Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Transfer, Buffet by MC

Seeing pilot whales in the wild is unforgettable. This 3-hour whale watching catamaran from Puerto Colón is a simple, relaxed way to spot pilot whales and dolphins, then unwind on the sundecks with a buffet, drinks (including beer), and even time to swim. My favorite part is how smoothly it runs door to door with the transfer option, and the crew, like Laura and Daniela, keep things friendly and easy while explaining what you’re actually looking at. The main consideration is that the sea can get bumpy, so if you’re prone to seasickness, plan ahead.

You also get a small-group feel that matters. With a cap of about 24 travelers, the boat doesn’t feel like a floating bus, and you can usually find a spot in sun or shade without fighting for space. One more thing to note: the tour is weather dependent, so if conditions are rough, you may need to switch dates.

Quick Hits Before You Board

• Small group on Monte Cristo Catamaran (max 24), so you’re not packed in.
• Hotel pickup in the south of Tenerife by request, with timing typically 20 to 60 minutes before sailing.
• Buffet and drinks included, including beer, plus fruit, tapas-style snacks, and more.
• A real swim stop at the best spot your captain selects, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• You’re set up for sightings, with frequent encounters with pilot whales and dolphins around the coast.
• Crew-friendly vibe, with guides such as Laura and Daniela sharing facts and keeping the boat calm and organized.

From Puerto Colón Pier to the Open Sea

The tour starts at Monte Cristo Catamaran in Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, Costa Adeje. This is one of those departures that’s easy to find once you’re there, and if you’re staying in the right areas, you can avoid the hassle entirely with the transfer.

From the moment you’re onboard, the vibe is built for a half-day outing. The catamaran is stable for its size, and you’ll have plenty of room to move around, whether you want to scan the water for blows and dorsal fins or just relax with a drink. There’s also a restroom onboard, which sounds minor until you’re a couple hours into a boat day and someone has that look.

The trip runs about 3 hours total, and you’ll return to the same meeting point. That means you can plan the rest of your day in Tenerife without feeling like you’ve booked a full-day commitment. It’s also a good fit for cruise-port travelers or people who already have a hiking or beach plan.

Pickup and Transfer: Door to Door, But Know the Boundaries

The transfer is one of the big quality-of-life perks here. Pickup is possible by request from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá areas only. Your pickup time varies, usually 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing, and you’ll get the exact time after you request it.

In practical terms, this is the difference between a fun morning and a stressful one. You don’t have to figure out local transport to the pier, and you arrive with more energy for the sea time. Many people love the “door to door” feel, because you’re not stuck hauling bags and sunscreen.

If you’re staying outside the pickup zone, you can make your own way to Puerto Colón. The good news is the departure point is near public transportation, so you’re not stranded if you need to go independently. Just give yourself enough time to park, walk, or connect.

What Happens During the 3 Hours at Sea

This cruise is built around three phases: departure and searching, cruising with breaks for comfort and food, then a swim stop before returning.

First, you head out from Puerto Colón straight to where whales and dolphins may be active along the Tenerife coast. Once you’re out, the crew keeps you oriented so you know what signals to watch for. When pilot whales are near, sightings can feel close, and you’ll often have time to see pods moving and surfacing rather than just catching a quick glimpse.

Next comes the relaxing portion. You’ll find yourself naturally switching between two modes: watching the water and enjoying the boat. The catamaran has a generous sundeck area at the prow and a fly-bridge with seating, so you can pick your comfort based on sun and breeze. There’s also an inside sofa area if you want a break from the wind or glare.

Finally, the captain takes you to a best-fit spot for swimming. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not paying extra for gear. This is one of the standout moments in the experience because it turns whale watching into a full sea adventure, not just a lookout exercise. Just remember you may get wet, and if you’re on a cooler evening slot, bring something warm.

Buffet by MC, Drinks Included, and Why Food Timing Matters

Food and drinks are part of the cruise rhythm, not an afterthought. Your buffet is included in the price, and it typically includes items like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection, plus fruit and snack options. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

This kind of setup does two things for you. First, it keeps everyone on the same schedule, so you’re not constantly wondering where to eat while you’re out at sea. Second, it makes the experience feel like a proper Tenerife break, not a rushed wildlife outing where you’re hungry by the time you get back.

I like that the service keeps drinks topped up, and the crew style is attentive without being pushy. Reviews also point out the boat atmosphere is calm and friendly, with the crew taking care of passengers who need space to rest if they feel unwell. If you’ve ever had a boat day where nobody helps you with basics, this feels like a relief.

The value angle here is that you’re paying for a complete package: transport to the boat, time on the water, wildlife viewing, and food and drink. For many people, the included beer and snack-and-tapas vibe make the trip feel closer to a day out with friends than a ticketed excursion.

Wildlife Expectations: Pilot Whales, Dolphins, and the Occasional Bonus

This tour is geared toward one main goal: seeing sea mammals in their natural habitat. The most consistent sightings are pilot whales and dolphins, and you should expect the captain and crew to actively search and reposition when animals are sighted.

Across experiences, people often describe seeing multiple pods of pilot whales and dolphins. Sometimes pods are near enough that you can feel the moment shift from “watching” to “wow, they’re really here.” You’ll likely spend time comparing behavior and movement as you track where they surface and how they travel across the water.

You might also spot sea turtles. And the key point is this: even when conditions are not perfect, the day still gives you quality ocean views plus the social, food, and swim stop. So you’re not relying on a single single outcome.

Also, you’ll learn while you’re watching. Guides such as Laura and Daniela share facts about what you’re seeing and how to read animal behavior. That turns the experience from random sightings into something you understand in real time.

The Catamaran Comfort Details That Actually Change the Day

Small comfort details make a big difference on a boat trip, especially when you’re focused on wildlife.

For one, the catamaran’s configuration helps with views. You can scan from multiple levels, and you’re not stuck staring through a narrow rail. There are shaded and sunny areas, so you can control your comfort instead of roasting in one spot. There’s also a restroom onboard, which is a quiet win.

Movement is another factor. The vessel is described as stable, but you should still expect some movement. If you get motion sick easily, plan for it. A simple strategy is to take herbal ginger tablets or a motion-sickness option like Dramamine before boarding, and aim for a seat where you feel the least sway.

Then there’s the “getting wet” reality. Swimming is part of the experience, and even if the water isn’t freezing, you can expect some splash. Wear swimwear under your clothes, and pack a towel. For evening trips, bring something warm, especially because wind on the water can chill you after you’ve been swimming.

Swimming and Snorkeling Stop: The Moment You’ll Remember

This cruise includes time to swim, and snorkeling equipment is provided. The captain chooses the spot, so the goal is to take you to the best opportunity rather than forcing a single fixed location. That flexibility is a big deal, because conditions can change from one day to the next.

In practice, the swim stop adds a sense of “I was part of the ocean,” not just above it. You’ll go from whale-watching scanning to actual water time, which makes the day feel more complete.

One practical note: balance the fun with caution. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, the sea can be active. Follow crew instructions, watch for any waves, and treat the water time as a planned activity, not an afterthought.

Afterward, you’ll be back onboard with snacks and drinks, so you’re not left scrambling to cool off or find food. It’s a smooth loop: watch, relax, swim, eat, sail back.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At $71.35 per person, this is not the cheapest thing on Tenerife. But it’s also not overpriced when you look at what’s included.

You’re paying for:

• the catamaran experience for about 3 hours
• pickup transfer in many south-of-Tenerife areas by request
• a buffet and drinks, including beer and champagne
• wildlife viewing with a crew that explains what you’re seeing
• a swim stop with snorkeling equipment provided

If you compare that to a smaller snack-only boat outing, or to separate tickets where you’d have to pay for a transfer and food, the included package starts to make sense fast. The small group cap of about 24 travelers also supports the value, because you’re not spending your money for a seat in a crowded party boat.

The best value tends to come if you’ll actually use the transfer and the food and swim stop. If you plan to spend the day on your own anyway, the “all-in” feel can make this a smart choice.

Who This Cruise Is Best For (And Who Might Skip It)

I think this tour fits best for people who want a relaxed half-day with real wildlife odds. If you’re visiting Tenerife for a few days, you’ll like that it doesn’t swallow your schedule. It also works well for couples and small groups because the boat feels more personal than mega-sized cruises.

It’s also a great option if you enjoy information with your fun. The crew, including people like Laura and Daniela, share facts and keep the experience moving smoothly, so you don’t feel lost.

If you’re traveling with someone who gets motion sick, you need to plan a little. The catamaran is stable, but movement still happens, and rougher seas can affect some people. The good part is that the crew seems to be accommodating when passengers need space to rest.

If you have mobility limits that require a wheelchair, the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. Also, if you hate any chance of getting wet, note that swimming is part of the package, so you’ll want to decide if that’s for you.

Should You Book This Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if your top priority is a stress-free Tenerife sea day with good odds for pilot whales and dolphins, plus included food and a swim stop. The combination of a small group, friendly crew, and the all-in buffet and drinks makes it feel like a complete outing rather than a quick wildlife scan.

I’d also book it if you’re in the pickup zone, because the door-to-door option saves time and energy. That matters on vacation.

Skip it only if you know you cannot handle boat movement, or if the idea of swimming does not appeal to you at all. Otherwise, this is one of those half-day tours that gives you memorable wildlife time and the comfort extras that make it genuinely enjoyable.

FAQ

Where is the departure point if you cannot get hotel pickup?

If your hotel is outside the pickup area, you can make your own way to Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6 (Monte Cristo Catamaran), 38680 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What is included in the buffet and drinks?

Food is served as a buffet with snacks and items such as tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection, plus fruit. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes. There is a restroom onboard.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I go swimming during the cruise?

Yes. The captain takes you to swimming spots, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid is not refunded.