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

The main reason to choose this Puerto Colón catamaran is simple: you get a wildlife trip and a swim stop in one outing. The boat heads offshore to look for whales and dolphins, then anchors in a small bay where you can get into the water while food is served.

I like the included open bar, since you do not have to keep reaching for your wallet, and I like the large catamaran’s extra room. The tradeoff is that a boat carrying up to 70 people will feel social rather than private, and wildlife sightings can never be promised.

Key points

• Whale and dolphin search: The trip is built around spotting marine wildlife near Tenerife, with information about the species living around the island.
• Three-hour format: You get a compact half-day outing that combines wildlife watching, lunch, drinks, and swimming.
• Large catamaran: With space for up to 70 people, the boat offers more room than a small excursion boat, though it will not feel secluded.
• Open bar included: Alcoholic drinks are part of the price, helping the $54.29 fare feel more complete.
• Bay swim stop: After the wildlife search, the boat anchors in a small bay for free time in the water.
• Puerto Colón departure: You meet at Av. de Colón, 11, near public transportation, and return to the same point.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

You meet at Av. de Colón, 11, in Playa de las Américas. The activity starts and ends at this point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer. Private transportation is not included, but the meeting point is near public transportation.

Give yourself enough time to identify the correct catamaran before departure. This matters because more than one boat company operates around Puerto Colón, and one poor report about a cramped boat, a €20 sun-lounger charge, and a weak meal was specifically identified as belonging to a different boat. Those details should not be applied to this catamaran.

Once aboard, the size of the boat becomes part of the appeal. The catamaran is designed for a maximum of 70 people, so you are not signing up for a tiny private cruise. At the same time, a broad catamaran gives you more room to move around, look for wildlife, and settle in during the three-hour trip.

Searching for whales and dolphins near Tenerife

The first major part of the outing is the wildlife search. The boat leaves the marina and heads toward the waters around Tenerife, where the crew looks for whales and dolphins. The crew also provides information about the animals and the species that live around the island.

That commentary adds purpose to the ride. You are not simply sitting on a boat hoping for a fin. You get some context about what you may see and why these waters are used by marine mammals. The information is especially useful if you are new to whale and dolphin watching.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. Wild animals do not follow a timetable. You may see whales, dolphins, or both, but the supplied details do not promise a particular species or a guaranteed sighting. The best approach is to treat the search as the central possibility of the trip, not as a wildlife performance.

The large boat can work well here because you can change your position as the search develops. One person may prefer the open deck, while another may want a shaded or more sheltered place. With up to 70 people aboard, you should expect other passengers to be watching too, especially when an animal appears.

The trip is also a good choice for people who want something easy to fit into a Tenerife holiday. At about three hours, it does not consume a full day. You can pair it with other plans in Playa de las Américas, though you should leave enough time around the departure rather than scheduling another fixed activity immediately afterward.

The bay stop and time in the water

After the wildlife portion, the catamaran anchors in a small bay. This is where the trip shifts from wildlife watching to relaxed time on the water. You are given free time to swim, which adds a more active element to the outing.

I like this combination because it protects you from having a trip that depends entirely on animal sightings. Even if the wildlife search is quiet, you still get a boat ride, food, drinks, and a chance to swim. The bay stop also breaks up the time aboard and gives you a change of pace.

The information provided does not specify the name of the bay, water temperature, or the exact length of the swim stop. You should therefore think of it as a general swimming opportunity rather than a visit to a named beach or a carefully planned snorkeling site. No snorkeling equipment or other water gear is listed as included.

Swimming is optional in spirit, even though the stop is part of the schedule. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain on the catamaran and enjoy the views, meal, or open bar. The large vessel gives you a place to relax while others use the water.

Food, drinks, and the value of $54.29

The price is $54.29 per person. For a roughly three-hour outing, that is a reasonable package if you plan to use several parts of it: the catamaran ride, wildlife search, food, alcoholic drinks, and swim stop.

The open bar is one of the clearest value points. Alcoholic drinks are included, so the final cost should not rise simply because you want a beer, wine, or another alcoholic beverage during the cruise. The exact drink selection is not provided, so you should not assume that every type of drink is available.

Food is also included as part of the stated program. It is served after the boat anchors in the bay. The details do not identify the menu, portion size, or whether special diets can be handled, so you should check directly if you have a dietary need.

