Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

Pilot whales on a catamaran, great idea. This Tenerife 3 hour cruise near the south coast is built for searching for cetaceans with a guide, then lingering for photo time when you find them, all on a small group boat. I love the intimate group size and the way the crew keeps the vibe relaxed, even when they are racing to the best spots.

My second favorite part is the included tapas-style food and drinks served through most of the trip, which makes it feel like a real afternoon out, not just a ride. The main thing to keep in mind is that whale and dolphin sightings are extremely common, but not guaranteed, and the day depends on good weather and animal movement.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Small group on a purpose-built catamaran with a maximum of 24 people, so you are not fighting for a view.
• A guide actively searches for the best cetacean areas, giving you more observation time when sightings happen.
• Drinks and snacks through most of the cruise, not just a single drink at departure.
• Swim and snorkel time with equipment provided, so you can enjoy more than just watching.
• Pilot whales are the usual headline, with dolphins sometimes showing up too, depending on the day.

Why this Tenerife catamaran cruise feels more personal

Whale watching can turn into a numbers game, the kind where you are packed in and hoping for the best. This one stays under a 24 person maximum, which changes everything. With fewer people, you can actually move around for better angles, and the crew can guide you to what matters without constant crowd control.

I also like that this is not a mystery tour. You are not just pointed vaguely toward open water. A crew member knows where to go, and the whole schedule is built around searching, accompanying the whales or dolphins, then making time for observation and pictures when you get the opportunity.

Puerto Colón start point, plus south Tenerife pickup on request

You start in Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas area and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. If you want transfer, pickup is available only for hotels in the south of Tenerife including Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje areas, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. The pickup timing is typically 20 minutes to 1 hour before departure, and the exact time is confirmed after you request it.

If you are staying outside the pickup zone, you will need to make your own way to Puerto Colón. There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of the island, so plan around that. One practical tip, based on how this kind of tour runs, is to be ready at your hotel a bit early on pickup day, since the ride time can swing depending on traffic.

Getting comfortable on board: shade, restrooms, and life vests

This trip is on a stable, purpose-built catamaran. Expect normal ocean movement, even on a catamaran, but it is generally easier than rougher boat types. There is a restroom onboard, which matters more than people think on a short, fixed-time excursion.

For safety, life vests are available for all passengers. For comfort, you get real places to sit, plus a sundeck area near the prow and seating on the flybridge. Inside the boat, there is also a sofa, so if sun or wind gets intense, you can duck into shade and reset.

Motion sickness prevention if you are sensitive

If you know you are prone to seasickness, plan ahead. The tour guidance suggests herbal ginger tablets or Dramamine prior to boarding. I like this approach because it avoids trying to solve the problem mid-wave, when you are already uncomfortable and less able to enjoy the viewing.

The core experience: searching for cetaceans and getting time to watch

This is not a long open water slog. The heart of the day is searching and accompanying whales and dolphins near Tenerife with plenty of chances to observe and take photos. When the day is good, it can feel like the boat turns into a floating viewing platform, because the crew stays focused on where the animals are active.

From the feedback, the most reliable headline species is often pilot whales, sometimes very close to the boat. There are also days with dolphins, including rare moments where dolphins show up in big numbers and stay active at the surface. That said, you should treat dolphin sightings as a bonus, not a guarantee, and keep your expectations flexible.

A key practical detail: because the tour is built around animal movement, your best vantage points depend on where you are in the moment. If the crew calls people to one side, take that seriously. It is usually the difference between seeing a distant spout and getting a clean view through open water.

Drinks and tapas: how the included schedule actually works for you

One reason this cruise gets such strong feedback is the food and drink setup. You are served drinks, snacks, and tapas-style offerings through most of the tour, so you are not stuck waiting for a meal once you are already back on land.

In real terms, that means fewer hangry gaps. It also means you can stay out on deck for longer, because you are not constantly heading inside or returning to your seat to hunt down water. Reviews also mention generous refills of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, with options like champagne or cava appearing, plus soft drinks and beer.

As for food, expect a tapas buffet style spread with items such as Spanish tortilla, olives, tomatoes, cheese, quiche, bread, and crisps, plus a meat selection. If you want vegetarian, there is a vegetarian option available, but you need to request it at booking.

A smart packing mindset for a 3 hour afternoon

Because this is a compact time window, you want to feel free, not rushed. Pack with the idea that you will likely be going from sun to shade, from sitting to standing for photos, and from deck time to water time. If you go in wearing swimwear, you reduce the stress of changing later.

Swim and snorkel time: fun bonus, with variable conditions

Yes, you can swim. The captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots, and snorkel equipment is provided. That is a big value add because the tour is not just about watching from above. You get a real change of pace, from spotting cetaceans to enjoying the water close to the boat.

