REVIEW · TENERIFE
Whale watching and listening Eco-Catamaran Tour with Food Tasting
Book on Viator →Operated by White Tenerife · Bookable on Viator
A whale and dolphin show is close to you. I love the live captain commentary that turns sightings into something you can actually understand, and I love how often you get serious moments with whales and dolphins. One thing to consider: the catamaran can feel a bit crowded when everyone is chasing the best deck spots.
For the price, this is hard to beat. You’re paying for a real-time wildlife search by sea plus a food-and-drink package, not just a boat ride. If you want the most relaxed experience, arrive with your plan (sun spots, layers for wind, and your swim gear needs), because the comfort is decent but not luxurious.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you go
- Why this 3-hour whale hunt feels like a best-value Tenerife day
- Puerto Colón meeting point: where to start and how to not waste time
- On the water: how whale and dolphin searching usually plays out
- The swim and snorkel moment: your best chance to feel the ocean up close
- Food tasting and unlimited drinks: what’s actually included (and what’s not)
- Crew, comfort, and why seating choices matter on a catamaran
- What to bring: the real packing list for whales, sun, and sea spray
- Who this tour is best for (and who might rethink it)
- Should you book White Tenerife’s Whale Watching and Food Tasting?
- FAQ
- How long is the whale watching and food tasting tour?
- What is included in the price?
- Is snorkel equipment included?
- Is food and drink included, or do I buy it on board?
- Is there a vegetarian option?
- Can children join this tour?
- What’s the minimum drinking age?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- Does the tour run in bad weather?
- What’s the cancellation policy if my plans change?
Key points to know before you go

- Live underwater spotting moments: you may even hear whale communication through a mic into the water
- Short, fun stops built in: sailing + a refreshing swim/snorkel window along the way
- Included meal and drinks: sandwiches and unlimited drinks are part of the ticket
- Small-ish group size: maximum 64 travelers, so it’s typically easier than the biggest boats
- Crew-led atmosphere: friendly, attentive team with commentary from the captain (names you may hear include Angel and Victor)
- No snorkel gear in the ticket: you’ll want to plan for that if you’re counting on it
Why this 3-hour whale hunt feels like a best-value Tenerife day
This tour is built around one main goal: get you out on the water where whales and dolphins live, then give you context while you’re watching. At just about 3 hours, it stays focused. You’re not stuck on a long itinerary that feels like a transfer with a side of animals.
I like that the experience mixes three different moods: quiet wildlife search time, an active swim/snorkel break, and then an on-board food/drink stretch that keeps energy up. The unlimited drinks and included sandwiches aren’t about gourmet dining. They’re about making sure you don’t pay extra to keep your day rolling when you’re out at sea.
The live commentary from a local captain is a big part of why it doesn’t feel random. When you hear what you’re looking at (and why you’re sailing the route you’re on), your time feels more meaningful than just scanning the horizon.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
Puerto Colón meeting point: where to start and how to not waste time

You meet at White TenerifePantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at the same place—so you don’t need to organize a second trip back into the city.
Two practical notes matter a lot here:
- There’s no pick-up or drop-off included. Plan to get there under your own steam (it’s near public transportation).
- Being early helps. People talk about arriving ahead of time if you want the best deck setup for lying down or relaxing. On a catamaran, that first positioning moment can make your whole trip feel easier.
If you’re driving, parking can be paid and you’ll still likely be walking a short distance from the marina. Bottom line: give yourself a cushion. Boats leave, and you don’t want your day hinging on a late stroll.
On the water: how whale and dolphin searching usually plays out

This is the part most people sign up for, and it’s where the tour earns its near-perfect rating. You sail out to look for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat along the south coast of Tenerife. You’re not in a land-viewing situation; you’re actually moving through the marine area where sightings happen.
What you can realistically expect is variety. The tour experience is designed around finding multiple groups, and you may spot more than one species. Depending on the day, you might see pilot whales and dolphins, and people also mention turtles. Hearing whales is a standout detail that comes up often, with a microphone system used to help capture underwater communication.
Also, notice the tour style: it aims for close viewing without turning into reckless chasing. On a boat like this, “close” often means you get good angles and enough time for your eyes to focus, not that you’re constantly circling one spot forever.
And yes, you might get surprises beyond whales and dolphins. People have reported flying fish and even other wildlife. Don’t assume it’s guaranteed, but the day can feel lively.
The swim and snorkel moment: your best chance to feel the ocean up close

The tour includes a stop for swimming and snorkeling along the way. That’s a key reason this isn’t just a wildlife trip with a checkbox. When you get to the swim bay, the experience changes from watching to participating.
A few practical tips:
- Bring what you need because snorkel equipment isn’t included. If you want to snorkel, plan your own gear or be ready to go without it.
- Pack a swimsuit and a towel. One traveler was disappointed they didn’t have one, which is a simple lesson: if the itinerary includes swimming, treat it like you’ll actually use it.
- The water can be chilly even when the weather feels fine. People noted temperatures around 18°C in December, so bring layers for after your swim. Cold wind can hit faster than you expect once you’re back on the deck.
If you care about comfort during the swim, think about how you’ll move from boat to water. Catamaran boarding can be a little different from beach access, so keep your footing steady and plan for a slightly bouncy surface.
Food tasting and unlimited drinks: what’s actually included (and what’s not)

This is where the ticket feels especially “real.” You get sandwiches (food tasting) and unlimited drinks included. You won’t be hunting for snacks at sea or paying extra for basic beverages.
Some people describe draft beer on tap as part of the drinks setup, but the key detail you can count on from the tour info is unlimited drinks in general. What you should know:
- Coffee and/or tea are not included, so if you’re a morning tea person, don’t assume it’ll be there.
- Souvenir photos are available to purchase, but they’re not included in the fare.
The food is simple by design, but that’s not a flaw here. It matches the tour pace. You’re out for animal sightings and water time, not a long sit-down meal.
If you’re sensitive to sea conditions, this part can matter too. Lighter food and staying hydrated helps a lot when you’re on open water.
Crew, comfort, and why seating choices matter on a catamaran

The crew and captain are a major part of the experience quality. People mention the team as friendly and attentive, and they also mention captain names like Angel and Victor in connection with caring service. That human factor matters when you’re on a boat—questions get answered quickly, and you feel guided rather than left to figure it out alone.
Comfort is decent, but you should not think of this as private charter luxury. One review described the catamaran as slightly crowded, even if it’s better than huge packed trips. With a maximum of 64 travelers, it’s still not a small private group, so your comfort will depend on timing and where you land on the deck.
A few tips that help:
- If you want a place to lie down, arrive early and be ready to move fast once onboard.
- Expect some music at times. People mention the soundtrack can be a bit personal for taste, and that it may get turned off. It’s not typically presented as a silent meditation cruise, so decide if you’re okay with that atmosphere.
- If anything changes due to conditions, don’t panic. One person mentioned the sailing setup shifting to engine because of a broken rope. The tour can keep moving while handling small issues.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan like you mean it. The tour is only about 3 hours, but sea movement is real, and you’ll be out on open water during the search and route.
What to bring: the real packing list for whales, sun, and sea spray

Based on what’s included and not included, your “smart pack” looks like this:
Bring:
- Swimsuit (the trip includes swimming)
- Towel (so you’re not improvising)
- A layer for wind on deck
- Any snorkeling items you want, since snorkel gear isn’t included
Optional but useful:
- A small bag for storing shoes and items while moving. People specifically recommend packing light because the boat involves onboard storage while underway.
Note:
- The tour info mentions an exclusive hammock you can ask the crew about, but it also lists hammock as not included. So if you care about using one, ask on arrival and don’t treat it as guaranteed.
Who this tour is best for (and who might rethink it)

This tour is ideal if you want:
- A high-probability wildlife outing without committing a full day
- A guided feel, thanks to the local captain commentary
- A blend of relaxing deck time plus an active swim stop
- Included food and drinks so you don’t add extra costs
It’s also a decent family-friendly option in the sense that kids can join, but remember: children must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to pack for comfort and water time.
It may be less ideal if:
- You dislike crowds on boats. The max group size is 64, but crowding can still be noticeable on smaller deck areas.
- You’re expecting snorkel gear to be provided. It isn’t.
- You want a silent, ultra-luxury experience. This is more social, with live commentary and drinks.
Alcohol note: the minimum drinking age is 18, so you can expect a mix of adults and families, with drinking rules kept in place.
Should you book White Tenerife’s Whale Watching and Food Tasting?
Yes—if your priority is a short, value-heavy trip that combines wildlife time with real comfort extras. The biggest reasons to book are simple: live captain commentary, solid odds of meaningful sightings, and the included sandwiches plus unlimited drinks that keep the tour from feeling bare-bones.
Before you click Confirm, ask yourself two quick questions:
- Do you have swim basics covered (swimsuit, towel, and any snorkel gear you want)?
- Are you okay with a boat that can feel a bit full when everyone goes looking for the best view?
If you can say yes to both, this is the kind of Tenerife day that turns into a core memory: whales and dolphins out at sea, a swim that breaks up the motion, and a crew that helps you understand what you’re seeing.
FAQ
How long is the whale watching and food tasting tour?
It lasts about 3 hours.
What is included in the price?
You get whale watching with live onboard commentary, a food tasting with sandwiches, unlimited drinks, and all taxes/fees/handling charges.
Is snorkel equipment included?
No. Snorkel equipment is not included.
Is food and drink included, or do I buy it on board?
Food and drinks are included. Coffee and/or tea are not included.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at booking.
Can children join this tour?
Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
What’s the minimum drinking age?
The minimum drinking age is 18.
Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at White TenerifePantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
Does the tour run in bad weather?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for sea wind and changing conditions.
What’s the cancellation policy if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the paid amount is not refunded.


























