Tenerife is one of those places that’s incredibly easy to love. We spent three months on the island, and we went thinking it would be all pool days and beach walks. What we didn’t expect was just how many fun activities and shows there are.

During our time in Tenerife, we booked a mix of excursions, evening shows and hands-on experiences. We would suggest pre-booking activities, especially if you’re visiting during busy periods when the best experiences sell out fast.

This guide is all about the best bookable activities and shows in Tenerife. The kind you can easily slot into your holiday plans without overthinking it. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or as a family, these are tried-and-tested experiences that add something special to your trip.

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Dolphin & Whale Watching Boat Tour

One of the most popular experiences in Tenerife, and one of our favourites, is a dolphin and whale watching boat tour. The waters around the island are home to resident pods of dolphins and pilot whales, which means sightings are common all year round.

Most trips last a few hours and have a really nice balance between wildlife spotting and relaxation time. Time out on deck, a cold drink in hand, and a refreshing swim stop for good measure.

We’ve actually done a few of these tours over the years. While living in Tenerife, we had friends come to visit and we found ourselves hopping on different boats to show them the experience. Our favourite by far was the Flipper Uno Pirate Boat from Los Gigantes. The scenery along this part of the coast is stunning, the boat itself has loads of character, and lunch plus drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are included, making it great value.

Best for: all ages, first-time visitors, families
👉 Book Flipper Uno via GetYourGuide

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Stargazing & Sunset Tour in Teide National Park

Looking for something truly different to do in Tenerife? A sunset and stargazing tour in Teide National Park is an unforgettable experience. As you drive up through the volcanic landscapes of the national park, the scenery becomes more dramatic by the minute, and once the sun starts to set, the entire landscape takes on an almost surreal, otherworldly feel.

Tenerife is considered one of the best places in the world for stargazing, and for good reason. At around 2,000 metres above sea level, far away from light pollution, the skies here are incredibly clear. After sunset, expert guides use powerful laser pointers to help you understand what you’re seeing. Constellations and key stars have helped people navigate using the night sky for centuries. You don’t need any astronomy knowledge at all; it’s fascinating, relaxed, and easy to follow.

The telescopes are a real highlight. Depending on the time of year and conditions, you may be able to see the moon’s surface in incredible detail, distant planets, star clusters, nebulae, and even the Andromeda galaxy. During certain seasons, the Milky Way can also be visible. Guides will help you capture photos through the telescope using your own phone, which is a cool souvenir to take home.

Tours usually include transport from popular areas like Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, and Los Cristianos. There’s also the option to add a 3-course meal, including soft drinks, water, and white and red wine. Vegetarian and vegan options available. You can also add in a professional photography session if you want those iconic sunset or stargazing shots.

Best for: couples, quieter evenings, nature lovers
👉 Book your tickets via GetYourGuide

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Quad Bike Adventure in Teide National Park

Fancy seeing a completely different side of Tenerife? A quad bike safari through Teide National Park is such a fun way to do it. This isn’t an off-road free-for-all; it’s a guided adventure that takes you right through the heart of the island.

The route typically starts down near Playa de las Américas and winds its way up through traditional Canarian towns like Arona, La Escalona and Vilaflor, before reaching heights of around 2,400 metres. Along the way, there are plenty of stops to take photos and soak in those unreal views of Mount Teide and the surrounding national park. The contrast in scenery is what really makes this experience special, one minute you’re surrounded by pine forest, the next, you’re riding through stark volcanic terrain that feels worlds away from the beach.

Tours run in small groups, and you can choose to ride solo or share a quad if you prefer. Everything you need is included: helmet, quad rental, guide, and, in some cases, hotel pickup. Jackets are available to rent for just €2 per jacket if it’s chilly at altitude.

You don’t need to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy this one. It’s more about the scenery, and doing something a little different from the usual pool-and-beach routine.

Best for: adventure lovers, couples, friends
👉 Book your quad adventure with GetYourGuide

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Drag Comedy Show @ Music Hall Tavern

If you’re in the mood for a fun, feel-good night out, the Drag Comedy Dinner Show at Music Hall Tavern is a must. This is an evening experience with big personalities, live vocals, glittering costumes, plenty of cheeky humour, and a three-course dinner included.

The night kicks off with a comedy warm-up, followed by a high-energy production featuring singing, dancing, audience interaction, and impressive live performances. The humour is playful rather than crude, the atmosphere is sociable and welcoming, and it works just as well for couples as it does for groups celebrating a birthday or holiday night out.

It’s all performed in English, with lots of recognisable, feel-good songs. If you want an evening that’s upbeat, entertaining, and a guaranteed laugh, this is a brilliant choice.

Best for: groups, couples, birthdays, celebrations
👉 Book your tickets via GetYourGuide

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History of Music – Live Musical Show in Tenerife

If you’re looking for an evening of entertainment without committing to bars or clubs, History of Music is a brilliant option. Held at the striking Piramide de Arona, this large-scale production brings together live musicians, singers, dancers, and acrobats for a high-energy journey through some of the most iconic moments in music history.

The show moves from classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven through to legends such as Elvis, Queen, ABBA and Michael Jackson, with impressive costumes, strong vocals, and slick choreography throughout. It’s upbeat, familiar, and genuinely fun, even if theatre-style shows aren’t usually your thing.

