The best part is the mix of wildlife spotting and included drinks on a relaxed catamaran ride. You’ll get views of Tenerife from the water, and the crew focuses on getting you close without treating animals like a theme-park stop. Just know the motion can be real on choppy days, so plan for seasickness if you’re sensitive.

I also like that the experience runs in a tight time window (about 2 to 3 hours), which makes it easier to fit into a vacation day. If you book the longer option, you can add a snorkeling stop plus sandwiches, but those details (and food type) may not suit everyone.

If you’re coming from a cruise ship, do a distance reality check first. One booking complaint says this was not handled like a true cruise shore excursion pickup, so you’ll want to confirm how you’re getting there.

Key things I’d pencil into your plans

• Max 50 travelers: you avoid the big-boat chaos feeling.
• Wildlife first, loud behavior last: crews have been reported shutting off engines and keeping respectful around animals.
• Drinks are included, but refills may vary: it’s sold as unlimited beer and soft drinks, though at least one trip ran short.
• No-smoking rule: a participant report calls it a non-smoking trip—so don’t count on breaks.
• Snorkeling gear can be limited: one person said there wasn’t enough equipment for everyone on their sailing.
• Seasickness can happen: even when the catamaran travels slowly, the motion can still bother some people.

The 2-3 Hour Catamaran Format

This is a catamaran ride designed around a simple goal: get you out on Tenerife’s waters for dolphins and whales. The basic tour is about 2 hours, and there’s an option that stretches to roughly 3 hours with extras.

The longer format matters if you want more than just spotting. That upgrade includes a snorkeling stop and sandwiches, so you’ll likely have a busier mix of time on deck and time in the water. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re short on energy, the 2-hour version can still feel like a full outing.

How to Find Puerto Colón Gate 4 (and board without stress)

Your meeting point is Puerto Colón, Pantalan 4, on Tenerife. The key detail: you should be at Puerto Colón Gate number 4 about 15 minutes before departure.

There’s also an in-person step at the gate. You’ll need to exchange your ticket for a boarding card at the meeting area. This is the kind of thing that makes or breaks a smooth start—arrive early so you’re not sprinting to the boat.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which is handy if you’re trying to line up dinner or a return plan.

Wildlife Spotting in Tenerife Waters (what you’re actually looking for)

You’re paying for one thing: a real shot at seeing marine life in its natural environment. The tour highlights specifically call out dolphins and whales, and multiple reviews mention pilot whales in particular, plus dolphins.

What I find reassuring is the way the crew is reported to act when animals show up. People describe the crew as respectful—shutting off engines and turning music off near wildlife. That’s not just “nice behavior.” It usually means less disturbance and a better chance of animals staying close long enough for good viewing.

You should also treat this as spotting, not guaranteed success. You can do everything right and still get different sightings depending on the day. Still, the reviews show strong odds: people report dolphins, pilot whales, and even turtles. One review mentions a sea turtle, and another mentions whale sharks and swimming—so the wildlife range can be surprising.

Unlimited Drinks, Water, and the 18+ Rule

Included in the price:

• Bottled water
• Unlimited beer and soft drinks (minimum drinking age is 18)

That mix is part of why this feels like good value. Instead of paying boat-bar prices, you’re already covered for non-alcoholic drinks and beer if you’re of legal age.

There’s a practical catch, though. One negative review says the unlimited drinks weren’t truly unlimited because a previous group had already used what was on board, and refills didn’t happen as expected. That doesn’t mean it’s always an issue, but it’s a good reminder to hydrate with the bottled water and don’t treat unlimited as a magic wand.

Also, one reviewer points out it’s a non-smoking trip. If you smoke, plan around the rules before you go.

Choppy Seas and the Real Fix for Motion

Catamarans are often smoother than some boats, but they can still swing in open water. Reviews mention choppy seas, and at least a couple people said they felt rough enough to need help or felt sick.

Here’s the best practical advice: be proactive. If you’re even mildly prone to motion sickness, bring tablets or whatever you normally use, and tell the crew if you’re feeling bad—one review says the staff took care of people who asked for help.

Also, don’t misread comfort as guaranteed. Even when the boat moves slowly, slow motion can still feel motion-y on the water. If you’re sensitive, pick your seat, stay hydrated, and keep your eyes on the horizon when possible.

Snorkeling and Sandwiches on the Longer Option

If you choose the 3-hour upgrade, the big difference is time in the water and extra food. The tour highlight says the longer tour adds a snorkeling stop and sandwiches.

But food details are where you should pay attention. One review says there was no hot food and no vegetarian option. Another notes the sandwiches were ham/cheese or cheese, and that can be a problem if you don’t eat pork or you need a specific diet.

Snorkeling equipment is another “check before you assume” detail. One person said there wasn’t enough snorkeling gear for everyone, and another said time to see much was limited. That suggests the snorkeling portion can be short or equipment can run out.

My take: if snorkeling is a must for you, go with the mindset of a friendly bonus, not a full lesson. Bring your own snacks if you have dietary restrictions, and consider bringing your own snorkeling mask if you’re picky about fit.

Photo Moments and Souvenir Costs

A nice bonus with this kind of tour is the social side—capturing the day without doing all the work yourself. Reviews describe crew members taking photos, sometimes without needing to ask.

There’s also a difference between onboard photo efforts and paid souvenirs. The tour info says souvenir photos are available to purchase, which means you might get free shots from staff but should still expect photo packages to cost extra if you want printed copies.

If you hate dealing with photo sales pressure, just treat it like this: take your own quick pics, enjoy the moment, and buy nothing unless it’s your style.

Price and Value for a Drinks-Included Sail

At $42.34 per person for a 2–3 hour outing, the value depends on what you want most. If your top priority is wildlife and a relaxed time on the water, the included drinks and the relatively small group size (max 50) can make the price feel fair.

If you were planning to buy beer or soft drinks anyway, this is built to reduce that cost. You also get bottled water included, which is a small thing but matters when the sun and salt air dry you out.

The main “value risk” isn’t the price—it’s expectation matching. If you’re hoping for a calm, perfectly smooth, always-guaranteed whale encounter, no sea tour can promise that. But if you’re open to the day’s conditions and you like animals and ocean views, this often delivers.

Cruise Ships: The Distance Reality Check You Need

One of the sharpest complaints in the info you provided isn’t about whales at all. It’s about logistics for shore excursions.

A 1-star review describes booking it as a shore excursion from Santa Cruz harbour and then discovering it wasn’t a pickup from the cruise ship area. The person says it was about a 50-minute drive away and that there was no contact from the operator. Their core point: the listing felt misleading as a shore excursion.

So here’s the rule I’d use: if you’re on a cruise, assume nothing until confirmed. Ask how you’ll get to Puerto Colón on time, and make sure the plan matches your ship schedule.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and who should pass)

This trip is a strong fit for:

• Animal lovers who want dolphins and whales in the wild, not behind a fence
• People who like a small group feel rather than a packed mega-boat
• Adults (since beer is included) who are fine with a possible rougher water day
• Families where kids can join as long as they’re with an adult

It’s a weaker fit if:

• You need vegetarian options or specific dietary accommodations. The sandwich situation has been described as ham/cheese or cheese, with no vegetarian option stated by at least one passenger.
• You expect full snorkeling gear availability for every person.
• You’re very motion-sensitive and haven’t planned for it.
• You’re arriving by cruise and haven’t confirmed transport to Puerto Colón.

Should You Book This Catamaran Tour?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, short-to-medium catamaran outing with a real shot at dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles, plus included drinks. It also sounds like the crew’s approach is taken seriously—shutting down engines and keeping noise down near animals is a big deal for both ethics and sightings.

I’d pause before booking if you’re relying on a cruise ship pickup you haven’t confirmed, or if your food needs are strict. If you’re snorkeling-curious, go in expecting it as an add-on, not a guaranteed long session with top-tier equipment.

If you line up transport correctly, bring seasickness supplies just in case, and plan snacks for dietary needs, this can be a memorable Tenerife day without the hassle.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The tour runs for about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the option you choose.

What does it cost per person?

The price listed is $42.34 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What’s included in the ticket price?

You get bottled water plus unlimited beer and soft drinks (minimum drinking age is 18).

Does the longer 3-hour option include snorkeling?

Yes. The longer tour upgrade includes a snorkeling stop and sandwiches.

What should I bring for snorkeling or food?

Snorkeling gear may not be available for everyone, and sandwich options may be limited. If you have dietary requirements, it’s smart to plan snacks ahead.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 4. You also need to be at Gate number 4 about 15 minutes before departure.

Do I need to exchange a ticket at the gate?

Yes. You’ll need to exchange your ticket for a boarding card at the gate.

Are there age limits for the included drinks?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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