Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

Pilot whales come close in Tenerife waters.

This whale and dolphin watching catamaran ride near Tenerife is interesting because you’re not just drifting, you’re cruising with a guide hunting for the best chances to spot cetaceans. You also get a built-in break for food, drinks, and a late-stage sail along the south coast with mountain-and-beach views.

I especially like the small-group feel (max 24 travelers), plus the crew attention that keeps the boat lively without turning it into a cattle call. I also like that the tour includes drinks and snacks throughout, so you spend more of the trip focused on the ocean instead of figuring out meals.

One thing to consider: dolphin sightings are common but not guaranteed, and the same goes for whales. On some days you might spot more pilot whales than dolphins, and a couple reviews note that the snorkeling stop can feel a bit hit or miss depending on where they anchor.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Monte Cristo Catamaran comfort: A stable, purpose-built catamaran with a restroom onboard and shaded lounging spots.
• South Tenerife transfer options: Pickup is only in the south, with timing sent after you request it (20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing).
• Guided cetacean search: A guide steers you toward the best zones for whale and dolphin chances.
• Food and drinks keep coming: Tapas buffet-style lunch with drinks served throughout most of the trip.
• Swim and snorkel time: Your captain chooses the best spot, and snorkeling gear is provided.
• Photogenic and relaxed pace: Plenty of time to observe, plus a calmer sail finish near the south coast.

Monte Cristo Catamaran: A Small-Group Ride That Feels Personal

This trip runs on the Monte Cristo Catamaran, a purpose-built boat designed for viewing. The setup gives you multiple places to sit and watch, including a sundeck at the prow and a seating area on the flybridge, plus a sofa inside. If you prefer not to be crammed in with huge crowds, the max 24 travelers is a real advantage.

The vibe also tends to be more “you’re on a boat with people who want to see wildlife” and less “tour factory.” Reviews repeatedly point to a friendly crew and a smooth flow between spotting time, snacks, and the swim stop. It’s also family-friendly, and kids must be with an adult.

One small practical note from feedback: there can be plenty of seating but not a lot of open sunbathing deck space. If you’re the type who wants to lie flat in direct sun for hours, plan to rotate between spots with shade or shade-cast areas.

Getting There From Puerto Colón: Pickup Rules in the South of Tenerife

Your starting point is Puerto Colón (Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The tour ends back at the meeting point, and hotel pickup is available on request for the south only.

Here’s the pickup map that matters: it works for hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje areas, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup timing varies, typically 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing, and you’ll get the exact time after you request it. If you’re staying in Puerto de la Cruz or the north of the island, there is no pickup, so you’d need to make your own way to the port.

If you do want pickup, request it at least 24 hours ahead. That buffer helps because the pickup window can be wide and your exact timing depends on the route.

Also, the port is near public transportation, which is helpful if you end up not using pickup.

The 3-Hour Plan: Searching for Cetaceans, Then a Calm South-Coast Sail

This is an approx 3-hour outing focused on one mission: finding whales and dolphins around Tenerife. You’ll spend most of that time out on the water, and the guide uses local know-how to choose areas with better chances of sightings.

In real life, “wildlife watching” means your day can go different directions. The good news is that sightings of cetaceans and surrounding wildlife are described as extremely common, so your odds are strong. The honest part is that sightings are still not guaranteed, so plan with a flexible mindset.

During the cruise, you’ll have multiple opportunities to observe and take photos. Many reviews highlight pilot whales showing up very close to the boat, including days where they swim alongside and surface repeatedly. On other days, you may see fewer dolphins than you expected, but whales often remain the star of the show.

The tour finishes with a relaxing sail near the south coast, with views of mountains and surrounding beaches. That part is a nice pacing change from the hunt mode earlier in the trip. Even if you’re not chasing dolphins at that point, you still get a scenic Tenerife send-off.

What the Crew Does During Whale Time (and Why It Matters)

A guide is part of the experience, and that changes what you’re doing at sea. Without a guide, you’d be stuck reacting slowly to where you happen to see splashes. With a guide, you’re more likely to be in the right zone when animals surface.

Reviews also mention guides and crew who talk through what to look for, which helps you spot behavior faster. Some feedback even calls out specific crew members, including names like Michael Andre and Edmond. Even if the exact team varies by date, the consistent theme is that staff stay alert, explain what’s happening, and keep the boat moving with purpose.

The “right pace” is another reason this tour feels good. You’re not rushed, and you get repeat chances for viewing rather than a quick “look and go.” That matters a lot when whales appear and disappear quickly, and when dolphins can be playful but brief.

Drinks, Tapas, and the Kind of Food That Fits a Sea Day

Food and drinks are a big part of why this tour earns high marks. Expect drinks served throughout most of the trip, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options mentioned in feedback. One recurring theme is that the crew is generous with replenishing drinks.

The buffet is described as a tapap-style spread. Food items named in feedback include things like tortilla, olives, tomatoes, Spanish tortilla canapés, cheese, quiche, bread, and crisps. In other words, it’s not just snacks. It’s enough to feel like an actual lunch, even when the boat schedule is constantly changing around wildlife.

Vegetarian options are available if you request them at booking. A couple reviews suggest there could be more vegetarian variety, so if that’s important to you, write down what you like and be ready to eat from the options provided rather than expecting an entirely separate menu.

Practical tip: if you’re prone to motion sickness, you might want to plan ahead. The boat is described as stable, but movement is expected, and suggestions include using ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding. I’d treat this as a real recommendation, not an afterthought, because the ocean does what it does.

Swim and Snorkel Stop Off the South Coast: Fun, But Manage Expectations

One of the best add-ons is the swim and snorkeling time. The captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots, and equipment is provided. Reviews mention swimming off the catamaran and some guests doing snorkelling.

The snorkel stop is chosen at the captain’s discretion, which means the experience depends on conditions and the anchoring spot. Some feedback describes a snorkeling area that felt less exciting than expected, including one note that it was in front of a nudist beach. In that case, the snorkel variety may have felt limited compared to what you could see closer to the harbor.

So here’s the balanced way to think about it: you’re getting water time on a boat, and that alone is fun, but you should still treat it as a bonus rather than the main event. The cetaceans are the reason to book, and the swim is what makes the afternoon feel like a full outing.

If you go in, wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. Reviews also suggest packing a few “just in case” items like sunglasses and suncream. A neck holder for your phone is also a clever add-on for windy deck moments.

Stability, Safety Gear, and Sea-Day Comfort

Catamarans are often easier on the body than single-hull boats, and this one is described as stable. Still, expect some movement, especially if weather is breezy.

Safety gear includes life vests available for all passengers, and there is a restroom onboard, which is a genuine comfort win on any 3-hour trip. Shaded areas exist too, including seating inside and multiple places to rest away from direct sun.

If you want to maximize comfort, position yourself early. Many sightings happen when the boat is actively adjusting and you want a good viewing angle. Also consider what deck space you prefer: some people love the open prow sundeck, while others do better with shaded seating on the flybridge or inside.

Photo Opportunities: When Pilot Whales Really Show Up

If you’re booking specifically for photos, this is one of the better formats. A guided search plus a smaller group means less chaos around the rail and more time to line up shots when the moment hits.

Reviews repeatedly mention pilot whales coming up close, sometimes with whales swimming near the boat. Dolphins are also commonly seen, but they can be less predictable, and some days the photo highlights lean heavily toward whales.

Your best strategy is simple:

• Keep your phone or camera ready during the active spotting zones.
• Stay patient when you hear crew calls, because the surface can happen fast.
• Don’t panic if dolphins are quiet, the boat might be repositioning for the next burst of sightings.

Price and Value at About $71.35: What You’re Actually Paying For

At around $71.35 per person, you’re paying for a lot more than “a boat ride.” You’re getting guided cetacean searching, a small boat layout, and an included package of transfers (in the south on request), food, and drinks.

That value is strongest if you would have paid separately for a tour plus lunch plus drinks. It also stacks up well when you compare the typical whale-watching logic: sightings are never fully guaranteed, so you want the best chance of being in the right waters and the best onboard experience while you wait.

The price also makes it easier to book without turning your day into a budget exercise. Reviews call it excellent value and highlight how drinks and food keep flowing, which reduces the need to spend extra money on the day.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This tour is a good match for you if you want:

• A small-group whale and dolphin watching experience
• A guide-led search and multiple chances to spot wildlife
• Included lunch and drinks served throughout
• A swim stop with provided snorkeling equipment
• You’re staying in the south of Tenerife and can use pickup

It might not be your perfect fit if:

• You expect guaranteed dolphin sightings every single trip
• You want a long, guaranteed snorkeling session with rich reef variety
• You’re the type who wants lots of wide open sunbathing space for the whole ride

For most visitors, that mix of wildlife, comfort, and food is exactly the sweet spot.

Should You Book the Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran?

If you want an afternoon that balances nature and comfort, I’d book this. The combination of small-group sizing, guided searching, and all the onboard extras makes it feel like a complete outing rather than a quick drive-to-the-water experience.

Book with realistic expectations. Cetaceans are extremely common to see, but they’re still wildlife, so sightings are not guaranteed. Also keep in mind the swim stop is a bonus that can vary by anchoring spot and conditions.

If the weather is poor, the tour is described as weather dependent, and in that case you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available if you need flexibility.

Bottom line: choose this if your top priority is whales and dolphins from a comfortable catamaran, and you like the idea of not thinking about food and drinks once you’re at the port.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin watching cruise depart?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, Pantalan #6 (Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas), Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available on request for hotels in the south of Tenerife, including Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje areas, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of the island.

How many people are on the catamaran?

The tour has a maximum of 24 travelers, keeping it a small-group experience.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. Food and drinks are included, with drinks offered throughout most of the tour and a tapas-style buffet lunch. Vegetarian options are available if you request them at booking.

Can kids join the tour?

Yes, children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Can you swim or snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. Your captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.