A big catamaran can make whale days easier. This Puerto Colón trip is built around one goal: whale & dolphin watching off Tenerife, then relaxing time in the water during an anchored swim stop.

What I like most is that the experience keeps a clear wildlife focus, with onboard guidance about the species you may encounter. I also appreciate the practical extras: alcoholic drinks are included, and food is served during the stop in the bay.

One thing to watch is boat-finding. The meeting point is clear enough on paper, but one past passenger mentioned trouble locating the correct vessel because the confirmation details were not very specific—so show up early and double-check you’re stepping onto the right catamaran.

Key things worth knowing before you go

• Wildlife-focused catamaran ride: the cruise portion is specifically for seeing whales and dolphins around Tenerife.
• Open bar with alcoholic drinks included: no need to budget for drinks once you’re aboard.
• Swim time in a small bay: you get real water time after the search at sea.
• Food is included: served onboard once you anchor in the bay.
• Large boat, capped at 70 travelers: more space to spread out than smaller launches.
• Two departures daily: useful if you’re trying to fit this into a busy Tenerife schedule.

Puerto Colón Catamaran Basics: What the 3-Hour Wildlife Trip Really Delivers

This is a 3-hour catamaran tour from Tenerife’s Puerto Colón area (meeting at Av. de Colón, 11, Playa de las Américas). The day plan is simple: leave the marina, search the water for whales and dolphins, anchor in a small bay for swimming and food, then return.

The big value here is not just the animal goal. It’s the way the trip is set up to feel like an actual outing, not a rushed shoreline scan. A larger catamaran usually means steadier comfort, more room to move around, and less cramped seating than you’d expect on smaller boats. Add to that the fact that alcoholic drinks are included, and you can treat this as a full experience without turning it into a budget math problem.

You’ll also be traveling in a group that can go up to 70 people, so it’s not a tiny private charter. Still, the boat size and the layout are designed to give you space to breathe, and the highlight mentions plenty of room for social distancing.

Spotting Whales and Dolphins: How the Cruise Portion Works

The main part of the tour is the time at sea looking for whales and dolphins. The route is centered on wildlife encounters around Tenerife, not a long coastal sightseeing loop. The crew provides information about the animals you might encounter, which matters because it helps you spot and identify what you’re actually seeing.

In whale-and-dolphin watching, timing and luck are always part of the deal. But this format improves your odds in a practical way: you’re on a boat dedicated to the search, and you’re out long enough to cover water rather than just doing a quick pass.

What to expect during the cruise:

• You’ll spend time exploring in the ocean area around the island.
• You’ll have guidance on the wildlife, so you’re not watching blindly.
• The tour is offered in English, which is helpful if you want to follow along with the explanations instead of relying only on visuals.

A small caution: if you’re the type who needs a guaranteed whale sighting, you may feel disappointed on days when the wildlife is less active. That’s true for almost every wildlife boat tour on Earth.

Swim Stop in a Small Bay: When You’ll Be in the Water

After the search at sea, the catamaran anchors in a small bay. This is where the trip becomes more than just spotting wildlife. You get free time to get out in the water and swim.

This part is often the real memory-maker because it breaks up the waiting. When you’re on a boat, you’re mostly scanning. When you anchor, you can switch gears and enjoy a calmer, more relaxed moment—especially if conditions are good.

A few practical tips so you don’t waste time once you’re there:

• Bring swimwear you can put on quickly.
• Pack a towel or plan to use one you already carry.
• If you care about sun comfort, note that one written complaint said sun loungers cost extra (reported as 20 EUR). The tour includes the swim time, but not necessarily premium lounging.

If you’re traveling with swim confidence, this stop will feel like a highlight. If you dislike open-water swimming, you can still enjoy the bay time from the boat, but the tour’s value gets stronger for people who actually want to get in.

Food and Open Bar on Board: Value, Comfort, and What to Expect

One of the strongest selling points is the onboard setup. The tour includes:

• an open bar, with alcoholic drinks included
• food, served after the catamaran anchors in the bay
• the overall wildlife experience during the cruise portion

For $54.29 per person, this combination is where the pricing starts to make sense. You’re not paying separate drink prices on top of the tour, and you’re not losing the best part of your time waiting around for food off the boat.

