Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Transfer, Buffet by MC

Whales and dolphins, with zero stress.

This 3-hour catamaran cruise from Puerto Colón is a simple way to see marine mammals on Tenerife, then spend the rest of your half-day relaxing. I really like that the trip is built for comfort and snacks onboard, not just standing around.

Two things I especially like: the small group size (max 24) and the chance to enjoy the sundecks, fly-bridge, and indoor seating between sightings. I also love that the buffet and drinks are included, including beer, plus a proper spread of food like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, and meat options.

One thing to consider: even on a stable catamaran, the sea can feel bumpy, and if you get seasick easily, you’ll want to plan ahead.

Key points at a glance

• Small-group feel with a max of 24 people, so you can actually move around for the best views
• Transfer on request from multiple south Tenerife areas, with pickup typically 20 minutes to 1 hour before departure
• Food and drinks included, including beer, soft drinks, water, and champagne, plus fruit and tapas-style snacks
• Wildlife viewing on the coast, with chances to see pilot whales, dolphins, and even a turtle
• Swim and snorkeling time, with equipment provided when conditions allow
• Comfort built in, with sundecks, shaded areas, a fly-bridge, and a restroom onboard

A Half-Day That Feels Relaxed, Not Rushed

Tenerife is great for “see the real thing” tours, and this catamaran format is made for that. You get a focused window on the water (about 3 hours) and then you’re back in time for beaches, lunch, or a stroll around Costa Adeje.

The vibe is not loud party boat. It’s more like, get on board, head out with a crew that knows where to look, watch whales and dolphins when they show up, then settle in with snacks and drinks while you wait for the next moment. If you want a nature experience that doesn’t swallow your whole day, this is a strong fit.

Getting There: Transfer Areas and Where You Board at Puerto Colón

If you’re staying in the south of Tenerife, the easiest version is the transfer. Pickup is possible by request from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje areas, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup times vary, usually 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing, and you should expect an update after you request it.

If your hotel is outside those pickup areas, you can make your own way to the departure point. Board at Monte Cristo Catamaran, Puerto Colón Pantalan 6 (Costa Adeje), Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not stuck trying to figure out transport right after.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. There’s also a restroom onboard, and the catamaran is near public transportation once you’re at Puerto Colón.

Seeing Pilot Whales and Dolphins in Their Own Backyard

This is a whale watching cruise focused on marine life along Tenerife’s coast. You’ll head out from Puerto Colón and spend time searching for whales and dolphins swimming freely in the wild. Many boats will promise sightings. What matters here is the way the trip is paced, plus the fact that the captain’s job is to keep looking until you get rewarding wildlife time.

In practice, the most commonly seen animals are pilot whales and dolphins. Some trips also turn up a turtle, which is a great bonus when it happens. One neat part is that the encounters can be close while still feeling respectful, with pods sometimes spotted near the boat as they travel together.

No tour can guarantee animals. The sea has a say in that. But when the search works, you’ll understand why this cruise earns a 4.8 rating and about 96% recommendation.

A realistic tip for wildlife watching

Give your eyes time. The most exciting sightings tend to appear once you’re settled and paying attention, not the moment you first leave port. Bring sunglasses, because the sun on the water can be intense, and watch for surfacing activity ahead of the bow.

Catamaran Comfort: Where You Sit Matters

On this purpose-built catamaran, you’re not trapped in one spot. You’ve got a generous sundeck area at the prow, lots of seating on the fly-bridge, and an interior sofa area for shade. There’s even a restroom onboard, which sounds basic until you’re actually out on the water for hours.

You’ll feel the layout right away. When wildlife is around, the people who climb up top usually get the best angles. When the excitement slows down, the shaded areas and indoor seating become your best friends.

Group size also plays a role. With a maximum of 24 travelers, the boat stays comfortable. You can find space to move, and you’re less likely to feel packed in compared with the big party-style catamarans that you might pass along the route.

What’s Really Included: Buffet by MC and Drinks Like Beer

This is one of the big value points for me. You’re not just watching wildlife, you’re fed and hydrated without paying extra once you’re onboard.

The buffet includes a selection of quality items and snacks. You can expect a mix like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection. On top of that, there are fruit and tapas-style bites, plus drinks throughout the cruise.

Drink options listed include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. That’s a rare combo for a half-day tour at this price level. If you’re traveling with people who don’t want to commit to a long fancy dinner after a boat ride, this helps a lot.

One balanced note: this is buffet food, not Michelin-star cooking. It’s meant to keep you happy and fueled while you’re out on the water. The upside is that it’s simple, plentiful, and made for cruise time.

Swim and Snorkeling Stop: The Best Way to Use Your Time

One of the best parts of this tour is the chance to get in the water. When conditions allow, the captain takes you to the best spots for swimming and snorkeling, and equipment is provided.

This is also a smart pacing choice. You can watch whales and dolphins first, then cool off with a swim stop afterward. That works well if you want a full experience, not just a look from the deck.

What to bring helps your whole trip go smoother. Plan on wearing (or bringing) your swimsuit, plus sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel. If you’re going on a later departure, it can feel cooler on the water and you may get wet during the swim, so bringing an extra layer is a smart idea.

Seasickness and Weather: When to Be Careful

Even though the catamaran is described as very stable, the sea can still move. If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t ignore that. The tour guidance suggests ginger tablets or Dramamine prior to boarding, and I agree with that mindset.

There’s also a weather factor. This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important on Tenerife because wind and swell can change fast.

For people who get motion sick, your best move is prevention, not bravery. Pick a calm day, take your remedy early, and try to sit where you feel the least motion, usually toward the center and away from extreme bow behavior.

Price and Value: Is $71.35 Actually a Good Deal?

At $71.35 per person for about 3 hours, this cruise makes sense because several things are bundled.

You’re getting:

• Wildlife time focused on whales and dolphins
• Hotel transfer on request in a large portion of south Tenerife
• A buffet and snacks onboard
• Drinks included, including beer and champagne
• A swim and snorkeling stop with equipment provided
• Comfortable deck areas and basic onboard services like a restroom

If you tried to do those pieces separately, the boat portion alone often costs enough that the included food and drinks start to look like a bonus. Here, the transfer is the hidden value too, because door-to-door logistics can easily add up, especially if you’re not renting a car.

The one real “watch out” is that food expectations should match buffet reality, and animal sightings depend on nature. Still, with the overall 4.8 rating and consistent praise for crew and onboard service, it’s a strong value package.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This catamaran cruise is ideal for:

• Couples who want a relaxing half-day, not a marathon tour
• Families who prefer a clear schedule, snacks included, and time to swim
• Travelers who want a smaller group experience (max 24)
• People who care about comfort and shade options, not just ocean views

A few “think twice” notes based on the practical info you should weigh:

• The boat is not wheelchair accessible. If mobility is a factor, you’ll need alternate planning.
• Some movement is expected. If seasickness is a concern, take precautions.
• If you hate crowds, aim for the best viewing spots early, then rotate between deck and shaded areas.

Tips for Booking a Better Day on the Water

Here’s what I’d do to get the most from the trip:

• If you can, choose a departure time that matches how you handle waves. Midday can be fine, but calm conditions matter more than the clock.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel even if you think you can buy supplies later.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, take ginger or Dramamine before you board.
• Wear something quick-dry for the swim and snorkeling part.
• If you want the best angles, spending time on the fly-bridge and higher seating areas helps when animals are around.

Also, consider the transfer request seriously. If you’re in the pickup zones like Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje, or Playa Paraiso, the ease of being picked up and dropped off can turn a good tour into a great one.

Should You Book This Tenerife Whale Watching Catamaran?

I’d book this cruise if you want a half-day that mixes real wildlife viewing with included food and drinks, plus a swim stop. The small group size, onboard comfort, and the transfer option make it feel practical, not just adventurous.

Skip it or plan carefully if seasickness is a major issue for you, or if you need wheelchair accessibility, because the vessel is not wheelchair accessible. And keep expectations realistic on wildlife sightings. The ocean decides what you see, but the crew’s focus is clearly on finding the best chances.

If you’re in Tenerife and you want one “nature plus comfort” activity that doesn’t hijack your whole day, this one is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching catamaran cruise?

The cruise runs for about 3 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón Pantalan 6 in Costa Adeje.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is possible by request from hotels in specific south Tenerife areas such as Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje areas, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup times vary from 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing.

What food and drinks are provided onboard?

A buffet is included, with snacks and foods such as tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.

Can I go swimming or snorkeling during the trip?

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

What should I bring?

Bring or wear a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No, the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible.