Description
Highlights...
- The perfect tour in Tenerife for astronomy lovers
- Guided daytime tour of the world’s most important solar observatory
- Stargazing on Mt Teide with the unaided eye and using telescopes at the Cable Car base station
- Exclusive astronomic tour for small groups
- A minimum reservation for 4 people or an equivalent fee is required
What's included...
- Transportation with a guide in English or Spanish
- English, Spanish, French, Italian or Russian-speaking Starlight guide
- Guided visit of the Teide Observatory
- Astronomical observation using long-range telescopes
What's not included...
- Starlight guide in other language than English, Spanish, French, Italian or Russian
- Menu
Enjoy this perfect exclusive tour for astronomy lovers in Tenerife
The VIP Astronomic Tour is our most perfect trip through Teide for astronomy lovers, with transport also offered from various points on the island of Tenerife for small, private groups.
During this activity, which lasts 8 hours and a half, our guide will accompany you and the person you choose at all times.
Your private astronomic tour in Tenerife includes a guided visit in the afternoon of the Teide Observatory, the largest solar observatory in the world, and stargazing by night using a telescope under the clear and pure sky of the Teide National Park, in the company of a Starlight guide. Since it is not permitted to eat during the activity, neither is it permitted to bring food.
The Teide Observatory by day for you only
Tenerife is so much more than just sun and beaches.
This friendly island is also famous for science and its volcanoes.
Did you know that the Canary Islands are one of the three best spots in the world to observe the sky, along with Chile and Hawaii?
This is why we are fortunate to have the most important solar observatory here in Tenerife.
The Teide Observatory began to operate in 1964. Since then it has been focusing on solar observations and robotic astronomy. Furthermore, it is home to many solar and nocturnal telescopes, owned by different European countries.
Did you know that the researchers who work at the Teide Observatory make great contributions to the field of science, with an average of one publication per day, through the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics, the institution that manages this solar observatory?
By booking this exclusive astronomic tour you will visit this very spectacular scientific centre with whomever you choose, and you will learn with us about the Teide Observatory and the work carried out in it by astrophysicists.
The guides on this exclusive excursion for astronomy lovers will take you on an afternoon guided tour of the Teide Observatory, where you will feel like a scientist for a day as:
- You will be introduced to the importance of the sky in the Canary Islands, the Teide Observatory telescopes and the different projects of the IAC, the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics.
- You will participate in an astrophysics workshop, held in the Teide Observatory visitors centre, where our Starlight guides shall explain what astrophysics is and how the astrophysicists in the Teide Observatory conduct their research.
- You will observe sunspots and solar flares through two solar telescopes that we will make available to you so that you can enjoy the sun like never before.
- You will visit the inside of a nocturnal telescope and won’t leave until you learn about its exciting history and know how it functions.
Behold the Teide National Park' colours privately
After the guided visit in the afternoon of the Teide Observatory, included in your VIP Astronomic Tour, and while you wait for the nighttime stargazing, also included in your astronomical night on Mount Teide, there is nothing better than to watch how the colours of the National Park change when it’s getting dark.
The twilight bathes the National Park in beautiful colours. So that even if you have already been to Teide during the day, you will feel as though you have never been here before.
Discover the secrets of the Teide sky with an astronomical observation arranged for you only
Tenerife is a privileged island, not only because of its climate.
Have we mentioned that 83 of the 88 existing constellations can be seen from Mount Teide?
It is because the peaks of the island are the best spots to stargaze in Tenerife.
Which is why the Teide, away from the light pollution of urban areas, is the best place to observe the stars in Tenerife.
Our guides will unravel for you the secrets of the starry sky over the Teide National Park
You will learn how to guide yourselves thanks to the sky.
You will also discover both the elements of Greek mythology that hides behind the constellations and the relationship between them.
Closer to the stars with the VIP Astronomic Tour professional telescopes
The astronomic observation included in this private excursion is held in the car park next to the Teide Cable Car base station.
