3H Shared Barrier-Free Cruise with Turtles Dolphins & Whales

A Close-Up Look at the 3-Hour Barrier-Free Cruise with Turtles, Dolphins & Whales

Imagine cruising along Tenerife’s coast on a boat designed so everyone can enjoy its magic – that’s exactly what this 3-hour shared barrier-free cruise offers. For around three hours, you’ll be sailing with a small group aboard Santa Rita, the world’s first fully accessible tourist boat. With a maximum of 10 guests, the experience feels intimate and tailored, allowing plenty of room to breathe, relax, and focus on the incredible marine wildlife and scenic views.

What sets this tour apart? First, its commitment to accessibility—thanks to a hydraulic platform, wheelchair users can board effortlessly, and the boat features accessible bathrooms and shaded seating. Second, the opportunity to see a diverse array of marine life—like whales, dolphins, and turtles—makes it a hit with nature lovers. We particularly appreciate the thoughtful design that ensures everyone can enjoy the ocean, whether they’re young, old, or have mobility challenges.

One thing to keep in mind: since the tour is small and intimate, it may not include the frills of larger, busier cruises. But if your priority is personalized attention and authentic encounters with Tenerife’s marine environment, this trip will likely satisfy. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who value comfort, accessibility, and genuine wildlife viewing over large crowds or quick, superficial tours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise works beautifully for anyone with mobility needs, families, or groups seeking a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. If your goal is to see whales and dolphins in a setting that respects your pace and needs, you’ll find this experience very rewarding. The reviews highlight that helpful crew, stunning views, and delicious food make it stand out.

Key Points

• Fully accessible design with hydraulic platform and accessible bathrooms
• Small group size for a personalized experience
• Wildlife sightings include whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and more
• Comfortable vessel with shaded seating and sunbathing areas
• Snorkeling available with assistance, plus optional swimming
• Gourmet Italian-style pasta served onboard, with soft drinks included

A Detailed Look at the Tenerife Barrier-Free Marine Adventure

Tenerife’s coastline is famed for its abundant marine life and spectacular scenery. This 3-hour cruise offers both a chance to spot whales and dolphins and the joy of cruising comfortably in a vessel designed for everyone. Let’s unpack what makes this trip a noteworthy choice for travelers looking for genuine, accessible fun at sea.

Starting Point and Accessibility

The tour begins at BAT4ALL Barco Accesible Tenerife, a spot clearly marked and easy to find if you’re already exploring the island. The boat itself is a marvel of inclusive design—a key feature that caught our attention. Thanks to a hydraulic platform, wheelchair and mobility scooter users can board with ease, eliminating common barriers faced on traditional boats. The vessel also boasts accessible restrooms, which is a thoughtful touch that enhances comfort throughout the trip.

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The Itinerary and Main Highlights

The tour’s route takes you to some of Tenerife’s most scenic and wildlife-rich spots, starting with a photo stop at Los Cristianos. Here, you can snap pictures of the coast and the boat, while enjoying a refreshing drink or a quick swim if you wish. The day’s main attractions include:

Guaza Fish Farm:
A fascinating spot where local sea bream and bass are raised, surrounded by schools of sardines and mackerel. These schools attract dolphins and sea turtles, creating excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings. As one reviewer noted, “We saw a turtle and lots of pilot whales,” highlighting how productive the trip can be for wildlife enthusiasts.

Lovers Cave:
This stunning sea cave, with clear waters perfect for photos, offers a visual treat. It’s a favorite for capturing the natural beauty of Tenerife’s coastline and is often mentioned as a highlight.

Wildlife Watching:
The open waters often reveal dolphins, pilot whales, and the occasional sea turtle. One reviewer shared, “The crew were fantastic, helping me around the boat. We saw a turtle and lots of pilot whales,” emphasizing the accessibility and quality of wildlife encounters.

Swimming & Snorkeling at Las Vistas Bay:
If weather permits, you can enjoy a relaxing dip with provided snorkeling gear. The crew is ready to assist, making water activities possible for everyone. This flexible option adds an extra layer of enjoyment, especially for those eager to get close to the underwater world.

Gourmet Food Experience:
As the trip winds down, guests are treated to a delicious Italian-style pasta dish, prepared with Mediterranean flavors. Soft drinks are included, and the option to purchase alcoholic beverages allows for a leisurely, tasty finish to your maritime adventure. One guest raved, “The pasta salad was very delicious,” confirming the quality of the onboard meal.

The Vessel and Comfort

The Santa Rita is well-maintained, with plenty of shaded areas and cushions for lounging at the bow. Sunbathers can soak up the sun, while those who prefer shade can relax underneath. The design ensures that every guest, regardless of mobility, can find a comfortable spot. The boat is small, intimate, which means you’ll spend quality time with your guides and fellow passengers, rather than rushing through sights.

The Crew and Service

From reviews, it’s clear that the crew is helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. One guest mentioned, “The crew were fantastic, helping me around the boat,” which underscores the effort made to keep everyone comfortable. Their focus on personalized service makes a meaningful difference, especially for those with mobility challenges.

What We Love & What to Consider

What we love most about this tour is the seamless combination of accessibility and wildlife viewing. It’s rare to find a boat that not only prioritizes comfort for all guests but also offers the chance to see a variety of marine animals up close. Plus, the small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere—no overcrowding or rushed moments.

A potential consideration is the limited duration—at just three hours, it’s a perfect half-day activity but may not satisfy travelers seeking a longer adventure. Also, the tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, so travelers should plan their transportation to the meeting point accordingly.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This boat trip is a fantastic fit for families, seniors, or individuals with mobility issues who want to enjoy Tenerife’s marine life without hassle. It also suits those who appreciate small-group experiences, personalized attention, and delicious food in a scenic setting. If you’re after a relaxing, accessible, wildlife-focused boat ride, this tour ticks all the boxes.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This cruise offers a rare chance to enjoy Tenerife’s stunning coastline and rich marine life in a comfortable, accessible setting. It’s ideal for travelers who value personalized service, authentic wildlife encounters, and well-thought-out accessibility features. The combination of nature, comfort, and friendly guides makes it a standout option—especially if you or someone in your group needs a barrier-free experience.

While it’s a shorter tour, the quality of wildlife sightings and the thoughtful design of the vessel give it a high value. Whether you’re a family with mobility needs, an animal enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing day at sea, this trip offers a genuinely memorable way to connect with Tenerife’s natural beauty.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the boat is fully accessible thanks to a hydraulic platform that allows wheelchair and scooter users to board easily.

What’s included in the tour price?
Soft drinks, a Mediterranean-style pasta dish, and snorkeling gear are included. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, with specific starting times available depending on availability.

Are there opportunities to swim or snorkel?
Yes, you can swim and snorkel at Las Vistas Bay if weather and conditions permit, with assistance provided if needed.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and beachwear are recommended for comfort and sun protection.

What wildlife might I see?
Dolphins, pilot whales, sea turtles, and schools of small fish are common sightings during the tour.

Is food served onboard?
Yes, a freshly prepared Italian-style pasta dish is served, along with soft drinks.

Are there private or group options?
Small group tours are the standard, but private tours can be arranged for a more personalized experience.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility if your plans change.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at BAT4ALL Barco Accesible Tenerife, and returns to the same point at the end of the trip.

This accessible, wildlife-rich cruise offers a genuine chance to enjoy Tenerife’s coast in comfort and style. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, someone seeking an easy-going adventure, or someone with mobility concerns, it’s an experience that’s both memorable and meaningful.

You can check availability for your dates here: