Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

Pilot whales live year-round off Tenerife’s southwest coast, often just a few miles from Puerto Colón. That makes this a particularly promising whale-watching trip: you spend less time reaching open water and more time watching pods, dolphins, and sometimes sea turtles or flying fish. I especially like the small-catamaran feel and the crew’s calm approach around the animals.

The free drinks are a useful touch, and the 3-hour option gives you a proper chance to swim and snorkel. The main drawback is the sea itself. Open water can turn choppy, and several people felt seasick, especially when the boat stopped. Bring motion-sickness tablets or wristbands if you are prone to it.

Key points at a glance

• Resident pilot whales: The whales live in these waters all year, so sightings are possible in every season.
• A smaller boat: Capacity is limited to 50 people, with numbers adjusted when government rules require it.
• Two useful durations: Choose two hours for a focused wildlife trip or three hours for added swimming and snorkeling.
• Drinks included: Water, soft drinks, and beer are provided during the cruise.
• Wildlife handled with care: The boat keeps its distance and spends no more than 15 minutes with the same whale group.
• A strong value at $41: The price covers the cruise, crew commentary, and drinks, with another ticket promised if no whale or dolphin is seen.

Why Tenerife is such a good place for whale watching

The southwest coast of Tenerife is not simply a scenic backdrop for a boat ride. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera support resident pilot whales, which means you are not relying only on a lucky seasonal passage. These animals live in the area throughout the year and can often be found a short distance from the coast.

That local population is the central reason I find this trip more appealing than a longer cruise that spends much of its time reaching the viewing area. The catamaran usually travels about two or three miles offshore, then begins looking carefully for signs of life.

Pilot whales are the main attraction, but the water around the fish farms can bring dolphins close to the boat. Dolphins often search there for an easy meal, and bottlenose dolphins have been seen alongside the catamaran. You might also spot flying fish, sea turtles, or other marine life, though those sightings are extras rather than promises.

The talk about giant squid adds an unusual local detail. Squid in the deeper water between Tenerife and La Gomera can grow to around 40 feet and live at depths of roughly 2,600 feet. You will not see these deep-sea animals from the catamaran, but the information helps explain how much life exists below the surface.

Leaving Puerto Colón for the open sea

The trip begins at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. You need to make your own way to the pier, since transport is not included, and the exact meeting point can depend on the option you book. Check those details carefully before setting out.

Once aboard, the catamaran gives you several ways to enjoy the ride. You can watch from the outside, look toward the coast, or move to the inner area if the wind picks up. One family appreciated having an interior place for bags and a pushchair, as well as a toilet, which can matter when you are taking children on an open-water trip.

The boat is limited to 50 people, but the feel can be less crowded than that number suggests. Many recent trips have had enough room for clear views, and one of the boat’s advantages is that you are not packed onto a very large vessel with a crowd competing for the same railing.

The southwest coast looks best from the water. You see Tenerife from a different angle, with the coast stretching behind you as the catamaran heads toward the whale area. If you prefer quiet sightseeing to a busy party boat, this setting should suit you, although music may be played during parts of the cruise.

Finding pilot whales near Tenerife

The whale search is the heart of the two-hour trip. The crew watches the water, points out which side of the boat to use, and gives you time to follow the animals instead of rushing from one sighting to the next.

Pilot whales often travel in family groups. You may see several surfacing together, a mother with a young whale, or a whale approaching close enough for a good photograph. Encounters vary, of course. On some outings, the whales have come near the hull, while on another day, rough weather made the animals harder to spot.

The crew’s conduct matters here. The boat cannot spend more than 15 minutes with the same group and must keep a set distance. When other boats crowd around a pod, the captain may move away rather than add to the pressure. The engine can also be quietened when the animals come close, giving you a better chance to watch natural behavior without a loud boat cutting through the moment.

I like that this is not presented as a guaranteed close-up show. You are seeing wild animals, not trained performers. The trip offers a guaranteed whale or dolphin sighting, or another ticket, but the animals still decide how close they come and how long they remain in view.

The crew adds useful context without turning the outing into a lecture. Guides including Lucy, Danny or Dani, Tony, Mario, Anto, and Lucia have helped point out animals and explain their behavior on different departures. English and Spanish are offered, and Lucia has also translated explanations personally for children when needed.

The fish farm and dolphin search

After or during the whale search, the catamaran passes fish farms. These structures can attract dolphins looking for an easy food source, so the area gives you another chance to see marine life even if the whales are quiet.

Dolphins may swim beside the boat, cross in front of the bow, or jump clear of the water. Bottlenose dolphins have been seen here, including adults with young. Watching them requires a little patience. They can appear on one side, vanish, then surface well ahead of the boat.

This part of the cruise is especially good for families because it adds movement and variety. Children may find a dolphin leaping in front of the boat easier to follow than a whale surfacing at a distance. The crew also keeps checking that everyone is comfortable, which is helpful when younger children are on board.

Bring a phone or camera, but keep it ready rather than staring at the screen the whole time. A whale’s back may show for only a moment, and dolphins do not follow a schedule. I would rather watch first and take a few imperfect photos than miss the best sight while trying to frame it.

Choosing between two hours and three

The two-hour trip is the straightforward choice if you mainly want whales, dolphins, and coastal views. It is long enough to reach the viewing area, spend time with the animals, and return without taking up most of your day. Several people found two hours sufficient after seeing multiple pilot whales.

Choose the three-hour version if you want the boat ride to feel like a full half-day outing. This option adds a stop at Playa Espagueti, where you can swim and snorkel from the catamaran for about 30 minutes. The timing can change if the whale search takes longer, so the swimming portion is not completely fixed.

Snorkeling equipment is included with the three-hour option. Some departures have also provided towels, though you should confirm the current arrangement when booking rather than rely on that as a standard inclusion. You may see fish below the boat, but this is not a reef tour with a long guided swim.

The bay can be choppy, even when the water looks inviting. Stopping the boat can make motion sickness worse, and one person found the swim difficult because of the waves. If you are comfortable in open water, the stop is a pleasant break. If you are less confident, you can decide whether a short swim is worth the extra time.

Drinks, sandwiches, and the practical comforts

Water, soft drinks, and beer are included in the price. The available choices have included canned beer, water, cola, and orange or lemon soft drinks. This is not a minor detail on a sunny boat ride. You do not need to buy each drink separately or remember to carry enough for the full outing.

Some departures have also served ham and cheese sandwiches. Because the formal inclusions specify drinks rather than a meal, I would treat sandwiches as a welcome extra, not something to count on when comparing the price with a food-inclusive cruise.

There is a toilet on board, although one report found it blocked during a particular trip. That is worth knowing if you are deciding between a short two-hour outing and the longer version with a swim stop. The indoor area can also be useful for storing bags and a pushchair and for taking a break from the sun.

The boat’s size makes a difference. A maximum of 50 people does not guarantee a quiet sailing, but it is more personal than the very large catamarans that can feel packed. The crew may take photos for you, and there can be simple photo opportunities at the wheel or on deck.

Sea conditions and what to bring

The biggest practical warning is seasickness. Several outings have had smooth conditions, while others have been quite rocky. The open Atlantic can change quickly, and the boat may roll more when it slows near the whales or stops for snorkeling.

If you are susceptible, take your usual motion-sickness medicine before departure. Sea-sickness wristbands may also help some people. Sit where you can see the horizon, keep your eyes on the water rather than a phone, and be cautious with beer until you know how you feel.

For the day itself, bring:

• Sun protection and a hat
• A light layer for wind
• Swimwear and a change of clothes for the three-hour option
• A camera or phone with a secure grip
• Motion-sickness medication if you need it

The crew provides snorkeling gear for the three-hour trip. The boat also carries safety equipment, and extra life jackets have been available for people entering the water. Follow the crew’s instructions closely, especially when the sea is moving.

Is $41 a fair price?

At $41 per person, the price is strong for a two to three-hour catamaran trip that includes whale and dolphin watching, a live guide, and drinks. The value improves if you see both species, but the guarantee means the offer still has a safety net if wildlife conditions are poor.

The three-hour option makes more sense if you would otherwise pay separately for a short boat ride and a swimming activity. The snorkeling stop is brief, and the bay may be choppy, so it is not worth choosing the longer trip solely for a calm-water swim.

You are also paying for the chance to see resident wildlife in its natural setting, not for an amusement-park performance. The crew’s policy of limiting time with each group and keeping distance is part of the value. It may mean you leave a pod sooner than you would like, but that is the responsible choice.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking add flexibility. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. Since transport to Puerto Colón is not included, factor in your own route to the pier.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would recommend the two-hour trip for first-time whale watchers, families wanting a manageable outing, and anyone with a busy Costa Adeje schedule. You get the main wildlife experience without committing to a full morning or afternoon on the water.

The three-hour version suits you if swimming matters as much as wildlife. It is also a good pick for people who like a slower boat outing with more time to enjoy drinks, views, and the sea. Just remember that snorkeling conditions depend on the day.

This is a good match for children, provided an adult watches them carefully around the railings and water. The inner seating area, toilet, and attentive crew make it easier for families, but a catamaran at sea is never a place to relax your supervision.

I would hesitate only if you strongly dislike boats, get severe motion sickness, or need a guaranteed calm swim. The whale guarantee covers another ticket if no whale or dolphin appears, not a refund for uncomfortable sea conditions.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a well-priced whale-watching outing with a real chance of seeing pilot whales close to Tenerife. I especially like the resident whale population, modest boat capacity, included drinks, and the crew’s clear respect for the animals.

Pick two hours for a focused wildlife trip. Pick three if you want the added swim and snorkeling stop at Playa Espagueti. Bring motion-sickness protection, arrive ready for changing sea conditions, and remember that the best moments may last only seconds. For $41, this is a practical way to get onto the water and see Tenerife’s marine life without turning the day into a major production.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching catamaran leave from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, on Tenerife’s southwest coast. The exact meeting point may vary by the option booked, so check your booking details.

How long is the cruise?

You can choose a two-hour or three-hour excursion. The three-hour option includes a swimming and snorkeling stop.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

The activity guarantees a whale or dolphin sighting. If neither is seen, you receive another ticket for free.

What animals might I see?

Pilot whales are the main species in the area, and dolphins are often searched for near the fish farms. You might also see bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, or other marine life, but these additional sightings are not guaranteed.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks consist of water, soft drinks, and beer.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the three-hour option. That option also includes the swimming and snorkeling stop at Playa Espagueti.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The stop is usually about 30 minutes, but its length can change depending on how much time is spent looking for whales.

What languages are offered?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.