Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Transfer, Buffet by MC

Pilot whales make the trip worth it. On Tenerife’s coast, this 3-hour half-day catamaran pairs an easy pickup with time to hunt for whales and dolphins, then unwind on spacious decks. I love the small group size (max 24), which keeps the boat from feeling like a zoo, and I also like that snacks and drinks, including beer, come with the ride. One thing to consider: the experience depends on weather, and the sea can get choppy even on a stable catamaran.

If you want a nature outing that still feels low-effort, this is the kind of tour that works. You board in Puerto Colon, cruise along the coast in search of marine life, and then enjoy a buffet-style spread while you relax in the sun or shade. A possible drawback is that you should plan for movement at sea, since even stable boats rock a bit.

Quick Takes: What Makes This Whale Cruise Work So Well

• Small group feel (up to 24), so you can actually move around the boat instead of queuing at the rail
• Real comfort onboard, with sundecks plus seating on the fly-bridge and inside
• Food and drinks included, with a buffet and options like beer (and soft drinks, water, and champagne)
• Swim or snorkeling stop, with equipment provided when the captain takes you to the best spot
• Pickup only in the south, which is great if you’re in the listed areas, but not for every hotel on the island
• Crew and guide focus on safety and animal spotting, including time for swimming after the wildlife run

A Small-Group Catamaran That Lets You Actually Watch

The biggest win here is the limited passenger count. With a maximum of 24 people, you’re not fighting for elbow room every time a pod pops up. On a catamaran with multiple viewing spots, that matters. You can find sun, drift to shade, and still keep a clean line of sight when whales or dolphins surface.

I also like how the boat layout supports a relaxed rhythm. You have sundeck space up front (people often gravitate to the prows for the best angles), plus a fly-bridge with seating. Inside seating helps when the light is harsh or the breeze turns cool, which is especially useful on a longer cruise day or if you’re sensitive to wind.

One practical note: this catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. If that affects your group, you’ll need a different format. The good news is that there is a restroom onboard, and the tour is close to public transport if you do your own way to the port.

Getting There: Puerto Colon Meeting Point and Southern Transfers

Your trip starts at Monte Cristo Catamaran, part of 5-star Whale and Dolphin Tours, at Puerto Colon, Pantalan 6. The experience ends back at the same starting point.

If you’re staying in the south of Tenerife, the transfer option is a strong convenience upgrade. Pickup is available by request from areas including Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup timing varies, usually running about 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing. You get the exact pickup time after you request it.

If your hotel is outside those pickup areas, you can still join by making your own way to Puerto Colon. It helps to treat this like a port day, not a late-morning stroll. Show up early enough to be calm, not rushed, since boarding and settling in starts before the boat really gets going.

One more detail I appreciate for planning: confirmation is provided at booking, and you’ll use a mobile ticket. That cuts down on paperwork stress.

The 3-Hour Rhythm: Cruise, Spotting, Then Chill on the Deck

This is roughly three hours on the water, so it’s a true half-day experience. That shorter time window is part of the value. You get your marine-life hunt without eating an entire day, leaving room for other Tenerife plans afterward, like lunch, a beach break, or a sunset walk.

The cruise begins from Puerto Colon and heads out along the coast with a friendly crew guiding the hunt. When animals show up, the whole trip shifts from traveling to watching. You’ll want to stay flexible with where you stand. Dolphins can appear fast and then vanish just as quickly, while whales might take longer between sightings.

A useful tip for your comfort: even with a stable catamaran, expect some movement. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider ginger tablets or medication like Dramamine ahead of time, rather than waiting until you feel sick.

Also, consider your clothing choices based on the time of day. Reviews highlight that night cruises can mean colder air and a higher chance of getting wet. Bring something warm and bring a towel if you plan to swim.

Onboard Comfort, Sun Decks, and the Included Buffet

Once you’re out on the water, the mood becomes easy. The catamaran has generous deck space, including shaded places to pause and catch your breath. The fly-bridge seating and the sofa inside give you options when the sun is strong or when the sea breeze is doing its thing.

Now for the part that turns this from a basic tour into a more complete outing: food and drinks are included. You’ll find snacks, fruit, and tapas-style offerings, plus a buffet included in the price. The buffet is described as quality options like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and meat selections.

Drink options are also part of the deal. You’ll have water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. Reviews mention the crew staying on top of serving and keeping glasses filled, which matters in practice. You don’t want to spend your whale-watching time tracking down a drink.

I also like that you can mix and match. One person can stay focused on spotting, while another can grab snacks and settle into shade. It helps when kids are involved too, or when you’ve got mixed energy levels in your group.

What You Might See: Pilot Whales, Dolphins, and the Chance of Turtles

On Tenerife, the star here is often pilot whales and dolphins. You’re cruising around the coast looking for sea mammals in their natural habitat, and the crew helps you spot activity patterns as the boat moves.

