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

If you’re heading to Tenerife and looking for a memorable way to connect with the island’s marine life, a whale and dolphin-watching tour aboard a large catamaran might just be your ideal choice. While reviews vary, many travelers find this experience offers a blend of scenic beauty, wildlife sightings, and relaxed social vibes.

What makes this tour stand out? We appreciate the spaciousness of the large catamaran, the inclusive open bar, and the opportunity to swim in a calm bay. That said, some reviewers mention that the actual wildlife sightings can be a bit hit or miss, and the tour mostly feels like a scenic coastal trip rather than a dedicated wildlife hunt.

This experience works best for those who enjoy a leisurely boat ride with socializing, good food, and the chance to see marine mammals if luck is on your side. Wildlife enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking a relaxed day on the water will find plenty to like here.

Good To Know

• Spacious Comfort: The large catamaran offers plenty of room, making it suitable for social distancing and groups.
• Wildlife Opportunities: Possible sightings of whales and dolphins, with expert insights about the species around Tenerife.
• Inclusive Refreshments: Alcoholic beverages are included, making for a relaxed and sociable atmosphere.
• Swimming Stop: A dedicated bay offers time to swim and enjoy the ocean.
• Convenient Booking: Tickets are booked in advance, saving time and avoiding queues.
• Mixed Experiences: Some reviews highlight that the tour sometimes feels more like a scenic coastal cruise with limited wildlife viewing.

What to Expect from the Tour

This whale and dolphin-watching tour operates twice daily, leaving from Puerto Colón in Playa de la Américas. The core of the experience involves a three-hour boat trip aboard a large, comfortable catamaran—designed to accommodate up to 70 travelers, with plenty of space for everyone to move around.

Itinerary Breakdown

Departure and Sailing Out
The journey begins at the designated departure time, with the boat setting out into the Atlantic Ocean. The boat’s size and open layout mean you’ll never feel cramped, even when it’s crowded.

Wildlife Watching
The primary goal is to encounter whales and dolphins. The guides provide insights into the species you might see, and some guests have reported spotting pilot whales and other marine mammals. However, some reviews note that actual wildlife sightings can be unpredictable. One traveler mentioned, “we had luck and saw a few pilot whales,” but others found the experience more of a scenic cruise than a wildlife spectacle.

Scenic Coastal Views
Even if you don’t spot whales, the ride offers stunning views of Tenerife’s coastline, often with the chance to see the island from a new perspective.

Swimming and Relaxation
Towards the end of the cruise, the boat anchors in a small, calm bay. Here, you can dive into the clear waters for a swim or simply relax on deck. Many reviewers enjoyed this break, describing it as “a perfect way to cool off and enjoy the ocean.”

Food and Drinks
An attractive feature is the included open bar, with alcoholic beverages available throughout the trip. Many guests praised the delicious selection of tapas-style food served onboard, which adds a social, communal vibe to the day.

Return to Marina
After spending time in the bay, the boat heads back to Puerto Colón, generally concluding the experience with plenty of time to explore the surrounding area.

The Experience in Detail

The Boat and Comfort

The large catamaran is equipped with ample space for social distancing, making it suitable even for travelers wary of crowded boats. From reviews, it appears that the vessel is modern and stable, providing a smooth ride—especially important for those prone to seasickness.

The Wildlife Viewing Aspect

While the primary focus of this tour is whale and dolphin watching, not every trip guarantees sightings. As one reviewer pointed out, “it’s more of a scenic coastal cruise,” with only a short excursion into the open sea at the end. However, guides are knowledgeable and eager to share insights about the marine environment, which adds educational value even when wildlife is elusive.

Food and Drinks

The inclusion of alcoholic beverages and food is a notable perk, especially considering the modest price point of around $55 per person. Some travelers have praised the quality of tapas served, describing it as “delicious,” which enhances the overall value. The open bar encourages a relaxed, festive atmosphere, perfect for socializing with friends or fellow travelers.

Swimming Stop

The bay stop is a highlight for many, offering a refreshing break from the boat ride. The water here is calm and inviting, ideal for a quick dip or just lounging on deck and soaking up the sun.

Group Size and Booking

With a maximum of 70 travelers, the tour maintains a lively but manageable atmosphere. Booking in advance is recommended—many travelers book around 9 days ahead—ensuring you secure a spot during busy periods. The tour’s mobile ticket feature adds convenience and reduces hassle.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

The Advantages

• Spacious and stable vessel: Ideal for comfort and social distancing.
• Inclusive food and drinks: Good value with delicious tapas and unlimited drinks.
• Swimming opportunity: A serene bay for a refreshing ocean swim.
• Expert commentary: Guides provide insightful info about local marine life.
• Flexible booking: Confirmations within 48 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The Drawbacks

• Wildlife sightings can vary: Some guests have experienced limited or no whale/dolphin sightings.
• Tour might feel more scenic than wildlife-focused: As some reviews indicate, it’s sometimes more about enjoying the boat ride than guaranteed wildlife viewing.
• Possible disappointment: If your main goal is extensive whale watching, this tour may not meet expectations every time.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed day on the water with social opportunities, good food, and stunning coastal views. Families, casual wildlife enthusiasts, and those wanting a comfortable, all-inclusive experience will find it rewarding. However, if your priority is guaranteed whale sightings or an intense wildlife safari, you might want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

The whale and dolphin-watching tour on a large catamaran in Tenerife offers a blend of scenic sailing, social drinking, and the chance—sometimes—to see marine mammals in their natural habitat. Its spacious vessel and inclusive amenities make it a good value for those seeking a leisurely day at sea, especially if you enjoy good food and a laid-back atmosphere.

While wildlife sightings might not be guaranteed on every trip, the scenic views, swimming stop, and relaxed vibe make this experience worthwhile for most travelers. It’s a particularly good option for groups or families who want a stress-free aquatic adventure with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the day.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable, social way to experience Tenerife’s ocean environment, this tour could be just the ticket. Just keep in mind that, like any outdoor wildlife excursion, it’s partly luck-dependent, but always a scenic, fun ride.

FAQ

Is alcoholic beverages included in this tour?
Yes, the tour features an open bar with alcoholic drinks included throughout the trip, making it easy to enjoy a drink while relaxing on deck.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately three hours, from departure to return.

Are there opportunities to swim?
Yes, the tour includes a swim stop in a small bay where you can take a dip in the calm Atlantic waters.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Absolutely, tickets are best booked about 9 days ahead, and booking is confirmed within 48 hours of your reservation.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the large vessel provides plenty of space. However, those prone to seasickness might want to consider their comfort level.

What if no whales or dolphins are seen?
While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the guides provide plenty of information about marine life and the scenic coastal environment.

Is transportation included?
No, private transportation is not included, so you’ll need to make your way to Puerto Colón for the departure.

Whether you’re chasing elusive whales or simply craving a relaxing day on the water with good company and fresh seafood, this Tenerife tour offers a flexible, enjoyable option. It’s best suited for those who value comfort, social atmosphere, and scenic views, with wildlife sightings as a bonus rather than a promise.