Las Palmas, Gran Canaria - Canary Island & Atlantic Isle Cruises

Climb behind the wheel of a purpose-built, tubular frame dune buggy and experience a fun-filled and adventurous ride.

Enjoy a scenic drive to the village of El Llanito where your buggy awaits you. After a quick safety and orientation briefing, you will don your helmets and climb aboard your self-drive buggy.

Your journey will depart towards Mazo via the main road, before reaching the upper mountain road, where your off road experience will begin. As you follow the lead buggy, you will traverse across the rocky and rugged terrain of the Brena Alta and Brena Baja regions and the geological area of Cumbre Nueva. Enjoy the thrill of the ride as you pass through rich vegetation and abundant flora. You will also have the opportunity to take in panoramic views and admire the surrounding beauty of La Palma.

After your buggy adventure, it is time to take the minibus back to the port.

Note: Early booking is advised as places are limited. This tour is sold ‘per buggy’, each holding two guests who will share the driving. Only one guest need book a ticket. Drivers must be 18 and a valid driving licence must be shown. The minimum age for a non driver is eight years. Helmets are provided and must be worn. There is a weight limit of 17 stone. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by a bumpy ride. Full-length trousers should be worn. Clothes may get dirty and damaged. Flat, closed toe shoes are essential, open-toed shoes must not be worn. It is advisable to wear sunscreen and sunglasses and to take a bottle of water. Toilets are not available during the ride, however there are facilities at the buggy pick up / drop off location. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

This panoramic introduction to La Palma is ideal for those who prefer to tour at a slower pace.

Leaving the port, your journey will take you on a scenic panoramic drive to the west of the island and through the upper region of the Aridane Valley. The area is the highest point of the island and is also home to the charming town of El Paso. Upon arrival, a short stop will be made for you to enjoy the town’s surroundings.

You will leave El Paso and take a short drive to the delightful La Glorieta Square. The square is the work of local artist, Luis Morera, who was once a pupil of César Manrique. Here, you can enjoy a photograph stop and view the unique and colourful mosaic floor, reminiscent of Manrique’s designs found in Lanzarote.

Afterwards, you will head to the southern tip of La Palma and on to Fuencaliente. There will be some time to relax with a tea, coffee or soft drink refreshment at a local restaurant, before the return drive to the port.

Note: This tour involves limited walking, however guests must be able to negotiate steps on to and off the coach. The drive involves some hairpin bends and is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.

The National Park of La Caldera de Taburiente, in the heart of La Palma, is a spectacular part of the island to visit.

Your tour starts off with a short drive to Santuario Virgen de Las Nieves. Inside the small whitewashed church you will find the island's most sacred icon, the Virgin Mary of the Snows, the patron saint of the island.

Travelling through the mountain roads, which offer spectacular views, you will arrive at La Caldera de Taburiente. Designated a National Park, this particular volcanic crater is five miles wide and its rims reach right up to the mountain ridge that runs from the north to the south of the island. The crater was not actually formed as a result of volcanic activity, but from subsequent erosion, and it is forested with the exceptional fire-resistant Canary Pine.

Afterwards, take some time to relax and enjoy some local refreshments. On the way back, a brief photograph stop will be made at the viewpoint Mirador de la Concepcion, where you may admire the stunning views along the coast and to the north of the island.

Note: There is an estimated 45 minutes of walking on this tour over rough and uneven ground. You are advised to wear appropriate footwear and carry a sweater or warm clothing as the wind can be cooler and stronger the higher you travel (depending on time of year). This tour is not recommended for guests suffering from vertigo. It is forbidden to remove any stones or plants from the National Park. Smoking is not permitted at the National Park, and there no toilets within the Park. In case of extremely high temperatures and/or strong winds, the National Park may deny access for safety reasons. If this occurs, the tour will be diverted to the village of Tazacorte, which offers views of the National Park.

Enjoy a cocktail of contrasting scenery with some ‘local flavour’ on a leisurely introduction to this beautiful island.

Drive through vineyards and lava streams passing pine trees and small villages towards the deep south – the area where the volcanoes take charge. Arriving at Fuencaliente, a famous wine-producing region, you will visit the San Antonio volcano. Here you may be able to walk over the crater border and stroll around the Visitor Centre.

A visit will be made to a typical bodega, where you will have the opportunity to sample some of the local red and white wines. You may also wish to purchase the wines that you have sampled.

A short drive brings you to the pottery centre of ‘El Molino’ in Mazo. Located in an old windmill, this pottery is unique to the Benahorita people, which is to this day lovingly reproduced. There is a gift shop for you to purchase those all-important souvenirs.

Note: The walk near the volcanoes is over rough, gravelled ground and narrow, uneven paths with some inclines. Please follow your guide’s instructions and do not venture near the edge of the walking trail, as there are no handrails or barriers. There are some steep inclines and steps at El Molino Pottery. Warm clothing and walking shoes are recommended. This tour is not recommended for guests suffering from vertigo. The walking at the Volcano is optional.

View some stunning scenery during this panoramic drive, as you venture out to Roque de los Muchachos, the highest point on La Palma.

Despite being one of the smaller Canary Islands, La Palma is unusually steep in relation to its size. A ridge runs down the centre of the island from north to south and the entire mountain range exceeds 6000 feet in altitude.

Travelling along the Le Cumbre road, you will reach La Zarza Archaeological Park. Here, you can marvel at the findings including a large number of complex inscriptions.

Roque de los Muchachos is situated on the northern slope of the National Park, Caldera de Taburiente, at an altitude of 7949 feet. Designated as a National Park in 1954 because of its immense scientific importance and its wild and exceptional landscapes, the enormous crater of the Caldera de Taburiente offers spectacular views from wherever you look. With a circumference of 8,400 feet, diameter of 2,700 feet and a depth of 210 feet, the crater is one of the biggest in the world. Along the way you will make a stop at the El Time viewpoint, which offers lovely views across the Aridane Valley.

During your tour, a light picnic snack box will be provided.

Note: This tour involves some walking over rocky and uneven terrain, which may be steep in parts and can become slippery. Flat, comfortable non-slip shoes are essential. A light snack box is provided, however guests are advised to eat a hearty breakfast. This tour is dependable on weather conditions, as the route to Roque de los Muchachos may be closed if there is snow or ice on the roads. As it can be cooler in the mountains, a light jacket or sweater is recommended. This tour involves steep, winding roads up to the top of the island and is not recommended for those guests who suffer from vertigo.

See the island like a true VIP, by travelling in style in a unique bus, to see La Palma’s highlights.

Join your unique bus, complete with lounge and waiter, who will serve you drinks during the stops.

Cross over Santa Cruz de la Palma via Maritime Avenue with its typical Canarian architecture. Continuing to Las Nieves, visit the insular Sanctuario of Nuestra Senora de Las Nieves, which houses various Flemish sculptures. You will then proceed to the viewpoint La Concepcion, a natural balcony that overlooks Santa Cruz, its bay and the eastern coast of the island. The road crosses over the arable lands of Brena Alta, an area known for fruit trees, ornamental flowers and tobacco used in the manufacture of handmade cigars.

As you head to the south of the Island, you will enjoy a short stop at the El Molino pottery workshop where craftsmen reproduce traditional ceramics. Afterwards, continue to Fuencaliente to visit the Information centre at San Antonio Volcano, before enjoying luncheon in a local restaurant.

Your journey will then take you through the dorsal mountain chain by tunnel, where you can see the difference between the eastern slope covered with Laurisilva trees and the western area, brighter and arid with pine trees. At the viewpoint of La Cumbrecita, you will see part of the National Park of La Caldera de Taburiente, one of the most impressive landscapes of the Canaries.

Note: There is approximately 2 hours’ total walking during this tour including some steps, inclines and uneven, sandy ground. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. The itinerary may operate in reverse.

A trolley train ride and a walk around its squares and artistic treasures will reveal the characteristics of this tiny capital.

At the quayside, you will be welcomed by your guide who will supply you with a wireless headset. Hop on the ‘trolley train’ that will take you on a short panoramic tour of the town along Santa Cruz de La Palma’s main avenue, Avenida Maritima.

Arriving at the replica of the Santa Maria of Columbus, you will disembark the trolley train and follow your guide on a walking tour of the town. Discover the streets and squares including Plaza Alameda, Plaza San Francisco, and Placeta Borrero.

Your guide will enlighten you about the buildings, Flemish art works and other topics that have had a deep influence on the history and development of the island. Other sights to look out for are the Town Hall and the church Iglesia del Salvador, both from the 16th century.

During your walk, you will have the opportunity to sit back and enjoy some light refreshments and a drink which will be served in one of the traditional tapas bars located in the centre of Santa Cruz.

Note: This tour involves up to 1½ hours of guided walking over cobblestones and uneven surfaces. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and flat walking shoes.