Tenerife: Marine-Life Tour with Transfer, Buffet and Drinks

The ocean can make Tenerife feel wonderfully wild. I like the small-group Monte Cristo Catamaran setting and the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in open water, not in a show tank. I also like that the $69 price includes transfers, tapas, snorkeling gear, and drinks.

The main drawback is simple: wildlife is wild. Sightings are extremely common, but nobody can promise whales or dolphins on your sailing. The swim stop also depends on sea conditions, and some departures can feel windy or wavy.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the usual headline act: Sightings close to the catamaran are common, with dolphins and flying fish also possible.
• A genuinely small boat: The Monte Cristo can carry as few as 24 people, leaving more room than a big excursion vessel.
• Three hours with a clear rhythm: You watch for marine life, stop in a bay to swim or snorkel, eat tapas, then cruise along the coast.
• Drinks are part of the experience: Bottled water, soft drinks, wine, cava, champagne, and other refreshments are available.
• Hotel pickup saves hassle: Transfers cover much of south Tenerife, including Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, and Adeje, if you choose that option.
• The best trips combine nature and comfort: The crew keeps watch for animals while also serving food and drinks throughout the cruise.

Setting out from Puerto Colon

The trip begins at Puerto Colon in Playa de las Americas. If you arrange a transfer, wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the stated pickup time. The service covers accommodation in the south of Tenerife, including Los Cristianos, Las Americas, and Adeje, but you need to provide hotel details to the operator at least 24 hours ahead.

If you make your own way, look for Dock 6. The boat is a light gray catamaran marked Monte Cristo Catamaran on the back. A public marina car park is available for €1.20 per hour, which is useful if you are staying nearby or have a rental car.

The marina meeting point is straightforward, but allow enough time to find the dock. Puerto Colon is a working departure point for many boat trips, so do not assume the first catamaran you see is yours. The name on the rear of the boat is the useful clue.

Once aboard, you get the benefit of a compact group rather than the feel of a floating crowd. One review notes a maximum of 24 people, and that capacity matters. You can move around, find a good viewing spot, and take in the coast without fighting for every inch of rail space.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The first major part of the cruise is the wildlife search. The catamaran heads off the south coast toward the waters around Puerto Colon, where pilot whales and dolphins are frequently seen.

Pilot whales are the species most often highlighted on this trip. They are also called calderones in Spanish, and several sailings have produced close views of pods, including a mother and young whale. You may see them traveling beside the boat or surfacing nearby. The crew keeps an eye out and explains what you are seeing, so the encounter becomes more than a quick glimpse of a fin.

Dolphins can be just as exciting. They may swim near the catamaran’s bow wave, giving you a chance to watch their movement from the front of the boat. Bottlenose dolphins have been seen, along with larger groups that move quickly across the water. Flying fish have also appeared on some trips, a small but memorable bonus.

I like the balance here. You are not simply taken to one fixed viewing point, then sent home. The crew actively searches, watches the water, and shares information as animals appear. Guides such as Danielle and Michael have been praised for being attentive and clear in their explanations.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. A whale-watching cruise is not a zoo visit. Sightings are described as extremely common, but they are not guaranteed. You may see whales, dolphins, both, or other sea life. The day’s conditions and the animals’ movements decide the result.

Bring sunglasses and a hat because the water reflects strong sunlight. Sunscreen is essential, even on a breezy day. A phone with a wrist strap or a secure camera case is a smart idea, though you should spend some time watching instead of viewing the whole trip through a screen.

The swim and snorkel stop

After the wildlife search, the catamaran heads to a sheltered bay and drops anchor. This is your chance to swim in clear water or use the provided snorkeling equipment.

The stop gives the outing a welcome change of pace. Whale watching requires patience and attention. Swimming lets you stretch your legs, cool off, and enjoy the water without a schedule packed from start to finish.

The snorkeling is best treated as an added pleasure, not the main reason to book. The tour description promises clear water and equipment, but it does not promise a particular reef, fish species, or underwater site. Some people may prefer to jump in and swim, while others will want to look around with a mask.

You need to bring your own towel. A swimsuit under your clothes will make the transition easier, and a sun hat remains useful once you are back on deck. The boat’s swim stop can be affected by wind and waves, so it may not feel perfectly calm every time.

The crew has been praised for making the stop easy and for helping people feel looked after. That personal service is one reason the smaller boat works well. Drinks continue to be available, and the atmosphere tends to be relaxed rather than rushed.

Tapas, cava, and a practical lunch

Food is not an afterthought. The catamaran serves a buffet of Spanish-style tapas, with vegetarian food available if requested when you book.

The spread is designed as a light lunch rather than a formal restaurant meal. Expect a selection of small Spanish dishes, with drinks available alongside the food. Cava, wine, champagne, bottled water, and other drinks are included in the package.

The drink service receives especially strong praise. Danielle is singled out for keeping glasses topped up, while other crew members are described as attentive without being overbearing. If you enjoy a glass of cava at sea, this is a real part of the value, not a token welcome drink.

Food portions can vary with demand. Most comments describe the buffet as plentiful or very good, but one person felt there could have been more. I would view it as a generous boat lunch, not a meal built for someone expecting a large dinner.

The food and drink package changes the price calculation. At $69 per person, you are not paying only for a three-hour boat ride. You are also covering a return transfer if selected, an English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks. For a short outing, that is a fair package, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for transport and lunch near the marina.

One sensible tip: enjoy alcohol carefully. The sea, sun, and motion can catch up with you quickly. Water and soft drinks are included, so alternate drinks and take breaks in the shade if you need them.

Cruising the south coast by catamaran

The return route includes views of Tenerife’s southern coastline, with beaches and mountain scenery seen from the water. This part of the trip helps round out the excursion. You get the wildlife experience offshore, then a different view of the island as the catamaran runs nearer to the coast.

The boat itself adds to the enjoyment. It has enough room for people to sit, stand, move around, and choose different viewing angles. Some people have preferred the upstairs area behind the captain, while others have enjoyed watching from the bow where dolphins may approach the boat.

The atmosphere is usually social but not forced. You might chat with other people aboard, or simply sit with a drink and watch Tenerife pass by. The smaller capacity is useful for couples, families, and groups of friends who want comfort without booking a private charter.

Late afternoon departures can finish near sunset. That timing may give you softer light over the coast and a memorable final stretch, but starting times vary, so check availability for the day you want.

What the crew adds

A boat can have good wildlife and still deliver a poor outing if the crew is careless. Here, service is one of the strongest parts of the experience.

The crew handles several jobs at once: finding marine life, explaining what you see, serving food, offering drinks, managing the swim stop, and helping people board and leave the catamaran. The best comments repeatedly point to friendly service and strong communication about pickup times.

The crew also appears to respect the animals. Encounters are observed from a comfortable distance rather than treated like a chase. That matters if you want a wildlife experience that feels responsible and calm.

English is the tour language. The guide explains the marine life and the route in English, which is worth considering if you need another language.

Comfort, access, and family details

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Infants under one year old can join free of charge.

The boat cannot accept non-folding wheelchairs. A collapsible wheelchair with removable wheels may be accommodated if the passenger is accompanied by someone able to help with boarding and disembarking.

This is not a fully step-free experience. If access is important for your group, contact the provider before booking rather than relying on the general availability shown online. The transfer also needs to be arranged in advance, with your hotel information supplied at least 24 hours before departure.

The activity is a good match for families with older children, couples, friends, and anyone who wants several experiences in one outing. It is less suitable if you dislike boat motion, need a guaranteed animal sighting, or want a quiet private cruise.

Is $69 good value?

I think the price is strong for the full package. A basic marine-life cruise might cost less, but you would then need to account for getting to Puerto Colon, buying lunch, purchasing drinks, and possibly renting snorkeling equipment.

Here, the three hours are filled with more than one activity. You search for whales and dolphins, stop for a swim, eat tapas, enjoy drinks, and see Tenerife from the water. Hotel pickup and drop-off make the deal more useful if you are staying away from the marina.

The service also matters. A boat with only 24 people can feel more personal than a large vessel, and the crew can respond to requests more easily. That comfort is part of what you are paying for.

It is not the cheapest boat trip in Tenerife. If you want only a quick wildlife lookout with no food or swimming, a simpler tour may suit you better. If you want a polished half-day outing with transport, lunch, and drinks already handled, $69 is reasonable.

My practical advice before you go

Book the transfer when it is offered, especially if you are staying in a resort area and do not want to work out local buses on the first morning of your holiday. Confirm your hotel details early, since transfer arrangements need advance notice.

Wear swimwear and bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Keep valuables secure, and protect your phone from spray. A light layer can also help if the wind picks up offshore, though the supplied information does not specify a dress code.

If seeing wildlife is your top goal, choose a departure that gives you enough daylight and check the starting time carefully. Some late trips have ended around sunset, which can be beautiful, but the light will change quickly.

Stay patient during the search. Pilot whales and dolphins may appear suddenly, and the best moment could happen away from the side of the boat where you first sit. Move around when it is safe, listen to the crew, and keep watching the water.

Should you book the Monte Cristo Catamaran?

I would book this trip if you want a well-rounded Tenerife outing rather than a bare wildlife cruise. The strongest reasons are the small group, frequent pilot whale sightings, warm service, included tapas and drinks, and easy hotel transfers.

I would skip it only if you need a guaranteed encounter, cannot handle boat movement, or want a dedicated snorkeling trip. For everyone else, this is a sensible use of three hours in south Tenerife, with enough variety to keep the outing from feeling repetitive and enough comfort to make the price feel justified.

FAQ

How long is the Monte Cristo Catamaran tour?

The cruise lasts three hours. Check the available starting times when booking, as departure times can vary.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The meeting point is Dock 6 at Puerto Colon in Playa de Las Americas. Look for the light gray catamaran with Monte Cristo Catamaran written on the back.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Optional pickup and drop-off are available in south Tenerife, including Los Cristianos, Las Americas, and Adeje. Request the service directly from the provider and send your hotel details at least 24 hours ahead.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. Sightings are extremely common, but whales, dolphins, and other wildlife cannot be guaranteed because the animals move freely in their natural habitat.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. The trip includes a buffet lunch with Spanish tapas, bottled water, wine, cava, champagne, and other drinks. A vegetarian option is available if requested when you book.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The catamaran stops in a bay where you can swim or snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is included. Bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat.

Can children and wheelchair users join?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants under one year old can join free. Non-folding wheelchairs are not accepted, but a collapsible wheelchair with removable wheels may be accommodated if someone can assist with boarding and disembarking.