Whales plus an open bar. This Costa Adeje catamaran outing mixes marine spotting with included snacks and drinks, so the 3 hours don’t drag. I like how the crew keeps the mood friendly (people often mention guides like Oliver/Ollie) and I love that you get sandwiches plus an open bar instead of nickel-and-diming you once you’re on the water. One thing to consider: it’s a big catamaran (up to 160), so you’ll trade an intimate feel for value and variety of sightings.

Before you go, know that pickup runs from set hotels in South Tenerife, and all tours require decent weather. It also helps to be ready for some on-board selling (photos), and to bring a light layer because wind on the water can be real even when it’s warm on shore.

Quick hits before you go

• Up to 160 on board: expect a lively, sometimes crowded feel versus a small-group boat
• Open bar + sandwiches included: alcoholic drinks, soda/pop, and bottled water come with the price
• Marine life focus: you’re specifically looking for bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles
• Sun beds cost extra: front sun beds are first come, first served, with an extra charge (some riders noted about €10)
• Big-boat realities: you might see vendors pushing photos and videos, and conditions can affect sightings

Whale Watching Catamaran in Costa Adeje: What You Really Get

This is a classic Tenerife “see marine life from the water” tour, built for comfort and easy value. You leave from the Costa Adeje / Playa de las Américas area, head out for about 3 hours, and aim to spot whales, dolphins, and turtles while enjoying included food and drinks.

What makes this one worth a look is the blend of things that normally cost extra on other trips. Here, you get sandwiches, snacks, and an open bar included, plus bottled water and soda/pop. That matters because on the water you’ll often spend money just to stay relaxed and hydrated.

The other big factor is the boat size. With up to 160 people, the crew can keep moving and covering ground, but the experience will feel more like a group excursion than a quiet nature outing.

Getting There: Pickup Zone, Meeting Point, and Punctuality

You’ll meet at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The start time is 10:00 am, and the activity returns you back to the same meeting point.

Pickup is available, but only from set hotels and only within the south of Tenerife. Hotels very close to the port may require you to go directly to the port. Also, the company operates three large catamarans, and you can’t choose which one you’ll be on.

Here’s my practical tip: be early to the pickup or gate. One review mentioned a 30-minute delay from waiting on a person who didn’t turn up, and on a fixed departure that kind of wait is just frustrating. I’d rather arrive with time to spare than stress about the clock.

And do this before you leave your accommodation: leave a mobile number (with country code) and your email when you book, so the operator can send meeting instructions.

On Board the Large Catamaran (Up to 160): Comfort, Seating, and Sea-Sickness Prep

This is a large catamaran, with capacity up to 160 people. That affects the vibe. You’ll have plenty of people around, families and groups, and an overall busier atmosphere than you’d get on a smaller boat.

Seating-wise, you’ll likely find space, but the front sun beds are an upgrade. They’re extra charge and first come, first served. If you care about that front-row view, show up early and keep an eye on how seating works when you board.

Comfort is decent on a catamaran because the ride is typically more stable than speedboats. Still, motion is motion. If you’re prone to sea-sickness, don’t gamble—bring your own remedy. One rider even suggested travel sickness gum, and the crew reportedly helped people who felt ill.

Also pack for wind. Even in sunny weather, once you’re out and moving, it can get breezy and cool.

The Marine-Spotting Game Plan: Dolphins, Pilot Whales, and Turtles

You’re not going on a guaranteed animal checklist. You’re going out to look. The tour is aimed at species like bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles.

What you can realistically expect is variety and “search time.” The crew’s job is to locate pods, then position the boat so you have a chance to watch and take photos. When the animals are active, sightings can feel close and exciting. Several reviews specifically called out pilot whales in multiple groups and dolphins that came close enough for great photos.

On the other hand, the ocean is the ocean. Some groups reported fewer sightings or whales farther away. That’s not a failure—it’s just how wild animals work. If your dream is a specific type of dolphin or a long, close encounter, keep flexibility.

Drinks and Snacks Value: Open Bar, Sandwiches, and What Costs Extra

The included food and drink setup is one of the strongest reasons to book this catamaran. You get:

• Sandwiches (so you’re not stuck with snacks only)
• Snacks
• Alcoholic beverages as part of the open bar
• Soda/pop
• Bottled water

For a 3-hour outing on the water, this is a solid value. Without included drinks, most people end up spending a surprising amount on bar purchases just to stay comfortable.

There are add-ons, though. Front sun beds cost extra. Ice-creams also cost extra. And then there’s the on-board photo and video sales. If you hate being pressured, it helps to set expectations early and decide in advance what you’ll (and won’t) buy.

Swims in a Quiet Bay: The Best Moment on Many Trips

A lot of the memories from this trip come from the water break. Reviews describe a pause in a secluded bay where people could jump in from the boat, then swim and splash around before heading back out.

