Whale & Dolphin Watching in Tenerife (Puerto Colon) On a Large Catamaran

The main reason to choose this cruise is simple: you get three hours at sea with two good aims, wildlife watching and a swim stop. A large catamaran gives you more room than a small boat, while the crew provides information about the whales and dolphins living around Tenerife.

I like the included alcoholic drinks, since your final bill does not grow with every beer. I also like the combination of open-water viewing and free time in a sheltered bay. The main drawback is that wildlife is never guaranteed, and a group of up to 70 people means this is a social boat trip, not a quiet private outing.

Key points at a glance

• Whale and dolphin search: The first part of the cruise focuses on spotting marine life around Tenerife, with information about the species found near the island.
• Three hours on a large catamaran: You have room to move around, sit with your group, and find a viewing position.
• Swim stop in a small bay: The boat anchors after the wildlife search so you can get into the water.
• Food and alcoholic drinks included: The price covers the open bar and food served during the outing.
• Two departures each day: This gives you some choice when fitting the cruise into a Playa de las Américas schedule.
• Maximum of 70 people: The boat is spacious, but you should expect a shared group excursion rather than an intimate sailing trip.

Leaving Puerto Colón for open water

The cruise begins at Av. de Colón, 11, in Playa de las Américas. That address places you at Puerto Colón, the marina used as both the meeting point and the return point.

You should allow enough time to find the correct catamaran at the marina. The supplied information gives the address but does not name a particular guide, vessel name, or boarding gate. I would have your mobile ticket ready and confirm the boat details before setting out, especially if you are unfamiliar with Puerto Colón.

Once on board, the large catamaran is the main setting for the next three hours. The size matters. You are not confined to a tiny deck, and you can move around as the boat heads away from the marina. That helps when one side has a better view or when you want to switch between sun and shade.

The boat can carry a maximum of 70 people. That is large enough to create a friendly, social atmosphere, but not so large that this becomes a full sightseeing ship. Still, you should not expect a private charter or a silent nature trip. Families, couples, and groups may all be sharing the deck.

Searching for whales and dolphins around Tenerife

Wildlife watching comes first. The crew takes you out to look for whales and dolphins and provides information about the species that live around Tenerife. This educational part gives the trip more purpose than a simple coastal boat ride.

The right mindset is important. You are going out to search for wild animals, not to watch a scheduled show. Sightings depend on conditions and animal movement, so you may see wildlife quickly or spend more time scanning the water. No responsible operator can promise a particular species or number of sightings.

I like that the trip includes information about the local marine life. You are not left to guess at every fin or splash, and the commentary can help you understand why Tenerife is a good place for this kind of outing. The exact format of the explanation is not specified, so you should expect general information rather than a highly technical marine biology lecture.

A catamaran also gives you several ways to watch. You can sit and keep your eyes on the horizon, move to another part of the boat, or simply enjoy the open sea when wildlife is not immediately visible. Bring patience. The most rewarding moments on a wildlife cruise often come after a stretch of ordinary water.

A small-bay swim stop after the wildlife search

After the search for whales and dolphins, the catamaran anchors in a small bay. This changes the pace of the day. Instead of watching the water from the deck, you get free time to swim.

The stop is a useful part of the package, particularly if you want a boat outing that feels like more than a wildlife excursion. You can cool off, enjoy the water, and spend time at anchor before the return trip. The supplied details do not specify the bay, water temperature, or exact amount of swimming time, so you should not plan around a fixed number of minutes.

You should also pack the basics for a swim: a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry layer for the ride back. Those items are not listed as inclusions, so bring your own. The boat provides the setting, food, and drinks, but the information does not promise equipment rental or private changing facilities.

The swim stop may be the most relaxed part of the outing. If you are mainly interested in wildlife, it gives you a pleasant break after scanning the sea. If you are mainly looking for a swim, remember that the search for marine life is still the first major part of the trip.

Food, open bar, and the real value of $54.29

At $54.29 per person, this is priced as a midrange shared boat outing rather than a luxury yacht charter. The value comes from combining several elements in one ticket: the catamaran ride, whale and dolphin watching, wildlife information, food, alcoholic drinks, and a swim stop.

The open bar is a clear advantage for anyone planning to have a few drinks. Alcoholic beverages are included, so you do not face the usual surprise of paying separately for each drink. The available information does not list the specific drinks, quantities, or service times, so I would treat open bar as a useful inclusion rather than assume a particular brand or menu.

Food is also included. The information does not describe the meal, so you should not book this expecting a named dish or a full restaurant-style lunch. Think of the food as part of the boat service that keeps the outing going, not the main reason to buy the ticket.

The price looks strongest when you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, drinks, and a swim experience. It is less compelling if you do not drink alcohol, do not plan to swim, or want a very small group. In that case, you are paying for features you may barely use.

For families, the value depends on how the adults plan to use the open bar and how much the children enjoy the water and wildlife search. For couples, the package can work well if you want an easy half-day activity without arranging separate transport, food, and drinks.

What the large catamaran changes

A large catamaran offers practical comfort. You have more room to spread out than on a small rigid boat, and the tour specifically emphasizes space for social distancing. That makes the format useful if you prefer not to sit shoulder to shoulder for the entire cruise.

The maximum group size is 70. The boat may feel spacious at that capacity, but the experience will still depend on how many people are booked for your departure. A busy sailing can mean more competition for the best viewing spots and more activity around the swim stop.

I would choose this cruise if you enjoy a shared atmosphere. You can have a drink, talk with your group, watch the sea, and take a swim. I would choose a smaller boat instead if your priority is quiet observation, personal service, or a private feel.

The large vessel may also appeal to people who are nervous about small boats. The information does not promise a smooth ride, and sea conditions can change, but the catamaran format gives you more space to move and settle in.

Timing your day in Playa de las Américas

There are two trips each day from the marina. The exact departure times are not provided, so check the available time when booking. That choice can affect the rest of your day.

A morning sailing may leave you free for lunch and other plans afterward. A later departure may fit better if you want a slow start. Either way, set aside about three hours for the cruise itself, plus time to reach the marina and board.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. That is helpful if you are staying near Playa de las Américas or planning another activity in the area. Private transportation is not included, so you must make your own way to Puerto Colón.

The meeting point is near public transportation. That makes the tour practical for people staying elsewhere in southern Tenerife, though the supplied details do not specify which routes or stops serve the marina. If you are using public transport, check your return connection before choosing the later sailing.

Who should book this catamaran cruise

This outing suits you if you want several Tenerife experiences in one package:

• You want to look for whales and dolphins without arranging a private boat.
• You like being on a larger vessel with room to move.
• You want a swim stop as part of the same trip.
• You appreciate having food and alcoholic drinks included.
• You are comfortable with a shared group of up to 70 people.
• You want a three-hour activity starting and ending at Puerto Colón.

It may not suit you if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings. It also may disappoint you if you expect a detailed meal, a private boat, or a tightly scheduled wildlife encounter. The activity description does not promise any particular whale or dolphin species, exact viewing distance, or amount of time spent swimming.

I would also think carefully if you are booking solely for alcohol. The drinks are a useful inclusion, but the heart of the trip is the sea, wildlife search, and swim stop. The best value comes when you plan to enjoy all three.

Practical details before you reserve

Your confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Keep the mobile ticket accessible, and check the confirmation for the precise departure information provided for your date.

The activity is offered in English. Most people can participate, but the supplied information does not provide detailed accessibility information. If you have a specific mobility, medical, or boarding need, ask before booking rather than assume the catamaran setup will meet it.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund, and the local time in Tenerife controls the cut-off.

One important planning note: the product information describes a large catamaran, but it does not provide the boat name. Confirm the vessel and meeting instructions before you walk around the marina looking for the right boarding point.

Should you book it?

I would book this catamaran cruise if you want a straightforward, social half-day on the water with wildlife watching, a swim, food, and drinks in one price. The $54.29 cost is reasonable when you intend to use those inclusions, and the large boat gives you more breathing room than a compact vessel.

I would skip it if your top priority is a private or highly specialized wildlife tour. Sightings are never guaranteed, the group can reach 70 people, and the meal details are limited.

For most visitors staying near Playa de las Américas, this is a practical way to put several seaside activities into one outing. Go with realistic expectations, arrive prepared for a shared boat, and treat any whale or dolphin sighting as a welcome reward rather than a promise.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin cruise begin?

It begins at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, at Puerto Colón.

Where does the activity finish?

The cruise returns to the same meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours.

How many departures are offered each day?

There are two trips daily from the marina.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The experience includes food and an open bar, including alcoholic beverages.

Is a swim stop part of the cruise?

Yes. The catamaran anchors in a small bay after the wildlife search, giving you free time to swim.

Is transportation to Puerto Colón included?

No. Private transportation is not included. The meeting point is near public transportation.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 70 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.