Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

Pilot whales are the main event here, and the odds of seeing them near Tenerife are very good. From Puerto Colón, you spend about three hours searching for cetaceans, taking photos, and watching them move close to the boat before sailing along the south coast.

I like the small group of up to 24 people, which gives you more room and makes it easier to hear the crew. I also like the practical all-in-one setup: hotel pickup in southern Tenerife, drinks throughout the trip, a tapas buffet, and time for a swim. The main consideration is simple: sightings are common, but never guaranteed, and the snorkeling stop may feel modest if you are hoping for a busy underwater world.

At a glance

• Pilot whales are the likely headline sighting, with dolphins and sea turtles also possible.
• A maximum of 24 people keeps the catamaran calmer than large party boats.
• Tapas, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne are included.
• Hotel pickup is available in southern Tenerife, but not from Puerto de la Cruz or the north.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built into the outing, with equipment supplied.
• The tour finishes with coastal views, including mountains and beaches around the south of the island.

Why pilot whales make this Tenerife cruise special

Tenerife’s southwest coast is one of the better places in the Canary Islands to look for marine life. The water off the island is home to resident populations of short-finned pilot whales, so this is not simply a scenic boat ride with a vague promise of wildlife. The crew sets out with a clear purpose: find the cetaceans, stay with them respectfully, and give you time to watch.

Pilot whales are not the giant, dramatic animals many people picture when they hear the word whale. They are smaller, dark-bodied animals that often travel in groups. Their rounded heads and steady surfacing make them easy to recognize once the boat is near them. Several trips have had whales swimming close enough for clear photographs, sometimes in groups large enough to keep the cameras busy.

Dolphins can appear too, but you should treat them as a welcome extra rather than the main guarantee. Some outings produce both whales and dolphins, while others find plenty of pilot whales but no dolphins at all. That is the nature of a wildlife cruise. The boat can search good areas, but it cannot control the animals.

A calm start from Puerto Colón

The meeting point is Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón, near Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje. If you are staying in the southern resort area, requested hotel pickup can save you the trouble of arranging a taxi. Transfers cover Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.

Pickup times vary from about 20 minutes to an hour before sailing. You need to request the service at least 24 hours before departure, and the actual pickup time is confirmed after your request. This is useful, but do not assume the time shown in your first booking details is the final door-to-door schedule.

The catamaran is purpose-built for comfort and has seating at the front, a flybridge, an indoor sofa, and shaded areas. There is a restroom onboard. The boat is stable compared with many smaller vessels, though you will still feel movement at sea. If motion sickness bothers you, take your usual remedy before boarding. One person who was prone to seasickness found it helpful to take a travel pill and sit at the front.

You may be asked to remove your shoes before sailing. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a phone case or strap if you plan to photograph wildlife from the rail. Wet decks and excited camera work are not an ideal mix for an unprotected phone.

Searching for whales and dolphins off Tenerife

Once the boat leaves Puerto Colón, the crew begins the wildlife search. This is the least predictable part of the trip, but also the reason to choose a smaller boat. With a maximum of 24 people, you are not packed shoulder to shoulder with a large crowd, and the crew can keep the mood personal while pointing out sightings.

The crew speaks English and explains what you are seeing. The best moments come when a group of pilot whales surfaces close to the catamaran. You may see backs breaking the surface, hear the animals breathe, and watch them travel beside the boat before they slip away again. The encounter is not staged, and the animals do not perform on command, so patience matters.

The whale sightings receive the strongest praise for good reason. Several outings have found many pilot whales, sometimes very close to the boat. The combination of a calm catamaran, a small group, and time to watch makes these encounters feel less rushed than a quick pass from a large sightseeing vessel.

Dolphin sightings can be spectacular when they happen. One outing had hundreds of highly active dolphins, while other trips found none. You might also see sea turtles, though the main focus is pilot whales and dolphins. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire cruise staring at a screen. A whale surfacing for a few seconds is easier to appreciate with your eyes than through a phone held at the wrong angle.

Drinks and a cold tapas buffet onboard

Food is served during much of the cruise, which makes the three-hour schedule feel relaxed rather than tightly packed. The spread includes items such as Spanish tortilla, olives, tomatoes, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, canapés, and a meat selection. Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking.

This is a light buffet, not a full restaurant meal. I would think of it as a generous lunch of tapas and snacks that keeps you comfortable while the boat searches. Food quality has been described as good, with the Spanish-style items often getting the most approval. A few vegetarian diners would prefer more choice, so make your dietary needs clear in advance.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. The crew regularly offers refills, and the supply is described as generous. That is a real part of the value, especially when similar boat trips charge extra for every drink.

The alcohol is best enjoyed sensibly. The tour includes a relaxed social atmosphere, and there may be celebratory champagne or shots near the end, but the wildlife viewing remains the central purpose. Families can take part, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

A swim stop with modest snorkeling

After the wildlife search, the captain anchors near the south coast for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes if you want to get in without changing onboard.

This stop is a pleasant way to break up the cruise. You can cool off, swim from the catamaran, or stay aboard and enjoy the views. The water may be clear enough for ordinary fish, but do not book this trip as a dedicated snorkeling excursion. One account found the stop disappointing, with standard fish and limited variety. The main reward is getting into the sea from the boat, not exploring a major reef.

The anchorage can also be near a beach that is visible but too far away to reach. You may see the coast and beaches from the water without actually going ashore. If you want a beach day, plan one separately.

There are shaded seats and a flybridge, but the boat is designed more for sitting, socializing, and viewing than for broad, flat sunbathing space. You can find sun, but dedicated loungers may be limited. Bring sun protection even on a mild day, since the reflection off the water is strong.

The final sail along Tenerife’s south coast

The return leg is more than a simple ride back to the marina. After the wildlife search and swim, the boat sails close to the south coast, giving you views of the mountains, beaches, and resort shoreline from the water.

This is a good time to put the camera away for a few minutes. Tenerife looks different from offshore, especially when the mountain slopes rise behind the coastal resorts. The pace is easy, and the crew continues serving drinks while you settle into the last part of the trip.

The entire outing lasts about three hours. That is long enough to allow time for searching, a swim, food, and a scenic return without taking up a full day of your holiday. It also means the wildlife section cannot go on indefinitely. If the whales take time to locate, the crew still needs to fit in the meal and swim stop.

What the $71.35 price really covers

At $71.35 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but it covers more than a basic whale-spotting ticket. You are paying for the catamaran, crew, approximately three hours at sea, food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, swimming equipment, and possible hotel transfers in the south.

The transfer matters most if you are staying away from Puerto Colón. A separate taxi can add cost and planning, so the package becomes stronger value for people staying in the listed pickup zones. If you are already near the port, the transfer is less important, but the included food and drinks still help justify the price.

The small capacity is another reason the fare makes sense. Boats carrying dozens or even hundreds of people can offer lower prices, but they can also feel noisy and crowded when an animal appears. Here, the maximum of 24 people gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable viewing place.

The value depends on your priorities. If you want a long luxury cruise with extensive snorkeling, this may feel limited. If you want a compact wildlife outing with a meal, drinks, and a swim included, the package is well balanced.

Who should book this catamaran

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and solo visitors who want a friendly boat trip without a large crowd. It suits you especially well if pilot whales are high on your list, you like having food and drinks included, and you are staying in southern Tenerife.

Families can take part, and the calm format is easier for children than a long open-water trip. Still, children need adult supervision, especially around the rail, swim ladder, and wet deck.

It also suits you if you want a social afternoon rather than a strict scientific expedition. The crew offers food and drinks throughout much of the trip, and the mood can include birthday surprises, music-free relaxation, and a celebratory drink at the end. A birthday cake and singing have even been arranged for a special occasion.

You may want a different excursion if you need wheelchair access, since the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. You should also reconsider if your main goal is guaranteed dolphins, extensive snorkeling, or a large sun deck.

Practical details that can improve your day

Book the hotel transfer early if you need it. Pickup is only available in southern Tenerife, and there is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the island’s north. If you stay outside the service zone, make your own way to Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, in Costa Adeje.

Wear swimwear or swimming shorts from the start. Pack a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a secure phone holder. Life vests are available for all passengers, and snorkeling equipment is supplied for the swim stop.

Take seasickness seriously. A catamaran is stable, but stable does not mean motionless. If you are sensitive, use a remedy you already know works for you before boarding and choose a seat with a clear view of the horizon.

Keep your expectations realistic about wildlife. Seeing pilot whales is extremely common in this area, but it is not promised. Dolphins, turtles, and large active groups can appear, but they cannot be scheduled.

The tour is offered in English and confirmation is provided at booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran if you want a small, easy wildlife cruise with pilot whales as the main target, plus a swim, tapas, drinks, and possible hotel transport. The strongest reasons to choose it are the 24-person limit, frequent close whale sightings, attentive crew, and solid all-in price.

Skip it if you require wheelchair access, want a serious snorkeling trip, or would be unhappy without dolphins. For most people staying in southern Tenerife, though, it is a sensible way to spend three hours at sea, with enough structure to feel organized and enough free time to enjoy the island from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The departure point is Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, near Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje in southern Tenerife.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return are available on request from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Request it at least 24 hours before departure.

Is pickup available from northern Tenerife?

No. There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of the island. You can make your own way to Puerto Colón instead.

How many people can join the tour?

The catamaran has a maximum capacity of 24 people for this activity.

What wildlife might I see?

The trip searches for pilot whales and dolphins. Sea turtles and other surrounding wildlife may also be seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is food included?

Yes. A cold tapas-style buffet and snacks are included. Food can include tortilla, cheese, quiche, bread, olives, tomatoes, crisps, canapés, and meat selections.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The captain stops at a swimming and snorkeling area, and equipment is provided.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.