Thanks to our professional, state-of-the-art telescopes, you will discover planets, galaxies and clusters as you have surely never seen before.
Because during the astronomical observation, you can use telescopes to go through the most interesting celestial objects of every night.
Did you know that our monitors will provide you with relevant information about the objects that you will see through the lens?
We are sure that our professional astronomical instrumentation, along with the quality and transparency of the sky above the summits of Tenerife, will give you a unique experience.
Astronomical observation on full moon nights
As you may already know, the moon passes through different phases during its 29-day cycle, that is to say, lunation.
Therefore, at least once a month, its potent glow will dim the faint light of the distant stars.
If you book this tour to enjoy astronomy privately in Tenerife on the night of the full moon in Teide, you will take advantage of its radiant appearance and observe its splendour: mountain ranges, craters and other lunar wonders.
An interesting fact: you can find the Montes Teneriffe, Mons Pico and the crater Piazzi Smyth on the moon.
If we have surprised you and we have left you curious as to why they have these names, write this question down so that you can ask our guides on the night of your VIP Astronomic Tour of Teide.
Book
- Transportation with a guide in English or Spanish
- English, Spanish, French, Italian or Russian-speaking Starlight guide
- Guided visit of the Teide Observatory
- Astronomical observation using long-range telescopes
- Starlight guide in other language than English, Spanish, French, Italian or Russian
- Menu
+ Information
The start time of the exclusive Astronomic Tour on Teide activity varies depending on the time of year, since it is adjusted to the sunset time. As a general rule, it starts between three and a half hours and four hours before the sunset. Once we confirm your reservation, we will assign to you a pick-up time for the activity.
Remember that you should be prepared for extremes in weather, both heat as well as cold, depending on the time of year in which you find yourselves enjoying our VIP Astronomic Tour.
To make the most of your Astronomic Tour of Teide, please follow our recommendations:
- Wear warm clothing and proper footwear.
- Protect yourselves from sunstroke.
- Due to the elevated luminosity, wear sunglasses.
- Take plenty of water on hikes.
Our facilities are located within a protected national park and therefore we must follow a series of basic rules of civic behaviour and respect of the natural environment, such as not littering or taking rocks, plants or animals. Please remember that it is prohibited to make fire, loud noises or to camp.
Teide Observatory
Purchase of this service to visit the Teide Observatory implies that you have read and accepted all the points described in the following section:
RECOMMENDATIONS AND WARNINGS FOR VISITORS
We appreciate your interest in visiting the Teide Observatory (OT) and we hope that you enjoy your visit.
The Teide Observatory is not responsible for the difficulties or discomfort caused by not following these recommendations.
The arranged visits will only be carried out when the weather and the operating status of the telescopes permit. Due to adverse weather conditions, especially during winter, which may affect the safety of the roads leading to the Observatory (snow, ice, falling rocks) visits may be unexpectedly cancelled.
Before visiting us
Health and altitude
The Teide Observatory (TO) is located at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters above sea level, an altitude at which oxygen diminishes. Groups will move about within the TO on gravel paths. For this reason, the visit is not recommended for people with general health problems (anaemia, breathing or heart problems, etc.). If you are not sure if you should visit, consult your doctor first.
The TO is not responsible for any health problems that can be caused by the altitude or by not following these recommendations and warnings.
The TO does not have medical assistance within its facilities.
Bear in mind that the closest hospital is approximately one and a half hours away by car.
If you show symptoms of dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, ringing in your ears, plugged ears or headache during your visit, please, immediately inform your guide.
Recommended equipment
- Protect yourself from the sun. It’s recommended that you use hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Due to the low levels of humidity that are common in the TO, come prepared with sufficient liquid (water or juices) to prevent dehydration.
- Bring comfortable clothes and adequate footwear (avoid sandals).
- Bring some warm clothes in case the weather changes abruptly and to enter the interior of the telescopes.
During the visit
What should I do when I arrive?
