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Frequently Asked Questions about Stargazing in Tenerife

Find answers to all your questions about stargazing tours in Tenerife. From booking details to what to expect during the tour, we’ve got you covered.

  • Are your tour guides professionally qualified?
     We have been operating for years on the island, our guides are certified by the Starlight Foundation and have knowledge of astronomy as well as geology and biology of the island…also, we are friendly and fun!

  • Do the tour guides accept tips?
    …only if you twist their arm…Tips are the international sign of appreciation for a service, so we welcome Euros, US dollars, crypto and bitcoin (just kidding, we prefer the old-fashioned cash)

  • How does the tour unfold ?
    If you booked the Classic or VIP tours, we pick you up at or close to your accommodation about one hour before sunset (exact time changes throughout the year). After a drive of approximately 30 minutes, we stop at our first location to enjoy the sunset with a glass of Spanish sparkling wine or a soft drink provided by us. This is also where we rendez-vous with our guest who have chosen the U-Drive option.
    About 10 minutes after sunset we drive to a different location (the U-Drive guests will follow us with their vehicles) where we set up the telescopes and carry on the stargazing session. At the end of the session, U-Drivers can stay as long as they want while we will drive back to drop off our Classic and VIP tour guests. If the clouds block any of the viewpoints we normally use, we will assess the situation in-situ and decide whether to move to a different location or cancel the tour.

  • What should I bring?
    Warm clothes, closed shoes, food and drinks, but most importantly a good attitude! also you can bring binoculars and cameras if you want.

  • What should I wear for the tour?
    Although many people associate Tenerife with warm weather and sunshine, our tours take place up on the mountain and, depending on weather conditions and time of the year, temperatures can drop to freezing after sunset.
    We have a limited number of coats our guests are welcome to borrow, but bring your warmest clothes and dress in layers. DO NOT wear shorts and open shoes because we do not want to hear you complain how much colder than you anticipated it is… we warned you!

  • How many guests should I expect?
    We like to keep the groups as small as possible to ensure our guests have plenty of time to look through our telescopes and to interact with our guides. Our Classic tour tops at around 30 people, which might sound crowded but actually is less than half the number of guests compared to the other companies operating on the island.
    If you want an even more private and personal experience, we offer our VIP Sunset and Stargazing tour that is limited to 16 guests.
  • Do you provide transportation?
    We provide transportation for our Classic and VIP tours. If you have booked the Classic or VIP tours, we pick you up at or close to your accommodation. IMPORTANT: at this time we only provide transportation service in the south of the island between El Médano and Los Gigantes (excluding Las Galletas -Costa del Silencio – Palm-Mar). Please confirm with us that your address is within our pick-up area if you are unsure 
  • I will come with my own transportation, where to meet?
    If you chose the U-Drive Tour, you meet us 20 minutes before the sunset here. 
    After sunset, you follow us with your vehicle to another location in the Teide National Park for the stargazing session. You will be given clear and detailed instructions about time and locations via Whatsapp messenger the day of the tour
  • I booked the U-Drive option: is the drive safe to the meeting point?
    Absolutely. It is the easiest access to the Teide National Park, with perfect tarmac conditions and never exposed or too winding.
    Just check Google Maps in advance for traffic conditions, especially in the resort area and allow yourself plenty of time to reach the meeting point. Also be warned that at the sunset and stargazing locations cellphone coverage is spotty at best and non-existent in most cases so it will be very difficult to contact us.
  • Do you provide children’s car seats?
    We have booster seats available, but not for small children.
  • Is food provided during the tour ?
    We offer a welcome drink when we arrive at the sunset location but do not provide any food. You are more than welcome to bring snacks or sandwiches and to eat them at any time. No eating or drinking is allowed inside our vans and buses.
  • Do Stargazing Tenerife tours take place at the summit of Mount Teide
    No, we carry on our tours in designated areas in the Teide National Park.

  • Do Stargazing Tenerife tours take place at the Izaña Observatory ?
    No, the observatory is not accessible at night for public and we do not want to interfere with the research they conduct. We carry on our tours in designated areas in the Teide National Park.

  • Are there facilities nearby ?
    There are no restaurants or facilities where we carry on our stargazing tours. Should you need to use the restroom, you can hide behind any of the trees nearby 😉 so plan accordingly.

  • Temporary restrictions that may lead to cancel or move the tour outside the Teide National Park.
    Sometimes, local authorities close the roads in the Teide National Park for security reason due to fire hazard, snow or other extreme conditions. In those instances we go to alternative locations not affected by the road closures.
    When we are notified ahead of the scheduled tour date, we contact you offering the chance to join the tour or get refunded. If the restrictions are applied last-minute and the tour has already started, we talk to all the guests and the guides make the final decision whether to carry on the tour at the alternative location or cancel. If all guests agree to cancel, you get 50% refund.
  • What about bad weather?
    Before we confirm the tour we exhaustively check weather forecast websites, monitor cloud movements via satellite images, and take a good look at the live Teide webcam. When we confirm the tour we are confident that the conditions are going to be excellent, however, in rare instances unexpected weather can force us to cancel the tours.
    There are also instances where local authorities close roads or prevent access to the Teide National Park for security reasons at the last minute, especially during heat waves. You can find all the details about our Cancellation Policy according to the different scenarios in the relative FAQ paragraph.

  • What about the Moon?
    Our natural satellite is one of the best celestial objects to marvel at, but depending on the time of the month, especially 2-3 days before full moon, the sky is not as dark and not all the deep-sky objects might be visible. We strongly recommend that you check the moon calendar to select your favorite night and, if you are not sure, send us a message and we will be happy to give you advice.
  • My tour was canceled by Stargazing Tenerife before or on the day of the booked tour.
    If we cancel our tours before they take place, you have either the option to be rescheduled to the next available date or to receive a full refund if you are not available.

  • My tour was canceled by Stargazing Tenerife after it had already started.
    If the conditions worsen to the point where our guides make the decision to stop the tour, you can reschedule at no cost within one year or get 50% refund. The decision to cancel a tour is made by our guides and it is final.

  • My tour was canceled by Stargazing Tenerife but was booked through a third part agency or platform, so not directly through Stargazing Tenerife.
    In such cases, if the platform allows us refunds, we will proceed to reimburse you, otherwise you need to contact the agency or platform.

  • My tour was not canceled but the stargazing spot was moved outside the Teide National Park.
    Sometimes, local authorities close the roads in the Teide National Park for security reason due to fire hazard, snow or other extreme conditions. In those instances we go to alternative locations not affected by the road closures.
    When we are notified ahead of the scheduled tour date, we contact you offering the chance to join the tour or get refunded. If the restrictions are applied last-minute and the tour has already started, we talk to all the guests and the guides make the final decision whether to carry on the tour at the alternative location or cancel. If all guests agree to cancel, you get 50% refund.

  • My tour was not cancelled but we did not make it in time to watch the sunset.
     Traffic can be problematic in some areas at certain times of the day. Our pick-up times allow for plenty of time to arrive at the sunset location without rushing, but sometimes accidents and last-minute closures can cause delays. We usually arrive 30 minutes before sunset but we shall not be held responsible for delays due to traffic. In addition, we shall not be held responsible for delays due to guests arriving late at the agreed meeting point.
  • I have to cancel my booking because I cannot attend the tour.
    If you cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour date, you will be fully reimbursed (as allowed by many booking platforms as well).

  • I had a last-minute problem and could not attend the tour I had booked but did not notify Stargazing Tenerife.
    If you do not participate in the tour without and you do not notify our staff, you will not be reimbursed.
    We strive to communicate with our guests before the scheduled tour so that nothing remains unclear. We shall not be held responsible for canceling due to adverse weather conditions, if you are not reachable using Whatsapp Messenger or if you fail to provide correct contact data. Also keep in mind that cellphone coverage up on the mountain is not available in most places, so we are not responsible if you cannot contact us at that point.

  • I had a last-minute problem and could not attend the tour I had booked and notified Stargazing Tenerife.
    For example, if your car breaks down on the way to your meeting point with us and you call us or send us a message, we will reschedule you to the next available tour.
    We are human beings and understand that there are sometimes unexpected situations, so in that case contact us and we will find a solution together.

  • I went kayaking in the morning and came back late for the tour with Stargazing Tenerife, or I went diving and they recommended against going high up the mountain for 24 hours, so I cannot attend the tour with Stargazing Tenerife. We value our guests. We like to keep the groups as small as possible because each of our guests counts. It is your responsibility to make sure you participate in the tour you booked and plan your other activities for that day, so you will not be reimbursed if a conflict in schedule does not allow you to join the tour even after notifying us.
  • Tenerife is a premier destination for stargazing due to its unique geographical and atmospheric conditions. The island offers exceptionally clear skies, minimal light pollution, and favorable weather year-round, making it an astronomer’s paradise. Teide National Park, in particular, is renowned for its high altitude and low humidity, providing perfect conditions for observing the night sky. Recognized by NASA as one of the top three places in the world for stargazing, Tenerife attracts enthusiasts from around the globe. Our expert guides enhance your experience by offering insightful knowledge and high-quality equipment, ensuring you have an unforgettable stargazing adventure.

Have more questions? Contact us at reservations@stargazing-tenerife.com or check out our Stargazing Tours to book your adventure under the stars today!