Pilot whales make this cruise worth it. On a Monte Cristo Catamaran run out of Puerto Colón, you spend a few focused hours chasing cetaceans with a small group feel and drinks and tapas served along the way.

What I like most is the pace: you’re not stuck watching from far away and hoping for the best. The crew and guide help you find the viewing spots, and on past departures staff like Michael Andre and Edmond have been singled out for being friendly and on-the-ball. The big catch to plan around is simple: sightings are very common, but whales and dolphins are never guaranteed.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group (max 24) so you get breathing room for photos and leaning in
• Pilot whales up close are the main reason people book this
• Drinks and buffet food flow through most of the trip, not just at one stop
• Swim and snorkel time with provided equipment
• Comfort-first catamaran setup with shaded places to cool down
• Optional hotel transfer in the south if you’re in the right area

3 hours on the water: the feel of the schedule

This tour is about 3 hours on the water, with the action packed into an afternoon cruise. It runs on the logic that the best chance of seeing whales and dolphins comes from staying in search mode, then switching to a relaxed sail once you’ve had your best viewing.

That timing matters. On shorter trips, you often feel rushed—chase, stop, gone. Here, you get enough time for the boat to find activity, you get repeat chances to look (and re-aim your camera), and then you finish with that slower, scenic return along the south coast.

Starting from Puerto Colón: boarding Monte Cristo Catamaran

You’ll meet in Puerto Colón (Playa de las Américas area) and board the purpose-built catamaran run by Monte Cristo Catamaran. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a second transfer across town.

Once you’re on board, you’ll see the practical stuff that makes a difference at sea:

• Life vests are available for all passengers.
• There’s a restroom onboard.
• You’ll have shaded options to get out of the sun, including seating areas and places to relax rather than baking the whole time.

The catamaran is built to be stable, which helps if you get a little queasy. Still, the ocean can move. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll be happier if you plan ahead—ginger tablets or Dramamine are commonly used by people who want to reduce the odds of feeling off.

The cetacean search: how whale and dolphin time usually works

The whole point is searching for whales and dolphins near Tenerife with guidance from the crew. Expect plenty of observation windows and photo chances. You’ll likely spend time following where the animals are most active, then positioning again when the sea changes.

Here’s the honest reality to plan around: cetacean sightings are extremely common, and pilot whales are a frequent highlight. At the same time, the sea doesn’t read schedules. You can have a fantastic day with multiple whale encounters and still miss dolphins. Or you can luck into both, including active groups that come up near the boat.

A useful way to think about this: you’re booking for the experience of being out there, not a vending-machine guarantee. If you’re the type who wants to see wildlife on your terms, go anyway—and keep expectations flexible.

Drinks and tapas buffet: why the middle of the trip feels easy

One reason this cruise gets such strong ratings is that the trip stays comfortable and social instead of turning into a long, cold wait. Food and drinks are served for most of the tour, which changes the mood fast.

The buffet is described as a tapas-style spread with items like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. People also talk about the fact that drinks keep coming and choices are generous—so you’re not rationing yourself or asking every few minutes.

If you’re vegetarian, you can request a vegetarian option at booking. One small note from real-world feedback: some people wished for more variety. If that matters to you, it’s worth requesting in advance and keeping your expectations realistic—this is a buffet included with the cruise, not a gourmet restaurant.

There’s also often that fun, slightly celebratory vibe at the end. Some departures include little surprises, like birthday cake moments where the crew plays along. If you want to travel with a sense of occasion, this is a good format for it.

Swim and snorkel off the south coast: what you’ll actually do

You’ll finish the searching portion and then anchor close to the south coast for a relaxing sail and views. During the cruise there’s also time to swim and snorkel off the catamaran, with equipment provided.

A couple practical points:

• You’ll want to come ready. Bring or wear swimwear and plan for wet time.
• Expect a quick entry from the boat rather than a long beach walk.
• If you snorkel, you’ll likely see some fish and familiar Tenerife-water swimming. But you shouldn’t treat this as a full-day reef adventure.

One review mentioned snorkel conditions were less impressive than hoped, partly because the swim area is set near a nudist beach area and the fish variety wasn’t what they expected. That doesn’t mean you’ll hate it—just that the snorkel stop is best seen as a fun bonus. The main event is still being out on the water with a chance at whales and dolphins.

If you’re bringing your phone, think about comfort too. A neck holder for your mobile phone can save you from that constant grip-and-panic routine.

The return sail: mountain views and photo-friendly pacing

Once the captain has you in the right zone, the vibe shifts from chase mode to “look up and enjoy.” The tour ends with a relaxing sail close to the south coast, with mountain scenery and surrounding beach views.

This is a smart way to finish, because it gives you:

• calmer viewing after the excitement,
• a chance to take photos when you’re not constantly scanning for surface blows,
• and that feeling of getting a full afternoon, not just a quick sprint.

Some people also mention an end-of-trip moment with shots or small add-ons. If you’re sensitive to alcohol, just take it slow and decide what’s worth tasting.

Value check: what $71.35 buys on Tenerife

At around $71.35 per person for a 3-hour cruise, what makes this feel like value is not just the boat—it’s the package. You’re getting:

• whale/dolphin searching time,
• an included buffet tapas-style meal and snacks,
• drinks throughout most of the tour,
• and swim/snorkel equipment for those who want to get in the water.

Add the option of hotel pickup in South Tenerife (limited to specific areas) and the experience can feel even more straightforward. Even if you don’t use pickup, the included food and drink usually change how you spend the rest of your day.

The one thing to remember: the wildlife part is never guaranteed. So your best value comes from booking with the right mindset—go for the high odds and the fun atmosphere, not a promise.

Transfer and meeting point reality: when pickup helps (and when it doesn’t)

Pickup is available by request for hotels in specific south areas like Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje areas, Playa Paraiso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pick-up time can fall between 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing, and the exact time is confirmed after you request it.

If you’re staying north (or specifically Puerto de la Cruz), pickup isn’t offered, and you’ll need your own way to Puerto Colón.

The tour is also described as near public transportation, which is good news if you don’t want to rely on a car service.

Comfort, crowding, and the small-group advantage

This is capped at 24 travelers, and multiple reviews mention the boat not feeling crowded. That matters more than you’d think. When you’re trying to track whales and dolphins, you need space to move, lean, and raise a phone without shoulder-bumping your way through the viewing crowd.

The catamaran also has areas to sit and relax, including a flybridge seating area and a sofa inside. That’s helpful when the sun is intense. One criticism did pop up: the boat has plenty of seating, but not many true sunbathing spots. Translation: come ready to rotate between shade and sun, not to lie flat for hours like you’re at a beach club.

Who this cruise is best for

This trip is a great fit if you:

• want a high chance of seeing pilot whales and the possibility of dolphins,
• prefer a smaller group over big bus-and-boat crowds,
• like tours where food and drinks keep the afternoon flowing,
• and enjoy a short swim without planning a whole separate day for it.

It’s also family-friendly. Kids must be accompanied by an adult, and the format is easy to follow. Just keep seasickness in mind if your group is sensitive.

Should you book this whale and dolphin catamaran?

Book it if you want an afternoon that blends sea-life excitement with real comfort—drinks, snacks, tapas, and time to swim are all part of the deal. The odds of seeing pilot whales are strong, and the small group size makes the viewing feel better than the big-boat chaos.

Skip it (or adjust expectations) if:

• you need a guaranteed dolphin sighting,
• you’re expecting a top-tier snorkeling dive rather than a fun swim stop,
• or you’re counting on wheelchair access (the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible).

If you’re traveling in good weather, I’d call this one of the easier “yes” decisions for Tenerife: you get a well-paced 3-hour experience, and even on days when dolphins are elusive, you’re still out on the water for some genuinely memorable wildlife time.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching catamaran?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is listed as $71.35 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts in Puerto Colón (Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife) and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available by request only for hotels in the south areas 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 of the island.

When should I request pickup?

You should request pickup at least 24 hours before departure. Pick-up times vary from about 20 minutes to 1 hour before sailing, and you’ll receive the actual time after requesting.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll get snacks and a tapas-style buffet, plus drinks including water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. Vegetarian options are available if you advise at booking.

Can I swim or snorkel during the cruise?

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

Are life vests provided?

Yes, life vests are available for all passengers.

Is a whale or dolphin sighting guaranteed?

No. Sighting of cetaceans and surrounding wildlife is extremely common, but it is not guaranteed.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.