Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

Pilot whales are the likely stars of this trip: they live in the waters off Tenerife, and the catamaran may bring you close enough for excellent photos. Dolphins sometimes join the show, but sightings are never guaranteed.

I like two things in particular: the small group, capped at 24, keeps the boat from feeling like a floating crowd, and the food and drinks are included, so you can settle in without watching the clock or your bar tab. There is also a swim stop, weather and sea conditions permitting.

One consideration: this is a wildlife trip, not a guaranteed dolphin encounter. You may see pilot whales and no dolphins, and the swim stop can feel less appealing if you expect a secluded cove or an especially varied snorkel spot.

The essentials at a glance

• Pilot whales are the main prospect: Sightings are common, but no wildlife encounter is guaranteed.
• The catamaran carries up to 24 people: That limit helps keep the atmosphere more personal than on a large excursion boat.
• The three-hour outing includes a swim stop: Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to get in the water.
• Tapas and drinks are part of the fare: Expect a light buffet and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Pickup is available in parts of south Tenerife: Request it at least 24 hours ahead, and confirm the assigned time.
• The boat leaves from Puerto Colón: If you are outside the pickup area, you will need to reach the marina yourself.

Puerto Colón is the starting point

The trip begins at Puerto Colón, in Costa Adeje, at the Monte Cristo catamaran’s berth. If you are staying in the south, you can request hotel pickup from Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, or Alcalá. Pickup is not available from Puerto de la Cruz or elsewhere in the north of the island.

Request transport at least 24 hours before departure. The pickup time may be 20 minutes to an hour before the sailing time, so confirm the exact time rather than planning around the tour’s departure time alone. If you are making your own way, the meeting point is Puerto Colón, Pantalan number 6.

The trip lasts about three hours and returns to the same meeting point. Hotel transfers can save you the trouble of arranging transport to the marina, especially if you are staying farther along the south coast. They are not a reason to assume every hotel is covered, though: check your location and pickup details before booking.

Out to sea in search of pilot whales

Once aboard, the crew heads offshore to look for whales and dolphins. The guides know where sightings are most likely, but wild animals choose their own schedule. Pilot whales are frequently seen in these waters, and reports of close encounters are common. Some trips also spot dolphins, occasionally in large, active groups, but you should regard that as a welcome extra rather than a promise.

The boat’s limited capacity is a practical plus. With no more than 24 people, it is easier to find a spot to watch from and take photographs than on a boat carrying a much larger crowd. The catamaran has seating areas, a sundeck at the prow, a flybridge, and an indoor sofa. The exact feel of the ride depends on the weather and how many people aboard want the same viewing spot, but this is not designed as a packed sightseeing ferry.

The crew shares information about the wildlife and the outing, and English is offered. Take a moment to listen before focusing only on your camera. The point is not just to collect a picture, but to notice the animals’ movement and behavior from a respectful distance. The crew accompanies the wildlife rather than promising a staged encounter.

You may also see sea turtles, though they are only a possibility. If the whales are close to the boat, keep your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the whole trip looking at a screen. The best moments can be brief, and a view with your own eyes is often better than a shaky photograph.

Tapas, drinks, and an easy lunch

Food and drinks are served through much of the trip, making the three hours feel like a relaxed outing rather than a short wildlife run. The food is a light buffet of tapas and snacks. Offerings described for the trip include Spanish tortilla, olives, tomatoes, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, canapés, and meat selections. Do not expect a full restaurant meal, but it should be enough to make the excursion feel generous for its length.

Drinks include water and soft drinks, as well as alcoholic options such as beer and champagne. The exact selection may vary. Some departures have served cava or prosecco, and the crew has been praised for offering refills throughout the trip. If you do not drink alcohol, you can still choose non-alcoholic drinks.

A vegetarian option is available, but you need to request it when booking. If you follow a specific diet, do not assume the buffet will suit every need. Ask ahead and treat the food as a convenient part of the outing, not the main reason to book.

A swim stop along the south coast

After the wildlife search, the catamaran pauses near the coast for swimming and snorkeling. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, and the stop gives you a chance to cool off before the sail back. Pack your swimsuit under your clothes or bring it along, plus a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Keep expectations sensible. The stop is for a swim from the boat, not a landing on a beach. Some people enjoy the chance to get in the sea; others may find the snorkeling area ordinary, with fewer fish to see than they hoped. One account described the stop as being off a nudist beach, so if that would bother you, bear in mind that the catamaran’s anchoring area may not feel secluded.

The crew then sails back close to Tenerife’s south coast, with views of the mountains and beaches. This final stretch is a welcome change of pace after watching for wildlife. If you have spent the trip at the rail, it is a good time to sit back, enjoy the sea air, and take in the coastline.

What the $71.35 fare gets you

At $71.35 per person, the price covers about three hours on the catamaran, the wildlife search, a light buffet, drinks, and a swim stop with snorkeling equipment. Requested hotel transfers are included where available. Put together, that is solid value if you plan to use the food and drinks and want the convenience of a guided outing rather than arranging a boat trip yourself.

The value depends on what you expect from the wildlife. The fare does not buy a guaranteed dolphin sighting, and the animals may not appear on cue. Pilot whales are seen often, but any wildlife encounter remains uncertain. If your main goal is to see dolphins, book with that uncertainty in mind. If you would be happy with a coastal sail, a swim, and a chance to see whales, the trip offers more than a single wildlife search.

The boat is also a better fit for people who value a smaller group over a bare-bones, lowest-cost ride. Drinks and tapas add comfort, while the group limit helps avoid the crush that can come with much larger excursions. Food is light, not lavish, and the snorkel stop may not be a highlight for everyone. The main value is the combination of time at sea, crew support, wildlife viewing, and included refreshments.

The tour is popular, with an average booking lead time of 19 days. That does not mean you must book exactly three weeks ahead, but it is sensible to reserve early if you have fixed dates or want to request a transfer.

Practical details before you book

Hotel pickup is offered only in the listed south Tenerife areas, and it must be requested at least 24 hours before departure. The pickup time can fall between 20 minutes and an hour before sailing. If you are staying elsewhere, make your own way to Puerto Colón.

The boat has a restroom onboard and shaded areas, along with outdoor seating. It is not wheelchair accessible. Life vests are available for all passengers, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, but remember that even a stable catamaran moves with the sea. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking your usual precaution before boarding.

Wear swimwear or bring it with you, and pack a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A phone lanyard is a useful safeguard when taking pictures near the water. The tour requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants; if poor weather or low numbers cause cancellation, you will be offered another date or a refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Should you book the Monte Cristo catamaran?

Book this trip if you want a relaxed half-day on the water with a real chance of seeing pilot whales, a small group, and food and drinks included. It suits couples, families with children, and anyone who prefers a more personal boat outing to a crowded excursion. The swim stop is a bonus, especially if you bring your swimsuit and do not expect a private beach.

Think twice if you need a guaranteed dolphin sighting, a substantial lunch, or a wheelchair-accessible boat. For most people comfortable with the open sea, though, this is a well-rounded way to spend a few hours off Tenerife’s south coast. Go for the whales and the easygoing time aboard; count dolphins and the swim as welcome extras.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The trip lasts about three hours and ends at the same meeting point where it begins.

Where does the boat depart from?

It departs from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, at Pantalan number 6.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup can be requested from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. It is not available from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of Tenerife.

When should I request hotel pickup?

Request pickup at least 24 hours before departure. The exact time is provided after your request and may be 20 minutes to an hour before sailing.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings are common, but they are not guaranteed. Pilot whales and dolphins may be seen, and sea turtles are also possible.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes a light buffet with items such as tortilla, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and meat selections. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. The selection may vary.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you should advise the provider when booking.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The catamaran makes a swim stop, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible.