Whales in Tenerife, on a small catamaran. This 3-hour cruise off the south coast is a friendly hunt for pilot whales and dolphins with a guide who pushes you toward the best viewing spots, and I like how the drinks and tapas keep the mood easy instead of turning it into a snack-and-wait marathon. The main drawback: sightings are extremely common but never guaranteed, so you’re paying for the experience of being out there, not a promise of dolphins.

The setup is built for comfort on the water: stable catamaran, life vests available, and a route that ends with a relaxing sail near the coast. It’s also a small-group feel (up to 24 people), so you’re not stuck behind a crowd. If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll want to plan for some movement even on a stable boat.

5 Key Things You’ll Notice on This Catamaran Trip

• Small-group vibe (max 24 travelers), which makes spotting wildlife feel less chaotic
• All-day-feeling food and drinks, served throughout most of the cruise
• A real swim/snorkel stop with gear provided, not just a quick pause
• South Tenerife hotel pickup by request, with timing that can be 20 minutes to 1 hour before departure
• Guide-driven search for cetaceans, so you’re not just drifting and hoping

Entering the Monte Cristo Catamaran: What the Boat Gets Right

This tour centers on the Monte Cristo catamaran, purpose-built for comfort and safe whale-watching. It’s not a tiny boat where you feel every wave. Reviews consistently mention it feels roomy for the group size, and the deck is set up with multiple areas to sit and watch when the action starts.

Onboard, you’ll find practical touches that matter on a 3-hour outing: a restroom, life vests available for passengers, and plenty of seating spread across both open areas and covered spots. There’s a sundeck at the prow for viewing, plus a flybridge with seating, so you’re not fighting for a single “best view” spot.

If you get motion sickness, take it seriously—but don’t panic. The catamaran is described as very stable, yet you should still expect some movement. If you’re the type who gets queasy easily, bring your usual fix (ginger tablets or Dramamine are specifically mentioned as options for people who need them).

Pickup and Meeting at Puerto Colón: How Logistics Actually Work

Your trip starts at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The activity ends back at the meeting point, with hotel pickup and return to your hotel available only in a defined area of the island.

Here’s the practical part:

• Pickup is available by request for hotels in the South (including Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje areas, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá).
• Pickup times vary between 20 minutes to 1 hour before the sailing time.
• There’s no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of Tenerife.

I like this because it keeps things simpler than tours that promise pickup everywhere and then make you scramble. Still, it does mean you should double-check where you’re staying and request pickup at least 24 hours before departure.

If you’re outside the pickup area, you’ll make your own way to Puerto Colón, and you’ll meet the group from there (the tour is listed as being near public transportation, which helps if you’re using buses or walking from nearby stops).

Also worth knowing: you’ll have a mobile ticket, so you don’t need to print anything.

The Whale and Dolphin Search Off Tenerife: What to Expect in Real Time

This is a dedicated cetacean cruise. The plan is to spend the bulk of the time searching, accompanying, and then re-positioning for better viewing. In other words, you’re not doing a short loop and heading back because you’ve run out of time—you’re out there long enough for the crew to work.

You’ll typically spot pilot whales and, when conditions line up, dolphins. It can be close to the boat when the sightings are strong, which is exactly what makes this feel like more than a casual “look at the sea” activity.

What I appreciate most is that the tour treats wildlife-spotting like a skill. The guide knows where to go and how to keep things comfortable while you watch. That matters because whale-watching is half geography, half timing.

One honest consideration: sightings are described as extremely common but still not guaranteed. Sometimes you may get mostly whales; sometimes you may get a dolphin sighting later or in a different area. If you’re coming with a flexible mindset—prepared to enjoy the whole ocean experience—you’ll still likely have a great trip.

And yes, sea turtles are also mentioned as a possibility during the cruise, which is a nice extra if you’re the kind of person who scans the surface carefully.

Food, Tapas, and Drinks: Why This Isn’t Just a Snack Cruise

A lot of boat tours say food is included. This one actually follows through for the majority of the outing. Drinks and food are served throughout most of the trip, and the buffet is set up as a proper tapas-style lunch rather than just small bites.

From the info you’re given and what shows up in real-life descriptions, the food selection can include tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat option. Vegetarian options are available if you request them at booking.

For drinks, you’ll have water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. Several descriptions also highlight that the crew keeps refilling and that you can expect a generous flow of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

This is where the value really shows. At $71.35 per person, you’re not paying mainly for a boat ride—you’re paying for time on the water plus a managed, comfortable whale-watching outing with food and drinks baked in. For many people, that can be the difference between feeling like the tour is a splurge and feeling like it’s a smart afternoon plan.

If you’re watching your budget, this is a rare case where it helps to think: How much would you spend in Tenerife on lunch and drinks plus a separate activity? The bundled structure is the point.

Swimming and Snorkeling: The Part You’ll Want to Plan For

One of the best “do something on the trip” moments is the swim. The captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots, and equipment is provided. That means you can actually get in the water instead of just staring at it.

The tour info emphasizes swimming is absolutely part of the experience. Some details from how people describe the day suggest there can be a short anchored period off a beach area for swimming, snorkel time, and photo moments.

My practical advice: go prepared. Wear or bring your swimsuit and swimming shorts, and bring a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You’ll also save yourself stress if you show up ready to change quickly after boarding. Many people find it easiest to keep the towel and essentials close so you don’t waste time hunting for your bag once you’re out on the water.

If you care about snorkeling quality, keep expectations realistic. The water can be clear one day and less impressive the next, and the area is chosen by the crew based on conditions and safety. Still, it’s one of the trip features that turns a wildlife outing into a full afternoon.

The Final Sail: Views and a Slow Finish by the South Coast

After the main wildlife time, the tour finishes with a relaxing sail close to the south coast. This is a good payoff moment because you’re not rushing anymore—you can just enjoy the coastline, mountains, and beaches from the water.

A calm finish matters more than you might think. When whale-watching is active, the first hour can feel like standing by with your phone ready to shoot. Having a more scenic wind-down at the end helps you digest the day, dry out a bit, and take photos without that constant search pressure.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Want Something Different)

This works especially well for:

• People who want a small-group catamaran rather than a huge cattle-boat
• Anyone who wants whale-watching plus a swim and actual lunch
• Families, since the tour is described as family friendly and children must be with an adult

It may be less ideal for:

• People who only care about one specific outcome (like guaranteed dolphin sightings). The tour is designed to maximize your chances, but wildlife is wildlife.
• Anyone who hates being out on open water. The catamaran is stable, but you should plan for some movement.

Also, if you’re celebrating something, the crew’s role can go beyond “serving and steering.” One account includes crew members Michael Andre and Edmond helping make a birthday trip memorable, including a cake and birthday singing. If that’s your situation, it’s worth mentioning it during check-in so you can see what’s possible.

Price and Value: Does $71.35 Make Sense Here?

For Tenerife, $71.35 feels like the kind of pricing you want to see when a tour includes real add-ons: transfers (when you qualify), a boat outing built for whale-searching, buffet food, and drinks served throughout the trip.

The value comes from three things working together:

1. Time on the water (you’re out about 3 hours)
2. Included meals and drinks (not just “a snack”)
3. Small-group experience (max 24 travelers)

If you were to plan separately—boat time + lunch + drinks—this typically ends up costing you more and takes more effort to piece together. Here, you just show up.

One last thought on value: this tour is priced as an experience, not a guarantee of dolphins. If you can enjoy the cruise even if your dolphin luck is only average, you’ll usually feel it was worth it.

Quick Booking Checklist Before You Go

This one is simple—don’t overpack, but do bring what makes the day work:

• Bring or wear your swimsuit and swimwear-ready clothes
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel
• Consider a seasickness remedy if you’re sensitive to motion
• Bring a phone lanyard/strap if you want an extra safety margin for photos

Also: if you need a vegetarian option, request it when booking.

Should You Book This Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran?

I’d book it if you want a relaxed, well-fed afternoon with real wildlife time and a swim stop, and if you like the idea of a small catamaran instead of a crowded big-boat day. The combination of whale/dolphin searching plus included tapas and drinks is what makes this stand out, and the crew seems to run things with a steady hand—right down to refills and keeping the day moving.

I’d think twice if you’re the kind of traveler who will feel disappointed unless you definitely see dolphins. This tour is built to maximize sightings, but the sea sets the rules. If you can accept that and enjoy the whole experience—watching, snorkeling, and the final coastal sail—you’re exactly the kind of person this fits.

FAQ

How long is the Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran tour?

It’s about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is in Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup is possible by request for hotels in the south of Tenerife.

Which areas have pickup?

Pickup is available for Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje areas, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of the island.

When should I request pickup?

Request pickup at least 24 hours prior to departure. Pickup time varies and is typically 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing.

What’s included with the cruise?

The tour includes drinks and food throughout most of the trip, plus snorkeling access with equipment provided.

Can I go swimming or snorkel?

Yes. The captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Are life vests provided?

Yes. Life-vests are available for all passengers.

Is seeing whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. Sighting of cetaceans and surrounding wildlife is extremely common, but it is not guaranteed.

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 24 travelers.

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