Whale Watching with "Oceano"

The sustainable whale watching provider “Oceano” has been going out to sea for 20 years with small, typical Canarian fishing boats to observe the marine mammals.

A lot of emphasis is placed on respectful whale watching - i.e. you want to disturb the animals as little as possible. An animation program is searched in vain with the CSR certified provider, it is 3 to 4 hours exclusively about the animals and their habitat. To make it an unforgettable experience for every guest,” Oceano” accepts a maximum of 10 guests per departure. In addition, there is always an expert and trained Whale Watching Guide or even a marine biologist on board. OCEANO is a licensed whale watching provider with the yellow flag "Barco Azul" and operates according to the legal Whale Watching Regulations of the Canary Government.

The sea in the southwest off La Gomera offers us a unique biodiversity of marine mammals in Europe. Twenty-three different dolphin and whale species have been spotted and identified here in the last 20 years. The most common species that can be seen almost all year round are the bottlenose dolphin, the spotted dolphin and the pilot whale. But also the big whales such as Brydewhale, Seiwhale, Spermwhale and also rare species like the beaked whale can be found on the west coast regularly.

Over the year, the provider's viewing rates are about 90%. This can be said precisely, since “Oceano” has been working with “Meer e.V.” from Berlin for 15 years. It uses “Oceanos” boats as a research and sighting platform and collects sighting data on each departure.

Results and evaluations of the research can be seen free of charge in the exhibition rooms of “Meer e.V.”, which are located in the basement of the “Oceano” offices. If you want to learn more about the marine mammals and their habitat, you can take part in an informative and lively lecture in the “Oceano” lecture rooms every Monday. It takes about 1.5 hours and costs 4.00€ per person (families pay 10.00€). Reservation is not necessary and it always starts at 6:00 p.m.. You will find the provider's office and exhibition rooms in the beautiful village of Valle Gran Rey, close to the port in Vueltas.

Website: Oceano Gomera

Whale Watching with "Amazonia"

The small but still very comfortable Whale Watching boat AMAZONIA has been offering Whale Watching rides off the coast of Valle Gran Rey for 10 years. It can accommodate a maximum of 10 to 12 guests.

The former and very experienced fisherman and captain of the boat, Juan José, knows the waters and every good whale watching spot off the coast of the Valley like his back pocket. A multilingual guide on board will tell you a lot of useful things about the individual whale and dolphin species, the Atlantic Ocean and the island of La Gomera. You can see that the team of the Amazonia  is very enthusiastic and passionate about it!

The trips take about 3 hours. A pause for swimming and a break with homemade vegetarian paella and ice-cooled drinks included completes the programme.

In the rear and front part of the boat you have comfortable seating and lying, so that the family trip will be a very relaxed adventure. In addition, there is a shady sunroof in the back of the boat, which is gratefully accepted by the guests, especially in summer. Of course, there is also a toilet on board.

From Monday to Saturday, the Amazonia goes out to sea twice a day to watch the whales and dolphins off La Gomera's coast. You can book directly at the port of Vueltas (Valle Gran Rey), where the Whale Watching Team has a small stall with price information and the current exit times.

We will be happy to assist you in booking a tour with Amazonia Whale Watching. If you are interested, please send us an e-mail.

Whale Watching with "Speedy"

“Speedy Adventure” is a modern inflatable boat that can accommodate a total of 12 people and can be found at the port of Valle Gran Rey. The 12 metres long and 4 metres wide “Speedy” is equipped with 2 quiet high-performance motors, each with 350 hp. This makes it easy to overcome long distances in a relatively short time.

Since an inflatable boat swings less than a "normal" boat, it is especially suitable for people who have problems with seasickness. “Speedy” also has almost no depth, so you are very close to the whales and dolphins in case of a dolphin sighting.

There are normal whale watching tours and excursions to the famous organ pipes at “Los Organos” in the north of La Gomera Island. If the weather conditions are good, “Speedy” also offers a complete circumnavigation of the island and is therefore the only boat that offers this possibility in Valle Gran Rey.

After the Whale Watching Tour, head towards the coast for a relaxing swim, often in the idyllic bay of “La Cantera”, below Alojera.

Website: Speedy Adventure

Whale Watching with "Tina Excursiones"

The 24-metre long and spacious Whale Watching Boat “Excursiones TINA” has been offering Whale Watching excursions along the coast of Valle Gran Rey since 1996.

Thanks to various sun and shade decks with sufficient seating, as well as three toilets,  “TINA Excursiones” offers its guests a lot of comfort for relaxing trips on the Atlantic Ocean.

