Tenerife Sunset Quad Tour on Teide: A Candid Review

So, you are thinking of booking a quad tour up Mount Teide for sunset in Tenerife, huh? It’s almost one of those bucket-list things a lot of people consider when visiting this really scenic Canary Island. Yet, you might be wondering if it actually lives up to the hype, or is it just another tourist trap? I get that! Well, let me tell you my experience. Actually, I went on the Tenerife Sunset Quad Tour on Teide just last week, and I want to share a proper, no-holds-barred account, so you know what you are truly getting yourself into.

What is the Tenerife Sunset Quad Tour on Teide, Anyway?

In a way, this trip is just as it sounds: you grab a quad bike (ATV) and rumble up the slopes of Teide, that towering volcano that pretty much shapes Tenerife’s landscape. Very, very often, the tours happen close to sunset, so that people can get a look at some epic views as the sun dips below the horizon. Just think of it like this: a mix of sightseeing, adventure, and, of course, those picture-perfect moments all rolled into one. But, trust me, there are things people tend to forget to tell you!

Booking and Initial Thoughts: More or Less Smooth

Booking was really simple through one of the bigger online tour sites. Seemingly, there are a lot of companies offering the very same tour, yet it looks like they all kind of use the very same route and format. Just a little tip, though, read the fine print! So, some tours include hotel pickup, but others do not, so make sure you know what you are signing up for. Similarly to arranging other parts of your trip, there’s a good feeling that comes from having transport fully arranged to the location and back to the accomodation.

That said, the confirmation came through immediately, with all of the details that I needed: pickup time, meeting spot (since I opted to go to the meeting spot, for reasons of cost) and what to bring along. The communication was more or less clear, yet it felt rather automated. I’d rate it a 7/10 – efficient, yet nothing that really warmed me up to the company.

Gearing Up and Safety Briefing: Actually Kind Of Rushed

Alright, so when I got to the meeting point, things felt just a little rushed. We got helmets, were told a few basics about how to ride a quad (it’s simple enough), and then basically, we were off. I actually felt that the safety talk could have been longer; seemingly, there were a few first-timers in my group. It might be, for an experienced rider, the briefing was sufficient, yet if you have never ridden before, make sure that you really listen closely and ask questions if something is not clear. We want to keep everyone in one piece, right?

The Ride Up Teide: Scenery and a Bit of Bumps

Basically, the ride up Teide is where this quad bike trip actually shines. Even though the quads were not new (they showed very obvious signs of heavy use), they did the trick just fine. Still, that’s something to keep in mind. That is that this is not a luxury ride; this is getting down and a bit dusty.

Anyway, as I was saying, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. You begin to climb, and suddenly the landscape changes from coastal views to pine forests, then to volcanic terrain that seems otherworldly. It’s awesome to feel the air getting cooler, and you can begin to smell that distinctive volcanic scent. It could be a cliche, but stopping to take pictures, there is no question you could plaster them all over Instagram!

It is almost impossible to express the sheer feeling of freedom, ripping across the volcanic landscape with views across to the other Canary Islands. So incredible.

Sunset Viewing: Cloud Inversion – A Real Highlight

Clearly, the best bit of this trip is the sunset. That said, mother nature is obviously a huge part of what makes that part awesome! We stopped at a viewpoint, and the sight in front of me was stunning. What I saw was the so-called “sea of clouds,” due to a cloud inversion where you’re literally above the clouds. I guess this occurs fairly often due to the island being humid in some areas.

The sun started going down, and the sky basically exploded with colors, oranges, pinks, and purples reflecting off the clouds way below. It felt like being on another planet. Finally, those moments where you actually feel grateful you experienced something unique in this short existence of ours. That’s just my feelings anyway!

Things That Could Be Better: Think About These

Actually, this quad bike trip wasn’t totally perfect, and I feel it’s important to be frank in a review. Just a little point: the quads could use some care, that’s clear. These things go through the ringer every day, so it’s obvious that they would begin to get tatty quickly.

In fact, what I found a little more frustrating was the time we had at the sunset point. Maybe we only had around 20 minutes to really enjoy it, take some snaps, and soak it all in. Frankly, I thought that felt a bit short. Also, the guides could try to engage a bit more; clearly, they knew the routes perfectly, yet seemed more like robotic shepherds just ushering us along.

If, as a rider, you feel that you want to pause, stop, or spend longer somewhere – that is difficult, due to the group following instructions and moving as one. Remember, also, that during low-season, there is a strong possibility you’ll encounter clouds when arriving at high altitude, somewhat ruining your chance to see a clear sunset! But that, basically, comes down to chance – and cannot be attributed to the organisation running the quad tour.

Who is this Quad Tour For? Usually…

Clearly, this activity is wonderful if you have an adventurous spirit, even if it only occasionally appears, anyway. If you enjoy getting a bit of adrenaline rush alongside scenery that will cause you to actually stop and stare, you’ll like it. So, if you are the type of person who generally prefers manicured gardens and afternoon tea, then it’s seemingly not your cup of tea!

You do actually need to be relatively physically fit and also able to climb stairs (should that be needed). Yet, as a basic fitness is important to enjoy fully. On top of that, there is always dust and some bumping along the route – though there are rest points – the tour as a whole does take its toll if your physique is not ready!

Overall Value: Is It Worth the Cost, Actually?

In that case, here’s the deal: The Tenerife Sunset Quad Tour on Teide is, in fact, an awesome experience. It is almost something unique and memorable and, yes, worth the money they ask, typically. So, I’d say weigh what I’ve said: the equipment is a little rough, the safety thing could be better, and the time given to actually stop and watch the sunset could be longer, yet the sheer raw beauty of the ride makes up for all that.

The sunset that I was able to enjoy was beyond expectations, so if the sky is clear that day, expect something special!

Just be prepared that at high altitude, with a slight breeze, temperatures drop extremely quickly. Wearing several thin layers to peel off or apply will stand you in great stead. I went prepared with base-layers and light rainproof gear and actually benefited from the extra options that brought.