Tenerife: 40-minute or 1-hour jet ski safari

What you will see

A guided jet ski safari along Tenerife's south coast, between Marina San Miguel and El Médano. It's a stretch of volcanic shoreline far less built up than Las Américas, with coloured cones dropping straight into the sea.

• Montaña Amarilla, an old volcano of yellow tuff in Costa del Silencio.
• Costa del Silencio bay and the fishing village of Las Galletas.
• Montaña Roja, next to El Médano, if sea and weather allow.
• With luck, dolphins, turtles or a whale along the way; nothing is guaranteed.

How it works

The meeting point is pontoon H at Marina San Miguel, at the far end of the Amarilla Golf marina. There's free parking at the marina entrance. Be there 30 minutes early for paperwork and the safety briefing.

No licence or experience is needed: the instructor explains how to ride safely, then leads on their own craft, setting the pace. Groups are 8 people at most. Each jet ski takes one or two people, up to 200 kg. Drivers must be 16 (16- and 17-year-olds need written parental consent) and passengers at least 8 and strong enough to hold on.

Before setting off you leave a €50 cash deposit per jet ski, which ensures you keep your distance from the rest of the group. Phones aren't allowed: the operator takes photos and videos during the ride, sold separately.

The exact route depends on the sea and on whether you choose 40 minutes or an hour. Back at base there's a shower, toilets, lockers and coffee, tea, soft drinks or juice.

Who I recommend it for

• Anyone wanting to try a jet ski for the first time with a guide.
• Couples or friends staying in the south (Golf del Sur, Las Galletas, Los Cristianos).
• Anyone who prefers a quieter stretch of coast than Playa de las Américas.

Who I don't recommend it for

• Non-swimmers or anyone with back problems.
• Anyone who wants to bring their phone to film.
• Families with children under 8: a whale-watching boat trip suits them better.