Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A glass-bottom boat has windows or transparent panels below the waterline that let you see the seabed and the fish without getting wet. In Tenerife it is usually combined with sailing along the south coast and, on some trips, a swimming stop or looking for cetaceans.
It is a good option for non-swimmers, families with young children and older people. This page helps you have realistic expectations about what you will see.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Boat with underwater windows or a transparent floor |
| Duration | From about 2 hours to more than 4 on the offers reviewed |
| Usual port | Puerto Colón and other ports in the south |
| What you see | Shallow rocky or sandy seabed, fish, sometimes turtles |
| Visibility | Depends on sea conditions and light |
| Extras | A meal on long trips; swimming and snorkelling on some |
| Cetaceans | Only if the boat is authorised |
| Price | Depends on the duration and what is included |
What you really see
Through the windows you mainly see life on the shallow seabed near the coast: shoals of fish, volcanic rocks, seagrass meadows and, with luck, turtles. In deep water far from the coast, the seabed is no longer visible and the window shows the blue of the sea.
The quality depends heavily on water visibility and light: on sunny days with a calm sea you see much more than when the sea is rough or the sky overcast.
Formats
| Format | What sets it apart | Suits you if… |
|---|---|---|
| Short trip | Underwater viewing and coastline only | You are travelling with young children |
| Long trip with a meal | Includes lunch and stops | You want to spend more time at sea |
| Tastingmaran with underwater windows | Greater stability | You are worried about seasickness |
| With whale watching | Boat authorised for whale watching | You want to combine both |
Who it suits
- People who cannot swim or do not want to go in the water.
- Families with young children.
- Older people or people with limited mobility, if access allows.
- Anyone who wants a first look at the seabed before trying snorkelling.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Anyone expecting it to be like diving: the view is more limited than with a snorkel mask or on a dive.
- Days with rough seas: visibility is much worse.
- Anyone who gets seasick looking down: looking through the windows while the boat is moving can make you feel sick.
How to choose well
- Are they side windows below the water or a transparent floor?
- How much time is spent over shallow seabed?
- What happens if visibility is poor that day?
- Does it include swimming, snorkelling or a meal?
- Is it authorised for whale watching, if it is advertised?
- What is access like for older people or people with reduced mobility?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Underwater-viewing trip | Included | Type of windows |
| Food | On long trips | Menu |
| Snorkellingling | In some | Sizes and life jackets |
| Transport | In some offers | Area |
Safety
- Life jackets for everyone on board.
- The underwater viewing areas are usually in the lower part of the boat: take care on the stairs.
- If you feel seasick, alternate looking through the windows with going out on deck.
Weather
- Sun and calm sea: better visibility.
- Swell or clouds: you see less. Ask whether the date can be changed.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure: the duration, the meal included and the type of boat all vary.
- Duration of the trip.
- Food and drink.
- Type of boat and extras.
What to bring
- Sun protection and a cap.
- A light jacket.
- Swimwear if there is a swimming stop.
- A camera without flash to take photos through the glass.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Going deeper without diving | Submarine excursion |
| Seeing fish while swimming yourself | Snorkellingling in Tenerife |
| Tastingmaran with a swim and a meal | Tastingmaran excursion |
| Seeing cetaceans | Whale and dolphin watching |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to be able to swim?
No. You see the seabed from inside the boat.
What can you see through the glass?
Shallow seabed, fish and sometimes turtles. It depends on the visibility that day.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes, it is one of the most comfortable formats for them.
Is it the same as diving?
No. The view is more limited than with a snorkel mask or on a dive.
What happens if the water is murky?
You see less. Ask whether the provider offers a change of date.
How long does it last?
From about 2 hours to more than 4, depending on the offer.