Tenerife: Whale Watching Small Group Catamaran & Glass Floor

Summary

Whale watching near Costa Adeje on a glass-bottom catamaran with snacks and time to swim

You’ll listen for whales with a small group off Tenerife’s southern coast, watch them glide beneath the glass floor, snack on fresh sandwiches and drinks served by your crew, then anchor in a calm cove for swimming or snorkeling before heading back under the island sun—leaving you with salt on your skin and maybe a new word or two in Spanish.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I didn’t expect to hear whale sounds before even seeing them. The captain cut the engine about three miles out from Costa Adeje, and suddenly it was just us and the water — well, and this weirdly comforting hum from below. Our guide (I think her name was Lucia?) grinned when she spotted the first fin. “Pilot whales,” she whispered, like we might scare them off if we got too excited. I probably did anyway.

The boat itself is kind of a character — hammocks at the front, glass floor panels that make you feel like you’re floating right above the blue. At one point I just lay back and let the sun hit my face while someone else pointed out dolphins weaving in and out of our wake. Sandwiches showed up (I went for the cheese and tomato, though there were others), plus cold beer and soft drinks that tasted better than they should have after all that salty air. There’s something about eating with wet fingers that makes food taste different — not sure why.

We anchored in a quiet cove along Tenerife’s south coast for swimming. The water was clearer than I’d expected — almost too clear, honestly, since you could see every pebble below. Some folks snorkeled; I mostly floated around, letting my legs dangle while watching clouds drift over the mountains behind us. Lucia tried to teach me how to say “calima” (that hazy wind) in Spanish but I’m pretty sure I butchered it — she laughed anyway. The whole thing felt unhurried, which is rare these days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and snorkeling tour

• See whales and dolphins near coast
• Anchor in cove for swim and snorkel
• Enjoy free catering on board

Top questions

How many people are on the catamaran tour?

The catamaran takes up to 12 guests per trip.

Is food included during the whale watching tour?

Yes, assorted sandwiches plus beer, water, and soft drinks are served onboard.

Where does the whale watching trip depart from?

The tour departs from Tenerife’s south coast near Costa Adeje.

Can you swim during this Tenerife whale watching tour?

Yes, there’s a stop in a cove where guests can swim or snorkel in clear water.

Are there guides or crew members onboard?

A professional captain and experienced crew are included on every trip.

Is this suitable for families with kids or infants?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap; suitable for all fitness levels.

Does the boat have special features?

The catamaran has hammocks at the front and glass floor panels for viewing marine life below.

What’s included

Your day includes professional captain and crew guiding you along Tenerife’s south coast; fresh assorted sandwiches with beer, water or soft drinks served onboard; access to hammocks at the bow; time to swim or snorkel in a sheltered cove; all within an intimate group of just 12 guests before returning to shore relaxed (and maybe still salty).