Whale & Dolphin Watching With Mustcat Virgin Coast Trip On a Large Catamaran

Discovering Tenerife’s Marine Life: A Practical Review of the Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour on a Large Catamaran

If you’re heading to Tenerife and are eager to see some of the island’s most captivating wildlife, a boat trip to spot whales and dolphins might be just what you’re looking for. We’ve looked into the popular Whale & Dolphin Watching With Mustcat Virgin Coast Trip offered by Best Excursions Tenerife, and here’s the scoop to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.

What we love about this experience is that it combines wildlife viewing with plenty of comfort and perks—like an open bar and delicious food—making it a relaxing way to spend a few hours. Plus, the chance to swim in a beautiful bay adds a dash of adventure. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that sightings can be hit or miss; some travelers have only seen small whales or no dolphins at all. If your main goal is guaranteed wildlife encounters, this might not be the tour for you, but if you’re after a fun, social cruise with scenic views, it could be perfect.

This tour generally suits travelers who enjoy boat trips, are comfortable with being on the water for a few hours, and appreciate a laid-back vibe with drinks and snacks included. Families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a mix of wildlife and leisure will find it appeals to a broad audience.

Key Points

• Wildlife Focus: It’s designed specifically for whale and dolphin spotting, which makes it a good choice for marine life enthusiasts.
• Comfort & Perks: The large catamaran features an open bar and food service, making it more than just a sightseeing cruise.
• Swim Opportunity: The tour includes a stop where you can hop off and enjoy a swim in a scenic bay.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: With a maximum of 70 travelers, it offers a lively yet manageable group setting.
• Cost & Value: At around $58.17 per person, it offers a decent price for a 3-hour boat trip with food and drinks included.
• Weather Dependency: Good weather is essential for the trip; poor conditions could lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

The Experience in Detail: What to Expect on the Water

Starting from the marina in Las Galletas, the Mustcat crew sets out with a clear goal: to find whales and dolphins that have been spotted around the island before. The trip lasts roughly three hours, during which you’ll be cruising along the Virgin Coast, known for its marine diversity.

The Marine Wildlife Spotting:
The real highlight here is the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. While some travelers like Bruno_C noted, “3 baleines rikiki, aucun dauphin,” meaning they saw three small whales but no dolphins, others might strike gold with more frequent sightings. The crew provides insights into the species encountered, which adds an educational element and helps you appreciate the wildlife you’re watching.

The Anchor & Swim Stop:
After some time searching for marine life, the boat anchors near a small bay, such as Palm Mar cave, where you’re free to jump in for a swim. This part of the trip offers a lovely break from being on the boat and a chance to cool off in clear waters, a simple but appreciated feature. You’ll also be served food during this time, which is generally well-received, adding a leisurely touch to the experience.

The Onboard Atmosphere:
Onboard, the vibe is casual and friendly. The open bar is a definite perk, with alcoholic drinks included—perfect for relaxing as you wait for sightings or just soaking in the scenery. The food is also part of the package, offering some light bites or tapas, especially appreciated after a swim.

Views & Scenery:
Beyond the wildlife, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Tenerife’s coast and the sea. The large catamaran provides plenty of space for passengers to find a comfortable spot, whether lounging at the bow or sitting inside. Many reviews mention the “belle vue,” beautiful scenery, which is equally appealing whether or not you spot whales.

How the Trip Feels in Practice

The tour’s length of 3 hours strikes a balance between enough time on the water to increase your chances of wildlife sightings and not feeling overly long. It’s ideal if you want a sampler of marine life without dedicating a whole day.

The group size, capped at 70 travelers, keeps things lively but not overwhelming. You’ll likely chat with fellow travelers, share sightings, and enjoy the onboard entertainment and service. Because the trip is operated daily, there’s flexibility to fit it into your schedule, though most travelers book about 80 days in advance, indicating its popularity.

Price-wise, at just over $58 per person, it’s quite reasonable considering the food and drinks included. For comparison, some similar tours offer luxury small-group experiences with exclusive amenities, but this large catamaran keeps it accessible and fun.

What’s not so great: Sightings can be inconsistent. As one review noted, the trip only yielded small whales and no dolphins this time. Wildlife is unpredictable, and while the crew makes every effort to find marine life, there’s no guarantee. Weather can also impact the trip—if it’s too rough or stormy, the trip might be canceled, with options to reschedule or get a refund.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, social outing that combines wildlife viewing with good food and drinks, this trip fits the bill. It’s suitable for those who enjoy boat trips, don’t mind a group setting, and are okay with some unpredictability regarding sightings. It’s particularly appealing for travelers who want a mix of adventure, comfort, and scenery without breaking the bank.

Families with older children might enjoy the swim stop and the chance to see marine life, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with boat travel. If your main goal is guaranteed whale or dolphin sightings, you might want to research more specialized or smaller tours.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For roughly three hours of fun on the water, with the added bonus of a swim, food, and an open bar, this tour offers a solid value. The scenery is beautiful, and while sightings can vary, the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment remains exciting. The crew’s friendliness and the overall relaxed vibe make it an enjoyable experience for a wide range of travelers.

This is ideal if you’re after a social, laid-back cruise that combines wildlife spotting with some leisure. It’s a good pick for those who appreciate good value, scenic views, and a chance to unwind with drinks in hand. Just keep in mind the weather dependency and the fact that marine sightings aren’t guaranteed.

FAQs about the Mustcat Virgin Coast Trip

• How long is the tour?
  The trip lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy wildlife spotting, swimming, and relaxing onboard.

• What’s included in the price?
  The price covers whale and dolphin watching, a swim stop, food, and an open bar with alcoholic drinks.

• Is there a maximum group size?
  Yes, the tour can accommodate up to 70 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere lively but manageable.

• Can I book last-minute?
  Most travelers book about 80 days in advance, but you can check availability closer to your trip date—just be aware that weather can cause cancellations.

• What if I don’t see any whales or dolphins?
  Wildlife sightings depend on the day’s conditions and animal activity. The crew will do their best to find marine life, but sightings are not guaranteed.

• Is the trip suitable for families?
  It can be, especially for older children comfortable on boats. The swim stop is a fun addition, but younger children should be comfortable with being on the water.

• What should I bring?
  Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel for swimming, and maybe a light jacket if you get cold easily. Water shoes are optional but useful for swimming.

• What happens in case of bad weather?
  The trip requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

• Are there vegetarian or special diet options?
  The description mentions food is provided, but it doesn’t specify dietary options. It’s best to inquire directly with the provider if you have specific needs.

• How do I get to the meeting point?
  The tour starts at Av. de Colón, 11, Playa de la Américas, which is close to public transportation options.

This whale and dolphin cruise on a large catamaran offers a fun mix of wildlife, scenic views, and onboard comfort. It’s a flexible, social way to experience Tenerife’s marine environment, especially if you value good food and drinks alongside your wildlife sightings.