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
Book on Viator →

Operated by Monte Cristo Catamaran · Bookable on Viator

Tenerife from the water feels different. On this private catamaran charter from Puerto Colón, I like the included snorkeling equipment and the chance to set your own pace while chasing whales, dolphins, and sea turtles along the coast. One catch: towels are not included, so plan ahead.

This is a straightforward, 3-hour ocean day run by Monte Cristo Catamaran, with pickup available for hotels in the south of Tenerife (within a 20 km radius of Puerto Colón). You’ll sail with a friendly, experienced crew, hang out on spacious sundecks and the fly-bridge, and get lunch plus alcoholic drinks onboard.

The catamaran is stable, but you should still expect some movement. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring your usual fix (the operator even suggests ginger tablets or Dramamine).

Key things to know before you go

  • Private catamaran experience with your group only, up to the boat’s stated capacity
  • Snorkeling gear is included, so you can travel light
  • Chance to spot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat
  • Lunch and alcoholic drinks onboard, plus snacks, fruit, and more
  • Built for comfort: fly-bridge seating, shaded options, and a restroom
  • Towels not provided, so pack one (or you’ll improvise)

A Private Catamaran Charter That Feels Like a Real Tenerife Escape

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - A Private Catamaran Charter That Feels Like a Real Tenerife Escape
If you want Tenerife to feel less like a checklist and more like a day you’ll actually remember, a private catamaran works. You leave from Puerto Colón and head out along the coast where marine life is the main event. No crowded scramble, no waiting in lines, just your group, the sea, and a crew that keeps the day moving.

I also love the practical mix here: food, drinks, and swimming are wrapped into the same trip. It’s not a “watch only” tour. And because the operator provides snorkeling equipment, you’re not stuck paying extra or hunting for gear at the last minute.

One smart detail for comfort: the boat has a fly-bridge, multiple seating areas, and a restroom onboard. That matters more than people think when you’re out for a few hours in open water.

Getting to Puerto Colón: Meeting Point and Pickup Radius

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Getting to Puerto Colón: Meeting Point and Pickup Radius
Most of the hassle on a day trip is usually transportation, and this one is handled pretty cleanly. The main departure point is at Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat, Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6 (Costa Adeje area).

If you want pickup, it’s available within a 20 km radius from the port of Puerto Colón, and hotel pickup is specifically offered for hotels in the south of Tenerife. If you’re outside that pickup zone, you can make your own way to Pantalan 6 and meet the crew there.

You get a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at booking. It’s a nice touch because it reduces the back-and-forth right before you go.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife

The Monte Cristo Catamaran Experience: Space, Shade, and a Restroom

This is a comfortable, purpose-built catamaran designed for safety and great views. The layout is made for lounging, not just sitting upright for photos.

Here’s what stands out as genuinely useful:

  • Sundeck areas where you can soak up the sun
  • A fly-bridge with lots of seating space
  • Seating inside on the sofa area
  • A restroom onboard, which is a big quality-of-life win on a 3-hour outing

There’s also mention of shaded places onboard, which helps if the sun is strong that day. Tenerife weather can be great one minute and bright enough to fry your shoulders the next, especially if you’re spending time on open water.

Two practical notes to keep expectations realistic:

  1. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible, so if mobility is an issue you’ll want to check with the provider early.
  2. The boat is stable, but you should still feel movement. If your stomach is sensitive, plan for it.

Whales, Dolphins, and Sea Turtles: How the Day Really Works

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Whales, Dolphins, and Sea Turtles: How the Day Really Works
The ocean part is the point of the trip. You sail from Puerto Colón into waters off the Tenerife coast where there’s a chance to see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.

You also get flexibility: you decide your own itinerary as you sail. Translation: the captain can adapt to conditions and sightings rather than running you through a rigid script. That flexibility is one reason private charters often feel better than group tours.

A realistic mindset helps: marine life sightings depend on what’s out there that day. But the structure is designed to give you time where it counts. You’re not just cruising past the coastline for a token look.

If you get lucky, you’ll see animals close enough to feel the excitement without turning your day into a frantic chase. And if you don’t get whales, you can still focus on dolphins (when they show up) and snorkeling along the way.

Lunch, Snacks, and Drinks That Keep the Mood Up

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Lunch, Snacks, and Drinks That Keep the Mood Up
This is one of those “small things that matter” experiences. You’re on the water for about 3 hours, and you’re fed like you’re on a proper charter, not like you’re grabbing a sandwich before boarding.

Included meals and refreshments:

  • Lunch onboard
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Soda/pop and bottled water
  • Snacks and fruit
  • Food options listed include items like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, plus a meat selection
  • Drinks include beer and champagne, along with water and soft drinks

What I like about this setup is the pacing. You can eat without leaving the boat, then go back to relaxing. You’re not deciding between food and ocean time.

Also, having plenty of drinks can turn a potentially sleepy sea day into a celebration day. One review highlighted a 50th birthday that ran smoothly from pickup to drop-off, with lots of drinks and excellent food. Even if you’re not planning a milestone, the vibe can still feel like a special event.

Practical tip: if you’re going to snorkel, keep it sensible. Enjoy the drinks, but don’t turn snorkeling into a rescue-training exercise.

Snorkeling Without the Gear Hassle (And Without Towel Panic)

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Snorkeling Without the Gear Hassle (And Without Towel Panic)
You can swim during the charter, and the captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots. The operator provides snorkeling equipment, so you don’t need to bring a mask or worry about whether it fits.

This matters on Tenerife because you’ll already be managing sunscreen, swimwear, and sun time. Having gear included turns snorkeling from “extra work” into “easy plan.”

What you should bring:

  • Swimsuit (or at least swimwear you can change into)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • And yes, a towel (it’s not included)

The trip is built for people who want to get in the water at least once. If you’ve never snorkeled before, you might find the setup reassuring because the equipment is handled for you. If you’re an experienced swimmer, you’ll still appreciate not carrying gear around.

One more comfort note: there’s a restroom onboard, so you can freshen up without waiting until you’re back on land.

Sea Conditions: Stable Catamaran, Still Expect Movement

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Sea Conditions: Stable Catamaran, Still Expect Movement
Catamarans tend to feel calmer than some other boats, and this one is described as stable. Still, movement is part of the experience.

If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s worth taking prevention seriously. The provider suggests herbal ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding. I like that advice because it’s proactive. Waiting until you’re already feeling off is the wrong moment.

Your best “do-it-yourself” strategy:

  • Stay on deck where you can look at the horizon
  • Avoid going all-in on alcohol if you know you get queasy
  • Keep sunscreen and water in mind so you don’t mix dehydration with motion

This isn’t a huge expedition, so you’re not out there all day. But for sensitive stomachs, the right prep makes the difference between a fun swim and a tough one.

How Long Is It, Really? Timing for a 3-Hour Ocean Day

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - How Long Is It, Really? Timing for a 3-Hour Ocean Day
The charter runs for about 3 hours. That’s a sweet spot for a private boat day in Tenerife. Long enough to cruise, snack, eat lunch, and do snorkeling. Short enough that you don’t feel like your whole holiday revolves around the schedule.

Because the itinerary can shift based on where the captain finds the best conditions and sightings, you shouldn’t expect a perfectly rigid timeline like a museum. Think of it as “ocean time with built-in breaks,” not a step-by-step tour script.

Price and Value: Private Charter Math for Up to 15 (and Up to 24 Capacity)

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Price and Value: Private Charter Math for Up to 15 (and Up to 24 Capacity)
The listed price is $1,792.13 per group for up to 15 people, and the charter is private. That price can feel high on its own—until you do the group-cost math that usually makes sense with private boats.

Here’s how to think about value:

  • You’re booking a full catamaran experience with crew service, included snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks
  • You’re paying for convenience (pickup within the radius, mobile ticket, fees and taxes included)
  • You’re buying time on the water with a chance at wildlife viewing, without crowds

One detail to confirm: the charter can accommodate groups up to 24 passengers. Your booking price is shown for up to 15, so if you’re somewhere between 16 and 24, double-check how the provider structures capacity vs. pricing. It’s the kind of detail that can prevent an awkward surprise.

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, the experience can still be worth it for a celebration day—especially when snorkeling and drinks are bundled in. If you’re a larger group, the value usually gets much easier to justify.

Who This Catamaran Charter Suits Best in Tenerife

This is a great fit if you want a celebration-ready day on the water with minimal hassle. It’s also ideal when you have mixed interests: some people want wildlife viewing, others want snorkeling, and everyone wants good food and drinks without leaving the boat.

It’s especially good for:

  • Families who want an organized day without trying to coordinate gear and transportation
  • Friend groups who want a private setting and flexible pacing
  • Anyone who wants “Tenerife, but from the sea” instead of another land tour

If you’re traveling with a wheelchair, accessibility is the main limitation noted. And if you’re extremely seasick-prone, you’ll want to prep carefully, because you may still feel movement even on a stable catamaran.

Should You Book This Private Catamaran Charter?

I’d book it if you want three things at once: snorkeling made easy, a comfortable private boat setting, and the chance to spot dolphins, whales, and sea turtles without crowds. The included food and drinks help turn it into a real day out, not just a short swim stop.

Skip it (or at least ask more questions) if you don’t want to deal with sun, salt air, and possible motion. Also, don’t forget the simple but important item: bring your own towel.

One smart booking move is planning for weather. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That flexibility is useful in Tenerife, where conditions can shift.

If your ideal Tenerife day is about being outside, on the water, and treating the trip like a celebration, this private charter is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where is the departure point for the private catamaran charter?

The meeting point is Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat, Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

What snorkeling equipment and food are included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with lunch, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, snacks, and bottled water.

Are towels provided onboard?

No, towels are not included. You should bring your own.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.

What should I do about seasickness?

The catamaran is stable, but you should expect some movement. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider herbal ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding.

What happens if weather is poor?

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

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Tenerife we have reviewed

Explore Spain