Whale & Dolphin Watching With Mustcat Virgin Coast Trip On a Large Catamaran

The best part of this Tenerife outing is the mix of wildlife watching and easygoing time at sea. You cruise from the Las Galletas marina, look for whales and dolphins in waters where they are often seen, then stop near a beach or the Palm Mar cave for a swim. Food and an open bar keep the three-hour trip simple and social.

I like two things here: the open bar and meal are included, so the price is easier to judge than a boat trip with lots of extras, and the swim stop gives the outing a second purpose if the animals stay shy. The crew also explains the species around Tenerife instead of simply pointing at the water.

The catch is clear: wildlife is never guaranteed. One outing produced three small whales but no dolphins, so book this for time on the ocean, not for a promised close encounter. Also confirm the exact meeting instructions, since the trip refers to Las Galletas while the listed meeting point is on Avenida de Colón in Playa de las Américas.

Key points at a glance

• Three hours on a large catamaran: Enough time for a wildlife search and a swim stop without taking up your whole day.
• Whale and dolphin search: The crew takes you toward areas where these animals have been spotted, but sightings remain uncertain.
• Food and open bar included: Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are covered, along with food served after the boat anchors.
• Swim near Palm Mar: The boat stops by a beach or Palm Mar cave, giving you a chance to get off the boat and swim.
• Maximum group of 70: This is a sizable shared outing, not a private sailing trip.
• Weather-sensitive departure: Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, while the standard booking is non-refundable.

A whale search with a swim stop built in

This trip works because it does not place all its value on seeing an animal. You start with the main goal, looking for whales and dolphins, but the outing later shifts into a relaxed swim and lunch break. That matters in Tenerife, where the sea can be the main event even when marine life keeps its distance.

The Mustcat catamaran leaves from the marina area around Las Galletas. During the first part, the crew searches waters known for whale and dolphin sightings and gives information about the species living around the island. You will need to keep your eyes on the water, listen for updates, and accept that nature sets the schedule.

After the wildlife search, the boat anchors near a beach or the Palm Mar cave. You get free time to swim before food is served and the boat returns to the marina. The order is straightforward, with no long series of stops or shore visits to slow things down.

The boat is large enough for up to 70 people. That gives you more room and stability than a small open boat, but it also means the atmosphere is shared and social. If you want a quiet private cruise, this is not the right format. If you like a casual group outing with drinks, music or conversation may form part of the general mood, though no specific entertainment is listed.

Setting out from the south of Tenerife

The listed start point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. The trip description also says Mustcat leaves from the marina in Las Galletas. Because those locations are not the same place, I would confirm the exact boarding point before you set out.

That small bit of planning matters. You do not want to arrive at Playa de las Américas while the boat is waiting in Las Galletas, or the other way around. Your confirmation should provide the current instructions, and confirmation is normally sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in the southern resort area. A mobile ticket is provided, so you can keep the booking on your phone rather than carrying a printed voucher.

The tour is listed at $58.17 per person. For roughly three hours, that price includes the catamaran trip, whale and dolphin search, food, an open bar, and a swim stop. I consider that a fair package for visitors who expect to have several drinks and want a meal included. If you do not drink alcohol or care about eating on board, the value is less direct, since part of the price goes toward those inclusions.

Watching the water for whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion is the heart of the trip, but it needs realistic expectations. The crew takes you to an area where whales and dolphins have been seen before, then provides information about local marine life. That improves your odds compared with simply heading out without guidance, but it cannot make a sighting certain.

A real outing produced three small whales and no dolphins. That is useful perspective. You may see something memorable, but it may be a brief sighting at a distance rather than a long encounter beside the boat. You may also spend stretches scanning empty water.

The phrase three small whales is important. A whale sighting does not always mean a dramatic breach or a huge animal surfacing beside the catamaran. Wildlife watching rewards patience. Bring a calm attitude and treat the boat ride, ocean views, and natural setting as part of the experience rather than as filler between guaranteed sightings.

The crew’s explanations add value here. You learn about the species that live around Tenerife while you search, which gives more meaning to a quick fin or back breaking the surface. Since no individual guide names are provided, the crew is the source of the commentary rather than a named naturalist.

For the best experience, watch the water in all directions and stay ready for a short appearance. The boat may need to move or pause based on what the crew sees. The supplied information does not promise a set list of species, close approaches, or a particular viewing distance, so do not book with those assumptions.

A swim near the beach or Palm Mar cave

Once the wildlife search is finished, the catamaran anchors near a beach or the Palm Mar cave. This gives the trip a useful change of pace. You can stop searching the horizon, get into the water, and enjoy the coast from a different angle.

The stop is also a safety net for the day. If the whales and dolphins are elusive, you still have a planned activity that does not depend on luck. The boat provides free time to swim before returning to the marina, so pack whatever you need for getting wet and keep your belongings organized on board.

