Whale watching and listening Eco-Catamaran Tour with Food Tasting

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main event here, but the underwater microphone gives this 3-hour catamaran trip an extra spark. From Puerto Colón, you sail along Tenerife’s south coast, look for animals in the open sea, then stop in a bay for swimming and snorkeling.

I like two things right away: the crew shares information about the animals and the island, and food and unlimited drinks are included rather than sold as extras. You may also spot turtles, flying fish, and several dolphin species. The trade-off is space. The boat can carry up to 64 people, and some departures feel a little crowded.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales can be heard underwater: A microphone lowered into the sea lets you listen as well as watch.
• Swimming is part of the plan: The catamaran stops in a sheltered bay, so pack a swimsuit and towel.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect sandwiches and unlimited drinks, but coffee and tea are not included.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: Equipment is not supplied, and the sea can be cool.
• Arrive early for the best lounging spot: The front couch-style areas and the requested hammock are limited.
• The boat returns to Puerto Colón: You arrange your own transport to the marina in Costa Adeje.

Setting sail from Puerto Colón

The meeting point is White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, at Marina Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. The trip begins and ends at the same marina, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in Tenerife’s southern resort area.

You should allow time to find the correct pontoon and get aboard before departure. The marina has nearby public transport, and paid parking is about a five-minute walk away according to the practical information provided for the tour. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel are not included, so plan that part yourself.

This is a shared outing with a maximum of 64 people. That is not a tiny sailing trip, and the available seating matters. If you want a couch-like place to stretch out, arrive early and ask the crew about the exclusive hammock. The hammock itself is not included, so treat it as an optional extra rather than something guaranteed with your ticket.

Once underway, shoes and other loose items may be stored away while the boat is moving. Pack light and keep the things you need close by, especially sunscreen, water-resistant clothing, and your camera.

Searching for whales and dolphins off Tenerife

The boat follows the south coast into the waters where pilot whales and dolphins are commonly seen. Sightings are never a promise with wild animals, but the trip has a strong chance of finding them, and the crew adjusts its search to the conditions and animal activity.

Pilot whales are the signature sighting. You may see them near the catamaran, sometimes close enough for a clear look at their backs and fins. The listening equipment is the unusual part. When the microphone goes into the water, you can hear the animals communicate below the surface. That turns a normal wildlife cruise into a more involving lesson in how little of the ocean is visible from above.

Dolphins may appear near the bow, where they can swim and play in the boat’s wake. The wildlife can vary from one departure to the next. Sightings have included more than one dolphin species, turtles, flying fish, and even a shark. You should treat those as welcome surprises, not as a promised checklist.

The live commentary helps fill the quiet stretches between sightings. Captains Angel and Victor are named as especially attentive hosts, and the crew may operate in several languages. Commentary also covers the surrounding volcanoes and Tenerife’s coast, giving you something useful to listen to when the sea is temporarily empty.

The strongest part of this outing is its attitude toward wildlife. The crew aims to give the animals room rather than chase them for a close photograph. That matters on a whale trip, where a respectful encounter is more valuable than a forced one.

A swim stop in a sheltered bay

After the wildlife search, the catamaran heads to a bay for swimming and snorkeling. The stop gives the outing a welcome change of pace. You can get off the boat, cool down, look for fish, or stay aboard and relax on the deck.

A location known as Spaghetti Bay is mentioned as a popular swim stop. The water may be around 18 degrees Celsius in December, so it will feel refreshing rather than bath-warm. If you tend to feel cold, bring a cover-up and do not count on spending the whole stop in the water.

Snorkel equipment is not included. Bring your own mask, fins, and towel if you want to make the most of the stop. One practical detail is easy to miss: swimming is included in the experience even though it may not be prominent in every booking message. Pack your swimsuit from the start instead of assuming the trip is only a wildlife cruise.

The swimming area is also a useful option for people who are less interested in snorkeling. You can sit on the deck, enjoy a drink, or watch others in the water. The crew stays attentive to people getting on and off the boat, which is particularly helpful for families.

Sandwiches, drinks, and time on deck

Food is part of the ticket price. You receive sandwiches and a food tasting, with unlimited drinks available during the trip. This is basic boat food, not a full meal, but it makes the $48.37 price easier to justify, especially when you add the live commentary, swimming stop, and three hours on the water.

A vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking. Do not expect coffee or tea, since those are excluded. The drinks service includes options beyond plain water, with fresh beer on tap noted during one outing. The minimum drinking age is 18.

The crew keeps the mood friendly and relaxed. Music may play during the ride, though it has not suited every taste. It is not described as overwhelmingly loud, and there are periods when the music is switched off, particularly during wildlife encounters. That is the right approach. When whales surface nearby, silence is part of the experience.

The catamaran itself has been described as clean and in good order. The deck is the place to sit if you want open views, but shade and seating can be limited depending on how full the boat is. Bring sun protection and a light layer. Tenerife may feel warm at the marina while the wind offshore feels cooler.

How crowded will the catamaran feel?

The maximum group size is 64, and this is the main point to weigh before booking. Some departures feel comfortable and not too crowded. Others feel slightly tight for the size of the catamaran, especially when everyone gathers on one side to watch a whale or heads to the bar and swim ladder.

This is still a smaller-feeling option than the largest packed boats you can find along the coast, but it is not a private cruise. If you want quiet space, arrive early, move around the deck when appropriate, and accept that the best viewing position may change during the trip.

A crowded boat is more noticeable during the swim stop than while the boat is moving. At sea, people spread out across the deck. At anchor, everyone may want the same section of rail or the same route into the water.

The crew’s manner helps. They are described as friendly, animated, and attentive, with particular care for passengers who need assistance. One passenger who became seasick received attention throughout the trip. That does not remove the chance of motion sickness, but it is reassuring if you are unsure about spending three hours offshore.

Is $48.37 good value?

At $48.37 per person, this is a strong-value half-day outing if you want several activities in one booking. You are paying for a wildlife search, a catamaran ride, live commentary, a swim stop, sandwiches, drinks, and the return trip to Puerto Colón.

The value is best for people who would otherwise book separate boat time and a meal. It is less compelling if you want a quiet luxury sailing trip, a private guide, or a long snorkeling session. You are sharing the boat with up to 63 other people, and the swim stop is only one part of the itinerary.

The food will not be the reason to book. Think of the sandwiches and drinks as useful inclusions that keep the outing moving. The real value comes from the chance to watch pilot whales and dolphins in their natural setting, then hear pilot whales underwater. When sightings are good, the price feels modest for the experience.

The trip is usually booked about eight days ahead, which suggests you should not leave it until the last morning of your Tenerife stay if this is high on your list. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and a minimum number of participants is required for the trip to operate.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this for families, couples, and first-time visitors who want a practical introduction to Tenerife’s coast. Children can take part, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The combination of wildlife, food, and swimming gives the day enough variety for different ages.

It also suits people who care about seeing animals without treating the ocean like a theme park. The commentary and listening equipment add substance, while the crew’s effort to respect the animals gives the encounter a better feel.

You may want another option if you dislike shared excursions, need guaranteed sightings, or want specialist snorkeling instruction. It is also not ideal if you need hotel transfers, since getting to and from Puerto Colón is your responsibility.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a light jacket, and your own snorkel gear. Arrive early if you want a prime seat. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you can see the horizon and tell the crew as soon as you feel unwell.

Final verdict: book it for wildlife and value

I would book this tour if your priority is a good chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins at a fair price. The underwater listening session, friendly multilingual crew, included food and drinks, and swim stop give it more substance than a simple ride along the coast.

Go in with realistic expectations. Wild animals set the schedule, the sea may limit what you see, and a shared catamaran can feel busy. If you accept those limits, this is one of the better-value ways to spend three hours on Tenerife’s south coast. Arrive early, bring swim gear, and save your best attention for the quiet moments when a whale surfaces nearby.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour start?

It starts at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $48.37 per person.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Sandwiches, food tasting, and unlimited drinks are included. Coffee and tea are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own mask and fins if you want to snorkel.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The catamaran stops in a bay where you can swim and snorkel.

Is there a vegetarian food option?

Yes. Request the vegetarian option when booking.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.