Tazacorte Northern Route Tour: A Detailed Review

Dreaming of feeling the salty spray and spying some seriously awesome coastlines? Well, a boat tour might be right up your alley, that too it’s almost a *perfect* way to see parts of an island you just wouldn’t get to otherwise. Today we are going to talk about the Tazacorte Northern Route Tour, that might just be the ticket for your La Palma vacation. This review gives you the lowdown, so you know just what to expect.

What’s the Tazacorte Northern Route Tour About, Anyway?

Okay, so this tour is really a three-hour boat ride kicking off from the harbor in Tazacorte. This puts you on the west side of La Palma, which is known, a bit, for getting a *lot* more sun than the rest of the island (that being said, be prepared for any weather!). It’s a chance to see the northern coastline of the island from a very unique position, that being, on the water. Tours typically aim to get up to the northern point, Barlovento, but the conditions can actually change things.

What kind of view can you expect? Think crazy cliffs, cute hidden coves, and just maybe, some neat marine life. The boats often have glass bottoms or viewing areas so you can see what’s swimming right below, that might make things a bit better if you are on a tour that isn’t packed. Most of the time the tour guides will tell you stuff about the area, the history, and whatever neat facts they feel are good to share. The overall feeling is basically chill, so get ready to unwind and appreciate nature.

What Happens on the Trip? Here’s a Look

The tour usually starts with a check-in at the harbor, like most tours. Find the company’s booth or look for a sign with the tour name to avoid a mistake. After you check-in, they will likely point you to where you get on the boat. When everyone’s aboard and good to go, so they’ll head on out of the harbor.

Now, it depends on the weather, but you’ll normally be heading north, that’s where the tour gets its name. You’ll pass some awesome spots on the way, the guide will usually point them out and tell you a little something about them. Plus, if you’re lucky, the boat might stop for a sec so everyone can soak things in or take photos. Some tours go the extra mile and throw in a snack or drink. If the ocean’s feeling friendly that day, some tours even have a swimming break, it is a bit dependent on what company you went with. After checking out the northern points, the boat heads back to Tazacorte. Overall, it’s a pretty easy, relaxing ride made for soaking up some awesome views.

The Good Stuff: What Makes the Tour Cool

Views, views, views: Seriously, the cliffs on La Palma are amazing, that, and being on a boat means you can see them from a completely different spot.
Chill Vibes: You’re not hiking, or anything too intense. This is just a simple, calming boat ride. So relax and enjoy the view.
Learning Time: The guides usually are local experts, or are trying to be. They’ll tell you some cool info about the coast.
Marine Life Sightings: Maybe you’ll spy some dolphins or see some neat fish through the glass bottom, it is really dependent on the time of the year and how the tour goes.

Things That Could be Better, Just so You Know

Weather Dependent: If the sea’s rough, you might not get the full tour, or even worse, things could get cancelled, but these tours usually provide a fair refund for you to potentially reschedule.
Crowds: Tours can get a little packed, which can take away from the view or how much you can hear the guide. That’s more true if you are taking it during the tourist season.
Language Barrier: Depending on the company and the other tourists, the tour might not be offered in your language, or the guide is struggling. It is important that they say it fluently, but often it will be more helpful that they can actually speak clearly, if not they might use too many local phrases that will not translate.

Is This Tour For You? Some Questions to Think About

Still on the fence? Ask yourself these things before you book:

Do you like boats? Sounds obvious, yet if you get seasick, this might not be for you. That or make sure you’ve got some medicine.
What’s the weather like? Check the forecast so you know what you’re in for, a tour is a good weather dependent event.
What do the reviews say? Get an idea of what other folks think of the specific tour company. Sometimes even a 5 star place will leave a lot to be desired, a lot of times its a personal perspective.
What’s your budget? These tours can range in cost. Do a little comparing to make sure it fits what you want to spend. Also determine if its a ‘spend’ worthy event.
Who are you traveling with? This tour is pretty family-friendly, yet maybe you were looking for something more extreme. Make sure your whole crew is okay with a chill boat ride, you might want a private tour or to choose other plans to make the most of a trip.

Booking Tips: So You Don’t Mess Up

Book ahead: Tours fill up, really quickly during the busy season, so getting a spot early is usually wise.
Read the fine print: Check the cancellation policy just in case your plans change.
Know what’s included: Does the tour have drinks? Snacks? Swimming? Are towels provided? Get the full picture beforehand.
What to wear: Throw on some sunscreen, a hat, and layers, because weather is changeable. Consider some glasses to avoid being blinded by sun glare off of the waves.

A Quick Recap

The Tazacorte Northern Route Tour offers spectacular coastal views.
Weather affects the tour; check the forecast prior to booking.
Book in advance, know the inclusions, and consider the season to check crowds.
This is generally a relaxing, family-friendly trip that may be educational.