Food and drinks can be purchased at the venue. A great option if you want a lively night out that is entertaining and doesn’t involve sitting in a bar.

Best for: couples, groups, easy evening entertainment
👉 Get your tickets for History of Music via GetYourGuide

Medieval Dinner & Tournament

Medieval Dinner at Castillo San Miguel is a brilliant choice if you’re looking for an evening that’s a bit different. As soon as you step inside the castle, you’re thrown straight into a world of knights, noble houses, sword fights, and dramatic battles of good versus evil.

The show centres around a live jousting tournament with knights on horseback, plenty of theatrics, and impressive stunts, all while you enjoy a hearty three-course medieval-style banquet with wine, water, and soft drinks… pssst, and it’s free-flow! It’s lively, interactive, and surprisingly good fun, especially if you’re travelling as a family or with a mixed-age group.

There are also beautiful Spanish horses and birds of prey involved in the experience. If you want the best views, the VIP option includes front-row seating and a welcome glass of cava.

Best for: families, groups, first-time visitors, novelty experiences
👉 Get your tickets for the dinner & tournament via GetYourGuide

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Surfing Lesson in Playa de las Américas

If you’ve ever fancied giving surfing a go, Tenerife is a fantastic place to try it for the first time. A beginner-friendly surf lesson in Playa de las Américas lets you experience the buzz of catching a wave in a safe in a supportive environment.

Lessons take place on the beachfront and are timed around low tide when conditions are calmer and more forgiving. You’ll start with a short theory session before heading into the water.

Everything is taken care of, wetsuits, boards, lockers, showers, and changing facilities, so you can simply turn up and enjoy. It’s a confidence-boosting experience whether you’re completely new to surfing or just want to improve your technique while on holiday.

Good to know: children under 12 need to book a private lesson rather than joining adult group sessions.

Best for: beginners, active travellers, fun holiday challenges
👉 Book your surf session via GetYourGuide

Full-Day Entry to Siam Park

Often ranked as one of the best water parks in Europe, Siam Park really does live up to the hype. There is absolutely something for everyone, whether you’re chasing adrenaline or just want to float, snack, and soak up the sunshine.

The park is Thai-themed throughout and beautifully done, from the floating market to the white-sand beach areas. Thrill-seekers will love the Tower of Power, a near-vertical drop that sends you straight through a shark tank. While everyone else can drift along the lazy river or hang out at the wave pool, home to the largest man-made waves in the world.

If you’re a fan of Take Me Out, this place might look familiar. Siam Park regularly features as the backdrop for dates on the fictional “Isle of Fernando”.

It’s easy to spend an entire day here; there are plenty of food options inside the park, lockers and towel hire available, and upgrade options if you want a more premium experience. Do expect queues during peak season, especially for the most popular rides. Arriving early makes a big difference.

Best for: families, groups, thrill-seekers, full-day fun
👉 Definitely book ahead, especially during school holidays

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Wine & Cheese Tasting at Bodegas Monje

Fancy slowing things down for a few hours? A wine and cheese tasting at Bodegas Monje is a really lovely way to experience Tenerife beyond the beaches. This family-run winery has been producing wine since 1750, and the setting alone, surrounded by volcanic vineyards, makes it feel special.

The guided tour walks you through the history of the Monje family and explains what makes Canarian wines so unique. You’ll then get to taste four local wines, each paired with artisan goat cheeses from across the Canary Islands.

It’s relaxed and informative without being too much, and it’s very easy to enjoy even if you don’t consider yourself a wine expert.

Best for: couples, food lovers, slower afternoons
👉 A great half-day experience and easy to book in advance via GetYourGuide

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Jewellery-Making Workshop

This is hands down one of the most unique and memorable experiences you can book in Tenerife. Instead of buying a souvenir, you actually make one, and it’s something you’ll genuinely want to wear long after your holiday ends.

The workshop is kept intentionally small, so it feels relaxed and personal. You’ll be guided by an experienced jewellery designer who introduces you to freshwater pearls, natural stones, and high-quality materials, explaining what makes each piece special before showing you the tools and techniques needed to bring your design to life.

You don’t need any previous experience at all. You’ll choose your stones or pearls, design your piece in your own style, and create either earrings or a bracelet, with gentle guidance throughout. It’s creative and surprisingly therapeutic, and makes a lovely change from sightseeing or busy excursions.

By the end, you leave with a beautiful handmade piece of jewellery and a really meaningful reminder of your trip. Much better than another magnet or keyring.

Best for: couples, creative travellers, solo visitors, slower-paced days
👉 Get your tickets for my favourite experience in Tenerife

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Tenerife is a place that is really easy to mix lazy beach days with memorable experiences. Shows, foodie outings, adventures or trying something completely new, booking a couple of activities can add so much to your trip. These are some of the experiences we genuinely enjoyed and would happily recommend to friends.

If you’re planning where to base yourself, don’t forget to check out my blog on Where to Stay in Tenerife, and mix just a handful of these experiences into your itinerary for a well-balanced holiday.

Travel safe and don’t forget to subscribe for more travel tips + guides!

Until next time,