Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Transfer, Buffet by MC

Pilot whales are the main event here, and the best moments come when a pod surfaces beside the catamaran in open water. From Puerto Colón, you spend about three hours looking for whales and dolphins, then pause for a swim with Tenerife’s mountains behind you. Wild animals set the schedule, so sightings are never guaranteed.

I like the small maximum group of 24 and the useful mix of wildlife, swimming, food, and free drinks. I also like the practical hotel transfer, which can save you a taxi ride if you are staying in the south.

The main caution is the sea. A catamaran is stable, but it still moves, and rough conditions have left some people feeling ill. Take seasickness medicine if you need it, and bring a light layer for an evening sailing.

Quick points before you book

• Pilot whales are the usual star: You may also see dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life.
• A proper three-hour outing: You get wildlife watching, a swimming stop, food, and time to enjoy the coast without losing a full day.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tapas-style items, fruit, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.
• Small by local boat-trip standards: The stated maximum is 24 people, and several outings have had about 20 aboard.
• Pickup covers southern Tenerife: Transfers can be requested from Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.
• Bring swim gear and sun protection: Towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a swimsuit are the useful basics.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

The meeting point is Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, in Costa Adeje. If you are staying nearby, going straight to the marina keeps things simple. If you are based farther along the southern coast, request the transfer when you book.

Pickup is available from selected hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Americas, Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. The collection time can be 20 minutes to an hour before departure, and the exact time is confirmed after your request. That range matters, so do not plan a tight pre-cruise appointment.

The transfer is a useful part of the price. You avoid finding a taxi, parking near the marina, or guessing how long the coastal roads will take. Several people have particularly liked the air-conditioned minibus and the door-to-door arrangement. If you stay outside the listed areas, you need to make your own way to Puerto Colón.

The boat is a purpose-built catamaran with a restroom, open sundecks, a flybridge, and indoor sofa seating. I would board early if you care about a particular position. The upper area can give you a fine view, while the open bow is useful for sun and fresh air. You can also seek shade inside or under the covered seating.

Three hours on Tenerife’s whale coast

Once the catamaran leaves the marina, the crew takes you along the coast in search of animals moving freely through the Atlantic. The southern waters around Tenerife are a regular home for pilot whales, so these are the animals you are most likely to see.

The trip is not a performance with a guaranteed timetable. The crew watches the water and adjusts the route to find marine life. That means one outing may bring close views of a pod, while another may involve a longer search. The experience works best if you treat the wildlife as wild, not as a scheduled show.

Pilot whales have been the most consistent sighting on this cruise. You might see several pods, with one account describing two separate groups. Other outings have included dolphins and even a sea turtle. You could see animals near the boat, but the crew should always give them space. That respectful approach is important, especially when you are watching creatures in their own home.

The crew also shares facts as you go. Laura has been singled out for clear guiding, while Captain Andrea, Daniela, Miguel, and other crew members have helped make the trip feel personal and well run. The names can vary by departure, but you can expect an English-speaking crew and explanations about the animals you encounter.

Keep your eyes moving. Whales can surface behind the boat, beside the hull, or farther out in the water. The flybridge and forward deck give you different angles, and the catamaran’s width means you are not trapped in one viewing spot.

Why the small group matters

The maximum group size is 24, which is a major reason to choose this cruise instead of a large party boat. With fewer people aboard, you have more room to shift between sun and shade, move toward a good viewing side, and hear the crew without a loud crowd around you.

The actual number can vary, but some outings have carried about 20 people. That is still a social boat trip, not a private charter. You should expect other people around you, especially during the wildlife sightings and buffet, but the setup is less cramped than the large catamarans that pass along the coast.

There is one useful warning here. One person felt the boat was slightly overfilled, and another found the ride very bumpy. Those comments are not the general pattern, but they point to the two things you cannot control: the day’s sea conditions and the exact passenger count.

The stable catamaran helps, but it does not remove motion. If you are prone to seasickness, take a remedy such as ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding, following the product directions. Fresh air may help, but once you feel unwell, it can be hard to enjoy the food or wildlife.

Tapas, fruit, and an open drinks service

The included food makes this more than a basic whale-watching ride. The buffet includes tapas-style choices such as tortilla, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a selection of meat. Fruit and other snacks are also provided.

The meal is simple rather than a restaurant lunch, but it fits the setting. You can eat a little, return to the rail for wildlife watching, and have more later. Several people have praised the quality of the tapas and the generous supply of food.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. The crew serves drinks during the trip, and the steady service has been one of the strongest parts of the experience. If you are planning to drink alcohol, remember that the boat may still be moving and the sun can be strong.

