Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

The real prize here is the chance to see pilot whales close to the catamaran, often in calm waters off Tenerife’s south coast. Dolphins may join the show, but sightings are not promised. The three-hour cruise also includes a cold tapas buffet, drinks, and time for a swim.

I like the small maximum of 24 people, which gives you more room and makes it easier to see the water from different parts of the boat. I also like the practical all-in-one setup: south-coast hotel pickup can be arranged, food and drinks are included, and the catamaran has a toilet and shaded seating.

The main caution is simple: wildlife follows its own schedule. Pilot whales are commonly seen in this area, but you may not see dolphins, and the swimming stop can be modest, with some people finding the snorkeling less interesting than the whale watching.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: They are often seen close to the boat, making this a strong choice if whales matter more to you than dolphins.
• Small boat, limited numbers: The catamaran takes no more than 24 people, a far calmer setup than a large party boat.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tapas-style food, water, soft drinks, beer, and sparkling wine or champagne.
• Swimming and snorkeling are part of the outing: Bring a swimsuit and towel, as the boat normally anchors for time in the sea.
• Pickup covers southern Tenerife only: Transfers can be requested from Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.
• Sightings are common but not guaranteed: The crew searches in known whale areas, but no responsible operator can promise wildlife.

A close look at Tenerife’s pilot whales

This cruise works best when you understand what you are likely to see. Pilot whales are the regular stars. They are not the giant, dramatic whales many people picture, but their dark bodies, rounded heads, and calm movements make them fascinating to watch at close range.

The boat searches for cetaceans during much of the first part of the trip. The crew knows the local waters and keeps watch for blows, fins, and movement on the surface. Several accounts describe groups of pilot whales swimming near the catamaran, sometimes close enough for clear photographs.

Dolphins are possible too. Some outings see small groups playing near the boat, while rare encounters can involve hundreds of active dolphins. Other departures see no dolphins at all. I would book this for the chance to see marine life, with pilot whales as the realistic hope and dolphins as a welcome bonus.

The area off southern Tenerife is well suited to this kind of trip. You get open ocean views, volcanic mountains behind the coast, and beaches that look different from the water. The final cruise back toward shore gives you time to enjoy the setting after the wildlife search has finished.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

The meeting point is at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, with the catamaran departing from the marina area at Pantalan number 6 in Costa Adeje. If you stay nearby, making your own way to the harbor is straightforward.

Hotel pickup is available on request from selected resorts in southern Tenerife. That includes Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup times vary, usually arriving 20 minutes to one hour before sailing, so you need to wait for the confirmed time rather than rely on a standard schedule.

There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or other northern parts of the island. If you stay in the north, you must arrange your own transport to Puerto Colón. Request a transfer at least 24 hours before departure.

The transfer is useful if you are staying in one of the covered areas. It removes the need to find parking near the marina and makes the day feel simple from the start. One reported issue involved a vehicle arriving early, so give yourself a little spare time rather than planning a tight connection.

What the catamaran is like for three hours

The boat is a purpose-built catamaran with seating across several areas. You can use the prow, the flybridge, or the sofa inside, and shaded areas are available. The layout gives you a good chance to move around when whales appear on one side of the boat.

The maximum group size is 24 people. That matters more than it may sound. On a small boat, you can usually find a viewing place without standing behind a crowd, and the crew has more time to serve drinks, answer questions, and help with the practical bits of the trip.

The catamaran is described as comfortable and stable, but stable does not mean motionless. You will still feel the sea, especially while the boat is moving out toward the search area. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking a suitable remedy before boarding. Ginger tablets or Dramamine are suggested, but check that any medication is right for you.

Shoes may be removed on board, so wear something easy to take off. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and a swimsuit. A phone lanyard or waterproof case is a smart extra, especially if you plan to photograph whales from the edge of the boat.

A restroom is available. Life jackets are also provided for everyone on board. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible, so check carefully before booking if you have mobility needs.

The whale and dolphin search

The wildlife portion takes up much of the cruise. The crew heads to known areas and watches for pilot whales, dolphins, and other marine life, with sea turtles also possible.

The best moments come when a whale surfaces close to the boat. You may see only a back at first, then another whale appears beside it. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole trip looking through a screen. The animals can surface in a different place each time, and the view is better when you keep scanning the water.

Pilot whales often move in groups, which helps create repeated sightings. You may see several animals close together, then watch them disappear and reappear farther away. The experience is less like a staged performance and more like patient searching, with the crew responding to what the sea provides.

The crew speaks English and explains what you are seeing. Names singled out in the supplied feedback include Michael, Andre, and Edmond, who were praised for being attentive and helpful. Staff involvement is an important part of the trip because finding wildlife is only half the job. You also need someone to point out where to look and explain the animals without turning the outing into a loud party.

Photography can be tricky. Whales do not pose, and the boat may move as you lift your phone. A fully charged phone, a wrist strap, and a little patience will serve you better than a large camera you are afraid to use near salt water.

Tapas, drinks, and the value of the package

Food and drinks are served through much of the cruise. The cold buffet includes items such as Spanish tortilla, olives, tomatoes, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, canapés, and a meat selection. The exact balance can vary, but this is best understood as a light tapas meal rather than a full restaurant lunch.

Several people found the food tasty and plentiful, while one more critical view considered it ordinary. That is a fair way to judge it. The meal is a useful inclusion that keeps you from needing to plan food around a three-hour outing, but the whales are the reason to book.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and sparkling wine or champagne. The crew regularly offers refills, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices are available. This makes the price more attractive than a bare wildlife cruise, especially if you would otherwise buy lunch and several drinks at the marina.

Vegetarian food can be arranged if you request it at booking. If you follow a more specific diet, ask before you go, since the standard buffet includes meat and only limited vegetarian choices. One small criticism was that the vegetarian selection could be broader.

At $71.35 per person, the outing offers solid value if you use the included transfer, food, drinks, and swimming stop. The comparison is not just between this price and a basic boat ticket. You are also paying for a smaller group, crew service, and a meal on the water. If you only want a quick wildlife look and do not care about food or swimming, a shorter and cheaper trip might suit you better.

The swimming and snorkeling stop

After the whale search, the captain anchors near the south coast for a more relaxed section of the trip. You can swim, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

This is a pleasant change of pace. After sitting and watching the surface, you get to move around, cool off, and see the coast from the water. The boat may be anchored near a beach, but not necessarily close enough for you to go ashore.

Keep expectations sensible. The snorkeling is a bonus, not the main event. Some people found the water near the stop underwhelming, with common fish and limited variety. The location can also be near a nudist beach, which may matter to families or anyone who prefers a more secluded setting.

If swimming is important to you, bring your own comfort level and do not assume the stop will be a major reef experience. If you simply want a dip in the sea during a whale cruise, it does the job.

The return sail along Tenerife’s coast

The final stretch is slower and more scenic. The catamaran sails back toward Puerto Colón with views of the southern coastline, beaches, and mountains.

This is when the trip feels less like a wildlife search and more like a short coastal cruise. You can sit in the shade, finish a drink, take photographs, or simply enjoy the view without watching every patch of water for a fin.

The return also gives the crew time to keep the mood relaxed. Some outings include a celebratory toast or a small shot near the end. That suits the social character of the cruise, though families and non-drinkers can stick to soft drinks.

The boat returns to the original meeting point. If you used hotel pickup, the return transfer is arranged back to your hotel area.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several holiday needs handled in one afternoon. You get wildlife watching, a small boat, food, drinks, coastal scenery, and a swim without having to organize each part separately.

It is especially suitable for:

• Couples who want a relaxed ocean outing rather than a large party boat
• Families, since children can participate when accompanied by an adult
• First-time whale watchers who want an English-speaking crew
• Visitors staying in southern Tenerife who value hotel transport
• Anyone who prefers a smaller group with room to move around
• People who want pilot whales more than a guaranteed dolphin encounter

I would think twice if your main goal is a long, serious wildlife expedition. Three hours passes quickly, and part of the outing is given to food, swimming, and the return sail. It may also disappoint you if you expect a major snorkeling site, a beach landing, or guaranteed dolphins.

The boat is not wheelchair accessible. People with limited mobility should confirm that the boarding arrangements work for them before paying.

Booking, cancellation, and weather details

You receive confirmation when you book. Pickup must be requested in advance, and the exact collection time will be supplied afterward. Plan to arrive ready for a water activity, with swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The trip depends on suitable weather and a minimum number of bookings. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Monte Cristo Catamaran?

Yes, if you want a friendly, small-scale whale cruise with food, drinks, and a swim built into the price. The strongest reason to choose it is the chance to see pilot whales close to a comfortable catamaran without being packed into a huge boat.

Book it with realistic expectations. Dolphins may appear, but they are not guaranteed. The tapas are convenient and generally well received, but not a destination meal. The swimming stop is pleasant, though the snorkeling may be basic.

At $71.35, I see good value for a three-hour outing that includes south-coast transfers, a buffet, drinks, equipment, and a group capped at 24. If you are staying in the south and want an easy ocean day with a strong chance of seeing pilot whales, this is a sensible choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The boat departs from Puerto Colón, Pantalan number 6, in Costa Adeje, near Playa de las Américas.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup can be requested from 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 Tenerife.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts about three hours, including wildlife watching, food and drinks, a swimming stop, and the return sail along the south coast.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 24 people.

What wildlife might I see?

The cruise searches for pilot whales and dolphins. Sea turtles and other surrounding wildlife are also possible, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is food included?

Yes. A cold tapas-style buffet is provided, with items such as tortilla, cheese, quiche, bread, olives, tomatoes, crisps, canapés, and a meat selection. Vegetarian food is available if requested at booking.

What drinks are included?

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

Can I swim or snorkel?

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

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible.