Odyssee 3: The Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Fuerteventura

The best part of the Odyssee 3 is the chance to watch dolphins from the boat and then see beneath the surface through its underwater viewing area. This is more than a quiet sightseeing cruise: you can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or shoot down the boat slide before lunch and drinks.

I like the warm, playful crew, especially the captains known as Carlos and Cesar, and I like the wide mix of activities for families. The main caution is the sea itself. Choppy water has made some people seasick, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the four-hour outing may feel long if you want a calm, focused whale-watching trip.

Key points to know before you book

• Dolphin watching in Jandía Natural Park: The crew searches for dolphins, turtles, fish, and whales, with sightings depending on nature and weather.
• A real glass-bottom viewing area: You can go below deck for a closer look at fish and other sea life, with viewing time limited during the wildlife stop.
• A full water-play session: Snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, life jackets, and a slide are included.
• Canarian lunch and drinks: Paella, bread, soft drinks, water, beer, and sangria are included, while cocktails and coffee cost extra.
• Pickup from southern hotels: Transportation is offered from most hotels in the south of Fuerteventura, ending back at the port or your pickup point.
• A social, family-friendly atmosphere: Music, crew entertainment, a seagull presentation, and a farewell dance keep this from feeling like a silent nature cruise.

Setting out from Morro Jable

The Odyssee 3 leaves from Puerto de Morro Jable, on the southern coast of Fuerteventura. Pickup is available from most hotels in the south, which saves you the trouble of arranging a taxi or finding parking near the port.

The boat holds up to 50 people. That gives the outing a friendly excursion feel rather than a private sailing trip. You will hear safety and trip information from the crew in several languages, then head along the coast with music playing and views of some of Fuerteventura’s best beaches.

The opening presentation is lively and, for some, too lively. The crew spends time explaining the company and the day ahead. If you prefer quiet nature guiding, this can feel like a long sales pitch before the boat gets properly underway. If you enjoy jokes, music, and a host who keeps the whole boat involved, it sets the tone early.

Bring your swimsuit and towel even if you are mainly interested in wildlife. The water stop is a major part of the experience, not a minor extra. Comfortable clothes, sun protection, and a light layer make sense because conditions can shift once you leave the port.

Searching for dolphins along Jandía’s coast

Once the Odyssee 3 reaches open water, the crew watches for marine life. The usual possibilities include dolphins, turtles, fish, and whales. Several accounts describe pods of dolphins swimming and jumping beside the boat, while others saw whales as well.

This is the emotional high point when the animals appear. The boat may stop for a few minutes if dolphins are nearby, allowing you to watch without constantly moving after them. That matters if you care about seeing wildlife in a respectful way rather than being part of a high-speed chase.

Still, you should book this as a chance to see wildlife, not as a promise of a dolphin show. One outing may produce a memorable pod, while another may show little. The crew can search, but it cannot control the ocean. A disappointing wildlife day is possible, and one particularly unhappy account described seeing almost no sea life.

The water can also be rough. Some people became seasick, and the boat can feel unsteady in choppy conditions. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you feel most comfortable, keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and consider taking your usual precaution before departure. The supplied information does not promise medication onboard, so do not rely on the boat for that.

Seeing beneath the boat

The underwater viewing area gives the cruise its name and offers a different way to see the sea. You can go below and look through the windows as the boat passes over the water. Children can also visit the cockpit, which adds a nice hands-on moment to the outing.

The glass-bottom section is best treated as a bonus, not as a substitute for a full marine-life tour. Fish may be visible, but the number and variety depend on the water, light, and location. Some outings produced a good look at fish, while others found the snorkeling and underwater viewing less impressive than expected.

There may be a time limit of around five minutes in the underwater area during the wildlife portion. If you want a long, quiet look through the windows, this may feel brief. The real value comes from combining it with the open-water search and the later swim stop.

The swim stop, slide, and paddle gear

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for water activities. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or use the slide. There is also a board for jumping into the sea, according to the detailed trip experience.

This is where the Odyssee 3 works especially well for families and mixed-age groups. One person can relax in the sun while another takes a kayak, and children can enjoy the slide without the whole group needing to follow one plan. Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are supplied, though the condition of the masks may vary. One account described worn goggles and limited fish in the snorkeling area.

The water is described as clear and pleasant for swimming. Do take care around rocks. A passenger cut a knee during the swim stop, and the available first-aid supplies were described as limited. That does not mean you should avoid the water, but it is sensible to move carefully when entering or leaving and to follow crew instructions.

The setting for the stop may not match every picture in your imagination. The boat sometimes stops near the edge of a harbor rather than at a remote beach or sea cave. That makes the stop practical and sheltered, but it can feel less wild than a secluded cove.

Canarian lunch and drinks onboard

Lunch is included, with paella and bread commonly served. Soft drinks and water are included, along with beer and sangria through the open bar. This is useful value for a four-hour outing, especially when you are paying for a family group.

The food is basic rather than a full restaurant meal. Some people found the paella tasty, while others wanted more flavor and a larger meal. If you miss the serving while helping a child or dealing with an injury, you may not get another chance easily. Keep an eye on the lunch timing and let the crew know if someone in your group needs help.

Cocktails and coffee are not included. The tour description calls certain drinks exclusive cocktails, but the inclusions specifically list cocktails and coffee as extra. Bring a little spending money if those matter to you. Be aware that onboard snacks can be expensive, with one account noting a high price for a bag of crisps.

For dietary needs, vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal meals are available when requested in advance. Add the requirement at checkout rather than waiting until you board.

Music, seagulls, and the crew’s show

This is not a quiet boat ride. Music plays throughout, and the crew keeps up a steady stream of jokes, announcements, and entertainment. Captain Carlos is praised for speaking several languages and keeping both adults and children engaged. Captain Cesar is also singled out for personal attention and humor.

The seagull presentation near the end is a distinctive part of the trip. The crew invites the birds close to the boat, and you can watch them fly near you. Children often enjoy this, while adults may find it a little staged. One account felt that the seagull segment lasted too long, especially after the wildlife search had finished.

The farewell dance is another sign of the tour’s personality. If you want a polished, formal cruise, this may not suit you. If you like a crew that acts as entertainers as well as boat staff, it adds energy and helps turn a simple boat ride into a shared day out.

The last hour can be the weakest part for people who prefer scenery and wildlife. The boat may motor along the headland, include the seagull show, and offer photos for purchase. Some find this fun; others feel the trip could be shortened from four hours to three.

Photo package and practical costs

Crew members take photos during the outing, including pictures of the group and wildlife. A package costing about 20 euros has been offered for all the photographs, emailed afterward. That can be fair value if the crew captures dolphins beside the boat, but it is entirely optional.

At $90.51 per person, the price makes sense if you use several parts of the package: hotel pickup, a four-hour cruise, wildlife searching, underwater viewing, water equipment, lunch, and drinks. Paying separately for a boat trip, water sports, food, and transport could add up quickly.

The value is weaker if you only want a short wildlife cruise or if rough water keeps you out of the activities. The lunch is simple, the cocktails cost extra, and sightings are uncertain. Think of the price as covering a full entertainment day on the water, not a guaranteed whale-and-dolphin expedition.

This tour is booked, on average, 19 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early during busy periods, especially if your hotel pickup and preferred date matter. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the maximum group size is 50.

Accessibility, children, and who will enjoy it

Children under three travel free, and infants can join if you note this when booking. The combination of a slide, cockpit visit, seagulls, music, and water toys gives younger children plenty to watch and do.

The boat has a boarding ramp for wheelchairs and accessible areas onboard. One passenger with limited mobility received help from the pickup staff, captain, and crew, including assistance with the coach, boarding, door thresholds, and seating. If you need support, contact the provider ahead of time so the crew can prepare.

Most people can take part, but the water activities require care and confidence around the sea. The boat has restrooms and a designated smoking area. Hotel pickup is offered in southern Fuerteventura, and the activity returns to the meeting point at the end.

I would choose this for families, couples who want a lively half-day, and anyone who likes mixing wildlife with swimming and simple entertainment. I would choose a quieter, more specialized wildlife cruise for someone who dislikes loud music, staged performances, or group activities.

Weather, cancellations, and final choice

The trip needs good weather. If poor conditions cancel the departure, you can take another date or request a full refund. If the minimum number is not reached, you receive the same choice of a different date or experience, or a refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, so keep your plans firm once you are close to departure.

Should you book it? Yes, if you want a broad, upbeat day on the sea rather than a narrow wildlife mission. The strongest reasons are the friendly crew, the chance of seeing dolphins beside the boat, and the long water-play stop with lunch and drinks included.

Think twice if you are highly prone to seasickness, need a quiet boat, or would be disappointed by a harbor swim and no dolphins. For the best chance of enjoying it, book with realistic wildlife expectations, request any special meal in advance, enter your full international phone number for pickup updates, and pack swimwear, a towel, and sun protection.