I see real value in this inclusion. At $71.35 per person, the price covers a three-hour boat trip, wildlife viewing, swimming, food, and drinks. Add a hotel transfer if you use it, and you have fewer extra costs to worry about. It is not the cheapest way to see Tenerife from the water, but it is a fair package for a half-day outing.

The buffet also helps families and mixed groups. Someone who is less interested in marine biology still has the coastline, swimming stop, food, and comfortable seating. Someone who wants the wildlife can spend more time near the front or upper deck.

The swimming and snorkeling stop

After the crew has spent time searching for whales and dolphins, the captain takes the boat to a place suitable for swimming. This gives the trip a welcome change of pace. You can get into the Atlantic, cool off, and look back at Tenerife from the water.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. The material does not promise a specific underwater sighting, so keep your expectations sensible. The value is the chance to swim from the catamaran, not a guaranteed reef encounter.

The swim is optional. If the water looks too rough, you do not feel well, or you simply prefer dry clothes, you can remain aboard. The boat has room to relax on the sundecks, flybridge, and indoor sofa.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A waterproof layer is also sensible because spray can reach the deck, especially when the sea is moving. For an evening or sunset departure, add a warm top. The air can feel much cooler once the sun drops, even after a hot day on Tenerife.

Some departures have included a chance to snorkel as well as swim. You should listen closely to the crew’s instructions and use the equipment they provide. The crew’s attention to safety has been a repeated strength, including help for people who feel unwell.

Timing, transfers, and the best departure choice

The cruise lasts about three hours, making it easy to fit around another Tenerife activity. A morning sailing can be pleasant if you want to avoid the strongest midday heat. One early departure was especially appreciated because it was cooler and less tiring.

Afternoon and sunset trips have their own appeal. The evening light can make the mountain views memorable, and the swim, food, and drinks create a relaxed end to the day. Bring a warm layer for these later departures, and expect the light to change during the wildlife search.

Your pickup time may be up to an hour before the sailing. Allow extra time on both sides of the activity, especially if you have dinner reservations or another booked tour. The cruise returns to the same meeting point, and the transfer returns you to your accommodation when arranged.

The tour is offered in English. The provider can confirm the actual pickup time after you request it. Confirmation is sent at booking, and the maximum group size is 24.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would choose this for someone who wants a well-rounded half-day at sea, not a specialist wildlife expedition. You get marine animals, island views, a swim, snacks, and drinks in one compact outing.

It suits couples, families, and small groups who want a calm boat atmosphere rather than a loud party cruise. It can also work well for a birthday or special occasion. One birthday outing included a cake and song, though that should be treated as a kind gesture rather than a standard part of the package.

It is a good fit if you are staying in southern Tenerife and want transport handled for you. It is also useful near the end of a holiday, when you want one memorable activity without giving up a full day.

I would be more cautious if you are highly sensitive to motion, need wheelchair access, or dislike shared boat trips. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. The service is personal, but this is still a group activity with changing sea conditions.

Cancellation and practical details

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

The trip depends on suitable weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of people is not reached, you are offered another option or a full refund.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. The boat has a restroom, but it is not wheelchair accessible. Public transportation is available near the departure point if you are not using the transfer.

Should you book the Monte Cristo catamaran?

I would book it if you want a small-group whale-watching trip with extras that genuinely add value. Pilot whales are often seen, dolphins are possible, and the crew puts real effort into explaining the animals and looking after people. The included buffet, drinks, swim, and transfer make the $71.35 price easier to justify.

I would not book it expecting a guaranteed close encounter or perfectly smooth water. Nature decides what appears, and the Atlantic can be rough enough to upset stomachs. Take seasickness precautions, choose your departure time with care, and bring a warm layer for evening trips.

For most visitors based in southern Tenerife, this is a sensible way to spend three hours. It gives you wild marine life, open views, a swim, and a meal without the scale or noise of a large party cruise.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching catamaran depart?

The catamaran departs from Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 6, 38660 Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup can be requested from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup times vary from 20 minutes to one hour before sailing.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about three hours and returns to the original meeting point.

What animals might I see?

The cruise may include sightings of pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are free in their natural habitat.

Is food included?

Yes. The included food can include tortilla, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, meat, fruit, tapas, and other snacks.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne are available during the cruise.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The captain takes the boat to a swimming area, and snorkeling equipment is provided. Bring a swimsuit and towel.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. It does have a restroom, shaded seating areas, a sundeck, a flybridge, and indoor sofa seating.