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

If you’re heading to Tenerife and eager to see its famed marine life, a whale and dolphin-watching trip on a large catamaran might seem like a perfect day out. This experience, offered by Best Excursions Tenerife, promises a three-hour voyage with plenty of space, an open bar, and opportunities to spot whales and dolphins. It’s a popular activity—bookings tend to fill up about nine days in advance—highlighting its appeal among travelers craving an authentic, fun-filled ocean adventure.

What I appreciate about this tour is the spaciousness of the catamaran—it’s designed to comfortably accommodate up to 70 people while allowing for social distancing, which is increasingly important these days. The inclusion of an open bar and food adds to the relaxed vibe, making it less about just wildlife spotting and more about enjoying the sea breeze and good company. Plus, the added bonus of a swim stop in a small bay offers a refreshing break from just gazing at the horizon.

However, a note of caution is in order: not all reviews highlight whale and dolphin sightings as successful. Some guests, like one reviewer, felt the trip was more of a scenic coastal cruise with only a brief venture into open water for wildlife spotting. This variation is worth considering, especially if your priority is guaranteed marine encounters. Also, since private transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to plan how to get to Puerto Colon, which could be an extra hassle if you’re not staying nearby.

This tour strikes a balance between comfort, fun, and wildlife viewing—though, like all such excursions, results can vary depending on the day’s conditions and luck. Let’s explore in more detail what makes this trip worth considering, who it’s best suited for, and how to make the most of it.

Key Points / Takeaways

Large, Comfortable Catamaran: Offers plenty of space for social distancing, up to 70 travelers, making it a more relaxed experience compared to smaller boats.
Open Bar and Food: Alcoholic drinks are included, and guests rave about the delicious food and tapas, adding significant value to the ticket price.
Wildlife Encounters Vary: While many enjoy the trip, one review expressed disappointment, noting it was more a scenic cruise with limited whale and dolphin sightings.
Swim Stop in a Small Bay: A highlight for many, providing a chance to cool off in clear waters and take a break from the sea watching.
Booking in Advance: Tours tend to sell out about nine days ahead, so planning early secures a spot during high season.
Good for Relaxed Groups: The spacious vessel and social atmosphere make it ideal for families, friends, or anyone looking to combine wildlife spotting with leisure.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour departs from Puerto Colon, a lively marina area in Playa de la Americas. It’s a well-connected spot, accessible by public transportation, which is a plus if you’re not staying nearby. The meeting point is straightforward, and since the tour lasts about three hours, it fits nicely into a half-day adventure. Keep in mind, private transportation isn’t included, so plan accordingly—whether walking, bus, or taxi.

Booking in advance is strongly recommended since this experience is popular and tends to fill quickly—most travelers book around nine days ahead. Once aboard, you’ll find a large, modern catamaran with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the sea. The crew, from what I’ve gathered, is friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share insights about the local wildlife.

What to Expect During the Trip

The trip begins with an energetic departure from Puerto Colon, heading out into the Atlantic. The vessel is equipped to identify whale and dolphin hotspots, and the crew provides helpful insights into the species you might see. While some guests like Janina noted that their trip was more coastal with only a brief excursion into open water, most reports suggest a good chance of spotting pilot whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals—though, as always, nature can be unpredictable.

The highlight is the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment. The tour includes a swim stop in a small bay, which is appreciated as a relaxing break, with opportunities to paddle, snorkel, or just soak in the scenery. Many visitors also enjoy the free time to socialize and enjoy the open bar, which includes alcoholic beverages—important to note since all drinks are included, avoiding any surprise tabs.

The food, often praised as delicious, adds a special touch to the experience. Guests have told me the tapas and snacks served onboard are a real highlight—simple, tasty, and perfect for snacking between wildlife sightings.

The Wildlife Experience

While many guests have positive stories about whale and dolphin sightings, reviews indicate that success varies. Some travelers, like Janina, felt the trip was more about the scenery along the coast with only a brief trip into open sea. She noted they were fortunate to see pilot whales, but her impression was that wildlife viewing was luck-based.

This inconsistency underscores an important point: marine wildlife is wild and unpredictable. If seeing whales and dolphins is your main goal, this trip offers a decent chance but no guarantees. That said, being out on the water with a knowledgeable crew, enjoying the sea breeze, and sharing a relaxed atmosphere makes it a worthwhile outing regardless.

Food, Drinks, and Relaxation

One of the biggest perks—according to reviews—is the inclusive open bar and tasty tapas. Guests love that they can sip drinks freely and enjoy the delicious, simple fare without worrying about extra costs. It’s a smart way to make the three hours feel like a leisurely cruise rather than a quick tour.

The swim stop provides a refreshing break and a chance to get closer to the water, which many travelers find a welcome addition. You can snorkel, paddle, or just float and soak up the sun—making the trip both a wildlife adventure and a mini beach escape.

Who Should Do This Tour?

This experience is best for those who value comfort and social atmosphere alongside wildlife viewing. Families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy relaxed days on the water will find it suits their needs well. If your main goal is guaranteed whale and dolphin sightings, keep expectations realistic—nature isn’t always predictable. But if you’re happy with a scenic trip that might include some wildlife, a swim, and good food, this tour hits the sweet spot.

At around $55 per person, including alcohol, food, and a swim stop, this tour provides solid value. Compared to smaller, more specialized wildlife tours that might cost more, the spacious catamaran and inclusive amenities offer a lot of bang for your buck. The chance to relax, socialize, and enjoy the ocean in comfort makes it worthwhile. Remember, booking early ensures you secure your spot during peak times.

This whale and dolphin-watching trip in Tenerife is a good choice if you’re after a relaxed, social experience with the added thrill of marine wildlife—though with the caveat that sightings can vary. The large vessel, comfortable setting, and inclusive food and drinks stand out as major advantages, especially if you want to avoid the cramped feel of smaller boats. And the swim stop is a lovely bonus for anyone wanting a splash of adventure.

On days with good weather and a bit of luck, you might leave with some unforgettable marine encounters. Even if the whales stay hidden, you’ll still enjoy a scenic, leisurely cruise with excellent food, drinks, and company. It’s a family-friendly, fun option that balances sightseeing with relaxation.

This trip suits travelers who want a comfortable, sociable outing on the water and aren’t solely focused on wildlife sightings. It’s perfect for those who appreciate good food and a relaxed atmosphere, especially families or groups looking for a half-day escape. If your priority is guaranteed whale sightings, you might want to consider other options, but for a well-rounded, enjoyable day on the Atlantic, this tour checks many boxes.

Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes, the relaxed environment and spacious vessel make it suitable for families. Just check age restrictions if traveling with very young children.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and possibly a towel if you plan to swim. A camera or smartphone with waterproof protection is also recommended for photos.

How likely am I to see whales or dolphins?
Encounter success varies, and some reviews mention that sightings depend heavily on luck and sea conditions. The crew provides insights, but nature can be unpredictable.

Are drinks really included?
Yes, the open bar features alcoholic beverages at no extra cost, making it easy to relax and enjoy the trip.

What’s the food like?
Guests consistently praise the tapas and food served onboard as tasty and satisfying—enough to keep you energized during the trip.

How long is the tour?
It’s approximately 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity without feeling rushed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip, ensuring flexibility if your plans shift due to weather or other reasons.

To sum it up, this Tenerife whale and dolphin tour offers a solid mix of comfort, good food, and potential wildlife sightings. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the Atlantic’s beauty, especially if you value a spacious vessel and inclusive amenities. While sightings are not guaranteed, the overall experience—combining scenery, marine life, and leisure—makes it a worthwhile addition to your Tenerife itinerary.