Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Submarine Vision Mini Cruise

A trip cruising along Tenerife’s southwest coast in search of whales and dolphins sounds like a classic highlight of any Canary Islands visit. This particular tour, offered from Puerto Colón, combines the thrill of marine wildlife spotting with the unusual perk of underwater viewing through large submarine-style windows. At only around $34 per person, it promises an accessible way to enjoy the Atlantic’s marine life with a touch of novelty—no diving or getting wet required.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances family-friendly fun and educational value. The spacious catamaran with its multiple viewing options ensures everyone from kids to older travelers can enjoy the show. Plus, the focus on sustainable whale and dolphin watching highlights a genuine respect for these marine creatures, which is increasingly important in today’s eco-conscious travel scene.

One thing to keep in mind is that, due to the open sea conditions, the tour can be quite turbulent on some days, and seasickness is a real consideration. If you’re prone to feeling queasy, bringing medication is wise. This cruise is perfect for wildlife lovers, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed but engaging glimpse into Tenerife’s marine environment.

Key Points

• Underwater Windows: Large, 16-panel viewing stations allow close-up marine encounters without getting wet.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Multilingual guides offer engaging commentary about local marine life and Tenerife’s coast.
• Comfort and Accessibility: Spacious catamaran with options for deck and indoor seating, plus wheelchair accommodation (main deck only).
• Eco-Friendly Focus: The tour emphasizes sustainable whale and dolphin observation.
• Value for Money: At $34, it’s a cost-effective way to see marine life, with the bonus of underwater views.
• Limited Food & Drink Options: No included food or drinks, but soft drinks are available for purchase on board.

Analyzing the Experience: What You Can Expect

The journey begins at the Royal Delfin catamaran dock at Puerto Colón. The check-in process is straightforward, with helpful staff guiding you through safety procedures, including a quick demonstration of life vests. The boat itself is modern, roomy, and equipped with both outdoor decks and an indoor area, making it suitable for all weather conditions.

Once underway, the crew uses local knowledge to locate pods of whales and groups of dolphins that live in the waters around Tenerife year-round. This isn’t just luck—experienced guides track and interpret marine activity, greatly increasing your chances of sightings. From reviews, it’s clear that some guides, like Johan, are fluent in multiple languages, which helps make the experience accessible for international visitors.

The core part of the tour is the sailing along Tenerife’s coast, where you may see pods of lively dolphins, including common and Atlantic spotted dolphins, as well as pilot whales. Several travelers, including Nichola and Andreas, appreciated how much time they had in the presence of these animals—some even managed to snap memorable photos as the whales and dolphins swam close to the boat.

Underwater Viewing: The Real Highlight

The submarine-style windows are a genuine treat. While on deck, you can choose your preferred spot—whether on the sun-drenched upper deck or inside where it’s cooler. For those lucky enough to peek below, the underwater windows offer a surprisingly close view of marine life, including dolphins hunting or whales passing beneath the surface.

Nancy’s review mentions dolphins “hunting,” which shows how dynamic these encounters can be. The underwater perspective is especially appreciated when marine mammals swim under the boat, providing a rare, up-close glimpse that’s often missing from traditional whale-watching trips.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Puerto Colón: The meeting point is convenient, and the check-in process is quick. Travelers have praised the professionalism and friendly attitude of staff, which sets the tone for a relaxed trip.

Sailing along the coast: The boat departs with a safety briefing and an introduction from guides, often including fun facts about Tenerife’s marine life. The scenery itself is stunning—cliffs, coves, and golden beaches lining the coastline.

Wildlife spotting: As the boat moves farther from shore, look out for splashes, dorsal fins, and the playful antics of dolphins. Some reviews highlight sightings of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, with many travelers lucky enough to see multiple species during the cruise.

Underwater viewing: When marine mammals are spotted, the crew often guides guests below deck to observe from the submarine windows. Nancy and others describe this as a “spectacular” and “great experience”.

Return to Puerto Colón: After approximately 2 hours on the water, the boat heads back. Some travelers note that the return trip can be choppier, so seasickness can be an issue for sensitive individuals.

The Real Value: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

At just $34 per person, this cruise provides incredible value—especially considering the additional underwater viewing experience. Most whale-watching tours focus solely on spotting marine life from deck level, but the submarine windows make this a much more engaging and intimate encounter.

The guides’ professionalism and multilingual skills also shine—reviews mention guides like Johan and William, who provide not only interesting facts but also run the trip smoothly, making everyone feel comfortable and informed. The focus on conservation means that participants are encouraged to appreciate and respect the animals, which adds a meaningful layer to the experience.

While food and drink are not included, the onboard soft drinks are reasonably priced, and the relaxed atmosphere means you can enjoy your own snacks if preferred. The tour’s duration of 2 hours strikes a good balance—long enough to see marine life without feeling overly lengthy or tiring.

However, because the boat can be affected by sea conditions, some days might be rough. A handful of reviewers mentioned that seasickness was an issue, especially on rougher days, so packing motion sickness medication is a smart tip.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This cruise is ideal for families with kids, thanks to the fun, interactive underwater windows and the chance to see dolphins and whales in their natural setting. It’s also great for marine enthusiasts who want a closer, more immersive view of Tenerife’s ocean life without snorkelling or diving.

Travelers who enjoy relaxed sightseeing and are happy to stay seated for a couple of hours will appreciate the gentle pace. The eco-conscious element appeals to those who prefer tours that respect and promote sustainable wildlife viewing.

While not suited for those with severe seasickness or mobility restrictions (mainly due to limited bathroom accessibility and boat movement), it’s a fantastic activity for most others looking for a memorable, value-packed marine adventure.

FAQs About the Tenerife Dolphin Whale & Underwater Viewing Cruise

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s very family-friendly, especially with the underwater windows that kids tend to love. Just keep in mind that younger children might be more sensitive to sea motion.

Are there any age restrictions?
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned, but all travelers should be aware of potential seasickness.

Can I see whales and dolphins on every trip?
While the guides do their best to locate marine life, sightings depend on weather and sea conditions. Reviews suggest that sightings of dolphins and whales are quite common.

What languages are the guides fluent in?
Guides speak multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, and French.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 2 hours, making it a manageable activity for most schedules.

Are food and drinks included?
No, but soft drinks are available for purchase on board. You should bring your own snacks if desired.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the boat is accessible, but movement is mainly limited to the main deck, and bathrooms are not wheelchair-adapted.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and seasickness medication if you tend to feel queasy.

How do I know where to meet?
Meet at the Royal Delfin catamaran at Dock 12, Puerto Colón. The company provides helpful directions and a Google map link for easy navigation.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

The Costa Adeje Whale & Dolphin Submarine Vision Mini Cruise offers a well-rounded, accessible way to explore Tenerife’s marine life with the bonus of underwater windows that elevate the experience. The combination of knowledgeable guides, scenic coastline, and eco-friendly focus makes it a worthwhile option for many types of travelers.

Whether you’re a wildlife lover eager to see dolphins in action, a family searching for a fun day out, or a traveler wanting a relaxed but enriching activity, this tour delivers good value and memorable moments. Just remember to check weather conditions and pack your seasickness remedies for the smoothest experience.

For a balance of adventure, education, and comfort, this cruise stands out as a top choice along Tenerife’s coast. It’s a reliable, enjoyable way to connect with the Atlantic’s marine inhabitants without breaking the bank or risking a soggy adventure.

Experience Provider

Tenerife Dolphin

Source