From the top deck you have the opportunity to watch the whales and dolphins off La Gomera's coast. And the chances are not bad, as La Gomera is one of the best whale watching waters in Europe. During the nearly 4 hours ride, the TINA also anchors in an idyllic bathing bay and pampers its guests with fresh tuna, salads and “papas arrugadas” (canarian wrinkled potatoes). Guests also have the opportunity to cool off in the crystal clear water and snorkel a bit.

In addition to the regular and daily Whale Watching rides, “Excursiones TINA” also offers rides to the famous organ pipes “Los Organos” in the north of La Gomera. However, these trips  are highly weather-dependent, as it can often become windy and wavy on the north coast.

“Excursiones TINA” was accepted by the “European Charter for Sustainable Tourism” in 2011 and also sails under the “Barco Azul” flag. Approaching the animals in a respectful way is therefore a matter of course for the crew.

Website: Tina Excursiones

Whale Watching with "Pura Vida"

The captain Carmen has worked for a long time for the most famous whale watching company "Oceano" and for a good year now she has her own whale watching boat in the harbour of Valle Gran Rey. The "Pura Vida" is a traditional "Mallorcan" boat from the Balearic Islands and offers space for a maximum of 10 people. The interior of the "Pura Vida" is made of high quality wood, a small kitchen, toilet and a spacious deck where you can relax during the trip. The 3-4 hour whale watching trips take place twice a day and include a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of La Gomera. Sunrise and sunset tours are also offered at regular intervals. The current departure times can be found in the harbour of Valle Gran Rey or on the website.

Website: Pura Vida

Hiking with "Timah"

“Timah” in Valle Gran Rey has been organizing individual and varied hikes in small groups to the unspoilt and impressive regions of the island since 1988.

At Timah, experienced hiking guides accompany nature and culture lovers to remote corners of the magical island far away from mass tourism into a world rich in culture and botanical rarities.

On the trilingual website of the hiking tour provider “Timah”, a carefully designed island hiking program offers something for every taste. Whether walkers, hiking enthusiasts or rather the comfortable type who prefers  to look at sights comfortably from a bus window: At “”Timah”, the holidaymakers are spoilt for choice.

For example, forest lovers get marvellous impressions on the “Fairytale Forest Tour”. Here they explore the laurel forest with its moss-covered trees, usually shrouded in mystical fog. Hikers looking for a bit of ascent and descent can book the “Rainforest Tour”, which leads over Gomeras highest point, the “Pico de Garajonay”, with fantastic views down to the green heart of the island. Inquisitives learn a lot about agriculture during the “North Coast Tour” and can try  “The healthiest Climate in the World” in Hermigua. If you don't want to walk that much and would like to get an overview of the island with the most important sights, you can join “The Island Tour”. Wild herb fans get to know the medicinal and cultivated plants of La Gomera during a leisurely hike with the renowned Timah "Herbal Witch". There is also a hike to the local sacred fortress "Argoday", better known to many as “Table Mountain” or “Fortaleza”, or an exploration of the beautiful wild northwest at 800 meters above sea level with breathtaking views over the adjacent coast.

If all this is not demanding enough, you can book one of the weekly alternating hiking tours such as the “Dolomites Trail” or "Skywalk". These spectacular hikes in an impressive landscape are reserved for the "fitter" hiking enthusiasts with their ascents and descents of up to 500 meters.

Website: Timah Travel

Hiking with "Oekotours"

“Oekotours” offers hikes on La Gomera island, accompanied by a local biologist. Dieter Scriba, owner and hiking guide, not only shows you the most beautiful parts of the island, he can also give you a lot of in-depth knowledge about the individual animal and plant species of the island.

The hikes often take place in small groups far away from the usual hiking slopes. Dieter attaches great importance to the personal care of the guests and is also happy to create an individual hiking programme for your holiday.

Each hike is different and unique. The nature-loving tourists are guided through the most diverse landscapes and vegetation zones of the island. Dieter can tell you something about every plant species and every rock formation. He has lived on La Gomera for almost 20 years and knows the island like his back pocket. "The hikes are selected in such way that different plant formations can be seen depending on the tour," explains ecologist Dieter Scriba about the ecotours´ strategy. "This allows combine several hikes optimally, which then give hikers an almost complete overview of the island's flora."

Hiking is offered for hobby hikers, advanced hikers and professionals.

On the varied hiking route "Moon landscape" the group starts, for instance, in the green valley of “Vallehermoso”. At the beginning, you hike through Succulent bushes, which then gradually pass into tree heathers – an impressive natural spectacle. Later, the hikers have a fantastic panoramic view from the chapel “Santa Clara” on the neighbouring island of La Palma and the rugged steep slopes of La Gomera. The descent, which is a little more complicated, offers further spectacular views of the entire north coast of La Gomera as well as Tenerife's highest mountain the “Teide”. This 5 hours hike has an estimated length of 10 kilometers and is more suitable for advanced hikers.

If you prefer to take a more relaxed approach, Dieter also has something in his programme: a walk through the small village of “Valle Gran Rey” in the sunny southwest of the island. Here the focus is on the unique flora of La Gomera. During this one hour walk, Dieter tells you something about every exotic plant - and there's a lot of that in Valle Gran Rey.

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Hiking with "Gomera Guide"

The "Gomera Guide" Melanie Ebock has been offering guided hikes on La Gomera for many years. She is an official and trained hiking and travel guide and has many years of experience in trekking and active travel.

In addition to the hikes listed on the website, Melanie also offers day trips, sightseeing and individual island tours on La Gomera. Individuality comes first with her and so she tries to satisfy every wish of her guests.

Starting point for all hikes is the island capital San Sebastian. From there Melanie leads you over all parts of the volcanic island. Lonely mountain villages, narrow paths with impressive views and romantic paths through palm landscapes make hiking on La Gomera to a very special experience. If required, she will also show you the cult centres of the indigenous people or lead you through the evergreen Garajonay National Park, which covers almost 10% of the entire island and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.

During the individual excursions and hikes, Melanie will tell you many interesting facts about the origins of the island of La Gomera, its unique nature and the and traditions of the Gomeros.

Especially worth mentioning is the very special "Full Moon Hike". Because so far we do not know any hiking provider on La Gomera who offers such a hike in complete darkness. Here the full moon enthusiasts hike in the late afternoon on the highest mountain of La Gomera, the Alto de Garajonay, which rises impressively 1,487 meters into the clouds. From the top of the Garajonay you have a spectacular panoramic view over the whole island and the Atlantic Ocean. After a short breather, you can watch the sun swallow by the horizon and the moon slowly rise - an impressive natural spectacle.

Melanie is also an official member of the EUROPARC Federation, a Europe-wide network, because she is also a private supporter of the island and its nature. EUROPARC is committed to La Gomera for the protection and preservation of the Garajonay National Park and promotes sustainable tourism on the island.

Website: Gomera Guide

Hiking with "Sandra Schuster-Boeckler"

There are already enough hiking providers and guides on La Gomera - and no doubt they all have a variety and individual program to offer. Sandra Schuster-Böckler has been living on the second smallest Canary Island for over 20 years now and offers her guests hikes, island tours and private hiking tours on the whole island.

The imaginative names of the excursions - such as ""Bathing in the magic forest" - give you an idea that Sandra has a different concept than the other operators on La Gomera. In small groups of maximum 7 persons, Sandra Schuster-Böckler shows you her personal favourite places and highlights of the island. It is her wish that you take more than just a few beautiful photos home with you - unique moments and unforgettable memories. It is not for nothing that her extensive website is called "Herzen-Sehen" ("Seeing hearts").

But Sandra does not only have something for adults: On request she offers special hikes for children from 8 years on. Also the whale and dolphin lovers among you will not be left out. Sandra has been working for 20 years with various local whale watching companies and if required you can book Sandra as your personal whale watching guide. If you would like to learn more about Sandra and her wide-ranging concept, take a look at her website "Heart-Seeing", there is something for everyone.

Website: Herzen-Sehen (only in German)

Hiking with "Ipalan"

The small and certified hiking provider “Ipalan” is based in the municipality of Alajeró. The small village of Alajeró is located high in the mountains above the village of Playa Santiago and is a perfect starting point for hikes over the whole island of La Gomera.

By the way – in Alajeró you can also find the only, wild dragon tree on La Gomera.

Audrey is a very experienced hiker and tells you a lot of interesting facts about the history, culture and nature of the second smallest Canary Island. You're really in good hands with her. With her pleasant and open-minded manner, it makes it very easy and you feel in good hands from the beginning. Large hiking groups are searched in vain, Audrey attaches great importance to high-quality hikes in small groups. She speaks Spanish, English and French.

“Ipalan Trekking” offers various day hikes all over the island of La Gomera, as well as several-day hiking trips and hikes "as desired". If you want to experience an individual and several-week hiking holiday on La Gomera, you can also book it via “Ipalan”. On request, Audrey will arrange a tailor-made hiking trip to La Gomera for you.

