Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling

REVIEW · TENERIFE

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling

  • 5.063 reviews
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • From $1,792.13
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Operated by Monte Cristo Catamaran · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (63)Duration3 hours (approx.)Price from$1,792.13Operated byMonte Cristo CatamaranBook viaViator

Tenerife looks different from your own private catamaran, and this one comes with snorkeling equipment plus a full onboard meal. I love the way you’re treated like your group matters, with a friendly crew guiding the day without turning it into a chore. I also like that you get real time on the water—spacious spots to lounge, snacks and lunch served onboard, and plenty of chances to see marine life. One thing to keep in mind: you’re still at the mercy of weather, and the trip is about 3 hours long.

You’ll start from Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje) on the Monte Cristo Catamaran, then head out along Tenerife’s coast. The captain steers the plan and you can influence the onboard rhythm, so it’s not the usual rigid schedule that forces you to do everything on cue.

There’s also some basic practical stuff worth knowing. The catamaran has a restroom and good shaded lounging areas, but it is not wheelchair accessible, and even with a stable ride you should expect some movement if you’re sensitive to seasickness.

Key things that make this charter work

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Key things that make this charter work

  • Private time on the Monte Cristo Catamaran with only your group onboard
  • Snorkeling gear included, so you can travel light
  • Marine life viewing from the coast, with chances to see whales, dolphins, and turtles
  • Lunch + snacks + alcoholic drinks on board, not a dry “just sail” experience
  • Pick-up within 20 km of Puerto Colón, with a clear meeting point if you’re outside the zone

From Puerto Colón out to the dolphins: how the 3 hours feel

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - From Puerto Colón out to the dolphins: how the 3 hours feel
This is a short, satisfying window on the water: about 3 hours on the Monte Cristo Catamaran. You’ll meet at Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat, Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, then get taken from there straight into open-coast cruising.

If you booked hotel pickup in the south of Tenerife, that’s handled within a 20 km radius from Puerto Colón. If your hotel is outside that range, plan to get yourself to the port. Either way, you’ll use a mobile ticket, which makes the day feel simpler.

What I like about the flow is that it’s not just “go out, do one stop, come back.” You’re sailing while keeping your eyes up for marine life, then shifting gears when it’s time for swimming. And since the crew is experienced, you’re not stuck figuring out what to do next.

Also note the group setup. The tour is private, meaning only your group is onboard. The operator states the charter can accommodate groups up to 24 passengers, while the price shown is per group up to 15. If you’re traveling with a big group, confirm the exact passenger cap tied to your booking.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.

Whale and dolphin spotting without the tour bus energy

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Whale and dolphin spotting without the tour bus energy
This charter is built around the idea that whales and dolphins live their lives offshore, and you get to watch from a comfortable boat. You’ll head out from Puerto Colón along Tenerife’s coast, and the crew will take you toward areas where you have a chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

In practical terms, this means you spend time scanning from the best angles on the catamaran. The fly-bridge and sundecks are made for looking out, not for squeezing into a window seat. It’s also easier to stay relaxed because you’re not racing between platforms—your boat is your base.

A key point for expectations: animal sightings aren’t guaranteed. You’re paying for the opportunity plus the access. In good weather, you can feel the difference between a tour that “mentions wildlife” and one that actually structures the day around it.

If you’re hoping for a special moment, this is a good fit. The experience is the kind of day people plan for celebrations, and it’s also the kind of day where seeing dolphins can turn into the main event.

Snorkeling gear is included, so your bag stays light

One of the easiest wins here is that snorkeling equipment is included. You don’t need to bring your own gear, which matters when you’re already packing for a beach week. The catamaran staff also helps set up the simple parts, so you can focus on the water.

The captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots during the cruise. You’re not getting a lecture or a strict timing drill. Instead, you get time to swim when the conditions are right.

What to bring (because towels aren’t included):

  • swimsuit
  • sunglasses
  • sunscreen
  • a towel (the only clear “you must bring it” item)

If you’re worried about getting in and out, the catamaran setup helps. And since there’s a restroom onboard, you’re not stuck scrambling before and after your swim.

Also, if you’re a cautious swimmer, don’t panic. The day isn’t only about snorkeling. You can watch from the water while you’re waiting, then jump in when you’re ready.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks: the onboard buffet vibe

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Lunch, snacks, and drinks: the onboard buffet vibe
This isn’t a “snack and a sip” situation. You get lunch plus a steady flow of snacks, fruit, and tapas-style options throughout the trip.

Food details you can expect include items like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection. Drinks are part of the deal too: water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne, plus alcoholic drinks in general during the cruise.

I like this setup because it changes the feel of a boat day. Instead of spending the whole time thinking about what you’ll eat later, you can relax and let the sea time stay the main event.

There’s also a comfort factor. The catamaran has generous lounging space, including sundecks at the prow and a fly-bridge with seating. Even when you’re not in the water, you’ll find a place to settle in—plus there’s a sofa inside the boat if you want a calmer pocket away from the sun.

