Whales and snacks on a catamaran. This 3-hour cruise out of Puerto Colón is built around finding cetaceans near Tenerife, then hanging out with them long enough for solid photos and real ocean time. I like that you get a guide-led search for the best spots, not just a quick loop, and I also like that drinks and food keep showing up so the trip stays relaxed. One thing to keep in mind: whale and dolphin sightings are extremely common, but they are still not guaranteed.

You’ll also like the comfort side. The boat is a purpose-built catamaran with a stable ride, life-vests for all passengers, and a restroom on board, plus plenty of seating and sun space. If you’re prone to motion sickness, expect some movement anyway, so plan accordingly.

Quick hits you should know before you go

• Small group (max 24): more space and less crowding than the big-fleet style tours.
• Guided search for cetaceans: you’re not just hoping the ocean delivers.
• Drinks and tapas buffet during most of the trip: the food is part of the flow, not an afterthought.
• Swim and snorkel time with equipment provided: you get water time even if dolphins are shy.
• South Tenerife pickup only: transfers are available, but only in a defined zone.
• Sighting isn’t promised: it’s very likely, but the sea stays the sea.

Why this catamaran is a smart Tenerife afternoon

This is the kind of tour that works well when you want a break from walking, driving, and planning. You show up at Puerto Colón (the Pantalan #6 area), you get on a comfortable catamaran, and the crew focuses on one job: finding whales and dolphins and then staying with them long enough for you to enjoy the moment.

What makes it feel good in practice is the pacing. You’re not rushed from one “viewpoint” to another. The experience is organized around time at sea, with frequent opportunities to look, photograph, and reposition as conditions change. Add in drinks and snacks served through much of the cruise, and it stops feeling like a long wait for the one big sighting.

Value matters here, because the price includes more than just the boat. At around $71.35 per person for an approximate 3-hour outing, you’re also getting a food spread (tapas-style buffet) plus drinks, and you can usually build in a swim/snorkel stop without paying extra for equipment.

Getting to Puerto Colón without turning your trip into a logistics project

The main start point is Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), and the activity ends back at the same place. If you’re staying in the south, you can request a hotel transfer from areas like Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.

Two practical tips so this goes smoothly:

• Your pickup time can vary by about 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing, and you’ll get the confirmed time after you request it.
• There’s no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of the island, so if you’re based up there, plan to make your own way to the port.

The ride in can be part of the day’s ease. People like this tour for being organized and straightforward, and the small-group vibe starts as soon as you’re collected.

Step-by-step: what happens during the 3 hours at sea

Boarding at Monte Cristo Catamaran

You board at Monte Cristo Catamaran, departing from the Puerto Colón area. Before you head out, you’ll get the basic safety rundown and you’ll find life-vests available. There’s also a restroom on board, which sounds minor until you’re out at sea and trying to keep things comfortable for kids and adults alike.

If you tend to get seasick, the catamaran is described as stable, but you should still expect some motion. I’d rather you be ready than suffer. Bringing ginger tablets or a motion-sickness option like Dramamine is a sensible move if you know your body.

The whale and dolphin search (the main event)

Once you’re out, the crew follows the hunt. This is the heart of the cruise: searching and accompanying cetaceans with repeated chances to spot animals and take photos. You’ll be spending the time at sea looking for the right conditions and staying near where the sightings are happening.

This is also where the experience often earns its best moments. Many outings are centered on pilot whales, sometimes really close to the boat, with dolphins showing up as well. In one review, I saw a birthday trip where the day included both whales and dolphins plus extra celebratory touches from the crew—but even without that, the goal is still clear: better odds than a random sighting.

Just remember the wording that matters: sightings are extremely common but not guaranteed. If dolphins are your top priority, keep the mindset that whales are the most reliable target, based on what frequently happens on these trips.

Drinks and food during the cruise

This is not a ship where you grab a snack later if you remember. Drinks and food are served throughout most of the tour, so your energy stays up while you watch. Expect a tapas-style buffet with items like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne (and on the better days, the staff keeps replenishing).

Two reasons this matters:

• You don’t lose whale time to hunger.
• You don’t spend your afternoon trying to find a café after you’re already tired.

And yes—if you want a vegetarian option, that’s available if you tell them when booking. Based on comments, the buffet can still be a little meat-forward on some dates, so vegetarian travelers will feel better if they note their needs early.

Swim and snorkel stop off the coast

After the whale/dolphin time, the captain takes the group to an area for swimming and snorkelling, with equipment provided. The snorkeling setup is a big reason some people love this trip even on days when dolphins are quiet.

A couple of practical notes:

• Bring or wear your swimwear under your clothes before boarding.
• Bring a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• You might not be able to go directly onto shore (depending on the anchoring spot), but you should still get solid water time from the catamaran.

If you get motion-sensitive or just don’t love choppy conditions, be aware that you’ll move with the sea. The catamaran helps, but it’s still open water.

Final sail close to the south coast

You wrap up with a relaxing sail close to the south coast, with views of mountains and surrounding beaches. It’s the slower, calmer ending that makes the experience feel complete—like you didn’t just bolt out, chase wildlife, and rush back.

Comfort and crew vibe: what you’re really paying for

The boat experience matters as much as the sightings. This catamaran is designed for passenger comfort with features like:

• Plenty of seating areas
• A sundeck at the prow for sun time
• A flybridge with lots of seating
• A sofa inside the boat if you want a break from wind or glare

You’ll also notice the crew keeps things moving. Many ratings point to attentive service and quick drink replenishment. On at least one trip, names that came up were Michael Andre and Edmond, and the overall theme was friendly, hands-on hospitality.

One small drawback to flag: the boat can be roomy, but it’s not described as having a ton of true, dedicated “sunning deck” space for everyone at once. If you’re traveling with a group of sun-lovers, arrive early and claim your spot when you board.

What to expect if dolphins show up (and what if they don’t)

Here’s the honest balance you’ll want for planning:

• Dolphin sightings happen often, and some days can be very active.
• Whales are the more consistent target, and pilot whales show up a lot on these cruises.
• When dolphins are absent, you can still have a great day due to whales and the swim/snorkel time.

So if your goal is whales first and dolphins second, you’re in the right lane for this tour. If dolphins are your only must-see, you’re still likely to have fun, but you should expect some days where the sea focuses elsewhere.

How to dress and pack for a smooth day

I like tours that make it easy to show up. This one is straightforward.

Wear/bring:

• Swimwear (or plan to change quickly)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A towel
• Your phone ready for photos (a phone neck strap can help if you’re handling gear on and off the boat)

Also:

• Life-vests are available.
• There’s a restroom on board.
• If you use motion sickness medication, take it early enough to work before you’re fully out at sea.

Price check: what $71.35 really buys you here

At $71.35 per person, the tour is good value because you’re paying for a package:

• boat time focused on wildlife spotting
• drinks and snacks/tapas during the cruise
• swim/snorkel time with equipment
• optional hotel transfer within the south pickup zone
• small-group cap (max 24 travelers) that improves your comfort and attention

When you add those elements up, the “boat-only” comparison becomes less relevant. This tour is trying to be the full afternoon: wildlife, food, and a water break, all rolled into one.

Is this tour worth booking for your Tenerife trip?

Book this tour if:

• You want a small-group whale/dolphin cruise instead of a huge crowd.
• You care about comfort: stable catamaran, restroom on board, and shade/seating options.
• You like that food and drinks are part of the flow, not something you have to hunt for.
• You want the option to swim and snorkel off the catamaran.

Skip it (or keep your expectations tighter) if:

• You’re based in the north or Puerto de la Cruz and don’t want to travel to the port.
• You need a lot of direct sunbathing space, because deck sun areas can be limited.
• You’re extremely sensitive to sea motion and don’t want to plan for it at all.

If you’re aiming for an efficient, enjoyable afternoon with a strong chance of seeing pilot whales and a realistic shot at dolphins, this is a very solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching catamaran tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available by request, but only for hotels in the south areas listed (including Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá). There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of Tenerife.

Is there a meeting point if I’m outside the pickup area?

Yes. You can make your own way to Puerto Colón, Pantalan #6 (38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife).

What’s included for food and drinks?

You’ll have drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne) and a tapas-style buffet. Food includes items such as tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise them at the time of booking.

Can I go swimming or snorkelling?

Yes. The captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots, and snorkelling equipment is provided.

How likely is it to see whales and dolphins?

Sighting of cetaceans and surrounding wildlife is extremely common, but it is not guaranteed.

What if poor weather affects the tour?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there life-vests and a restroom onboard?

Life-vests are available for all passengers, and there is a restroom onboard.

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