Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

I’ll be honest: I can’t personally verify every whale sighting, but this Costa Adeje whale watching catamaran runs in an area where pilot whales are known to hang around, year-round. You leave from Puerto Colón and cruise a short distance offshore in search of pods, with knowledgeable crew guiding you and keeping the wildlife at the center of the experience.

What I really like is the combination of a tight schedule (so you’re not just burning time at sea) and the practical value you get for the ticket. You also get free onboard drinks (water, soft drinks, and beer), plus a free-ticket option if you don’t get the whale and/or dolphin sighting.

One thing to plan for: the water can be choppy. A handful of guests mention rocky conditions and seasickness, so bring whatever works for you before you head out.

Key things I’d circle on your planning map

• Almost-guaranteed sightings of pilot whales, plus chances for dolphins along the route
• Free drinks onboard, with some guests also noting sandwiches during their trip
• Two ways to book: 2-hour whale time or 3-hour option with a snorkel stop
• Small-group feel on a catamaran capped at 50 people (adjusted by current rules)
• Wildlife-respect rules: limited time with the same group of whales and required distance
• Crew expertise shows up in the details, with guests calling out guides like Lucy and Lucia

You can check availability for your dates here:

Costa Adeje to Puerto Colón: why this trip starts in the right place

This tour is built around Tenerife’s southwest coast and launches from Puerto Colón. That matters because you’re not far from the action. You travel only a few miles out (about 2 to 3 miles from shore) where pilot whales are regularly found, meaning your time is spent looking instead of motoring for ages.

You’ll be on a catamaran, which generally means more stability than a small powerboat. Several travelers mention the boat not feeling overcrowded, and that smaller scale is a big part of why whale watching can feel calmer and more enjoyable.

2 hours or 3 hours: what changes when you add Playa Espagueti time

You can choose a 2-hour excursion or a 3-hour excursion.

• 2-hour option: More time focused on spotting pilot whales and dolphins at sea. You’ll still sail along Tenerife’s coast, scan the horizon, and listen to the crew’s marine-life explanations.
• 3-hour option: You add a stop in the bay of Playa Espagueti for swimming and snorkeling. The snorkeling time is listed as about 30 minutes, though in real life it can vary depending on how long whale watching takes.

If you’re doing this as a pure wildlife mission, the 2-hour version is often the cleanest choice. If you want to mix in water time, the 3-hour option gives you a structured chance to snorkel off the boat.

The whale hotspot: why pilot whales show up so often here

The trip is designed around a simple idea: pilot whales live permanently in this area, and they can be seen throughout the year. That’s exactly the kind of location you want when you’re booking a short tour and don’t want to gamble your whole day.

In practice, guests repeatedly describe seeing pilot whales close to the boat, sometimes with dolphins in the mix. And the crew isn’t just pointing—travelers note they keep helping you know where to look, including which side of the boat to watch from.

The fish farm pass: dolphins hunting for an easy meal

Between whale checks, you sail past a fish farm area, where dolphins often hang around. Even when whales are the headline, this is a smart route feature because it raises your odds of seeing something else in the same general window.

Many animal encounters feel random, but this one has a logic behind it: predators follow food sources. When dolphins are active near a fish farm, you can get that rewarding “wait, there they are” moment without having to sail far.

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Squid talk: why the crew’s info makes the sea feel alive

You’ll hear about marine life beyond just what you see in the water at that moment. One of the highlights mentioned is massive squid, which can grow huge (up to about 40 feet) and live at depths around 2,600 feet between Tenerife and La Gomera.

That kind of background matters because whale watching isn’t only about staring at a fin. When you understand what you’re looking for—like behavior, habitat, and what’s happening beneath the surface—it makes the trip feel less like luck and more like learning in a real environment.

On board comfort: not overcrowded, and it’s set up for actual guests

This is a catamaran with a maximum capacity of 50 people, and that number can be adjusted based on government regulations. Multiple travelers mention the boat doesn’t feel overcrowded, which is a huge plus for a wildlife tour where you’ll want a clear view and space to move.

Some guests also mention practical features like an inside area for storing bags and even a toilet on board. If you’re traveling with kids or strollers, that internal space can help you avoid feeling like you’re cramped up in the sun for the whole trip.

Free drinks are part of the value, not just a perk

The drinks are explicitly included: water, soft drinks, and beer. On top of that, many reviews mention a good atmosphere—music on board for some departures, and staff checking in on guests.

A few guests also mention sandwiches served during the trip, which boosts the feeling that you’re getting more than just a ride and a long search. Even if food details vary slightly by day, the drink inclusion alone is a meaningful value boost because it would otherwise add up fast at the harbor.

The snorkel stop at Playa Espagueti: short time, big payoff

If you book the 3-hour excursion, you’ll stop in the bay of Playa Espagueti for a swim and snorkel. Equipment is included, and you get towels and snorkel gear onboard (mentioned by travelers).

