Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Transfer, Buffet by MC

The thing that makes this catamaran trip in Tenerife stand out is the simple idea of spending a half day at sea, watching pilot whales and dolphins in their own waters. You get a relaxed boat day that mixes wildlife time with an easygoing onboard setup. I especially like how the crew keeps it feeling personal, even with a small group size, and how the experience is built for you to switch between viewing and relaxing fast.

What I love most is the mix of food plus drinks included and the chance to get right near the action from the boat. On one sailing, the vibe was helped along by guides like Laura and Daniela, with Captain Andrea also sharing tips and keeping eyes on the water, which matters when pods appear and vanish quickly. I also like that you are not stuck with just a viewing session, there’s time to swim afterward, and snorkeling gear is provided.

One real consideration: the sea can be bumpy. Even though the catamaran is described as stable, some people still get seasick, so pack a plan if you’re sensitive. If you go on a late slot, bring something warm, and expect you might get wet around swim time.

Why This Catamaran Cruise Works in Tenerife

• Small group feel (max 24 travelers): easier to move around, less crowded for spotting wildlife.
• Transfer by request from the south: door-to-door style from areas like Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje, and Golf del Sur.
• Drinks and beer included: you can focus on the ocean, not the bar line.
• Buffet with snacks and tapas-style food: fruit, snacks, and items like tortillas and quiche keep you fueled.
• Swimming time with equipment provided: you can turn a good whale watch into a full water-and-sun break.
• Restroom onboard and multiple seating areas: you can get shade, or chase the sun from the sundecks.

Setting Out From Puerto Colon, With Transfer Done for You

This trip starts at the Monte Cristo Catamaran location, tied to the 5-star Whale and Dolphin Tours operation in Puerto Colon. If you’re staying in the south, you can request pickup from hotel areas including Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup times can land about 20 minutes to 1 hour before departure, and they confirm the exact pickup time after you request it.

The upside of doing it this way is time. Tenerife travel can add little delays fast, especially if you have to coordinate buses and taxis before a set sail time. With pickup, you show up, get on board, and let the crew handle the schedule.

If you’re outside the pickup zones, you’ll want to make your own way to Puerto Colon, Pantalan 6 (the departure area). Either way, you’ll end back at the meeting point after about 3 hours at sea.

What You’ll See: Pilot Whales, Dolphins, and Sea Life Moments

The whole point is wildlife watching around Tenerife’s coast. You leave Puerto Colon and head out with an experienced crew who explains what you’re seeing and how to spot behavior. The most common sighting type on this route is pilot whales, with dolphins often showing up too.

From the way the boat is run, you should expect short bursts of action rather than one long, predictable show. Pods can appear close, then move along the coastline. That’s why a small-group setup matters. With a tighter passenger count, you can reposition on the deck more easily and keep a clear line of sight.

One more useful detail: the cruise is designed to be “watch, then relax.” You’re not rushed off the water the second you see the animals. The vibe stays calm, with time to soak up the views once you’ve got the best sightings.

And if you’re hoping for extra surprises, the tour description notes that sea turtles are possible. Reviews also include turtles, so it’s a reasonable long-shot to keep in your mind without building your whole day around it.

The Onboard Experience: Sundecks, Shade, Restroom, and a Real Buffet

Once you’re onboard, the comfort is part of the value. The catamaran has a generous sundeck at the prow and a flybridge with plenty of seating. There’s also an inside sofa area if you need a break from sun or sea spray. This is not a cramped boat where you’re stuck in one spot.

There’s a restroom onboard too. It sounds basic, but on a half-day trip, having it available keeps things smooth and lowers stress, especially if the sea is choppy.

Now the food and drinks. You’ll have snacks and a buffet included, plus a selection of drinks including beer. The food is described as tapas-style and includes items like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, and crisps. Reviews consistently praise how the crew keeps people supplied, including the feeling that drinks are always within reach.

Why that matters: on many whale cruises, the viewing and the food feel like two separate things, with snacks that barely fill the gap. Here, the buffet plus fruit and snacks mean you can eat without turning the day into a chore, and you don’t have to choose between wildlife time and your stomach.

Swimming and Snorkeling Time: The Part You’ll Remember

This cruise includes a swim stop, and equipment is provided. That’s a big deal in Tenerife, because you get to swap from boat deck viewing to actual water contact. The captain takes you to the best spot available, which is practical on a coastline trip since conditions change.

If you’re planning to swim, pack like you mean it:

• swimsuit ready to go
• towel
• sunglasses and sunscreen

Also consider a basic safety mindset. You’ll be in the open water area around the coast, and it’s still a boat excursion. If you’re a cautious swimmer, you’ll likely feel more confident if you take your time with getting in, and keep an eye on where others are entering and exiting.

If you’re prone to seasickness, remember that the swim part can come after you’ve been on the water a while. The cruise is stable, but movement is still movement, so consider ginger tablets or Dramamine ahead of boarding if that’s part of your usual routine.

Boat-Deck Strategy: How to Get the Best Wildlife Views

When you’re chasing whales and dolphins, small decisions make a big difference. Here are a few things that help:

First, if there’s an option to sit higher up, do it. One standout detail from the onboard experience is that people who got seats upstairs with the captain described it as a VIP view. Even if you do not end up there, the flybridge and sundecks are where you’ll likely get clearer sightlines.

Second, be ready to move. Pods can show up anywhere around the route, and deck viewing works best if you can shift from sun to shade and back depending on where you’re spotting. The boat layout makes that easier than on older, narrower vessels.

Third, watch the crew’s rhythm. The team is part of the spotting process, not just background. When someone starts pointing or adjusting attention, the pod could be close. Keeping your eyes on the water and listening for explanations improves your chances.

Comfort in Choppy Water: Seasickness Is the Real Risk

This is the drawback I’d take seriously, because it directly affects the day’s enjoyment. One review mentions rougher conditions and people getting sick. While the catamaran is described as stable, you should still expect some movement.

If seasickness hits you fast, plan early:

• take motion-sickness medication before boarding if it’s something that helps you
• bring a cover layer, especially for evening sails
• keep hydration in mind, even if you feel slightly off

Also, if you tend to feel sick when you’re hungry, snacks and the included buffet may help you more than you think. Eating small bites early can reduce the “empty stomach” effect that makes motion feel worse.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At $71.35 per person, this isn’t the kind of whale watch where you pay a premium and then feel nickel-and-dimed. The value comes from what’s bundled.

You’re getting:

• a half-day catamaran cruise around Tenerife
• wildlife time focused on pilot whales and dolphins
• snacks plus a buffet
• drinks included, including beer
• a swim stop with equipment provided
• the option of hotel transfer in the south of Tenerife (by request)
• a small-group cap of 24 passengers

For you, that translates into less planning, less extra spending, and a smoother day. You’re paying for a complete “boat day with wildlife and water time,” not just a ride that ends after animal spotting.

If you’re comparing alternatives, the best question is not how cheap it is. The better question is whether you’d otherwise pay separately for food, drinks, and getting to the port, then come back later. Here, the bundle reduces that friction.

Who This Trip Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

This cruise is a strong fit if you want a relaxed half-day with real nature time. It’s also ideal if you:

• like a small group rather than a big party catamaran
• want onboard comfort, shade options, and a restroom
• appreciate included food and drinks
• want to swim rather than just look from the deck

It may not be the best match if you:

• are extremely sensitive to motion and cannot manage seasickness
• need wheelchair access, because the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible

Practical Tips for Booking and Packing

A few quick moves will make the day easier.

Book with pickup in mind. If you’re in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, or Alcalá, request the transfer. Pickup is confirmed after you request it, and times vary between 20 minutes and 1 hour before sailing.

Pack for sun and water. Sunscreen and sunglasses matter even on a sea day. Bring a towel, and keep your swimsuit accessible.

If you’re going at night or on a cooler evening sailing, bring something warm. One practical note from the experience is that you might get wet, so think in terms of a change of clothes or at least something that won’t ruin your comfort after the swim.

If you’re worried about movement, take motion-sickness steps early. The catamaran is stable, but it still moves.

Should You Book This Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a smooth, half-day wildlife outing with food and drinks included, plus a real swim stop. The small-group setup, the constant attention from the crew, and the steady food-and-drink service make it feel like a complete package instead of a “watch and hope” ride.

I’d hesitate only if you know you get very sick on boats and you cannot manage it. In that case, you might prefer a more sheltered activity on land.

If you’re traveling in the south of Tenerife and you want a day that blends whales and dolphins with comfort, sun, and water time, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise in Tenerife?

It’s about 3 hours.

What does the price include?

The cruise includes snacks and drinks, with a buffet included in the price.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available by request from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pick up times vary from about 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing, and the exact time is confirmed after you request it.

Where does the cruise depart from if I do not get pickup?

You can make your own way to Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colon, Pantalan 6 (Costa Adeje area).

What wildlife might I see?

The trip is focused on whales and dolphins. Sea turtles are also listed as a possible sighting.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.

Can I go swimming?

Yes. The captain takes you to the best snorkeling spot available, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No, the catamaran is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.