Whale & Dolphin Watching in Tenerife (Puerto Colon) On a Large Catamaran

A whale and dolphin cruise in Tenerife is interesting because you are doing wildlife spotting from a roomy catamaran, not a tight speedboat. I like that the trip includes an open bar, so you can focus on the sea instead of hunting for cash and queues. One thing to consider is that wildlife sightings depend on conditions, so think of this as a search with a real chance, not a guaranteed whale show.

What really helps the outing feel like value is the structure. You get a swim stop after the sea time, plus food served onboard, all within a roughly 3-hour window. It is also limited to a max of 70 people, so you are not fighting for space on deck.

Key things to know before you go

• Large catamaran ride from Puerto Colón area, built for comfort and easier movement on deck
• Open bar includes alcoholic drinks, so there is no separate bar spend during the cruise
• Wildlife spotting with onboard info, so you know what you are looking at
• Swim time in a small bay, with the boat anchored for a calmer, more relaxing break
• Two departures each day, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is flexible

Puerto Colón catamaran safari: what you are really paying for

This is a 3-hour catamaran cruise out of the Puerto Colón area, with a clear goal: watch for whales and dolphins around Tenerife. The big selling point is how the experience is packaged. At this price point, most boat tours either charge extra for drinks or cut the food and swim parts. Here, the core add-ons are built in, which is why it can feel like a smart value if you will actually use them.

I also like that it runs on an easy format for most people. The cruise starts at a fixed marina address in Playa de las Américas, then you head out on a wildlife search with information onboard. After that, you anchor in a smaller bay and switch gears to swimming and food.

Do keep your expectations grounded on one point. You are going to sea to look for marine life, but nature decides if you get close sightings. If you are the type who needs certainty, you might feel impatient on the boat during the hunt. If you are happy with a real search and a good time on the water, this format makes sense.

From Av. de Colón to open water: how the 3 hours usually flow

The day-to-day rhythm is simple: you leave the marina, you go looking, you anchor, you swim, you eat, you come back. The tour runs about 3 hours, and there are two trips daily, so you are not locked into just one departure time.

Here is the pacing that matters for your comfort:

• At the start, you are on board and briefed on what to watch for as you head out.
• During the wildlife portion, you are cruising and scanning the water, with information provided about the species living around the island.
• Near the end, the boat anchors in a small bay for swim time and food service.

That final anchor stop is the part that often makes the whole trip feel complete. Even if sightings are brief, you still get a change of pace: you step into the water and spend time in a calmer spot rather than staying strictly in viewing mode the entire time.

Wildlife spotting from a catamaran: what the onboard info changes

One of the best parts of this kind of tour is not just spotting an animal. It is learning enough to recognize what you are seeing. This cruise provides information on the wildlife you encounter and the species that live around Tenerife.

For you, that means you can watch more intelligently. Instead of only reacting when something pops up, you start noticing patterns, like where the activity seems to concentrate and what types of movement suggest certain marine behavior. That makes sightings feel richer, even if the most dramatic moments are short.

It also helps with stress. When you have some context, you do not feel stuck staring at the horizon in silence waiting for miracles. You have a reason for where you are looking and what you are hoping to spot next.

Tip: if you care about animals, bring a phone with decent zoom capability and make sure it is charged. If you are more into the experience than photography, still stay up on deck during the search portion, because whales and dolphins are often detected when you can see a wider field and catch the water surface activity early.

The swim stop in a small bay: your best payoff if seas get busy

The cruise includes free time to get out in the water and swim in a bay. The boat anchors there, so the water tends to feel more manageable than during open-water cruising.

For many people, this is the highlight because it turns a viewing-only experience into an active one. You go from watching wildlife from deck rail to feeling the island from the waterline. And since food is served after or during this anchored period, the swim stop also acts like a break that makes the 3-hour schedule feel balanced.

A practical note for your planning: bring swim shoes or something grippy if you have them. You are in a bay, but water activities still need sensible foot protection. Also pack a small towel or plan to dry off onboard.

If you are expecting total luxury beach conditions, adjust expectations. This is a boat stop, not a resort setup. In one case, extra charges for sun loungers (20 euros) showed up, which is a reminder to ask or check what is included versus what might be rented at the bay. Even if loungers cost extra, you can usually still find space to rest, but it is smart to know what you might pay.

Open bar plus food: real value, with one caveat

The cruise includes an open bar with alcoholic beverages, plus food served onboard. This is a big deal for value. At sea, drinks can become a surprise bill on many tours, especially when the weather turns the deck into a slow, waiting game. Here, the package is designed so you can relax with a drink while you watch.

Food also matters. A lot of short tours skip it, or they provide something basic with no real satisfaction. Having food included means you do not need to time a full meal around the boat. It makes the 3-hour format easier to fit into a day of sightseeing.

That said, I would keep one expectation realistic. One mixed report complained that the food felt not very well done for the price. Quality can vary, and you cannot fix that from home. If you are picky about meals, consider packing a small snack for peace of mind, and treat the included food as a bonus rather than your main meal.

Group size and space on deck: why the catamaran helps

This tour caps at a maximum of 70 travelers and uses a large catamaran. That matters because deck space affects your comfort more than you might think, especially during the portion when you are scanning for movement at sea.

A catamaran also tends to feel steadier than smaller boats. Even if seas are not perfect, the extra room and wider deck can make the experience less cramped. That is where the social distancing angle also helps. You still might not have private space, but you should have more chances to find a spot that suits you.

If you are the type who gets seasick easily, plan to bring whatever you normally use for motion. The cruise does not list medication or special seating, so assume you will rely on your own toolkit, plus good ventilation on deck.

Price and value: is $54.29 a good deal for this Tenerife cruise?

$54.29 for about 3 hours with whale and dolphin searching, drinks included, and a swim stop can be a fair deal in Tenerife. The value logic is simple: you are not only paying for the boat ride, you are also paying for what most people want to do with that ride.

Here is how the math feels in real life:

• Open bar included reduces the chance of surprise costs.
• Food included lowers the pressure to schedule meals.
• Swim time included turns the trip into more than sightseeing.

The one tradeoff is uncertainty around wildlife. If whales and dolphins are active and close, this feels like money well spent. If conditions limit sightings, the swim stop and catamaran comfort become your main payoff.

My advice: if you are going to spend extra during other tours for drinks or snorkeling time, this package can feel more balanced. If you only care about guaranteed wildlife sightings, you might want a different type of experience that focuses purely on high-certainty activities, because the sea does not follow timetables.

Who this works best for in Tenerife

This cruise is a good fit if you want a relaxed marine outing without turning your day into a logistics puzzle.

You will likely enjoy it if you:

• Want whale and dolphin watching but prefer a calmer, more spacious boat setup
• Like the idea of having drinks included while you wait for wildlife cues
• Are happy to spend part of your afternoon in the water, not just taking photos from deck
• Need something that fits into a half-day rhythm, since it is about 3 hours

It might be less ideal if you:

• Get easily frustrated by waiting for sightings
• Have strict expectations about exact viewing distance
• Are very sensitive to food quality and would rather pay for a specific meal elsewhere

Should you book this Puerto Colón whale and dolphin catamaran?

My take: it is worth booking if you want a mixed marine experience, not a pure animal guarantee. The combination of a large catamaran, open bar, included food, and a real swim stop is the kind of package that helps you feel like you got your money’s worth even if sightings are not constant.

Before you go, do two simple checks. First, confirm you can quickly identify the exact boat at the marina, since at least one person had trouble finding the vessel when the dock details were not clear. Second, plan for the weather. The tour depends on good conditions, and if seas are poor, they will change dates or refund you.

If your goal is to spend a few hours on Tenerife water and you are open to a genuine wildlife search, this cruise matches that mood well. If you need certainty of seeing whales up close, treat this as a chance, then plan your expectations for the swim and onboard comfort to carry the day.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Does this tour include food?

Yes. Food is included and served onboard.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included in an open bar.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the boat at most?

The tour has a maximum of 70 travelers.

Are there multiple departures each day?

Yes. There are two trips daily leaving the marina.

Will I be able to swim?

Yes. There is free time to get out in the water and swim in a bay.

What ticket type do I receive?

You get a mobile ticket.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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