Even if you don’t jump, the atmosphere usually changes when the crew turns the boat toward a calmer spot. You’ll often see more relaxed faces and fewer people glued to the horizon.

Safety common sense still matters. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t force it. And if it’s windy, be cautious about getting in and out since decks can be slick.

Crew and Communication: English, Spanish, and Keeping Things Clear

The tour offers English and the company states that English and Spanish will be spoken. Other languages may not be fully covered. If you speak a language other than English or Spanish, tell the guide when you get on board. I like that you get a practical heads-up rather than vague promises.

Crew quality seems to be a major theme in the feedback. People mention friendly, attentive staff and knowledgeable guidance during sightings. If you want clear explanations about what you’re seeing, this kind of crew attention makes a difference—especially when dolphins and whales surface quickly.

There’s also a “volume” factor. A couple of reviews mention the host talking loudly or being less subtle. If you’re sensitive to loud commentary, bring earplugs. It’s a small thing that can make a big comfort difference on a big boat.

Photos, Photos Sales, and Other On-Board Add-Ons

On many boat tours, the included experience is the ride and the spotting. Here, there’s also a photo package vibe onboard. Vendors may try to sell photos taken while you’re on the catamaran, and some riders felt the sales pressure was too strong. Others mentioned the photographer wasn’t pleasant, at least in one instance.

What I’d do: if photo sales bug you, plan to ignore the pitch. If you do want photos, ask questions clearly and decide fast. Some reviews suggested that a video or photos weren’t included in the base price.

Also note one practical hiccup: a few people reported ticket or mobile-ticket recognition issues when boarding, and it caused stress in the moment. Your best defense is to keep your confirmation and mobile ticket accessible offline, ready to show quickly.

Price and Logistics: Is $56.72 a Good Deal?

At about $56.72 per person for a 3-hour catamaran with hotel pickup (from set hotels), open bar, and sandwiches, the value is strong on paper. The reason is simple: you’re paying for a full sea outing plus drinks and food, not just boat transport.

This price becomes even more attractive when you compare it to the usual “pay extra for everything” model. Here, you avoid those pricey bar fees and you don’t need to plan snacks. For a morning trip, that included sandwich setup is a big deal.

The trade-offs are also real. You’re on a large boat, front sun beds cost extra, and the animals aren’t guaranteed to be close. Weather can cancel the trip too, which leads to another value point: free cancellation if you cancel in time, plus rescheduling or a full refund if the company cancels due to poor weather.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Prefer Smaller Boats)

This is a great fit if you:

• Want value with open bar and sandwiches included
• Prefer a lively group tour over a quiet, private nature cruise
• Are excited by the possibility of close pilot whale sightings and dolphin encounters
• Like the idea of a swim break from the catamaran

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want a small-group, calm, low-noise experience
• Expect guaranteed closeness to whales or a long wildlife encounter every time
• Get overwhelmed by big crowds (up to 160 people)
• Hate any on-board selling or photo pressure

Should You Book This Whale Watching Catamaran from Costa Adeje?

I think it’s a solid pick if your priority is a fun, well-fed sea outing with a decent shot at dolphins and pilot whales. The included open bar and sandwiches make it feel like more than a basic sightseeing ride, and the big catamaran format helps the crew search efficiently.

Book it if you can handle a busy atmosphere and you’ll be okay with the fact that wild animals set the pace. Skip it (or consider a smaller boat option) if you need quiet, intimate guiding or you’re easily bothered by crowd noise and on-board sales.

If you go, do three things: arrive early, dress for wind, and keep your money and valuables secured. One review raised a serious concern about missing cash after a toilet break, so don’t leave valuables unattended. A little common sense keeps the day focused on the sea.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching catamaran?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What time does the tour start in Costa Adeje?

It starts at 10:00 am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is hotel pickup included, and where does pickup work?

Hotel pickup is included, but only from set hotels in the south of Tenerife. Hotels close to the port may require you to go directly to the port, and pickup is not offered outside the south of Tenerife.

What’s included with the price?

Included: snacks, sandwiches, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, and bottled water. Pickup and drop-off are included (from set pickup locations).

Are there any extra costs onboard?

Yes. Front sun beds at the front of the boat are an extra charge and are first come, first served. Ice-creams cost extra. Photos and videos sold onboard are also extra.

What marine life can the tour search for?

You’ll look out for bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, pilot whales, and also turtles.

What languages are available on the tour?

English and Spanish are guaranteed. Other languages may be offered, but they can’t be guaranteed.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a cancellation option and how far in advance?

Cancellation is free. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Whale Watching2-Hour Dolphin and Whale Watching in Gran CanariaFrom Quebec City: Whale Watching Excursion Full-Day TripWhale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea