Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Catamaran Tour with Buffet

Whale watching from Puerto Colon with food drinks and transfers

You’ll ride a catamaran off Tenerife’s south coast with a small group, searching for wild whales and dolphins as local guides share stories and snacks. There’s time for sunbathing on deck, buffet lunch with drinks included, and plenty of moments where you might just forget your phone entirely, especially when you hear that first whale breathe.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale and dolphin watching tour

• Meet crew at Puerto Colon
• Depart for whale and dolphin watching
• Observe and photograph cetaceans
• Enjoy drinks, fruit, snacks, and tapas
• Relax on sundecks and fly-bridge
• Sail along south coast with mountain views
• Return to Puerto Colon

The experience

Ever wondered what it’s like to hear a whale breathe? I didn’t think about it until our catamaran pulled away from Puerto Colon and the crew (Carlos and Ana, both locals) started pointing out these little ripples in the water. There was this salty wind that kept blowing my hair everywhere (bring a tie if you’ve got long hair, trust me), and then suddenly everyone hushed. That first exhale (a kind of deep, wet whoosh) made me weirdly emotional. I guess seeing whales and dolphins in their own world just hits different than any documentary.

The tour was three hours but honestly time got blurry. We drifted along the south coast of Tenerife, mountains behind us all hazy in the sun, and Carlos kept handing around plates of jamón and some kind of local cheese that tasted way better than I expected (I still don’t know what it was called). Some people tried to get photos but I just watched. Sometimes you want to remember things with your eyes instead.

Lunch was simple (buffet style, nothing fancy), but eating fresh fruit while listening to Ana tell stories about growing up here felt more real than any restaurant meal. She laughed at my attempt to order cava in Spanish (“You sound Italian!” she joked). After that we just lounged on the deck, legs stretched out, sun warming everything. If you’re thinking about a day trip whale watching from Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos, this is pretty much how it goes: relaxed, unpredictable, sometimes quiet except for seagulls or someone’s laughter drifting back from the bow.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from most areas in South Tenerife (just ask when booking), all drinks like cava or soft drinks throughout the cruise, a buffet lunch with snacks and cold meats, even vegetarian options if you let them know ahead. Snorkeling gear is available on board too before returning you back to your hotel or starting point after three hours at sea.

Options for this experience

4 options

Shared Afternoon TourGuide in English or Spanish · 13:00Pickup is included

Shared Morning TourGuide in English or Spanish · 10:00Pickup is included

Shared Evening TourGuide in English or Spanish · 16:00Pickup is included

Sunset TourGuide in English or Spanish · 16:00Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00, from € 63 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (1 to 12 years) · Infant (under 1): free

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Monte Cristo Catamaran

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 12 years); Infant (under 1): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is hotel pickup included for this Tenerife whale watching tour?

Yes, pickup is available from most hotels in South Tenerife including Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Costa Adeje, Callao Salvaje, Playa Paraíso, and Alcalá.

How long does the catamaran tour last?

The whale & dolphin watching tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Are drinks and food included during the tour?

Yes, you’ll get drinks (cava, wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks) plus snacks and a buffet lunch during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is available if you want to use it during the trip.

Will we definitely see whales or dolphins?

Sightings are very common but not guaranteed since they’re wild animals in their natural habitat.

Where does the boat depart from?

The catamaran leaves from Puerto Colon marina in southern Tenerife.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated if accompanied by someone who can assist boarding/disembarking.