A private catamaran turns Tenerife water time sweet. You start at Puerto Colón and glide along the coast with a friendly crew, with snorkeling equipment included and lunch plus alcohol served on board. One small heads-up: towels aren’t included, so you’ll want to pack one.

This is a true private setup, so you’re not sharing your day with strangers. Expect a stable ride, roomy sun areas, and a real chance to see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles while you choose your own pace on the Monte Cristo Catamaran.

Key Highlights Worth Your Time

• Private charter, your group only: You sail together without mixing with other parties.
• Snorkeling gear is provided: Less packing, more time enjoying the water.
• Real wildlife chances: Keep watch for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles along the coast.
• Lunch and alcoholic drinks on board: Eat, sip, and relax without leaving the boat.
• Pickup from south Tenerife hotels: Transfer is included for hotels in the designated pickup area.

From Puerto Colón to Open Water: What Makes This Charter Special

Tenerife has plenty of boat tours, but a private catamaran day changes the whole feel. You’re not rushing through a checklist. Instead, you’re settling in on a purpose-built boat and letting the day unfold around the coast in search of marine life.

The big win here is how much is already handled for you. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you also get lunch plus snacks and alcoholic drinks on board. That means you can show up in swim-ready mode without trying to find gear on arrival.

You’ll depart from Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje area), then head out toward the waters where whales and dolphins are often spotted. You also have flexibility—your captain lets you set the general direction and itinerary as you sail, rather than locking you into a rigid schedule.

And the comfort factor matters. This catamaran is set up for passenger comfort, with a fly-bridge and sundeck areas where you can choose sun or shade as conditions change.

The Monte Cristo Catamaran: Comfort, Space, and Onboard Practicalities

The Monte Cristo Catamaran is described as purpose-built and safety-compliant. That’s not just a box-tick detail; it usually means you get a layout that’s made for sightseeing, lounging, and short swims.

Onboard, you’ll have multiple spots to relax:

• Sundecks at the front area for sunbathing
• A fly-bridge with lots of seating and views
• A sofa inside the boat, which is useful if the sea breeze turns cool

There’s also a restroom onboard, which makes a huge difference on a 3-hour trip. You don’t have to keep track of timing or feel stuck waiting until you’re back on land.

If you’re worried about motion, the boat is a very stable catamaran. Still, you should expect some movement. If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s smart to have a plan—ginger tablets or Dramamine are suggested options prior to boarding.

Getting There Smoothly: Pickup and Where You Board

This tour includes pickup, but only within a defined area. If your hotel is in the south of Tenerife, you can use the pickup service. If you’re staying outside the pickup zone, you’ll need to make your own way to the departure point.

Boarding is at Puerto Colón, Pantalan #6, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The start point is listed as Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat, and it’s essentially the Pantalan #6 area where boats depart.

Pickup is available within a 20 km radius from the port of Puerto Colón. So, even if you’re not in the exact core hotel zone, it may still work depending on your location.

You’ll receive confirmation at booking, and you’ll use a mobile ticket. In practice, that helps you get moving quickly once you arrive—less paperwork, fewer last-minute questions.

The 3-Hour Experience: How the Day Flows at Sea

The tour runs about 3 hours. That’s a sweet spot for a private outing: long enough to look for wildlife and enjoy lunch, but short enough that it doesn’t feel like a full-day commitment when you’re just on Tenerife for a few nights.

Once you board, the crew takes the group from Puerto Colón out along the coast. The goal is to spot whales and dolphins swimming freely in their natural habitat. You’ll also have chances to see sea turtles, depending on where conditions and sightings line up.

A key detail: you decide your own itinerary as you sail. That doesn’t mean you’re driving the boat—it means the crew can adjust the plan based on what they’re seeing. In a private charter, that flexibility is one of the reasons it feels calmer than larger tours.

What you’ll do during the ride

A typical rhythm is:

• Cruise and watch for marine animals
• Take a swim when you reach good water conditions
• Relax on deck with lunch, snacks, and drinks

The exact order can vary with sea state and timing, but the inclusions are designed so you can naturally mix “watch and relax” with “get in the water” during the same trip.

Whale and Dolphin Spotting: Realistic Expectations (and How to Maximize Your Odds)

Let’s be honest: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. What you can control is how prepared you are and how you approach the search.

This charter is built around the idea of spotting whales and dolphins along Tenerife’s coast. In the feedback, people frequently mention dolphins—and at least some groups also report whales—plus sea turtles as another possible sighting. So while you shouldn’t plan your entire day around a specific animal, it’s absolutely a reasonable purpose for booking.

How you’ll increase your chances

• Stay on the lookout during cruising, not just at lunch time.
• Use the upper viewing areas (fly-bridge and front deck) when the boat is moving.
• Be patient with timing. Marine animals are often found where food and currents make sense, and that can take a bit of sailing.

The private element helps here. You’re not dealing with people blocking each other’s views or forcing everyone into a fixed “walk to the same side of the boat” routine.

Snorkeling Without the Checklist: Gear Included, Swim at the Right Spots

Snorkeling is included, and you don’t have to bring your own equipment. That’s one of the smartest parts of the day, because it removes a whole layer of travel hassle.

