Whale & Dolphin Watching in Tenerife (Puerto Colon) On a Large Catamaran

Wildlife makes the sea worth watching. This three-hour catamaran trip from Puerto Colón combines whale and dolphin spotting with an open bar, food, and a swim stop in a sheltered bay. I like the included alcoholic drinks and the chance to get into the water rather than spend the whole outing sitting on deck. I also like the large catamaran, which has room for up to 70 people and should feel less cramped than a small boat.

The main consideration is that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. The tour also requires you to find the meeting point at Av. de Colón, 11, in Playa de las Américas, and private transportation is not included. One poor report about an overcrowded boat, paid sun loungers, and a disappointing meal clearly refers to a different boat, so it should not be used to judge this experience.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours on the water: The trip leaves Puerto Colón, searches for whales and dolphins, stops at a bay for swimming, and returns to the marina.
• Whale and dolphin focus: The crew provides information about the species living around Tenerife and points out wildlife encountered during the outing.
• Open bar included: Alcoholic drinks are included, so you do not need to worry about an extra bar bill for those beverages.
• Food is served after the wildlife search: The meal is part of the experience and is provided when the catamaran anchors for the swim stop.
• Large catamaran, maximum 70 people: You get more room than on a small vessel, though this remains a shared group trip.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead: Poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The tour ends at the same location, which keeps the day simple if you are already staying in the resort area or can reach the marina using public transportation.

The meeting point matters here. A previous complaint described difficulty finding the correct boat, but that complaint was identified as relating to another vessel, not this one. Even so, I would allow extra time to locate the marina and confirm the boat before departure. The supplied information gives the street address, but not a detailed description of the dock or a private pickup service.

There are two departures each day. The exact departure times are not provided, so check your booking confirmation carefully. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. If you are planning a full day around this trip, do not assume a particular morning or afternoon slot until your place is confirmed.

The catamaran is large, with a maximum group size of 70. That is not a small, quiet wildlife cruise, but it does give you more room to move around and find a viewing position. The wide boat is also a practical choice for anyone who prefers a steadier, more open platform than a compact excursion boat.

Searching for whales and dolphins off Tenerife

The first main part of the trip is the wildlife search. The catamaran leaves the marina and heads out to look for whales and dolphins living in the waters around Tenerife. The crew also explains the local marine life and identifies the species found around the island.

That educational element gives the outing more purpose than a simple boat ride. You are not just waiting for a fin to appear. You are also getting context about the animals and the waters where they live. Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is a wildlife excursion, not a zoo visit. Sightings depend on the conditions and on where the animals happen to be.

The available information does not promise a particular species, guaranteed sightings, or a specific route. That is important when judging the value. You might see whales, dolphins, both, or no wildlife during your time at sea. The crew’s role is to search and explain, but nature sets the schedule.

I would bring patience and a willingness to watch the water for stretches at a time. The large catamaran should make that easier than a cramped boat, since you can move around and look from different parts of the deck. At the same time, 70 people can create a busy atmosphere, particularly if wildlife appears on one side of the vessel.

The trip is described as the best way to see Tenerife’s wildlife, but I would treat that as promotional language rather than a guarantee. The real strength is the combination of a wildlife search, commentary, food, drinks, and swimming in one three-hour outing.

A swim stop in a small bay

After the search for whales and dolphins, the catamaran anchors in a small bay. This changes the pace of the trip. Instead of watching the horizon, you can use the free time to get into the water.

The swim stop is a useful feature for anyone who wants more than a sightseeing cruise. You can cool off, enjoy the bay, and make the most of the boat’s time at anchor. The information does not specify the exact bay, water temperature, facilities, or whether swimming is suitable for every ability level, so you should view it as a chance to swim rather than a fully planned beach visit.

Food is served at this point. The meal is included in the overall experience, along with whale and dolphin watching, the swim stop, and an open bar. That makes the trip easier to budget. You do not need to arrange a separate lunch during the three-hour outing, although the supplied information does not describe the menu or cater for specific dietary needs.

The timing also has practical value. A wildlife cruise can feel repetitive if you spend every minute seated and scanning the sea. The bay stop breaks up the journey and gives you an active part of the day. If you would rather keep your clothes dry or do not want to swim, you can simply remain on board and enjoy the food and drinks.

What the open bar adds to the price

The advertised cost is $54.29 per person. For that price, you receive a three-hour catamaran trip, wildlife watching, commentary about Tenerife’s marine species, food, an open bar, and a swim stop.

The open bar includes alcoholic drinks. This is one of the clearest value points because boat excursions often make the headline price look modest and then add charges for beverages. Here, the inclusion gives you a better idea of your likely spending before the trip begins.

That does not mean the trip is automatically a bargain for everyone. If you do not drink alcohol, the open bar may matter less to you. The value then rests on the catamaran ride, the wildlife search, the food, and the swimming opportunity. For a person who wants a short shared cruise with several activities packed into one outing, the price is reasonable. Someone focused only on a guaranteed wildlife sighting may find the cost harder to justify, since no sighting can be promised.

The meal is also part of the calculation. Because food is included, you can compare this tour with a cheaper boat ride that requires you to buy lunch and drinks separately. The actual menu is not listed, so I would not book this specifically for a gourmet meal. Think of the food as practical fuel during the trip.

The advertised rating is 3.8 out of 5 from 12 reviews. That is a middling score, not a clear signal of either excellence or failure. More importantly, the supplied negative account was corrected as referring to a different boat. The complaints about a coastal route, a short wildlife search, €20 sun loungers, cramped seating, poor food, and confusion at the marina should not be assigned to this catamaran. Still, they offer a useful reminder to check exactly which boat you are booking in Puerto Colón.

Life aboard a large catamaran

A large catamaran changes the feel of a sea trip. You have a broad platform, more open space, and room for people to spread out. For a group with different interests, that is helpful. One person can watch for wildlife, another can enjoy a drink, and another can wait for the swim stop.

The stated maximum is 70 people. That is a sizeable group, so do not picture a private cruise or a quiet sailing lesson. You are sharing the boat with other people, and the atmosphere may be social. The large size is presented as offering plenty of room for social distancing, but available information does not specify the seating layout, number of sun loungers, or exact deck arrangements.

This boat works best if you are comfortable with a shared experience. Families, couples, and groups of friends can all find something to enjoy, especially because the schedule includes wildlife, food, drinks, and swimming. If you want a personal guide beside you for the entire trip or a silent wildlife watch, look for a smaller specialist boat instead.

The tour is offered in English. That makes the wildlife explanations accessible to English-speaking visitors, but no other tour languages are specified. Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation. The listing does not provide detailed accessibility information, so anyone with mobility concerns should confirm the arrangements before booking.

How to plan the day around this trip

The tour lasts approximately three hours, and it returns to the same marina where it begins. That makes it easy to combine with other plans in Playa de las Américas, provided you leave enough time to reach the meeting point and allow for the return schedule.

I would avoid booking a tight airport transfer, dinner reservation, or another timed activity immediately afterward. Boat trips can be affected by sea conditions, and the exact travel time back to the marina is not given.

Bring whatever you normally need for a swim and time on a boat, but do not assume that every facility is provided. The details confirm a swim stop, food, and drinks, but they do not state whether towels, lockers, changing rooms, or snorkeling equipment are included.

Weather also matters. This activity requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. For a full refund when you change your plans, cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a straightforward half-day activity with several elements built in. It suits people who like the idea of seeing Tenerife from the water but do not want to arrange a separate meal, drink stop, and swim outing.

It is also a good fit for visitors staying near Playa de las Américas who can reach Puerto Colón without private transportation. The nearby public transportation is useful, although the tour itself does not include a private transfer.

Families may appreciate the change from wildlife watching to swimming. Couples and friends may like the open bar and social setting. Solo visitors can also join easily, since this is a shared group cruise rather than a private charter.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is a guaranteed close encounter with whales or dolphins. The trip searches for wildlife and provides explanations, but nature remains unpredictable. I would also choose another style of outing if you dislike group boats or prefer a quiet, highly personal guide.

Should you book this Tenerife boat trip?

Book it if you want good variety in three hours: a catamaran ride, a search for whales and dolphins, an English-language explanation of local species, included food, alcoholic drinks, and time to swim. At $54.29, the package offers solid value for a shared sea excursion, especially because drinks and food are included.

Skip it if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings, a private atmosphere, or detailed facilities for swimming and accessibility. Before paying, confirm the departure time, boat identity, and meeting instructions. With those points checked, this is a practical way to spend part of a Tenerife day without adding up a long list of extra costs.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour begin?

It begins at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The catamaran returns to the same meeting point at the end of the trip.

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours.

Is food included?

Yes. Food is included and is served during the trip, after the wildlife search when the catamaran anchors at a small bay.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included in the experience.

Does the trip include swimming?

Yes. The catamaran stops in a small bay where you have free time to swim.

Is private transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included. The meeting point is near public transportation.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can receive a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.