Whale & Dolphin Watching in Tenerife (Puerto Colon) On a Large Catamaran

Tenerife’s southwest coast is one of the island’s best places for a wildlife boat trip, and this outing gives you three hours on the water to look for whales and dolphins. You’ll leave Puerto Colón, hear about the species that live around the island, then stop in a small bay for food and a swim.

I like the large catamaran, which gives you more room than a small excursion boat, and I like the practical all-in price. Alcoholic drinks are included, so you are not watching the clock as every beer or glass of wine adds to the bill. The main thing to consider is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the 70-person maximum means this is a shared group outing, not a quiet private cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours from Puerto Colón: You leave and return to the marina on Av. de Colón in Playa de las Américas.
• Whales and dolphins are the main purpose: The crew looks for wildlife and provides information about the species found around Tenerife.
• Food and alcoholic drinks are included: You do not need to budget for an expensive onboard bar tab.
• A swim stop is part of the plan: The catamaran anchors in a small bay and gives you free time in the water.
• Large boat, maximum 70 people: You get a roomy platform for a shared excursion, though it will not feel private.
• Two departures each day: The schedule gives you some choice when fitting the trip into a Tenerife holiday.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

The meeting point is at Av. de Colón, 11, in Playa de las Américas. This is the Puerto Colón marina, a useful starting point for a boat trip because you finish in the same place and do not need private transportation arranged through the tour.

You should allow a little extra time to find the correct departure point. The marina can have several boats and excursion operators, and the supplied directions identify the address but do not provide a detailed landmark or boat name. A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. I would keep that confirmation handy on your phone and check the meeting instructions before leaving your hotel.

The boat carries up to 70 people. That is large enough to avoid the cramped feel of a tiny motorboat, but it is still a group trip. You can expect a social atmosphere, shared viewing areas, and a mix of families, couples, and other holidaymakers.

Watching for whales and dolphins

The wildlife search is the heart of the outing. After leaving the marina, the catamaran explores the waters around Tenerife in search of whales and dolphins. The crew also explains the wildlife found around the island, which adds useful context to the sightings.

The exact animals you see will depend on the day, sea conditions, and where the animals are moving. The trip description specifically focuses on whales and dolphins, so you should book it for the chance to observe marine life in the wild, not for a guaranteed show or fixed animal encounter.

That distinction matters. A wildlife trip can give you a memorable sighting, but nature sets the schedule. You may see animals clearly, catch only brief appearances, or spend much of the search watching the sea. The crew provides information about the species that live around Tenerife, so the trip still has an educational side even when sightings are limited.

I like that the tour gives wildlife the first part of the outing rather than treating it as a quick extra before lunch. You have time to look around and listen for updates from the crew. No guide names are provided, so you should not book this expecting a named marine biologist or a particular presenter.

Why the large catamaran matters

A large catamaran is a sensible choice for a three-hour sea trip. Its broad layout generally gives you more places to sit or stand than a small boat, and the size can make the experience feel less confined. For families and mixed-age groups, that extra room is useful.

The boat is also promoted as having plenty of space for social distancing. That does not mean you will have a private deck or personal seating area, but it does suggest a less crowded setup than a compact excursion vessel. With a maximum of 70 people, the group is still substantial, so anyone seeking silence and solitude should look at a private charter instead.

The large boat also affects the character of the trip. You are joining a relaxed shared cruise rather than setting out on a fast, highly focused wildlife expedition. That suits people who want a blend of sightseeing, drinks, food, and swimming.

The swim stop in a small bay

After the wildlife search, the catamaran anchors in a small bay. This is the change of pace that makes the trip more than a simple boat ride. You get free time to leave the boat and swim, assuming conditions are suitable and you are comfortable in the water.

The stop gives you a chance to cool off after sitting in the sun and looking out to sea. It is also useful for anyone in your group who is less interested in wildlife watching but still wants a pleasant afternoon on the water.

Keep your expectations sensible. The information does not name the bay, give a guaranteed swimming time, or describe water equipment. This is a swim stop, not a guided snorkeling session or a watersports package. If you want to swim, bring the basics you need and follow the crew’s instructions when the boat is anchored.

The stop can also be affected by weather and sea conditions. The experience requires good weather, and a cancellation for poor conditions leads to a different date or a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but it also reminds you that the sea determines the final plan.

Food, drinks, and the real value of $54.29

At $54.29 per person, the price is easier to judge when you count what is included. You receive the boat trip, wildlife watching, information about local species, food, a swim stop, and alcoholic beverages. That is a fair package for about three hours, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for drinks and a meal during a day at the coast.

The open bar is one of the strongest practical features. On many boat outings, the ticket price looks modest until drinks begin appearing on the bill. Here, alcoholic beverages are included, which makes it easier to budget. The available information does not define the full drink menu, so I would not assume premium brands or unlimited service beyond the stated inclusion.

Food is included as well, though no menu is given. You should view it as a straightforward meal served during the cruise, not as a restaurant experience. If you have allergies, strict dietary needs, or strong food preferences, you will need to confirm what is available before booking because no special menu information is provided.

The value is best for someone who wants several elements in one outing. If you only want a short whale-watching trip, three hours with food and drinks may be more than you need. If you enjoy a social boat ride and plan to use the swim stop, the package makes more sense.

How the timing fits a Tenerife holiday

The tour operates twice daily, which gives you some flexibility. A morning departure can leave the rest of your day free for the beach, sightseeing, or dinner. A later departure can work well if you want a relaxed start and prefer to spend the first part of the day at your hotel or on the coast.

The entire experience lasts approximately three hours and ends back at the same meeting point. That return is convenient because you do not need to arrange a second pickup point or find your way back from another harbor.

Since the activity is dependent on good weather, avoid building an important flight connection or tightly timed dinner around it. The trip may be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are poor, but a weather decision can still affect your day.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip

I would consider this a good match for:

• Couples wanting a relaxed day on the water
• Families who prefer a larger, steadier boat
• Groups that like wildlife, swimming, food, and drinks in one package
• Visitors staying near Playa de las Américas
• Anyone who wants an easy shared excursion without arranging private transportation

It may be less suitable for you if your top priority is a quiet boat with very few people, a private guide, a specialist photography trip, or a guaranteed close wildlife encounter. The group limit of 70 keeps the outing manageable, but it does not make it intimate.

Most people can participate, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The supplied information does not give detailed accessibility guidance, so you should ask the operator directly if you need specific assistance with boarding, seating, or the swim stop.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Use the mobile ticket, but save the confirmation before you arrive. Because the directions identify a marina address rather than a detailed boat location, give yourself time to find the right departure point.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a phone or camera that you can keep secure around water. You will be spending much of the outing outside, and the combination of sun, wind, and sea spray can catch you off guard.

Do not judge the experience only by the number of animals seen. The crew cannot control wildlife movement. Instead, think of the trip as a combination of open-water searching, local wildlife information, a meal, drinks, and a swim stop.

The experience has a published rating of 3.8 from 12 ratings, so I would treat it as a generally appealing but not universally perfect outing. One important caution is that a particularly negative account associated with this activity was later identified as describing a different boat. Do not use that account to judge this catamaran, but do use it as a reminder to confirm the boat and meeting point before departure.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran if you want a well-rounded three-hour outing rather than a narrowly focused wildlife expedition. The included alcoholic drinks, food, swim stop, and return to Puerto Colón give the $54.29 price practical value.

I would book it for a relaxed Tenerife holiday, especially if you are staying near Playa de las Américas and like the idea of sharing the day with other people. I would skip it in favor of a smaller specialist trip if your only goal is serious wildlife photography or maximum time searching for whales and dolphins.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin trip begin?

It begins at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, at Puerto Colón marina.

Where does the experience end?

The catamaran returns to the same meeting point at the end of the approximately three-hour trip.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts about three hours.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Food and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is swimming part of the trip?

Yes. The catamaran anchors in a small bay and provides free time for swimming.

How many people can join?

The maximum group size is 70 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.