Some Exciting News!

(Pictured Right: Paige Sammons, Head Coordinator, Left: Jessica Jarvis, Coordinator).

In recent events, AWF are proud to announce a new alliance with Mola Mola Sailing Tenerife! As of next week, our experienced coordinators and volunteers will be joining Mola Mola on their excursions to broaden our research and give quality tour guide information on board, and within the Mola Mola office.

This will be available to tourists taking part in whale watching excursions, supporting responsible environmentally sustainable interactions with Cetaceans and marine life. Information will be available on the resident and migratory marine life surrounding Tenerife and the Canaries. The information you receive will come from a member of the AWF team, with either a Marine Biology or Zoology Degree background, with years of experience and knowledge in their field.

The Mola Mola operates from Puerto Colon, and all their vessels are blue boats, meaning they are government licence whale watching vessels, ensuring responsible and sustainable interaction with wildlife.

We are very excited to work with such an incredible company!

-Jess, AWF Coordinator

Roque Imoque: Local Climb

In preparation for the Teide Challenge, some of our volunteers attempted a climb of a local mountain, Roque Imoque. At 1107m high, the climb is quite challenging for one of the smaller mountains in Tenerife, in comparison to the more popular Roque del Conde both situated in the Adeje area. Both a short walk from our Research Base in Arona.

The peak of Imoque requires more scrambling and climbing to reach as apposed to just an uphill hike, so was chosen as a more appropriate preparation climb for the difficult challenge ahead of climbing Teide, the third highest volcano in the world at 3,718 m, with an altitude of 7500m above sea level. Here’s what Beth, one of our volunteers had to say about the experience;

‘It was a good walk and well worth the leg ache, the views were amazing and are a must see if you are in tenerife!’

Roque Imoque is one of three peaks in the Adeje area, local legend states it was named after the Daughter of a Guanche King. It was said to be named after the princess in honour of her physical attributes and beauty. Offering panoramic views, it is the perfect place to watch the sunset  while here with the AWF, and Coordinators will facilitate the climb for you should you wish to complete it.

We can even take your photograph at its peak from our Research base (albeit with a decent zoom lens) once you have reached it!

 

– Jess, AWF Coordinator

Horse Riding FAM Trip

 

Today a group of our volunteers were taken on a popular excursion we run weekly, Horse Riding. Or as Mama, our driver would say “El Caballos!” The trip is organised with a local stables owned by Oscar, a good friend of the AWF.

You will have the option of a one or two hour ride, depending on your preference, during which you are taken out onto the dirt tracks surrounding the stables, and take part in a trek or hack depending on your riding ability. Here’s what one of our volunteers had to say about the experience;

‘Horse Riding is something I have done at home before, but it had been a while since I had been in the saddle. However on arrival I was greeted by Oscar and fitted for a helmet, and was put straight on a suitable horse. During the first part of the ride Oscar was watching how competent everyone was and once we’d reached a certain point we separated into two groups, of experienced and inexperienced riders. Oscar made me feel right at home and helped me ease back into the saddle, within 15 minutes I was galloping away through the winding dirt tracks like I was in the wild west! If you want to give horse riding a try as a beginner, or are an experienced rider, I would highly recommend doing it during your stay with the AWF!’

Horse riding is a weekly excursion we plan here at the AWF, and if it is something you are interested in we will make sure your needs are accommodated for. It is great fun for people of all riding abilities and the views are incredible! Just be sure to bring your sunscreen and some change for an ice cream should you choose a two hour trek.

 

– Jess, AWF Coordinator

A Masca Adventure!

One of the many ‘Fam’ trips we organise here at the Atlantic Whale Foundation is The Masca Trek! There are so many beautiful places around the island to explore, some of our volunteers took on the challenge and told us this tale…

“Yesterday we went to Masca to hike. We started in the town of Masca to walk down the canyon. In the town of Masca we saw and learned about the beautiful history of the town itself. It really is a beautiful town to go sightseeing. Next we walked to the canyon looking at beautiful views and exploring the tunnels and caves. During the 3 hour walk we saw different species of birds and found waterfalls! Later, we arrived at the ocean where the walk ended. Here we went for a swim and went snorkelling where there were many types of interesting fish. The Masca walk really is recommended for people who enjoy outdoor physical activity and beautiful views.”

The Masca trek is a physically demanding trip, and is not just simply a light stroll, but for anyone who enjoys panoramic views, climbing, canyoning, and generally exploring like a big kid, its perfect and lots of fun, we’ve never had a bad review! You are also provided with a boat taxi back to Los Gigantes port, which is also a beautiful place, with local shops and restaurants. Ready to be collected by one of our drivers.

 

-Jess, AWF Coordinator.