, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters like the Pleiades (the Seven Sisters). The guides’ expertise ensures that even newcomers get a clear and engaging explanation of what’s visible.

What Celestial Wonders Can You See?

Depending on the time of year, the night sky reveals different objects. During certain periods, the Moon is prominent, especially before or during the full moon. In summer and autumn, planets like Saturn with its rings and Jupiter’s moons are visible. In winter, the Pleiades star cluster shines brightly, offering a beautiful display.

This tour is also known for astrophotography opportunities, with guides taking professional photos of guests beneath the stars at no extra charge. These images serve as lasting souvenirs of the breathtaking sky above Tenerife.

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Practical Considerations for Participants

Guests are advised to dress warmly, as temperatures can drop significantly at high elevation, even during the summer months. The tour provides warm jackets (except for the self-drive option), and the guides recommend hiking or sports shoes for comfort and safety. The experience is not suitable for children under 5, but older children are welcome with proper supervision.

There are no toilet facilities available at the stargazing locations, so guests should plan accordingly. The tour emphasizes safety and comfort, monitoring weather conditions carefully; if conditions are poor, the guides may opt for a lower viewpoint that still offers great stargazing.

How the Tour is Structured

The itinerary typically begins with a pickup or meeting at Mirador de los Poleos, followed by a short drive to the sunset viewpoint where scenic views and Cava await. After approximately 45 minutes, the group proceeds to the stargazing site, where guides conduct guided star tours lasting around 2.25 hours.

Guests have ample time with telescopes, ask questions, and enjoy the informative commentary. The entire experience lasts between 3 and 4 hours, wrapping up with a drop-off at the original location or the hotel, depending on the selected option.

The Value of the Tenerife Night Sky Experience

At $40 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a combination of sunset views, professional astronomy, personalized guide attention, and astrophotography. The small group options, including the VIP experience, ensure a more intimate and tailored experience, with fewer guests and more telescope time.

The reviews highlight the guides’ expertise, sense of humor, and passion for astronomy, making the experience both educational and fun. The scenic sunset, combined with the clarity of Tenerife’s night sky, creates moments that are hard to match elsewhere.

The Sum Up: A Night Under the Stars in Tenerife

This Sunset and Stargazing tour at Mt. Teide combines stunning natural beauty with fascinating astronomy. It suits those interested in celestial phenomena, photography lovers, and anyone wanting a memorable evening in Tenerife’s highlands. The expert guides, professional telescopes, and beautiful sunset set a high standard for quality.

While weather conditions can impact the experience, the guides’ flexibility and attention to safety ensure a rewarding night sky view most evenings. The Cava toast and personalized astrophotography are added bonuses that make this tour worth the $40 price tag.

This experience offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cosmic wonder, perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a deeper connection with Tenerife’s volcanic landscape and starry skies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you choose the pickup option, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in South Tenerife.

What should I wear?
Guests should bring warm clothing and hiking or sports shoes, as temperatures can be chilly at the viewing sites.

Are children allowed?
Children under 5 years are not permitted. Older children are welcome with proper supervision and warm clothing.

Can I see planets like Saturn or Jupiter?
Yes, during the tour, planets such as Saturn and Jupiter are often visible through the telescopes, especially in summer and autumn.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Guides monitor weather conditions closely. If conditions are unfavorable, they may stay at a lower viewpoint that still offers good stargazing opportunities.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts between 3 and 4 hours, including sunset, star observation, and photography.

Is astrophotography included?
Yes, guides take professional photos of guests under the stars at no extra charge.

What objects will I see in the night sky?
You can expect to see the Moon, galaxies like the Pleiades, nebulae, planets, and star clusters depending on the time of year.

Can I book this tour as a self-drive?
Yes, self-drivers meet the guides at Mirador de los Poleos, and the exact meeting time is communicated via WhatsApp.

Is this tour suitable for photographers?
Absolutely, the astrophotography sessions are designed to produce memorable images of the night sky.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby