Whale watching and listening Eco-Catamaran Tour with Food Tasting

Pilot whales can appear soon after the catamaran leaves Puerto Colón, and this trip adds an unusual treat: an underwater microphone so you may hear them communicating as well as watch them. Dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and other sea life have also been seen, though wildlife can never be promised.

I like the mix of wildlife watching and a swim stop, and I like that sandwiches and unlimited drinks are included in the fare. The main point to weigh is space: the catamaran carries up to 64 people, and some departures can feel crowded, especially if you want a prime place on deck.

At a glance

• Pilot whales with underwater sound: The microphone can let you hear whale calls beneath the boat, a rare feature on a short sea trip.
• Three hours from Puerto Colón: You sail along Tenerife’s south coast, watch for wildlife, stop in a bay, and return to the same marina.
• Swimming is part of the plan: Bring a swimsuit and towel, since the stop is not always obvious from the booking details.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect sandwiches and unlimited drinks, but coffee and tea cost extra or are not included.
• Arrive early for the best spot: Deck seating can fill quickly, and the exclusive hammock is available only if the crew can provide one.
• A strong value at $48.37: The fare covers the boat, commentary, food tasting, and drinks, but not transfers or snorkel equipment.

Why the whale listening matters off Tenerife

The south coast of Tenerife is a good setting for a short marine-life trip because the aim is not simply to race out into open water and turn around. The catamaran follows the coast while the crew searches for whales and dolphins in their natural surroundings.

Pilot whales are a key sighting here. Several departures have seen groups close to the boat, sometimes near enough for clear views. The underwater microphone makes this more than a standard sightseeing cruise. When the engines quiet and the microphone is used, you may hear whale sounds below the surface. That can be just as memorable as seeing a fin.

You could also see dolphins playing near the bow, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, or more than one dolphin species. One account describes whales, turtles, a shark, and many fish, but treat those sightings as good fortune rather than a promise. The crew searches for wildlife, yet animals choose their own route and timing.

The tone onboard is meant to be friendly and informative. Live commentary covers the animals and the island, including the volcanoes along the coast. Commentary may be given in more than one language, and the crew has included captains named Angel and Victor on some departures. English is the listed operating language, but multilingual service may be available.

Leaving Puerto Colón for the open water

The meeting point is at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, in Marina Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje. The tour returns to this same spot after about three hours, which makes it easy to fit into a day based in Costa Adeje or nearby parts of southern Tenerife.

You need to make your own way to the marina. Pickup and drop-off are not included. The port is near public transportation, and paid parking is available close by, roughly a five-minute walk from the pier according to one practical account. Allow extra time to find the correct pontoon and board without a rush.

Arriving early is useful for more than punctuality. The boat has open deck areas, and the most comfortable front positions can go quickly. Some people want a couch-like place to stretch out, while others prefer the bow for dolphin watching. The listing also invites you to ask the crew about an exclusive hammock, but hammock use is not included and availability is not guaranteed.

Once underway, loose shoes and belongings may be stored away while the boat is moving. Pack light and keep only what you need close at hand. This is a working catamaran, not a private yacht, so a small bag is easier than a large beach kit.

Watching whales and dolphins along Tenerife’s south coast

The first main part of the trip is the search for marine life. The catamaran moves along the south coast while the crew watches for blows, fins, splashes, and groups of dolphins. Seeing whales close to the boat is possible, and several outings have had sightings early in the trip.

The boat’s size gives you a good balance. It is large enough to feel stable and has room to move around, but it is not a huge cruise vessel. The maximum capacity is 64 people. That number is manageable for a boat excursion, though some departures may feel full. If you dislike crowds or want an uninterrupted view from the rail, arrive early and be ready to shift positions.

The crew’s approach to the animals is an important part of the experience. The aim is to observe them without chasing or crowding them. That matters because a wildlife trip should leave room for the animals to set the pace. One of the strongest features here is the chance to watch whales at close range while keeping the mood respectful rather than turning the encounter into a noisy spectacle.

The boat may use engine power rather than sail power. A broken rope prevented sailing on one outing, so do not book this expecting a quiet sailing lesson or a fully wind-powered cruise. The core experience is wildlife watching from a catamaran, not sailing technique.

Music may play during the ride and can add a holiday feel, though it is not to everyone’s taste. It has also been turned off at times, especially during wildlife encounters. If you want the calmest part of the trip, pay attention when the crew lowers the noise and prepares the underwater microphone.

The swimming stop and the bay

After the wildlife search, the catamaran anchors in a sheltered bay for a swim. This is a welcome change of pace after time spent scanning the sea. You can get into the water, relax on deck, and in suitable conditions use your own mask and fins to look for fish.

Snorkel equipment is not included. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you want to explore below the surface. You should also pack swimwear and a towel. One person missed the swim because the stop had not been expected, a useful warning for anyone packing only for whale watching.

The water may feel cool. A December outing had sea temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius, although the air was warm and sunny. Some people will find that refreshing, while others may prefer to stay aboard. You do not have to swim to enjoy the stop, and the crew pays attention to people getting into and out of the water.

The bay has been identified in accounts as a place called Spaghetti Bay. The stop is a simple one, not a full snorkeling expedition. One person would have preferred a second snorkeling location rather than extra cruising along the coast. If you want several reefs, long time in the water, or guided fish identification, this tour may feel limited.