If you’re celebrating something, this kind of food-and-drink plan keeps it from feeling like you’re just “doing an activity.” It feels like a private party at sea.

Meeting point and transfers: keep it stress-free in Costa Adeje

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Meeting point and transfers: keep it stress-free in Costa Adeje
Let’s make the logistics easy, because port days can be chaotic if you’re unprepared.

  • Pickup: available for hotels in the south of Tenerife within 20 km of the port of Puerto Colón.
  • If you don’t get pickup: make your own way to Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6 at Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat.
  • You’ll use a mobile ticket.
  • The meeting area is near public transportation, which helps if you’re navigating without a car.

The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a confusing drop-off somewhere else.

If you want one practical tip, it’s this: double-check your pickup time once the company confirms it. One review-style detail you can rely on from real experiences is that the crew keeps people updated on collection time ahead of the day, which helps you plan dinner and timing around it.

Comfort details that matter on a catamaran

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Comfort details that matter on a catamaran
A comfortable catamaran day is not just about looking at the water. It’s about where you can sit, cool down, and move around without feeling cramped.

Here’s what’s included:

  • Spacious sundecks and fly-bridge seating
  • Shaded spots for breaks
  • Restroom onboard
  • Stable catamaran design for a calmer ride

That stability matters, but I’d still be honest: even with a stable catamaran, you can feel movement. If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s smart to prepare. The operator specifically suggests herbal ginger tablets or Dramamine prior to boarding.

I also like that the crew can help your group settle in. If someone in your party is worried about motion, this kind of day goes better when the team knows how to manage those first few minutes.

Sea life viewing: what you might actually see

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Sea life viewing: what you might actually see
This charter is aimed at one thing: seeing marine life in the wild. The day is organized around the chance to spot:

  • dolphins
  • whales
  • sea turtles

You’re cruising around the coast of Tenerife, so it’s not random open-ocean wandering with no focus. The crew aims you toward areas where sightings are more likely.

Here’s a reality check that helps your trip feel smoother: if you don’t see whales that day, you can still have an excellent cruise with dolphins and turtles as highlights. If dolphins show up, it often turns the boat into a moving viewing platform, with everyone from the sundeck to the fly-bridge looking out at the same time.

Price and value: when private feels worth it

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Price and value: when private feels worth it
The price shown is $1,792.13 per group (up to 15), with a private charter that can handle larger party sizes up to 24 passengers. That difference is worth paying attention to, because it can change the cost per person depending on who you travel with.

So is it good value? For most people, yes, because the total package is heavy on what normally costs extra:

  • private boat time
  • transfer (within the pickup radius)
  • snorkeling equipment
  • lunch
  • snacks
  • soda and bottled water
  • alcoholic beverages

If you were pricing these separately—boat charter, meal, drinks, and snorkeling gear—this kind of bundled day tends to win. It’s especially strong for families, birthdays, and groups who want a single “all in” experience rather than piecing together multiple activities.

If your group is small and you’d rather spend money on longer time at land-based attractions, this might feel pricey. But if you want ocean time to be the main event, the private format is where you feel the difference quickly.

Who this private charter is best for (and who should rethink)

This is a great match if you want:

  • a private catamaran experience without sharing with strangers
  • snorkeling but not the hassle of bringing gear
  • a relaxed 3-hour plan with lunch and drinks onboard
  • a day built around wildlife spotting near Tenerife

It’s also a strong option for celebrations. People often pick a private boat day for birthdays because food, drinks, and a “special setting” come in one package.

It may not be the right fit if:

  • wheelchair access is required (the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible)
  • your party hates any motion at all (the ride is stable, but movement still happens)
  • you’re looking for a full day itinerary (this is about 3 hours, not all-day sightseeing)

And always remember the “good weather” requirement. If conditions aren’t right, the experience may be changed to a different date or you can get a full refund.

Should you book the Monte Cristo Catamaran charter?

I’d book it if you want a simple, high-comfort ocean day in Tenerife that includes snorkeling, food, and drinks in one private outing. The big practical advantage is that you don’t have to plan or pack snorkeling gear, and you get plenty of time on board to relax between water moments.

Do book with confidence if your group is:

  • 4 to 15 people (based on the listed group pricing)
  • anyone who values a stable ride, lounge space, and a good meal without leaving the boat
  • people who enjoy watching dolphins and sea turtles from a comfortable platform

If your top priority is long, land-based exploration, you might prefer other Tenerife experiences. But if you want your day to feel like a real treat from the moment you step onto the catamaran, this one fits.

FAQ

FAQ

What’s included with the Private Catamaran Charter in Tenerife?

The package includes private transportation (pickup within the stated area), snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks, soda/pop, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages, plus all fees and taxes.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat, Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is available for hotels in the south of Tenerife within a 20 km radius from the port of Puerto Colón.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included. You should bring a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and (since towels are not included) a towel.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.

What if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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