About the food: the details you get here are basic—food is included, but there’s no menu information provided. In one negative note, a passenger said the food felt rather unlovely for the price, so I’d treat it as part of the package rather than a dining destination. Eat enough to keep going, but don’t expect a gourmet meal.

As for drinks, the tour includes alcoholic beverages. That can be a fun perk, especially on a sea day when you’re ready to relax. If you’re keeping things light, it still works because you’re not required to drink. Just remember that with any open-bar format, you’ll want to stay aware while moving around the boat.

Meeting at Av. de Colón: How to Find the Right Catamaran

The meeting point is listed as Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

That said, I’d treat this as one of those tours where arriving early pays off. The format is straightforward on paper, but one past passenger reported difficulty finding the correct boat because the confirmation didn’t clearly describe which vessel to board. Another traveler might have had a smooth experience, but you can’t control that.

So here’s what I recommend:

• Arrive with extra time, not right at the last second.
• Have your mobile ticket ready.
• Look for crew or clear signage connected to the catamaran operating the whale and dolphin tour.
• If you’re unsure, ask before boarding. It’s faster than wasting time later.

Also note that the meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you’re not using a private ride.

Price Check: Is $54.29 Worth It in Tenerife?

At $54.29 per person for about 3 hours, the tour sits in a mid-range price zone for Tenerife boat wildlife trips. The value depends on what you’d otherwise pay for during your day.

This one includes three things that often cost extra elsewhere:

• alcoholic beverages (open bar)
• food
• the boat time dedicated to whale and dolphin watching plus swimming in a bay

If you were planning to buy drinks and food anyway, you’re effectively getting those bundled into the ticket. That’s the main reason this price can feel fair.

Where the value might not land for everyone:

• If you only care about guaranteed whale sightings, no ticket price can solve the reality of wildlife unpredictability.
• If you’re expecting a premium onboard experience beyond the basics, the included meal may not match your standards.
• If sun loungers are important to you, one negative note mentioned extra fees for loungers, so budget a little buffer if you want top comfort.

My take: for many visitors, the package works because it removes extra on-the-day costs and gives you a mix of sea time plus actual swim time.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This tour makes the most sense if you want a relaxed, active half-day where the main event is watching whales and dolphins, then topping it off with a swim.

It’s a strong match for:

• couples and small groups who want to enjoy the sea day without a separate plan for drinks and lunch
• families with kids who are excited by animals and are okay with time on the water (most travelers can participate, per the info)
• travelers who want an English-speaking experience while learning what they’re seeing
• people who prefer larger boats for comfort and space

You might rethink it if:

• you’re highly sensitive to small waves and sea motion, since you’ll be out cruising and scanning
• you require a very strict itinerary with zero downtime, because wildlife spotting can involve waiting and coverage rather than constant action
• you’re particular about food quality and expect restaurant-level meals

It also helps that there are two trips daily, so you have flexibility if you’re juggling other Tenerife plans.

Should You Book Whale and Dolphin Watching in Puerto Colón on a Large Catamaran?

I’d book this if you want a well-rounded sea outing: wildlife search at sea, plus a proper anchored bay swim, and you like the idea of open-bar convenience with food included. For the money, the bundled drinks and meal are the deciding factor for many people.

I’d be cautious if you’re the type who hates uncertainty around boat identification or you strongly value sun-lounger comfort. To make it smooth, go early, keep your mobile ticket handy, and verify you’re boarding the correct catamaran before you step on deck.

If conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled due to weather—then you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. So keep your schedule flexible.

FAQ

What is the duration of the whale and dolphin watching tour?

The tour runs for approximately 3 hours.

Where does the tour start in Tenerife?

The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Does the tour include an open bar?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, and the tour lists an open bar.

Is food included?

Yes. Food is included as part of the experience.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. After the cruise portion, the catamaran anchors in a small bay and you get free time to get out in the water and swim.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

How many travelers can be on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 70 travelers.

How far in advance will I receive confirmation?

You should receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

What happens if 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.

When can I cancel for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

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