REVIEW · TENERIFE
CATAMARAN OCEAN CRUISE TOUR, Food & Drinks included!
Book on Viator →Operated by TENERIFE BEST EXCURSIONS tour operator · Bookable on Viator
Whales and tapas on one short sail. This ocean cruise out of Tenerife mixes time at sea for whale and dolphin spotting with a relaxed beach stop at Playa de los Hippies, plus food and drinks included. You’ll head toward La Gomera, then get a swim and snorkel break with mountain views.
I like the simple flow: south Tenerife pickup and drop-off help you skip the hassle of figuring out timing and buses. I also like that the lunch feel is handled for you—tapas, snacks, fruit, and drinks are part of the price, not an extra add-on.
One thing to consider: while the tour lists a maximum of 18 travelers, a past departure noted more people on board due to rescheduling after weather issues. Also, dolphins and whales are wild animals, so sightings are never a sure thing.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll actually use
- Entering the rhythm: where the cruise starts and how pickup works
- 3 hours at sea: the cruise setup toward La Gomera and pilot-whale country
- Playa de los Hippies: the beach stop that makes the cruise feel like a day out
- Food and drinks included: tapas, fruit, and the little extras that matter
- Group size and passenger count: small on paper, plan for reality
- Value check for $108.37: why the included stuff matters
- Who this catamaran cruise fits best
- Should you book this ocean cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the catamaran ocean cruise?
- Is pickup available from south Tenerife?
- What’s included with food and drinks?
- Can I swim or snorkel during the stops?
- What’s the maximum group size on board?
- Is cancellation free, and what happens with poor weather?
Key highlights you’ll actually use
- Two nature stops: cruising toward La Gomera, then downtime at Playa de los Hippies
- Swim and snorkel time in a bay environment, not just a quick look from the deck
- Food and drinks included: tapas, snacks, fruit, and a steady drinks selection
- Comfort help for choppy water: ginger is offered for motion sickness
- A small-boat vibe (max 18 is listed), but check how many people are on your specific departure
Entering the rhythm: where the cruise starts and how pickup works
Your trip runs out of Club Náutico Puerto Colón de Adeje on Av. de Colón. The boat route is short enough that it feels like a real half-day plan, not a whole production.
If you’re staying in south Tenerife, you can add pickup. The operator asks you to provide your hotel, plus a telephone number and email address, so they can coordinate the van. I like this setup because it reduces the stress part—getting to the dock without guessing timing or parking.
The tour is scheduled in English, and it’s capped at a small group size on paper (up to 18 travelers). The crew is the main reason this kind of trip feels smooth: they’re the ones who steer the route when sightings start or if conditions change.
Finally, this one ends back at the same meeting point. That’s useful if you want a predictable plan afterward—dinner, a sunset walk, or just a chance to rest your legs.
You can also read our reviews of more food & drink experiences in Tenerife
3 hours at sea: the cruise setup toward La Gomera and pilot-whale country
Once you board, the catamaran heads out from Puerto Colón in the direction of La Gomera. Early on, you’re set up for marine-life watching, with time that’s long enough to hope for a break—without dragging on too long if the sea is rough.
There’s also an itinerary reference to Golf Costa Adeje. In plain terms, that usually means your early sailing leg covers the coastal area around Adeje before you push farther out to search.
This is the part you book for: spotting dolphins and whales. In at least one departure, guests reported pilot whales, including a mother and calf in separate pods. That kind of detail matters because it tells you the crew isn’t just doing a quick “look and hope.” They’re working the water for chances.
Still, keep your expectations honest. Even with an experienced crew, sightings can’t be guaranteed. One documented experience reported whales but no dolphins on that particular day. That’s not unusual in the wild, and it’s the trade you make for the upside.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your “I’m prepared” kit. One helpful onboard detail: ginger is offered to help with seasickness. It’s a small thing, but it can turn a stressful ride into a tolerable one.
Playa de los Hippies: the beach stop that makes the cruise feel like a day out
The second stop is Playa de los Hippies, and this is where the trip becomes more than just wildlife watching. You get a stretch of time to relax, enjoy the views, and reset before heading back.
This stop is described as inviting and amazing—think ocean time plus the scenery of Tenerife’s mountainous backdrop from the beach area. You can also observe from the water, which is nice because you don’t have to choose between watching nature and enjoying the pause.
The big practical win here: you can swim and snorkel. That turns the cruise from a “sit and watch” activity into something you can actually do. You’re also not stuck at one spot forever; you get a real change of pace—from open water searching to a calmer bay-style break.
What you should know: swimming and snorkeling depend on conditions. If the water is choppy or visibility isn’t great, the experience may be more about wading, floating, and relaxing than full-on snorkeling sessions. But the chance to do water time is the point.
