Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran with Transfer and Buffet

Pilot whales are the main attraction here, and they often come close enough for clear photographs. Dolphins may join the show, though no sighting is guaranteed. The trip ends with a swim stop and a slow sail past Tenerife’s south coast, beaches, and mountains.

I like the small maximum group of 24, which gives the boat a calmer feel than the big party cruises. I also like the practical all-in price: transfer, drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, and a restroom are included. The main catch is that the swim stop can be less impressive than the whale watching, and dolphins are never promised.

Key points before you book

• Pilot whales are the most likely sighting, often close to the catamaran.
• The group is limited to 24 people, with more room to watch and take photos.
• Tapas and drinks are served during the cruise, including beer, soft drinks, water, and champagne.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included, but the stop is mainly a pleasant break rather than a major reef experience.
• Hotel pickup covers south Tenerife only, with no collection from Puerto de la Cruz or the north.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and motion-sickness medicine if needed.

Why pilot whales make this three-hour trip worthwhile

Tenerife’s southwest coast is one of the better places in the Canary Islands to look for cetaceans. Pilot whales are seen often in the waters off the island, and this trip is built around finding them rather than simply taking a scenic boat ride.

The crew searches for active wildlife and keeps watch while the catamaran moves through the open water. When whales appear, the boat slows so you can watch their movements and take photographs. The most common success is seeing pilot whales close to the boat. Dolphins are also possible, and some outings produce large, active groups, but the company is right to make no guarantee.

That honesty matters. You should book this as a wildlife search, not as a staged animal encounter. Some days bring both whales and dolphins. Other days bring pilot whales but no dolphins. Sea conditions, animal behavior, and luck all play a part.

The boat gives you several useful viewing positions. You can sit forward, use the upper seating area, or stay inside when the sun feels strong. The catamaran is stable compared with a smaller single-hull boat, though you will still feel movement on the sea.

For the best chance of enjoying the wildlife, keep your phone ready and protect it from spray. A neck strap or waterproof holder is a sensible extra. You may see the animals for only a short time, so putting your camera away now and then helps you enjoy the sight itself.

Leaving Puerto Colón on Monte Cristo Catamaran

The meeting point is Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, also known as Costa Adeje. If you are staying nearby, you can make your own way to the marina. If you are based in the main resort areas of south Tenerife, hotel pickup and return are available by request.

The transfer area includes Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup times vary, usually arriving between 20 minutes and one hour before sailing. Request the service at least 24 hours before departure, then wait for the confirmed collection time.

There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or the north of Tenerife. If you are staying there, you must arrange your own transport to Puerto Colón. This is an important point because the trip is convenient only if your hotel falls inside the southern pickup zone.

At the marina, you board the catamaran and receive an outline of the day. Footwear may need to come off on board, so wear something easy to remove. The boat has life vests for all passengers and a restroom, useful details on a three-hour trip.

The maximum group size is 24. That is not a private charter, but it is small enough to avoid the packed feeling common on large sightseeing boats. You should have a fair chance of finding a good viewing spot without standing shoulder to shoulder.

Finding whales and dolphins off Tenerife’s coast

The first main part of the cruise is the wildlife search. The crew uses its local experience to look for pilot whales and dolphins, then positions the boat for observation without rushing the moment.

Pilot whales are usually the star. They are smaller than the great whales many people picture, but seeing them surface near the catamaran can be remarkable. Their dark backs and rounded dorsal fins appear and disappear quickly, so you will want to pay attention.

Dolphins are less predictable. You might see a few animals riding near the bow, or a large group moving quickly through the water. Some outings produce both species. Others find only whales. Sea turtles are also listed as a possible sighting, but you should treat them as an extra surprise rather than an expected part of the trip.

The crew’s role adds real value here. Finding wildlife is not simply a matter of sailing offshore and waiting. A well-run search saves time and improves your odds, especially when the crew knows where pilot whales have recently been active.

The boat does not promise sightings, and that is the fair policy. Wildlife remains wild. If seeing a particular species is your only reason for booking, you need to accept that possibility before paying.

Still, the sighting record described for this route is strong. Pilot whales are seen extremely often, and several outings have produced close encounters. That makes this a better bet for whale watching than a generic coastal cruise.

Tapas, drinks, and the value of the fare

At $71.35 per person, the price is reasonable for a three-hour outing that includes more than the boat ride. You are paying for the catamaran, crew, wildlife search, hotel transfer if requested, drinks, food, and a swim stop.

The food is a cold buffet of tapas and snacks. Expect items such as Spanish tortilla, olives, tomatoes, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, canapés, and meat selections. The exact spread may vary, but it is enough for a light meal rather than just a token snack.

You can request a vegetarian option when booking. If you do not eat meat, make the request early. The buffet includes some vegetarian choices, but the selection may be modest, so do not expect a full vegetarian meal with many separate dishes.

Drinks are available through much of the cruise. Options include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. Several outings have also included cava and celebratory shots. The crew’s attentive drink service is one reason the trip feels like a relaxed social cruise rather than a basic wildlife transfer.

That said, the meal should not be your main reason for booking. It is a useful bonus that makes the fare feel fair, especially when combined with the transfer and equipment. If you want a serious food experience, choose a restaurant instead. If you want lunch without interrupting the sea time, the buffet does the job.

The small group also affects value. A cheaper cruise carrying a very large crowd may give you less space and a more hurried feel. Here, you are paying a little more for room, personal service, and a less hectic boat.

The swim and snorkeling stop

After the wildlife search, the catamaran anchors near the south coast for swimming and snorkeling. The crew provides equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask or snorkel.

This is a pleasant change of pace. After standing or sitting alert for whales, you can get into the water, cool off, and look at fish beneath the boat. You may prefer to stay aboard, especially if the sea is choppy or you are not a confident swimmer.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is not a major snorkeling site with a broad range of reef life. The stop is mainly for swimming, and the fish may be ordinary. The exact location can also affect the experience. The boat may anchor offshore near a beach, rather than pull up on the sand.

Some passengers have found the swim area underwhelming, with limited fish variety. Others have enjoyed the chance to swim in open water. I would treat it as a welcome pause, not the central reason to choose this cruise.

One practical tip: wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Changing on a moving boat is awkward, and you will get more from the stop if you are ready to enter the water. Pack a towel and sunscreen, and remember that wet decks can be slippery.

Coastal views on the return sail

The final part of the trip is slower and more scenic. The catamaran sails close to Tenerife’s south coast, giving you views of the mountains, beaches, and resort shoreline from the water.

This return section helps round out the day. You are no longer watching every patch of sea for a fin, so you can settle into a seat, finish your drink, and enjoy the coastline. The upper area and forward seating should appeal to anyone who wants open views, while the inside sofa offers shelter from strong sun.

The coast looks different from the sea. Resorts that seem dense from land appear as a strip beneath the steep volcanic slopes. The boat gives you a broad view without the traffic and heat of a road excursion.

The catamaran then returns to Puerto Colón, where the activity ends. If you used the transfer, the driver takes you back to your hotel area. The whole experience lasts about three hours, though the transfer adds time around the sailing itself.

Comfort, motion, and practical limits

The catamaran is designed for comfort and has shaded seating, a forward sundeck, an upper flybridge, and an indoor sofa. You can move around to find sun or shade, though the amount of open space may vary depending on how full the boat is.

The vessel is stable, but it is not motionless. If you are prone to seasickness, take suitable medicine before boarding. Ginger tablets or Dramamine are suggested options in the tour information. Sitting near the middle of the boat may also help, though individual comfort varies.

The boat is not wheelchair accessible. Most people can take part, but children must be with an adult. Life vests are available for everyone.

The trip is offered in English. The crew’s explanations focus on the whales, dolphins, safety, and the plan for the day. Names connected with especially warm service include Michael, Andre, and Edmond, though the crew working your departure may differ.

The boat has a restroom, which is useful because the wildlife search takes place offshore. Bring only what you need, since towels, phones, sunscreen, and drinks can quickly crowd your seat.

Who should book this catamaran

I would choose this trip if you want three things in one outing: a good chance to see pilot whales, a comfortable small-group boat, and a relaxed meal-and-swim format.

It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who prefer a friendly boat rather than a huge cruise. Children can take part with an adult, and the combination of wildlife, food, and swimming gives the afternoon enough variety to hold a family’s attention.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in south Tenerife and want hotel pickup. The transfer removes the need to navigate the marina, although you should confirm the pickup time because it can be as much as an hour before sailing.

I would look elsewhere if your main goals are a serious snorkeling site, a large vegetarian buffet, a guaranteed dolphin encounter, or wheelchair access. The wildlife is the strongest part. The swimming and food support the experience, but neither should be oversold.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a new date, another option, or a full refund.

Should you book the Monte Cristo Catamaran?

Yes, if pilot whales are high on your Tenerife list and you like a boat trip with food, drinks, and a swim built in. The strongest reasons are the frequent pilot whale sightings, close viewing opportunities, small group, and helpful crew.

Book with realistic expectations. Dolphins may not appear, the snorkeling stop may be basic, and the buffet is light tapas rather than a full restaurant meal. At $71.35, though, the package offers solid value, particularly when you use the southern hotel transfer.

Wear your swimsuit, bring a towel and phone strap, take motion-sickness medicine if needed, and ask for pickup at least 24 hours ahead. If you want a calmer wildlife cruise with plenty of personal space, this is a sensible choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The boat leaves from Puerto Colón, Pantalan number 6, in Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and return are available by request from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. There is no pickup from Puerto de la Cruz or northern Tenerife.

How long is the experience?

The sailing lasts about three hours. Hotel transfers take additional time, and pickup may be scheduled from 20 minutes to one hour before departure.

What food and drinks are included?

The service includes tapas and snacks such as tortilla, cheese, quiche, bread, olives, crisps, tomatoes, and meat selections. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. Vegetarian food is available if requested when booking.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. The catamaran stops at a swimming area, and snorkeling equipment is provided. Bring swimwear and a towel. The fish and snorkeling conditions can vary.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Pilot whales and other wildlife are seen very often, but sightings are not guaranteed. Dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles are possible during the cruise.