Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Transfer, Buffet by MC

Whales, dolphins, and a swim, all before lunch. This three-hour cruise from Puerto Colón offers a pleasant way to see Tenerife from the water, with pilot whales often appearing close to the boat and dolphins sometimes joining the show. I like the small maximum group of 24 and the friendly crew, who explain what you are seeing without turning the trip into a lecture. I also like that food, beer, soft drinks, water, and other refreshments are included.

The main drawback is the sea itself. A catamaran is stable, but it still moves, and one unhappy passenger described a very bumpy outing with several people feeling sick. You should also remember that whales are wild animals, not scheduled performers. Sightings are common on these trips, but never guaranteed.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: You may see pods swimming near the catamaran, along with dolphins and possibly sea turtles.
• A proper three-hour outing: The time includes wildlife viewing, drinks and buffet food, coastal views, and a swimming or snorkeling stop.
• Small-group feel: The boat carries a maximum of 24 people, with space to sit in sun or shade.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tapas-style food, fruit, snacks, beer, soft drinks, water, and champagne.
• Pickup covers southern Tenerife: Transfers can be requested from Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.
• Come prepared for the sea: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Take seasickness precautions if needed.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

The meeting point is Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, in Costa Adeje. The marina is the launch point for a busy collection of boat trips, but this outing uses a comfortable catamaran designed for sightseeing rather than a high-speed thrill ride.

If you are staying in the south of Tenerife, hotel transfer is available by request. Pickup areas include Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. The minibus arrives between 20 minutes and one hour before sailing, so your exact collection time is confirmed after booking.

That range matters. Do not plan a tight breakfast, excursion, or airport transfer around the advertised sailing time. The trip ends back at Puerto Colón, or at your accommodation if you use the return transfer.

If you are outside the pickup zone, you make your own way to the marina. The boat has a restroom, but it is not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed, and public transportation is available near the departure point.

Three hours on a purpose-built catamaran

The boat is a comfortable catamaran with a forward sundeck, flybridge seating, and an indoor sofa area. This layout gives you a choice of sun, shade, wind, and shelter. I like that flexibility because Tenerife can feel hot and bright on the water, while the breeze can turn cool once the catamaran is moving.

The small capacity is another real advantage. A maximum of 24 people gives the crew more time to serve food, answer questions, and help anyone who is feeling unwell. Some passengers describe the boat as spacious and uncrowded, though one outing felt slightly overfilled to one person. Your experience can depend on the actual number booked that day.

The flybridge can offer excellent views, especially when the captain is searching for animals. One couple happened to sit upstairs with the captain and felt they had a particularly good view. Seating is not described as reserved, so arrive ready to make the most of the available areas.

The catamaran is stable compared with many smaller boats, but stable does not mean still. If you are prone to seasickness, the operator suggests ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding. Choose a light meal before the cruise, stay in the open air when possible, and keep your eyes on the horizon. The several-hour format is manageable for most people, but it is not a good match for someone who becomes ill easily on boats.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The main sailing area is off the southern coast of Tenerife, where the crew searches for whales and dolphins in their natural surroundings. Pilot whales are the species most often seen on this trip. You might see a pod of several animals moving together, sometimes close enough to appreciate their size and smooth, steady motion.

The crew also looks for dolphins. Sightings have included large groups, and some outings have produced both dolphins and pilot whales. Sea turtles are possible too, though they are less predictable. One trip even produced an unexpected duck, a reminder that wildlife watching has a healthy amount of luck mixed in.

The crew plays an important role here. Captain Andrea has been praised for finding animals, while guides including Laura, Daniela, Michel, and Miguel have been singled out for warm service and clear explanations. Names and crew assignments can change, but the general strength of the experience is the staff’s attention. They keep watch, point out animals, share facts, and help you understand what you are seeing.

A close sighting is exciting, but the best encounters still depend on respectful behavior. You are watching wild animals, not visiting an aquarium. The boat’s job is to find them without turning the encounter into a chase, and the most enjoyable moments often come when a pod simply moves alongside the catamaran.

The views are part of the reward even when the animals stay hidden. From the water, you see Tenerife’s southern mountains and coastline from a different angle. That makes the trip worthwhile even on a quieter wildlife day, though you should book it mainly because you want time at sea, not because you require a guaranteed whale photograph.

A buffet with tapas, fruit, and free-flowing drinks

Food is one of the stronger parts of this outing. The included buffet is described as a simple tapas-style spread with items such as tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a selection of meat. Fruit and snacks are also available.

This is not a formal restaurant meal, but it is more substantial than a packet of biscuits and a small drink. The food gives the trip a relaxed social feel, especially after the wildlife viewing and before the swimming stop. Several people found the tapas tasty and plentiful, while one disappointed passenger found the food poor. Expectations matter: think casual boat buffet, not fine dining.

Included drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. The crew serves drinks throughout the outing, and several people particularly liked the attentive service. If you prefer a nonalcoholic option, you will have water and soft drinks. The free drinks also add real value to the price, especially on a warm day when you would otherwise buy refreshments separately.

Take care with alcohol if the sea is moving. Beer and champagne can be pleasant on a calm cruise, but alcohol can make seasickness worse. Eat first, drink water, and save the celebratory glass for when your stomach has approved the plan.

Swimming and snorkeling off the boat

After the wildlife search, the captain takes the catamaran to a suitable place for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask or snorkel. You should bring a swimsuit and towel, however.

This stop breaks up the cruise nicely. You can swim from the boat, remain on deck, or simply enjoy the pause. The water stop is optional in practice, since not everyone wants to get wet, and the crew continues to look after people who prefer to stay aboard.

Do not treat this as a dedicated snorkeling expedition. The cruise is built around whales, dolphins, coastal views, food, and a short swim. If you want a full snorkeling day, this may feel brief. If you want a refreshing dip without giving up most of your day, it fits well.

Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, and consider a light layer. The swimming stop can feel warm and sunny, while the moving boat can be breezy. For an evening or sunset departure, bring something warm. One passenger specifically advised having an extra layer and being prepared to get wet at night.

Sunset trips and morning departures

The trip is offered at different times, and each schedule has its own appeal. A morning departure helps you avoid the strongest heat and leaves the rest of the day free for another activity. One early outing was especially comfortable because it was not too hot.

An evening or sunset cruise offers softer light and a more relaxed mood. You may see pilot whales and dolphins as the day cools, then return to the marina after a swim and tapas. The tradeoff is that the air can feel chilly, particularly after sunset, so pack a warm layer.

At three hours, this is a useful half-day activity. You are not committing an entire day to a boat, and the return to Puerto Colón makes it easy to continue with dinner, beach time, or another plan. The pickup window can add time at the start, so allow more than three hours door to door if you use the transfer.

Is the $71.35 price good value?

At $71.35 per person, the price sits above a bare-bones boat ride but includes much more than a wildlife search. You are paying for roughly three hours on a small catamaran, a crew that actively searches for animals, a buffet, drinks, swimming, snorkeling equipment, and possible hotel transportation.

The value is strongest if you use several parts of the package. A whale sighting, a swim, a proper snack, and a few drinks can make the fare feel fair. The transfer is also useful if you do not have a rental car or do not want to deal with parking near Puerto Colón.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quick look at the coastline or if you do not eat, drink, swim, or care much about the boat setting. Wildlife is not guaranteed, so you should judge the purchase as a complete sea excursion rather than a ticket to see a specific animal.

The high rating of 4.8 from 550 ratings, with 96 percent recommending it, points to a consistently strong experience. Still, the lower ratings highlight the two issues worth taking seriously: rough water and food that may feel basic to some people.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed wildlife outing rather than a loud party boat. The small capacity, seating choices, included refreshments, and swimming stop make it easy to settle into the day.

It also suits anyone who wants a low-effort Tenerife activity. Request the transfer, arrive at the pickup point, and let the crew handle the route, wildlife search, food, and drinks. The crew has also been praised for helping passengers who felt unwell, including giving one sick child room to rest.

Families should remember that the sea can be rough and the boat is not wheelchair accessible. Anyone with limited mobility should confirm that the catamaran’s boarding arrangement works for them before booking.

This is less suitable if you need guaranteed animal sightings, dislike any boat movement, or want a long snorkeling session. It is also not the right pick if your idea of a buffet means a large hot meal. The food is casual and shareable, with tapas, snacks, fruit, and drinks.

Booking, cancellation, and practical preparation

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not met.

Before you go, pack:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A warm layer for evening trips
• Seasickness medication if you need it
• Comfortable clothing that can handle spray

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and most people can participate, provided they can manage the boat and boarding conditions.

Should you book the Monte Cristo catamaran?

I would book this cruise if you want to see Tenerife’s pilot whales in a calm, small-group setting and like the idea of combining wildlife, swimming, food, and drinks in one outing. The crew’s care, the roomy catamaran, and the included refreshments give it more substance than a simple sightseeing sail.

Book an early departure if you want cooler temperatures and a full afternoon free. Pick an evening sailing for sunset light, but bring a jacket. If you get seasick, prepare properly or choose a land-based activity instead.

The best reason to book is the overall mix: a good chance of seeing pilot whales, possible dolphins and turtles, a short swim, and a friendly crew for a sensible half-day price. Just keep your expectations realistic. The sea can be bumpy, the food is a simple buffet, and nature sets the timetable.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching cruise depart?

It departs from Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup can be requested from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.

How early will the hotel transfer arrive?

Pickup times vary from 20 minutes to one hour before sailing. The exact pickup time is provided after you make the request.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours.

What animals might I see?

You may see pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals live in the wild.

Is food included?

Yes. The included buffet and snacks can include tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, meat, and fruit.

What drinks are included?

Available drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The captain takes the boat to a swimming and snorkeling area, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. A restroom is available onboard, and service animals are allowed.