Most Famous Catamaran in Tenerife Island (2 hours and 3 hours tours)

This is one of Tenerife’s most famous catamaran outings, built around dolphin and whale sightings out on the open water. I love the unlimited beer and soft drinks aboard, and I love that the crew keeps things respectful and low-pressure around wildlife. One thing to keep in mind: the sea can get a little rough, and that ride motion is real if you’re prone to seasickness.

On the water, you get the kind of spotting experience that depends on reading conditions fast, and crews like Lucie and Mario have a real gift for pointing out what to watch for. When sightings happen, it can feel close, with engines sometimes turned off so the animals can come and go naturally.

Finally, the experience has strong value for a lot of people, but if you need specific food options or you hate any rule breaking about smoking, you’ll want to go in with your eyes open.

Key Things to Know Before You Board

• Unlimited beer and soft drinks plus bottled water, so you are not hunting for refreshments mid-trip
• Wildlife spotting in natural habitat, with a hands-off approach when dolphins and whales show up
• 2 to 3 hours of sightseeing time from Puerto Colón, with incredible views of Tenerife from sea level
• Optional longer tour upgrade can include snorkeling and sandwiches
• Group size is capped at 50, which usually keeps things comfortable on deck
• Seasickness is a real factor on choppier days, so plan if you are sensitive

The Big Deal: Why This Catamaran Works on Tenerife

If you want Tenerife’s ocean side without turning it into a long, complicated day, this catamaran format is a good match. You start in Puerto Colón, cruise out to look for dolphins and whales, and you come back the same way. That simple rhythm matters because it keeps the focus where it should be, on the water, the wildlife, and the views.

The other big reason it works is the onboard setup. You are not just passively sitting there. You have a crew that actively watches for animals and explains what is happening as conditions change. Add in unlimited drinks (beer and soft drinks) and bottled water, and it turns the whole outing into a relaxed, social half day.

My favorite part is the balance between “close enough to enjoy” and “not chasing.” Some wildlife tours can feel like the boat is driving the animals. Here, the vibe is more like the crew waits for the moment, then shows you what they found without turning it into a frenzy.

The main tradeoff

Chop happens. Multiple people mention the boat can move and that seasickness tablets help. If you know your stomach gets upset at sea, treat this as a motion situation, not a calm lake cruise.

Getting There: Puerto Colón, Pantalan 4, Gate 4 Timing

Your first job is to show up correctly, because this trip runs on a strict departure flow. The meeting point is Puerto Colón, Pantalan 4, and you need to be at Gate Number 4 about 15 minutes before the tour leaves.

You also have to exchange your ticket for a boarding card at the gate. If you arrive late, you can miss the whole thing, and there is no “easy rejoin” process described. Since this is a popular outing, plan a buffer. You will find it far less stressful.

Good news: it is near public transportation, so you should not need a private ride unless you are optimizing for comfort or timing from a remote part of the island.

What You’ll Actually Do: 2 Hours vs 3 Hours at Sea

This experience is sold in 2 to 3 hour options, and the difference is not just time, it is what you might get out of the trip.

The shorter 2 hour plan

In a shorter run, your best payoff is efficient wildlife time plus scenery. You get out on the water long enough for a real chance at dolphins and whales, and then you are back in port. This is the version I’d pick if you are planning other things on Tenerife the same day.

You still get the core onboard benefits: unlimited beer and soft drinks, bottled water, and a crew that looks for sightings while keeping everyone comfortable.

The longer 3 hour upgrade, including snorkeling and sandwiches

If you upgrade, you add more time in the ocean zone and the itinerary includes a snorkeling stop and sandwiches.

Two practical notes from real-world experience on trips like this:

• Snorkeling time can be short, and gear availability may not be perfectly even for everyone.
• The food can be simple. People describe sandwiches like ham and cheese or cheese, and mention limitations like no hot food and no vegetarian option.

If snorkeling is a must for you, be ready to be flexible. Bring your own swim mask if you have one, and if you eat only certain foods, consider packing a backup snack so you are not stuck.

Onboard Vibes: Drinks, Smoking Rules, and Deck Comfort

One of the strongest points of this tour is the drink setup. It includes unlimited beer and soft drinks, plus bottled water. That means you can focus on watching the sea instead of planning your next stop for drinks.

A detail worth taking seriously: some people report the boat is run as a non-smoking trip, with late-day reminders if you try otherwise. If smoking matters to you, this is not the tour to treat casually. Stick to the rules posted by staff.

How rough can it feel?

Even though the boat is a catamaran, it can still roll when conditions are choppy. Some riders say they were fine, others say they were sick the whole time. My practical advice:

• Sit where motion feels least, usually toward the middle of the main riding area.
• If you are even a little prone to motion sickness, take tablets before you board.
• Dress in layers. Wind plus sea spray can cool you down fast.

Wildlife Spotting Done Right: Dolphins and Whales Without the Chaos

The whole reason people book this is simple: you want dolphins and whales in their natural environment. You cruise out, watch for the signs, and then when animals are near, the crew adjusts the boat approach.

From what you can learn on board, the crew keeps a respectful style. People mention engines being turned off when animals come close, and the crew not pursuing wildlife. That matters because it increases your chances of seeing behavior rather than just a quick pass.

What you might see

The core promise is dolphins and whales. In practice, people report sightings like pilot whales, and some also mention sea turtles. You may also see more variety on some days, but the consistent expectation should be dolphins and whales.

One more smart point: your best viewing happens when the boat slows and crew positions to maximize sightlines. So don’t assume you will see everything from one fixed seat. If the crew signals movement, follow the instructions.

The View From Sea Level: Tenerife Looks Different From a Catamaran

Even on a day when you see fewer animals than you hoped for, the views usually do the job. You are out in front of the coastline, with angles you cannot get from the road. Tenerife’s cliffs and shoreline shapes look sharper from water, and the light changes quickly when you move.

Also, the ride feels like a “living map.” You understand where you are in relation to towns and headlands because you are slowly tracing the coast, not just driving past it.

Photos and Memories: What’s Included, What Costs Extra

The tour itself includes no set, universal photo package listed. You might buy souvenir photos. Meanwhile, multiple people describe crew members taking pictures during the trip without needing you to ask.

If you care about photos, bring your phone on a lanyard or inside a secure pocket. Sea spray plus shifting deck locations can make phones slippery. And if someone offers a photo moment, take it. Those captain-hat style shots are often the ones that end up looking the best.

Who This Trip Suits Best (And Who Might Skip It)

This is a strong pick if you want:

• A short, high-reward half day at sea
• Unlimited drinks included
• A guided approach to wildlife spotting
• A max group size of 50 travelers, which generally keeps deck space manageable

It is also a great family option in the sense that it can work for many ages, but remember the rules: children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

Who should think twice

• If you are sensitive to motion, plan for rough water with seasickness prevention.
• If snorkeling food matters to you, read the situation carefully, because sandwiches may be limited and there may be no vegetarian choice.
• If you need a very strict, all-day itinerary with no uncertainty, weather can change plans. This experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Price and Value: Is $42.34 Worth It?

At $42.34 per person, the value depends on how you think about the basics.

Here’s what you are paying for, in practical terms:

• A guided catamaran ride timed for dolphin and whale spotting
• Unlimited beer and soft drinks plus bottled water
• Time on the ocean for views that are hard to replicate

If you were going to buy drinks anyway, or you love wildlife watching, this price starts to feel fair fast. And if you upgrade to the longer option, you also add snorkeling and sandwiches, which can make the day feel more complete.

If you do not drink alcohol, it can still be good value, but you are buying the wildlife chance and the experience more than the beverage deal. In that case, focus on whether you enjoy the uncertainty of spotting animals. Some days are better than others, and this tour’s success depends on what the sea gives you.

Should You Book This Tenerife Catamaran?

Yes, if you want an easy, popular Tenerife outing that mixes scenery with real wildlife odds, and you do not mind that weather and sea conditions influence the experience.

Book it if:

• You can arrive on time and follow the Gate 4 instructions.
• You want unlimited drinks included.
• You are excited about dolphins and whales in open water.
• You’d like the option to upgrade for snorkeling and sandwiches.

Consider skipping or switching if:

• You get seasick easily and do not want to deal with motion on a catamaran.
• Food restrictions are strict. The snorkeling upgrade includes sandwiches, but options may be limited.
• You need a cruise ship pickup. This specific trip is not described as a shore excursion with pickup, so plan to get to Puerto Colón yourself.

If you go in prepared, you are likely to come away with that rare combo: a boat ride that feels fun right away, and wildlife sightings that are actually the main event.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour on Tenerife?

The tour runs for about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the option you choose.

What is included in the price?

The standard inclusions are bottled water, unlimited beer, and unlimited soft drinks. An upgrade may add a snorkeling stop and sandwiches.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 4. You should be at Gate Number 4 about 15 minutes before departure and exchange your ticket for a boarding card.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Is there an age limit for drinking?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Can children join the tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour lists this requirement for participants.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.