Cancellations: swell, calima and wind
Excursions in the Canaries get cancelled more often than people expect, and almost never through poor organisation. Heavy swell, calima, wind at altitude or closure of the Teide access are real and frequent reasons. This guide explains what happens to your money in each case.
The four most common reasons
Heavy swell. Long-period waves generated far away that reach the south-west coast. It can be sunny and windless and still be impossible to leave port. This is reason number one for boat departures.
Calima. Dust in suspension arriving from the Sahara. It ruins astronomical observation and cuts visibility at altitude.
Wind. Constant in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, gusty at the Tenerife summit. It affects cycling, paragliding and diving.
Closure of the Teide access. For ice, wind or risk. The road and the cable car close without notice.
What you get back, depending on who cancels
The operator cancels: full refund, always. It does not matter what policy the product carries or how much notice there was. You can also move the date.
You cancel with 24 hours or more: on most products, a full refund. The exact policy appears on the listing with the deadline already calculated, not as a "24 hours before" you have to work out.
You cancel with less than 24 hours: it depends on the policy. Some products retain the amount.
You do not turn up: no refund. A no-show is not a cancellation.
How we tell you
By email and by SMS to the number you gave when booking. That is why the phone field is not decoration: if the operator cancels at seven in the morning, email will not reach you in time.
What is worth doing
Leave a mobile number that works in the Canaries, and do not put an excursion on the last night of your trip. If that one is cancelled, there is no room left to move it.
Frequently asked questions
›If the operator cancels for heavy swell, do I get my money back?
Yes, the full amount, regardless of the product policy or how much notice there was. You can also move the date at no cost.
›What is heavy swell and why does it cancel trips in good weather?
Waves generated by distant storms that reach the south-west coast. It can be sunny and windless and still be unsafe to leave port, especially in a small boat.
›What is calima?
Dust in suspension coming from the Sahara. It cuts visibility, ruins astronomical observation and is a common reason for cancelling summit activities.
›Can I cancel and get a refund?
On most products yes, with 24 hours notice or more. Each listing shows the exact deadline, already calculated.