Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

Pilot whales can come surprisingly close. This three-hour catamaran trip from Puerto Colón combines small-group whale watching with drinks, tapas, swimming, and a relaxed sail along Tenerife’s south coast. I like the limited capacity of 24 people, which gives you more room and a calmer feel than the large party boats. I also like that hotel transfers, food, and drinks are included, making the $71.35 price easier to justify.

The main consideration is that wildlife is never guaranteed. Pilot whales are seen often on this route, but dolphins may not appear, and the swimming stop can be fairly ordinary. If your only goal is to see dolphins, you need to accept some uncertainty. If you want a comfortable half-day on the sea with a strong chance of seeing whales, this is a much better fit.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: They are commonly seen near Tenerife and may surface close to the catamaran.
• Limited to 24 people: The smaller group keeps the boat from feeling packed and makes it easier to see the water.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tapas-style food, water, soft drinks, beer, and sparkling wine.
• South Tenerife pickup is available: Transfers can be arranged from selected hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.
• Swimming and snorkeling are part of the outing: Equipment is provided, but the stop is more about a quick dip than a major snorkeling session.
• Plan for motion and sun: The catamaran is stable, but you should still consider seasickness medicine, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel.

Why this catamaran trip works well

Tenerife’s south coast is one of the better places in the Canary Islands for seeing marine life close to shore. This cruise spends much of its time searching for whales and dolphins, rather than treating wildlife as a brief extra before a long party sail.

The main draw is the chance to see pilot whales. Several outings have included many whales surfacing close to the boat, which makes for better photographs and a more rewarding encounter than watching distant fins through binoculars. Dolphins are also possible, and some sailings have seen large, active groups, but they are less predictable.

I like the scale of the boat. With a maximum of 24 people, you are not fighting through a crowd to reach the rail. The catamaran has seating at the front, a flybridge, an indoor sofa, and shaded areas. That gives you some choice between sun, shade, and shelter as the day changes.

The crew also plays a large part in the experience. The staff explain the outing, keep an eye out for animals, serve drinks, and help with the swimming stop. Several named crew members, including Michael, Andre, and Edmond, have been singled out for friendly service and thoughtful touches such as arranging a birthday cake and singing to a child.

This is not a silent nature expedition. Drinks are served throughout much of the trip, including beer, soft drinks, water, and champagne or prosecco. That suits a relaxed holiday outing, though anyone hoping for a strictly focused wildlife tour may find the food and drink service slightly distracting.

Leaving Puerto Colón for the open water

The boat leaves from Puerto Colón, at Pantalan number 6 in Costa Adeje. If you are staying nearby, you can make your own way to the marina. If you are staying in the southern hotel zone, a transfer can be requested from the listed pickup areas.

The transfer is not automatic for every hotel, so request it at least 24 hours before departure. Pickup times can vary from about 20 minutes to one hour before sailing, and the exact time is supplied after the request. One practical point: an early pickup can mean waiting at the marina before boarding, so allow a little flexibility.

Once aboard, you may be asked to remove your shoes. This is common on smaller sailing boats and helps keep the deck clean. The catamaran is described as purpose-built and compliant with safety rules, with life vests available for everyone. A toilet is also onboard.

The first part of the cruise is about settling into the boat and getting a feel for the sea. The catamaran is stable, but stable does not mean motionless. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual remedy before boarding. Ginger tablets or Dramamine are suggested, and one person with a history of motion sickness found it useful to take medication in advance.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife search is the heart of the trip. The crew takes you to areas where whales and dolphins are often found, then slows down so you can watch and photograph them. The exact route depends on where animals are spotted and on sea conditions.

Pilot whales are the most reliable sighting. You might see them surfacing close to the boat, sometimes in groups, which gives you several chances to watch their movement and take pictures. The reports of close encounters are especially encouraging for anyone who does not want a wildlife trip spent staring at a distant horizon.

Dolphins are possible but should not be treated as guaranteed. Some sailings have seen many dolphins, including highly active groups, while others have found whales but no dolphins. The same applies to sea turtles, which are listed as possible sightings but are not promised.

The crew’s role matters here. A good lookout can spot a blow or dorsal fin before you do and point out where to watch. The staff are described as friendly and well informed about the whales, with English support available throughout the outing.

Bring a phone strap or waterproof neck holder if you plan to take pictures. One useful tip is to keep your phone secure when moving around the deck. Wildlife can appear suddenly, and you do not want a good sighting to become an expensive swim for your phone.

Tapas, drinks, and the onboard rhythm

Food is served during the cruise, usually as a cold buffet or tapas-style spread. Expect items such as Spanish tortilla, olives, tomatoes, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, canapés, and a meat selection. The meal is simple rather than elaborate, but it gives the cruise more substance than a basic sightseeing sail.

The food receives mixed praise. Some people describe the buffet as tasty, plentiful, and among the better meals of their holiday. Others find it merely adequate or wish for more vegetarian choices. A vegetarian option is available if requested when booking, but you should mention your needs in advance rather than relying on a broad buffet selection.

Drinks are one of the stronger parts of the value. Water and soft drinks are available, along with beer and sparkling wine. The crew regularly offers refills, and some outings include a celebratory shot near the end. If you do not drink alcohol, the nonalcoholic choices still make the package useful.

The food and drinks help create a social, easygoing atmosphere. They also mean you do not need to pack a full lunch. Still, I would think of the meal as a pleasant extra, not the reason to book. The whales are the reason to go.

The swimming stop near Tenerife’s south coast

After the wildlife search, the captain anchors near the coast for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is provided, and you can get into the water if conditions allow. This is a welcome change after sitting and watching the sea, particularly on a warm afternoon.

Expect a casual swim rather than a major reef experience. One outing found only ordinary fish at the stop, with less variety than near the harbor. The boat may also anchor off a beach rather than directly beside it, so do not expect to swim ashore.

There is another practical point about the setting. The swimming area can be near a nudist beach, which may surprise some families or anyone seeking a more secluded stop. It is not presented as a problem for most people, but it is worth knowing before you book.

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. Add sunscreen and sunglasses, since the combination of sea glare and Tenerife sun can be strong. You should also bring a cover-up for the return sail if you do not want to sit in wet swimwear.

The return sail and coastal views

Once the wildlife search and swim are finished, the boat makes a relaxed return along the south coast. This is the quieter part of the trip, with views toward Tenerife’s mountains, beaches, and shoreline.

The return leg gives you time to enjoy the catamaran itself. You can sit at the prow, use the flybridge, or choose the indoor sofa. There is no need to spend the whole journey standing at the rail, and the smaller group makes it easier to find a comfortable place.

The coastal views are a useful counterpoint to the wildlife search. Even if dolphins do not appear, you still get a boat ride with food, drinks, and changing views of the coast. That does not replace a dolphin sighting, but it helps keep the outing enjoyable when nature does not follow the schedule.

The cruise ends back at Puerto Colón. If you used the arranged hotel transfer, the return minibus takes you back to your accommodation in the covered southern pickup area.

What the $71.35 price includes

At $71.35 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but the package is strong. You are paying for around three hours aboard a small catamaran, a wildlife search, crew service, food, drinks, swimming equipment, and possible hotel transportation.

The transfer adds real value if you are staying in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, or another listed southern area. A taxi to and from the marina would otherwise add to the day’s cost and planning. If you are already near Puerto Colón, the value depends more on how much you care about the limited group size and included refreshments.

The maximum of 24 people is important. Larger boats may offer lower prices, but you usually sacrifice space and personal service. Here, the crew can bring drinks around, answer questions, and help with the practical parts of boarding and swimming without dealing with a huge crowd.

I would not book this expecting a luxury restaurant meal. The catamaran is comfortable, the food is useful, and the drinks are generous, but the strongest value comes from combining whale watching with a pleasant half-day sail.

Who should book this outing

This cruise suits you if you want several experiences in one outing: wildlife watching, a boat ride, a light meal, drinks, and a swim. It is also a good choice for families, couples, and small groups who dislike crowded excursion boats. Children can participate when accompanied by an adult.

It works particularly well for people staying in south Tenerife because the transfer removes much of the transport hassle. English is offered, and the crew has been praised for explaining the whales clearly and helping with individual needs.

You may want another type of trip if you need wheelchair access, since the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. You should also think twice if you dislike any movement on the sea, want guaranteed dolphin sightings, or expect a serious snorkeling site.

The boat has shaded areas, a flybridge, seating at the front, and an indoor area, so you are not forced to sit in full sun. Still, bring protection from the sun and take motion sickness precautions if needed.

Booking, cancellation, and weather details

Confirmation is provided at booking. Hotel pickup must be requested, and there is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of Tenerife. If you are outside the transfer area, go directly to Puerto Colón.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can cancel the outing, in which case you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Because wildlife sightings depend on nature, the trip should be approached with the right expectation. Sightings are extremely common, especially for pilot whales, but they remain wild animals and are not guaranteed.

Should you book the Monte Cristo Catamaran?

Yes, if you want a small, friendly boat trip with a strong chance of seeing pilot whales and a good amount included in the price. The limited group size, attentive crew, steady supply of drinks, and easy southern hotel transfers make this more appealing than a crowded sightseeing cruise.

Book it for the overall sea day, not for a guaranteed dolphin encounter or a standout snorkeling location. Pack a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, motion sickness medicine if needed, and a secure phone strap. If you can accept the natural uncertainty of wildlife watching, this is a well-priced and comfortable way to spend three hours off Tenerife’s south coast.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The departure point is Puerto Colón, Pantalan number 6, in Costa Adeje, near Playa de las Américas. The cruise returns to the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup can be requested 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 northern Tenerife. Request the transfer at least 24 hours before departure.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 24 people. This keeps the catamaran less crowded and allows more room around the seating and viewing areas.

What food and drinks are included?

The food is a tapas-style or cold buffet selection that may include tortilla, olives, tomatoes, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, canapés, and meat. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne or prosecco. Request the vegetarian option when booking.

Can I swim or snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The captain takes the boat to a swimming area, and snorkeling equipment is provided. The stop is dependent on conditions, and the marine life can be fairly limited.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. Life vests are available for all passengers, and there is a restroom onboard.