Whale & Dolphin Watching in Tenerife (Puerto Colon) On a Large Catamaran

Imagine cruising the Atlantic, spotting whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, with the sea breeze in your hair and a refreshing drink in hand. That’s pretty much the promise of this whale and dolphin-watching tour in Tenerife, and though it’s not a perfect all-out wildlife safari, it offers a solid, relaxing way to enjoy the ocean with some added extras. We’ve looked into this trip to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your Tenerife itinerary.

What we really like about this experience is the spaciousness of the large catamaran, which makes social distancing easier and adds a comfortable vibe to the ride. Plus, the included open bar and tasty food definitely add to the laid-back atmosphere. But it’s worth noting that the tour leans a bit more toward a scenic boat ride with wildlife viewing as a bonus, rather than a dedicated whale-watching expedition, which could be a consideration if wildlife is your main goal. This tour suits travelers seeking a mix of marine adventure, relaxing social time, and scenic beauty.

Key Points

• Spacious and comfortable large catamaran ensures a relaxed experience.
• Includes an open bar and food, making it more of a social outing.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, but not guaranteed, as some reviews suggest.
• Swim stop provides the chance to cool off in a small bay.
• Booking in advance helps skip long lines and ensures your spot.
• Duration is around 3 hours, a good length for most travelers.

What to Expect from the Tour

This three-hour adventure begins with you meeting at Puerto Colón, a popular marina area close to Playa de las Américas. The tour is operated by Best Excursions Tenerife, and normally runs twice daily, giving you flexibility to choose a time that fits your schedule. With a maximum group size of 70 people, it’s a moderately-sized outing that still feels social but not overcrowded.

The Boat and Setting

You’ll be sailing aboard a large catamaran, which is one of the tour’s biggest selling points. This means plenty of space to spread out, sit comfortably, and enjoy the views. It also makes social distancing simpler, an aspect that many travelers now find reassuring. The boat departs from the marina and heads out into the Atlantic for what’s supposed to be a wildlife-focused experience.

Wildlife Watching

The main goal of this tour is to spot whales and dolphins. The operator provides information about the species you might see and their habitats, which helps add context to your sightings. That said, reviews indicate that the actual wildlife sightings can be hit or miss. One traveler noted, “Mit Wal- und Delfinbeobachtung hat das wenig zu tun,” which translates to “It had little to do with whale and dolphin observation,” describing a trip that mostly cruised along the coast with only a brief ocean excursion. But others have been lucky enough to see pilot whales and dolphins, especially towards the end of the trip.

Swimming and Relaxation

After the wildlife search, the boat anchors in a small bay where guests can dip into the water and swim. This is a nice touch, giving you a break from just watching the sea and a chance to cool off. The scenery here is peaceful, and the water is usually calm enough for a relaxed swim.

Food and Drinks

As the boat anchors, they serve up food for all passengers, along with an open bar featuring alcoholic beverages. The inclusion of food and drinks elevates the experience from a simple boat ride to a proper social outing. With the open bar, you can enjoy a cold drink while soaking in the views or chatting with fellow travelers. Just keep in mind that alcohol is included, but the price of the tour reflects this, so it’s a good value for a relaxing day at sea.

Return and Reflection

After about an hour of swimming and relaxing, the boat heads back to Puerto Colón, concluding your three-hour marine adventure. The return trip offers more chances to take in the scenery and, hopefully, enjoy a final glimpse of the ocean.

How the Experience Scores

While many users found this tour enjoyable, reviews suggest expectations should be managed. The overall rating hovers around 4.0 out of 5, with some pointing out the wildlife sightings can be limited or brief. One review mentioned, “Leider eher ein Ausflug entlang der Küste. Nur zum Ende der Tour ein kurzer Abstecher aufs Meer hinaus,” meaning it feels more like a coastal cruise with a short ocean detour at the end. However, the included food and open bar add value, making it feel more like a social cruise than a dedicated wildlife safari.

Is it Worth the Price?

At roughly $55 per person, this tour offers reasonable value, especially considering the food and drinks included. The large boat’s spaciousness and the possibility of swimming in a bay make it a well-rounded outing. For wildlife enthusiasts, it might not satisfy if you’re expecting guaranteed whale sightings, but for those wanting a relaxing day on the water with the chance to see marine life, it’s a solid choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, social atmosphere with the added bonus of marine wildlife viewing. It’s ideal if you enjoy sailing on larger boats and appreciate having food and drinks included. If your main focus is serious wildlife spotting, you may want to consider other options, but if you’re happy with a scenic cruise that offers some wildlife chance, this fits the bill.

Final Thoughts

This Whale & Dolphin Watching tour in Tenerife provides a pleasant way to spend a few hours at sea. The large catamaran is comfortable, and the inclusion of food and drinks makes it feel like a small celebration. While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the experience of being on the ocean, swimming in a calm bay, and relaxing with friends or family can be quite enjoyable.

It’s a good pick for those who want a balance of light wildlife focus, social atmosphere, and comfort. Just keep your expectations in check if spotting whales or dolphins is your top priority – this is more about enjoying the sea and the scenery in good company, with wildlife sightings being a possible but not certained highlight.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-focused, the spacious catamaran and swimming stop make it generally suitable for older children and families who enjoy boat rides. Be sure to check with the provider for age restrictions.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sun protection like sunscreen and hats, a towel for swimming, and perhaps a light jacket if you’re sensitive to wind. No specific mention of what to bring is made, but comfort is key.

Are there any dietary restrictions for the food served?
The provided details don’t specify dietary options, so it’s best to contact the operator if you have special needs.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, making it manageable for most travelers without it feeling too long.

Are the wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on the day’s conditions and animal behavior. Some travelers report brief sightings or coastal cruising without much wildlife activity.

Can I book last minute?
Most bookings are made 9 days in advance, but availability can vary. Booking early is recommended to secure your preferred slot.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price includes the boat ride, an open bar with alcoholic beverages, food, and the swimming stop.

Is private transportation needed?
No, the tour departs from Puerto Colón, which is accessible via public transportation or taxi. Private transport isn’t included.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re after a laid-back day at sea with a chance to glimpse some whales or dolphins, plus enjoy good food and drinks, this tour could be a nice addition to your Tenerife trip. Just keep your expectations balanced, and you’ll have a relaxing, enjoyable time on the Atlantic.