Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

Pilot whales are the star of this three-hour cruise, and you may see them remarkably close to the boat. Dolphins are also possible, but the crew’s usual focus is finding the resident whale groups off Tenerife’s south coast, where sightings are common but never promised.

I like the small maximum group of 24 because it gives you more room and makes it easier to hear the crew. I also like the generous package: hotel transfer on request, drinks through much of the trip, a tapas-style buffet, and time to swim or snorkel.

The main thing to keep in mind is that wildlife remains wild. You may see many pilot whales and no dolphins, or have a quieter outing. The swimming stop can also feel modest, with ordinary fish rather than a major snorkeling site.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: The south coast is a strong area for close sightings of these small whales.
• A maximum of 24 people: You avoid the crowded feel of large sightseeing boats.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tapas, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.
• Swimming and snorkeling are part of the day: Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Pickup covers southern Tenerife: Hotel transfers can be arranged from Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed: The crew searches hard, but no responsible boat can promise whales or dolphins.

Why pilot whales make this cruise special

Tenerife is one of the better places in Europe to look for cetaceans, and this outing is built around that fact. Pilot whales are frequently seen in the waters south of the island, often moving in small groups near the catamaran.

You are not simply sailing along the coast hoping to spot a fin. The crew actively searches for whales and dolphins, then spends time accompanying the animals from a respectful distance. That makes the experience more rewarding than a quick sighting followed by an immediate turn back to port.

The pilot whales are often close enough for good photographs, though you will need patience and a steady phone. They surface unpredictably, so keep your camera ready but do not spend the whole cruise staring at a screen. The best moment may last only a few seconds.

Dolphins are possible too, and some outings produce lively groups that swim in front of the boat. Other departures see only whales. Sea turtles and other wildlife may also appear, but they are possibilities rather than promises.

I appreciate the honest setup here. The trip is dedicated to finding animals in their natural surroundings, not transporting you to a guaranteed animal show. That means the crew can do everything right and still have a slower day at sea.

Setting off from Puerto Colón

The catamaran leaves from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, specifically around Pantalan number 6 in Costa Adeje. If you are staying nearby, you can make your own way to the marina. The meeting point is in a busy resort area, so allow enough time to find the correct pier.

Hotel pickup is available on request from parts of southern Tenerife. This includes Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup times vary from about 20 minutes to one hour before sailing, and you should request the service at least 24 hours ahead.

There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of the island. If you are based there, the tour becomes a self-drive or public transport plan to Puerto Colón, and the included transfer will not help.

The transfer adds real value if you are staying in the covered resort areas. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the marina or worry about parking. One small caution: pickup can be scheduled earlier than you expect, so check the confirmed time rather than relying only on the sailing time.

A comfortable boat with room to spread out

Monte Cristo Catamaran is a purpose-built boat designed for coastal cruising and wildlife watching. The catamaran shape should feel steadier than a narrow single-hull vessel, though you will still notice movement once the boat reaches open water.

There are seating areas around the boat, a forward sundeck, a flybridge with more seating, and an indoor sofa. That gives you choices. You can sit forward for a clear view, move to a shaded spot when the sun gets strong, or retreat inside if the breeze picks up.

The boat has an onboard restroom, which matters during a three-hour outing with food and drinks. Life jackets are available for all passengers.

The boat is not wheelchair accessible. Most people can take part, but anyone with significant mobility needs should check carefully before booking. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The small size is one of the strongest parts of this trip. A group of up to 24 people feels personal without making the boat feel empty. You should have a better chance of getting a clear view than on a large excursion vessel carrying 80 or 100 people.

Do not expect a dedicated sunbathing platform on every part of the catamaran. Seating is the main feature, and one practical account found limited space for lying out in the sun. I see that as a fair trade for comfort and better access to shade.

Searching for whales and dolphins

Once the boat leaves the marina, the main work begins. The crew looks for signs of cetaceans and guides you toward the animals when they are found.

Pilot whales are the most reliable target. They can surface near the boat, giving you several chances to watch their dark backs and rounded dorsal fins. A large group may stay in the area long enough for everyone to see them, but the boat may need to move around before finding them.

Dolphin sightings vary more. Some outings produce large, active groups, while others find no dolphins at all. If dolphins are your only reason for booking, you should be comfortable with that uncertainty.

The crew’s role matters here. English is offered, and the team explains what you are seeing and where to look. Several crew members are praised for being friendly, attentive, and helpful. If your departure is handled by Michael, Andre, or Edmond, you can expect the warm, personal service associated with the team, though the exact crew may vary by sailing.

The whale watching is best suited to people who can stay alert for changing views. You may spend time watching open water, then suddenly find a whale surfacing a short distance away. That rhythm is part of the experience, not wasted time.

Bring a phone strap or waterproof neck holder if you plan to take photos. One slip over the side and your best whale picture is gone. Sunscreen is also essential, since you can feel the sun strongly even with a cool breeze.

Tapas, snacks, and a steady flow of drinks

Food is served during much of the cruise, so you are not left waiting until the final minutes for lunch. The spread can include Spanish tortilla, olives, tomatoes, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, canapés, and a meat selection.

This is light buffet food rather than a full restaurant meal. I would treat it as a generous snack lunch that keeps the outing easy, not as a reason to expect a gourmet menu. The food is generally described as tasty and plentiful, though some people find it less memorable than the whale watching itself.

Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking. If you do not eat meat, make that request in advance. One useful improvement would be a wider vegetarian selection, since the standard spread can lean toward meat and cheese.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne or cava. The crew keeps offering refills through much of the trip, and the drinks are one of the better-value parts of the package. Alcohol is included, so pace yourself carefully, especially in strong sun and on a moving boat.

The crew may also serve shots near the end. That can add a festive note, but you never need to join in. Families can enjoy the trip without focusing on the alcohol, and the outing is suitable for children when accompanied by an adult.

The swimming and snorkeling stop

After the wildlife search, the catamaran sails closer to the south coast and anchors for a more relaxed break. You can swim from the boat, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

This stop gives the three-hour trip a welcome change of pace. After concentrating on whale fins and dolphin splashes, you can cool off in the sea and look back at Tenerife from the water. The views of the mountains, beaches, and coastline are especially good from the boat.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is not presented as a major reef snorkeling trip. The stop may be near a beach, including an area close to a nudist beach, and the fish can be fairly ordinary. You may see small fish below the boat, but the harbor can sometimes offer more variety.

The swimming break is optional in spirit, even if you join the cruise. You can remain onboard, enjoy another drink, take photographs, or sit in the shade while others swim. Bring a towel and wear your swimsuit under your clothes if you want to get into the water without fuss.

What the three-hour schedule feels like

The trip is short enough to fit easily into a day in Costa Adeje or Playa de las Américas. The time is divided between sailing out, searching for wildlife, serving food and drinks, stopping for swimming, and returning to Puerto Colón.

You will not get a long, slow day at sea. The benefit is that the outing stays manageable for families and for anyone unsure about spending hours on a boat. The drawback is that a quiet wildlife search can use up much of the available time.

The final sail back toward the south coast is part of the pleasure. You can look at Tenerife’s mountains from the water, watch the beaches pass by, and let the trip wind down after the excitement of a sighting.

If you are prone to seasickness, take precautions before boarding. The catamaran is stable, but it still moves. Ginger tablets or Dramamine may help, and sitting near the center of the boat can be more comfortable than staying at the very front, where motion may feel stronger.

Is $71.35 good value?

At $71.35 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. But the price includes several extras that quickly add up: a three-hour catamaran cruise, a small group, hotel pickup and return when available, food, unlimited or frequently replenished drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a crew focused on wildlife.

The value is strongest if you use the full package. Take advantage of the transfer, eat the tapas, enjoy the swim, and spend time watching the coast after the whale search. If you only want a quick wildlife sighting and plan to skip the food and swimming, a simpler boat trip may cost less.

The small group also matters. A crowded vessel can make wildlife viewing frustrating, especially when everyone moves to one side for a whale. With no more than 24 people, you get a calmer setting and a better chance of finding a clear viewing position.

I would consider this a good mid-range choice for a relaxed half-day outing. The food is a useful bonus, not fine dining. The drinks are generous. The whales are the real reason to pay.

Who should book this cruise?

You are a good match for this tour if you want several experiences in one outing: wildlife watching, a coastal sail, lunch, drinks, and a swim.

It suits couples looking for a relaxed sea day, families with older children, and small groups who dislike large party boats. It also works well for visitors staying in southern Tenerife who want hotel transport handled for them.

You may want a different tour if you need wheelchair access, want a serious snorkeling location, or require guaranteed dolphin sightings. You should also think twice if you dislike open-water movement, even though the catamaran is stable.

For photography, this is a pleasant option, but bring a phone strap and accept that wildlife photography is unpredictable. You will get the best results by watching first and photographing second.

The experience is especially appealing if pilot whales interest you. They are the animal most likely to shape your outing, and close views can make the cruise memorable even when dolphins stay away.

Should you book it?

I would book this catamaran if you are staying in southern Tenerife and want a small, easygoing boat trip with a strong chance of seeing pilot whales. The crew, space onboard, included food and drinks, and optional transfer make the price fair.

Book with realistic expectations. You are buying a well-run search for wild animals, not a guarantee. If you can accept a day with whales but no dolphins, and view the snorkeling as a pleasant extra rather than the main event, this is a very solid choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart?

The boat departs from Puerto Colón, Pantalan number 6, in Costa Adeje, near Playa de las Américas.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return are available on request from hotels in southern Tenerife, including Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.

Can I get picked up from Puerto de la Cruz?

No. Pickup is not available from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of Tenerife. You need to make your own way to Puerto Colón.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about three hours and ends back at the departure point.

What wildlife might I see?

The cruise searches for pilot whales and dolphins. Sea turtles and other wildlife are also possible, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is food included?

Yes. A buffet-style selection can include tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, olives, tomatoes, canapés, and meat items. A vegetarian option is available if requested when booking.

What drinks are included?

Available drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne or cava. Drinks are served during much of the cruise.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The catamaran stops for swimming, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible, though most people can participate.

What should I bring?

Bring or wear a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A secure phone holder is useful if you plan to take photographs near the water.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the trip is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.