If you thought kayaking along the coast of Palm-Mar couldn’t get any better — think again. We returned to Adventure Time in Palm-Mar this May, and the experience reminded us all over again why this is one of our absolute favourite sustainable activities on the island. With longer days, warmer water temperatures, and the coastline at its most alive, a spring kayaking tour is something truly special — and this time, it delivered surprises we didn’t see coming.
May on the Water: A Whole Different Energy
We kicked things off the same way as always — a thorough safety briefing from the Adventure Time team, followed by getting fitted with life jackets and choosing our kayaks. Their gear is well-maintained and easy to handle, which means even first-timers feel comfortable from the very first stroke.
But stepping onto the water in May? That’s where things felt different. The Atlantic Ocean along Tenerife’s southwest coast is noticeably calmer in spring, and the light at this time of year is simply stunning — golden and clear, bouncing off the water in a way that makes the volcanic cliffs glow. With the sun already high but not yet at its summer peak, conditions were ideal for a longer paddle without feeling drained.
We followed the coastline from Palm-Mar, weaving past the familiar hidden coves and sea caves we’d fallen for before. Our guide filled the journey with fascinating details about Tenerife’s volcanic geology and the ecological importance of the coastal waters — the kind of context that transforms a beautiful paddle into something genuinely educational.
May Means More Marine Life
One of the biggest differences we noticed this time was just how active the marine environment felt. May is a fantastic month for wildlife spotting along this stretch of coast. The waters are warming up, and the underwater world is buzzing with life. We could see schools of fish darting beneath our kayaks through the crystal-clear water, and at one point the group paused as a sea turtle surfaced just a few metres away — calm, unbothered, and utterly magnificent.
Dolphins are a regular presence in this area year-round, and May is no exception. We caught sight of a small group in the distance, moving along the coastline at their own pace. No chasing, no disturbance — just a respectful moment of wonder from our kayaks, which is exactly how wildlife encounters should feel.
The Landscape in Spring
There’s something about Tenerife’s south coast in May that deserves its own paragraph. The sea is a deep, vivid turquoise. The black volcanic rock formations are dramatic against the blue sky. And because spring brings slightly more moisture to even the driest parts of the island, there are hints of green clinging to the cliffsides that you simply don’t see in the height of summer. Paddling through it all, you really understand why this stretch of coastline is so worth protecting.
Our guide pointed out areas of the coast where marine conservation efforts are actively underway, and spoke about how responsible tourism — like low-impact kayaking — plays a role in keeping these ecosystems intact. It’s exactly the kind of thinking that makes Adventure Time a natural fit for what Canary Green promotes.
A Quieter, More Intimate Experience
One practical benefit of visiting in May that’s easy to overlook: the crowds. Tenerife is busy year-round, but May sits in a sweet spot before the peak summer rush. Our group was small, the pace was relaxed, and there was time to really absorb the experience rather than feeling like part of a conveyor belt of tourists. The Adventure Time team clearly enjoys what they do, and with a smaller group, that warmth really comes through.
As always, complementary water was on hand throughout, and the team’s knowledge of the local area — from geology to ecology to history — made every pause in paddling feel worthwhile.
Our favorites
• Seeing Tenerife from a new perspective
• The care and sense of safety
• Complementary water
• Information of the area
• The sense of calm
Canary Green’s tips to enjoying sustainable tourism in Tenerife
Visiting Tenerife on holiday doesn’t give you free rein to leave your values and principles at home. We encourage travellers to seek out sustainable options and keep up with environmental practices while travelling. Our top tips for a relaxed and wholesome stay include:
- Consider green transport options. Are you able to take a ferry to the island instead of flying? While you are here is a car necessary? Investigate public transport links or choose green options such as electric cars, green-hydrogen cars or e-bikes.
- Choose destinations that value sustainability and choose green alternatives such as solar power, recycling and energy-efficient architecture. This extends to places that value workers’ rights and the impact on the local community.
- Bring your own water bottle with you and refill it instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.
- Make use of the recycling when out and about and don’t just throw your rubbish in the nearest bin.
- Most of all, have fun and enjoy your time in the Canary Islands.
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Thank you
Thank you to everyone involved in this Canary Green project where our aim is to help promote sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands.
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