When you arrive at the TO, centre personnel will be waiting for you at the access gate to let you know what to do with the car or bus. Please always follow the instructions you receive.
Please do not forget to bring identification (ID card or passport) and a copy of your reservation to confirm access. If you are unable to produce identification and/or the booking confirmation, the TO/IAC does not guarantee your visit.
Warnings during the visit
For security reasons, proper operation and care of the environment, the TO asks you to closely follow the following rules during your visit:
- Due to time limits and visit schedule constraints, the time to use the toilet is before the visit starts. Please leave the toilet as clean as you found it!
- Please be respectful of the surroundings as the TO is located in a National Park. It is prohibited to:
- Smoke and eat
- Throw away rubbish except where indicated
- Leave the established paths.
- For your own safety, please remain with your assigned group at all times and follow the instructions given by the guide at all times.
- In case you are given suits or safety equipment in the facilities area, they should be properly used and cared for.
It is absolutely prohibited to leave the safety area or touch anything inside the buildings.
- The Astronomic Tour is not recommended for people with poor general physical health (anaemia, heart disease, respiratory problems, and so on), nor for individuals with reduced mobility as the tour requires the use of paths and stairs.
- Children under 8 are not allowed to participate in early evening and nighttime activities.
- If you are not sure if you can participate in the activity, consult your doctor before planning your visit.
- Please bear in mind that you must have a sufficient knowledge of the language in which the visit is held in order to be able to correctly follow the explanations of the guide.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Anyone wearing open footwear (sandals), shorts or short sleeves will not be allowed to join the excursion. It is essential to be suitably attired, as the activity will be undertaken in low temperatures. For further information, please see the section entitled “Prepare for your visit”.
It is necessary to produce the booking confirmation, either printed or displayed on a mobile device.
The activity is subject to the availability of our guides.
A minimum reservation for 4 people or an equivalent fee is required.
Anyone wearing open footwear (sandals), shorts or short sleeves will not be allowed to join the excursion. It is essential to be suitably attired, as the activity will be undertaken in low temperatures. For further information, please see the section entitled “Prepare for your visit”.
For private activities, date changes or cancellations can be made free of charge up to 72 hours prior to the activity. After this period, the cancellation carries a charge of 50% of the amount. If the cancellation takes place with less than 24 hours’ notice, 100% of the amount will be charged. Up to 3 date changes are permitted.
If it is not possible to carry out the entire activity due to adverse weather conditions, the full amount shall be reimbursed. In the event that weather conditions prevent the visit to the Observatory from taking place, the price of the Night tour to Mount Teide (with or without picnic) shall be charged, and the difference shall be reimbursed. In case of cloud cover conditions in the Observatory, the usual itinerary of the visit may be modified. If weather conditions prevent the astronomical observation from taking place, an activity at the Planetarium will be carried out.
Check our Terms and conditions for information on other reasons for cancellation.
Toilets
Our facilities include public toilets.
Includes:
- Water or soft drink
- Sandwich: cured meat and cheese / vegetarian option
- Sweet treat
Where to find us
We will pick you up outside the main entrance of your hotel. We will contact you to arrange the pick-up.
The Teide Observatory is located at an altitude of 2,390 m, in Izaña, on the island of Tenerife (Spain). The entrance is located at km 1 of the TF-514 motorway, which can be accessed from km 37 of the TF-24 motorway. It takes approximately two hours to reach the Teide Observatory from the south of the island, an hour and a half from Santa Cruz, and an hour from Puerto de la Cruz.
Its geographic coordinates are: Longitude: 16°30'36.1" West - Latitude: 28°18'08.3" North. UTM: 28.302294, -16.510021
Click on the following link to Google Street View to see the exact spot.
The Astronomical Observation takes place at the Teide Cable Car base station, at km 43 of the TF-21 motorway.
Its UTM geographic coordinates are: 28.254448, - 16.625747
Click on the following link to Google Street View to see the exact spot.
Google Map
