Costa Adeje is a vibrant and lively region of Tenerife. But if you wish to escape for a few hours – head to the high seas to relax, unwind, and view marine life in its natural habitat. My guide to the 9 best boat trips in Costa Adeje highlights many day trips ranging from whale and dolphin watching excursions to luxury sailboats and yacht tours with food and drinks included. Keep reading to gain inspiration on which to book for your traveling party!
Hi, I’m Timon!
I’ve experienced the heartbeat of Spain firsthand. Over the last five years, I’ve immersed myself in the dynamic cities of Spain, truly living the Spanish way. My insights into this beautiful country are rooted in genuine experience.
My Top 3 Picks: Boat Trips in Costa Adeje
Catamaran Cruise
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️ Whale and dolphin spotting
✔️ Expert guide assistance
✔️ Drinks, and snacks included
Private Yacht
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️ Luxury yacht cruise with buffet
✔️ Marine activities and learning
✔️ Included hotel transfers
Sailing Yacht
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️ Whale/dolphin watch on a yacht
✔️ Guided sea-life discovery
✔️ Snorkel and refreshments
Best Boat Trips in Costa Adeje
Many boat trips are available along the Tenerife coastline, and selecting one from so many is no easy task. In this list of 9 best boat trips in Costa Adeje below, I’ll give you details of the top cruises, durations, where they embark from, and all-important tourist ratings, so you know you’ll be gaining value for money.
1. Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruising Catamaran
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 📅 Check Rates and Availability
This top-rated catamaran trip departing from Dock #6 Puerto Colón has received a badge of excellence and over 1200 five-star reviews. It’s a great excursion to book if you don’t have much time in Tenerife, yet wish to see whales and dolphins frolicking in their natural habitat.
The fun tour comes complete with a knowledgeable guide who can help you spot the majestic mammals at sea, plus it includes drinks, cold meats, snacks, and tapas served throughout the cruise.
We saw tons of dolphins and pilot whales! The crew was helpful, and the food was good too. Definitely recommend!
-Tyler (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Relax on the sundeck as you glide along the island’s coast, taking photographs of beautiful beaches, mountains and marine life, and meet like-minded people on this small group trip. This tour lasts three hours, and transportation is offered from neighboring resorts if requested.
2. Marine-Life Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 📅 Check Rates and Availability
This three-hour marine life tour has an excellent rating of 4.8/5.0, with over 500 reviews. Arrange a convenient pick-up from your hotel or depart from Dock #6 at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas. If you’re driving here from other resorts in Tenerife, parking is available near the port for a little over one euro per hour.
Step aboard and head out into the Atlantic Ocean on a catamaran helmed by a friendly, experienced crew and marine guide. Seek dolphins and whales swimming as you cruise the waters and enjoy a delicious tapas buffet lunch accompanied by cava and a glass of wine.
It was the highlight of my holiday! The crew were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend!
-GetYourGuide Traveler (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
During the trip, the boat drops anchor in a secluded bay to allow time for snorkeling (equipment provided) and swimming before sailing back to port along the beautiful coastline of this picturesque Canary Island.
Ticket: Marine-life Tour
3. Tour with Whale Watching in Tenerife Peter Pan Boat
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 📅 Check Rates and Availability
If you’re seeking a unique experience and don’t mind sharing your excursion with a larger group (up to 60 people), consider booking a whale-watching tour on a Peter Pan boat. The organizers will pick you up from selected hotels for specific tour times, or you can make your own way to Puerto de los Cristianos Zona A.
On this exciting and fun trip, you can experience real-world sailing, spot colonies of dolphins and pilot whales and learn about tales of pirates who once traversed these oceans.
Staff was very friendly, we saw sea turtles and dolphins, lovely experience. The whole family really enjoyed it!
-CLAIR (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
The authentic 18-meter-long Portuguese Schooner has an open bar, a lounge and table, and a delightful upper deck for sunbathing. This trip has a rating of 4.5/5.0 by 95 reviewers and lasts around two hours.
Duration of boat trips in Costa Adeje
As detailed above, many of the boat trips along Costa Adeje have a duration of two to three hours, leaving you plenty of time to combine the excursion with shopping, pool, or beach fun. If you’re seeking a more extended boat trip, some luxury and private tours detailed below last a little longer.
