If you want wildlife without a full day commitment, this cruise hits the sweet spot. It’s a 3-hour catamaran ride from Puerto Colón to look for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, with plenty of sun deck time when the action slows down. I like that the setup feels relaxed and not rushed, and I also like the onboard included food and drinks so you can snack your way through the best parts of the trip. One heads-up: you should expect some boat motion, and if seas are rough you’ll want to plan for nausea.

The overall vibe is why this tour works so well. You’re carried right to the viewing area, the crew keeps things organized, and there’s time to enjoy the coast view plus a swimming stop. The main drawback is practical, not dramatic: the catamaran isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the experience depends on decent weather.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group feel (max 24 travelers): more room to move than the big party catamarans.
• Included buffet plus drinks: snacks, tapas-style food, and beer are part of the deal.
• A swim stop is built in: you get a chance to jump in, and snorkel gear is provided.
• Optional transfers on request: door-to-door pickups from many south Tenerife areas.
• Crew-led spotting: the captain and guides work to find pods, including pilot whales.

Tenerife whale watching from Puerto Colón, in about 3 hours

This is a half-day experience by design, and that matters in Tenerife. You get a real wildlife outing without eating the whole day. The cruise runs for about 3 hours, starting at Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón (Pantalan 6) and returning back to the same meeting point.

What I like about the time window is how it fits into the rest of your trip. You can pair this with beach time, a meal in Costa Adeje, or an evening plan later. The tour also includes enough onboard downtime that you’re not trapped in a single “look only” mode. When sightings happen, you’ll have your sea-view moment. When they don’t, you still have mountains, coastline, and open deck time.

The itinerary pacing also explains why people rate this so high. The key isn’t just seeing whales and dolphins. It’s how the crew keeps the trip smooth: welcome onboard, then out to sea for sightings, then back to relaxing on the sundecks and fly-bridge. If you’re the type who hates “tour pressure,” this should feel more like a floating break than a long expedition.

One more reality check: whale watching isn’t like a theme park. You’re watching wild animals. On a good day you may see multiple pods. On a day with fewer sightings, you’ll still be out on a great section of coast, but you should be mentally ready for the ocean to set the agenda.

Monte Cristo Catamaran: comfort, shade, and a view-first layout

This cruise runs on a purpose-built catamaran from Monte Cristo Catamaran. The boat is designed for passenger comfort and good viewing, and it also has practical features that make the 3 hours easier on your body.

First, the layout. You can bounce between open sun and shaded areas depending on the weather and your mood. There’s a sundeck at the prow plus seating on the fly-bridge, and there’s also seating inside with a sofa if you want a break from wind or sun. That flexibility matters because Tenerife can go from pleasant to intense fast, especially if you sit in one spot for too long.

Second, stability. Catamarans generally feel steady compared to small boats, and this one is described as very stable. Still, the tour guidance tells you to expect some movement. If you’re prone to seasickness, the advice is simple: consider ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding. I think that’s good “better safe than sorry” logic, especially since you’ll be looking out at sea for extended stretches.

Third, basic onboard needs. There is a restroom onboard, so you’re not constantly thinking about timing. And if you’re traveling with a service animal, it’s allowed on the tour.

Finally, group size. The tour caps out at 24 travelers, which comes through in the feel. One common complaint about catamaran tours is crowding, and you avoid a lot of that here. You may still find the boat busier during peak periods, but the small-group cap is a real advantage. People often mention that they had plenty of room to move around and choose sun or shade.

If you’re wheelchair-bound, plan differently. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible, so it’s important to check mobility needs before you commit.

Transfers from the south: door-to-door help when you need it

The most convenient part of this tour for many people is the transfer option. Pickup is available by request from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje areas, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá only. If you’re staying outside those zones, you’ll make your own way to Puerto Colón for Pantalan 6.

Pickup times aren’t exact to the minute, but they’re predictable in a helpful way. You’ll get a pickup window that’s typically 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing. After you request pickup, the operator replies with the actual pickup time shortly afterward.

In practice, this is one of those details that changes the whole day. Without a transfer, you’re doing taxis or buses, which can shave off time you’d rather spend on the water. With the transfer, you show up at the right spot with fewer moving parts.

Also note the transfer vehicles are described as being close to public transport, and reviews mention an air-conditioned minibus pickup with smooth door-to-door handling. That’s exactly what you want when you’re traveling with tight schedules or you’d rather not navigate roads right before boarding.

One more thing: the tour ends back at the meeting point, so the return is either a drop-off to your accommodation (if you used pickup) or you’ll handle your own way after returning to Puerto Colón.

If weather is shaky, the cruise can be canceled and rescheduled or refunded. That’s not unique to this tour, but it’s a useful expectation to hold so you’re not surprised if the sea decides to be rough.

The buffet and drink plan: food, beer, and no one worrying about meals

On the surface, it sounds like a “snacks included” cruise. In reality, the onboard setup is a big value driver because it removes a whole decision: where to eat, when to eat, and how hungry you’ll be while waiting for whales.

You’ll have a buffet included in the price, plus a steady flow of drinks. Food offerings are described as quality items like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, plus a meat selection. Think tapas-style browsing rather than a sit-down dinner. It’s simple, but it’s the kind of food that works well at sea: easy to grab, easy to share, and you can eat without losing your view for long.

For drinks, you’re looking at water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. That range matters because some people want something light, others want to toast the day. Reviews also mention wine glasses being kept filled, which signals the crew is paying attention to empty glasses rather than making you hunt for service.

The best part is that the food and drink support your viewing rhythm. When a pod swims by, you can move your camera and then go back for another snack. When the boat relaxes into cruising, you’re not sitting on an empty stomach wondering how soon you’ll return.

If you’re thinking about cost, this is where the math can work in your favor. Paying for a separate meal before or after a whale trip can add up, especially in tourist zones. Here, the onboard plan turns the cruise into a full half-day package: wildlife time plus comfort plus sustenance.

Small practical tip: bring sunscreen and expect to be outdoors. Even with shade, you’ll likely spend enough time on deck that you want to be prepared for sunburn risk.

Spotting pilot whales and dolphins: what you should watch for

The main goal is seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, and the crew’s job is to help you find them. The sailing route focuses on the coast around Tenerife where you can potentially see whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles. The standout animal mentioned again and again is the pilot whale.

You may also hear the word pods. A pod is a group moving together, and when you see more than one pod during a cruise, it feels like bonus time. Reviews often call out seeing multiple groups, including cases where the captain found different pods of pilot whales. If you’re going to be picky about one thing, be picky about your expectations: wildlife encounters can be unpredictable, but a good crew increases the chances of multiple sightings.

What makes this experience feel respectful is the way the crew handles closeness and safety. Reviews describe encounters as close and respectful, with an emphasis on safety and wellbeing. That’s the kind of operation you want, especially when you’re watching animals in the wild rather than doing a staged performance.

Also, don’t underestimate the guide portion. People mention detailed explanations shared during the trip. Named examples include guides like Laura, and the captain (often referred to as Andrea or Captain Andrea) leading the search. Daniela and Michel/Miguel are also names you’ll see connected to excellent onboard attention.

Practical advice for your seat choice: if you want maximum viewing, aim for the upper areas when you can. One review notes they got seats upstairs with the captain and felt like they had a premium view. You don’t need to be in the “best spot” to see whales, but being higher generally helps with spotting spouts, surfacing, and quick movements.

And yes, the ocean can be bumpy. One review mentions sea conditions were rough and people got sick, including the reviewer. That doesn’t mean the tour is unsafe. It means you should pack nausea support if you’re sensitive. A stable catamaran still moves.

The swim and snorkel stop: gear provided, time to actually enjoy the water

This is the part that turns a “watching” trip into an experience. You’re given time for swimming, and the tour provides snorkel equipment for the swim/snorkel portion. The captain takes you to good spots depending on conditions.

If you like water time, this is one of the clearest reasons to book. Reviews mention a swim off the boat after seeing wildlife, and some describe the snorkel stop as included. Others mention a nice chance to get in even if it’s quick.

Timing is important. The crew usually works sightings first, then you get downtime and the swim option. That order makes sense because you’re already excited from seeing whales and dolphins. Then you get to cool off and feel like part of the ocean instead of just an observer.

What to bring is straightforward and worth following:

• swimsuit ready
• towel
• sunglasses and sunscreen
• and, ideally, something easy to change into after

If the sea is rough, you might choose to stay onboard longer. That’s allowed. You’re not obligated to get in. But if you do swim, you’ll likely remember it more than the buffet.

One more detail: some people mention getting wet during evening trips, so if you choose a later slot, pack accordingly. Layers can help if wind cools you after the swim.

Price and value: what $71.35 buys on this catamaran

At $71.35 per person for about 3 hours, this tour can feel either like a bargain or an indulgence, depending on what you compare it to. Here’s the better way to judge the value: count what’s included that you’d otherwise have to pay for or figure out.

You’re getting:

• a guided whale and dolphin cruise time window
• a small-group catamaran experience (max 24)
• an onboard buffet
• drinks including beer and champagne
• snacks and fruit during the cruise
• a swim opportunity with provided equipment
• optional hotel transfer within specific south Tenerife areas

That combination is what makes the price make sense. If you were to buy food and drinks near the marina plus pay for transport separately, you’d quickly spend similar money. And if you’re comparing the boat size, reviews specifically praise the small-group feel compared with large party catamarans they saw passing.

Even the “transfer included” value matters. In Tenerife’s south, getting to Puerto Colón from hotels can be simple, but it’s still time and hassle. Door-to-door pickup reduces that friction and makes the experience start at your hotel rather than at the marina.

So my rule: if you want wildlife plus comfort plus food and a swim without stacking multiple bookings, this price is strong. If you only care about seeing whales and you’re fine handling meals yourself, you might shop harder. But most people who book this kind of cruise aren’t just doing one thing.

Who should book this Tenerife whale cruise (and who should rethink)

This tour fits best if you want a relaxed half-day at sea. If you like sun decks, snacks, and being able to move around rather than staying glued to one spot, you’ll probably enjoy the setup. The small group cap also makes it feel less like a cattle call.

It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with mixed ages and energy levels. Some people can stay watching; others can take the swim; everyone still has the option to retreat into shaded or indoor seating when the sun gets too strong.

If you love a structured guide, you’ll likely appreciate the onboard explanation and crew attentiveness. Named staff like Laura and the captain (Andrea) are called out in reviews for knowledge and watchfulness, and others like Daniela and Michel/Miguel show up as part of a consistently helpful crew.

Who might rethink it:

• If you get motion sickness easily, bring medication like ginger tablets or Dramamine, because some guests report feeling sick in rougher conditions.
• If you use a wheelchair, this catamaran is not wheelchair accessible.
• If you’re staying outside the pickup areas, you’ll need to get yourself to Puerto Colón (Pantalan 6).

Also, it helps if you’re flexible about weather. The cruise requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a refund. That’s standard for sea-based wildlife tours, but it’s still important to plan your Tenerife schedule with at least one backup option.

Should you book the Monte Cristo whale watching cruise?

I’d book this if you want whales and dolphins, a comfortable catamaran ride, and an onboard plan that doesn’t leave you hungry. The combination of a small-group cap, plentiful drinks (including beer and champagne), and a buffet plus a swim stop makes it feel like more than just a quick wildlife detour.

You should feel especially good about it if:

• you want a half-day activity so you can do other Tenerife plans after
• you appreciate having food and drinks handled while you focus on spotting animals
• you’d like a smoother experience with optional transfers from areas like Los Cristianos, Las Américas, and Adeje

You might skip it if:

• you need wheelchair access (the boat isn’t accessible)
• you can’t handle any chance of seasickness without major preparation
• you’re booking on a day where your plans are too tight to handle a weather-driven reschedule

If you’re deciding now, my practical advice is simple: pack for wind and sun, and pick a departure time you can comfortably handle if the sea gets choppy. Then you’ll be ready to enjoy the best part, which is watching pilot whales and dolphins move through Tenerife’s coastline like they own the place.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 3 hours.

Where do you depart from if you are not picked up from your hotel?

You meet at Monte Cristo Catamaran, 5-star Whale and Dolphin Tours, at Puerto Colón Pantalan 6 in Costa Adeje.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

What food and drinks are included?

The onboard buffet includes items such as tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

Can you go swimming or snorkeling during the cruise?

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

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No, the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible.