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

Tenerife’s south coast is one of the island’s best places for a boat trip, and this three-hour catamaran outing gives you two clear goals: look for whales and dolphins offshore, then cool off in a sheltered bay. Wildlife sightings cannot be promised, but the trip is built around finding it rather than simply cruising along the coast.

I like the included alcoholic drinks, which keep the final price easier to predict, and I like the generous size of the boat. With a maximum of 70 people, you should have more room than on a small motorboat. The main drawback is that the exact wildlife route and viewing time are not fixed, so the experience depends heavily on sea conditions and animal activity.

Key points to know before booking

• Wildlife comes first: The crew searches the waters around Tenerife for whales and dolphins and provides information about the species found near the island.
• A swim stop follows the search: The catamaran anchors in a small bay, giving you free time in the water before food is served.
• Open bar is included: Alcoholic beverages are part of the package, so you do not face a separate bar bill for those drinks.
• Large boat, limited group size: The catamaran can carry up to 70 people, with plenty of room compared with a small sightseeing boat.
• Puerto Colón is the meeting point: You meet at Av. de Colón, 11, in Playa de las Américas, and return there after the trip.
• Plan around the weather: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before departure.

Setting out from Puerto Colón for a wildlife search

You meet at Puerto Colón, at Av. de Colón, 11, in Playa de las Américas. The activity begins and ends at the same marina, which makes planning simple if you are staying in the resort area or using nearby public transportation.

The boat heads out from the marina with whale and dolphin watching as its main purpose. That matters because some Tenerife boat rides treat wildlife as a pleasant extra after a coastal cruise. Here, the stated focus is the animals living in the waters around the island.

I would keep your expectations sensible. Wild animals set the schedule. You might see pilot whales, dolphins, or other species found in the area, but no responsible operator can promise a sighting or guarantee how long an animal will remain near the boat.

The crew provides information about the wildlife encountered and the species that live around Tenerife. That adds useful context to the ride. Instead of simply pointing toward an animal and moving on, you get some explanation of what you are looking at and why these waters are used by marine life.

The tour runs twice daily, although the supplied details do not give the exact departure times. Check the time shown during booking and allow enough time to find the marina. The meeting address is specific, but the operation uses a busy port area, so arriving early is a wise choice.

Why a large catamaran changes the experience

The boat is a large catamaran with space for a maximum of 70 people. That is not an intimate sailing trip, but it can be a comfortable choice if you prefer room to move, broad views, and a steadier platform.

A large boat also suits mixed groups. You can sit with family or friends, get up to look for wildlife, and find a different viewing spot without feeling trapped in one small cockpit. The roomy design is also useful if you want a little personal space during the three-hour outing.

There is a tradeoff. A boat carrying up to 70 people will feel more social than private. If you want quiet wildlife photography or a personal captain who shapes the route around your interests, this is probably not the right format.

The boat’s size may also help you manage the changing pace of the trip. Wildlife watching involves stretches of waiting, scanning, and moving slowly. Having room to sit, stand, and shift your view makes those pauses easier than they would be on a cramped craft.

The provided details specifically present the catamaran as offering room for social distancing. That is useful for anyone who values extra space, though the actual feel depends on how full the sailing is.

Watching whales and dolphins around Tenerife

The wildlife portion takes place before the swim stop. You leave the marina and search the waters around the island, with the crew sharing information about the species in the region.

This order makes sense. The boat can concentrate on finding animals while everyone is alert and looking outward. Afterward, the pace changes to a more relaxed stop in a bay.

You will want to bring patience. A three-hour trip sounds generous, but that time includes leaving the port, searching, anchoring, eating, swimming, and returning. The actual period spent near whales or dolphins can vary.

Pilot whales are among the animals that may be seen in these waters, but the information supplied does not promise them on every departure. The same applies to dolphins. The best approach is to treat the wildlife search as the central chance of the outing, not as a guaranteed performance.

You may also find that weather affects visibility and comfort. The operator requires good weather for the activity to run. If conditions are poor, you can be offered another date or a full refund. That policy protects you from being stuck on an unpleasant or unsafe sailing, but it also means your plans may need to remain flexible.

I would choose a seat with a clear outward view early in the trip, then move as needed. Keep your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the whole search staring at a screen. Wildlife can appear briefly, and the best moment may be the one you notice with your own eyes.

The bay stop, swimming, and food on board

After the wildlife search, the catamaran anchors in a small bay. This is the most hands-on part of the outing. You get free time to swim, which breaks up the scanning and sitting involved in the first part of the ride.

The bay stop gives the trip a second purpose. Even if the wildlife is elusive, you still have time on the water rather than returning immediately to the marina. If you enjoy swimming, bring suitable swimwear and anything you need to feel comfortable getting in and out of the water.

The description says food is served for all passengers at the swim stop. That turns the pause into a proper break rather than a quick photo stop. The exact menu is not provided, so do not book this expecting a specific meal or special dietary arrangement unless the operator confirms it beforehand.

Food quality is one area where you should keep your expectations moderate. The available information does not describe a full restaurant-style meal. Think of it as included boat-trip food that helps you refuel during the outing.

The open bar is a stronger value point. Alcoholic beverages are included, and that means you can enjoy a drink without adding a separate charge each time. If you do not drink alcohol, the overall value still depends on how much you care about the boat, wildlife search, food, and swim stop, since the price includes the package rather than a reduced non-drinker rate.

The stop is also where practical comfort matters. Bring sun protection, a towel, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim. Those items are not listed as included, so you should pack them yourself.

What the $54.29 price really covers

At $54.29 per person, this is a mid-priced boat outing rather than a bare-bones harbor ride. You are paying for about three hours on a large catamaran, wildlife watching, crew information, food, a swim stop, and alcoholic drinks.

The open bar is important when judging the price. Many boat trips advertise a low starting fare and then charge for drinks on board. Here, alcoholic beverages are included, which makes your spending easier to control.

The value is strongest if you plan to use most parts of the package. A person who wants a boat ride, a chance to see marine life, a swim, food, and drinks may find the price sensible. Someone interested only in a short wildlife sighting may prefer a smaller, more focused trip.

The group limit also helps the price feel reasonable. This is not a private charter, but a maximum of 70 people gives the experience a defined scale. You get shared facilities and a social atmosphere instead of paying private-boat rates.

The current overall rating is 3.8 from 12 ratings, which suggests a mixed but not disastrous response. One important caution is that a low-scoring complaint associated with the activity was identified as describing a different boat. I would not use that particular account to judge this catamaran, especially its seating, food, or route.

That mismatch is also a reminder to check the boat name and meeting instructions carefully after booking. You want to make sure you are going to the correct departure point and boarding the correct vessel at Puerto Colón.

Who will get the most from this catamaran trip

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a relaxed half-day on the water with several elements bundled together. It suits couples, families, and friends who like the idea of wildlife watching but also want swimming, food, and drinks.

It is a good fit if you prefer a stable, spacious boat to a small craft. The large catamaran should feel less confined, and the maximum group size is still manageable for a shared excursion.

You may also like it if you are staying in Playa de las Américas and want a simple local departure. Since transportation is not included, staying near the marina or using public transportation makes the logistics easier.

I would be more cautious if your top priority is a private, quiet, highly specialized wildlife trip. The 70-person limit means you are sharing the boat, and the experience includes a swim stop and social time rather than wildlife watching alone.

This may also be a poor fit if you need a guaranteed schedule for the entire three hours. Marine wildlife and weather are unpredictable, and the time spent searching can change from one departure to the next.

Practical details that can save you trouble

Your meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at that same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

Private transportation is not included. The location is near public transportation, and most people can participate, but you should still plan your route to the marina before the day of departure.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. That timing matters if you are booking close to your preferred date, so do not assume your place is final until confirmation arrives.

The activity is offered in English. The supplied information does not name individual guides, so you should expect English-language commentary without planning around a particular crew member.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the local start time. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded.

The weather rule is straightforward. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you can receive another date or a full refund. That makes the trip easier to book in an uncertain forecast, though you should avoid placing an important same-day connection immediately afterward.

My call: book it if you want a full boat day

I would book this catamaran if you want wildlife watching plus swimming, food, and included drinks in one reasonably priced outing. The large boat, defined group limit, and return to Puerto Colón make it a practical choice for a relaxed day in Tenerife.

I would skip it if you want a private experience, a guaranteed whale sighting, or a trip focused only on photography. The wildlife is unpredictable, and the excursion’s value comes from the whole package rather than one certain animal encounter.

Before paying, confirm the departure time, keep the Puerto Colón address handy, and make sure your booking refers to this catamaran. If those details suit you, $54.29 buys a well-rounded three-hour trip with a fair amount included.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin trip start?

It starts at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The catamaran returns to the same meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours.

What is included in the tour?

The experience includes whale and dolphin watching, food, a swim stop, an open bar, and alcoholic beverages.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included in the tour price.

Is private transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum of 70 participants.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The activity is offered in English.

Does the tour run every day?

The supplied information says there are two trips daily leaving the marina, but it does not provide a full operating calendar.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.

How late can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.