The wording allows for more than one possible anchoring area, so the exact bay may depend on conditions. Do not expect a guided cave tour or a shore excursion. The boat anchors near the beach or cave, and the point is a swim from the catamaran.

You should also understand that the swim stop is not a full beach visit. You do not appear to leave the boat and spend time on land. This is a water stop, useful for a quick swim and a look back at Tenerife’s coast from offshore.

Food and an open bar for the ride home

Food and drinks are included, with alcoholic and nonalcoholic options available through the open bar. The meal is served on board after the boat anchors, making the swim stop feel like the relaxed middle section of the trip rather than a rushed add-on.

This is one of the strongest practical features. Boat tours can become expensive when every drink costs extra, especially under the sun. Here, you can enjoy the social side of the outing without watching a running bar bill.

The exact menu is not specified, so I would not book this expecting a particular dish or a full restaurant-style meal. Think of the food as a useful included refreshment during a short cruise. If you have dietary needs, the available information does not confirm special menus, so ask before booking.

The open bar may also shape the feel of the trip. It suits couples, friends, and families with adults who want an informal afternoon at sea. If you prefer a quiet, nature-focused expedition, the group setting and bar service may feel less tailored to your style.

How the group size changes the experience

The maximum group size is 70 people. A large catamaran can make this comfortable compared with a cramped small boat, but 70 is still a crowd around a shared experience. You will not have a private view of the rail, and you may need to move with the group when the crew spots wildlife or opens the swim area.

The benefit is a broad, stable platform and a lively atmosphere. A large boat can feel reassuring if you are new to sea trips or prefer not to be in a small vessel. It also gives you a chance to spread out more than you might on a compact speedboat, though the exact seating arrangement is not provided.

The trip suits people who want a relaxed group excursion rather than a specialist wildlife expedition. Families can use the swim stop as a break from watching the water. Couples can enjoy the coast and drinks. Solo visitors can join an easy shared activity with a clear start and finish.

It is less suitable if you want a private guide, quiet photography conditions, or a guarantee of uninterrupted animal viewing. The trip has a broad appeal, but it is not presented as a small research-style cruise.

Timing, booking, and weather concerns

The cruise lasts about three hours, which makes it easy to fit into a day in southern Tenerife. You still have time before or after for other plans, but allow extra time for reaching the meeting point and checking in.

The experience is booked around availability, with confirmation expected within 48 hours. It is also popular enough that many people reserve well ahead, with bookings averaging about 80 days in advance. You do not necessarily need to plan that far ahead, but it is a warning not to leave a preferred date until the last minute.

The standard cancellation rule is strict. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. If you cancel or request an amendment, the amount paid is not returned.

Weather is the important exception. The trip needs good conditions, and if poor weather forces a cancellation, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of bookings is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

I would schedule this outing early in your Tenerife stay if possible. That leaves room to move it to another day if weather causes a cancellation. Because the booking is otherwise non-refundable, check your plans carefully before paying.

Who will get the most from this catamaran trip?

I would recommend this for you if you want three things in one outing: a chance to see marine life, time on a large boat, and a swim with food and drinks included. The package is especially handy if you prefer not to organize separate boat transport, lunch, and a swimming stop.

It is a good match for:

• Couples looking for a simple half-day activity
• Families who need more than one focus to keep the outing interesting
• Adults who value an included open bar
• First-time visitors who want guidance on local sea life
• Anyone who prefers a large catamaran to a small vessel

I would hesitate if your main goal is a guaranteed dolphin encounter. The sea does not work that way, and the available experience confirms that you could see whales without seeing dolphins. I would also look elsewhere if you want a private boat, a named specialist guide, or a detailed photography-focused trip.

The overall rating is 4 out of 5 from the available feedback, with the crew, catamaran ride, views, drinks, and whale sighting receiving positive attention. The missing dolphins are the clearest reminder to keep expectations realistic.

Should you book the Mustcat trip?

Book it if you see wildlife watching as one part of a pleasant morning or afternoon at sea. At $58.17, the package makes the most sense when you will use the included food, drinks, and swim stop. The crew’s local information and the chance to see whales or dolphins add purpose to the ride.

Skip it if a close dolphin sighting is the single reason you are going. No wildlife cruise can promise that, and this one has a group size of up to 70 people. Before you pay, confirm whether you board at the listed Playa de las Américas meeting point or at the Las Galletas marina, then choose a date with enough flexibility for weather changes.

FAQ

How long does the Mustcat catamaran trip last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the catamaran trip, whale and dolphin watching, food, an open bar, and a swim stop.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes alcoholic drinks, along with nonalcoholic options.

Where does the activity start?

The listed meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The trip information also refers to departure from the marina in Las Galletas, so confirm the exact boarding location before departure.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is swimming part of the tour?

Yes. The catamaran anchors near a beach or Palm Mar cave, where you have free time to swim.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 70 people.

What happens if poor weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of bookings is not reached, you can also receive a different date or experience, or a full refund.