That said, snorkeling can be a little unpredictable. One review described the snorkeling area as being in front of a clothing optional stretch of coastline and noted that the fish variety was limited there. Another person said snorkelling off the boat was fine and that the swim felt worthwhile. Translation for you: bring realistic expectations. You are going for a cool, safe water break, not for a guaranteed showy reef.

Also, the boat can anchor off a beach rather than right on it, so you may swim from the boat using the gear you have. Plan on that as the likely setup if conditions or anchoring location make landing impractical.

The south coast sail ending: mountains and coastline views

After the cetacean time and the water break, you finish with a relaxing sail close to the south coast. You get views of the mountains and surrounding beaches during the return stretch. This part matters because it gives your eyes a breather after intense whale watching.

If the wildlife spotting was strong, this calmer sail helps you slow down and actually enjoy the scenery, rather than only focusing on the next spout. If wildlife spotting was slower that day, the south coast views can still make the afternoon feel complete.

Weather, wildlife, and how to think about the odds

This tour requires good weather. If weather turns, the operator can cancel and offer another date or a full refund. Animal sightings are described as extremely common, but still not guaranteed. In other words, you should book because the odds are good, not because the outcome is guaranteed.

I like this kind of honest risk. It keeps the experience from feeling like a trap, and it explains why the day can vary. On a good day, you might see whales up close and dolphins too. On a slightly quieter day, you might get whales but no dolphins, or you might find less surface action.

What you can control

You can control preparation. Wear sunscreen, bring sunglasses, and go with swimwear so you can use the water time fast. If you are camera focused, consider a phone holder or neck strap so you can grab photos without constant hand gripping. One reviewer even recommended a neck holder for your mobile phone, and that is the kind of small comfort that makes deck time easier.

Value check: is $71.35 per person a good deal?

At $71.35 per person, you are paying for a three hour boat outing with several included extras: transfers in the south by request, a small group cap, drinks served through much of the trip, and tapas-style food, plus swim and snorkel equipment. For a coastal activity in a high-tourism area, this pricing tends to look fair because a lot of the cost is bundled.

What makes it feel like value is the combination. Many whale cruises charge separately for snacks or drinks, or they keep food minimal. Here, the experience is designed so you can stay present. You are not forced to leave deck time early just to find a meal or wait for basic refreshment.

On top of that, when pilot whales are showing up, the viewing time is the main “product.” Reviews are consistently enthusiastic about pilot whales showing up close to the boat, plus dolphins sometimes appearing and dolphins playing in the water ahead of the hull. That is exactly what you came for, and this tour is set up to maximize your time during those moments.

A note on the human side

Crew friendliness comes up again and again. People mention attentive service, fast refills, and guides who explain what you are seeing. One birthday review thanked Michael Andre and Edmond, which is a nice reminder that you will likely remember specific people more than the food list.

Who should book, and who might choose something else

This is a strong fit if you want a short, high-impact ocean outing with included food and drink, plus an optional swim. It also suits families, since kids must be accompanied by an adult and the vibe is described as family-friendly.

I would also recommend it if you do not love huge boats with huge crowds. The small-group limit is a real quality factor for whale watching, because it changes how you experience the viewing window.

I would think twice if you are hoping for guaranteed dolphin sightings every time, or if you are expecting snorkeling to feel like a reef tour. Some days the water time is amazing and some days it is still fun but less visually dramatic.

Should you book the Monte Cristo Catamaran tour?

Book this if you want a compact Tenerife whale and dolphin experience with included tapas and drinks, plus swim time, and you are staying in south Tenerife or can easily reach Puerto Colón. The small group size, the stability of the catamaran, and the way the crew focuses on finding cetaceans all make this a practical choice.

Skip it, or plan a backup activity, if you are traveling at a time when weather is often rough or you know you are extremely sensitive to sea movement and do not want to take prevention. Also, if snorkeling expectations are very high, treat the water time as a fun add-on rather than the main attraction.

If your goal is to maximize your chance of seeing pilot whales and enjoying an honest, relaxed afternoon at sea, this is one of the more straightforward buys in Tenerife.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón in the Playa de las Américas area (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is possible by request only for hotels in the south of Tenerife, including Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje areas, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of the island.

How long is the whale and dolphin watching cruise?

The duration is about 3 hours.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 24 travelers.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

Sighting of whales and dolphins is extremely common, but it is not guaranteed.

What food and drinks are included?

Food and drinks are included, with drinks served throughout most of the tour. You get snacks and a tapas-style buffet, and there is a vegetarian option available if you request it at booking.

Can you swim or snorkel during the tour?

Yes. Your captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots, and snorkel equipment is provided.

Is there safety gear and a restroom onboard?

Life vests are available for all passengers, and there is a restroom onboard.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No, the catamaran is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring for the trip?

Wear or bring your swimsuit, and bring items like a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen.