Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

Whales live just offshore here. This catamaran trip from Puerto Colon gives you a strong chance of seeing resident pilot whales and dolphins without spending half the day at sea. I like the small maximum group of 50 people, which helps keep the boat from feeling packed, and I like that the crew explains the animals and keeps a respectful distance. The main drawback is the open Atlantic: even a good day can bring choppy water and seasickness.

I also like the simple pricing. For about $41 per person, you get a two or three-hour cruise, onboard water, soft drinks, and beer, plus a whale or dolphin sighting guarantee. Choose the longer trip and you add a swimming and snorkeling stop at Playa Espagueti Bay.

The two-hour trip is enough if your priority is seeing whales and dolphins. The three-hour option suits you better if you want a relaxed boat outing with time in the water. Just remember that wildlife is unpredictable, and the swimming stop can be rough if the sea is moving.

Key points at a glance

• Resident pilot whales stay close to Tenerife: The boat usually travels only 2 to 3 miles from shore to reach areas where pilot whales live all year.
• A smaller catamaran means better views: Capacity is limited to 50 people, with numbers adjusted when required by local health rules.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, and beer are available onboard. Sandwiches have also been served on some trips.
• The crew treats the whales carefully: The boat must keep its distance and spend no more than 15 minutes with the same whale group.
• The three-hour trip adds a swim stop: You can use the provided snorkeling gear at Playa Espagueti Bay for roughly 30 minutes, depending on whale-search time.
• You have a sighting guarantee: If you see neither a whale nor a dolphin, you receive another ticket for free.

Leaving Puerto Colon for Tenerife’s whale coast

The trip begins at Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje, on Tenerife’s southwest coast. You arrange your own way to the pier, so leave time to find the correct meeting point because it can vary with the option you book.

Once onboard, the setting is easy to enjoy. You get broad views back toward Tenerife, open water ahead, and the warm, sunny feel that makes this part of the island popular. The catamaran offers more room than a small rigid boat, while its limited capacity helps you find a viewing place without standing shoulder to shoulder.

I would not assume every seat gives the same view. Marine life can appear on either side, so stay ready to move when the crew points out activity. The crew regularly directs people toward the best side of the boat, which is useful when a whale surfaces for only a few seconds.

There is also an inside area for bags and pushchairs, along with an onboard toilet. That is helpful for families, especially if you are bringing a young child. One report noted that the toilet had been blocked, so treat it as a useful facility rather than a guarantee of perfect condition on every sailing.

Pilot whales only a few miles from shore

The main attraction is the local population of short-finned pilot whales. These animals live in the waters around Tenerife throughout the year, which gives this trip a major advantage over excursions that must travel far offshore in search of wildlife.

The usual search area is only about 2 to 3 miles from the coast. You are not guaranteed an immediate sighting, but you are also not committing to hours of empty ocean before reaching the whale zone. Several outings have seen groups of pilot whales, including adults, males, mothers, and calves.

The experience is not a staged show. A whale may surface close to the boat, or it may appear farther away and vanish before you can take a good photograph. The crew’s job is to find the animals, position the catamaran sensibly, and let you watch without chasing them.

That last point matters. The boat must keep a set distance from the whales and cannot remain with one group for more than 15 minutes. If several boats gather around the animals, moving away is the right choice, even if it means losing a close view. You get a better wildlife experience when the animals are treated as wild creatures rather than performers.

The sighting guarantee offers useful peace of mind. If you see neither whales nor dolphins, you receive another ticket at no charge. It does not promise a particular species, a close approach, or a full afternoon of constant sightings. It simply reduces the risk of paying for a trip with no marine life at all.

Dolphins, fish farms, and the search beyond the whales

Dolphins are another possible highlight. The catamaran passes fish farms, where dolphins sometimes look for an easy meal. This can create a lively sighting, with dolphins swimming near the boat or moving across the water in front of it.

You might see bottlenose dolphins, and some trips have also spotted flying fish and sea turtles. None of these sightings can be promised, so think of them as welcome extras rather than part of a fixed program.

The crew also talks about the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, including the giant squid that can reach around 40 feet in length and live at depths of roughly 2,600 feet. You will not be taking a submarine trip to see them, of course, but this detail helps explain why the channel around the islands supports such unusual sea life.

This is where the guide adds real value. Instead of simply pointing and shouting whale, the crew explains what you are seeing and why these animals live in this area. Guides including Lucy, Danny, Mario, Tony, Dani, Anto, and Lucia have received particular praise for keeping the information clear, friendly, and easy to follow. Lucia has also translated explanations for families during a trip, which helped children understand what they were watching.

What the two-hour cruise feels like

The two-hour choice is the straightforward version. You leave Puerto Colon, travel toward the whale area, spend time looking for pilot whales and dolphins, and then return along the coast.

It works well if you have only a few days in Tenerife, if you are traveling with young children, or if your main goal is wildlife rather than swimming. Two hours on open water is long enough to feel like a proper outing, but short enough that you are not committing your whole morning or afternoon.

The schedule can change depending on how long it takes to find the animals. The crew may spend extra time searching rather than turning back at the first sign of difficulty. That is good news if you are hoping to see whales, but it also means the exact timing can vary.

On a calm day, the catamaran feels relaxed. On a rougher day, the boat can roll and the open sea can feel tiring. One family saw pilot whales and dolphins despite difficult waves, while another passenger became seasick but still considered the trip worthwhile. If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare before boarding with whatever remedy you normally use.

The crew checks on passengers during the trip, including families with children. There is an inner area where you can sit, and the crew can help you find a more comfortable position if the water becomes uncomfortable.

Why the three-hour option costs more time, not just money

The three-hour trip adds a stop at Playa Espagueti Bay. Here, the catamaran anchors or pauses so you can swim and use the provided snorkeling equipment.

The water stop usually lasts about 30 minutes, though that time can change if the whale search takes longer. That flexibility is sensible. You are not rushed away from a good wildlife sighting just to protect a fixed swimming schedule.

You may see fish below the boat, and the snorkeling equipment is included. Some outings have also provided towels, though check the exact arrangement when booking because the official inclusions specifically confirm the snorkeling gear rather than towels.

The bay is a pleasant change after watching the open sea, but do not expect a calm swimming pool. Several passengers found the stop choppy, and one person said it was difficult to stay in the water. When the catamaran stops, movement can also make seasickness worse. If you feel unwell while sitting on a moving boat, getting into the water may help, but only swim if you feel safe and comfortable.

I would pick the three-hour option if you want a full boat outing and like the idea of snorkeling with fish. I would pick two hours if your children are restless, if you are sensitive to motion, or if you would rather spend the rest of the day on land.

Drinks, music, and the feel onboard

Water, soft drinks, and beer are included in the price. That is a modest perk, but it matters on a sunny boat trip, especially when you are spending hours outside. The available drinks have included water, canned beer, cola, and orange or lemon soft drinks.

Sandwiches have also been handed out on some outings, including ham and cheese sandwiches. Since the stated inclusion is drinks, I would not book this as a meal cruise. Bring your own expectations accordingly, especially if you need food at set times.

Music adds a holiday feel, and some people enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. The crew has also turned the music down or off when the whales are close, which is exactly what you want. The best moments are quiet ones, when you can hear the sea and watch the animals without a soundtrack competing for attention.

The crew’s friendliness is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Staff members have helped with photographs, checked on children, pointed out animals on both sides of the boat, and offered photo opportunities at the wheel. Those touches make the trip feel personal without turning it into a formal show.

Price and value at about $41

At around $41 per person, this is good value if you see whales or dolphins and make use of the included drinks. You are paying for a catamaran trip, a live guide in English and Spanish, wildlife spotting, and, on the longer option, snorkeling equipment and a swim stop.

The price becomes especially appealing for families because the excursion combines several activities: coastal views, marine life, drinks, and possibly swimming. You do not need to book a separate snorkeling outing if the three-hour schedule suits you.

The strongest value is the location of the whales. Since pilot whales live close to Tenerife’s southwest coast, much of your paid time is spent watching wildlife rather than simply traveling to and from a distant site.

Still, the value depends on your expectations. This is not a private charter, and the boat may encounter waves, other boats, or a slow search period. The sighting guarantee helps if no whale or dolphin appears, but a replacement ticket may not be useful if you are leaving Tenerife soon.

Practical advice before you board

Wear something comfortable that can handle spray and wind. Even in sunny weather, the boat can feel cooler once you are moving, and the sea may be choppy.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire trip looking at a screen. Pilot whales can surface suddenly, and the most rewarding moment may last only a few seconds. The crew will tell you where to look, so follow their instructions rather than watching one fixed direction.

If you are prone to seasickness, take precautions before the trip. Several people enjoyed the outing while also reporting nausea, particularly when the boat stopped for snorkeling. The open sea can move even when the harbor looked calm.

For families, the trip can work well, but children need close watching around the water and on the deck. The inner seating area and onboard toilet help, and the crew has been attentive to children. Still, this remains a boat trip on open water, not a contained amusement ride.

The official duration is two or three hours, and start times vary by availability. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Transportation to Puerto Colon is not included, and the exact meeting point may depend on your booking choice.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy introduction to Tenerife’s marine life, prefer a smaller boat to a packed excursion vessel, and like the idea of an outing that combines wildlife with a drink and sea views.

The two-hour cruise suits first-time whale watchers, families with limited patience for long boat rides, and anyone who wants to keep the rest of the day free. The three-hour trip is better for swimmers, snorkelers, and people who want to spend more time enjoying the catamaran itself.

I would hesitate only if you strongly dislike open water, cannot tolerate boat movement, or need a fully predictable schedule. The crew works hard, but no one can control waves, wildlife behavior, or how long it takes to find the animals.

Should you book it?

Yes, if seeing pilot whales in their natural setting is high on your Tenerife list. The close-to-shore whale habitat, modest price, included drinks, small capacity, and careful wildlife rules make this a well-balanced outing.

Choose the two-hour trip for a focused whale and dolphin search. Choose three hours if the swim stop matters to you. Either way, pack motion-sickness protection, keep your expectations realistic, and let the crew guide your attention. The best part is not simply seeing a whale. It is watching a wild animal surface on its own terms, then giving it space to disappear again.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching catamaran leave from?

The trip departs from Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje, on the southwest coast of Tenerife. The exact meeting point can vary depending on the option booked.

How long does the tour last?

You can choose a two-hour or three-hour excursion. The three-hour option includes a swimming and snorkeling stop.

What animals might I see?

The main sightings are pilot whales and dolphins. Depending on conditions, you might also see bottlenose dolphins, flying fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.

Are whale or dolphin sightings guaranteed?

The activity includes a whale or dolphin sighting guarantee. If you see neither, you receive another ticket for free.

What drinks are included?

Water, soft drinks, and beer are included onboard. Sandwiches have also been served on some trips, but food is not listed as a standard inclusion.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included with the three-hour option. The catamaran stops at Playa Espagueti Bay for about 30 minutes, though the timing can change depending on the whale search.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guides provide the tour in English and Spanish.