About this tour
When Sarah from our BugBitten team boarded this glass-bottom catamaran out of Puerto Colón, we got a proper taste of Tenerife's southwestern coastline — all dramatic cliffs, volcanic backdrop, and sea life. The four-and-a-half-hour run motors you past the towering Los Gigantes toward Masca Bay, where you drop anchor for a swim and lunch. Whale and dolphin spotting happens from deck or via the underwater viewing area if the animals cooperate. It's comfort-focused cruising: included drinks, decent food, and a full liability package. Winter visitors might catch an Atlantic sunset bonus.
Highlights
- Glass-bottom catamaran lets you scan for whales without leaving your seat
- Lunch and drinks included — beer, sangria, juice, water throughout
- Masca Bay anchorage gives proper space to swim in volcanic scenery
- Los Gigantes Cliffs dominate the skyline — genuine showstopper backdrop
- Respectful wildlife approach means realistic sighting odds, not guaranteed theatre
- Vegetarian and coeliac menu options catered for without fuss
- Winter trips close out with Atlantic sunset across open water
- Accessible from Puerto Colón via public transport — no pricey transfers needed
What to expect
You'll meet at Puerto Colón in the morning and settle onto a proper catamaran — roomy, stable, designed for longer cruises. The first chunk is scenic cruising, tracking the coastline toward Los Gigantes. You're looking out for dolphin fins and whale spouts; the crew scans seriously, but sightings aren't guaranteed — they're wild animals doing their own thing. The glass bottom works best when sea conditions stay calm enough to see clearly underwater.
Once you hit Masca Bay, the boat anchors and you've got time to swim in surprisingly clear water. Lunch comes out on deck — proper meals, not just snacks — and the bar stays open with decent choices. The dramatic volcanic cliffs frame everything. If it's winter, you'll catch the light changing across the water toward sunset. Pacing feels unhurried rather than rushed.
What travellers say
- Lunch and drinks included throughout — saves planning meals at sea
- Glass-bottom catamaran suits curious and casual observers equally
- Masca Bay swim stop in dramatic volcanic setting feels earned
- Dietary options (vegetarian, coeliac) handled without fuss or upcharge
- Stable catamaran accessible for varied fitness and confidence levels
- Winter sunset finish rewards patience with genuine Atlantic light show
- Whale and dolphin sightings entirely depend on animal cooperation
- Glass-bottom visibility relies on calm seas and clear water luck
- Summer heat exposure on open deck needs serious sun protection
- Early starts typical — not ideal for late risers or night owls
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour suits pretty much any fitness level — you're mostly sitting, with optional swimming. Lunch and drinks included is genuinely good value; you're not nickel-and-dimed at sea. The catamaran's stable enough for slower swimmers and nervous types. Vegetarian and gluten-free options mean dietary needs don't derail your day. Public transport gets you to the port without booking a separate transfer.
Whale and dolphin sightings depend on the animals showing up — manage expectations. The glass-bottom viewing area only works if water's clear and you're patient. Summer heat on an open deck can be relentless; bring sunscreen and a hat. Early mornings are typical for these departures. Seasickness is possible even on a stable boat if Atlantic swells pick up. The swim stop is optional but most people do it — bring a towel and don't wear your best clothes.
Group sizes vary. Peak season (summer) books up; winter is quieter. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a light layer for wind at sea. The port is walkable from local accommodation or accessible by local bus. No pick-up service included.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.