CATAMARAN OCEAN CRUISE TOUR, Food & Drinks included!

Whales, swimming, and lunch at sea make this a busy three hours. This catamaran cruise leaves Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, heads toward La Gomera, and looks for pilot whales and dolphins along Tenerife’s southern coast. I especially like the included south Tenerife pickup and the chance to combine wildlife watching with a swim, snorkel, tapas, fruit, and drinks. The main point to check is passenger capacity, since one outing carried 24 adults and a child despite the advertised maximum of 18.

The crew gets strong marks for being friendly, attentive, and confident around the wildlife. The boat has also produced memorable sightings, including family groups of pilot whales and a mother with a calf. Still, wildlife is wild, and dolphins may not appear, while food service can feel limited if the boat is fuller than expected.

The quick take

• Pilot whales are a real possibility: Several outings have seen pilot whales, dolphins, or both, including family groups and a young calf.
• The cruise includes more than wildlife: You get time at Playa de Los Hippies for swimming, snorkeling, fruit, snacks, tapas, and drinks.
• Pickup saves time: Transport is offered from south Tenerife, with return to the original meeting point.
• The crew earns high praise: Guests have singled out the professional service, useful whale information, and care for the sea.
• Capacity needs clarification: The advertised maximum is 18, but one sailing carried 24 adults and one child.
• Plan for open-water motion: Ginger was offered on one outing for seasickness, but you should still prepare if you are sensitive to movement.

Leaving Puerto Colón for open water

Your meeting point is Club Náutico Puerto Colón de Adeje on Avenida de Colón in Costa Adeje. The cruise returns there after roughly three hours, so the basic plan is simple: arrive at the marina, board the catamaran, head out along the coast, watch for marine life, stop for food and swimming, then sail back.

Pickup is offered in south Tenerife. You need to add your hotel, telephone number, and email address to the booking so the operator can plan the collection. One outing included a pickup in a pleasant van and clear communication about the schedule, which is useful if you do not have a rental car or prefer not to work out the marina transport yourself.

The route points toward La Gomera Island rather than taking you to the island. That direction matters because the boat moves away from the crowded resort waterfront and into the open sea where pilot whales and dolphins are commonly sought. You are not simply getting a harbor ride. The main purpose is to watch the water, scan for movement, and see Tenerife’s southern coast from offshore.

The listed itinerary also names Golf Costa Adeje, though the practical meeting and return point provided for the cruise is Puerto Colón. I would confirm the exact pickup time and location before departure, especially if you are staying outside Costa Adeje.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins near La Gomera

The wildlife portion is the heart of the trip. The crew takes the catamaran toward the direction of La Gomera and searches for whales and dolphins in their natural setting. Sightings have included pilot whales, several groups of dolphins, and fish. One particularly special outing found two separate family pods of pilot whales, including a mother with a small calf.

That kind of sighting is the best reason to choose this cruise. Pilot whales are social animals, and seeing them travel as a family group gives the trip more meaning than simply ticking a whale-watching box. The crew has also been praised for explaining what guests were seeing and for showing care around the animals and the ocean.

You should keep your expectations sensible. No operator can promise dolphins or whales on a particular day. One sailing produced no dolphins, and the wildlife search may feel quiet if the animals stay out of view. That uncertainty is part of any responsible marine wildlife trip, but it is worth knowing before you pay for the experience.

The boat’s size and group arrangement can affect the viewing experience. With fewer people, it should be easier to move around and find a clear angle over the rail. With a larger group, you may need to be patient and share the best viewing areas. Ask about the expected passenger count if personal space matters to you.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Feedback describes the staff as professional, welcoming, attentive, and confident in their handling of the trip. The whale explanations also add useful context, so you are not left guessing at every dark shape on the water.

A host handles drinks and explains the marine life, while the wider crew looks after the boat and the group. One outing ended with a honey rum shot, a small extra that added a festive touch. That detail is not listed as a guaranteed part of every departure, so treat it as a possible bonus rather than something to count on.

The crew also appears to take comfort seriously. Ginger was offered on one cruise to help with seasickness. That is helpful, but it does not replace basic preparation. If you are prone to motion sickness, eat lightly before boarding, take any medication you already use according to medical advice, and choose a position on the boat that feels steady.

Service matters on a three-hour cruise because there is not much spare time. A slow or disorganized crew can make the whole trip feel cramped. Here, the positive comments about communication, drinks, wildlife explanations, and attentiveness suggest a well-run outing on a normal sailing.

Playa de Los Hippies: swim, snorkel, and eat

After the wildlife search, the catamaran heads to Playa de Los Hippies. This stop changes the pace. Instead of watching the horizon, you can swim, snorkel, relax on board, or look back at Tenerife’s mountains from the sea.

The setting is a good match for people who want a little activity without spending a full day on a beach excursion. You can get into the water if conditions suit you, or simply stay dry and enjoy the view. The stop also gives children and non-swimmers a break from the wildlife search.