Food and drinks included: tapas, fruit, and the little extras that matter
This cruise is priced to include the core comforts people forget to budget for. You’ll have drinks, plus a spread that includes tapas, snacks, and fruit. The idea is simple: the crew keeps you fed and hydrated so you can focus on the sea and the stop.
In the best examples from actual departures, the food gets praised as better than expected, with guests mentioning good tapas variety and ample portions. One strong detail: the drinks selection is described as plentiful, and there was no strict limit reported on how many you could have.
There’s also a charming extra in the onboard rhythm. One passenger mentioned a honey rum shot served at the end of the trip. Is it essential? No. But it signals a crew that pays attention to finishing touches, not just the driving part.
If you’re the type who worries about “being rushed for food,” this is one of those tours where lunch doesn’t have to happen at a restaurant with a hard schedule. You’re eating while you’re out there—more vacation, less queue.
One caution from a real experience: if the boat is carrying more people than expected on a given day, some guests reported limited food availability. That’s not the standard on paper, but it’s worth remembering when you’re deciding how hungry you want to be. If you have big appetites, it won’t hurt to carry a snack for peace of mind.
Group size and passenger count: small on paper, plan for reality
The operator lists a maximum of 18 travelers, which is part of the appeal. Smaller groups generally mean easier movement around the boat and less crowd pressure during wildlife searching.
But here’s the fair, practical note. A past customer counted more passengers on board than the listed max after rescheduling connected to weather from the prior day. The operator responded that the catamaran is licensed to carry more and that guests were moved around to ensure no one lost their experience.
So what should you do with that information? Don’t panic—just set expectations. If you’re booking specifically for a quiet, roomy feel, it helps to know that a weather reroute can change the crowd level.
If you’re sensitive to busy spaces or you’re traveling with someone who hates tight quarters, you may want to ask the provider (before you go) how they handle capacity on rescheduled departures.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife
Value check for $108.37: why the included stuff matters
At $108.37 per person, this isn’t a bargain “snack cruise.” It’s priced like a true experience: you’re paying for catamaran time, crew time, and the included extras.
The value is strongest because several common add-ons are already covered:
- Pickup and drop-off in south Tenerife (when selected)
- Food and drinks included (tapas, snacks, fruit, drinks)
- Time for marine-life viewing
- A real second stop at Playa de los Hippies, with swim and snorkel opportunities
If you had to price those pieces separately, you’d probably spend a lot more than a single tour ticket. And you only have to do one booking, one meeting point, and one return plan.
The “value math” changes a little if you’re hoping for guaranteed dolphin sightings. That part can’t be controlled. But if you’re excited by the general chance to see wildlife plus an actual beach and water break, the price starts to make sense fast.
Who this catamaran cruise fits best
This tour is a good fit if you want a short Tenerife adventure that still feels like a full experience.
Best matches:
- Couples and small groups who want a half-day at sea
- People who enjoy wildlife viewing but don’t want to spend a whole day doing it
- Swimmers and snorkelers who like the idea of stopping at Playa de los Hippies
- Families who want a straightforward plan with food and drinks taken care of
Potential mismatch:
- If you’re extremely worried about boat motion, you’ll want to take the seasickness help seriously. Ginger is offered, but conditions still vary.
- If you’re very picky about crowding or you’re traveling at a peak time, the listing says 18 max, yet a rescheduled departure can shift the headcount.
Should you book this ocean cruise?
I’d book it if you want a smooth, well-fed ocean outing with a real beach break. The combination of La Gomera direction cruising, a chance at pilot whales and dolphins, and a swim/snorkel stop at Playa de los Hippies is exactly the kind of Tenerife day that feels different from just beach time on land.
Skip it (or at least reconsider) if your main goal is dolphins specifically. That’s not guaranteed, and one documented trip reported whales without dolphins. Also, if you’re ultra-sensitive to crowds, remember that rescheduling after weather can change the on-board count.
If you’re flexible, though, this is a strong pick. The included food and drinks make it feel like vacation from the first hour, not a “pay extra for everything” trip.
FAQ
How long is the catamaran ocean cruise?
The duration is about 3 hours.
Is pickup available from south Tenerife?
Yes. Pickup is offered, and you’ll be able to request details during booking by adding your hotel, telephone number, and email address.
What’s included with food and drinks?
Food and drinks are included. You can expect a selection of drinks, plus tapas, snacks, and fruit for lunch.
Can I swim or snorkel during the stops?
Yes. The plan includes time where you can swim and snorkel.
What’s the maximum group size on board?
The tour lists a maximum of 18 travelers.
Is cancellation free, and what happens with poor weather?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. The tour requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
