A starparty or private tour is an astronomy activity designed for small groups (1-4 people). Of course, it can be customised by the client. Either because a clients wants to do an astronomical tour with privacy, with more time and with the possibility to adapt it to your needs. Or just because a clients wants to learn how to set up a telescope or to learn how to do a specific type of night photography, a starparty offers clients the possibility to choose its own experience. Starparties are also ideal for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays or a very special and original gift. As this starparties or private tours are customisable, please add your request and your comments in the form below  “Observations section”. This way, if it is for a gift, let us do our best to make it special and unique, or else if you want to book a Starparty as memorable experience, let us know what you are really looking forward to.

We offer the following modalities as private tours for you to choose your starparty. If you are interested in any of our modalities, please fill in this registration form. We will respond via email to your request, with our availability and final price. It is also possible to add the possibility of transport included with an extra cost. On the other hand, if you prefer one of our group activities, please consult our tours and/or astronomical events.

• We recommend booking at least 3 weeks in advance. Availability for private tours depends on the availability of specialised guides and languages. Starparties are highly demanded products due to the exclusivity. Filling out the registration form does not confirm availability.
• Levels*: Basic level: customers don’t need any previous knowledge. Time to enjoy the sky alone! Intermediate level: customers need previous knowledge depending on the modality. We offer training based on this knowledge. Amateur/advanced level: previous knowledge is required and advice is only offered on the particularities of the island: meteorology, locations, or equipment recommendations.

   

Starparty Modalities (see general conditions below)

***Conditions: Important for any starparty. Please take into account…

• Language: English or Spanish. 
• Warm winter and comfortable clothes needed.
• Private tours do not include transport. However, if you would like transport, please request the possibility of adding it as an extra.
• Private tours take place at astronomical viewpoints or sites of astronomical interest. They do not take place inside the facilities of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory as access to the public is not allowed at night.
• To the duration of the activity, please add times for reaching the site and return.
•  Astro Activities are weather permitting only. We may have to cancel according to weather conditions in which case, we can agree on another date or else refund.
• Except for guide for location or consulting, the starparties are for small groups. If your group has equal or more of 5 people, we may offer you an alternative group tour.  But if regardless, you prefer it in private, please let us know.
• Sending the form does not guarantee your reservation. A booking is considered confirmed once the payment has gone through (payment in advance).
• Some of these activities are not available in high season.
• **Time to start the activity: it depends on sunset time and can also be negociated.

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An Astronomy tour for stargazing is a comprehensive activity for all. This activity includes an introduction to the night sky, stars and the Universe with guides and the  use of telescopes for night sky observation of visible planets, the Moon, stars, galaxies, etc. Also, it includes sky orientation using constellations and detailed explanations by experts. While in La Palma, these astronomy tours are an ideal complement for visitors, taking advantage of La Palma being one of the best locations in the world for both professional and amateur astronomy. Our aim is that you have fun observing the sky and making stargazing easy for you.

Look up and enjoy the sky as you have never seen it before!

If need be please check our (1) Frequently Asked Questions, (2) Steps for reservation or (3) waiting list for tours or for special events. We will add extra dates if possible.  Waiting list: here

PERSEIDS 2025, 11 Aug (in English): Info & Book on link: COMPLETE

From July 2025, we have an astronomy shop! We also sell online Tshirts, huddies, mugs, caps all with stellar designs and Gran Telescopio Canarias designs.

Activity Information

PLACE, TIME or TRANSPORT	Meeting point for all: Our office in Travesía de los Cancajos, 2, 38711, Los Cancajos (Hotel Las Olas building; not at reception, please follow the link on your tickets). Breña Baja. We meet here to provide easy access. At viewpoints at high altitude there is poor mobile signal and no electricity. Meeting time: as it reads on your ticket (it changes according to sunset time). Please be on time. Site for the activity: it varies, it depends on weather conditions and altitude of clouds. We will chose the viewsite according to the best weather conditions on the day. All Tickets are self-drive only. Transport Not Included. Tickets do not include transportation by default. Participants must travel from their accommodation to the meeting point and then to the viewpoint using their own vehicle, a rental car, or a taxi. A 4×4 vehicle is not required. From the meeting point, participants must follow the guide vehicle to the viewpoint. Each participant is responsible for having a vehicle in good working condition and with valid documentation, having appropriate insurance during the journey, and following staff instructions at all times. The organization is not responsible for any incidents resulting from breakdowns, insufficient fuel, delays, getting separated from the group, or failure to follow instructions during the journey. Groups only: We could organise transport  for groups upon request. Minimum number apply.
LANGUAGUE	Spanish/ English
DURATION	The duration of the tour 2 h. Approx total duration of the tour taking into account activity+ driving time to the location for the activity: 3.5-4h
PRICE	Adults (+12 years old): 35 €. Children (3-11 years old): 25 €
IMPORTANT	We strongly advise customers to wear winter clothes & shoes even in summer and even if at sea level is hot. Activity subject to weather conditions. Please see below. On dates close to full moon, the moon will be visible. It won´t be a dark night.  Please check the Phase of the moon before booking.
INCLUDES	Use of amateur telescopes to share. Not individual telescopes. Qualified guides It includes a free photo gift (.jpg) that will be sent via email a couple of days after the tour after digital processing. The type of picture depends on season, phase of moon and sky conditions. It is never the same.  If, on the other hand, you would like a professional photo, please contact us for pricing.
CONDITIONS	Ticket only valid for the date and name that appears on it. Transport not included. Please be at the meeting point at least 10 mins before. Late arrivals may miss the activity (with no refund). Unless an incidence we will leave on time from meeting point. Access to viewpoint. All customers will leave from the same meeting point in a convoy. This activity is subject to weather conditions. In case of cancellations, we will communicate with you via mobile phone as soon as possible (whatsapp message sent to the number you have provided us with). Occasionally, this can happen last minute. See cancellation policy below. Cancellations: tours may be cancelled unexpectedly due to weather conditions: clouds, wind, high humidity. In the event of a cancellation, we first reschedule your tour date and if not possible we reimburse your tickets. We will not held responsible if you have your mobile phone off, if you have no signal or if your provider does not give you a good service in Spain. Please notice that our office is close at the time of the tour. Also, you may cancel up 24hrs prior to the tour, with a issuance cost of 20%. If you wish to cancel please email us at info@lapalmastars.com (we only accept cancellations via email). Later cancellation by customer/groups are non-refundable. In case of changes due to weather we will communicate with you via phone (whatsapp message). We strongly advise customers to wear winter clothes & shoes even in summer and even if at sea level is hot. Tours will take places preferably at viewpoints. However, at times, this is not possible for which we will find an alternative dark & safe site. Our astronomy (night) activities do NOT take place at the Observatory at any time as it is close to the public at night. However, the Observatory in El Roque de Los Muchachos is open for visits during the day (Visits to Observatory link). Outside office hours and for emergencies please contact 0034622805618. Please leave a whatsapp message and we will reply as soon as possible. Before formalizing your reservation, please read carefully the basic information about data protection, the general conditions of the service as well as the privacy policy and our legal notice.

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Take the best images of La Palma’s sunset and night sky during one of our distinctive tours. Learn a little bit of the sky and how to photograph it. Photography tour to learn the basic of nightscape photography.

For groups the tours can be customised according to your preferences. Please send an email to info@lapalmastars.com

• This activity requires a DSLR camera and a basic knowledge of photography and your camera functions.
• This  activity will regularly take place in Summer. Rest of the year the tour will take place on demand. Please send us an email to info@lapalmastars.com
• The activity requires a minimum of 3 participants.

Frequently Asked Questions
Steps for reservation

Important information

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NOTICE: Due to insurance problems for the telescopes, we have discontinued rentals for the time being.

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Requirements for rental:

• Customers must be +18 years old
• Customers must have a minimal knowledge in the use of amateur telescopes. Not suitable for beginners.*
• The collection and delivery of telescopes is in our office in Los Cancajos from 9:30-13:30 from Monday to Friday (working days). Pick up or delivery outside these hours will incur in an additional fee of EUR 15.

*Rental is not suitable for beginners for the safety of customers and equipment and also, for customers to be able to enjoy the performance of the equipment. If do not know how to use a telescope or know the sky your best option is to book an astronomy tour here.

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* 7-day Advanced astrophotography course including trips to various parts of La Palma.

Next edition: May 2025.  Announcement soon! (IX edition)

An opportunity to join a world-leading astrophotographer Babak Tafreshi (TWAN and National Geographic) for a 7-day intensive workshop covering landscape astrophotography, image processing & timelapse techniques. The AstroMaster La Palma workshop program program will include trips to various parts of the island including the European Northern Observatory. Aimed at photographers & astronomers with some experience on photo processing & timelapse.

Organised by

Astrolapalma S.L.U. (www.lapalmastars.com) Leader in La Palma for astronomy services for amateurs and general public, in collaboration with The world at night program which joins international astrophotographers in promoting stunning nightscape photos and time-lapse videos of the world.

With the participation of Babak Tafreshi

The founder & leader of The World at Night (TWAN) program and a National Geographic photographer based in Boston (US), specialized in nightscape and timelapse imaging, connecting the Earth and sky, bridging art and science. More of his photography on TWAN Photo Gallery, National Geographic & biography.

Web: babaktafreshi.com

Workshop Topics

Scheduled in 7 full intensive days (and nights), the AstroMaster workshop will train participants into many topics including:

• Definition of Nightscape Photography
• Best cameras, lenses, and accessories for low-light imaging
• Preparation, how to apply the latest tips and apps for planning your nightscape images
• Best celestial events and targets to photograph and when, where and how to shoot them
• From short exposure Milky Way and constellation images to long exposure star trails
• Using portable star trackers for deeper nightscape and astroimages
• How to use natural and artificial lights at night, from the moonlight to light-painting techniques
• Creating Panoramas, All-Sky images and Virtual Realities
• Creating timelapse videos of sky motion and night-day transitions
• Processing images and photo sequences in Photoshop, Adobe Camera Raw, Lightroom, Adobe Premiere and LRTimelapse.

On site instruction will include what to shoot, selecting composition, camera settings and lens selection. Detailed schedule will be emailed to those interested.

Venue

Los Cancajos, Breña Baja, La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain). Full address and detailed info about logistics will be given after registration.

Price

Workshop price: $2550 USD (~ 2250€)* It may vary on next edition.

10% discount to past Astromaster participants

Price & Registration click here (REGISTRATION) 2023 edition. 

More info

On news…

AstroMaster 2022 en RNE: https://www.rtve.es/play/audios/canarias-informativos/reflexion-an-astrofotografia-vuelve-astromaster-palma/6549459/

Nota prensa AstroMaster 2022: https://www.eldiario.es/canariasahora/lapalmaahora/sociedad/cielo-nocturno-atrae-fotografos-diez-nacionalidades-la-palma_1_9017113.html

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