Whale watching and listening Eco-Catamaran Tour with Food Tasting

Listen for whales underwater. This three-hour catamaran trip from Puerto Colón combines wildlife watching, a swim stop, local commentary, sandwiches, and unlimited drinks for $48.37. I like the rare chance to hear pilot whales through an underwater microphone, and I like that the crew keeps the focus on animals in their natural habitat. The main drawback is space: the boat can feel crowded when all 64 places are filled.

You sail along Tenerife’s south coast, stop in a sheltered bay, and return to the marina. I also appreciate the strong value of the package, since food and drinks are included, but you need to bring your own snorkel gear if you want to explore below the surface.

Key points before you book

• Whale listening is the unusual feature: An underwater microphone may let you hear pilot whales communicating, not just watch them surface.
• The trip lasts about three hours: That gives you time for wildlife watching, a swim stop, food, and a relaxed return along the coast.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect sandwiches and unlimited drinks, but coffee and tea are not included.
• You may see more than whales: Sightings have included dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, and other marine life, though no sighting can be promised.
• Come early for the best resting spot: The front queue matters if you want one of the limited couch-style places or the exclusive hammock, which costs extra.
• The boat returns to Puerto Colón: You arrange your own transport to White Tenerife at Pantalán 8 in Costa Adeje.

Setting sail from Puerto Colón

The meeting point is White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje. The catamaran returns to the same place, which keeps the outing simple if you are staying near Costa Adeje or using local public transport.

Arrive early if you care about seating. One useful tip is to get near the front of the queue if you want a couch-like place to stretch out. The boat has a limited number of comfortable resting spots, and the special hammock is not included in the ticket. You can ask the crew about it once aboard.

The boat can carry up to 64 people. That is not the largest possible group for a catamaran, but it is large enough to affect how easily you move around. A few people found the vessel slightly crowded at full capacity, while others found it comfortable and not overly busy. I would expect the best experience near the edges of the seating area, where you can watch the water without constantly looking around other passengers.

The crew provides live commentary, and the guide may speak more than one language. English is offered, and individual trips have also had French and Spanish-speaking crew members. That matters here because the commentary adds context about the whales, dolphins, surrounding volcanoes, and Tenerife’s coast.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The first major part of the trip is the search for marine life along Tenerife’s southern coast. The boat moves into areas where whales and dolphins live, rather than placing you in a controlled animal encounter. That makes the timing less predictable, but it also gives the sighting a more genuine quality.

Pilot whales have been a particular highlight. You may see them close to the catamaran, and the crew can use a microphone lowered into the water so you can hear their calls. Seeing a whale is memorable. Hearing one communicate beneath the boat adds a different layer to the experience, especially when the crew pauses the music and lets everyone listen.

Dolphins may appear near the bow, where they can swim and play in the wake. Sightings have included more than one dolphin species, along with sea turtles, flying fish, and other fish. A few accounts also describe a shark, but that is an occasional sighting rather than something you should expect.

I like the way this part is handled. The crew gives the animals room and avoids turning the trip into a loud chase. One strong part of the experience is the respect shown for the animals’ space. Still, remember that wildlife does not follow a schedule. Good weather and a promising sea do not guarantee whales or dolphins.

The commentary also gives you something useful to do between sightings. You may hear about Tenerife’s volcanoes and the animals you are watching, rather than simply waiting for a fin to appear. Music is sometimes played, though it has not suited everyone’s taste. It is generally not described as too loud, and it may be switched off during the best wildlife moments.

Hearing the ocean through an underwater microphone

Many whale trips rely on surface sightings alone. Here, the listening element gives the outing its strongest point of difference. When pilot whales are nearby, the microphone can pick up underwater sounds and let you hear them communicate.

This is not a guaranteed performance. The animals need to be in the right place, and the conditions need to allow the crew to use the equipment effectively. But when it works, the boat becomes unusually quiet as everyone listens. I would value that moment even if the rest of the wildlife viewing were brief.

The listening feature also supports the eco-focused approach. You are not simply being taken close to an animal for a quick photograph. You are being shown part of its world that is invisible from the deck. That makes the commentary feel useful rather than decorative.

A swim stop in a sheltered bay

After the wildlife search, the catamaran stops for swimming and snorkeling. The exact bay can vary, but the excursion includes time anchored near the coast, with one popular stop described as a sheltered bay.

The water has been around 18 degrees in December, so pack your swimsuit even during a warm winter visit. Some people may find that temperature refreshing, while others will want only a quick dip. You can get into the water several times, and the crew keeps an eye on those who choose to swim.

Bring your own mask, fins, and snorkel if you want to look beneath the surface. Snorkel equipment is not included. This is an easy detail to miss, especially if you assume a snorkeling trip supplies the gear.

The stop is not only for strong swimmers. You can stay aboard and relax on deck if the water feels too cool or you prefer not to swim. The crew’s attention to swimmers has been praised, including helping make the water stop feel safe and well managed.

One limitation is that the trip usually focuses on one main swimming area. If you want several snorkeling locations, this may feel a little limited. Some of the sailing time on the return can seem repetitive instead. If your main goal is wildlife watching, that is not a serious problem. If your main goal is snorkeling, choose your expectations carefully.

Sandwiches, drinks, and deck time

The food is simple rather than elaborate. You receive sandwiches, and vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking. This is enough to keep the outing practical, especially since the boat is away from the marina for about three hours.

Unlimited drinks are included, which adds real value to the price. You can relax after the wildlife search with a drink while the catamaran heads toward the swim stop or back to Puerto Colón. Coffee and tea are not included, so do not count on a hot drink as part of the package.

The combination of food, drinks, and a swim makes the trip feel fuller than a short wildlife cruise. You are not paying only for the time spent looking for animals. You also get a meal, a break in the water, and a chance to sit on deck and watch Tenerife’s coast.

There is an informal, social atmosphere aboard. Some outings include music, and the crew has been described as friendly, attentive, and cheerful. That will suit you if you want an easygoing boat trip rather than a silent naturalist cruise. If you prefer a very quiet vessel, the music and group size may be less appealing.

What $48.37 buys you

At $48.37 per person, this is a strong package for a three-hour outing. Taxes and handling charges are included, as are the sandwiches, drinks, and live commentary. You do not need to pay extra for the basic wildlife experience or the swimming stop.

The value is best if you plan to use the full package. Eat the sandwiches, enjoy the drinks, listen to the commentary, and swim if conditions suit you. The price is less compelling if you only want a short whale sighting and intend to skip the food and swim.

Extra costs are limited but worth noting. Souvenir photos are available to purchase, while snorkel equipment, coffee, tea, and the hammock are not included. You also arrange your own way to and from Puerto Colón, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the tour.

The strong rating of 4.9 from 1,447 reviews and recommendation by 99 percent of customers suggest that the value holds up well for most people. I would still keep the group size in mind. A full boat may reduce personal space, even if it remains better than some more tightly packed cruises.

Weather, comfort, and practical clothing

The trip operates in all weather conditions, so dress for exposure to sun, wind, and spray. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to swim. A light extra layer is sensible because a warm marina does not always mean a calm, warm ride at sea.

Pack light. Shoes and belongings may need to be stored while the boat is moving, so a small bag is easier than a large beach bag. Keep only what you need close at hand.

Children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18. Most people can take part, though the tour is still a boat outing with movement, sun, and water, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan accordingly without assuming the crew can provide special treatment.

The tour is offered in English, and it may be operated by a multilingual guide. If you need a vegetarian sandwich, request it at booking rather than waiting until departure.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would choose this for you if you want several Tenerife activities in one outing. It combines wildlife watching, an educational element, swimming, lunch, drinks, and coastal views without taking the entire day.

It is especially good for families, couples, and small groups who want an easy sea day. Children have enjoyed the wildlife and swimming, while adults can appreciate the pilot whale listening and the relaxed deck time.

It also suits you if you care about animal welfare. The crew has been praised for giving whales and dolphins space and treating the encounter with respect. That does not remove the uncertainty of wildlife watching, but it gives the trip a responsible tone.

You may want another option if you need a very quiet boat, maximum personal space, or several different snorkeling sites. People who dislike group activities may find up to 64 passengers too many. The tour is also not ideal if you want hotel pickup, since you must reach Puerto Colón independently.

Should you book the Tenerife whale watching tour?

Yes, I would book it if you are staying in or near Costa Adeje and want good value from a half-day sea outing. The strongest reasons are the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in the wild, the unusual underwater listening, the friendly multilingual crew, and the inclusion of sandwiches and unlimited drinks.

Book early if your dates matter. The tour is often reserved about eight days ahead, and arriving early on the day can help you claim a better resting spot. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and your own snorkel gear.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching tour start?

It starts at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour finish?

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

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Sandwiches and unlimited drinks are included. Coffee and tea are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the cancellation policy?

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