3 hrs. Whale Watching and Relaxing Chill Out Catamaran with glass floor

A Tenerife catamaran that is built for whales and dolphins makes for a day that feels focused, not random. The added glass floor means you can keep enjoying the trip even when the sea surface is quiet, and the boat design gives you plenty of space to relax.

I especially like the live search that starts right after you leave the marina, because it keeps you in whale-spotting mode instead of killing time. I also like the included food and drinks, since you can chill without scrambling for lunch or a bar tab.

One thing to keep in mind is that this outing depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, you may be offered a different date or a refund, so build in flexibility.

Key things to know before you go

• Year-round marine life in Tenerife: the area is known for seeing whales and dolphins throughout the year.
• Glass floor for underwater viewing: you get another angle for sea life, even between sightings.
• Small group size (max 12): it feels less crowded and easier to move around on deck.
• Live commentary during the search: you get real-time guidance on what you are seeing.
• A calm bay stop for 30 to 45 minutes: lounge, take photos, and swim during an anchored break.
• Included drinks and lunch: beer, wine, soft drinks, and food are part of the experience.

Tenerife whale watching with a mission, not a gamble

Tenerife is one of the rare European places where whales and dolphins can be seen year-round, so this is not just a seasonal hope. The best part is that the trip is run with a purpose: the crew keeps searching right after departure from Club Náutico Puerto Colón.

That approach matters because whale watching is mostly about patience and timing. Instead of drifting from spot to spot with no clear reason, you are actively looking for sightings from the start. And once you find animals, you get the payoff moment you came for, with time to photograph and film.

The catamaran format also helps. You are moving across the water comfortably, with decks that make it easy to switch viewpoints. If you are traveling with people who get bored quickly, this kind of guided hunt tends to keep everyone engaged.

The glass-floor catamaran experience you will actually use

The glass floor is not just a gimmick, it changes how you enjoy the trip. When whales and dolphins are farther out, you can still look down and pay attention to what is happening beneath the surface. Think of it as a steady backup activity that keeps the trip feeling worthwhile even when sightings come in bursts.

You will also appreciate the layout during the anchored break. There are spacious decks plus front nets where you can lay out. When you are trying to spot movement on the water, being able to shift to the best viewing position is a small comfort that makes a big difference.

And because this is a chill-out style catamaran, the vibe is meant to be relaxed. You are not crammed into a tiny seat for three hours with nothing to do but hope.

From Puerto Colón to a swim bay: your 3-hour flow

This trip runs about three hours total, and the rhythm is designed to balance searching, spotting time, and a proper break.

Stop 1: Club Náutico Puerto Colón and the immediate search

After leaving the port, the crew starts scanning the water right away for whales and dolphins. That first stretch is where you can see fast results, or you can settle in and learn how to look.

Once the animals are found, you get ample time to film and take photos. This is one of the most important parts of whale watching, because you need more than a fleeting glance. Having time while the animals are present means you can switch lenses on your phone, adjust your framing, and actually get the kind of clips you want to keep.

The southwest bay anchor stop for 30 to 45 minutes

Then the catamaran heads to a smaller bay in the southwest of the island, where it anchors for about 30 to 45 minutes. This is your decompression period.

Here is what you can do during the stop:

• Relax lying down on cushions on the decks
• Hang out in the nets at the front if you want a view over the water
• Take a swim
• Ask the captain for snorkels to explore underwater

This part is especially valuable because it turns the trip from a pure sightseeing errand into a mini experience. The boat is not just moving, you get a real pause that feels like a beach-time substitute, with the added bonus of being on the water.

One practical consideration: snorkeling gear is listed as not included, so if you plan to do more than quick snorkel time, you should confirm what is provided beyond snorkels when you book or check in. The captain may offer snorkels, but the exact equipment setup is something to verify.

Head back along the west coast

After the bay stop, you sail back toward the harbour along Tenerife’s west coast. This return leg is where you can enjoy the scenery at a slower pace while you stay seated and keep watching for any last movement on the water.

What is included on board: drinks, lunch, and comfort

The included perks are not random extras. They are the reason this works so well as a half-day break.

Unlimited drinks while you watch

The tour includes beer, wine, and soft drinks. That means you can toast the trip without working out a separate plan for drinks.

You do not want to be thinking about money every time you take a sip. Having it covered lets you focus on the main goal: spotting marine life and enjoying the catamaran ride.