A hike from Chipude to the highest mountain La Gomeras, the “Garajonay”, is a little challenging and at the same time particularly worthwhile. On this hike, Audrey takes you to “Igualero”, the highest village of La Gomera, and from there the trail continues to the summit of “Alto de Garajonay”. You will be rewarded with a fascinating and bizarre mountain world, breathtaking views and unspoilt nature. This hike takes about 4 to 5 hours and you have to climb 600 meters of altitude until you reach your destination.

Website: Ipalan

Hiking with "Montemar"

The hiking provider “Montemar”, based in Valle Gran Rey, has set itself the goal of offering very individual hikes and island tours on La Gomera.

"We want to make a conscious distinction from the local suppliers by not rewinding a program, but by responding individually to the wishes of our hiking guests," explains Brigitte Stricker, who has lived on La Gomera for 15 years and shares the ownership of “Montemar” with Volker Mohns . Together they lead their guests to the most remote corners of the island.

The "standard program" of the two consists of a total of 7 different hiking routes, which are offered daily - for groups of three or more people. Even if the hiking routes "The Fairy Tale Forest", "The Mountain Villages" or "Garanjonay" seem familiar to you, you can clearly notice the individuality and the love towards  nature during the hiking tours at “Montemar”.

If you have been to La Gomera many times and you know most of the hiking routes, they can also offer you an individual hiking programme. At “Montemar hikes” everyone is in good hands. No matter if you are a beginner or a professional, young or old.

Website: Montemar (Only in German)

Bike rental in San Sebastian

In the island capital San Sebastian de La Gomera there is a small hidden bicycle rental.

You will find it in the immediate vicinity of the ferry port. If you take the main road towards the port, you will find the nameless bike rental on the right. Nameless because the bikes are rented by the port authority.

They offer simple, but as good as new city bikes for fair prices.

Further information can be found on the website of Puerto deportivo Marina La Gomera. Reservations can also be made by telephone at 0043 922 141 169 or by e-mail. However, the Port Authority only speaks Spanish or English.

Bicycle tours with "Gomera Bikes"

The bicycle shop "Gomera Bikes" in Valle Gran Rey in the “La Playa” area offers not only various bike tours and the rental of high-quality bikes, but also electric bikes, scooters and motor bikes.

If you would like to be well advised when booking a bike tour on La Gomera, it is best to visit Kai and Peter in “La Playa” at “Gomera Bikes”. The two passionate cyclists offer several bike tours on La Gomera for every taste and level of performance.

So beginners can cycle during a 45 kms long all day bike tour with a total of 350 height meters to cross and idyllic villages to see in the mountains. While more advanced and eager can try  the “panorama” or “national park tour” with already up to 750 height meters to pass. Cycling enthusiasts who can´t deceide themselves between an "active bike tour" or simply a "day by the sea" have the opportunity to book the "Bike and Beach Tour", which offers a visit to the highest point of the island, the “Alto of Garajonay” and a bathing stay in the relaxed sunny villaje of Playa Santiago combined. If, on the other hand, you are in the mood for climbing 800 height meters, you will be in good hands with the bike tour on La Gomera - "The green North". Marked as a challenging full-day tour, mountain bikers discover the sharpest and most important parts of the famous laurel forest ”El Cedro” on a 55 kms long route.

However, if the cyclists prefer to explore the island on their own, “Gomera-Bikes” also offers "Self guided Tours"  with tour descriptions, GPS trails and the organization of your personal transfer.

Common to all bike tours on La Gomera are the breathtaking descents through a sea of palm trees towards the deep blue ocean, where up to a 25 percent of the mountains require a lot of concentration. Just the right thing for a little adrenaline rush at the end of the tours.

The bike guides only ride in smaller groups in order to adapt to the individual wishes and requirements of their customers.

Gomera-Bikes is by the way the only bike shop in Valle Gran Rey, which offers high-quality rental bikes such as city, mountain and cross bikes as well as children's bikes as well as electric mountain bikes, scooters and motor riders.

Website: Gomera-Bikes

Mountainbike tours with "Bike-Station"

If you want to go on a mountain bike tour on La Gomera and really sweat it out, the Bike Station in the district of La Puntilla is the right place for you. The Bike Station is known for renting very high quality mountain bikes and e-bikes of the brand SCOTT - the perfect place to go for the professional athletes among you.

The owner Detlef is one of the most experienced bike guides on the island and apart from exciting bike tours you can also rent mountain bikes, racing bikes as well as city and e-bikes at reasonable rates. The Bike Station in Valle Gran Rey is one of the few providers that also offers challenging tours through the rough terrain of La Gomera. But this does not mean that Detlef has nothing for beginners and hobby bikers in his program. Also those who just want to cycle a little bit around the island and take nice pictures will find a suitable tour at the Bike Station.

