Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

The best part may be the small boat. This three-hour cruise from Puerto Colón combines close views of pilot whales with a relaxed catamaran ride, a buffet of tapas, drinks, and time for swimming near Tenerife’s south coast. I especially like the limited group size, capped at 24 people, and the fact that hotel transfers can remove much of the day’s transport fuss. The one caution is simple: whales and dolphins are wild animals, and sightings are common but never promised.

I also like that this is more than a quick wildlife search. Once the crew has worked the waters near Tenerife, the cruise slows down for food, coastal views, and a swim. The snorkel stop can be underwhelming, and dolphin sightings vary, but pilot whales are often the main event. At $71.35 per person, the included food, drinks, transfer option, and small-group setting make this a strong-value outing for many visitors staying in the south.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: They are often seen close to the catamaran, sometimes repeatedly during the wildlife search.
• A maximum of 24 people: This feels more personal than the large excursion boats carrying very big crowds.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tapas-style food, water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne or cava.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built in: The captain stops near the coast, with equipment available, though the fish life may be modest.
• South Tenerife transfers are available: Pickup can be requested from Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed: Pilot whales are common in the area, but dolphins, turtles, and other animals may or may not appear.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

The meeting point is Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón, in Playa de las Américas, near Costa Adeje. If you are staying in the south of Tenerife, you can request hotel pickup and return. The available pickup area includes Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.

Pickup times vary from about 20 minutes to one hour before sailing. You need to request the service at least 24 hours before departure, and the exact time is confirmed after your request. That is useful, but do not assume the transfer is automatic. If you are staying in Puerto de la Cruz or elsewhere in the north, you will need to reach Puerto Colón on your own.

At the marina, the boat provides a comfortable base for the afternoon. The catamaran has seating at the front, a flybridge, an indoor sofa, and shaded places to get out of the sun. It is a stable vessel, though it still moves with the sea. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual precaution before boarding. One passenger found a travel pill helpful, and sitting toward the front worked well for them.

You may be asked to remove your shoes before boarding. Wear swimwear beneath your clothes if you want to make the most of the swim stop, and bring a towel, sunglasses, and sun cream. A phone strap or waterproof neck holder is a sensible extra, since photo opportunities are one of the best parts of the trip.

The search for pilot whales and dolphins

The first main part of the cruise is the wildlife search. The crew heads into the waters off Tenerife’s south coast, where pilot whales are frequently found. These animals are the most reliable sighting on this outing, and they may surface close to the boat, giving you time to watch and take photographs.

The viewing style is fairly relaxed. You are not rushed from one sighting to the next, and the small number of people makes it easier to move around or find a clear view. The crew explains what you are seeing and keeps watch for activity around the boat. English is offered, and the crew has been praised for being friendly, attentive, and well informed about the whales.

Dolphins are possible, but less predictable. Some trips produce large, active groups, with animals swimming and playing in front of the catamaran. Other outings see pilot whales but no dolphins at all. That difference is important when setting expectations. Book this for a chance to see marine wildlife, not for a guaranteed dolphin performance.

The same applies to sea turtles and other animals. They may appear, but they are not promised. The operator makes clear that sightings are extremely common, yet wildlife remains wildlife. The strongest reason to book is the regular chance of seeing pilot whales in their natural setting, often at close range.

Bring patience. The boat may spend time searching before finding anything. That is part of a proper wildlife cruise, not wasted time, but it can test anyone expecting constant action. The payoff is a quieter and more genuine experience when the whales finally surface beside the boat.

What the small group changes

The maximum group size is 24 people. That is a major advantage if you dislike the packed feeling of large sightseeing boats. You get more room around the seating areas, better access to the rails, and a clearer sense of what is happening around you.

The small scale also helps during meal service and the swim stop. Drinks can be offered without the long queues common on bigger boats, and the crew has more time to answer questions or help families. Several children have joined the cruise, and the experience is family-friendly, provided children are accompanied by an adult.

This is not a private charter, so you will still share the boat with other people. But 24 passengers is a comfortable limit for a catamaran of this type. If your main goal is peace and space rather than loud entertainment, this format should suit you well.

There is one useful distinction. The boat offers a generous sundeck at the prow, a flybridge, indoor seating, and shaded areas, but it is not described as a dedicated sunbathing platform. One passenger found there was not much room for lying out in the sun. You should expect a boat arranged for wildlife watching and social seating, not a floating beach club.

Tapas, drinks, and the relaxed middle of the cruise

Food is served during the trip, generally after the whale-watching portion or around the time of the coastal sail and swim. The meal is a cold buffet or tapas-style spread, with items such as Spanish tortilla, olives, tomatoes, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, canapés, and a meat selection.

The food is best understood as a pleasant bonus rather than a restaurant meal. Some people found it tasty and plentiful, while others thought it was fairly simple. The vegetarian option is available if you request it during booking, though the selection may be limited. If you do not eat meat, make that request early.

Drinks are one of the stronger value points. Water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne or cava are available, and the crew regularly offers refills. Some trips include celebratory shots near the end. Alcohol is part of the package, but non-alcoholic drinks are also provided, so you can enjoy the outing without drinking.

The service helps set the tone. The crew is often described as hospitable, attentive, and willing to help with birthdays and special occasions. A birthday celebration even included a surprise cake and a song for one family. That kind of personal touch is not guaranteed, but it shows the sort of friendly atmosphere this cruise aims for.

If you are expecting a formal lunch, adjust your expectations. If you want light food, a drink in hand, and no need to pack a picnic, the arrangement works nicely.

The swim and snorkel stop near Tenerife’s coast

After the wildlife search, the captain anchors near the south coast for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is provided, and you can enter the water from the catamaran if conditions allow. This is a pleasant change of pace after sitting and watching the sea.

The stop is not a full beach visit. The boat remains offshore, and you will not necessarily go ashore. One account described the swimming area as disappointing, with fairly ordinary fish and a view toward a nudist beach. That is worth knowing if a beautiful snorkeling site is your main reason for booking.

The water stop works better as a refreshing pause than as a serious marine excursion. You can swim, cool off, and enjoy the boat from the water. If you want to snorkel with a wide range of fish, this may not satisfy you. If you simply want a swim during a catamaran trip, it adds real value.

Bring your own towel. Swimwear, sun cream, and sunglasses are the practical basics. Life vests are available for all passengers, and most people can take part, though the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible.

The return sail and south-coast views

The final stretch is a gentle sail back toward Puerto Colón, with views of Tenerife’s southern coastline, mountains, and beaches. This is when the cruise feels less like a wildlife mission and more like a scenic boat outing.

The coastline looks different from the water. You get a broad view of the beaches and mountain slopes, without the traffic and buildings that can dominate the resort areas from land. The changing light can also make this a good time for photographs, especially if the sea is calm.

The three-hour duration is well judged for most people. It gives you enough time for wildlife watching, food, swimming, and the return sail without turning the trip into a full-day commitment. Families can fit it around other plans, and couples can treat it as a relaxed half-day outing.

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Puerto Colón. If you used the transfer, the return to your hotel is arranged as part of the service. Allow some flexibility around the timetable, since the exact length of the wildlife search and the transfer schedule can vary.

Is $71.35 good value?

At $71.35, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water, but the price covers more than a basic wildlife cruise. You receive approximately three hours aboard the catamaran, a guide and crew, food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, swimming equipment, and possible hotel transportation in the south.

The small group is especially important to the value. A cheaper large boat may offer the same general route, but you may have less room, more noise, and a weaker chance of seeing the animals clearly. Here, the limited passenger count gives you a calmer setup and more personal service.

The price makes the most sense if you will use several inclusions: hotel transfer, buffet, drinks, and swimming. If you plan to sit quietly with only water and no food, the difference between this and a simpler sailing may matter more.

I would also treat the wildlife sightings as part of the value, not a guarantee. Pilot whales are seen often, and some cruises encounter both whales and dolphins. Still, you are paying for the search and the boat experience, not a staged show.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This outing suits you if you want several experiences in one manageable booking:

• You want a good chance of seeing pilot whales near Tenerife.
• You prefer a small group over a large party boat.
• You enjoy a relaxed mix of wildlife, food, drinks, and swimming.
• You are staying in south Tenerife and value hotel pickup.
• You are traveling with family and want an activity lasting about three hours.
• You like having a crew that can help with celebrations or practical needs.

It may not be ideal if you need wheelchair access, want guaranteed dolphins, or expect a serious snorkeling trip. It is also not the best match for someone seeking a quiet, alcohol-free nature tour with no social element, since drinks and hospitality are a noticeable part of the experience.

The cruise is also a good fit for first-time visitors to Tenerife. You do not need to plan a separate meal, find a marine wildlife location, or arrange transport if your hotel is within the pickup area. That simplicity is useful on a holiday.

Practical details before you book

Confirmation is provided when you book. Hotel pickup must be requested at least 24 hours before departure, and you should wait for the actual pickup time rather than relying on a general estimate.

The tour is offered in English. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate. A restroom is available onboard, and life vests are provided.

For comfort, bring:

• Swimsuit or swimming shorts
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream
• A phone strap or waterproof case
• Seasickness medication if you need it

The boat is not wheelchair accessible. Vegetarian food can be arranged, but request it when booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of passengers can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Monte Cristo catamaran?

I would book this if your priority is a friendly, small-group whale-watching trip with food and drinks included. The best feature is the repeated chance to see pilot whales close to the boat, backed up by a comfortable catamaran, helpful crew, and a relaxed swim stop.

I would not book it expecting guaranteed dolphins or outstanding snorkeling. Those are possible extras, not the core promise. For $71.35, though, the combination of wildlife watching, tapas, drinks, coastal scenery, and optional hotel transfer is a fair deal, especially for visitors based in south Tenerife.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart?

The cruise departs from Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, Costa Adeje, near Playa de las Américas.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and return can be requested from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of Tenerife.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours and returns to the original meeting point.

What food and drinks are included?

Food includes tapas-style items such as tortilla, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, olives, tomatoes, canapés, and a meat selection. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne or cava.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The captain stops at a suitable area for swimming, and snorkeling equipment is provided. The stop is offshore, and wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. Sightings of cetaceans and other wildlife are very common, especially pilot whales, but they cannot be guaranteed. Dolphins, turtles, and other animals may also appear.