Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

Pilot whales are the main event here, and the chances of seeing them near Tenerife are very good. From Puerto Colón, you’ll cruise aboard the Monte Cristo Catamaran with up to 24 people, keeping the trip friendly and relaxed rather than turning it into a floating crowd scene.

I like the small group and the way food and drinks are worked into the outing, not tacked on as an afterthought. I also like the swim stop and the fine views of Tenerife’s southern coast. The main caution is simple: dolphins and whales are wild animals, so sightings are common but never guaranteed, and the snorkeling stop may feel modest if you expect a full reef experience.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the likely star: The crew regularly searches for the resident cetaceans around Tenerife, and sightings often happen close to the boat.
• Small capacity matters: The catamaran takes a maximum of 24 people, giving you more room and a better chance to see the water.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tapas-style food, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, and sparkling wine or champagne.
• Swimming is part of the plan: Bring a swimsuit and towel for the stop near the south coast, with snorkeling equipment available.
• Transfers cover South Tenerife: Pickup can be arranged from listed resort areas, but not from Puerto de la Cruz or the north.
• It is good value at $71.35: A three-hour cruise, hotel transport when available, food, drinks, and wildlife watching are bundled into one price.

Why pilot whales make this Tenerife cruise special

Tenerife is one of Europe’s easier places to look for whales in the wild. The waters off the south coast are used by pilot whales, and the cruise is built around finding them rather than simply taking a scenic boat ride and hoping for luck.

You may see a pod moving calmly at the surface, with rounded backs appearing beside the catamaran. The best sightings can be surprisingly close, which gives you a good chance to watch natural behavior and take photos without a long trek offshore.

Dolphins are also possible, and some outings produce lively groups that swim near the boat. Sea turtles and other wildlife may appear too, though the crew cannot promise any particular species or number of sightings. That honesty matters. You are buying time on the ocean with a strong chance of wildlife, not a guaranteed animal encounter.

The crew’s job is to search carefully and position the boat for viewing without turning the trip into a frantic chase. Staff members, including Michael, Andre, and Edmond on some departures, have been singled out for friendly service and clear explanations about the whales. The tone is more personal than a large party boat, which helps when you want to ask questions or get a good look from the rail.

Boarding at Puerto Colón

The meeting point is Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, also known as the Costa Adeje area. You meet near the Monte Cristo Catamaran, and the activity finishes back at the same harbor.

If you are staying in the south, request hotel pickup at least 24 hours before departure. The service covers hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup times vary, usually arriving 20 minutes to one hour before sailing, so wait for the confirmed time rather than assuming a standard schedule.

The transfer is useful if you are staying at a resort and do not want to arrange a taxi or navigate to the harbor. It also makes the day feel neatly contained: minibus to the marina, boat trip, then return to your hotel. Pickup is not offered from Puerto de la Cruz or other northern parts of Tenerife, so you will need to reach Puerto Colón yourself if you are based outside the southern service area.

At boarding, expect a comfortable catamaran with seating, a flybridge, a forward sundeck, an interior sofa, and a restroom. Some departures ask you to remove your shoes before boarding, so wear footwear that you can slip off easily. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, which is important to confirm before booking.

Three hours on the Monte Cristo Catamaran

The first part of the cruise is dedicated to wildlife watching. The boat heads into the waters off southern Tenerife, and the crew begins looking for whales and dolphins. You may spend time moving slowly while everyone watches the surface, followed by a sudden burst of activity when a pod appears.

Bring your phone or camera, but keep it secure. One useful tip is to use a neck strap or phone holder, especially if you plan to take pictures near the rail. A camera with a zoom can help, but the close sightings reported on this trip mean your phone may still capture plenty.

The catamaran is stable compared with many smaller boats, but it will still move. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking a suitable remedy before boarding. Sit where you feel most comfortable, look toward the horizon, and avoid making your first stop at the bar if the sea is unsettled.

The boat has space to spread out, but do not expect a wide, empty deck built mainly for sunbathing. Most of the seating is arranged for viewing and conversation. That is a good trade for many people, since you can move between shaded seating and open-air areas as the sun changes.

What you eat and drink onboard

Food is served during the cruise, with a cold buffet or tapas-style spread. Depending on the departure, you may find Spanish tortilla, olives, tomatoes, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, meat selections, and small canapés.

This is light boat food, not a formal restaurant lunch. I would think of it as a generous snack meal that keeps the outing comfortable while you watch for wildlife. Several meals include local flavors, and the spread is generally enough to make the $71.35 price feel more reasonable, especially when hotel transport is also included.

Drinks are available through much of the trip. Choices include water, soft drinks, beer, and sparkling wine or champagne, with the crew regularly offering refills. Some departures also include celebratory shots near the end, which can add a festive touch, though you can simply decline them.

Vegetarian food is available if requested at booking. If you have specific dietary needs, ask before departure rather than relying on the standard buffet. The vegetarian selection may be limited, with one departure noting that more meat-free choices would have been welcome.

The swim and snorkeling stop

After the wildlife search, the captain usually anchors near the south coast for a swim. The boat remains offshore, so this is not a beach visit. You jump or climb into the sea from the catamaran, then return onboard when you are ready.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. You may see small fish beneath the boat, but keep your expectations sensible. This is primarily a whale and dolphin trip with a swim break, not a dedicated snorkeling excursion. The marine life at the stop can be fairly ordinary, and the location may be near a nudist beach, something to be aware of if you are traveling with children or prefer a more secluded setting.

The stop is still valuable after time spent scanning the water. It gives you a chance to cool off, stretch your legs, and enjoy the catamaran without a schedule of constant activity. Pack your swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Put on sunscreen before boarding, since the glare off the water can be strong even when the air feels mild.

If you would rather not swim, you can remain onboard and enjoy the coastline. The trip does not require you to get into the water, and the vessel provides seating and shaded areas.

Coastal views on the way home

The final sail is slower and more scenic, with views of Tenerife’s southern beaches and mountains. After the excitement of spotting a whale or dolphin, this quieter stretch lets you enjoy the coast without having to keep your camera ready every second.

You will see the island from a different angle than from the road. The sea gives you a broad view of the resort coast, while the mountains rise behind it. It is a pleasant finish, especially on a clear day, and it keeps the trip from feeling like a wildlife search followed by an abrupt return to port.

The outing lasts about three hours, so it fits well into a half-day plan. You can schedule it on a day when you want one major activity without giving up an entire afternoon or evening. Remember that transfers may lengthen the total time away from your hotel.

Is $71.35 good value?

At $71.35 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but it bundles together several costs. You receive about three hours aboard the catamaran, wildlife watching, a buffet-style meal, drinks, a swim stop, equipment for snorkeling, and hotel pickup and return when you are in the service area.

The maximum of 24 people is a major part of the value. A larger boat may offer a lower ticket price, but you may spend more time looking over other people’s shoulders. Here, the smaller capacity gives you a better chance of reaching the rail, hearing the crew, and finding a comfortable seat.

The price makes the most sense if you will use the food, drinks, and transfer. It is less compelling if you are staying near Puerto Colón, do not drink alcohol, and mainly want a quick wildlife trip. Even then, the small group and included swim stop may justify the difference.

The experience has a 4.8 rating from 2,712 ratings, with 96 percent recommending it. Those numbers point to a reliably well-run outing, but they do not change the basic rule of wildlife watching: the sea decides what appears.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed sea trip without a packed party boat. Children can take part when accompanied by an adult, and the mix of whales, food, swimming, and coastal scenery gives the day enough variety for different ages.

It also suits anyone who likes a social boat outing but does not want loud entertainment to take over. The crew provides service and information, yet the main focus stays on the animals and the sea.

You should think twice if you need guaranteed dolphin sightings, a serious snorkeling site, wheelchair access, or a completely dry and stable ride. The catamaran is steady, but it is still a boat. And while pilot whales are seen often, nature does not run on a timetable.

For photography, bring protection for your phone and be ready to act quickly. Wildlife may surface without warning. For comfort, bring a towel, sun protection, a light layer, and motion sickness medication if you normally need it.

Should you book the Monte Cristo Catamaran?

Book this trip if you want a small-scale wildlife cruise with the practical extras already handled. The strongest reasons are the frequent pilot whale sightings, the friendly crew, the 24-person limit, and the generous supply of food and drinks.

I would not choose it solely for snorkeling or a guaranteed dolphin encounter. But if you see the swim as a bonus and the wildlife search as the main event, this is a well-priced way to spend three hours off Tenerife’s south coast. Request the hotel transfer early, bring your swimsuit, and keep your expectations aimed at a real ocean encounter rather than a staged show.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The boat departs from Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, in Costa Adeje, near Playa de las Américas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and return can be requested from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup is not available from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of Tenerife, and you should request it at least 24 hours before departure.

How many people can join the cruise?

The catamaran has a maximum capacity of 24 travelers. This keeps the outing smaller than many large boat excursions.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes a tapas-style buffet or cold meal with items such as tortilla, cheese, quiche, bread, olives, tomatoes, crisps, canapés, and meat selections. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and sparkling wine or champagne.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The captain stops near the south coast for swimming, and snorkeling equipment is provided. Bring your own swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

What happens if the weather is poor or wildlife is not seen?

Whale and dolphin sightings are common but not guaranteed. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.