Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Transfer, Buffet by MC

Pilot whales live in the waters off Tenerife, and this three-hour catamaran trip takes you out from Puerto Colón to look for them in their natural habitat. You may also see dolphins, and occasionally a turtle. The best part is the mix of wildlife watching and time on the water: you can move between the decks, enjoy a buffet and drinks, then swim if the captain makes a stop.

I like two things in particular: the group is capped at 24, which helps keep the boat from feeling like a floating party venue, and hotel pickup is available by request from several resorts in the south. One thing to weigh is the sea itself. A catamaran is stable, but it still moves, and some people feel seasick when conditions get choppy.

At a glance

• Pilot whales are the main draw: Wild pods are often spotted off Tenerife’s south coast, though sightings can never be promised.
• Small-group limit: The maximum is 24 people, with room to find sun or shade on the catamaran.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tapas-style snacks, fruit, and drinks such as water, soft drinks, and beer.
• Swimming may be part of the outing: The crew may stop for a swim or snorkel, with equipment provided.
• Transfers are by request: Pickup is available from specified resorts in southern Tenerife, with pickup times set before departure.
• Plan for moving water: Bring a towel and swimwear, and consider seasickness remedies if you are prone to queasiness.

Leaving Puerto Colón for the whale grounds

The trip starts at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, in Costa Adeje. If you are staying in the south, you can request a transfer from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, or Alcalá. Pickup times vary, usually falling between 20 minutes and an hour before sailing, so confirm the time after making your request. If your hotel is outside those areas, you will need to reach the marina yourself.

Once aboard, the crew takes you away from the harbor and along Tenerife’s southern coast. The island’s mountains make a fine backdrop, but the real purpose is to find marine mammals out in the open water. This is not an aquarium visit or a scripted animal show. The whales and dolphins are wild, and their movements set the pace.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it is worth being clear-eyed about it. Sightings are common on this route, especially of pilot whales, yet no wildlife trip can guarantee what will appear or how long animals will stay near the boat. Some outings spot several pods; others may see fewer animals or spend more time searching.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins in the wild

Pilot whales are the most frequently reported sighting on this cruise. You may see them moving in pods near the boat, while dolphins can also appear. A turtle is possible, too, but should be treated as a lucky extra rather than an expected part of the trip.

The encounter can feel close and memorable, especially when a pod swims alongside the catamaran. Still, keep your expectations measured: wildlife may surface briefly, stay at a distance, or move on. Bring a camera if you like, but give yourself time to watch without trying to capture every moment. The animals do not pose on cue.

The crew helps make the sightings more meaningful by sharing facts about the animals and pointing them out. Names mentioned on some trips include Laura, Michel, Miguel, and Captain Andrea, but the team can change. If you are interested in the wildlife, listen for the crew’s explanations rather than treating the cruise as a simple boat ride.

This is a good choice if you want to see marine life without committing to a full-day excursion. It is also a gentler, more personal alternative to the large party boats that operate in the area. With a maximum of 24 people, the boat has a smaller-group feel, though the actual number aboard can vary.

Finding your place on the catamaran

The catamaran has spacious sun decks and a flybridge, along with seating inside. That gives you options: settle into the sun, look for shade, or move around as the view changes. There is also a restroom on board, a practical comfort on a three-hour outing.

The upper deck and flybridge can offer appealing views, but do not assume one particular seat is reserved or guaranteed. The captain’s area may be especially attractive when the boat is underway, but the main advantage is having several spots from which to watch. If you prefer to stay out of direct sun, the shaded or indoor areas are useful.

The boat is described as stable, but stable does not mean motionless. One person may find the ride soothing while another feels queasy, especially if the sea is rough. If you are prone to seasickness, the operator suggests considering ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding. Bring any remedy you normally use, and take it according to its directions.

Tapas, fruit, and drinks along the way

Food and drink are part of the price, not an optional add-on. The buffet is a simple spread rather than a full restaurant meal, with items such as tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a selection of meat. Fruit and other snacks may also be served. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

The practical value is straightforward: you do not need to bring lunch or pay separately for a drink while you are at sea. The crew serves refreshments during the trip, and the food makes the outing feel more relaxed than a bare-bones wildlife transfer. Do not board expecting a plated meal or a wide restaurant menu; think picnic-style tapas.

If you have dietary needs, the available details do not specify substitutions or special menus. Ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the buffet will suit you. And if you plan to swim, have a drink afterward rather than before getting into the water.

A swimming stop, if conditions allow

After the wildlife search, the captain may stop for a swim or snorkel. Equipment is provided, and this pause gives you a chance to cool off and enjoy the sea rather than staying aboard for the whole trip. It is a welcome change of pace, especially on a warm day.

Swimming is not the main event, and the stop depends on the outing and conditions. Bring your swimsuit and towel even if whale watching is your priority, but do not count on spending a long stretch in the water. You will also want sunglasses and sunscreen for the time on deck.

If you would rather remain on board, you can relax while others swim. The catamaran has seating and deck space, so there is no need to get in the water to make the cruise worthwhile.

Is $71.35 a fair price?

At $71.35 per person, the value comes from combining a three-hour boat trip, wildlife searching, food, drinks, and the possibility of swimming. A hotel transfer can add convenience if you are staying in one of the listed resort areas. Without that pickup, the marina is still the departure point, so factor in your own transport if needed.

The price makes more sense if you plan to use the included food and drinks and want a half-day activity rather than a short ride focused only on spotting whales. It may feel less worthwhile if you expect a guaranteed close encounter, a substantial meal, or a calm sea. The tour cannot control the wildlife or the weather.

There are also less visible benefits to a smaller boat. A cap of 24 means fewer people competing for space and views than on a large excursion vessel. That does not promise a private experience, but it can make moving around and hearing the crew easier.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would consider this trip if you want an easy way to see Tenerife from the water, have a good chance of spotting pilot whales, and still be back with much of the day available. Families, couples, and small groups can all fit the format, and most people can participate. Children are not specifically discussed in the tour details, so check any age requirements with the operator before booking.

It also suits you if you value the whole outing, not just the wildlife tally: the coastline, open-air seating, included refreshments, and swimming stop all contribute. If your main goal is to see whales, remember that they are free-ranging animals, not a guaranteed performance.

This is a less suitable pick if you have limited mobility, since the boat is not wheelchair accessible, or if you are highly sensitive to motion and do not want to risk a bumpy ride. The crew can help if you feel unwell, but no boat can make choppy water feel still.

Before you book and board

The cruise lasts about three hours and returns to its starting point at Puerto Colón. Confirmation is provided at booking. Transfers must be requested, and the pickup time is sent after the request, so leave room in your schedule for the early collection.

Wear a swimsuit or bring one, along with a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. For an evening sailing, pack a warm layer; the air can feel cooler once you are on the water, and spray can make you damp. Keep valuables and electronics secure, since getting wet is possible.

The experience depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book it?

If you want a relaxed half-day on the water with a strong chance of seeing pilot whales, plus drinks, tapas, and a possible swim, this is a sound-value choice. The small-group cap and optional hotel pickup make it easier than arranging a boat trip on your own.

Book it for the experience of looking for wild animals, not for a guarantee of a close encounter or flat seas. If you are comfortable with that trade-off, and take sensible precautions for motion sickness and sun, this cruise offers a practical way to see Tenerife from a different angle.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The departure point is Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, in Costa Adeje. The cruise returns to the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is available by request for hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup times vary, generally from 20 minutes to an hour before sailing.

How long is the cruise?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

What animals might I see?

The cruise looks for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Pilot whales are commonly seen, and sea turtles are also possible.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. A buffet-style selection may include tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and meat. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

Can I swim or snorkel?

A swimming stop may be made, and snorkeling equipment is provided. Bring a swimsuit and towel.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom on the catamaran.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The boat is not wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. For an evening trip, a warm layer is useful. If you are prone to seasickness, the operator suggests considering ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding.