Nat Geo Day Tour: Volcanic Beauty of Lanzarote, Photography Tour

Lanzarote volcano tour with BBQ

Lanzarote's volcanic scenery comes into its own at Timanfaya National Park. This corner of the island is all peaks and craters straight from a sci-fi movie set. And it's all even more dramatic at sunset. So on this evening trip, you're in for a treat.

North Lanzarote mixed-terrain four-seater buggy tour with transfers

Rev up and ride – this buggy tour is your ultimate adventure through Lanzarote's volcanic playground! Starting from Costa Teguise, you'll zoom north through epic spots like Guatiza, Charco del Palo, Mala, and more. Feel the thrill whizzing up to the island's highest point at Peñas del Chache, catching some stellar views at Mirador de las Nieves. Discover Teguise's historic lime kilns, glide along the old dam route, and conquer thrilling obstacles back to Costa Teguise.

Lanzarote tour with Timanfaya National Park and El Golfo

This grand tour of Lanzarote leaves no stone unturned. ‘You'll unearth the secrets of this volcanic island through the eyes of someone who has made it their home,' says Daria, one of our expert guides. Discover the island's spectacular green north and the volcanic south, visiting Timanfaya National Park, Jameos del Agua caves and a winery.

Nat Geo Day Tour: La Geria, Vineyards that Sprouted from Fire

When Timanfaya's six long years of eruptions ceased in 1736, the farmers of La Geria believed their fertile lands were lost forever under a thick layer of ash. But the local families needed to make the land productive again, and through sheer hard work and determination, they succeeded in creating the vineyards of La Geria. You'll start off with a scenic walk, following trails through private vineyards belonging to the family-owned bodega of Nacho Romero, opened exclusively for National Geographic travellers. As you soak up the unique character of these landscapes where vineyards are surrounded by volcanoes, the owner will explain how the layer of volcanic ash, known locally as ‘picón,' has shaped their cultivation methods, which are unique in the world. If you are lucky enough to find them ripe, you might even get to pick grapes straight from the vine as you hear Nacho or his wife Luisa, both winemakers, talk about the characteristics of volcanic wine. Back at the bodega after the walk, you'll be able to sample one of the artisanal wines that Nacho and Luisa make in their home winery. Next, you'll head to Bodega La Geria – another important component of the ecological wine making movement. The winemaker himself will show you around the bodega. Find out the secrets of the hollows, called ‘zocos' which shelter the vines from the wind, and discover the different varieties of grapes that thrive in Lanzarote's volcanic terroir. To finish, savour a tasting of one of the estate's renowned wines with local cheese and crackers.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Volcanic Beauty of Lanzarote, Photography Tour

Become a visual storyteller under the guidance of your National Geographic-trained photography guide. You'll pick up invaluable insights on capturing the perfect shot, be it in terms of composition, lighting, or narrative. After introducing the competitive element of the day, your guide will accompany you on the drive through Timanfaya National Park. During the tour, you'll get great views of Timanfaya's lunar landscapes, formed hundreds of years ago when a series of volcanic eruptions covered a quarter of the island in lava. Think rugged lava fields, brooding volcanic cones, and swathes of charcoal-grey ash. Stop at Islote de Hilario viewpoint to see the power of geothermal energy and enjoy the panorama. Travelling on to the fishing village of El Golfo, you will find a jumble of traditional buildings and bright boats which contrast with the black sand beach and the unusual green lake. It's a perfect location for capturing contrasting colour. Then, it's time to discover the ancient salt flats of Salinas de Janubio, another landscape saturated with drama and stark appeal. This area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and an important bird sanctuary – cameras at the ready. With a specialist photographer at your side, you'll gain new skills and fresh inspiration, plus a collection of striking images. As the day concludes on the terrace at Salinas de Janubio, unwind over a glass of wine or beer and a snack, while your photography guide reviews the day's photos and picks the winning shot.

Lanzarote sunset speedboat trip with drinks

The views don't get much better than Lanzarote at golden hour from the sea. On this speedboat trip, you'll zip about on the water for a couple of hours just as the sun begins to set and cast its golden glow over the horizon. From Puerto Calero, you'll skim across the ocean towards Papagayo Bay and nearby Playa Quemada, both showing off the polished black rocks of this volcanic landscape. With a chilled drink in hand and soft music on deck, make a toast to this wild and rugged coastline.

Luxury speedboat tour from Puerto Calero in Lanzarote

Hop on a sleek speedboat from Puerto Calero for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure. You'll zoom across the waves to either Lobos Island – known for its volcanic landscapes – or Papagago Bay, home to golden beaches. Along the way, check out hidden coves, dive in for a swim, or just lounge on deck with an ice-cold drink in hand. Plus, it's a small-group tour, so you'll get front-row views and plenty of space to soak up the sun and snap those Insta-worthy pics.

Luxury yacht trip to Lobos Island

Hop on a sleek speedboat from Puerto Calero for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure. You'll zoom across the waves to either Lobos Island – known for its volcanic landscapes – or Papagago Bay, home to golden beaches. Along the way, check out hidden coves, dive in for a swim, or just lounge on deck with an ice-cold drink in hand. Plus, it's a small-group tour, so you'll get front-row views and plenty of space to soak up the sun and snap those Insta-worthy pics.

Lanzarote sunset speedboat two-hour escape – ticket only

The views don't get much better than Lanzarote at golden hour from the sea. On this speedboat trip, you'll zip about on the water for a couple of hours just as the sun begins to set and cast its golden glow over the horizon. From Puerto Calero, you'll skim across the ocean towards Papagayo Bay and nearby Playa Quemada, both showing off the polished black rocks of this volcanic landscape. With a chilled drink in hand and soft music on deck, make a toast to this wild and rugged coastline.

Lanzarote landscapes tour with wine-tasting at a local bodega

Get ready to fill your camera roll with the beauty of northern Lanzarote. From the Cactus Garden in Guatiza and sugar cube-like villages to the lava coast and family-run bodega, every stop reveals another layer of life here. Expert local guide, Ana, says, "we take the afternoon at a relaxed pace, soaking up the views and taking time to appreciate the connection between the ancient volcanic land and what we're able to craft and produce from it."Your journey begins in Guatiza with a photo stop outside the iconic Cactus Garden, created by legendary local artist Cesar Manrique. From the sea of prickly green, you'll head to the turquoise of the Atlantic lapping against the black volcanic rock and white sands of Caletón Blanco. Ana, adds, “the contrasting landscapes will have you thinking you've travelled across countries, yet in just 20 minutes, you'll be in the Valley of a Thousand Palms, where arid stretches are replaced with wildflowers and green date palms.” You'll visit the valley's village of Haria, where you can drop into traditional craft shops or opt to visit the Cesar Manrique House Museum – just so you know, this is at your own cost. Then, at the family-run bodega in Ye, you'll get a true taste of Lanzarote. Artisanal cheeses and wines produced from the island's mineral-rich terrain are on your tasting menu as you hear more about how they're made. Your final stop tops off the day – literally. From Mirador de las Nieves, you'll get sweeping views of the jagged volcanic cliffs that make this part of the island so unmissable.