Whales and dolphins, without the crowd. On this 3-hour, max 12-person chill-out catamaran from Puerto Colón, I love that you watch from glass floors and get guidance from a certified skipper and sailor.

You’ll also like the free catering onboard and the chance to snorkel on demand in a calm cove away from busy beaches. The possible drawback: snorkel equipment and beach towels aren’t included, so you may need to request gear and plan your own towel.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small-group comfort (max 12 pax) for easier viewing and a calmer vibe
• Glass floors + marine hidophone so you’re not just scanning the water visually
• Snorkel on demand in a crystal-clear cove (gear available on request)
• Onboard catering included with food and drinks during the trip
• Puerto Colón base with transfers from Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Los Gigantes
• Wildlife listening, not just wildlife spotting, with the crew’s explanation in English/Spanish

A max 12-pax catamaran that stays calm (even when you’re excited)

This trip is built around one big idea: fewer people, more nature time. With a 12-person maximum, the boat doesn’t feel like a floating cattle car. You can move to where you have the best angle, and you’re not stuck behind someone’s sunhat for the whole ride.

The boat itself is a “chill out” style catamaran, customized for comfort. The standout feature is the glass floors, which turns a normal boat ride into something more like a moving aquarium. Even when you’re not actively spotting animals on the surface, you’ll have an easy way to keep your attention on what’s happening below.

How that helps you as a visitor

Because the group stays small, the crew can actually talk to you. You’re more likely to get clear answers about what you’re seeing and what it means. In a place like Tenerife, where marine life can show up fast and vanish just as quickly, having a guide who can point you in the right direction matters.

Getting to Puerto Colón: the 3-hour rhythm and the Dock 6 start

The experience runs for about 3 hours, starting at Marina Puerto Colón. You’ll want to arrive around 15 minutes early at Dock 6, so you can settle in without rushing.

There’s also a pickup-and-drop element built in: transfers included from Los Cristianos–Costa Adeje–Los Gigantes to Puerto Colón. That matters because, on the south coast, parking and timing can add stress. If you’re staying in those areas, you’ll likely appreciate not having to coordinate a last-minute taxi.

One more practical detail: they call you the day before to confirm the meeting point. That’s a small thing, but it helps you show up confident instead of guessing which dock or which shuttle stop you’re supposed to use.

What the “3 hours” feels like

Three hours on the water is a sweet spot. It’s long enough for multiple chances at wildlife, plus a swim/snorkel break. It’s also not so long that you’ll be cooked in the sun with nothing but salt air and waiting.

Glass floors and a marine hidophone: how spotting becomes listening

Most whale and dolphin cruises are mostly visual: look left, look right, squint at the horizon. This one adds another tool—a marine hidophone—so the crew can help you “hear” what’s going on in the water.

That changes your experience in a good way. When wildlife is far off, sound can be your early cue. And when the animals get closer, the hidophone plus the crew’s explanations help you connect the dots between motion, behavior, and the calls you’re picking up.

The crew’s role: skipper + sailor, not just driving

You meet the certified crew (skipper and sailor), and they explain the natural landscapes and sea life as you go. The best part is that this isn’t treated like a lecture. You can ask questions, and the explanations are delivered in Spanish or English (live tour guide).

A name that pops up in past experiences is Johnny—people have praised the way he can explain a lot about marine life and stay accommodating. Even if your guide isn’t Johnny, the takeaway is the same: the crew is there to help you understand what you’re seeing, not just steer the boat.

The whale-and-dolphin portion: what to watch for, and what’s realistic

Here’s the honest expectation-setting that makes this tour work well. The trip focuses on spotting whales, dolphins, and other sea life in their natural habitat. Because nature is nature, you can’t guarantee a specific species every time.

But you do have strong signals that sightings are common. On past outings connected to this experience, people have reported seeing multiple dolphin types and different whales, plus other animals like turtles and flying fish. There’s even a mention of big dolphins playing close to the boat under the right conditions.

Watching from the best angle

With a small group and glass floors, you get two “zones” to scan:

• The surface for dorsal fins and quick surface activity
• The water below when the light is right (and the crew guides your attention)

Also, the ride is positioned around some of the better south-coast conditions for marine life. On clear days, there’s even a chance to see Mount Teide from the sea, which turns the return trip into a bonus view.

