Pilot whales are close to shore here. This catamaran trip heads out from Puerto Colón on Tenerife and aims for pilot whale pods with free drinks aboard, plus crew explanations that keep your eyes moving. I especially like the free onboard drinks and the way the crew spots activity early so the time feels productive.

I also like that this tour keeps the boat from feeling packed. The catamaran caps at 50 people, so you can actually see, photograph, and follow the crew’s guidance without constant jostling.

The main thing to plan for is the sea. Even on a catamaran, you can hit choppy water, and the snorkeling stop (about 30 minutes on the 3-hour option) can shrink if conditions don’t cooperate.

Key Things I’d Tell a Friend Before You Go

• Almost-guaranteed pilot whales and/or dolphins: you’re heading to an area they live in year-round, with a fallback if sightings don’t happen.
• Free drinks are part of the value: water, soft drinks, and beer are included from the start.
• You cruise past a fish-farm zone: dolphins are often active around where food is easier.
• The 3-hour option adds Playa Espagueti snorkeling: you get gear and a swim stop, but timing depends on whale activity.
• Wildlife rules keep this from getting rowdy: the crew limits time with a group to protect the animals.
• Smaller-boat feel helps the experience: a max capacity of 50 keeps viewing calmer and easier.

Puerto Colón to Pilot Whale Territory: Why This Route Works

The tour is based out of Puerto Colón on the southwest side of Tenerife, and that location matters more than you’d think. You’re not spending forever just getting “out there.” Instead, you sail only about 2–3 miles from the coast to reach pilot whale territory, which helps the day stay focused on watching rather than transit.

This area is described as permanent habitat for pilot whales, and they’re seen throughout the year. That’s a big deal for planning, because it reduces the usual whale-watching anxiety of wondering if you booked the wrong week.

The boat is a catamaran, so you usually get a more stable ride than a small motorboat. Still, you’re on open water, and the ocean doesn’t sign paperwork in advance. Bring a realistic mindset: you’re there for whales, not for perfect smooth sailing.

2 Hours vs 3 Hours: How the Extra Time Changes the Day

You have two lengths to choose from: a 2-hour excursion and a 3-hour excursion. The core experience is the same—spot pilot whales, look for dolphins, and cruise along Tenerife’s southwest coast while the crew talks marine life facts.

The 3-hour option adds a swimming and snorkeling stop in the bay of Playa Espagueti. The snorkeling time is typically around 30 minutes, but it can stretch or shrink depending on how long it takes to locate and watch whales. That means the “extra hour” can feel like extra sea time (best case), or like extra waiting while the crew keeps tracking pods (also part of whale watching).

If you want a little more variety—whales plus fish below the surface—go 3 hours. If your priority is staying fresh for the main show and avoiding any time lost to sea conditions, the 2-hour version is often the safer bet.

Spotting Pilot Whales: The Crew’s Search Rhythm

Pilot whales are the headline, and the experience is built around them. You’ll be out near where they live, and the crew actively tracks sightings using a combination of lookout work and local know-how. The result is that you’re usually watching pods rather than wandering in the dark.

There’s also a key wildlife-protection rule that shapes how close you get and how long the boat stays in one area. The boat can’t spend more than 15 minutes with the same whale group, and it also has to maintain a certain distance. In plain terms: you get time to watch without harassing animals, and you’re not stuck in one spot forever.

When pods are active, you can also get those unforgettable moments: pilot whales surfacing near the boat, dolphins moving alongside, and groups circling in ways that make you think they’re doing their own show. On some trips, people even noted hearing or noticing whale communication patterns at close range, which is the kind of detail you can’t fake.

Dolphins, Fish Farms, and That Sneaky “Second Story”

Between whale sightings, the tour keeps your attention on dolphins. One reason this cruise works so well is that it isn’t only a single-species hunt. You pass by a fish farm area where dolphins may show up looking for an easy meal.

So you get a two-part viewing rhythm:

• whales can appear and dominate the trip’s highlight window
• dolphins often provide extra action while you’re searching or traveling

This also explains why the tour commonly feels more “alive” even if you’re waiting. You’re not staring at empty water the whole time. You’re scanning for movement, and the crew helps you focus your eyes on likely spots.

And yes, there’s room for other sea life surprises. The trip information points to massive squid living deep between Tenerife and La Gomera, and guests have also reported extras like sea turtles and flying fish when conditions allowed.

Drinks Aboard and the Boat Atmosphere You’ll Actually Notice

Let’s talk comfort, because it affects how much you enjoy the main event. Drinks are included, including water, soft drinks, and beer, and that simple fact changes the mood. It’s easier to relax when you’re not calculating how long you can stay out before you run out of something to drink.

Music may be on board during the cruise. Some people mention enjoying the vibe, with the option to tone it down when whales come close. That’s a good sign. It suggests the crew knows when it’s time for calm viewing and when it’s time for a little party energy.

There are also small touches that show up in the experience: people have described crew members offering help with photos, even positioning themselves for shots while you’re near the front of the action. If you care about capturing the moment, take the crew up on it—these boats and angles are best when you’re not trying to multitask.

Environment-First Watching: What the Rules Mean for Your Viewing

A whale tour can go wrong in two ways: animals get chased, or you get rushed viewing. This one is designed around rules that reduce both problems.

You already know about the 15-minute limit with a group and the requirement to keep distance. But you’ll feel those rules in how the crew behaves when marine life appears.

Some guests describe the crew working quietly and switching attention to whale welfare when pods are nearby—like reducing noise and staying organized instead of stirring things up. That approach typically leads to longer, calmer viewing windows, which is what you want for both photos and just soaking it in.

It also means you’ll sometimes have a “move on” moment when more boats arrive near a pod. That can sound annoying, but it’s also part of keeping the experience ethical. You’re trading a few extra minutes in one place for a calmer, less disruptive watch.

Sailing Views Along Tenerife’s Southwest Coast

Even when you’re busy scanning for whales, the coastline ride has value. You’re sailing along Tenerife’s spectacular southwest coast, and the boat offers wide viewing around the waterline. A catamaran also gives you those natural “angles,” depending on where you sit.

If you’re photographing, pick a spot where you can track whales across the water. Don’t plan on one “perfect” seat—movements happen fast, and whales don’t care about your camera settings. Let the crew guide where to look, then adjust your stance.

It’s also why the smaller capacity helps. In a packed boat, people block each other when everyone leans at once. Here, the 50-person max makes viewing smoother and reduces that frustration.

Playa Espagueti Snorkeling Stop: When It’s Worth the 3rd Hour

For the 3-hour option, the snorkeling happens in the bay of Playa Espagueti. Snorkeling gear is included, and the boat stops so you can swim and snorkel off the vessel.

In good conditions, this stop is a nice complement to the whales. You’re switching from surface watching to underwater life, and the change in pace keeps the trip from feeling one-note.

But there’s an important reality check: the bay can be choppy depending on wind and swell. Some people said the water was rough enough that they didn’t stay in long, and others recommended being ready for that possibility. If you’re prone to sea sickness or you know you get uncomfortable in waves, you might feel more confident planning your swimming for when the stop looks calmer.

Still, if you can handle it, this is where you get that “I’m in the water now” feeling. It’s a different type of nature connection than whale spotting, and it’s one of the best reasons to choose 3 hours over 2.

Comfort on a Catamaran: Storage, Toilets, and Sea-Sickness Prep

A few comfort details matter on a trip like this. Some guests report that there’s an indoor section for storage—useful if you’re carrying bags or a pushchair—and there is a toilet on board. That’s a big help when you’re out for a couple hours and you don’t want to make everything complicated.

There is also a downside that you should treat as a “check your expectations” item: one guest reported the toilet was blocked on their day. That’s not something you can predict, but it’s a good reminder to plan with flexibility.

Now for the ocean. Reviews include comments about rocky waves and seasickness. If you’re even moderately sensitive, consider bringing your preferred sea-sickness support (tablets, wrist bands, or whatever works for you). And if you’re the type who spirals when you feel rough, focus on small actions: stay hydrated, breathe slowly, and keep your eyes on the horizon when you can.

Pricing and Value: Why $41 Can Make Sense Here

At around $41 per person, the value depends on what you’re getting, not just the sticker price.

Here’s what justifies the cost:

• Pilot whale and/or dolphin sightings are a core promise in this area, with a policy for a free additional ticket if you don’t get the sighting you came for.
• Drinks are included (water, soft drinks, beer), which reduces the “on-board spend” pressure.
• On the 3-hour option, snorkeling equipment is included, plus the swim stop in Playa Espagueti.
• The boat is limited to 50 people, which improves the odds you’ll actually enjoy the viewing rather than suffer through crowding.

Also, the ship route reduces wasted time. When whales are relatively close to the harbor, your “booked hours” translate more directly into sightings. That’s how a whale tour becomes good value: fewer hours of searching emptiness.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This cruise is a strong match if you:

• want a reliable chance at pilot whales rather than hoping for luck far offshore
• like a relaxed boat pace with free drinks and a smaller group size
• want wildlife rules respected and not turned into chaos
• choose 3 hours if you also want snorkeling as part of your day

If you know you get seriously seasick, you should take the sea conditions seriously and plan carefully. The catamaran ride can still feel rough when wind and swell pick up. In that case, you may still book, but treat it as a “plan to manage discomfort” situation, not a guaranteed smooth cruise.

Should You Book This Whale Watching Catamaran?

I’d book this if your main goal is simple: see pilot whales and dolphins in the wild with a crew that follows distance rules and keeps your experience from turning into a free-for-all.

Pick the 2-hour option if you want maximum focus on the marine wildlife with less time spent waiting around for snorkeling conditions. Pick the 3-hour option if snorkeling in Playa Espagueti sounds like your kind of bonus and you can handle a possible choppier stop.

Final check before you go: bring sea-sickness support if you’re sensitive, and arrive with the mindset that whale viewing is weather-and-movement dependent. When the pods show up, this kind of short trip from Puerto Colón can turn into one of those Tenerife moments you’ll talk about for a long time.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching tour depart from?

The tour departs from Puerto Colón on southwest Tenerife. The exact meeting point can vary depending on the option you book.

How long is the tour?

It runs for 2 to 3 hours, depending on whether you choose the 2-hour or 3-hour excursion.

What animals are you looking for?

The tour focuses on pilot whales, and you’ll also watch for dolphins. Squid may be mentioned as part of the marine-life education and you can keep your eyes open for other species.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and beer are included as free onboard drinks.

Do you get a guarantee for whale or dolphin sightings?

The tour offers a policy of a guaranteed whale and/or dolphin sighting, or another ticket for free if that doesn’t happen.

Does the 3-hour option include snorkeling?

Yes. If you choose the 3-hour excursion, the catamaran stops in the Playa Espagueti bay for swimming and snorkeling, and snorkeling equipment is included.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling time is about 30 minutes, but it can vary depending on how long it takes to spot and watch whales.

How close will the boat get to the whales?

The boat follows wildlife-protection rules, including a limit of no more than 15 minutes with the same whale group and maintaining a respectful distance.

What languages are offered?

The live guide is available in English and Spanish.

What if the sea is rough?

You might still go out and watch in choppy conditions. If you’re prone to sea sickness, consider bringing your preferred prevention, since open-sea waves can affect comfort.