Key details
What will you see on La Gomera?
La Gomera is the most unspoilt and authentic island in the western Canaries, largely protected as a National Park and Biosphere Reserve. Just 40 minutes by ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife), it's a destination completely different from touristy Tenerife.
The excursion covers the island's main highlights: San Sebastián de La Gomera (the historic port from which Columbus set sail in 1492), Garajonay National Park (ancient laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Roque de Agando and the picturesque village of Agulo.
The excursion includes a demonstration of Silbo Gomero, La Gomera's unique whistled language, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, plus a typical Gomeran lunch at a local restaurant.
The day, step by step
This is a full-day excursion. The order of the stops can change depending on the ferry and the weather, but the route is always this one.
- Meeting point and ferry. You meet at the Fred Olsen Terminal in Los Cristianos at 08:40, with your booking already confirmed. If your hotel is in one of the pick-up areas, the guide collects you beforehand and you can forget about getting there. The crossing to San Sebastián de La Gomera takes about 40 minutes.
- Up to Garajonay National Park. From the port, the coach climbs through the island’s ravines to the laurel forest. You go from dry coast to an ancient cloud forest in under an hour of driving, and that shift in landscape is what surprises almost everyone.
- Roque de Agando. A stop at the viewpoint over La Gomera’s most recognisable rock: an old solidified volcanic vent left exposed when the mountain around it eroded away.
- Agulo, on the north coast. A visit to the village, wedged between cliffs above the sea, with the Teide on the horizon on clear days.
- Traditional Gomeran lunch. A meal at a local restaurant, included in the price, plus a Silbo Gomero demonstration.
- San Sebastián and the way back. Free time in the capital, the port Columbus sailed from in 1492, then the ferry back to Los Cristianos. You get back to your accommodation in the late afternoon.
What to bring
La Gomera is not a beach day. Garajonay sits above 1,000 metres inside a cloud forest: it can be several degrees colder than the coast, and misty, even if you left Los Cristianos in a T-shirt.
- A light jacket or windbreaker, even if it is warm when you set off
- Closed, comfortable shoes: the ground is uneven at some stops
- Water and sun protection
- A camera: the Agando viewpoint and the north seen from Agulo are the two shots of the day
- An ID document to hand for boarding
Included
- Pickup and return at your accommodation (depending on the zone)
- Return ferry with Fred. Olsen Express
- Bus transport throughout the excursion
- Official guide for the whole day
- Visit to Garajonay National Park (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Stop at the Roque de Agando
- Visit to the village of Agulo
- Free time in San Sebastián de La Gomera
- Silbo Gomero demonstration
- Typical Gomeran lunch
Not included
- Personal expenses
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost and what is included?
€110 per person, all inclusive: pickup according to your accommodation area, the return ferry with Fred. Olsen Express, the coach with an official guide for the whole day, Garajonay National Park, the Roque de Agando, Agulo, San Sebastián, the Silbo Gomero demonstration and the traditional lunch. Only personal expenses are left out. We confirm the child fare when you book.
Where does the ferry to La Gomera leave from?
The ferry leaves from the port of Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife, with Fred. Olsen Express. The meeting point at the Terminal is at 08:40 with the booking already confirmed; depending on your hotel, there may also be a pickup point closer to you.
Do I have to get up very early? What time do we get back?
Yes. It is a full-day excursion of 10 to 11 hours, meeting at the Terminal at 08:40, so you need to leave the hotel early; you are back around sunset. The exact pickup for your accommodation is confirmed before the excursion.
Do I need ID to board?
Yes: bring your ID card or passport. It is an inter-island ferry crossing and you may be asked for it when boarding, so do not leave it in the hotel safe.
Which language does the guide speak?
The official guide works in several languages and the mix changes by day. Tell us yours when booking and we confirm, before closing, that the departure on your date has it.
Can I do the excursion from the north of Tenerife?
The ferry leaves from Los Cristianos, in the south, and hotel pickup covers the southern areas. From Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna or Santa Cruz you can do it too, but you need to reach the Fred Olsen Terminal on your own before 08:40. Message us and we tell you the best way depending on where you are staying.
Can I go to La Gomera with a hire car?
Yes, but you cannot take a Tenerife hire car to La Gomera on the ferry. You can take the passenger ferry and hire a car in La Gomera if you want to explore on your own. Our organised excursion is more convenient if it is your first time on the island.
Do people get seasick on the ferry?
The crossing is short, about 40 minutes, and the Fred. Olsen Express is a fast, stable catamaran. Even so, the channel between the two islands can be choppy some days: if you are prone to seasickness, take something before boarding and sit in the central part of the boat, where it is felt least.
What is served at the traditional Gomeran lunch?
Lunch is at a local restaurant and is included in the €110. La Gomera’s cooking revolves around potaje stew, goat meat, the island’s smoked cheese and almogrote, a paste of cured cheese, pepper and garlic made on no other island. The actual menu is set by the restaurant.
Can I cancel? What if the ferry company suspends the crossing?
Changes or cancellations are accepted with at least 24 hours’ notice. If the ferry does not sail because of rough seas, the excursion does not run that day and we look for another date during your stay.
How is the booking confirmed?
Excursions Canaries checks availability, provider conditions and the traveller's level before confirming the experience.
Can you help me organise more than just the activity?
Yes. We can help with accommodation, car hire, spots, restaurants, cafés, recovery and complementary activities.