A brief caution that helps

Sometimes a turtle or dolphin might look close enough for a perfect moment, but it can also be hard to tell what you’re seeing from a moving boat. If you want that “close-up” feeling, keep your expectations flexible and treat every sighting like a win in progress.

Snorkel in crystal-clear water: on demand, and easy if you’re prepared

Between the wildlife time, you get a chance to dip and snorkel in a crystal-clear waters cove. The snorkeling is described as on demand, which usually means it depends on sea conditions and the crew’s judgment in that moment.

Snorkel equipment is available on demand, but it’s not included automatically. Beach towels aren’t included either. So plan like a smart, calm adult:

• Bring your own towel if you’ll be finishing in the water (or want one ready)
• If you know you’ll snorkel, be prepared to request the gear early
• Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, since you’re going from boat to water and back

What makes this snorkel stop feel better than a beach day

This isn’t about crowds and beach chairs. You’re getting into calmer water away from a crowded shoreline, with the added bonus that you’re already there for marine life. When you look down through the water (and later through snorkeling masks), you’re doing it in a context where the crew is already tuned to what’s around you.

Catering and drinks: included, and timed for comfort

In the middle of the trip, there’s a break for catering served on board, and it comes with food and drinks included.

Why that matters: a boat trip can go from pleasant to draining fast—sun, salt air, and being busy scanning the ocean. The included snack/meal makes it easier to stay present for longer, instead of thinking about what you’ll eat later.

Also, the catering is part of the “chill out” concept. You’re not rushing to a restaurant after. You’re still on the water, still part of the day.

Price and value: is $98 a fair deal for Tenerife?

At $98 per person for a 3-hour, small-group catamaran experience, you’re paying for three things that don’t come for free:

• Exclusivity (max 12 pax)
• Time on the water with a specialized setup (glass floors and marine hidophone)
• Included extras (catering plus drinks, and transfers to/from Puerto Colón)

If you’ve ever done a larger whale cruise, you know what the “hidden cost” feels like: watching from worse angles, waiting behind other people, and spending energy on logistics instead of the experience. This tour’s value is that it keeps those frictions low.

That said, you’ll get the best value if you’re the type of person who:

• enjoys wildlife spotting with guidance
• wants a quick snorkel without organizing everything yourself
• cares about comfort and a small-group pace

Who this tour suits best

This is a great fit if you want a marine-life-focused outing that feels more personal than big-boat. It’s also ideal if you like having a crew that explains things clearly in English or Spanish, not just a generic “watch for fins” spiel.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• prefer smaller groups
• want to snorkel but don’t want to deal with a lot of separate planning
• like the idea of listening for sea life (hidophone) as well as looking

Who might prefer a different style

If your top priority is a long beach day or you need a guaranteed snorkel regardless of conditions, you may feel the “on demand” approach isn’t as predictable. In that case, consider a plan that’s more fixed on swimming time.

Also, keep in mind the limitations: there’s no luggage or large bags, and pets aren’t allowed (assistance dogs are allowed). If you’re traveling with bulky gear, you’ll want to keep it minimal.

Should you book Costa Adeje Exclusive Cat 3 hrs Trip Whales and Dolphins?

Book it if you want a small-group catamaran experience where wildlife spotting is supported by smart tools (glass floors and a marine hidophone) and a crew that talks you through what you’re seeing. The included food and drinks also make the day feel complete without extra stops.

Hold off if you’re hoping snorkeling and water time are guaranteed no matter the sea conditions, or if you really rely on having snorkel gear and towels provided automatically.

If you’re staying in Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, or Los Gigantes, and you’d rather not juggle transport to Puerto Colón, the included transfer is another strong reason to book.

FAQ

How long is the trip?

The duration is 3 hours.

Where does the experience start, and where should I meet?

You meet at Dock 6, Marina Puerto Colón. Arrive about 15 minutes before the activity starts.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the captain and sailor, food and drinks, and pick up and drop-off between Los Cristianos–Costa Adeje–Los Gigantes and Puerto Colón.

Is snorkeling included, and do I need to bring equipment?

Snorkeling is available on demand, but snorkel equipment isn’t included. It’s available on demand, and beach towels are not included.

What languages do the crew/guides speak?

The live tour guide provides narration in Spanish and English.

What items are not allowed?

You can’t bring luggage or large bags. Pets aren’t allowed (assistance dogs are allowed).

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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