Seen from the sea, Tenerife changes its face: the Los Gigantes cliffs plunging into the ocean, the coves reachable only by boat, the dolphins escorting the hull. A boat trip is one of the most beautiful — and relaxing — ways to experience the island, suitable even for those not after adventure. Here are the types of trip, where they depart and how to choose the right one.
Where boat trips depart from
Most trips leave from the south, where the sea is more stable and sunny:
- Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje): the main marina, with the widest choice of catamarans and trips.
- Los Cristianos: another major departure point in the south, handy if you stay nearby.
- Los Gigantes: ideal for setting off already close to the cliffs of the same name, in the south-west.
- Puerto de la Cruz: some trips also depart from the north, usually on selected days.
The types of trip
Not all boat trips are the same: choose based on the time you have and what you are after.
| Type of trip | Ideal for |
| Relaxing catamaran (about 3 hours) | Swimming, snorkelling, families |
| Catamaran to Los Gigantes (about 5 hours) | Cliffs and Masca bay |
| Whale watching by boat | Whales and dolphins |
| Sunset trip | Couples, photos, atmosphere |
| Private charter or sailing | Groups, exclusive experience |
The shorter trips are enough for a first experience with swimming and snorkelling; the half-day ones add more time in the water and often lunch or a bar on board.
What you see: Los Gigantes and Masca bay
The most spectacular stretch is the south-west coast. The Los Gigantes cliffs are walls of rock dropping sheer for hundreds of metres: seen from below, from the boat, they are among the most striking sights on the island. A little further on opens Masca bay, a remote cove at the foot of the famous ravine, reachable almost only by sea: many half-day trips drop anchor here for a swim.
Whales and dolphins from the boat
The south-west coast is home year-round to a resident population of pilot whales and dolphins, so many boat trips include sightings. Choose an operator with the Barco Azul (Blue Boat) flag: the Canary Islands government issues it to boats authorised for cetacean watching. The rules on distance, number of boats and duration are separate legal obligations — the flag says the operator is authorised, not that it behaves correctly on every trip. If your main goal is the cetaceans, you will find the details in the guide to the best excursions in Tenerife.
Catamaran, sailing boat or speedboat: which to choose
The catamaran is the most versatile option: stable, spacious and comfortable for those who get seasick or travel with children. A sailing boat offers a slower, quieter experience, nice for those after atmosphere. Smaller, faster boats suit small groups and those who want to move around more. For a family day, the catamaran is usually the best choice: you can read more in the guide to Tenerife with kids.
Practical tips
- Morning trips tend to have calmer seas: better if you are prone to seasickness.
- Bring sun cream, water, a change of clothes and something warm for the wind while sailing.
- Check what is included: snorkelling gear, lunch, drinks, hotel transfers.
- Book a few days ahead in high season, especially for sunset trips.
- Read the cancellation terms: weather can call off the trip for safety.
In short, how to choose
If you are short on time and just want sea and swimming, go for a relaxing catamaran of a few hours from Puerto Colón or Los Cristianos. If you want the best of the scenery, choose the half-day trip towards Los Gigantes and Masca bay. For a special evening, the sunset trip is hard to beat.
Boat trips vary quite a bit from one operator to another, in length and in what’s included: before booking, with TPCard you can check whether the sea experience you’ve chosen is among the partners offering a benefit to cardholders.