You’ll use the snorkeling equipment provided onboard. Your captain will take you to the best snorkeling spots, based on where you are and what conditions look like that day.

You should still plan in a practical way:

• Wear or bring your swimsuit
• Bring sunglasses and sunscreen
• Expect to get wet, so water-friendly footwear habits help (even if you’re just stepping around the boat)
• Pack a towel, since towels are not included

Also, the boat has a stable ride, which is helpful when you’re preparing to swim. Still, treat snorkeling as a “take your time” activity. If the sea moves a bit, give yourself a moment to settle your balance before entering the water.

Lunch, Snacks, and Alcohol: Eating Like It’s Part of the Trip

This is not a sad snack stop. Lunch and refreshments are included, served on the catamaran while you’re out on the water.

Food offerings include:

• Tortillas
• Cheese
• Quiche
• Bread
• Crisps
• A meat selection

On top of that, you’ll also have fruit, snacks, tapas, and more. The overall idea is that you can nibble throughout the trip instead of waiting for one rigid meal moment.

Drinks you should expect

Alcoholic beverages are included, along with soda/pop and bottled water. The drinks listed include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

If you like bubbles, you’ll be pleased to know that at least some parties mention Cava in the onboard drinks. So while the base list includes champagne, the overall “alcohol + celebration vibe” is clearly part of the experience.

Pro tip: if you’re traveling with someone who gets sea sick, pace the alcohol and keep an eye on how they feel. One of the highlights from the feedback is that the crew looks after the group if someone feels unwell, especially during movement.

Transfers, Group Size, and Why Price Can Make Sense

The price is $1,792.13 per group, and it’s listed for up to 15. At the same time, the private charter can accommodate groups of up to 24 passengers.

That tells me the key value equation is group size. If you’re a larger party closer to the “up to 15” group pricing, the cost per person drops fast. If you’re only a couple, it’s more of a splurge—but still often worth it because you’re buying privacy, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks all in one package.

What you’re effectively paying for

When you compare this to piecing together separate activities, the charter format matters:

• Transfer (pickup offered in south Tenerife)
• Boat charter time
• Lunch and drinks on board
• Snacks and bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment

On a short, 3-hour outing, that bundled value can feel surprisingly fair—especially if your group includes people who want both “see wildlife” and “get in the water.”

Weather and Timing: The Real Rules of the Sea

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

That means you should watch conditions once you’re there in Tenerife. If it looks rough, don’t assume it’s still happening “no matter what.” The good news is that the operator plans around weather enough to protect the experience.

Also, timing matters for the pickup rhythm. You’ll get confirmation at booking, and in the feedback, people appreciated clear updates about collection time. So keep your phone handy the day before and on the morning of your tour.

What to Bring (So You Don’t Waste Minutes)

This is where planning pays off. The essentials listed for you are:

• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• A towel

Add a couple smart extras even though they’re not listed:

• A light layer in your bag if you cool down on deck
• Motion-sickness help if you’re sensitive to boat movement

And remember: the catamaran has shade options, but it’s still the open sea and sun can be strong.

Who This Private Charter Is Best For

This tour fits best if you want a simple day with strong payoffs.

It’s especially good for:

• Groups celebrating a birthday or milestone, since the food-and-drinks setup feels like a party at sea
• People who want whale/dolphin viewing but also want snorkeling without juggling gear rentals
• Travelers who prefer privacy and a crew that manages the flow on your schedule
• Anyone staying in south Tenerife who can use pickup near Puerto Colón

It might be less ideal if you need wheelchair access. The boat is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed, though, which is helpful to know.

Should You Book This Private Catamaran Charter?

If you’re weighing this against a standard group boat, I’d lean toward booking it if you care about comfort, included snorkeling gear, and a full “eat + swim + sail” day. The combination of private charter, lunch, alcohol, and equipment means you spend less time managing logistics and more time enjoying the water.

I’d skip or reconsider if:

• You travel light and don’t want to pack a towel (because you’ll need one)
• Your group isn’t comfortable with sea movement, even on a stable catamaran

But if you’re the type who wants a special Tenerife afternoon—clean setup, flexible sailing, and a strong chance at dolphins and other marine life—this is a very solid choice.

FAQ

Where is the departure point for this private catamaran charter?

The departure point is Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s also listed as Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat at the start.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup is available for hotels in the south of Tenerife. If your hotel is outside the pickup area, you’ll make your own way to Puerto Colón (Pantalan #6).

How long is the private charter?

The duration is about 3 hours.

How many people can join this private tour?

This is a private tour where only your group participates, and it can accommodate groups of up to 24 passengers.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included on the boat?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with snacks.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, along with soda/pop and bottled water.

Does the boat have a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No, the catamaran is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

You should bring or wear your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

You Might Also Enjoy

Jet Ski SafariTenerife: Siam Park Full-Day VIP Entry TicketTenerife 3-Hour Discover Whales and DolphinsTenerife: Full-Day Gastronomy and Wine Tour