Cueva Bonita can only be visited from the sea, and there are two ways to do it: on a boat trip or paddling a kayak. Both are good options, and in this honest comparison — yes, we are the kayak company, but we take people out on this water every day and know what suits whom — we walk you through the real differences so you can choose well.
Quick answer: if you prefer a passive trip, check the boat operator's access, mobility and age conditions directly. If you prefer to paddle, kayaking offers an active, up-close experience; cave entry and any swimming stop depend on sea conditions and are not guaranteed.
First things first: there is no land access to Cueva Bonita
There is no trail and no road: this sea cave on the Tijarafe coast, famous for the blue reflections inside, can only be reached by water. Tourist boats usually depart from Tazacorte harbour and cruise the west coast northwards; kayak tours depart from Porís de Candelaria, the hamlet hidden beneath the cliff that is, on its own, one of the most spectacular corners of the Canary Islands.
The boat trip: comfortable and panoramic
Boat trips along the west coast are a great option if you would rather not exert yourself. They usually cover a long stretch of coastline between Tazacorte and the Porís, with cliff views from a certain distance, and some include food or drinks on board. Their strong points:
- Access and ages: depend on the boat and operator; confirm their conditions before booking.
- More kilometres of coastline in a single outing.
- A stable deck and shade on most vessels.
In exchange, groups are bigger, you see the coast from further away and the experience is more spectator than protagonist. Depending on the boat's size and the sea, they approach the cave entrance or go inside.
The kayak tour: the cave at water level
By kayak the scale changes completely: you do the paddling, half a metre above the water, hearing nothing but the sea and your paddle. This is our kayak tour to Cueva Bonita:
- Small groups (maximum 8 people) with a local La Palma guide.
- You paddle inside the cave when the sea allows: silence, blue reflections and the feeling of having it to yourself.
- Swimming: possible only when the selected service and sea conditions allow; not guaranteed. Snorkelling is included only if shown at booking.
- Your guide's photos and videos included — forget about your phone.
- You set off from Porís de Candelaria, so the visit to the cave village comes free.
- Beginner and family friendly: children from age 5 who can swim, in a double kayak with an adult.
- From €45 per person (€45 Canary Islands residents, €55 non-residents) — 1.5-2 hours of paddling.
The catch? You will get (a little) wet and you do have to paddle — although the group sets the pace and the route depends on the sea conditions that day.
Quick comparison
| 🚤 Boat | 🛶 Kayak | |
|---|---|---|
| Departure | Tazacorte harbour | Porís de Candelaria (Tijarafe) |
| Group | Medium-large | Maximum 8 people |
| Effort | None | Gentle, beginner friendly |
| The cave | From the boat, depending on size and sea | You paddle inside when the sea allows |
| Swim / snorkel | Depends on operator and conditions | Depends on booking and sea conditions; not guaranteed |
| Photos | Your own | Your guide takes them (included) |
| Price | Varies by operator | From €45 (€55 non-residents) |
Which one should you choose?
- Family with children aged 5+ who can swim: kayak — the kids ride a double with an adult and it becomes the adventure they remember from the trip.
- Couple after a special moment: the sunset kayak with snack, an option for sharing the sunset from the water.
- Mobility or age needs: confirm access conditions directly with the selected operator.
- Short on time and want to "see it all": boat — it covers more coastline.
- Truly experiencing the cave and taking home the best photos: kayak.
And if your trip allows both, they are not mutually exclusive: plenty of people do the boat one day and the kayak another, because the two perspectives are nothing alike.
Check the current calendar: price and terms published before payment; direct booking with the local team.
Book the kayak — from €45Want more details before deciding? Read the practical guide to the kayak tour or discover the story of Porís de Candelaria, the departure point.