Whale & Dolphin Watching With Mustcat Virgin Coast Trip On a Large Catamaran

Wildlife watching meets a sunny swim stop. This three-hour Mustcat catamaran trip gives you a pleasant way to get offshore in Tenerife, with whale and dolphin searches, food, drinks, and time to swim near a bay or the Palm Mar cave. I like the open bar and included food, which make the $58.17 price easier to justify, and I also like that the crew explains the marine life instead of simply pointing at the horizon. The main consideration is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. One outing produced three small whales but no dolphins, so you should book this for time at sea, not a promised animal count.

The boat holds up to 70 people, making this more of a shared day out than a quiet private sail. You can expect pleasant views, a friendly crew, and a relaxed pace, but the actual wildlife portion may be brief or uneven. Weather can also cancel the trip, though a new date or full refund is offered in that case.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours on a large catamaran: The trip leaves the coast, searches for whales and dolphins, pauses for swimming, then returns to the marina.
• Food and an open bar included: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are included, along with food served after anchoring.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not certain: The crew takes you to an area where whales and dolphins have been seen, but nature sets the schedule.
• Swim stop near a bay or Palm Mar cave: You get free time to leave the boat and swim when conditions allow.
• Maximum group size of 70: The catamaran offers space, but this is a group excursion rather than a private charter.
• Check the departure details carefully: The listed meeting point is on Av. de Colón in Playa de las Américas, while the boat is described as leaving from Las Galletas.

What the three-hour Mustcat trip is really like

Mustcat’s outing follows a simple plan. You meet at Av. de Colón, 11, in Playa de las Américas, then join the catamaran for a trip along Tenerife’s southern coast. The boat is described as leaving from the marina in Las Galletas, so I would confirm the exact check-in and departure arrangement before setting out.

Once underway, the crew searches for whales and dolphins in waters where these animals have been seen before. The pace is likely to be gentle and observant rather than packed with sightseeing stops. You spend time watching the sea, listening for information about local species, and waiting for a fin, back, or splash to appear.

After the wildlife search, the catamaran anchors near a small bay or the Palm Mar cave. This is the more active part of the outing. You can get off the boat for a swim, enjoy the view from the water, and take advantage of the food and drinks served onboard.

The boat then returns to the marina and finishes at the same general meeting point. At about three hours, the trip is long enough to feel like a proper boat outing without taking most of your day.

Searching Tenerife’s southern waters for whales and dolphins

The main reason to choose Mustcat is the chance to see marine life in open water. Tenerife’s southern coast is known for whale and dolphin sightings, and the crew takes you to an area with a history of encounters. That gives the trip a clear purpose, rather than making it just a short cruise with a few drinks.

The crew also provides information about the species found around the island. That matters because wildlife watching is easier to appreciate when you know what you are looking for. A distant shape can be easy to miss, while a slow back breaking the surface may become exciting once you understand which animals live in these waters.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. You may see whales or dolphins, but you may not see both. During one trip, the only confirmed sightings were three very small whales, with no dolphins. The boat ride and coastal views were still enjoyable, but anyone expecting a constant animal show could leave disappointed.

I would treat the wildlife as a bonus rather than a guarantee. You are paying for a boat trip with a trained crew, not an aquarium visit. The ocean does not take requests, and the crew cannot control how long animals stay near the boat.

The catamaran setting and group size

A large catamaran is a practical choice for a shared coastal trip. It gives you room to move around, find a seat, and look out over the water from different angles. The maximum group size is 70 people, so the atmosphere will not be intimate, but the boat should feel less cramped than a small motor vessel carrying the same number of passengers.

The size also makes this a sensible option for families and mixed-age groups. Most people can participate, and the trip does not require a special level of fitness. You can focus on the wildlife, sit back with a drink, or wait for the swimming stop.

The tradeoff is personal space. If you want a quiet sailing trip with only a few people onboard, this is not the right format. You are joining a public excursion with shared food, shared viewing areas, and a fixed schedule.

The catamaran also gives you a good way to see Tenerife from offshore. The southern coast looks different from the water, and the views are part of the value even when the wildlife is shy. Bring your patience. Some of the best moments may be small and quick rather than dramatic.

The open bar and food: where the price starts to make sense

The price is $58.17 per person. On a simple boat ride, that might feel high. Here, the package includes the three-hour cruise, whale and dolphin watching, food, an open bar, and a swim stop, so the cost is easier to defend.

The open bar is a useful perk, especially if you are spending several hours in the sun. Drinks include alcoholic options, and one direct account praised the beverages. That said, I would not book this trip only because drinks are included. Alcohol can make a sunny boat ride less comfortable if you overdo it, and the wildlife search still requires clear attention.

Food is served after the boat anchors near the bay or Palm Mar cave. The provided information calls it food rather than a specific meal, so you should not assume a full restaurant-style lunch. Think of it as a welcome part of the package that adds value to the outing.

The combination of food and drinks also removes the need to keep buying items onboard. That makes the cost more predictable than a cheaper cruise where every drink adds to the final bill. If you plan to enjoy the swim stop and have a few drinks, the inclusion becomes a real advantage.

Swimming near the bay or Palm Mar cave

The swim stop changes the rhythm of the day. After sitting and watching the horizon, you get time to move around and cool off in the sea. The boat anchors near a small bay or Palm Mar cave, giving you a scenic setting for the break.

This stop is a strong reason to choose Mustcat over a wildlife-only cruise. Even if the animals stay out of sight, you still have a second activity built into the schedule. The swim also makes the trip feel less like a waiting game.

The information does not specify the water temperature, depth, changing facilities, or exact swim location on each departure. You should follow the crew’s instructions and expect the stop to depend on sea and weather conditions. Bring swimwear and any sun protection you need, but avoid packing anything you would not want exposed to spray.

The swim stop may not suit you if you prefer to remain dry or dislike getting in and out of the water from a boat. In that case, you can enjoy the views and the meal without treating the swim as the main event.

Friendly crew and useful wildlife guidance

The crew is one of the better parts of the experience. A direct account described the staff as very friendly, and the trip includes explanations about local wildlife and the species living around Tenerife. That makes the outing more than a basic ride from one point to another.

Good guidance is especially helpful when sightings are short. Whales and dolphins may surface for only a moment, and a crew member who knows where to point can make the difference between seeing an animal and missing it. The crew also helps give meaning to the search by explaining what lives in the waters around the island.

The information does not provide the names of individual guides, so you should not expect a named naturalist or specialist host. The focus is practical interpretation rather than a formal lecture. For most people, that is enough.

If you enjoy marine life, listen closely during the search. The explanations may be the part you remember when the animals remain distant. If you are mainly interested in sun, sea, food, and a swim, you can enjoy the trip without treating the commentary as a class.

Who will get the most from this Tenerife boat trip?

I would recommend Mustcat to you if you want several experiences in one outing. You get a coastal cruise, a wildlife search, an open bar, food, crew commentary, and a swim stop. That mix works well when you want a relaxed half-day activity rather than a specialist wildlife expedition.

It also suits first-time visitors who want to see Tenerife from the water without arranging a private charter. Families may appreciate the straightforward plan, while couples and friends can enjoy the drinks and bay stop.

You may want another option if your top priority is guaranteed wildlife viewing, a small group, or a highly focused marine biology program. The 70-person maximum is manageable for a large catamaran, but it is still a sizable group. Sightings can also be limited, as shown by the outing with three small whales and no dolphins.

The trip is best for people who can enjoy the whole package. If you need dolphins to make the day worthwhile, the risk is higher. If you are happy with a pleasant boat ride and regard wildlife as an extra, the value improves.

Timing, booking, and practical points

The excursion lasts about three hours and is booked, on average, 80 days in advance. That long lead time suggests that popular dates may fill early, especially during busy periods. If your holiday schedule is fixed, I would not leave this until the last minute.

Your mobile ticket makes entry simple, but confirmation is sent within 48 hours and remains subject to availability. Check your email before heading to the coast.

There is an important location detail to sort out. The meeting point is listed as Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, while the boat operation is described as leaving from the marina in Las Galletas. Those are different areas, so confirm where you must actually meet and whether any transfer arrangement is included. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

The meeting area is near public transportation, and most people can take part. The trip requires suitable weather, so poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of participants, and if that minimum is not reached, you can receive an alternative date, another experience, or a full refund.

The standard cancellation rule is strict. Once booked, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. I would only reserve it once your plans are firm.

Is Mustcat good value at $58.17?

For a three-hour cruise with food, an open bar, wildlife watching, commentary, and a swim stop, $58.17 is a fair package price. You are not paying only for the chance to see a fin. You are also paying for time offshore, a crewed catamaran, refreshments, and a second stop that gives the day more structure.

The value depends on your priorities. Someone who wants a quiet private sail may find the group size too large. Someone who wants a guaranteed dolphin encounter may feel the price is risky. But if you want an easy, social boat outing with several included extras, the package compares well.

The open bar is the feature that most clearly separates this from a basic wildlife cruise. Food adds another practical benefit. I would still judge the trip by the full day out, not by how many drinks you can have or whether the crew finds a large pod.

Should you book the Mustcat trip?

Book it if you want a relaxed three-hour catamaran outing with several layers: whale and dolphin watching, friendly crew commentary, food, an open bar, and a swim near a bay or Palm Mar cave. The package offers good value for a shared excursion, and the swimming stop helps protect the day from disappointing wildlife conditions.

Skip it if you need guaranteed sightings, a small private group, or a precise wildlife-focused itinerary. Before paying, confirm the meeting arrangement between Playa de las Américas and Las Galletas, then choose a date when your plans are unlikely to change.

For most visitors, I would call this a pleasant all-round Tenerife boat trip. Just keep your expectations ocean-sized: the drinks and swim are certain parts of the plan, while the whales and dolphins decide for themselves.

FAQ

How long does the Mustcat whale and dolphin trip last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours.

What is included in the tour?

The trip includes whale and dolphin watching, an open bar, food, and a swimming stop.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes alcoholic drinks.

Where does the boat trip start?

The listed meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The operating information also says the catamaran leaves from the marina in Las Galletas, so confirm the exact departure arrangement before the trip.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Will I definitely see whales and dolphins?

No. The trip visits an area where whales and dolphins have been seen, but sightings are not guaranteed. One outing recorded three small whales and no dolphins.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. The catamaran anchors near a small bay or the Palm Mar cave, where you can enjoy free time to swim.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 70 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you can receive a different date, another experience, or a full refund.