Lunch and a shaded place to eat

Lunch is provided, and it is served in the shaded seating area toward the back of the boat. That matters more than it sounds. Midday sun on the water can be intense, and having a real shaded eating space helps you feel refreshed for the swim and the later sail back.

If you have dietary needs, you can advise them when booking. There is also a vegetarian option available, again something you should request ahead of time so the crew can handle it smoothly.

Souvenir photos are extra

If you want photos as keepsakes, souvenir photos are available to purchase. Since these cost extra, it is smart to decide what you care about before you see the final packages.

Live commentary: how you spot better, faster

Live commentary on board is one of the highest value features here. When you know what you are looking for, sightings can turn from vague splashes into clear moments.

With live guidance, you can:

• Learn what tells you whales or dolphins are nearby
• Understand when to look longer at the water’s surface
• Get context during the search phase, not just at the peak sighting

This kind of narration also keeps the trip from feeling like you are just staring and waiting. Even if you are not an expert, you will feel more confident about what the crew is tracking.

Photo and video tips that fit this exact trip

This tour is designed for camera time, and you can get more from it with a few simple habits.

Treat the found-sighting window like your best photo session

When whales and dolphins are found, you get ample opportunity for photographing and filming. That is when you should be ready:

• Stand or position yourself where you can keep the animal in frame
• Avoid switching too many settings at once, since the action can change quickly
• Use short recording clips if your phone supports it, so you can later pick the clearest moments

Use the anchored bay stop for steadier footage

In the 30 to 45 minute bay stop, you have a chance to slow down. The boat anchors, the water conditions often feel calmer, and your shots tend to be more stable. If you are trying to capture coastline views plus sea life, this is the best time.

The glass floor is your insurance policy

When the best sightings are not right under the boat, the glass floor gives you something to look at continuously. It also helps you avoid the dead moments when you feel like you have waited too long for nothing.

Who this tour suits best

This is a good match for travelers who want:

• A guided whale and dolphin search without booking a private boat
• Included drinks and lunch so the trip stays stress-free
• A relaxed catamaran experience with time to swim

It also fits families and mixed groups, since the maximum group size is 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult, so plan accordingly.

If you are the type who likes controlled, planned sightseeing, you will probably like this. If you want a hardcore expedition, you may find the relaxed pacing less intense. But for most people, three hours with food, drinks, and real live commentary is the sweet spot.

Price and value: why included food and drinks matter

In the info provided, the admission is listed as free and the trip price shows as $0.00. If that is accurate at checkout, this is a rare deal: you are essentially paying nothing for a guided marine-life outing with meals, alcohol, and live commentary included.

Even if you see a different amount during booking, look at what you get:

• Whale and dolphin focused search
• Live commentary
• Lunch plus drinks
• Time to swim during the bay anchoring stop
• Small group size

For many travelers, the biggest value is not the whales themselves. It is eliminating your effort. You do not have to arrange your own boat rental, and you avoid the extra costs that pop up when you do it solo, like food logistics and a full-day commitment.

Weather and practical expectations

Because this experience requires good weather, treat it like a plan that needs the sky to cooperate. If the operator cancels due to poor conditions, you get offered a different date or a full refund.

Also, keep in mind that snorkeling equipment use is listed as not included, even though you can ask the captain for snorkels. If snorkeling is a must-do, confirm details before you go so you do not end up disappointed with what is available on board.

Should you book this Tenerife catamaran whale watching trip?

If you want an easy, well-paced half-day with a serious marine-life mission, I think you should book it. The strongest reasons are the focused search for whales and dolphins, the live commentary that helps you actually spot things, and the fact that drinks plus lunch are included so you are not managing logistics while you are trying to enjoy the water.

I would hesitate only if you know your schedule cannot handle weather changes, or if snorkeling equipment beyond snorkels is a key part of your plan. Otherwise, this is an efficient, relaxing way to spend a few hours in Tenerife, with real odds of seeing marine life plus bonus underwater viewing from the glass floor.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching catamaran trip?

The trip lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Club Náutico Puerto Colón, Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and returns back to the same meeting point.

Is there live commentary during the tour?

Yes, live commentary is provided on board throughout the trip.

What is included for food and drinks?

Meals are included as per the itinerary, and drinks are included, including alcohol such as beer and wine plus soft drinks.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is provided on the boat during the bay stop.

Can I swim or snorkel?

You can swim during the anchored stop, and you can ask the captain for snorkels. Use of snorkeling equipment is listed as not included.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, a vegetarian option is available. You should advise this when booking.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.