You have technical problems with your private bike? No problem! Also in this case the Bike-Station is the right place to go. For a small fee, Detlef's trained team will take care of your request so that your bike will soon feel like new again.

Website: Bike-Station

Mountain bike tours with "Bikers Inn"

“Bikers Inn” has been offering professionally run mountain bike tours and rental bikes on La Gomera for over 10 years.

Axel, the owner and guide of  “Bikers Inn”, once rode his own bike race and he even set up his own junior racing team, which was also quite successful. The Bikers Inn is located in the sun-drenched village of Valle Gran Rey, very centrally located in the district of “Vueltas”.

A total of 8 mountain bike tours with different levels and focuses are offered. Axel also provides a suitable tour  for freaks among the cycling enthusiasts: During the challenging trails tour, 800 to 1200 height meters are covered and an aprox. 45 kms track is to be travelled. But don't panic, tours for beginners are also offered. The beginner tours are more about exploring the island and perceiving its unique nature. In order for everyone to feel comfortable, the group has a maximum of 8-10 people.

“It's not about races, it's about adventurous tours. In the focus is the experience of man and nature," says Axel, who is also a practised mountain bike instructor. And that's what we can freely confirm.

If you just want to move independently in the village, the “Bikers Inn” also offers high-quality cross-, street or mountain bikes at fair daily prices.

Website: Bikers Inn

Bicycle rental "Gomera Cycling"

The tour operator and bike rental “Gomera Cycling” is located in the small fishing village of Playa Santiago, which is part of the municipality of Alajeró.

In addition to cycling tours, Jesus and René also offer long-distance hiking tours on La Gomera. The two do their job more than well, because they share a great passion for the island of La Gomera and know it very well.

Jesus grew up on La Gomera and Rene has been here for 9 years now. Both know every hidden corner, so that tourists have the opportunity to get to know La Gomera off the slopes.

"There is no better way to know and understand the contours of the island than by bike," says Jesus, "because you will sweat up the slopes and slide down the descents." And he is right, but witness it yourself.

There are 5 different bike tours on all parts of the island of La Gomera. For example, on the panoramic tour "The villages of the south" the small group takes the bicycle taxi to the starting point” Las Paredes”. Once there, you receive a thorough instruction on the right techniques for steering, shifting and braking. This is important, as the groups sometimes drive downhill and on unpaved roads. After leaving “Igualero” and “Chipude” behind, you reach the idyllic pottery village of “El Cercado”. Here we take a short refreshment break before we go via ”Las Hayas” to “Arure” and finally to “Valle Gran Rey”. To crown the event, the group will return to Playa Santiago with the Whale Watching provider “Tina Excursiones” and at best spot a few spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins or other sea creatures.

Another tour leads to the "Alto de Garajonay", for which the bicycle taxi takes the cyclists to “Pajarito”. From there it is only a short distance up to the summit with a wonderful overview. On the somewhat more challenging tour "The evergreen laurel forest El Cedro" the exit also starts in “Pajarito”. It then leads through the national park and the ensuing even denser cloud forest “El Cedro” . The "Perfect Panorama – Vallehermoso" tour, also marked with a "medium" difficulty level, offers a beautiful island panorama over La Gomera's cliffs and the green valleys of “Vallehermoso”. "The North – Hermigua" is described as the most spectacular tour, as it leads through the lush valleys of “Hermigua” with its many banana plantations and offers numerous viewpoints.

At Gomera Cycling you can also rent a bike on a daily or weekly basis. You can choose from elegant road bikes, modern mountain bikes, or very high-quality electric bikes and city bikes

Website: Gomera Cycling

Tour provider "Gomera Activa"

City bikes and more

The small shop Gomera Activa was opened in 2012 by David Rodriguez Barrera and is located in the district of Vueltas, directly at the port of Valle Gran Rey.

Here you will find everything you are looking for. For example, you can rent dive equipment, bodyboards and high-quality kayaks at very fair conditions. David is very committed and always happy to give you tips on the way. If required he also offers guided kayak tours or stand-up paddling courses on the Atlantic Ocean, or he gives you an intensive briefing on snorkeling on the harbour beach. The focus on condensation is high on the list, but David only speaks Spanish and some English.

Recently David started to offer simple city bikes. With these one cannot drive into the mountains, but for a round in the Valle Gran Rey they are suitable in the best way.

Website: Gomera Activa