Food and drink are included. The service can include tapas, fruit, snacks, and a selection of drinks, with several people praising the portions and quality of the tapas. One outing had ample food and no stated restriction on the number of drinks. Another found the food very limited, possibly because more people were sharing it than expected.

That difference is important. I would view the meal as a welcome boat lunch, not a full restaurant service. The food may be more generous on a normal, smaller sailing, but you should eat something beforehand if you need a substantial meal. The drinks appear to be a particular strength, while the food service may depend on passenger numbers and the day’s setup.

Snorkeling is listed as an option, but specific equipment details are not provided. Ask the operator what is supplied if snorkeling is central to your plans. The same applies to the swimming stop, since the amount of time in the water can depend on sea and weather conditions.

The boat, group size, and comfort question

The catamaran is described as spacious, which should help during a three-hour cruise. You have a mixture of activities, including wildlife viewing, a food stop, drinks, and swimming, so a larger vessel gives the group room to change activities without everyone crowding one small area.

The advertised maximum is 18 people, but this needs a clear warning. One departure carried 24 adults and one child, not including the crew or the person serving drinks and explaining the whales. The operator said the vessel is licensed for more than 18 and that a weather-related rescheduling issue caused the unusually high number.

That explanation may make sense operationally, but it does not remove the practical concern. If you are booking because you want a small-group sailing, confirm the expected number before paying. A fuller boat can affect the food portions, access to the rail, space during the swim stop, and the general sense of calm.

The cruise is offered in English. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The marina is near public transport, while the optional pickup adds convenience for many south Tenerife hotels. The activity is capped by the stated capacity information, but because that information has not been consistent, ask for the current figure.

Is $108.37 a fair price?

At $108.37 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. The value depends on how many parts of the outing you will use.

You are paying for about three hours on a catamaran, a wildlife search, a coastal cruise in the direction of La Gomera, a stop at Playa de Los Hippies, swimming or snorkeling, food, drinks, and possible pickup from south Tenerife. Transport alone can save you time and taxi costs, especially if you are staying away from Puerto Colón.

The price looks strongest for someone who would otherwise book separate whale watching and beach activities. You get a single outing with a clear mix of nature, food, and time in the water. The drinks are also more generous than you might expect on some boat tours, based on the service described.

The value is weaker if you want a guaranteed wildlife encounter, a very quiet small-group boat, or a large sit-down lunch. Whales and dolphins can never be guaranteed, and the passenger count may be higher than expected. For the best value, confirm the group size and treat the food as snacks and tapas rather than your main meal of the day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, and small groups who want a compact half-day activity. It works particularly well if you want to combine marine wildlife with swimming instead of spending the entire outing focused on animal sightings.

It is also a good fit for visitors staying in south Tenerife who appreciate hotel pickup. The return to Puerto Colón keeps the logistics simple, and the boat trip does not take up an entire day.

Families may like the changing rhythm. Children can look for whales and dolphins, eat fruit and snacks, and then swim at the beach stop. Still, parents should be ready for the possibility of no wildlife sightings and should check the passenger count if space is important.

You may want a different experience if you dislike open-water motion, need a guaranteed meal, or prefer a tightly controlled small group. The cruise is not a private charter, and the passenger number deserves attention before booking.

Practical advice before you book

Add your hotel, telephone number, and email address when booking so the pickup plan can be arranged. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability, so do not assume the booking is final until you receive it.

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothing if you plan to enter the water. Bring a towel, sun protection, and any personal motion sickness supplies you normally use. The tour depends on good weather, so the operator may offer another date or a full refund if conditions force cancellation.

The cancellation terms are friendly if your plans change. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Most of the cruise is in English, and the activity is near public transport even if you choose not to use the pickup. The meeting point is Club Náutico Puerto Colón de Adeje, and the tour ends back there.

Should you book the Tenerife catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-rounded sea outing with a real chance of seeing pilot whales, plus swimming, tapas, drinks, and south Tenerife pickup. The strongest parts are the crew, the wildlife explanations, the generous drink service, and the chance to see family groups of pilot whales in the open sea.

Before paying, ask one direct question: how many people are expected on your departure? The advertised figure and one actual sailing did not match, and that difference affected both comfort and food for one passenger.

If the group size is acceptable and you understand that whales and dolphins are never guaranteed, $108.37 is reasonable for a three-hour outing that combines several activities. If you want guaranteed wildlife, a substantial lunch, or a genuinely intimate boat ride, choose with more caution.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at Club Náutico Puerto Colón de Adeje in Costa Adeje and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered in south Tenerife. You need to provide your hotel, telephone number, and email address when booking so the operator can arrange the details.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The cruise includes drinks along with tapas, snacks, and fruit. The exact amount of food may vary by departure and passenger numbers.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The cruise stops at Playa de Los Hippies, where you can swim, snorkel, relax, or enjoy views of Tenerife’s mountains from the sea.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The crew searches for whales and dolphins, and sightings have included pilot whales and dolphins, but these are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed.