Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

Pilot whales are the main event here, and they often come surprisingly close to the catamaran. Dolphins may join the show, but sightings are never promised. After the search, the boat turns toward Tenerife’s south coast for swimming, snacks, drinks, and mountain views.

I like the small group of up to 24 and the easy all-in setup: hotel transfer on request, food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a restroom. I also like that the crew keeps the outing relaxed rather than turning it into a crowded, noisy boat ride.

The main drawback is that wildlife is wild. You may see many pilot whales but no dolphins, and the swimming stop can feel ordinary if you are hoping for a full snorkeling session. The boat also is not wheelchair accessible.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the most likely sighting, often close enough for good photographs.
• A maximum of 24 people gives the catamaran a calmer feel than large excursion boats.
• Hotel pickup is available in south Tenerife, including Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, Alcalá, and Golf del Sur.
• Food and drinks are included, with tapas, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne or prosecco-style sparkling wine.
• Swimming and snorkeling are part of the outing, with equipment supplied.
• The wildlife is not guaranteed, though sightings of cetaceans and other sea life are very common.

Why pilot whales make this Tenerife cruise special

Tenerife is one of Europe’s better places to look for whales and dolphins close to shore. The waters off the south coast are known for regular cetacean sightings, and this trip is built around finding them rather than simply taking a scenic boat ride.

Pilot whales are the usual prize. They are not the giant whales many people picture, but they are still impressive animals, especially when they surface beside the boat. The most memorable moments come when several appear in a loose group, then slip below the water before surfacing again a short distance away.

Dolphins are possible too. Some outings see a few playful animals, while an especially lucky trip may encounter a large, active group. You should treat dolphins as a bonus, not a promise. The same applies to sea turtles and other wildlife.

The crew searches for the animals and points them out, which matters more than it may sound. A whale’s back can be easy to miss when you are scanning open water. A good crew helps you watch the right area without turning the experience into a frantic race from one side of the boat to the other.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 2,712 ratings, with 96 percent of customers recommending it. That matches the strongest part of the experience: the combination of frequent pilot whale sightings, friendly service, and a boat that does not feel packed.

Leaving Puerto Colón on Monte Cristo Catamaran

The meeting point is Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón, in Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje. If you stay in the south of Tenerife, you can request hotel pickup at least 24 hours before departure. Pickup times vary, usually arriving 20 minutes to an hour before sailing.

The transfer area is useful but limited. It includes hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of the island, so you need to reach Puerto Colón yourself if you are staying outside the service area.

A short wait at the harbor may be part of the process. One pickup was reported as arriving about 30 minutes early, so do not panic if the minibus gets you there before boarding time. The transfer itself is described as an air-conditioned minibus, and return transport to the hotel is included when pickup has been arranged.

At the dock, you board a purpose-built catamaran. The boat has seating at the front, a flybridge, shaded areas, an indoor sofa, a sundeck, and an onboard restroom. You may be asked to remove your shoes, so wear something easy to slip off and keep your phone, sunscreen, and towel within reach.

The catamaran is stable compared with a smaller single-hull boat, but it is still on the ocean. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual remedy before boarding. Ginger tablets or Dramamine are specifically suggested, and sitting near the center or in a lower, sheltered area may help, though the most useful seating advice is simply to choose a spot where you feel comfortable.

The three-hour search for whales and dolphins

The first part of the cruise is devoted to finding cetaceans. The exact route changes with conditions and animal movements, so this is not a fixed sightseeing circuit. That flexibility is important because the crew needs to follow the sea, not a timetable.

Expect plenty of time with your camera ready. Pilot whales may surface close to the catamaran, and the boat gives you several angles from which to watch. You might get a clean view from the bow, then move to the side or flybridge as the animals change direction.

The vessel is limited to 24 people, which gives everyone a better chance to see. You are not fighting with a hundred other passengers for a narrow rail. The small capacity also helps the crew keep an eye on the group and offer drinks without making the boat feel like a floating cafeteria.

The guides speak English and explain what you are seeing. Review comments specifically praise Michael, Andre, and Edmond for being hospitable and attentive on one birthday outing. The crew has also helped with special occasions, including arranging a cake and singing to a child, though that kind of surprise should be requested in advance rather than assumed.

You may see pilot whales but no dolphins. That is not a failed trip. These animals move freely, and the experience is about observing them in their own environment. Still, if dolphins are the only thing you want, you should understand the risk before paying.

The trip is also a good choice for families. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and one family specifically found the outing suitable for a seven-year-old. The crew’s attention and the manageable group size help, but remember that three hours on a moving boat can feel long for a child who is bored or seasick.

Drinks and buffet tapas while you sail

Food and drinks are served through much of the outing, which makes the price easier to assess. This is not a bare wildlife ride where you pay extra for every bottle of water. Included drinks can cover water, soft drinks, beer, and sparkling wine, with regular offers from the crew.

The buffet is a cold selection of light Spanish-style food. Expect items such as olives, tomatoes, Spanish tortilla, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, canapés, and a meat selection. Several people found it tasty and plentiful, while one more critical assessment called the food merely fine. That is a fair way to see it: a pleasant lunch and a useful extra, not a formal restaurant meal.

Vegetarian food is available if requested at booking. The selection may be more limited than the meat options, so tell the operator what you need rather than waiting until you board. If your diet is strict, ask for details before the trip.

The drinks are one of the most consistently praised parts. You may receive beer, non-alcoholic drinks, water, and champagne or sparkling wine, and the crew is attentive about refills. There may also be celebratory shots near the end, but you can simply decline them.

The all-in format works well for a relaxed afternoon. You can watch the sea without checking your wallet every few minutes. It also keeps the mood social, although the boat is still a wildlife trip first, not an all-day party cruise.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the south coast

After the whale search, the captain anchors near the south coast for a break. You can swim from the catamaran, and snorkeling equipment is supplied. The stop offers a welcome change of pace after sitting and scanning the water.

Keep your expectations realistic. The swimming area is not a dedicated marine park, and the boat may anchor off a beach rather than close enough to walk ashore. One honest account found the snorkeling stop disappointing, with only ordinary fish and a nudist beach nearby. Other outings had enjoyable swims and fish beneath the boat.

That difference is normal for an ocean stop. Conditions, water clarity, and the exact anchorage can change. If you love a quick swim, bring your swimsuit and towel. If you are booking mainly for colorful reef life, this is not the strongest reason to choose the cruise.

The final sail brings views of Tenerife’s southern coastline, beaches, and mountains. It is a gentler finish than the wildlife search, giving you time to dry off, eat, and take photographs. The boat then returns to Puerto Colón, followed by the arranged hotel transfer.

Wear swimwear under your clothes, along with sunglasses and sunscreen. A waterproof phone pouch or neck holder is a smart extra, especially if you plan to photograph whales from the rail or take your phone into the water.

What the $71.35 price really includes

At $71.35 per person, this is a good-value outing if you use most of what is included. You are paying for about three hours on a small catamaran, wildlife searching, crew service, buffet food, drinks, swimming equipment, and possible hotel transport.

Comparable boat trips can be cheaper when they offer only a seat and a wildlife search. Here, the food and open drinks make the cost easier to justify, especially if your hotel is in the pickup area and you avoid arranging a taxi to the harbor.

The value drops if you do not drink, skip the food, or care little about the swimming stop. Even then, the small group and frequent pilot whale sightings may be worth the difference. I would choose this over a much larger boat if comfort and personal space matter to you.

The included transfer is also valuable for visitors staying in the southern resort areas. Pickup times vary, so you need to watch the confirmation details rather than assume a standard hotel schedule. If you are staying in Puerto de la Cruz, the north, or another area outside the stated zone, include your own transport costs when comparing options.

Who should book, and who should think twice

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a comfortable, social wildlife outing rather than a hard-core photography expedition. It suits couples, families, and small groups who want whales, a swim, lunch, and coastal views in one half-day plan.

It is also a strong choice if you dislike crowded excursion boats. The maximum of 24 people gives the cruise a more personal feel, and you have room to move between the bow, sides, flybridge, and indoor seating.

You should think twice if dolphins are your single goal. Sightings are common overall, but not guaranteed on any particular departure. Pilot whales are the more realistic expectation.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users because the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. People with serious motion sickness should also plan carefully, since even a stable catamaran moves and the trip spends substantial time at sea.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can also lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should you book Monte Cristo Catamaran?

Book it if you want a small-scale Tenerife boat trip with strong odds of seeing pilot whales, plus food, drinks, swimming, and south-coast scenery. The crew service, manageable group size, and hotel transfer make it pleasantly easy.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed dolphin encounter or a serious snorkeling adventure. The wildlife remains unpredictable, and the swim stop is a pleasant extra rather than the main attraction.

For $71.35, I think the package is fairly priced. Go in expecting pilot whales, not a promise of every species, wear your swimsuit, take motion-sickness precautions if needed, and you will give this outing the best chance to deliver.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart?

The trip departs from Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, in Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return are available on request from hotels in south Tenerife. Service covers Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.

Is pickup available from Puerto de la Cruz?

No. There is no hotel pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of Tenerife. You can make your own way to Puerto Colón.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran trip lasts about three hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of 24 participants.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. Sightings of cetaceans and other wildlife are very common, but they are not guaranteed.

What animals might I see?

You may see pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, along with other marine life.

Is food included?

Yes. The trip includes a buffet-style selection of tapas and snacks, such as tortilla, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, olives, tomatoes, and a meat selection.

What drinks are included?

Available drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne or sparkling wine.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The catamaran stops for swimming, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Bring or wear a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. A waterproof phone holder is also a sensible precaution.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or insufficient bookings may also result in an alternative date or a full refund.