Snorkeling in Tenerife: Catamaran with Whales & Dolphins

Swim and snorkel where whales and dolphins pass through the Atlantic.

A three-hour catamaran snorkeling trip from South Tenerife combines whale and dolphin watching with time in the water at Playa De Los Hippies. The boat picks you up at your hotel, carries you out to the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera Island, then anchors at a beach where you can swim, snorkel or rest on deck. Spanish tapas, fruit, drinks and wine are included throughout.

The experience

The catamaran leaves Puerto Colón heading toward La Gomera Island, where the crew watches for whales and dolphins moving through the Atlantic channel. The boat is built for stability and comfort: a spacious sundeck with loungers and a shaded cabin below mean you're not locked into one spot for three hours. The crew speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and two other languages, so the narration works whether you're watching from the rail or settled into a sofa inside.

The second stop is Playa De Los Hippies, a beach tucked against Tenerife's mountains. Here the boat anchors and the water opens up: you can snorkel from the boat, swim to the beach, or stay on deck with a drink and watch the mountains. The crew sets out Spanish tapas, fresh fruit, snacks, bottled water, coffee, beer, wine and cava, so eating and drinking happen without leaving the boat or the beach. Children from age three travel free with an adult.

Hotel pickup and drop-off cover the south coast (Los Cristianos, Las Américas and the surrounding area), so the morning starts at your door and the afternoon ends there. The whole day, water to hotel, takes three hours on the boat plus the drive time from your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in South Tenerife (Los Cristianos, Las Américas and nearby areas).
• transport by air-conditioned minivan to the boat.
• Spanish tapas, snacks and fresh fruit.
• bottled water, coffee, tea, beer, wine and cava.
• a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French and additional languages.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by TENERIFE BEST EXCURSIONS tour operator

Is this one for you?Three hours on the water fits a free afternoon without swallowing the whole day, leaving time to explore the south coast before or after. If you need a full-day excursion or a longer offshore experience, look for a different catamaran option.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. Playa De Los Hippies is a calm beach anchorage where the crew can help you into the water and show you how to use the snorkel gear. The beach itself is shallow and protected, so you're not fighting current or depth on your first time.

What are the chances of seeing whales and dolphins?

The catamaran runs the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera Island, where both species move through regularly. The crew watches actively during the crossing, but sightings are not guaranteed on every trip: weather and animal movement change day to day.

Is the boat crowded?

The catamaran has a very spacious sundeck with plenty of seating and a shaded cabin, so there's room to spread out even when the boat is full. You're not packed shoulder-to-shoulder.

What if I don't want to snorkel?

Snorkeling is optional. At Playa De Los Hippies you can swim in the shallows, float, or stay on deck with a drink and watch the beach and mountains. The whole trip works either way.

How much of the three hours is actually in the water?

The boat spends roughly an hour anchored at Playa De Los Hippies, where the water time happens. The rest is the crossing to and from the beach and time on deck watching for marine life or relaxing with food and drinks.