Still, the swim adds real value to a three-hour outing. You are not watching the coast from a seat the whole time. You get a chance to cool off, float, and see the catamaran from the water before returning to the marina.

Sandwiches, drinks, and the onboard mood

Food tasting is included, with sandwiches served during the trip. The food is simple rather than a full meal, but it helps make the fare feel fair for a half-day sea outing. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

Unlimited drinks are also included. Beer is available, and other drinks are served during the ride. Coffee and tea are specifically not included, so do not assume the drinks service is a hot-drink station. The minimum drinking age is 18.

The bar service can change the feel of the trip. After an early wildlife sighting, the boat may shift into a more relaxed holiday mood, with drinks, music, and time to sit in the sun. If you prefer a quiet nature trip from start to finish, the social atmosphere may be more than you want. If you like combining wildlife with an easygoing boat outing, it fits well.

Do not treat the food and drinks as the main reason to book. The whale watching, underwater listening, and swim stop are the real draw. The sandwiches and bar service simply mean you do not need to arrange lunch during the three-hour trip.

Is $48.37 a fair price?

At $48.37 per person, this is a strong-value option for a three-hour catamaran outing in Tenerife. The price includes taxes and handling charges, live commentary, food tasting, sandwiches, unlimited drinks, the wildlife search, and the swim stop.

You still need to pay for your own transport to Puerto Colón. Souvenir photos can be bought separately, and snorkel equipment, coffee, tea, and hammock use are not included. Those exclusions are reasonable, but they matter if you are comparing this with a more expensive cruise that includes transfers or gear.

The group limit of 64 is another value question. A full boat will not feel like a private wildlife charter. Yet it is still smaller and more personal than the large sightseeing vessels that carry far more people. I would consider the price especially good if you plan to use the swim stop, drink service, and commentary, rather than simply taking a quick trip to spot whales.

The tour is usually booked around eight days ahead. That suggests you should reserve before your Tenerife stay is nearly over, especially if your schedule has little room for a weather change. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, subject to the stated conditions.

Weather, comfort, and who should go

The trip operates in all weather conditions, so dress for changing conditions. Tenerife may be warm on land while the boat feels cooler and windier. Bring sun protection, a layer, swimwear, a towel, and only the items you need on deck.

Most people can take part, and children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Families have managed the outing well, including groups with three children. The crew has also paid close attention to passengers who felt seasick, but the information does not promise a specific seasickness service.

If you are prone to motion sickness, think carefully about the open-water setting. The catamaran may feel steadier than a smaller boat, but no vessel removes ocean movement. Choose a position with fresh air, follow the crew’s instructions, and keep your plans flexible.

I would recommend this for couples, families, and first-time whale watchers who want several activities in one outing. It also suits anyone curious about pilot whales and sound recording, since the underwater microphone adds something unusual.

I would be less keen if you want a silent, private charter, a long snorkeling session, or guaranteed sailing under wind power. The boat can be busy, the music may not suit everyone, and the swimming stop is only one part of the schedule.

What can make or break the day

The most common practical problem is not the wildlife. It is communication and timing. Be at Pantalán 8 early, confirm the exact boat with the operator, and keep the activity provider’s contact details handy. One missed trip was linked to a failure of contact, so do not rely on a last-minute phone call to solve a late arrival.

The strongest part is the crew. They have been described as warm, attentive, and careful with passengers. They also make an effort to explain the island and the animals, which gives the outing more shape than a simple boat ride.

Wildlife sightings are usually the reason to book, but keep your expectations sensible. You may see whales and dolphins close to the catamaran, and you may hear them underwater. You may also see turtles, fish, flying fish, or seabirds. None of that can be controlled.

The best plan is to enjoy the full outing: watch the sea, listen when the microphone is used, ask questions, take the swim, and use the included food and drinks. If whales are not active on a particular day, the coast, bay, commentary, and relaxed boat time still give you something to enjoy.

Should you book this catamaran tour?

I would book it if you want a reasonably priced Tenerife boat trip with a real chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, plus a swim and simple onboard food. The underwater listening is the feature that gives it an edge over a basic whale-watching cruise.

Book early, arrive ahead of departure, and bring swimwear, a towel, and your own snorkel gear. Choose an early boarding position if you want the front deck or hope to ask about the hammock.

Skip it if you need a private boat, guaranteed calm seas, extensive snorkeling, or included hotel transport. For most visitors staying near Costa Adeje, though, this is a well-priced three-hour outing with more substance than a sightseeing sail.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

The catamaran returns to the same meeting point at Marina Puerto Colón.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

What can I see during the trip?

The tour searches for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Sightings have also included pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, fish, and more than one dolphin species, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I hear the whales underwater?

Yes. The catamaran uses an underwater microphone, giving you the chance to hear whale communication when conditions allow.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a stop in a bay for swimming and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you want to use them.

Is food included?

Yes. Food tasting and sandwiches are included. A vegetarian option is available if requested when booking.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited drinks are included. Coffee and tea are not included, and the minimum drinking age for alcoholic drinks is 18.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children may participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 64 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately. If the minimum number of participants is not reached and the activity is canceled, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.