Tenerife: Marine-Life Tour with Transfer, Buffet and Drinks

Pilot whales and dolphins are often seen off Tenerife’s south coast, and this cruise gives you three hours to watch for them from a catamaran. You may see them close to the boat, but they remain wild animals, not a scheduled performance.

I like two things here: hotel transfers can spare you the effort of finding the marina, and the fare includes a tapas buffet and drinks rather than charging separately for every refreshment. There is also time to swim or snorkel in a sheltered bay.

The main consideration is that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. The cruise is a better fit if you enjoy being at sea even when animals stay out of view, and if you are comfortable with the possibility of wind or waves.

What Makes This Cruise Worth Considering

• Pilot whales are a frequent sighting: Dolphins, flying fish, and other marine life may also appear.
• The boat is described as limited to about 24 people: That leaves room to move around and watch from different parts of the catamaran.
• The swim stop adds a change of pace: Anchor in a bay for a dip or a snorkel before returning along the coast.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: Expect Spanish tapas, bottled water, wine, cava or champagne, and other drinks.
• Transfers are available in south Tenerife: Pickup and drop-off can be arranged for stays in areas including Los Cristianos, Las Américas, and Adeje.
• The crew is part of the experience: Crew members such as Danielle and Michael have been singled out for warm service, though the team on your departure may differ.

From Puerto Colón to Open Water

The trip begins at Puerto Colón, in Playa de las Américas, where you board the light-grey Monte Cristo Catamaran at Dock 6. If you arrange a transfer, you can be collected from accommodation in the south of Tenerife; otherwise, make your own way to the marina and meet the boat.

At €69 per person for three hours, the cruise combines transport on the water, a wildlife search, food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. That makes it easier to assess the cost than a bare-bones boat ride, though value depends on what matters to you. If you want a long, dedicated wildlife expedition, three hours may feel brief. If you want a half-day outing that mixes animal watching with a swim and lunch, the format is appealing.

The boat has been described as carrying no more than about 24 people. That is a useful detail: you are not trying to see over a large crowd, and you can move around to find a view. Still, the best spot may shift as the boat turns or the animals move, so keep an eye out rather than settling in one place for the whole trip.

Searching for Whales and Dolphins

Once under way, the crew takes the catamaran offshore to look for marine life in its natural habitat. Pilot whales are a common sighting, and dolphins are also frequently seen. Some trips encounter flying fish or more than one kind of whale, but no captain can promise a particular animal will appear.

The guides explain what you are seeing and answer questions as the boat travels. The crew’s approach matters here: the point is to observe wildlife, not to treat it as a prop. One particularly memorable kind of sighting is a pod moving alongside the catamaran, though the distance and duration will depend on the animals.

You might get close views, but stay ready with your camera and patient with the pace. Wildlife watching means scanning the water and waiting for signs of movement. If the sea is choppy, keeping your balance and protecting your camera may take more attention than you expect.

The south coast is also part of the scenery. As the boat moves along the shoreline, you can look back toward the beaches and mountains. A later departure may include sunset views, but the schedule and light depend on the starting time, so check the available departures rather than assuming every trip ends at sunset.

A Swim Stop and a Tapas Lunch

After the wildlife search, the catamaran heads for a bay and anchors for a swim stop. You can get into the water, use the provided snorkeling equipment, or stay aboard and enjoy the pause. The clear water is a draw, but this is a short stop within a three-hour trip, not a full beach outing.

Bring a towel and wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to make the most of the stop. A sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also sensible on an open boat. Snorkeling gear is included, but you should not expect a guided underwater session or a specific sight beneath the surface.

Food and drinks are served as part of the outing. The buffet is Spanish-style tapas, and the selection has been described as tasty and plentiful by many, though one person felt there could have been more food. Think of it as a light lunch rather than a large, formal meal, and do not board expecting a restaurant-style spread.

The drinks selection includes bottled water, wine, cava or champagne, and other options. Beer and soft drinks have also been served on board. Crew members circulate to offer refreshments, which is a welcome touch on a warm day, but pace yourself if you plan to swim after eating or drinking.

A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking. If you have other dietary needs, the supplied information does not confirm what can be accommodated, so ask the operator in advance rather than assuming.

The Crew, Comfort, and Group Size

The crew receives especially strong praise for being attentive, friendly, and willing to explain the marine life. Danielle and Michael are names associated with particularly warm service, including drinks and tapas, but do not count on a specific crew member being aboard your departure.

The catamaran is often described as comfortable and not crowded, with a relaxed atmosphere even when close to capacity. That matters on a short trip: you want to see the water without feeling hemmed in, and you want service to feel easy rather than hurried. You should still expect a shared boat, not a private charter.

This outing works well for couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want a little of everything: wildlife, sea air, food, and a swim. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants under one year old travel free. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

If you are prone to seasickness, keep in mind that this is a boat trip in open water. The available information does not specify sea conditions or onboard motion on a given day, so consider your own comfort with boats before booking. Wind and waves have been reported on some outings.

Transfers, Meeting Point, and Practical Details

Pickup and drop-off are available in south Tenerife, including Los Cristianos, Las Américas, and Adeje, if you select that option. If you need a transfer, contact the operator with your hotel details at least 24 hours ahead. On pickup day, wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

If you are meeting the boat yourself, go to Dock 6 at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas. Look for the light-grey catamaran with Monte Cristo Catamaran written on the back. There is public parking at the marina for €1.20 per hour, which can be useful if you are driving.

The tour runs for three hours, but starting times vary. Check availability for your chosen date, and allow enough time to reach the marina if you are not using the transfer. The live guide speaks English.

Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if the passenger has someone to assist with boarding and leaving the boat. Non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed. If mobility access is important, contact the operator before booking to confirm the arrangements for your needs.

Is €69 Good Value?

For €69, the fare includes the catamaran cruise, a local guide, snorkeling equipment, buffet lunch, bottled water, and drinks including wine and cava or champagne. Optional transfers add convenience, especially if you are staying in the south and would rather not arrange transport to Puerto Colón yourself.

The strongest value is in the combination. A wildlife-focused cruise alone would not include the swim stop and meal; here, you get a varied three-hour outing without needing to plan separate activities. The service also appears designed to keep refreshments flowing, rather than leaving you to buy each drink individually.

The trade-off is time. Three hours gives you a good chance to see marine life, stop for a swim, and eat, but it is not a full-day excursion. And because wildlife is unpredictable, the price buys a search and a sea outing, not a guaranteed close encounter. If you would enjoy the coast and boat ride even without whales or dolphins, the fare makes more sense.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Trip?

Book it if you want a convenient south Tenerife outing that balances wildlife watching with a swim and food. It is especially suitable if hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and drinks included in the price matter to you.

Choose a different activity if you want a private boat, a guaranteed wildlife sighting, or an extended time in the water. And if you dislike boats or find open-water motion uncomfortable, think carefully before committing.

I would book this for the mix of experiences, not just the chance to photograph a whale. The crew, coastline, tapas, and swim stop give the trip several ways to be worthwhile, while the wildlife remains a lucky bonus rather than a promise.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours.

Where does the boat depart from?

Meet at Dock 6 in Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas. Look for the light-grey Monte Cristo Catamaran with its name on the back.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are available in south Tenerife, including Los Cristianos, Las Américas, and Adeje, if you select that option. Contact the operator with your hotel details at least 24 hours ahead.

What marine life might I see?

The cruise looks for whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are commonly seen, and other marine life, including flying fish, may also appear. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The boat anchors in a bay where you can swim or snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

The fare includes a tapas buffet, bottled water, wine, cava or champagne, and other drinks. Beer and soft drinks have also been served on board.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and sunscreen. A towel is useful if you plan to swim.

Can children join the tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Infants under one year old get free admission, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Can I cancel, and when will I be charged?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying at the time of reservation.