Whale Watching Catamaran in Costa Adeje (Including drinks & Sandwich)

Traveling to Tenerife and looking for a memorable way to explore its waters? The Whale Watching Catamaran in Costa Adeje offers a relaxed, scenic, and family-friendly adventure that’s perfect for spotting dolphins, whales, and other marine life, all while enjoying food and drinks on board. With a solid 4.5-star rating from nearly 100 reviews, this tour has consistently delivered fun, informative experiences, making it a popular choice for visitors.

What we love about this trip is how accessible and inclusive it feels. You’re not just a passenger—you’re immersed in the oceanic environment with knowledgeable crew guiding the way. Plus, the all-inclusive food and open bar give it a relaxed, no-stress vibe. That said, it’s a large boat, which might not suit travelers seeking an intimate or small-group experience.

Whether you’re an avid wildlife fan, a family looking for a fun day out, or someone who simply wants to enjoy Tenerife’s spectacular coast from the water, this tour ticks many boxes. Just remember to check your hotel’s pickup options, as not all accommodations are included.

Key Points

• Accessible & Convenient: Hotel pickup (from select locations) makes it easy to start your adventure.
• Diverse Marine Encounters: Expect to see dolphins, pilot whales, and possibly turtles.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Enjoy sandwiches, alcoholic drinks, sodas, and water without extra costs.
• Spectacular Coastline Views: Admire Tenerife’s dramatic coastal scenery while on the water.
• Large Group Setting: With capacity for up to 160 people, the trip is lively but may lack intimacy.
• Weather Dependent: Cancellations are possible in bad weather; full refunds are available if that occurs.

The Full Experience: What It’s Like on the Water

This whale-watching adventure starts bright and early at 10:00 am from the meeting point at Av. de Colón in Playa de la Américas. The tour lasts around three hours, giving you plenty of time to soak up the sun and sea without feeling rushed. Your ticket includes hotel pickup (from designated locations), which simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying centrally. Just be aware that not all hotels are covered, so double-check the pickup points beforehand.

The boat itself is a large catamaran capable of accommodating up to 160 travelers. While some may find the crowd a bit busy—especially with families and kids—it also means a lively, energetic atmosphere. The crew is known for being friendly and attentive, with guides like Oliver and Ollie earning praise for their multilingual skills and extensive knowledge about marine life.

Once on board, the first highlight is the stunning coastal scenery—cliffs, beaches, and lush landscapes sweep past as you cruise out into Tenerife’s waters. The crew will keep the atmosphere light with commentary about the surroundings and the species you might encounter. Expect to hear about bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, pilot whales, and even turtles, with many reviews mentioning how close these animals came to the boat.

Marine Life Spotting

The real magic happens when dolphins and whales show up. Reviewers like Anna_P share that despite bad weather conditions, they still managed to see plenty of pilot whales, which made the trip memorable (“just take a jacket as it can be windy out in the open and you are fine!”). Other guests have been thrilled to see pods of dolphins surfacing and swimming underneath the boat—something that feels very special in the wild.

The crew’s knowledge is a definite plus here. They often point out the animals and provide interesting facts, making the trip both fun and educational. Some reviews mention that guides like Ollie are multilingual, which helps international visitors enjoy the commentary without language barriers.

Food and Drinks

A major perk is the all-inclusive menu. Sandwiches are provided, and guests can enjoy an open bar featuring alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water. The sandwiches, as one reviewer notes, are “really good,” and the drinks flow freely, adding to the relaxed vibe. This setup helps avoid the often overpriced bar fees you’d find on other excursions, making it excellent value.

Keep in mind, sunbeds at the front of the boat are an extra charge and are first-come, first-served, so if you want a prime spot to sunbathe or take photos, arrive early or be prepared to pay a little extra.

The Swim Stop and Additional Activities

While the main focus is whale and dolphin watching, there’s also a stop in a secluded bay where guests can swim and jump into the water. This is a delightful chance to cool off and enjoy the sea directly, with some reviewers mentioning how much they loved the swim and the chance to capture photos of the marine animals from the water.

Comfort and Accessibility

The boat’s size and capacity ensure that there’s enough space for most comfort, but it can get crowded, especially around popular whale sightings. Some reviews highlight that sunbeds are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, which could be a consideration if lounging is a priority.

The crew’s care shines through—Ireland’s Julia_C mentions they appreciated more commentary about the wildlife, while others like Harvey_T appreciate how the staff helped with sea-sickness. Their attentiveness makes the trip more comfortable, especially for those prone to seasickness.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

The most consistent praise revolves around the knowledgeable guides and the experience of seeing whales and dolphins up close (“seeing a family of 10 pilot whales was a bonus,” says Tony_P). Many guests also appreciated the friendly crew, with some mentioning extras like the multilingual guides or the helpful staff during rough weather.

On the flip side, some concerns include the large group size, which might feel less intimate, and the possibility of bad weather cancelations, with one guest lamenting a weather-induced cancellation that was fully refunded. A few reviewers also mention the extra cost for sunbeds and the crowd around the deck, which might detract from a more peaceful experience.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Book in advance: With an average of 8 days’ notice, securing a spot is recommended, especially in peak season.
• Arrive early for the best sunbeds if you want to sunbathe; they are limited and on a first-come basis.
• Bring a jacket or windbreaker, especially if weather conditions turn windy.
• Check your hotel: Not all accommodations are included in the pickup service, so verify pickup points beforehand.
• Bring your camera: The scenery and wildlife are photogenic, and the water offers plenty of photo opportunities.
• Consider the size: If you prefer a more intimate experience, this large-boat tour may feel busy.

The Sum Up

This whale watching catamaran offers a lively, fun day on Tenerife’s waters with plenty of chances to see dolphins, whales, and other marine creatures. The knowledgeable crew, stunning coastal vistas, and inclusive food and drinks make it a solid value, especially for those wanting a relaxed, social outing. It’s perfect for families, groups, or anyone eager to enjoy Tenerife from a different perspective—on the water, surrounded by nature.

While the large capacity might not appeal to those seeking quiet or exclusivity, the overall experience is genuine, well-organized, and highly rated. Expect friendly service, beautiful scenery, and a chance to witness some incredible marine life in its natural habitat. Just plan for the weather, arrive early for the best sunbathing spots, and get ready for a memorable ocean adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered from designated locations, but not all hotels are covered. Double-check your pickup point when booking.

How long is the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 3 hours, giving enough time for wildlife viewing, enjoying the scenery, and swimming if desired.

What animals are typically seen?
Guests frequently see bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, pilot whales, and sometimes turtles.

Are drinks and food included?
Yes, sandwiches and an open bar with alcoholic drinks, soda, and bottled water are included at no extra charge.

Can I buy sunbeds on the boat?
Sunbeds at the front of the boat are an extra charge and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

What should I bring?
Bring a windbreaker or jacket, a camera, and sun protection. A swimsuit and towel are recommended if you plan to swim.

Is this a large boat?
Yes, with capacity for up to 160 travelers, so it’s lively but may lack intimacy.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Kids generally enjoy the trip, especially with the boat’s family-friendly setup.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking about a week ahead is typical, especially during peak times, to secure your spot.

This experience is an excellent way to add a splash of adventure and wildlife to your Tenerife trip, combining comfort, stunning views, and memorable encounters with marine life. Perfect for curious travelers who want to enjoy the ocean’s wonders without sacrificing amenities.