Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Transfer, Buffet by MC

The main attraction is the free-swimming pilot whales found off Tenerife’s southwest coast. You head out from Puerto Colón on a purpose-built catamaran, watch for whales, dolphins, and perhaps a turtle, then stop for a swim before returning with the island’s mountains behind you. Guides such as Laura, Daniela, Michel, Miguel, and Captain Andrea have been singled out for warm service and clear animal facts.

I like the small group of up to 24 people, which gives you room to move between the flybridge, sundeck, and shaded seating. I also like that the price includes a useful spread of tapas, fruit, snacks, beer, soft drinks, water, and champagne rather than charging for every drink. The main caution is the sea: a catamaran is steady, but rough water can still make passengers seasick.

Key points

• Pilot whales are the main prize: The southwest coast is a regular place to look for pods, with dolphins also possible.
• Swimming follows the wildlife search: The captain may stop for a short swim and snorkeling session, with equipment supplied.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tapas-style food, fruit, snacks, beer, soft drinks, water, and champagne.
• Small boat, limited places: The maximum group size is 24, a quieter setup than large party boats.
• Transfers cover southern Tenerife: Pickup can be requested from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.
• Allow for movement at sea: Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and warm layer, and consider seasickness medicine if needed.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

Your three-hour outing begins at Pantalan 6 in Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje. If you are staying in the south of Tenerife, you can request a hotel transfer. The covered areas include Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.

Pickup time varies from about 20 minutes to one hour before sailing. That range matters, so do not plan a tightly timed activity immediately before this cruise. If your hotel is outside the transfer zone, you need to make your own way to Puerto Colón.

The boat is a comfortable catamaran built for sightseeing. Its two hulls help provide a steadier ride than many smaller boats, though no vessel can remove all motion from the ocean. There is a restroom onboard, and you can choose between open sun, shaded seating, the forward sundeck, or the flybridge.

The group limit is 24 people. That is small enough to avoid the packed feel of some large party cruises, while still giving the boat a pleasant social feel. You can move around to find a good view instead of spending the whole trip behind someone else’s shoulder.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife search is the heart of the trip, and the animals remain wild. That means the crew cannot promise a sighting, but the waters around Tenerife are known for regular sightings of short-finned pilot whales. Dolphins are also possible, and a sea turtle has been seen on some outings.

The most memorable encounters come when a pod travels near the catamaran. You might see backs breaking the surface, fins moving in formation, or whales pacing the boat for a short stretch. The pleasure comes from watching natural behavior rather than a staged animal show.

The crew keeps watch and explains what you are seeing. Names associated with the boat’s team include Laura, Daniela, Michel, Miguel, and Captain Andrea. Their role is not just to point at animals. They also help passengers understand the creatures, keep the boat safe, and make sure people spread out for good views.

Take your time at the railings and upper deck, but keep your eyes moving. Wildlife can appear on either side, and the best moment may last only a few seconds. You will want a camera, but do not spend the entire search looking at a screen. The whales are easier to enjoy when you watch the water first and photograph second.

Tenerife’s coast is part of the appeal. From the boat, you see the island’s mountain slopes from a different angle, with open water between you and shore. This gives the trip more substance than a simple animal-spotting run.

A swim stop with room to relax

After the wildlife search, the captain may take the boat to a suitable spot for swimming and snorkeling. The stop gives the trip a welcome change of pace. You can get into the water, cool off, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. The available information does not promise a particular underwater sighting, so think of this as a short ocean swim rather than a dedicated reef excursion. The main value is the chance to enter the Atlantic from the boat, away from the crowded shoreline.

Some passengers may prefer to remain on deck, especially if the sea is moving or the water feels cool. There is no pressure to swim. You can use the stop to rest, eat, take photographs, or sit in the shade.

Bring your own swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A warm layer is also sensible, particularly for early or evening departures. You may feel comfortable in the sun at the start, then notice the breeze once the boat is moving again.

Tapas, fruit, beer, and champagne

Food is part of what makes the $71.35 price easier to judge. The cruise includes a simple buffet and snacks, with offerings such as tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection. Fruit and tapas-style items are also served.

You should expect a casual boat buffet, not a full restaurant meal. Some people will find it generous and tasty, while anyone seeking a large or elaborate lunch may find it modest. The practical advantage is that you do not need to bring a meal or buy each drink separately.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. The crew is attentive about offering refreshments, and several passengers have found the service particularly generous. That can make a real difference on a sunny three-hour cruise, especially after swimming.

The open bar style also suits a relaxed social outing. You can sit with your food, take in the coast, and chat with other people onboard. If you are driving to Puerto Colón, remember that included alcohol does not change your responsibility for getting home safely.

What the boat feels like during three hours

Three hours is a good length for this kind of trip. You have enough time to leave the harbor, look for wildlife, enjoy the coast, stop for a swim, and eat, without using up an entire day in Tenerife.

The catamaran offers several ways to spend that time. The flybridge gives you a higher viewpoint, the forward sundeck puts you close to the breeze, and interior seating provides shade. Seating near the captain may offer a fine view, but access can depend on space and conditions, so do not count on a private or reserved position.

The boat is designed for comfort, but the sea can still be rough. One outing can feel smooth while another is bumpy. Some passengers have become ill, so take that possibility seriously if you are prone to motion sickness. Ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding may help, as suggested by the operator.

Avoid a heavy meal before departure if you know you react badly to boats. Keep your eyes on the horizon, use the open air, and tell the crew early if you feel unwell. The staff can help you find a calmer place to sit and give you room to rest.

The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part, but you should consider the boarding arrangements and movement around the boat if you have limited mobility.

Why the smaller group matters

The maximum of 24 passengers is one of the strongest features here. A smaller group means less competition for rail space, easier access to the buffet, and a better chance to hear the guide when an animal appears.

It also changes the mood. This is not presented as a loud party cruise. The focus is wildlife, open water, swimming, and food, with a friendly atmosphere created by the crew. You can still meet other people, but the boat gives you room to find a quieter corner.

The group size is not always identical on every departure. If the boat feels full, the upper deck and main seating can become busy, especially during the wildlife search. Still, the stated limit is far below the capacity of the largest excursion boats seen around Tenerife.

For families, couples, and small groups, this balance works well. Children may enjoy the whales and swim stop, but you need to supervise them around the rails and water. For a birthday or special occasion, the crew may add a personal touch. One birthday outing included a song and cake, though that should be treated as a kind surprise rather than a standard inclusion.

Transfers and the practical timing

The transfer option is useful if you are staying in the main resort belt of southern Tenerife. You request it when booking, then receive the actual pickup time later. Since pickup may be as early as an hour before sailing, keep your phone available and allow time to wait outside your accommodation.

The air-conditioned minibus transfer can save you the trouble of finding Puerto Colón and parking. It also makes the day easier if you plan to drink champagne or beer onboard. The return is to your accommodation when the transfer option applies.

If you are staying elsewhere, the departure point is Puerto Colón Pantalan 6, Costa Adeje. The activity ends back there. Check your route before the morning of the cruise, since the port area has several boats and departure points.

The experience is offered in English. Confirmation arrives at booking, and mobile tickets are accepted. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of passengers can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Is $71.35 good value?

At $71.35 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but it includes more than a basic whale-watching ride. You are paying for about three hours aboard a small catamaran, a crew focused on finding and explaining the wildlife, a swim and snorkeling stop, hotel transfer where available, and a buffet with drinks.

The value improves if you use the transfer and enjoy the included food and alcohol. A separate taxi, meal, and drinks could quickly narrow the price gap between this outing and a cheaper boat trip.

The price is less attractive if you do not care about swimming, rarely drink, or mainly want a quick look at the coast. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and rough sea conditions can affect the comfort of the ride. You are buying a well-rounded morning or afternoon on the ocean, not a guaranteed close-up whale encounter.

The strong overall rating of 4.8 from 550 ratings and recommendation from 96 percent of customers suggest that the basic formula works very well. Still, the small number of poor experiences points to the main risks: sea sickness, bumpy conditions, and occasional disappointment with the food or boat capacity.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want a half-day Tenerife activity that mixes wildlife, scenery, swimming, and lunch. It fits neatly into a holiday schedule and leaves time for a beach, town, or evening meal afterward.

It is especially suitable for couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a smaller boat to a large party vessel. The attentive crew and included transfer also help if you want a simple outing with few decisions once you leave your hotel.

You should think twice if you are highly sensitive to motion, need wheelchair access, or want a guaranteed whale sighting. You may also prefer a land-based activity if swimming and boat travel do not appeal.

Book early if your dates are fixed. The experience is often reserved about two weeks ahead, and the maximum group size is limited. Choose an earlier departure if you want to avoid the strongest midday heat, as one morning outing also found the trip comfortable for that reason.

My verdict on the Monte Cristo Catamaran

I would book this for a balanced day on the water, especially if pilot whales are high on your Tenerife wish list. The small group, open decks, friendly crew, wildlife explanations, buffet, and drinks give the cruise more depth than a quick harbor excursion.

Go prepared for real sea conditions. Bring a warm layer, sunscreen, towel, and motion sickness medicine if you need it. If you accept that wildlife sightings depend on nature and that the food is a simple buffet, the $71.35 cost is fair for a three-hour outing with transfer, swimming, and refreshments included.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, in Costa Adeje. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available by request from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup times vary from about 20 minutes to one hour before sailing.

What animals might I see?

You may see pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Sightings depend on wildlife and sea conditions, so they cannot be guaranteed.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The captain may stop at a suitable snorkeling spot, and snorkeling equipment is provided. You should bring a swimsuit and towel.

What food and drinks are included?

Food includes tapas-style items and snacks such as tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, meat, and fruit. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No, the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. It does have a restroom, shaded areas, a forward sundeck, a flybridge, and interior seating.