Best Cruises in Costa Adeje
Some of the best cruises in Costa Adeje offer pick-ups along the Costa Adeje coastline. They incorporate private, group and luxury trips to see whales, dolphins, and experience the scenic natural coastline, beaches, and mountains of this incredible island. Here are a few more of my favorites.
4. Masca and Los Gigantes Whale-Watching Cruise
⭐️ Rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4.5 hours | 📅 Check Rates and Availability
This popular catamaran experience transports you far into the ocean to view dolphins, pilot whales, and other marine life species. You can admire Masca from a different perspective and photograph the cliffs of Los Gigantes. The trip is rated 4.3/5.0 and is one of the longest cruises available along the Costa Adeje, lasting 4.5 hours.
On this informative cruise, an expert guide will share the migration paths of the whales, what they eat, and their behaviors. You may gain the opportunity to see bottlenose and spotted dolphins too! There’s time for swimming and snorkeling in crystalline waters by the cliffs and drinks and snacks are provided on-board.
They explained everything in English, Spanish, and German. The food was decent. The views – phenomenal. Wonderful experience!
-GetYourGuide Traveler (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
The collection is available from several resorts in south Tenerife, or you can make your own way to the port. Departures are from Dock #10 or #15 at Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas.
5. Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching
⭐️ Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 📅 Check Rates and Availability
With a 4.6 rating out of 5.0, this three-hour luxury yacht excursion is a favorite of many. The unforgettable tour begins with a briefing from your guide, before venturing out into the Atlantic Ocean for whale and dolphin spotting on a 52-foot-long yacht.
The crew on this trip provides interesting factual information about marine life and takes you to all the best spots. The tour is available in four languages – English, Spanish, Italian, and French.
We saw both dolphins and pilot whales, just a few miles away from Puerto Colon. We had a great time, and it felt almost like a private sail!
-GetYourGuide Traveler (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
You’ll have time to swim with turtles in a secluded bay, then feast on fresh fruits, sandwiches and enjoy a range of refreshments.
The cruise can be joined from Pantalan Dock Zero at Puerto Colón, and parking is available near the port. This yacht is also wheelchair accessible for those with limited mobility.
6. Private/Group Sailing Cruise with Drinks
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 📅 Check Rates and Availability
On this idyllic three-hour cruise along the southern coastline of Tenerife, you can glimpse dolphins as they playfully swim alongside the boat.
Try to spot whales in their natural habitat and take the plunge into the shimmering azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This is a leisurely cruise where one can photograph scenic vistas, spot hideaway coves, and secluded beaches.
Next to the whale watch and sailing, we got a lot of interesting details about the island, and the nature.
-GetYourGuide Traveler (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
You’ll learn all about the history of the Canary Islands from your knowledgeable guides, and a selection of cold beverages are available on board, including cava, beer, water, and soft drinks.
The tour is highly rated at 4.9 out of 5.0 and is available in English and Spanish. You can book it as a private or group tour, and the meeting point is Paseo Colón Pantalan #8 in Adeje.
Best Luxury Boat Trips in Costa Adeje
If you’re traveling with a loved one or wish to experience Costa Adeje cruises with family members, these incredible luxury sailboat trips below may be the perfect match for you.
7. Tenerife Luxury Sailboat Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 📅 Check Rates and Availability
This luxury sailboat tour sells out quickly thanks to its 5-star reviews. The tour is just over three hours in duration and is offered in five languages. Pick-ups and drop-offs are available from selected hotels within 20 kilometers of Puerto Colón for a scheduled 10.30 am departure.
The Roulette is a 12-meter-long sailboat with room for 10 passengers and two crew members. During this half-day of fun and relaxation, you head out to the Zec – a place for cetacean conservation, where you’ll have the opportunity to see up to 29 species including whales and dolphins, sea turtles, and bird life.
Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. We saw dolphins and whales! The staff was very attentive and always made sure we had drinks, snacks, etc. Loved this tour!
-Sarah (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
The boat provides snorkeling gear and makes a stop in La Caleta – a site of natural interest for swimming, before returning to the port once more. The tour package includes snacks and drinks but you can upgrade the experience by adding paella, desserts, wine, and Spanish cava to make it extra special.
Ticket: Luxury Sailboat Tour
8. Private Yacht Excursion
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 📅 Check Rates and Availability
This luxury private yacht cruise departing Puerto Colón is designed to curate special moments solely for you and your loved ones and friends. The crew serves drinks and snacks, and activities such as snorkeling, whale watching, and swimming are waiting to be enjoyed.
The five-star experience begins with collection from your accommodation (up to 20km from the port) before being transported to the yacht to begin your epic three-hour adventure.
Salvador and his team were an absolute dream. We were lucky enough to see dolphins, turtles and whales! The home made paella and cake were amazing. Worth every penny definitely a must if you are in Costa Adeje!
-Mark (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
As you depart the marina, learn about Tenerife’s diverse marine life from the captain before venturing to the best places to spot marine life. Unlimited drinks are available on-board thanks to an open bar, and lunch and snacks are provided.
Memorable moments are captured on camera by the crew so you don’t have to miss out on swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the yacht.
Ticket: Private Yacht Excursion
9. Las Galletas: Yacht Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 📅 Check Rates and Availability
This three-hour yacht trip navigates scenic shorelines, cliffs, harbors and hidden caves of southern Tenerife. It’s a five-star tour suited to eight participants and pick-up is included from the X-Sur shopping center in Costa Adeje.
The modern luxury yacht excursion offers the perfect day away from the hustle and bustle of land resorts. There are areas for relaxation – the crew caters to your every whim with drinks and snacks, and you can learn all about the marine life of the Canary Islands as you soak up the incredible views.
This was one of my favourite trips of our holiday! We were so lucky to be able to see loads of pilot whales and dolphins which was incredible. The only thing I wished was that it lasted longer. Very worth the money, highly recommend!
-GetYourGuide Traveler (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
As this yacht has a high-speed motor, you can reach the best whale and dolphin spots with ease, plus, there’s time remaining to snorkel in the bay with colorful marine life before returning to port. The fantastic day trip is available in English and Spanish, although may not be suitable for those prone to seasickness.
Ticket: Las Galletas Yacht Tour
Final Thoughts on Best Boat Trips in Costa Adeje
Here are a few things to keep in mind before booking your Costa Adeje boat trip:
- Consider the length of the tour and plan your day around it.
- Decide whether you want to have the boat or yacht to yourself or share it with others.
- If you’re traveling with young children or those with limited mobility, does the yacht cater to them?
- If you’re not planning to rent a car, check if your excursion includes a hotel or local pick-up.
After a day out on the sea, you’ll love exploring Costa Adeje’s beautiful coastline. We have a guide all about the best 8 beaches to visit in Costa Adeje while in South Tenerife. From budget-friendly to luxury spots, there’s a beach for everyone. Additionally, if you’re wondering about the overall experience of the island, check out if Tenerife is worth visiting for you.
And the best part? It won’t break the bank if you’re considering staying a little longer in Costa Adeje. Tenerife is one of the 11 cheapest places to live in Spain. It’s not just a great place to visit. It’s also a great place to stay!
Best Boat Trips in Costa Adeje: FAQs
Costa Adeje is perfect for fantastic boat trips, and it’s natural to have questions about the best options. Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about the best boat trips in the area.
🚤 Does Costa Adeje have a marina?
Costa Adeje has a fantastic marina! You’ll find Puerto Colón, a beautiful marina filled with an array of boats and yachts. It’s a great spot to take a relaxed walk or eat at a nearby restaurant. I’ve spent numerous evenings enjoying coffee at a local cafe and watching the mesmerizing sunsets over the sea.
🐳 What do you wear to whale watching in Tenerife?
For whale watching in Tenerife, dressing comfortably and being ready for varying weather is key. I suggest wearing layers, like a light T-shirt or tank top, with a hoodie or sweater for extra warmth. A waterproof windbreaker is handy, as it might get quite breezy on the water. Wearing sunglasses and a hat will protect you from the intense sun, and don’t forget the sunscreen. Comfortable, grippy shoes are crucial, as you’ll be walking around the boat to see the whales.
🛥️What is the best outfit to wear on a boat ride?
On a boat ride, I recommend a casual and stylish outfit that’s both cozy and practical. Choose a light, airy dress or shorts with a T-shirt, depending on the weather. Slip-on shoes or sandals with decent grip are perfect for navigating the boat with ease. Remember to wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen for a pleasant and safe boat trip experience.
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