You’re always on the lookout for a great destination for a boys’ weekend, right? Well here’s one that’s not exactly the world’s best-kept secret: Playa de Las Américas, on Tenerife’s southwest coast. Ring any bells?
The reason this part of the world is so popular can be boiled down to two things: the amazing beaches and the exceptional weather. There are six fabulous beaches from which to choose, so, not-so-strangely, much of your time will be occupied on, in or above the water…
Don’t worry, be happy – there’s plenty to do on your boys’ weekend away!
Big Boys’ Beach Fun
Aside from sunbathing and swimming, we know boys will be boys – so you may want to know what else you can get up to on the beaches. The answer is, quite a lot.
Banana Boat: It’s an oldie but a goodie, and banana boat rides are one of the best-loved water activities here. So why, in a world of super hi-tech advances and futuristic entertainment, is climbing aboard a huge inflatable piece of fruit and hurtling around the ocean so popular? Because it’s damn good fun, that’s why! And what’s more, this is one ride all your mates can get onto at once. Make some memories on a banana in the Canaries. Gold.
Banana boat rides start at €10.80 for 10 minutes. Seats up to 8.
Parascending: Afraid of heights? Feel the fear and do it anyway – you can even do it with a couple of mates if you need some moral support. This completely safe activity will give you some awesome views of the southern coast of Tenerife as you fly high with the Spanish birds. You’ll receive a full safety briefing by the crew, after which you’ll be towed behind a boat to enjoy your 10-minute flight to freedom – or fear, as the case may be!
Parascending costs from €36 for a 10-minute ride. Can be done individually or up to three mates at a time. (If done individually you’ll fly with other participants.)
Fly Fish: Once you’ve conquered the banana it’s time to get extreme on the fabulous Fly Fish – and if you think it’s hard to hold on with a big banana between your legs, just wait until you’re hanging on for dear life on a flying, flipping inflatable fish! It’s designed to flip so it’s all very safe, and your only task is to sit down, hang on and enjoy the ride. Oh, enjoy the water too, because it’s a pretty safe bet you’ll be in it at some stage.
The Fly Fish costs from €10.80 for a 10-minute ride. Lifejacket included.
Other fast and furious water sports available on the beaches of Playa de Las Américas include:
- jet bike
- jet ski
- water skiing
- wakeboarding
Tip: If you’re an adrenaline junkie and you want to try everything, you can get a package of parascending, Fly Fish and jet bike starting from €58.50.
Submarine Safaris
Now for something completely different: how’d you like to be under the sea? While we can’t promise you’ll see an octopus’s garden, you’ll certainly get an ‘up-close-and-personal’ view of the amazing underwater world of Tenerife. In one of only 15 commercial submarines in the world, you’ll dive to a depth of 30 metres to cruise along the seabed.
Everyone on the sub has their own porthole, through which you can watch the underwater world pass by – and it’s a world unlike any you’ve ever seen before. You’ll have close encounters with eels, stingrays, barracudas, starfish and even wrecks of ancient ships. This could be the one time on your boys’ break even the loudest in your group will be awed into silence…
Submarine Safaris operate out of San Miguel Marina. Prices start from €53 pp (discounts for online bookings). They offer a free bus from Playa de Las Americas.
Helicopter Tours
Want to finish your boys’ holiday on a high? How about going all out on an awe-inspiring helicopter tour to experience the unique landscape of Tenerife from the air? An aerial tour is the ultimate big boys’ treat, and (depending on just how much of the budget you want to blow) you can choose from a short and sweet 10-minute ride along the south coast, right up to a 50-minute grand tour, which includes Spain’s highest peak, in the Teide National Park. You know you want to, so for what could be the most invigorating and memorable experience of your holiday – “Get to the chopper!”
Scenic helicopter tours with Helidream start from €98 for a 10-minute flight up to €495 for the grand tour. You can also lash out €1,880 for a private 1hour flight for up to four mates. Better hide the credit card receipt… Ph: +34 922 71 14 87
Whether or not you’ve ever heard of it, this fantastic resort is purpose-built for fun. No, really, it actually was purpose built, which means everything from the beaches and accommodation to the clubs and attractions are top-notch and designed with you in mind. Yes, you…and your mates of course!
Tip: If you want to learn more about Playa de Las Américas for a lads’ break, read this blog post, and this one will reveal everything you ever wanted to know about the nightlife.
How to get to Playa de Las Américas from Tenerife South
By air, Tenerife is just over four hours from the UK. Once you land at Tenerife South airport, it’s then only 20 minutes by road to get to Playa de Las Américas.
The easiest way to make sure you don’t waste any precious partying time trying to navigate public transport is to book one of the convenient Tenerife airport transfers. You can make all the arrangements online before you leave home, so a friendly driver will be there to meet you at the airport and get you and the boys directly to your accommodation. While you can choose a budget friendly shared option, if there are a few of you to chip in, a private transfer often works out just as cost-efficient.
Where to Stay
Apartamentos Playazul – With a cool garden setting and great proximity to Troya Beach, the Apartamentos Playazul is the perfect choice for a comfortable and relaxing lads’ break without costing the earth. You won’t get under each other’s feet in the spacious, well-facilitated apartments, which include a separate lounge and balcony. With a great pool, sun terrace and snack bar, and within walking distance of everything, all that’s left to do is take it easy.
Apartamentos Los Cardones – The quiet complex and cool, contemporary surrounds of Apartamentos Los Cardones makes it easy to kick back and really know you’re on holiday. When you’re looking for some action, you’re just 2km from the marina and 400 metres from a golf course, but if you just want to take it easy, the beautiful pool is right on the doorstep and your private terrace is even closer!
Playaflor Chill-Out Resort – Living up to its name in every possible way, the Playaflor Chill-Out Resort is the coolest place in town. With a mix of African or Arabian themed rooms, the exotic ambience is enhanced by the warm welcome of the staff and the awesome views over to la Gomera. Enjoy the privacy of drinks with the boys on your own balcony, or join the social set on the fabulous chill-out terrace.
About Shuttle Direct
If you’re looking for the fastest, most convenient way to get from the airport to your final destination (and back again), Shuttle Direct is the leading provider of airport transfers in Europe and North Africa. Our simple online booking system makes it easy, and you can choose from economical shared services or the luxury and convenience of private transfers. With friendly local drivers, clean, safe vehicles and a huge network of destinations, Shuttle Direct has all your airport transfers needs covered.
