There are experiences that remain etched in your memory long after they are over. Paddling a kayak along the coast of Tijarafe as the sun sinks into the Atlantic is one of them. The golden light bathing the cliffs, the silence broken only by the splash of the paddle in the water, the silhouette of La Gomera cut against the horizon... it is one of those moments when you feel you are exactly where you are meant to be.
Our sunset tour was born from a simple idea: the west coast of La Palma faces directly west, and every evening the sun puts on an unrepeatable show. Why not enjoy it from the best seat possible — a kayak floating on crystal-clear waters?
What makes the sunset tour different?
If you already know our morning excursion to Cueva Bonita, you might wonder what the evening version adds. The short answer: everything changes. The light, the atmosphere, the wildlife, and even the water temperature create a completely different experience.
In the afternoon, the sea is usually calmer than in the morning. The thermal breeze that blows during the day dies down, and the ocean surface becomes a mirror reflecting the orange, pink, and violet tones of the sky. The basalt cliffs, which in the morning appear dark and imposing, transform into golden walls that seem to glow with the last light of the day.
Additionally, bottlenose dolphin sightings are more frequent at sunset. These cetaceans tend to feed near the coast in the late afternoon hours, and it is not unusual for them to approach the kayaks out of curiosity. Watching them leap in silhouette, with the sun setting behind them, is a moment that no participant ever forgets.
The route: from the Poris to the spectacle
The tour departs from Poris de Candelaria approximately two hours before sunset. This gives us enough time to paddle calmly southward, skirt along the cliffs, and find the perfect spot from which to watch the sun go down.
The first part of the route is similar to the daytime excursion: we paddle close to the base of the sea cliffs, explore small caves and natural arches, and the guide shares stories about the geology and legends of the coast. But as the afternoon progresses, the rhythm changes. The colours intensify, conversation naturally fades away, and all senses focus on the spectacle unfolding before us.
The magical moment
There is an instant, just as the sun touches the horizon line, when everything seems to stand still. The sky ignites in a palette of colours ranging from gold to purple, the water gleams like liquid metal, and the cliffs cast long shadows across the sea. That is the moment we stop paddling and simply float in silence, absorbing every second.
"The sunset from the kayak is something you cannot capture in a photograph. You have to feel the water beneath you, the warmth of the sun on your face, and the silence of the ocean. It is pure magic."
After sunset, the return to the Poris takes place under a sky that transitions from deep blue to starry black. On clear nights — which on La Palma are the majority — it is possible to see the first stars and, sometimes, the Milky Way beginning to trace its path above our heads. It is no coincidence that the island is a Starlight Reserve.
Best months and practical tips
The sunset tour is available from May to October, when sea and weather conditions are most stable. The best months are June, July, and August, when the sun sets later and the water temperature is more pleasant.
- Departure time: varies depending on the time of year (approximately 2 hours before sunset).
- Duration: 2.5 — 3 hours.
- Price: 55 EUR per person. Includes kayak, paddle, life jacket, and guide.
- What to bring: swimsuit, long-sleeved shirt (it cools down at sunset), sunscreen, camera with waterproof case.
- Small groups: maximum 8 people for an intimate experience.
- No previous kayaking experience required.
Photography tips
If you are a photography enthusiast, the sunset tour is a dream come true. Here are some tips for capturing the best images:
- Use a waterproof case for your phone or camera. We provide one if you do not have your own.
- Shoot in burst mode during the sunset — the colours change by the second.
- Make the most of silhouettes: the kayaks, cliffs, and people look spectacular backlit.
- Do not obsess over your camera. The best moments are the ones you experience with your eyes, not through a screen.
The sunset kayak experience is much more than an excursion: it is a way to connect with the wild essence of La Palma. If you are looking for an experience that combines adventure, nature, and those moments of calm that only the sea can offer, this tour is made for you.