The snorkeling window is about 30 minutes, but that can change depending on whale timing. Some travelers note the water at the swim stop can be choppy, which affects how long people feel comfortable in the water. Still, for many, it’s the perfect “bonus” after the whale portion—an easy way to add variety without turning the day into an all-day production.

Crew and guides: the spotting and the respect both matter

A whale tour lives or dies on the crew. Here, you’ll get knowledgeable crew who explain what you’re seeing and help you find animals when they surface.

Guests specifically mention guide names like Lucy, Lucia, Luca, and also crew members like Dani, Toni, Mario, and Anto (names appear across traveler accounts). More important than the name is the style: people report that the crew actively watches for whales, keeps checking on guests, and gives clear, timed guidance instead of chaotic shouting.

What I also appreciate is the repeated theme of respect. Several travelers mention the crew being quiet near whales and avoiding behavior that would disturb the animals.

Wildlife-protection rules you’ll actually notice

This tour includes rules designed to reduce stress on wildlife. The boat can’t spend more than 15 minutes with the same group of whales, and it must keep a respectful distance.

That’s not just a policy sentence—it shapes the experience. It means you’ll likely move on rather than circling endlessly. It also explains why the crew sometimes prioritizes reaching the next pod responsibly once sightings cluster.

If you care about ethical wildlife viewing, this kind of operational discipline is a real selling point.

Seasickness and rough water: bring your game plan

You’re sailing off the coast, and open sea can get bumpy. Some guests report very rocky waves and even mention needing sea sickness help.

Here’s the practical move: if you’re even mildly prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. One traveler recommends buying seasick wrist bands before going, and several people simply advise bringing something that works for you. The tour company can’t control the ocean, so your best defense is preparation.

The good news? Guests still report seeing whales even with difficult conditions, and catamarans often feel more stable than other boats.

Group size and viewing: why smaller often means better

This isn’t a mega-boat experience. With a cap around 50 people, and frequent comments that the boat isn’t overcrowded, you’re more likely to see whales without playing the constant game of standing on tiptoes.

Also, several guests mention pods coming close to the boat. When the crew is skilled at positioning safely and keeping distance rules, you can get that “close” feeling without turning the experience into a stressful traffic jam.

Price and booking: $41 can be good value when the details add up

The price is listed at about $41 per person, with a duration of 2 to 3 hours. That seems reasonable only if the included items are real. In this case, they are: free onboard drinks are included, and the 3-hour option adds snorkeling equipment and a swim stop.

There’s also a built-in reassurance: the trip advertises an almost guaranteed whale and/or dolphin sighting, and if you don’t get that, you can receive another ticket for free. That kind of safety net matters on whale tours, where weather and animal behavior can’t be controlled.

On the flexible-traveler side, you also get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now, pay later options.

What you’ll likely see on the water (based on past outings)

You’re primarily going out for pilot whales, and dolphins are part of the plan too. In traveler accounts, people also mention other sightings like sea turtles and flying fish.

Keep expectations grounded like this: whales can’t be forced. What you can control is booking a tour with a good location, experienced crew, and rules that protect the animals. This experience is built around all three.

Who should book this Tenerife whale watching catamaran

This tour fits best if you:

• Want pilot whales without committing to a full day at sea
• Appreciate a smaller, less crowded boat feel
• Like tours where the crew teaches as they search
• Would enjoy snorkeling in the 3-hour option after the whale portion
• Care about wildlife viewing done with distance and time limits

It’s especially attractive for families because crew members are described as attentive, and there’s on-board space that can help with bags and strollers.

If you’re the type who hates any chance of seasickness, you’ll still want to take precautions—but the catamaran setup and responsive crew can make it manageable for many travelers.

Should you book it? My practical take

I think you should book this tour if you want a high-probability wildlife outing paired with real included perks: free drinks, a respectful operating style, and an option to snorkel at Playa Espagueti.

I’d hesitate only if you’re very sensitive to choppy water and you don’t plan for motion sickness. Otherwise, the combination of a short sail time to the whale zone, knowledgeable spotting, and the backup ticket promise makes it a strong value pick for Tenerife.

If you’re in Costa Adeje and you want one memorable morning or afternoon that feels both fun and thoughtful, this catamaran whale watching trip is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

The tour duration is listed as 2 to 3 hours. The 3-hour option includes an additional stop for swimming and snorkeling.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes. Free onboard drinks are included, including water, soft drinks, and beer.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling is included only if you choose the 3-hour excursion. The stop is in the bay of Playa Espagueti, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Puerto Colón in southwest Tenerife. The exact meeting point can vary depending on the option booked.

What happens if we do not see whales?

The activity notes that you’ll get a guaranteed whale and/or dolphin sighting, or you’ll get another ticket for free.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: