El Caletón Natural Pools
Tenerife's volcanic past sculpted these natural pools, offering serene swims amidst dramatic lava rock formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
El Caletón Natural Pools
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tenerife's volcanic past sculpted these natural pools, offering serene swims amidst dramatic lava rock formations.
"A truly unique natural wonder, perfect for swimming and exploring the dramatic volcanic coastline."
Wear Water Shoes! 👟
Slippery rocks and sharp edges make water shoes essential for safe exploration and swimming .
Check Tide Times 🌊
High tide offers deeper pools, but can be more challenging. Low tide reveals more rock formations .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Natural Pools
Garachico
Unique volcanic rock formations creating serene, clear pools perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Lava Rock Formations
Coastline
Explore the dramatic black lava rocks shaped by the ocean, offering stunning natural beauty.
Wildlife Spotting
Pools and surrounding rocks
Observe small fish swimming in the pools and unique red crabs on the rocks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Footwear & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Water Shoes! 👟
Slippery rocks and sharp edges make water shoes essential for safe exploration and swimming.
Check Tide Times 🌊
High tide offers deeper pools, but can be more challenging. Low tide reveals more rock formations.
Arrive Early for Parking 🚗
Parking can be challenging, especially during busy periods. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Bring Your Snorkel Gear 🐠
The clear waters are perfect for spotting small fish and marine life.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Water Shoes! 👟
Slippery rocks and sharp edges make water shoes essential for safe exploration and swimming.
Check Tide Times 🌊
High tide offers deeper pools, but can be more challenging. Low tide reveals more rock formations.
Arrive Early for Parking 🚗
Parking can be challenging, especially during busy periods. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Bring Your Snorkel Gear 🐠
The clear waters are perfect for spotting small fish and marine life.
Pack Snacks & Drinks 🧺
Enjoy a picnic by the pools, especially if you find a quieter spot away from the main areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Caletón Natural Pools are a stunning natural wonder, praised for their unique volcanic formations and clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to explore the rocky coastline and observe local wildlife. However, the site can become very crowded, and some reviewers have noted unexpected closures or limited facilities.
"A lovely spot to see, but gets very busy. Lots of people in the first pools and sitting on the paths sunbathing.
We walked down to the right and followed the path to its conclusion. There are a couple of smaller pools round here that are much quieter. You can also walk out onto the rocks and observe the wildlife, especially crabs."
Helen R
"We visited at the beginning of May and nobody was in the water. It seemed a bit dangerous for swimming, maybe the sea is calmer in other times of the year. It’s very beautiful to walk around and enjoy the view. There are big red crabs walking around, never seen them before."
Nicole Mandelli
"Interesting place, the natural pools are definitely a sight worth visiting but even in November it was crowded, many people come here to enjoy some sun and the refreshing water.
Lots of locals too, having a swim and a picnic or reading, resting.
We walked all the way to the end to get a place with less people and we managed to fit a good spot, enjoyed a swim and relaxed in the water.
The rocks are slippery so it's good to have some water shoes, also to protect your feet from any scratches on the more sharp stones."
Nadia Mustafa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Caletón is located in Garachico on the island of Tenerife. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby, though it can get busy.
Yes, there is parking available, but it's often limited and can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Many visitors make day trips to El Caletón from areas like Adeje, though it's a significant drive. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the island and reaching these natural pools.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, El Caletón Natural Pools are a natural attraction and are generally free to access. There are no entrance fees.
As a natural site, El Caletón doesn't have set opening hours. However, access might be restricted during very rough sea conditions or for maintenance, though some reviews suggest it can be closed unexpectedly.
There is no entry fee to visit and swim in the El Caletón Natural Pools. It's a public natural attraction.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Generally, the pools are calm and safe for swimming, especially at lower tides. However, conditions can change rapidly with the sea. Lifeguards are sometimes present, adding an extra layer of safety.
The water temperature in the natural pools is influenced by the ocean and can be quite refreshing, especially during warmer months. It's generally cooler than a heated pool.
Yes, there are toilet facilities available. Some visitors note that sinks might not always have soap, so it's wise to bring your own. Showers may also be available.
Absolutely! The volcanic rock formations are fascinating to explore. Just be mindful of slippery surfaces and wear appropriate footwear.
You might spot small fish swimming in the pools and various marine life, including crabs, on the surrounding rocks.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography. The contrast between the black lava rocks and the blue water is stunning year-round.
Capture the unique shapes of the natural pools, the dramatic lava rock formations, and the vibrant colors of the surrounding landscape. Don't forget to photograph the local wildlife like crabs.
The entire coastline offers picturesque views. Walking along the paths and out onto the rocks provides various angles for capturing the pools and the ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers
📸 Photographers
Golden hour light in the early morning or late afternoon can create dramatic and beautiful shots. Don't miss capturing the textures of the lava rock and the marine life that inhabits the pools.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Volcanic Origins of El Caletón
The process of their formation means the pools vary in depth and size, offering different experiences for visitors. Some are shallow and perfect for wading, while others are deep enough for swimming and even small diving boards.
Many visitors are captivated by the sheer uniqueness of these pools. They are often described as one of the most beautiful and interesting natural swimming spots in the world.
Navigating the Pools and Surrounding Area
When visiting, it's advisable to check the tide times. High tide can fill the pools more completely, creating a more immersive swimming experience, but it can also make some areas less accessible or more challenging to navigate. Low tide, on the other hand, exposes more of the rock formations and can reveal hidden pools and marine life.
Beyond the pools themselves, the surrounding area offers opportunities for exploration. You can walk out onto the rocks to observe the local wildlife, such as the distinctive red crabs that inhabit the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit