Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

Whales often appear before you expect them. This three-hour cruise from Puerto Colón combines close views of pilot whales, a small group of no more than 24 people, and a relaxed sail along Tenerife’s southern coast. I especially like the generous drinks service and the included tapas buffet, which make this feel like more than a quick wildlife trip. The main catch is simple: dolphins and whales are wild animals, so sightings are common but never promised.

I also like the hotel transfer option, which covers many resorts in southern Tenerife. The boat has toilets, shaded seating, life vests, and room to spread out, though the snorkelling stop can be less impressive than the whale watching. If you want a quiet catamaran, friendly service, and a good chance of seeing pilot whales, this is a strong choice.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: Sightings are especially common, often close to the catamaran.
• Small group, maximum 24 people: You avoid the crowded feel of large excursion boats.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tapas, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne or cava.
• Swimming and snorkelling are offered: Equipment is provided, though the stop is mainly for a refreshing swim.
• South Tenerife pickup is available: Transfers cover Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.
• Allow three hours: The cruise includes wildlife watching, food, drinks, a swim stop, and a final coastal sail.

Starting at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas

The catamaran leaves from Puerto Colón, also called Puerto Colon, in the Costa Adeje area. If you are staying in the south of Tenerife, you can request pickup from your hotel. The listed pickup zone includes Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.

Pickup times vary from about 20 minutes to one hour before sailing. You need to request the transfer at least 24 hours before departure, and the exact time is confirmed afterward. That matters because hotel pickup is not an automatic feature for every booking.

If you stay outside the southern pickup area, you need to make your own way to Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6. There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of Tenerife. Public transport is nearby, but allow enough time to locate the marina and boarding point.

The boat itself is a purpose-built catamaran with seating at the front, a flybridge, an interior sofa, shaded areas, and a sundeck. Footwear may be removed before boarding, so wear something easy to take off. A restroom is available onboard, and life vests are provided for all passengers.

A small boat makes the outing calmer

The maximum group size is 24 people. That is one of the strongest features here. You have a better chance of finding a comfortable viewing place, getting a drink without a long wait, and hearing the crew explain what is happening.

Several people who normally dislike crowded boat excursions particularly liked this setup. The catamaran has enough seating for everyone, but it is not designed as a broad, empty sunbathing platform. You will find places to sit in the sun and shade, though some seats are better for viewing than others.

For wildlife watching, the smaller group helps in practical ways. You are less likely to have a wall of people blocking your view, and the crew can keep an eye on different parts of the boat. You still need to move quickly when a whale surfaces. Nature does not wait for everyone to get a phone ready.

The catamaran is stable, but it is still a boat at sea. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking a suitable remedy before boarding. Ginger tablets or Dramamine are suggested in the tour information. Sitting in a central or well-balanced area may also help, although your choice of seating can depend on where the action is.

The boat is not wheelchair accessible. Children can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate without special physical preparation.

Searching for pilot whales off Tenerife

The main wildlife target is the short-finned pilot whale, a resident species commonly seen in the waters near Tenerife. These are not tiny flashes far out on the horizon. Sightings can be surprisingly close to the catamaran, with whales surfacing alongside the boat and giving you time to watch and take photographs.

The crew chooses locations where cetaceans are often found and explains what you are seeing. The most highly praised part of the outing is the combination of close pilot whale sightings and an attentive crew. Many people saw several whales, while some also saw dolphins swimming near the boat.

Dolphins are possible but less certain. One outing produced hundreds of active dolphins, while another had pilot whales but no dolphins at all. That is the honest bargain with any wildlife cruise: the company can take you to good areas, but it cannot order an animal to appear on schedule.

The tour information also lists sea turtles as possible wildlife, though sightings are not guaranteed. You should book this for the chance to watch marine life in its natural setting, not for a promise of a particular species.

The catamaran’s open layout helps with photographs. Bring a phone or camera, but secure it well. A neck strap or phone holder is a smart precaution, especially if you are leaning over the side to photograph a whale. Sun glare, moving water, and quick surfacing all make wildlife photography tricky, so enjoy the moment first and worry about the perfect image second.

Drinks and tapas during the three-hour cruise

Food and drinks are served through much of the outing. The included selection can include Spanish tortilla, olives, tomatoes, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, meat, and other cold tapas. The exact spread may vary, but you should expect a light buffet rather than a full restaurant meal.

The food is useful because the cruise lasts about three hours and includes time at sea, not just a short wildlife loop. It also gives the trip a social, easygoing rhythm. You can watch the water, have a drink, take a plate of tapas, and settle back into the view.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne or cava. Alcohol is served generously according to the available feedback, but you should still pace yourself. The boat may be stable, but alcohol and rolling seas are not always good partners.

Vegetarian food is available if requested when you book. If you do not eat meat, make that request in advance. The standard buffet has some vegetarian-friendly items, but the choice may be limited. One useful criticism was that more vegetarian dishes would improve the meal.

Food is a bonus rather than the reason to choose this tour. The strongest part is the whale watching. Still, the drinks and tapas add real value, particularly when compared with a basic boat trip where every snack and beverage costs extra.

The swim and snorkel stop near Tenerife’s coast

After the wildlife search, the captain anchors near the coast for swimming and snorkelling. Equipment is supplied, so you only need to bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

The stop gives you a chance to cool off and move around after sitting on the boat. Some people enjoyed swimming and seeing fish beneath the catamaran. It is a pleasant break, especially on a warm day.

Keep your expectations modest. This is not presented as a major reef excursion, and the snorkelling can be fairly ordinary. You may see standard fish rather than a wide range of species. The boat may anchor off a beach rather than take you ashore, and one stop was described as less appealing because it was near a nudist beach.

That detail is worth knowing if you are choosing the trip mainly for swimming. The whale watching is the star; the swim is a pleasant extra. Bring your own comfort level and do not expect a dedicated snorkelling site with extensive underwater sights.

You should wear your swimsuit under your clothes if you want to swim. A towel, sun protection, and a dry change of clothing are sensible additions. Keep personal items secure while you are in the water.

The final sail along Tenerife’s southern coast

The cruise finishes with a slower sail near the south coast. From the water, you get views of the beaches, mountains, and coastal resorts around Tenerife. This final section helps the outing feel less rushed.

The coastline is especially enjoyable from a catamaran because you can view it from a low, open platform rather than through a coach window. You may sit on the forward deck, use the flybridge, or find a shaded seat. The boat gives you several ways to watch the shore and the sea.

This is also a good time to relax after the more alert whale-watching section. During the search, you may be scanning constantly for a fin or splash. On the return sail, the pace is calmer, with time for another drink, photographs, and conversation.

At the end, the catamaran returns to Puerto Colón. If you arranged a hotel transfer, the minibus takes you back to your accommodation in the approved pickup zone.

How good is the value at $71.35?

At $71.35 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. It is good value if you use the parts included in the price: hotel transfer when available, a three-hour cruise, a small group, drinks, tapas, a swim stop, and a crew focused on wildlife viewing.

The food and drink alone are not enough reason to book. The value comes from the full package and the low passenger count. A much larger boat might offer a lower headline price, but it can feel crowded and less personal.

The tour has a strong customer rating of 4.8 from 2,712 ratings, with 96 percent recommending it. That lines up with the most praised features: pilot whales seen close to the boat, warm service, good organization, and a relaxed atmosphere.

The cost makes most sense for couples, families, and small groups who want an easy afternoon without arranging transport or buying lunch separately. It is less suitable if you only want a serious snorkelling trip, a guaranteed dolphin sighting, or a large open deck for sunbathing.

Tips for getting the best experience

• Request hotel pickup at least 24 hours ahead if you want the transfer.
• Confirm your exact pickup time, since it can be anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour before sailing.
• Wear swimwear and bring a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Ask for the vegetarian option when booking if needed.
• Take motion sickness medicine before boarding if you are sensitive to boat movement.
• Bring a secure phone strap or holder for photographs.
• Expect pilot whales to be the most likely sighting, with dolphins possible but not assured.
• Keep alcohol moderate if the sea is moving.
• Arrive ready to remove your shoes if requested by the crew.
• Choose this for wildlife watching first, food and swimming second.

The crew’s service is a major part of the appeal. The staff are described as friendly, attentive, and well informed about pilot whales. Names such as Michael, Andre, and Edmond were singled out for making a birthday outing special, including arranging a cake and singing to the birthday guest. That suggests a crew willing to add personal touches when the occasion is mentioned in advance.

The tour also works well for families. A seven-year-old was specifically described as being comfortable on the trip, and children are welcome with an adult. The mix of wildlife, food, and swimming gives younger passengers several things to look forward to, although the whale search may require patience.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would choose this trip if you are staying in southern Tenerife and want a well-organized half-day on the sea without a huge crowd. It suits people who value close wildlife encounters, friendly service, included refreshments, and a relaxed pace.

It is also a good pick for a birthday, family outing, or couple’s afternoon. The small group makes it feel more personal than a large party boat, while the drinks and tapas keep the trip comfortable.

I would think twice if your main goal is dolphin photography, since dolphins may not appear. I would also choose another activity if your priority is serious snorkelling, wheelchair access, or uninterrupted sunbathing.

The cancellation terms are reasonable: you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book the Monte Cristo Catamaran?

Book it if you want a strong chance of seeing pilot whales from a comfortable, small-group catamaran, with food, drinks, swimming, and southern Tenerife transfers included. The wildlife is never guaranteed, but the trip offers plenty to enjoy even between sightings.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed dolphin show or a first-rate snorkelling site. For most people, though, the close pilot whale encounters, calm coastal sail, attentive crew, and sensible group size make this one of the better-value boat outings around Tenerife.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The boat departs from Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, in the Costa Adeje area of southern Tenerife.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is available on request from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of Tenerife.

How long is the boat trip?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and ends back at the original meeting point.

What wildlife might I see?

Pilot whales are commonly seen, and dolphins and sea turtles are also possible. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is food included?

Yes. A buffet of light tapas and snacks is served. Offerings can include tortilla, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, meat, olives, and tomatoes. A vegetarian option is available if requested when booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Available drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne or cava.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The catamaran stops for swimming and snorkelling, and equipment is provided. You should bring swimwear and a towel.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible.