Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Transfer, Buffet by MC

If you’re heading to Tenerife and love the idea of spotting dolphins, whales, and maybe even sea turtles in their natural habitat, a whale watching cruise might be just the ticket. From the glowing reviews, this particular trip on a small, comfortable catamaran seems to deliver a solid mix of wildlife encounters, relaxing scenery, and good food—all wrapped up in around three hours. We’re not talking about a wild, adrenaline-pumping adventure, but rather a laid-back way to enjoy Tenerife’s coast and its marine residents without feeling rushed.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the expert crew’s knowledge and friendliness — they’re often praised for their attentiveness and ability to share interesting facts. Plus, the included food and drinks elevate the experience. Imagine lounging on deck, soaking up sun and mountain views, with plenty of delicious tapas and refreshing beverages within arm’s reach. However, a potential hiccup is that the boat isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the trip can get a bit choppy, so seasickness is something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive.

This tour is ideal if you’re after a relaxed, family-friendly outing or just want a good value experience with a high chance of seeing marine life. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a small, intimate group setting and enjoy combining wildlife spotting with some tasty snacks and scenic views.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see whales, dolphins, and possibly even sea turtles in their natural environment.
• Relaxing Pace: This is a half-day trip, giving you plenty of time for other activities on your holiday.
• All-Inclusive: Snacks, drinks, beer, and even champagne are included, making it easy to relax without fussing over extras.
• Comfort & Views: Spacious sundecks and a flybridge offer excellent vantage points and comfort.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for most travelers, especially those who enjoy calm, scenic trips with wildlife viewing.
• Weather Dependent: As with all boat trips, good weather is essential for the best experience.

What It’s Like on the Water

The experience kicks off at Puerto Colon with a friendly crew welcoming you aboard a purpose-built catamaran that adheres to safety standards. The boat’s design ensures stability, helping minimize seasickness, though some movement can still be expected. The vessel has shaded areas, sun decks, and a flybridge—perfect for lounging and soaking in the views.

The trip lasts approximately three hours, which feels just right—long enough to see plenty of wildlife and enjoy the scenery, but not so long that you’ll get bored or uncomfortable. As you head out from the coast, the views back toward Tenerife’s mountains and coastlines are stunning, especially on a clear day. The boat is larger enough for a cozy group (maximum 24 people), yet small enough to give you a more intimate experience than some of the bigger tour boats.

Wildlife Watching and Marine Encounters

The main highlight, of course, is the chance to spot whales and dolphins. According to reviews, seeing pilot whales and dolphins up close is a common highlight, and some travelers even report seeing sea turtles. The crew shares insightful facts about the animals, which adds a layer of education to the fun. One reviewer gushes, “Lots of pilot whales, super service, attentiveness, fun and kindness from all the staff. Lots of great facts were shared, too.”

While wildlife sightings are naturally unpredictable, the reviews suggest that the chances are high. The boat’s location, close to the coast and in the whales’ natural habitat, maximizes your odds. Some reviews mention that they were lucky enough to observe a pod of nine whales up close, which is quite a special experience.

Snorkelling and Swimming Opportunities

A key feature that sets this tour apart is the chance to swim or snorkel at selected spots during the trip. The captain will take you to the best snorkeling places, with all the necessary equipment provided. If you love getting into the water, this is a lovely bonus that adds a bit of adventure and personal interaction with the ocean.

One reviewer shared, “We saw dolphins and whales as well,” and enjoyed a short swim, which they described as a highlight. Keep in mind, the water can be rough at times, and the boat’s stability helps, but seasickness could still be an issue for sensitive travelers.

Food and Drinks: A Tasty Perk

The included tapas-style snacks and beverages shine in reviews. The selection includes cheese, tortillas, quiche, bread, and meats, complemented by fruit and crisps. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne—so there’s plenty to keep everyone refreshed. Several reviews mention how good the food was, with one saying, “food and drinks was lovely, simple but lovely,” and another praising the “excellent tapas style snack.”

This aspect makes the cruise feel more like a relaxing social event than a hurried wildlife tour. The crew’s attentiveness in offering drinks and keeping everyone comfortable adds to the positive vibe.

Group Size and Comfort

With a maximum of 24 travellers, the tour maintains a cozy, friendly atmosphere, which many reviews favor. The boat’s layout offers ample space, with sun decks and shaded areas, so you won’t feel crowded. One traveler noted, “the boat was very comfy, ample room, not too many people,” which is a significant plus for a relaxing experience.

However, some reviews do point out that the boat can sometimes feel slightly crowded, especially if you’re on the smaller side or if the weather is warm and everyone wants to be outside. Still, the overall consensus is that the comfort level is high for a tour of this kind.

Timing, Price, and Value

At around $73.47 per person, this trip is competitive given the inclusions—snacks, drinks, wildlife viewing, and snorkeling. When you consider the chance to see whales, dolphins, and turtles in a small-group setting, many reviewers feel it offers good value. Multiple reviews mention it as “well worth the money” and “excellent value for money.”

The timing is flexible, with the tour lasting about three hours. Departure points are easy to reach, and hotel transfers are available if you’re staying in the south of Tenerife, making it convenient to fit into your day.

Potential Drawbacks

While most reviews are glowing, there are a few considerations. A few travelers mention experiencing seasickness, which is common on open water trips. The boat isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility issues may need to consider alternative options. Also, since wildlife sightings depend on natural behavior, sightings are not guaranteed, though the high review score suggests chances are good.

One traveler pointed out that the boat can sometimes feel a little overfilled, but overall, the space and layout seem to mitigate this concern for most.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise suits nature lovers, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed way to enjoy Tenerife’s marine life. It’s particularly appealing for those who value good food and drinks, friendly guides, and a small-group experience. If you’re after a lively, high-energy adventure, this may not be your thing, but if you want a comfortable, informative, and scenic outing, it’ll tick most boxes.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this whale watching catamaran cruise offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience that balances wildlife encounters, scenic views, and great food. The high praise from past travelers about the crew’s friendliness and knowledge, combined with the opportunity to swim and snorkel, makes it a solid choice for many visitors to Tenerife.

While it’s not perfect—some might find the boat a little crowded or be concerned about seasickness—the overall value and quality shine through. If you’re looking for a relaxing, friendly, and wildlife-rich half-day trip, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Where is the departure point for the Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise?
The cruise departs from Puerto Colon, specifically at the Monte Cristo Catamaran, located at Pantalan 6 in Costa Adeje. Hotel pickup is available for guests in the south of Tenerife, but if you’re staying elsewhere, you can make your way directly.

What sort of boat is used during this tour?
The trip takes place on a purpose-built catamaran, which is designed to be comfortable and safe. Its configuration offers excellent views and plenty of space for passengers.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the catamaran isn’t wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility issues will need to consider other options.

Are there restrooms onboard?
Yes, the boat has onboard restrooms, making it convenient for all passengers.

Can I find shaded areas on the boat?
Definitely. The vessel features shaded zones, plus generous sun decks and a flybridge with seating, so you can choose your preferred spot to relax.

Should I worry about seasickness?
The boat is quite stable and designed to minimize movement, but seasickness can still occur. If you’re prone, consider taking herbal remedies or motion sickness tablets beforehand.

What animals might I see?
Most travelers see pilot whales and dolphins, and some also spot sea turtles. The crew provides educational commentary to enhance the experience.

What food and drinks are included?
Snacks include tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, and meats, along with fruit and crisps. Drinks range from water and soft drinks to beer and champagne.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?
Absolutely. The captain will take you to the best spots for snorkeling or swimming, with all equipment provided. It’s a great way to get closer to the ocean life.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, wildlife-focused trip with delicious food and stunning scenery, this whale watching cruise could be just what you need. It’s a chance to unwind, enjoy the ocean, and maybe catch a glimpse of the majestic creatures that call Tenerife’s waters home.