REVIEW · LA PALMA
From Tazacorte: Discover the Northwest Coast by Speedy Yacht
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by FANCY · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Two hours, and the coast changes fast. This Northwest Coast by Speedy Yacht trip uses a hydrofoil with underwater vision, so you’re not just looking at cliffs above water—you’re also seeing what’s going on below. I love how it mixes named stop-offs like La Cueva Bonita and La Cueva Colorada with open-ocean chances for dolphins and even grind whales. The one drawback to plan around: the swim stop is seasonal and depends on sea conditions.
What makes it feel especially worth the money is the comfort package and the guided pacing. You get a specialized guide, life jacket, and blankets, plus snacks and drinks onboard while you crisscross the north of La Palma.
In This Review
- Key Points at a Glance
- Puerto de Tazacorte to the North Coast: how this 2-hour trip stays punchy
- Fancy hydrofoil with underwater vision: the view you can’t get from shore
- La Cueva Bonita and La Cueva Colorada: cave time without the hike
- Prois de Candelaria, Puntagorda, and the Tinizara well: getting real context from sea level
- La Playa de la Veta swim stop: cool off, relax, and eat onboard
- The northwest turnaround and the 2021 Tajogate lava delta: seeing volcanic change up close
- Wildlife spotting on open water: dolphins and grind whales can show up
- Onboard comforts, what’s included, and what to bring
- Price and value: what $72 buys in real experience time
- Who should book this northwest coast hydrofoil tour
- Should you book this Speedy Yacht northwest coast trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the Northwest Coast by Speedy Yacht tour?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What’s included onboard?
- Is there a chance to swim?
- Are there age restrictions?
- Can I cancel, and do I pay immediately?
Key Points at a Glance

- Underwater vision from the hydrofoil: watch corners of the coast that sit under the surface
- Two cave stops: La Cueva Bonita and La Cueva Colorada, with an attempt to get an interior look
- A real swimming chance: a stop at La Playa de la Veta, when conditions allow
- Cliffside viewpoints: Prois de Candelaria and Puntagorda from sea level
- 2021 Tajogate lava delta views: you’ll reach the most northwesterly area, then circle back farther offshore
- Wildlife potential: marine sightings can include dolphins and grind whales on the open-water stretch
Puerto de Tazacorte to the North Coast: how this 2-hour trip stays punchy
You start at Puerto de Tazacorte (Puerto de Tazacorte, s/n, 38770 Tazacorte), and within minutes you’re out on the Atlantic. This is a short outing by design, so the day doesn’t drag. You’re essentially getting a high-speed hit of the island’s wild north—caves, viewpoints, a possible swim, then the dramatic volcanic coast.
The timeline is tight in a good way: you’re not burning hours in transit, and you’re not spending all your time sitting in one place. The pacing also makes sense geographically. The north coast is packed with standout rock formations, and the route is built to hit several of them without wasting fuel.
One practical note: if you’re sensitive to motion, go easy on heavy food beforehand. Hydrofoils can feel quick and springy on open water. It’s still a guided, life-jacket-on experience, but your comfort matters on a two-hour ride.
Fancy hydrofoil with underwater vision: the view you can’t get from shore

The signature here is the Fantasy hydrofoil setup with underwater vision. Instead of craning your neck and guessing what you’re missing, you get a window into the coastline’s submerged parts—actual views of rock and water movement down below. It turns the trip into more than a scenery cruise.
That underwater perspective changes how you read the coast. From land, you mostly see cliffs and angles. From this boat, you can connect those angles to what’s happening underwater—where formations drop off, where the sea is calmer near rock edges, and how the coastline shapes the water.
The hydrofoil aspect also affects the vibe. You cover distance fast enough to reach the northern-most points while still getting time for caves and a swim stop. And if weather plays games, the operator may swap boats—there’s evidence of a change to Fancy 2 when conditions require it—so keep a flexible mindset.
La Cueva Bonita and La Cueva Colorada: cave time without the hike

Two of the trip’s headline moments are the cave visits: La Cueva Bonita and La Cueva Colorada. These aren’t just “pass by and wave” locations. You go to the caves and try to position for views that show more than the outside.
What I like about this approach is that it’s low-effort. You’re not hauling gear or climbing slick ground to get a partial view. The boat gets you close enough to appreciate the scale and texture of the rock—and you can often see why the caves are so distinct from different angles.
There’s also a small but meaningful detail: the plan includes attempting to enter the caves to get a look at the interior. That’s not something every sea tour can guarantee, since conditions matter, but it’s the kind of effort that elevates the stop above a simple photo stop.
If the sea is choppy, expect the cave experience to skew more toward exterior views. Bring a calm plan for photos and keep your expectations tied to what conditions allow.
Prois de Candelaria, Puntagorda, and the Tinizara well: getting real context from sea level

The route doesn’t treat the coast as one continuous wall. It breaks it into sections, and each one adds texture to the story of La Palma’s north. After the cave time, you pass Prois de Candelaria and Puntagorda, plus the Tinizara well.
From the water, these stops feel different than they do on foot. Cliffside settlements and carved coastal areas make more sense when you see how the ocean shaped daily life. You’ll notice how close buildings and natural features sit to the shoreline and how the terrain funnels movement.
The Tinizara well is a great example of why the boat angle matters. Wells and water points tell you about survival and planning. Seeing them from the sea helps you understand their relationship to the coastline, not just their existence on a map.
And there’s another practical advantage: you’re getting this context without switching cars, parking, or dealing with road navigation. In two hours, that counts.
La Playa de la Veta swim stop: cool off, relax, and eat onboard
A big question for most people is whether you’ll actually swim. The answer is: you get a stop to bathe at La Playa de la Veta, but it depends on season and sea conditions. That means you might be pulling on your swimwear or you might just be soaking up the views instead. Either way, you’ll still have a laid-back moment to reset.
During the stop, there’s time to relax, and you can enjoy tapas and drinks from what’s onboard. Since snacks and drinks are included from the start, this isn’t a “buy it later” situation. It’s more like a floating picnic timed to the day’s best coastal stretch.
I’d treat this swim stop as a bonus, not a guarantee. If swimming is central to your trip, plan for the possibility that weather decides. Bring what you need so you can jump in quickly if the captain gives the okay.
The northwest turnaround and the 2021 Tajogate lava delta: seeing volcanic change up close

When you reach the most northwesterly point, the route doesn’t just stop there. You turn and head farther from the coast until you reach the lava delta created by the 2021 volcanic eruption—often associated with Tajogate.
This part is memorable for a simple reason: it’s not an abstract volcanic story. You’re seeing fresh landforms and the way the eruption reshaped the coastline. Even from offshore, a lava delta has a different look than older rock. It reads as new, angular, and purposeful—like the coast was redrawn recently.
It also creates variety after the cave-and-cliff section. Caves are about sculpted voids. The lava delta is about raw geology meeting ocean water. That contrast keeps the trip from feeling repetitive.
If you’re the type who likes to understand why destinations look the way they do, this is the segment that will stick with you longer than a single photo.
Wildlife spotting on open water: dolphins and grind whales can show up
Wildlife watching is always a game of odds, but this tour is set up where you might actually see something. You sail along the open-water stretches after the northmost areas, and that’s where marine sightings become possible.
On this outing, sightings can include dolphins and grind whales. The key word in your expectations is chance. The route gives you the opportunity, but nature runs the show.
Here’s how you can improve your odds without stressing: stay attentive during the open stretches, be ready to look across the waterline, and keep a calm, patient posture. It’s also helpful to know that a sighting can be quick—seconds matter.
If you’re coming from a place of low expectations, good. It makes any real sighting feel extra rewarding. If you’re coming hoping for guarantees, you’ll be disappointed when the ocean stays quiet.
Onboard comforts, what’s included, and what to bring

This tour keeps things practical. You’ll have life jackets provided, plus blankets onboard for warmth if the Atlantic air cools down. The crew also provides snacks and drinks, which makes the ride feel like a full experience rather than a bare-bones transfer.
What’s not included is sunscreen, so bring your own. Even if you’re not tanning hard, you’re exposed on open water. And because this is a boat day, you don’t want to rely on buying essentials at the last minute.
For clothing, go for comfortable clothes and beachwear. If you might swim, wear something that’s easy to change in and out of. Also, bring a basic towel if you like a quick reset after bathing—just because a swim stop is possible doesn’t mean you’ll want to dry off with what you have on.
Packing rules matter here: no luggage or large bags are allowed. Travel light. If you’re carrying a backpack, keep it small and stowable.
One more plus: the boat is pet-friendly. If you’re bringing a pet, notify the activity provider in advance so they can plan accordingly.
Price and value: what $72 buys in real experience time
At $72 per person for a 2-hour outing, you’re paying for speed, access, and specialized gear—not just for being on the water. The hydrofoil with underwater vision is the big value driver. Shore viewpoints are great, but they can’t replicate submerged coastal views.
You’re also getting guided navigation to multiple distinct spots—two caves by name, a coastal swim stop when possible, and the lava delta segment. Doing that as a DIY route would mean multiple moving parts: driving, parking, and hiking (and you’d still miss the underwater component).
The included snacks and drinks, plus life jackets and blankets, reduce the “what else do I have to buy?” stress. That matters when you’re trying to plan a tight day on an island.
Where the value lands depends on your priorities:
- If you want caves, a potential swim, and volcanic coastline in one short block, it’s strong value.
- If you want a long, slow sightseeing day, the timing might feel fast.
- If wildlife watching is your main reason, you’re buying the chance, not the promise.
Who should book this northwest coast hydrofoil tour
This is a great match if you like the outdoors but don’t want the logistics of multiple stops. It’s also ideal if you’re curious about how La Palma’s north coast is shaped—caves, cliff towns, and volcanic coast changes.
It’s especially suitable for:
- People who want two hours of variety rather than one long scene
- Anyone interested in geology visuals like the 2021 lava delta
- Wildlife lovers who prefer open-water chances with a guided route
Skip it (or at least think twice) if:
- You’re pregnant
- You’re traveling with children under 2
- You’re with someone under 17 (there are age restrictions)
If you’re traveling with a pet, the tour can work, as long as you tell the provider ahead of time.
Finally, bring a realistic mindset about swimming. It’s a bonus when conditions allow, not a guaranteed swim appointment.
Should you book this Speedy Yacht northwest coast trip?
I’d book it if you want a high-impact La Palma north coast experience in a short time, especially if underwater views and volcanic coastline interest you. The combination of caves (La Cueva Bonita and La Cueva Colorada), a possible swim at La Playa de la Veta, and the Tajogate lava delta portion gives you variety that many boat tours don’t manage in just two hours.
I’d also book it if you like a guided day where snacks, safety gear, and warmth support are already handled. Just don’t assume you’ll swim, and don’t count on specific wildlife sightings. Think of this as a well-shot route with real odds—then let the ocean decide how lucky you get.
If that’s your style of travel, you’ll likely feel you got your money’s worth fast.
FAQ
How long is the Northwest Coast by Speedy Yacht tour?
The duration is 2 hours. Starting times depend on availability.
Where is the meeting point?
You meet at Puerto de Tazacorte, s/n, 38770 Tazacorte, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
What’s included onboard?
Snacks and drinks, a specialized guide, life jacket, and blankets are included.
Is there a chance to swim?
There is a bath/swim stop at La Playa de la Veta, but it depends on the season and sea conditions.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 2 years, or people under 17 years.
Can I cancel, and do I pay immediately?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.





