REVIEW · COSTA ADEJE
Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet
Book on Viator →Operated by Monte Cristo Catamaran · Bookable on Viator
Pilot whales can be shockingly close. This 3-hour catamaran cruise from Puerto Colón is all about chasing cetaceans with a guide who pushes you toward the best odds, plus the easy, included food and drink keeps the afternoon stress-free. The ride stays comfortable on a stable purpose-built boat, and the small-group setup makes the whole thing feel more personal than those big cattle-car ferries.
One thing to weigh: whale and dolphin sightings are very likely but not guaranteed, and the best snorkeling areas depend on where the captain finds wildlife and safe conditions. If you’re picky about sunbathing space, you may notice there aren’t huge dedicated decks for lying out the entire time.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll actually care about
- Monte Cristo Catamaran: the ship, the vibe, and the ride length
- Getting to Puerto Colón: hotel pickup that stays in the south
- The dolphin and whale hunt: how the guide changes your odds
- What you’ll eat and drink: tapas, snacks, and real crowd-pleaser choices
- Stop at Monte Cristo Catamaran: what happens before you even leave
- Swimming and snorkeling: fun bonus time, not a guaranteed reef tour
- The relaxing sail back near the south coast
- Price and value: why $71ish can still feel like a bargain
- Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)
- Practical tips to make your day smoother
- Booking checklist: should you book this catamaran cruise?
- FAQ
- Where does the whale and dolphin catamaran depart from?
- Is hotel pickup available?
- When should I request pickup?
- How long is the tour?
- What food and drinks are included?
- Is there a vegetarian option?
- Can I go swimming or snorkeling?
- Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key highlights you’ll actually care about
- Small-group catamaran (max 24 people) for a calmer vibe and easier viewing
- Guide-led search for the best whale and dolphin spots around Tenerife
- Bottomless-style drinks and snacks across most of the trip, not just at the start
- Tapas buffet-style lunch plus chances to swim and snorkel from the boat
- Strong odds for pilot whales based on how often the sightings happen on this route
- South Tenerife hotel pickup on request (not from the north of the island)
Monte Cristo Catamaran: the ship, the vibe, and the ride length
You’re not signing up for an all-day production. This is an approximately 3-hour experience, built around finding cetaceans, feeding you along the way, and then easing back with a relaxing sail near the south coast. That timing matters in Tenerife—this is a great way to do something special without losing your whole afternoon.
The Monte Cristo catamaran is a purpose-built, stable craft. Even if you’re a little sensitive to motion, the boat’s design helps, though you should still expect some movement out on the water. For comfort, there’s a sundeck area up front and plenty of seating, including a flybridge and a sofa inside.
Also, bring a realistic mindset: you’re going out to watch wildlife in open sea. You might see whales and dolphins right away, or you might spend longer hunting, circling, and repositioning. The tour is structured so you’re not stuck waiting without snacks and drink.
Getting to Puerto Colón: hotel pickup that stays in the south
If you’re staying in the south of Tenerife, you can ask for pickup. The transfer works for areas like Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup times can land about 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing, and you’ll get the exact pickup time after you request it.
If you’re outside that south pickup zone, plan to make your own way to Puerto Colón (Pantalan #6, Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The tour doesn’t offer pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north.
I like this setup because it cuts down on stress. Still, it’s smart to build in buffer time if you’re taking a bus or finding your own route, since you’ll want to check in and get settled before boarding.
The dolphin and whale hunt: how the guide changes your odds
This cruise is designed around searching and accompanying cetaceans with multiple opportunities to observe and photograph them. The big value here is the guide’s job: they know where to look, and they don’t just point the boat in one direction and hope for the best.
On this route, sighting of cetaceans is very common, but it’s still wildlife. That means you should go with a flexible expectation: you’re booking an experience at sea, not a guaranteed wildlife photo shoot.
When sightings happen, the tone shifts fast. You’ll typically get time alongside the animals, and the crew helps everyone get into good viewing positions. Many people end up especially happy about seeing pilot whales up close—enough to feel the moment, not just spot a tiny shape in the distance.
A small note on names: praise shows up for crew members including Michael Andre and Edmond, so if you’re lucky enough to have them on your sailing, you can expect a warm, well-run experience.
What you’ll eat and drink: tapas, snacks, and real crowd-pleaser choices
This is one of the most practical reasons to choose this tour. You’re not limited to a token drink and a dry biscuit. You’ll have drinks and food served throughout most of the trip, plus a tapas-style buffet.
Food options can include items like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection. You may also see Spanish-style bites such as olives, tomatoes, and tortilla-style canapés. Vegetarian options are available if you request them during booking, which is worth doing early rather than hoping day-of.
Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. From the on-boat service style, you should expect frequent replenishing, with people commonly describing a steady flow of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options (including cava and shots, depending on what’s offered that day). There’s also mention of a Prosecco vibe on some sailings.
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants the best part of the trip to be the sea, not a long lunch line, you’ll appreciate this. You stay on schedule, stay comfortable, and keep your energy for photos and swimming.
Stop at Monte Cristo Catamaran: what happens before you even leave
Boarding starts at the catamaran at Puerto Colón. This is where you’ll meet the crew, get briefed on what to expect, and settle in. Life vests are available for all passengers, and there are restrooms onboard, which is a quiet but real comfort when you’re planning a swim later.
This is also the moment to get organized. If you can, go ready to swim: have your swimsuit on or packed in an easy-to-reach spot. You’ll be happiest if you don’t waste time changing when the captain decides the conditions are right.
If you’re sensitive to motion, consider taking something before you board. Some guests mention using ginger tablets or Dramamine-type options. The catamaran is stable, but the sea doesn’t stop moving just because you’re on a boat designed to handle it.
Swimming and snorkeling: fun bonus time, not a guaranteed reef tour
After the wildlife searching, the captain takes you toward the best snorkeling spots for that day. You’ll have the chance to swim from the catamaran, and snorkeling equipment is provided.
Here’s the honest part: snorkeling quality can vary. Some days you may get a better mix of fish and visibility, and some days the spot is more limited. If you’re expecting a Caribbean-style coral show, temper that. This is still a Tenerife coastal cruise, and your main star is the wildlife spotting.
One practical tip: the stop can be far enough from the beach that you swim from the boat rather than walking into the water. Bring a towel, and protect your phone if you plan to take photos while floating.
Also, remember that you’ll be sharing the water with other swimmers. It’s usually easygoing, but it’s not a private lagoon.
The relaxing sail back near the south coast
The tour ends with a relaxing sail near Tenerife’s south coast, with views of mountains and surrounding beaches. This last stretch is a nice payoff because you’re no longer in hunt mode—you can take in the scenery, watch the horizon, and soak in the day’s wildlife highlights.
It’s also a good moment to get your photos in order. People often get a little photo overload during the cetacean sightings, then enjoy a calmer, steadier shot style on the ride back.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, the final sail can still feel bouncy, but by then you’ve already used your energy and can judge how you feel. Plan your recovery time afterward if you need it.
Price and value: why $71ish can still feel like a bargain
At around $71.35 per person for an approximately 3-hour catamaran cruise, this can be very good value for Tenerife. The price isn’t just paying for boat time—it’s also covering hotel transfers in the south (by request), the crew and guide-led search, a buffet-style lunch, snacks throughout, and a wide range of drinks.
That combination matters. A lot of cruises will give you some drinks at the start and then stop. Here, the food and drink keep coming, which turns the trip into a full afternoon activity instead of a short tour with hunger pangs.
You’ll also like the small-group max of 24. Fewer people often means less jostling at key viewing angles and a more organized feel when the captain spots something.
The tradeoff is straightforward: your sea time isn’t under your control. Wildlife is wildlife. Even with strong odds, there’s always a chance you leave without dolphins or whales in view. Still, the pilot whale frequency on this route is a big part of why people keep booking.
Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)
This is a strong pick if you:
- want pilot whale watching with high odds and close viewing opportunities
- like included drinks and food so you don’t plan meals around the tour
- prefer a smaller group over giant boats
- want a cruise that also includes a swim/snorkel break
It may not be your best match if you:
- need guaranteed wildlife sightings
- are wheelchair dependent (the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible)
- want lots of dedicated sunbathing space for lying down the whole time
- are staying in north Tenerife without the pickup option
Practical tips to make your day smoother
A few small choices can make a big difference on a boat day like this.
Wear or pack swimwear and swimming shorts. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and have a towel ready because you’ll be getting in the water. Many people also suggest a phone neck holder, especially if you’re hopping in and out or trying to take photos without dropping your device.
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be glad it’s family-friendly in practice. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and life vests are available for passengers, which helps with peace of mind.
If you have dietary needs, request a vegetarian option during booking. It’s available, and planning ahead avoids last-minute scrambling.
Booking checklist: should you book this catamaran cruise?
I’d book it if your top goal is whales and dolphins, and you want the comfort upgrades: hotel pickup in the south (if available for your area), ongoing drinks and snacks, and a proper tapas-style meal rather than a token bite. The small-group setup and the pilot whale odds make it feel like a smart value choice.
But book with a wildlife mindset. Sighting is extremely common, yet not guaranteed, and conditions can affect snorkeling and what you see. Also note the experience needs good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
If you’re flexible and you like a well-paced afternoon at sea, this is a standout way to spend a Tenerife day. If your non-negotiable is guaranteed dolphins on demand, you’ll want to consider backup plans.
FAQ
Where does the whale and dolphin catamaran depart from?
The departure point is Puerto Colón at Pantalan #6 (Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is available by request for hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of the island.
When should I request pickup?
You should request pickup at least 24 hours prior to departure. Pickup times vary, typically 20 minutes to 1 hour before the sailing time.
How long is the tour?
The tour runs for about 3 hours (approx.).
What food and drinks are included?
Food includes a tapas-style buffet and snacks during most of the cruise. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served throughout the majority of the tour.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the provider at the time of booking.
Can I go swimming or snorkeling?
Yes. You’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is provided.
Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?
Sighting of cetaceans is extremely common, but it is not guaranteed.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on the experience’s local time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.
