Whales and dolphins, with tapas and a view. I love the small-group feel (up to 24 people) and the included drinks and buffet tapas that keep the trip relaxed. The one thing to watch: seeing whales or dolphins is extremely likely, but it’s still not guaranteed.

This is based out of Puerto Colón on a comfortable purpose-built catamaran called Monte Cristo. If you’re staying in the south (Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Golf del Sur, Adeje, and nearby areas), you can request hotel pickup, usually 20 minutes to 1 hour before departure.

The captain and crew aim for the best cetacean spots, and you’ll also get a swim/snorkel window with equipment on board. It’s a stable catamaran, but you should expect some movement—so if you’re sensitive, plan for it.

Key points to know before you go

• Up to 24 passengers: fewer people usually means more space to watch and take photos
• Drinks and food are built into the schedule: you’re not waiting until the end for snacks
• A guide hunts with you: the search strategy matters when whales and dolphins are moving
• Swim and snorkel are part of the outing with provided gear
• Life vests and a restroom are onboard for comfort and safety
• Not guaranteed cetacean sightings even though they’re very common

Whale and dolphin watching from Puerto Colón, the Monte Cristo way

Most whale-watching trips succeed or fail on one thing: where the boat spends its time. This one is designed around that idea. You sail out with a crew that actively looks for cetaceans, then stays with them long enough for real watching and photos. That is a big deal on Tenerife, where dolphins and pilot whales can show up close to shore—sometimes in bursts that don’t last long.

The boat itself is a purpose-built catamaran, which usually helps with comfort. It’s stable, and you’ll have several places to sit and watch. There are sundeck areas on top, seating on the flybridge, and a covered spot below, so you can shift with the sun or the breeze. There’s even a restroom onboard, which sounds small until you’re 45 minutes out at sea.

What the 3-hour timing really feels like

The tour runs about 3 hours. In that window, you’re doing three things back-to-back: searching, watching/photographing, and then finishing with a relaxing sail near the south coast. That time pressure can be annoying if the boat is chasing for hours with no sightings, but here the activity is set up so you’re out specifically for cetaceos. When sightings happen, the payoff is fast.

And because drinks and food are served for much of the trip, you’re not stuck waiting with empty hands if the boat needs to reposition.

Pickup in the south of Tenerife without the headache

You start from Puerto Colón / Puerto Colón harbour in the Playa de las Américas area (near Costa Adeje). If you’re in the pickup zone in the south, you can request round-trip hotel transfer.

A few practical points matter here:

• Pickup is only offered for hotels in the south of Tenerife. There’s no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north.
• Pickup timing varies—typically 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing—so don’t plan anything immediately before the collection time.
• If you’re outside the pickup area, you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point in Puerto Colón.

One thing I like about this setup is that you’re not spending vacation time figuring out buses or parking. You also get back to your hotel area afterward, which makes it easier to keep your day stress-free.

On board comfort: where you’ll actually want to stand or sit

This catamaran has a configuration that gives good views, and the spaces are spread out enough that you don’t feel trapped in one spot. There’s seating on the flybridge and the top deck area has room to see over the crowd.

There are also some small comfort details you’ll appreciate:

• Life vests are available for all passengers.
• There’s onboard restroom access.
• If you want to maximize your whale/dolphin sighting angle, you’ll generally do better standing at the best viewing deck rather than hanging out inside.

One minor reality check from past experiences: some guests have noted that there aren’t huge dedicated sunbathing zones. You can still find places to watch, but if your goal is lying out under strong sun for the full 3 hours, you might want to rotate between top deck and covered seating.

The search strategy: how the crew helps you find cetaceans

This is a guided watch-and-go experience. The crew looks for whales and dolphins, and you stay with them when they show up. That may sound obvious, but in practice it’s the difference between a tour that cruises past wildlife and one that actually gives you sustained viewing time.

The key value for you is time with the animals. When pilot whales or dolphins come near, the boat’s job is to position well so you can observe behavior and get photos. Multiple departures have reported close pilot whale sightings, including moments where whales move in front of the boat.

A helpful detail: a few crew members have been highlighted by name on some sailings, including Michael Andre and Edmond. Even if your crew isn’t the same team, it’s a sign that the staff tends to be hands-on and focused on the spotting.

What you eat and drink while you’re watching

This is one of the biggest reasons people book this trip. You get food and drinks as part of the experience, not just a token snack.

Drinks: plentiful and varied

You can expect water, soft drinks, and beer, plus champagne. You may also see options like Prosecco or shots served during the afternoon. The overall theme is easy: the crew serves frequently so you’re not constantly asking.

Food: tapas buffet style

Food is served throughout much of the trip. The included menu can include items like:

• tortillas (including Spanish tortilla),
• cheese and quiche,
• bread and crisps,
• and a meat selection.

On some sailings, a cold lunch style buffet has included things like olives, tomatoes, and tortilla canapés, served in a simple, practical way that keeps the focus on being on the water.

Vegetarian options are available—just ask during booking.

Why this matters for value

At $71.35 per person, the headline value isn’t only the boat ride. It’s that you’re not paying extra at sea for drinks and snacks. For a 3-hour outing that includes a swim window, food and drink bundled in usually make the cost feel fairer than the sticker price suggests.

Stop on the water: snorkel time and a quick swim break

After the main spotting and sailing time, the trip usually ends with a relaxing sail near the south coast. Before that final stretch, you’ll get time to swim and snorkel.

Here’s what’s practical for you:

• Swimwear is the move. Put it on before you board when possible.
• Bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
• You’ll want a towel, since you’ll be in and out of the sea.

Snorkel equipment is provided. Some people have described the water near a beach area, including sightings of fish under the boat. If you care most about wildlife variety, keep expectations realistic: you may see a few local fish species, not a constant parade of colorful reef life.

Also, since the swim area can be near shore locations, you might want to accept that the setting can be a bit mixed in terms of other beach activity in the area.

The real win: intimate boat time and lots of photo chances

A big recurring theme is that this boat doesn’t feel packed. With a maximum of 24 passengers, you can usually find a spot to see what’s happening without constantly shifting around a wall of people.

That matters when pilot whales show up close. When dolphins or whales are active at the surface, your best photos come fast. An uncrowded deck means you can react quickly instead of waiting for someone to step aside.

If you’re traveling with kids, this format is usually easier too, since the staff can keep an eye on everyone and the group size makes it more manageable.

Weather, movement, and seasickness: set yourself up

This tour requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s fair, because in rough seas both sightseeing and comfort suffer.

About motion: the catamaran is stable, but there can still be movement. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking something ahead of time (ginger tablets or medication like Dramamine are mentioned as options). Also, sitting closer to the center of the boat can help some people, while others prefer the front for smoother sensation—what works varies.

Who this tour fits best

You’ll likely love this if:

• you want whale and dolphin watching near Tenerife without overcomplicated logistics,
• you like trips where food and drinks are included while you’re out on the water,
• you enjoy getting into the sea for a swim/snorkel break,
• you prefer a smaller group over big-boat mass tours.

It may be less ideal if:

• you want nonstop sunbathing space for the full duration,
• you’re counting on perfect wildlife sightings every single time (nature won’t promise that),
• or you require wheelchair access, since the catamaran is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

Quick practical checklist

If you want this to feel easy from start to finish:

• Wear or bring your swimsuit.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel.
• Have your phone ready for photos, and consider a neck strap so you’re not constantly gripping it.
• If you get motion sickness, prepare ahead.

Should you book this catamaran tour?

If your goal is a well-paced afternoon that combines cetacean spotting with real comfort—plus included drinks and tapas—this is a strong pick. The price is reasonable for what you get: boat time, guided search, plenty of serving on board, and a swim/snorkel window.

I’d book it if you’re staying in the south of Tenerife and you want your day planned for you. I wouldn’t book it if you’re mainly chasing perfect snorkeling scenery or you need long, uninterrupted sunbathing space.

In short: if whales and dolphins are your priority, and you want it done in a smaller, friendlier format with food and drink included, this Monte Cristo catamaran outing is the kind of Tenerife afternoon that tends to feel worth it.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin cruise depart from?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. If you’re using your own transport, you can meet at Puerto Colón, Pantalan #6 (Costa Adeje area).

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available by request for hotels in the south of Tenerife, including Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje areas, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is approximately 3 hours.

What’s included with the ticket?

You get a catamaran whale and dolphin watching experience with drinks and food served during the trip, plus tapas-style buffet food. Life vests are available onboard, and there is also a restroom on the catamaran.

Can I go swimming or snorkel?

Yes. The captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots, and snorkeling/swim equipment is provided.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings of cetaceans and surrounding wildlife are extremely common, but they are not guaranteed.

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