In plain terms: marine life sightings are never guaranteed, but the odds tend to be strong when you go with an experienced operator and you’re out searching along the right coastline. The tour style is built for that. You’re not just passing by, you’re out to find animals and then linger long enough to appreciate what’s happening.

You might also spot sea turtles. That’s listed as a possible sighting during the cruise, and at least one account highlights a turtle among the animals seen.

If you’re hoping for a closer encounter, the best mindset is respectful observation rather than chasing. The crew’s job is to keep things safe and avoid risky behavior around wildlife. You’ll feel the difference when the guide focuses on where animals surface and what they’re doing, not on turning the boat into a spectacle.

Some guides you may encounter include Laura and Daniela, and you could be supported by captains such as Andrea. You should treat names like these as examples of the kind of team on board, not promises that any specific person will be there.

The Swim and Snorkel Stop: Fun, but Plan for Water Conditions

One of the most memorable parts is the stop that lets you swim and snorkel. The captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots, and equipment is provided. That’s a big deal because you don’t have to haul gear or worry you packed the wrong straps.

In practice, this is where you can create your own highlight. If the sea is calm, it can feel like a refreshing reset after scanning the horizon for whales. If the sea is rougher, it becomes more about quick swims and safe, controlled snorkeling.

Bring the right kit: swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. If you’re doing the swim, expect it to get you a little wet, and if you go on a cooler evening slot, expect you might want that warm layer afterward.

Safety is also part of the vibe. Reviews mention the crew being attentive and careful, especially when passengers feel unwell. If someone in your group gets motion sickness, the staff appears ready to help with space and comfort so the experience stays manageable.

Price and Value: What $71.35 Buys You in Real Terms

At about $71.35 per person, this is priced like a midrange excursion, not a bargain-basement whale trip. The value comes from the bundle. You’re paying for:

• a dedicated catamaran cruise on Tenerife’s coast
• inclusion of snacks and a buffet style meal
• drinks included, including beer and champagne
• a potential wildlife encounter with crew guidance
• a swim and snorkeling stop with equipment
• and, if you’re in the southern pickup area, door-to-boat transfer

The short 3-hour duration helps value too. You’re not paying for a full day of time you might spend in transit. It’s the kind of tour that fits into a busy itinerary without draining your energy.

It’s also capped at a small group size, which can reduce the “tour bus” feeling you get on bigger party catamarans. Reviews even contrast this with large group boats going past in the same area, and that’s a fair comparison if you care about comfort.

Finally, the operator shows a high approval rate, with an overall rating of 4.8 from 550 ratings. That doesn’t replace good planning, but it’s a reassuring signal that most people are leaving happy.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This tour is a strong match if you:

• want a half-day whale watching outing that still includes real onboard comfort
• like the idea of snacks, tapas, and drinks while you’re out spotting wildlife
• want an included swim and snorkeling stop without packing gear
• are traveling with a group that likes different paces (some spotting, some relaxing)

It may be less ideal if you:

• get motion sick easily and aren’t willing to take steps like ginger or Dramamine
• need wheelchair access, since the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible
• are far outside the southern pickup zones, because transfer is only available in specific areas

If you’re traveling with families, the onboard restroom, shaded areas, and the option to rest during the trip are helpful details. If it’s a special occasion, one account mentions celebrations, including a birthday song and cake for everyone, which is a nice bonus when it lines up with the day.

Before you choose your time slot, think about temperature and wind. Evening trips can be colder, and you may get a bit wet, but the relaxed vibe is part of the appeal.

Should You Book This Whale Watching Catamaran With Transfer and Buffet?

I’d book it if your goal is a comfortable, well-run half-day that combines marine-life watching with good onboard basics: drinks, a real buffet, shade options, and a swim stop. The small group size is the detail that tends to make the biggest difference in how the experience feels, and it pairs well with the idea of cruising from Puerto Colon without burning your whole day.

I’d also book it if your plans are flexible around weather, because the tour requires good conditions. If you’re the type who can handle a bit of sea movement and you pack for the possibility of getting wet, you’re set up for a memorable Tenerife day.

If you want, tell me your hotel area (or nearest town) and the month you’re going. I can help you pick the best time of day for comfort and sea conditions, using only what’s relevant for this cruise.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching catamaran cruise depart?

The tour departs from Monte Cristo Catamaran, 5-star Whale and Dolphin Tours, at Puerto Colon, Pantalan 6, Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is possible by request from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje areas, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá only.

If I am not in the pickup area, how do I join the tour?

You can make your own way to the departure point in Puerto Colon, Pantalan 6 (Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife).

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 3 hours.

What boat is used for the tour?

This tour uses a comfortable purpose-built catamaran that follows safety regulations and is set up to provide good views.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No, the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.

Are there shaded areas onboard?

Yes. There is shade and seating in areas like the sundeck and fly-bridge, plus a sofa inside the boat.

What should I bring for the swim or snorkeling stop?

Bring or wear a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel.

What food and drinks are included?

A buffet is included, and food offerings include items like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and meat selection. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather you will be offered another date or a full refund.