Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Catamaran Tour with Buffet

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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). The main keyword here is “whale watching Tenerife”—but nobody on board cared about keywords when we saw a pod of dolphins darting right under the bow. 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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

Can children join this whale watching trip?

Yes—children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Infants can ride in prams or sit on laps.

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.

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.