The price works best for you if you want a social boat outing rather than a specialist wildlife expedition. A person focused only on photography or close animal observation may prefer a smaller, more focused trip. A couple, family, or group of friends looking for a pleasant few hours on the water may find the combination more appealing.

The included drinks also make this easier to budget. You know the core cost before boarding, aside from any transportation you arrange to Puerto Colón. Since the boat returns to its starting point, you do not have to pay for a separate ride back to your hotel or another part of Tenerife.

What a large catamaran means in practice

The catamaran is promoted as having plenty of room, including space that supports more comfortable distancing. The stated maximum is 70 passengers. That is not a private group, but it is a useful limit to know before booking.

You should expect a shared outing with a holiday atmosphere. The size can be a benefit if you dislike the tight seating of a small boat. It also gives you more chances to find a place that suits you, though the best positions may be popular when wildlife is spotted.

A large catamaran can feel steadier and less confined than a compact vessel, but no boat is guaranteed to feel comfortable in every sea condition. This experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The boat’s size also affects the character of the wildlife search. You will have company, announcements, and movement around the vessel. If you want quiet observation and a low passenger count, this is probably not the right format. If you want a friendly outing with built-in food, drinks, and swimming, the group setting may suit you well.

Timing, meeting point, and practical planning

There are two trips each day from the marina. The supplied details do not give the exact departure times, so check the confirmed booking information carefully and arrive at the stated meeting point with time to spare.

Your mobile ticket is useful at check-in, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Keep the confirmation accessible on your phone. Since several boats operate in the Puerto Colón area, make sure the boat name and exact departure instructions are clear before the day of the trip.

The meeting point is in Playa de las Américas and is near public transportation. Private transportation is not included. Most people can participate, but the activity details do not specify wheelchair access, a lift, or special boarding arrangements, so ask ahead if mobility is a concern.

You should also plan for a full three hours, not just the time spent looking for whales. The schedule includes the marina departure, wildlife search, information from the crew, the bay stop, food, drinks, and the return to Puerto Colón.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would consider this a good fit for you if you want several Tenerife activities combined in one straightforward outing. It works particularly well for:

• Couples who want a relaxed time at sea without booking a private boat
• Families looking for wildlife watching followed by swimming
• Groups of friends who value an included bar and social atmosphere
• First-time visitors who want a short introduction to Tenerife’s marine life
• Anyone who prefers a larger vessel to a cramped small boat

You may want another type of trip if you need a guaranteed wildlife sighting, a private setting, or a highly specialized photography experience. The large catamaran and 70-person maximum point to a general leisure cruise rather than an intimate research-style excursion.

I would also be cautious if your main priority is a specific menu, specialty drinks, or a named swimming beach. Those details are not provided. The value here comes from the overall mix, not from a carefully customized program.

How to make the most of the three hours

Before booking, decide what matters most to you. If your priority is seeing whales and dolphins, choose the day carefully and accept that nature sets the schedule. If your priority is a pleasant few hours on the water, the included swim stop, food, and drinks make the outing less dependent on wildlife luck.

Bring what you need for time on a boat and in the water. The information confirms a swim stop, but it does not list towels, snorkeling equipment, or personal supplies as included. You should also avoid assuming that food or drinks cover personal preferences beyond the standard offering.

Keep your mobile ticket ready and verify the correct boat. This is the most useful practical tip because a complaint involving paid sun loungers, limited seating, and a disappointing meal was confirmed to concern another vessel. The details of this catamaran should not be confused with that separate boat.

The cancellation terms are flexible if you plan ahead. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and bad weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book this Puerto Colón catamaran?

Book it if you want a well-rounded three-hour outing that combines marine wildlife watching, a bay swim, food, and an open bar for $54.29. The large catamaran is a sensible choice if you prefer room to move and do not need a private boat.

Skip it if you want a quiet, small-group wildlife tour or a guarantee of seeing a particular animal. For most people, the strongest reason to book is the combination: even when nature is unpredictable, you still have a swim stop, included drinks, food, and a return to Puerto Colón. Just confirm the correct boat and meeting instructions before you go.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour depart?

It departs from 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 Av. de Colón, 11.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, and the experience also describes an open bar.

Is food included?

Yes. Food is served after the catamaran anchors in a small bay.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The catamaran makes a swim stop in a small bay and provides free time for you to get into the water.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum of 70 participants.