REVIEW · TENERIFE
Whale & Dolphin Watching in Tenerife (Puerto Colon) On a Large Catamaran
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Three hours on the sea, eyes on wildlife. This Puerto de Colón catamaran tour in Tenerife pairs a large catamaran ride with an open bar of alcoholic drinks, plus a real chance at a whale and dolphin sighting.
It’s a simple pitch: cruise out from Av. de Colón, look for marine life, then cool off in a bay while they serve food.
The format keeps things easy to follow: you head out from the marina, spend time searching for whales and dolphins, and finish anchored in a small swimming bay. The boat also gives information on the wildlife species you might see around the island.
My one caution is that onboard comfort details may vary. One complaint mentioned extra payment for sun loungers and tighter seating for people who did not pay, so you’ll want to confirm what’s included with your exact seating before boarding.
In This Review
- Key highlights before you go
- A 3-hour catamaran mission off Tenerife’s coast
- Open bar and included food: where the value shows up
- What the whale and dolphin spotting really feels like
- The swim stop in a small bay: the payoff moment
- Seating, sun loungers, and deck comfort on a big catamaran
- Meeting at Av. de Colón 11: don’t trust memory—check details
- How the schedule works with Tenerife sightseeing
- Weather reality: plan for seas that cooperate
- Who should book this Tenerife whale and dolphin cruise
- Should you book it?
- FAQ
- How long is the whale and dolphin watching tour?
- What is the price per person?
- Where do I meet for the tour?
- Does the tour include whale and dolphin watching and a swim stop?
- What’s included with the tour?
- What is not included?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- When will I get confirmation after booking?
- How many people are on the boat?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
- Is public transportation nearby?
- Is the tour suitable for most people?
Key highlights before you go

- Included open bar with alcoholic drinks means fewer surprises on your spending
- A swim stop in a small bay gives you water time, not just sea views
- Wildlife information on species around Tenerife helps you spot what you’re seeing
- Large catamaran with up to 70 people keeps the outing big-boat, not small-boat cramped
- Two daily trips from the marina helps you match the cruise to your day plan
A 3-hour catamaran mission off Tenerife’s coast
This outing runs about 3 hours and is built around one goal: whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife. You’ll depart from the marina area near Av. de Colón 11, Playa de las Américas, then spend time out on the water looking for whales and dolphins before returning to the same meeting point area.
The boat is a large catamaran, and that matters more than it sounds. A bigger vessel typically means more open deck space for people to spread out, breathe, and keep their eyes on the horizon without feeling packed in tight quarters.
In practice, you should go in knowing marine sightings are never 100% predictable. The tour is designed to maximize your odds by giving you time at sea plus a guided wildlife approach, not a quick one-and-done peek.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
Open bar and included food: where the value shows up

At $54.29 per person for a roughly three-hour cruise, the value comes from what’s included. The tour lists an open bar with alcoholic beverages and also includes food served during the trip.
Why that’s good for your budget: when a tour includes drinks and food, you can skip the usual add-ons that pop up on sightseeing boats. It also makes the pacing easier—no need to budget for a bar stop or hunt for something to eat while you’re already out at sea.
That said, food quality is always the wild card on shared boat tours. One negative comment specifically called the food unappealing, so I’d treat the meal as included fuel, not a foodie event. If you’re picky, eat a solid snack before you go and plan to enjoy the experience first.
What the whale and dolphin spotting really feels like

This isn’t described as a lecture first, whale hunt later kind of day. Instead, you’ll get out on the water and then get information on the wildlife and species you encounter around the island. That kind of guidance is handy because it gives your eyes something to work with while you’re scanning.
You’ll also want to remember that Tenerife waters can offer different things on different days. Even with good planning, whales and dolphins may show up near, far, or not at all during your exact window. The tour structure tries to address that by giving you a chunk of time searching before the swim stop.
If you care about seeing more than just a single brief surf moment, the best move is mindset: don’t lock your day onto one outcome. You’re buying time on the water and a guided approach, plus a fun finale in the bay.
The swim stop in a small bay: the payoff moment

This cruise includes free time to get in the water and swim in a bay. That’s a big deal because many wildlife cruises never let you actually enjoy the coastline up close. Here, you go from watching the sea to stepping into it.
The rhythm is part of what makes it work. After the boat spends time out searching, it anchors in a small bay, gives passengers swim time, and then serves food for everyone. So you get a clean before-and-after arc: hunt, then chill.
One practical note: if you’re focused on swimming, bring the essentials you would for a quick beach break. Also, be ready for salt-air conditions—things like wind can make the deck cooler than you expect once you’ve gotten wet.
Seating, sun loungers, and deck comfort on a big catamaran

A large catamaran helps, but comfort can still vary depending on where you end up. The tour description emphasizes space and room for social distancing, which suggests you won’t be forced into shoulder-to-shoulder conditions the whole time.
Still, one complaint flagged that sun loungers may cost extra and that people who did not pay could end up with less comfortable seating along the side of the boat. The same comment also said the food did not match expectations for the price.
There’s an important wrinkle: the operator’s response said the criticism was about a different boat. That doesn’t erase the value of the warning, but it does suggest that details can vary by ship or assignment. I’d treat this as a reason to confirm with the provider what your ticket includes for seating and loungers, especially if you’re booking specifically for comfort.
Meeting at Av. de Colón 11: don’t trust memory—check details

Your meeting point is listed as Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point area.
That should make your day easier to manage. It also means you’re not stuck playing the transportation game in a new neighborhood after you get off the boat.
One caution from a negative comment: finding the correct boat was difficult for that person because the confirmation did not provide clear description details. The operator later corrected that it was a different boat, but the lesson is still smart: verify the specific vessel details shown in your confirmation and arrive a touch early so you can locate the exact catamaran being used that day.
How the schedule works with Tenerife sightseeing

This cruise runs two trips daily, which is helpful if you’re building a day around other priorities like beach time, day trips, or a sunset plan. You’ll also know you’re looking at a 3-hour block that returns you to the same meeting point, making it simpler to connect with other activities afterward.
The tour is offered in English, and the overall group size is capped at a maximum of 70 people. A group that size usually feels lively, but not chaotic, especially on a larger vessel with multiple deck areas.
If you’re traveling with anyone who gets bored easily on boats, the combination of time at sea plus the swim stop tends to keep the day moving. You’re not stuck watching open water the whole time.
Weather reality: plan for seas that cooperate

The tour notes it requires good weather. That’s not a fancy footnote; it affects whether you go at all. If conditions are poor and the trip is canceled for weather reasons, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
So if your schedule is tight, you’ll want a bit of flexibility. And if you’re the type who hates uncertainty, keep a backup plan on standby for the day you book.
Who should book this Tenerife whale and dolphin cruise
I’d book this if you want a whale and dolphin outing that also includes the fun stuff: an open bar, food, and a swim stop in a bay. The large catamaran setup and the capped group size make it feel more like a relaxed sightseeing outing than a survival-style boat ride.
You might think twice if you’re extremely sensitive to comfort and seating details. Based on one complaint, sun loungers might not be fully included and the best deck spots may depend on your assignment. Also, if you rate onboard food highly, consider that at least one person found the meal disappointing.
This is also a decent fit for people who don’t want to keep adding costs throughout the day. Drinks and food being part of the package keeps your spending predictable.
Should you book it?
Yes—if you want a value-packed 3-hour catamaran cruise with time for marine watching and a real swim stop, this fits the bill. The included alcoholic drinks and food help make the price feel more reasonable than pay-as-you-go boat tours.
I’d book with one smart mindset: confirm the exact vessel and what’s included for seating or loungers, then expect marine wildlife as a bonus rather than a guarantee. If you handle that reality well, you’ll likely come away happy with the mix of sea time, wildlife spotting, and time in the water.
FAQ
How long is the whale and dolphin watching tour?
It lasts about 3 hours.
What is the price per person?
The price is $54.29 per person.
Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Does the tour include whale and dolphin watching and a swim stop?
Yes. It includes whale & dolphin watching and a swim stop in a bay.
What’s included with the tour?
The tour includes an open bar (alcoholic beverages), food, whale & dolphin watching, and the swim stop.
What is not included?
Private transportation is not included.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, it’s offered in English.
When will I get confirmation after booking?
Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
How many people are on the boat?
The maximum is 70 people.
What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience. The tour also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is public transportation nearby?
Yes, it’s listed as near public transportation.
Is the tour suitable for most people?
It says most travelers can participate.
























