More about: 6 Best Cruises and Boat Tours in Tenerife
Exploring Tenerife from the sea is one of the most memorable ways to discover the island. Whether sailing alongside dolphins and whales, paddling in a kayak or relaxing on board a catamaran with an open bar, the Tenerife coast offers experiences for all tastes. From themed family cruises to intimate and private excursions, the Atlantic Ocean becomes the perfect setting for an unforgettable adventure.
In this article, you will find a selection of the best cruises and boat trips you can take in Tenerife, with options for those seeking adrenaline, nature, gastronomy or simply enjoying the views. Choose the one that best suits your trip and get ready to experience the island from a new perspective.
1. A fun Viking cruise along the coast of Tenerife
If you are looking for a different and original family experience, this Viking cruise in Tenerife is ideal for you. Aboard a themed boat set in the Viking era, you will enjoy a lively two-hour trip with a costumed crew that will delight young and old alike.
During the tour of the south coast of Tenerife, you will not only experience an interactive show, but you will also have the opportunity to spot dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. This experience starts at the Port of Los Cristianos and is perfect for taking photos, learning about history in a fun way and sharing an unforgettable moment with your family.
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- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: From €25
- Recommended if... you are looking for an original and educational activity with children and the chance to see marine wildlife in the wild.
2. Dolphin and whale watching on an eco-friendly cruise
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This dolphin and whale watching cruise is ideal if you want to connect with nature and admire marine wildlife in a respectful way. From the Port of Los Cristianos, you will board the Barhyeli, a spacious boat with all the amenities and an eco-friendly approach.
For about two hours, you will cruise the Atlantic Ocean with the help of expert guides who will explain everything about the species of dolphins and whales that inhabit these waters. With a very high probability of sightings, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience while relaxing in the sun and feeling the sea breeze.
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- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: From €26
- Recommended if... you are interested in an environmentally friendly activity and want to learn more about the local marine fauna.
3. Catamaran trip with open bar and snacks in Costa Adeje
This catamaran trip along Costa Adeje is perfect if you want to combine whale watching with a relaxing experience on a comfortable and spacious boat. For three hours, you will travel along the south coast of Tenerife accompanied by an expert crew.
While watching dolphins, pilot whales and other species, you can enjoy an open bar and delicious snacks on board. In addition, if you wish, you can sunbathe on the deckchairs (at an additional cost) or simply enjoy the views. The service includes pick-up from hotels in the south of the island, making it a very convenient option.
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- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: From €49
- Recommended if... you are looking for comfort, drinks included and a sightseeing experience in a relaxed setting.
4. Cruise with buffet lunch and optional swim in Masca
If you're looking for a complete plan to enjoy the sea, this cruise along the coast of Tenerife with lunch and open bar has it all. For 3 hours (or 4.5 if you choose the extended version) you'll sail around the west of Tenerife with spectacular views and a buffet lunch on board.
In addition to the food, you'll enjoy an open bar throughout the trip. If you choose the extended option, you will also have a stop for swimming in Masca Bay and a pick-up service from your hotel. An excellent way to relax and savour the best of Tenerife from the sea.
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- Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Price: From €48
- Recommended if... you want a complete experience with food, drink and the option to swim in one of the most beautiful bays on the island.
5. Private tour with expert guide and snorkelling included
Would you prefer an intimate and educational experience? Then this private boat trip around Tenerife is for you. With a biologist or geologist guide, you'll learn about the island's fauna, flora and geography as you sail for about two hours.
You'll have the opportunity to snorkel at selected spots and observe underwater life with your own eyes. In addition, professional photos and videos will be taken during the experience, which you'll receive for free as a souvenir. An ideal option for small groups or families who want to get to know Tenerife from a more scientific and personalised perspective.
More information
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: From €50
- Recommended if... you are looking for an intimate, educational experience with activities such as snorkelling and a specialised guide.
6. Kayaking and snorkelling adventure with turtles off the coast of Tenerife
If you want to combine sport, nature and marine life in a single experience, this kayaking and snorkelling tour with turtles is just what you need. During this 3-hour aquatic adventure, you will paddle your kayak through turquoise waters and dive in to snorkel alongside sea turtles in the wild.
Accompanied by an expert instructor, you'll start with an introduction to the use of the equipment before setting off along the coast of Tenerife. The kayak tour includes the chance to spot dolphins in their natural environment, and once in the water, you'll be able to admire the underwater life in complete safety thanks to the full equipment provided and the continuous accompaniment of the guide.
More information
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: €36
- Recommended if... you enjoy outdoor sports, want to snorkel with turtles and enjoy an active experience close to nature.
Before booking
- Good weather is required for catamaran sailing, so if the wind is too strong or it rains, the experience will be postponed or cancelled and your money will be refunded. You can also cancel the activity if, for any reason, you decide not to do it, but you will only receive a 100% refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
- My advice is to bring sunglasses, a towel, a bottle of water and sunscreen. Even if you don't pay for a sun lounger, you can sit in other areas of the boat to enjoy the sun.
- When you book the catamaran trip, you will need to choose the date and size of your group. You will then be asked for some personal details and your email address. Important: use one that you use regularly, as this is where you will receive the confirmation email that you will need to show to the captain before boarding the boat (or to the driver who will pick you up at your hotel).
- By the way, with this experience you also have the option of choosing the time: either in the morning or in the afternoon, which is a big advantage because you no longer have an excuse not to include it in your plans. If you are particularly interested in taking photos of the whales and dolphins, I recommend choosing the morning slot.
Alex's Traveller Tip
The great advantage of a catamaran trip out to sea is that it is less crowded than larger boats and the experience is more authentic, making it the perfect option if you want to avoid large groups of tourists.
Why is Tenerife famous for its whale watching experiences?
Tenerife has a wonderful climate all year round, which means that its waters are the perfect temperature for whales, dolphins and other marine animals. Another reason why there is such a concentration of marine wildlife on this island is its deep seabed, where animals can hunt the fish and squid that arrive with the strong Atlantic currents.
What species can you see on this excursion? Pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, loggerhead turtles, jellyfish, mackerel, anchovies, and even small sharks.
For this and other reasons, Tenerife is one of the world's most important destinations for seeing cetaceans in their natural habitat. If, beyond enjoying a catamaran ride, you are particularly interested in this amazing and unforgettable experience, I recommend reading our complete guide at this link, with all the available options and extensive information: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours in Tenerife.
Make your trip to Tenerife unforgettable with these other activities
The waters around Tenerife are a delight to sail, but perhaps riding on a boat and letting yourself drift along doesn't give you the thrills you're looking for. In that case, put on your wetsuit, grab a paddle and hop in a kayak to discover the sea caves in the island's cliffs and see the underwater world hidden beneath the surface with your own eyes. Read all about these activities here: 4 Best Kayak and Snorkel Tours in Tenerife.
Another adrenaline-filled experience I recommend in Tenerife is paragliding. Why in Tenerife? Because of the spectacular views you'll have of the island and Mount Teide, and the thrill of landing on the beach. In this guide, I've selected the safest and best value experiences for an activity that's worth doing at least once in your life: Paragliding in Tenerife.