Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with Transfer, Buffet by MC

Pilot whales often appear soon after Monte Cristo Catamaran leaves Puerto Colón, and dolphins or sea turtles may join the show. You are not watching animals in tanks or chasing a staged performance. You are out on the Atlantic, scanning the water while the crew shares facts and gives the pod room.

I like the small maximum group of 24, which gives you more room on the bow, flybridge, and inside seating than the giant party boats. I also like that the price includes a proper spread of tapas, fruit, snacks, and drinks, including beer and champagne.

The main catch is the sea itself. A catamaran is stable, but it still moves, and several people have felt sick when the water turns rough. Bring motion-sickness medicine if you need it, and pack a warm layer for an evening sailing.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the main event: Pods are commonly found along Tenerife’s south coast, with dolphins and sea turtles also possible.
• Three hours is a useful length: You get wildlife, food, coastline views, and a swim without giving up the whole day.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, meat, fruit, soft drinks, water, beer, and champagne.
• Swimming is part of the outing: The captain stops at a suitable spot, with snorkeling equipment supplied.
• Transfers cover southern Tenerife: Pickup can be requested from Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá.
• The boat is comfortable but not wheelchair accessible: There is a restroom, shaded seating, a sundeck, and a flybridge.

Leaving Puerto Colón for Tenerife’s whale waters

Your meeting point is Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón, Pontoon 6, in Costa Adeje. If you are staying in southern Tenerife, you can request a hotel transfer. Pickup times vary from about 20 minutes to one hour before departure, and the actual time is confirmed after you make the request.

That transfer is more useful than it may first appear. Southern Tenerife is spread along the coast, and getting to Puerto Colón by taxi can add cost and planning. The air-conditioned minibus pickup and return also make this a good choice if you prefer not to rent a car.

If you are staying outside the listed areas, you need to make your own way to the port. Arrive ready for a boat outing, with sunscreen, sunglasses, a swimsuit, and a towel. A light jacket is sensible, especially on a sunset trip, when the ride back can feel cool.

Once aboard, you have several places to settle. The catamaran has a front sundeck, a flybridge with seating, and an indoor sofa. That choice matters in Tenerife’s strong sun. You can move between shade and open air instead of being stuck in one exposed seat for the full three hours.

The boat also has a restroom. The vessel is built for passenger comfort and follows safety rules, but it is not wheelchair accessible. Most people can take part, though anyone with limited mobility should ask about boarding before booking.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion has no fixed script, and that is part of the point. The crew takes you from Puerto Colón toward the waters where pilot whales and dolphins are often seen. You may spot a pod of pilot whales moving together, dolphins near the boat, or, with luck, a sea turtle.

Pilot whales are the regular stars here. The sightings described on this trip include several pods, sometimes close to the catamaran, with one group numbering nine animals. Some departures have seen both pilot whales and dolphins, and one outing also included a turtle.

That said, no responsible whale-watching company can promise a particular animal on a particular day. The ocean decides. You should book this for the chance to see free-ranging wildlife, not for a guaranteed checklist.

The crew’s role adds real value. Guides such as Laura, Daniela, Michel, and Miguel have been praised for explaining what you are seeing and for keeping an eye on everyone aboard. Captain Andrea and Captain A have also been singled out for finding animals and offering good viewing positions.

The approach is respectful. The catamaran may come close enough for excellent views, but the aim is to watch animals in their own setting, not force a performance. Keep your camera ready, but do not let it take over. A whale surfacing beside the boat can be over in seconds.

You may want to spend part of the ride on the flybridge, where the higher position can help with broad views. The front sundeck is another good place to watch the water, though it is more exposed to sun and spray. If you get seasick, an interior seat may feel calmer, but looking at the horizon and staying in fresh air can also help.

This is not a silent nature trip. The crew serves food and drinks, answers questions, and looks after the group. That makes it social and easygoing, but it may not suit you if you want a quiet photographic expedition.

Tapas, fruit, beer, and a proper break

The included buffet is one of the strongest parts of the package. Food is described as a simple but generous selection of tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, meat, fruit, snacks, and tapas. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

I would think of the meal as a casual boat buffet, not a restaurant lunch. It gives you something substantial to eat during the outing and saves you from buying food separately. The combination of a three-hour cruise, transport, wildlife search, swimming stop, and open drinks makes the $71.35 price reasonable for a half-day activity.

The crew keeps drinks available during the sailing, and the service is attentive without requiring you to leave the deck every few minutes. That works especially well on a warm day when you want to stay outside and watch the sea.

Food quality can feel subjective. Most of the feedback about the tapas is very positive, but one person found the food disappointing. If you have strict dietary needs, ask before departure rather than assuming the buffet will meet them.

The spread also makes this outing easy for mixed groups. One person can enjoy the wildlife, another can swim, and someone else can simply sit in the shade with a drink and watch Tenerife’s mountains from offshore. You do not need to be a keen sailor or wildlife expert to enjoy the format.

Swimming from the boat

After the wildlife search, the captain may stop for a swim and snorkeling. Equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel. Bring your swimsuit and towel, and remember that the sea may feel cooler than the air even on a sunny day.

The swimming stop gives the trip a welcome change of pace. Whale watching asks you to stay alert and patient. Swimming lets you relax, cool off, and enjoy the water directly. Several outings have included a short swim, and it has become an important part of the experience for many people.

Do not treat the swim as the main purpose of the cruise. The length and exact location depend on conditions and the captain’s judgment. If the sea is rough, the stop may be less appealing, and some people may prefer to remain aboard.

You also need to expect wet conditions. Spray can reach the deck, and anyone sitting near the front may get splashed. Keep phones and cameras protected, and take a dry layer for the return ride.

What three hours feels like on the water

Three hours is a smart duration for this kind of outing. It gives the crew time to reach the whale-watching area, search for wildlife, serve the buffet, stop for swimming, and return to Puerto Colón. You still have most of the day for another activity, a beach visit, or dinner in Costa Adeje.

The sailing usually has a relaxed rhythm rather than a packed schedule. You leave the marina, watch the coastline open up, search for animals, enjoy food and drinks, and stop for swimming when conditions allow. The boat then returns to the same pontoon where you began.

You should allow extra time around the stated three hours for hotel pickup and drop-off. The transfer can begin up to an hour before sailing, and return time depends on traffic and the route back to your accommodation.

Morning departures may suit you if you want cooler temperatures and less intense sun. An evening or sunset cruise offers softer light and a pleasant end to the day, but bring something warm. The time of day can also affect how comfortable you feel on the water.

The boat normally carries no more than 24 people. Some departures have had around 20 aboard, leaving room to move between the upper deck, front area, and interior. One person felt the boat was slightly too full during a rough trip, so do not expect complete privacy. Still, this is a much more personal setup than a large party catamaran.

Handling seasickness and changing weather

A stable catamaran reduces rolling compared with many smaller boats, but it cannot remove ocean movement. Rough water has caused some passengers to feel sick, and one particularly uncomfortable outing involved several people being ill.

If you are prone to seasickness, plan ahead. The supplied advice is to consider ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding. Eat lightly before departure, drink water, and choose a place with a clear view of the horizon. The crew has helped people who felt unwell by giving them space to rest.

Weather affects the experience in two ways. Calm seas make it easier to watch whales, eat outside, and swim. Wind and swell can make the ride bumpy and can reduce the pleasure of the buffet, even when the crew does everything right.

The company requires suitable weather and may cancel if conditions are poor. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you receive the same choice of a different date, another experience, or a refund.

For cancellations you make yourself, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that window are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this tour to couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who want several Tenerife highlights in one easy outing. You get wildlife, mountain views, open sea, food, swimming, and transport without committing an entire day.

It is especially good for anyone who dislikes crowded excursion boats. The 24-person limit gives the crew time to serve drinks, answer questions, and notice when someone needs help. Birthday groups also fit the format well. One celebration included a surprise cake and song from the crew.

The trip suits children and adults who can manage boarding and normal boat movement. Service animals are allowed, and the vessel has a restroom. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible, so this is not the right choice if step-free access is essential.

Photography fans should enjoy the open viewing areas, but remember that wildlife is unpredictable. If you need a guaranteed close-up shot, no sea trip can provide that. If you like the thrill of waiting, spotting a fin, and watching a pod move naturally through the water, this outing has the right ingredients.

You should also consider your tolerance for a social atmosphere. The crew is friendly and attentive, and drinks are served freely. That creates a warm, communal mood, though it is not designed as a quiet, private charter.

Is $71.35 a fair price?

At $71.35 per person, the price is fair if you make use of the full package. A comparable calculation would include a three-hour boat trip, a whale and dolphin search, hotel transportation when available, a buffet, drinks, snorkeling gear, and crew service.

The value improves if you are staying in one of the southern pickup areas. Door-to-door transport removes the need to arrange a taxi to Puerto Colón and can make the day feel much simpler.

The price is less compelling if you are mainly interested in swimming or if you dislike boat movement. You may not see every animal listed, and rough conditions can affect the ride. The cost pays for the whole experience, not a guaranteed whale encounter.

With a 4.8 rating from 550 reviews and 96 percent recommending it, the strongest pattern is clear: the crew, wildlife sightings, included refreshments, and small-group setting are the main reasons to book. The less favorable experiences center on rough seas, seasickness, and one complaint about food quality.

Should you book the Monte Cristo cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, well-organized half-day on the Atlantic, particularly if you are staying in southern Tenerife and value hotel pickup. The best case includes pilot whales, dolphins, a turtle, a swim, mountain views, and a generous flow of tapas and drinks.

I would choose an earlier departure if you want to avoid the strongest heat, and an evening trip if sunset views matter more to you. Pack sunscreen, a towel, a warm layer, and protection for your phone. Take motion-sickness medicine seriously if you know you need it.

Skip it if you require wheelchair access, want a private boat, or cannot handle even moderate movement on the sea. For everyone else, this is a well-balanced way to meet Tenerife’s marine life without giving up a full day of your holiday.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Monte Cristo Catamaran at Puerto Colón, Pontoon 6, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The activity ends at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup can be requested from hotels in Golf del Sur, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Alcalá. Pickup times vary from about 20 minutes to one hour before sailing, and the actual time is confirmed after your request.

What food and drinks are included?

The buffet includes items such as tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, meat, fruit, snacks, and tapas. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.

Can I swim or snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The captain takes the boat to a suitable swimming and snorkeling spot when conditions allow. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is the boat suitable for someone prone to seasickness?

The catamaran is stable, but you should still expect some movement. If you are prone to seasickness, the operator suggests considering ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. It does have a restroom, shaded seating, a front sundeck, a flybridge, and an indoor sofa.