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Very enjoyable. Wide range of interests, birds, mammals, insects, ecosystems, geology, volcanology, etc.
R.H, Dorset, March '22
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The Canaries - La Palma in Spring
Tour Code: ESP54An 8-day holiday focusing on the botany, birds, whales and dolphins of the island of La Palma.
8 days
from
£2,195
£2,195
Land only price
from
£1,995
£1,995
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Lying in the west of the Canary Islands archipelago, La Palma is a quiet and scenic island that enjoys a mild, moist climate, perfect for a retreat from the endless northern winter. Its delights lie in a soothing combination of spectacular landscapes – including a towering volcano, lava flows, forests and pounding ocean – and an eclectic parade of exciting animals and plants found only in this part of the world. The highlights range from the pigeon double act (Laurel Pigeon and Bolle’s Pigeon) to the remarkable endemic flora, found everywhere from remote mountainsides to the scrub next to the hotel. Equally, the surrounding ocean is superb for sea mammals and seabirds alike.
- A general natural history tour of the island, encompassing birds, plants and marine mammals among much else
- Peaceful island in west of Canary Islands archipelago, not to be confused with the islands’ capital city, Las Palmas (on Gran Canaria)
- Boat trips looking for cetaceans such as dolphins, Short-finned Pilot Whales and even Blainville’s Beaked Whale
- Trip to the famed “Laurisilva” highland forest to look for Laurel Pigeon and Bolle’s Pigeon
- Endemic plants abundant at your feet, including Canary Tamarisk and Canary Samphire
- Common local endemic birds such as Atlantic Canary, Berthelot’s Pipit and Canary Island Chiffchaff
- Superb scenery with volcanoes, extensive forests and ocean
Following on from our successful September holiday to the island of La Palma in the Canaries, we are delighted to offer a new tour to brighten those late-winter days. A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, La Palma’s incredible landscapes, imposing volcanoes, extensive forests and star-filled night skies more than justify its reputation as ‘La Isla Bonita’ – the Beautiful Island. Due to their isolation, islands often have a fascinating ecology and La Palma is no exception, supporting many Canary Island endemic species and subspecies of birds, plants and butterflies, some unique to La Palma itself! On this 8-day holiday we will seek to enjoy all aspects of La Isla Bonita’s natural heritage.
Our holiday will begin with a direct flight to Santa Cruz de La Palma and a short transfer to our hotel in Los Cancajos, on the island’s sunny south-east coast. The scrubby coastal vegetation near the hotel, with its Canary Island Sorrel, Canary Island Samphire and Canary Tamarisk, are likely to hold Atlantic Canary, Canary Island Chiffchaff and West Canaries Lizard, as well as Canary Blue and Monarch butterflies. Out to sea, we may see Cory’s Shearwaters or a passing pod of Bottlenose Dolphins. Indeed, the deep waters off La Palma are excellent for cetaceans and we will take boat trips, hopefully seeing several species of dolphin and Short-finned Pilot Whale, as well as Blainville’s Beaked Whale and others. On land, we will explore the semidesert, lava flows, scrubby fields, Canary Island Pine forests, and ‘Laurisilva’, the rare and fragile laurel forest where strange plants such as the enormous Chain Fern abound. This unique habitat is home to both Laurel and Bolle’s Pigeon, as well as the La Palma subspecies of Blue Tit and Common Chaffinch. Rising above the cloud layer, the road along the north side of the Caldera de Taburiente gives stunning views and is home to Berthelot’s Pipit and the local subspecies of Red-billed Chough, as well as a distinct flora and several astronomical observatories. This less-visited island truly offers something for everyone!
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Santa Cruz, La Palma
Day 2/7
Wildlife/botany excursions and whalewatching tours from Los Cancajos
Day 8
Fly UK
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Thu 12th Mar – Thu 19th Mar
SPACES
£2,195
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
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