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

If you’re considering a whale watching tour in Tenerife, this 3-hour catamaran trip from Costa Adeje promises a chance to see dolphins, whales, and marine turtles while enjoying some relaxing time on the water. It’s a popular option, with many booking it about a week in advance, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of good value, friendly crew, and plentiful wildlife sightings makes it a solid pick for travelers wanting a memorable day at sea.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is the inclusive food and drinks, which means no worries about costly bar tabs or packing snacks. Plus, the scenic coastal views and chance to spot marine life are real highlights. That said, it’s a large boat, which might not suit those seeking a more intimate experience. Also, the capacity of up to 160 people means it can be busy and touristy at times, especially if you prefer quiet cruising. This tour is ideal for those who enjoy social atmospheres, want a relaxed outing, and are eager to catch glimpses of Tenerife’s whales and dolphins.

Key Points

• Large-capacity vessel: Up to 160 passengers, meaning a lively and social environment.
• All-inclusive snacks and drinks: Sandwiches, soda, water, and alcohol are included, adding value.
• Wildlife sightings: Expect bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, pilot whales, and possibly turtles.
• Convenient pickup: Hotel transfers are available from designated locations, simplifying logistics.
• Weather-dependent: The tour requires good weather; cancellations for poor conditions are offered with alternatives or full refunds.
• Booking early: Most travelers reserve about 8 days in advance, highlighting its popularity.

What to Expect on the Trip

This 3-hour adventure begins at the Avenida de Colón in Costa Adeje, usually around 10:00 am. Once aboard this sizable catamaran, you’ll be greeted by a crew known for their friendliness and knowledge of the local marine life. The boat itself is designed for comfort and space, accommodating up to 160 people, so you’ll want to arrive early if you’re keen on snagging a sunbed at the front—these are extra and on a first come, first served basis.

The Itinerary and Experience

The main focus of the tour is whale and dolphin watching. As you cruise out into Tenerife’s waters, the crew’s local expertise shines. They’ll share insights about the marine ecosystems and point out any wildlife they spot along the way. Several reviews mention seeing families of pilot whales—sometimes quite close to the boat—as well as bottlenose and spotted dolphins. One guest enthusiastically recalls, “Seeing a family of 10 pilot whales was a bonus,” a scene that captures just how close these majestic creatures can come.

You’ll also get a chance to spot sea turtles, adding variety to the marine viewing. The boat’s open design ensures good visibility, and the crew’s tips will help you identify what you’re seeing. It’s a laid-back trip, perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenery without feeling rushed or crowded.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities

An often-overlooked benefit is the inclusion of snacks and an open bar. Sandwiches are provided—simple but satisfying—and there’s a selection of sodas, water, and alcohol. Many reviews praise the quality of the food and drinks, with some mentioning the drinks being more than enough to keep spirits high.

You can also upgrade your experience by booking sunbeds at the front of the boat, though these come at an extra charge and are limited. This is a nice touch if you’re looking for a more comfortable way to soak up the sun, but be prepared for the first-come, first-served policy.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Since this is a large vessel, it naturally attracts a big crowd, sometimes feeling a bit touristy. Families with kids, groups of friends, and even solo travelers all share the space. The lively environment suits those who enjoy socializing and meeting new people. One guest noted that the crew was attentive and friendly, making everyone feel welcome and well cared for.

A downside, as some reviews highlight, can be the noise level—especially if the guide is overly enthusiastic or loud. But generally, the crew’s knowledge and friendly attitude make up for this.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

The tour depends on good weather—wind, rain, or storms can lead to cancellations, which are fully refunded or rescheduled. This is important to consider if you’re traveling in the shoulder seasons or during unpredictable weather months. A guest shared that, despite bad weather, they still enjoyed the experience, which speaks to the overall positive vibe.

Practicalities and Booking Tips

Most travelers book this trip about 8 days in advance, emphasizing its popularity. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from nearby locations, but not from all hotels—check carefully when booking. The meeting point is at Av. de Colón, 11, Playa de la Américas.

The tour starts promptly at 10:00 am, so arriving early is smart. Also, bring a jacket or windbreaker, especially if you’re prone to feeling chilly when exposed to open air. Remember, the large boat can feel crowded during peak times, so early arrival for sunbeds or seats can make your trip more comfortable.

Is It Worth the Price?

At around $54.16 per person, this tour offers solid value. The all-inclusive aspect—sandwiches, drinks, and the chance to see whales and dolphins—adds to its appeal. Compared to other marine excursions, which might charge extra for food and drinks or be more intimate but less inclusive, this one strikes a good balance for most travelers.

The reviews indicate that many guests felt they received their money’s worth, especially with the chance to see marine mammals up close. The knowledgeable crew and the scenic coastal views also enhance the overall experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a lively, social atmosphere with plenty of wildlife spotting, this large-capacity trip is a great choice. It’s suitable for travelers who don’t mind crowds and are looking for convenience—since hotel transfers are included—and value the added comfort of food and drinks. It’s also a good pick if you want to maximize your chances of seeing dolphins, whales, and even turtles.

However, if you’re seeking a more intimate, quiet, or personalized experience, you might prefer a smaller boat option. Also, if you’re sensitive to large groups or loud environments, this tour might be a bit overwhelming.

This experience works well for anyone who enjoys relaxed, scenic outings with a chance to learn about marine life from friendly guides. Families with older children, groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a fun, social day at sea will likely find this trip very enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

This whale watching catamaran tour in Costa Adeje offers a generous three hours of scenic cruising, wildlife watching, and socializing—all at a reasonable price. The inclusion of food and drinks makes it especially appealing, and the knowledgeable crew ensures you’ll learn as you look out for dolphins, whales, and turtles. While the large group size might not suit everyone, many reviews confirm that the overall vibe remains friendly and fun, with plenty of memorable wildlife encounters.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, value-packed marine adventure that lets you relax and soak in Tenerife’s natural beauty, this tour checks many boxes. It’s especially suited for travelers who prioritize social atmospheres, good value, and the excitement of seeing marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from designated nearby locations, though not from all hotels. It’s best to check your booking details for the exact pickup point.

What time does the tour start?
The tour usually starts at 10:00 am, so plan to arrive early to make the most of your day.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, offering a good balance of time at sea and wildlife viewing.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers snacks, sandwiches, an open bar of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, bottled water, and the boat ride itself.

Are sunbeds available?
Yes, sunbeds at the front of the boat are available for an extra charge and on a first come, first served basis.

Can I see whales and dolphins?
Most likely, yes. Guests frequently see pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and sometimes turtles.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, the large boat and social environment suggest it’s best for older children and families comfortable with a bigger group.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers reserve about 8 days ahead, especially during peak seasons, to secure their spots.

What should I bring?
Bring a jacket or windbreaker, sun protection, and do consider upgrading to a sunbed if you want extra comfort.

In the end, this whale watching tour in Tenerife offers a lively, social experience with plenty of opportunities to see some incredible marine life, all while enjoying good food and drinks aboard a comfortable vessel. It’s a relaxed way to spend a few hours at sea and truly get a feel for Tenerife’s vibrant underwater world.