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

Whale & Dolphin Watching in Tenerife (Puerto Colon) On a Large Catamaran: An Authentic Marine Adventure

When visiting Tenerife, one of the most sought-after experiences is whale and dolphin watching. For around $55 per person, you can join a three-hour cruise onboard a large, comfortable catamaran, departing from Puerto Colon. This activity is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike, offering a chance to see these gentle marine mammals in their natural habitat, along with a chance to cool off in a bay with swimming opportunities.

What we love about this tour is the ample space onboard, which means less crowded conditions and more room to relax or socialize, especially important in today’s travel climate. Plus, the included open bar and fresh food make it more than just a wildlife excursion—they turn it into a full-day, laid-back marine adventure.

However, one element to keep in mind is that some reviews suggest the actual wildlife sightings might be fleeting or less impressive than hoped. If you’re expecting a guaranteed whale sighting, this might not always meet those high expectations. Still, the combination of scenic cruising, swimming, and social amenities makes this a well-rounded experience, especially suited for those new to Tenerife or looking for a relaxed, fun day at sea.

This tour will appeal most to travelers wanting a blended experience: wildlife viewing with the added bonus of swimming, lounging, and enjoying good company with drinks and snacks. It’s also great for those who prefer a larger vessel that offers space and comfort, making the trip more enjoyable.

Key Points

• Comfortable Large Catamaran: Plenty of room to move, social distance, and relax during the 3-hour cruise.
• Wildlife Focus: Designed as a whale and dolphin-watching trip, with expert insights on marine species.
• Inclusive Refreshments: An open bar of alcoholic beverages and food is included, enhancing the leisurely atmosphere.
• Swimming Stop: Time allocated for swimming in a small bay, adding an active element to the trip.
• Flexible Booking: Secure your spot in advance, with free cancellation if plans change.
• Multiple Daily Departures: Two trips daily allow flexibility to fit your schedule.

A Detailed Look at the Tenerife Catamaran Marine Tour

Setting Out from Puerto Colon

Starting from the well-equipped Puerto Colon marina, this tour offers a straightforward and hassle-free departure point. The marina’s proximity to Playa de las Américas means easy access, whether you’re staying nearby or coming by public transportation. Most travelers will find it convenient, and the check-in process is typically smooth with a mobile ticket.

The Vessel and Group Size

The large catamaran can host up to 70 travelers, but in practice, it’s often less crowded, providing a more comfortable experience. The spacious deck means you won’t feel cramped, and the open layout is perfect for socializing or simply soaking in the views. This vessel design is especially great if you’re keen on social distancing or prefer a less claustrophobic environment.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The journey begins with a scenic cruise along Tenerife’s coast, offering stunning views of the shoreline, volcanic landscapes, and possibly some of the smaller coves. The primary goal is whale and dolphin spotting, so the crew, often knowledgeable about local marine life, will provide insights about the species you might see.

Wildlife sightings can be hit or miss, as some reviews note, but if luck is on your side, you could see pilot whales or dolphins swimming close to the boat. One reviewer remarked, “We had luck and saw a few pilot whales,” highlighting that sightings aren’t guaranteed but are often memorable.

After some time cruising, the boat anchors in a small bay, where you can swim in the clear Atlantic waters. Many travelers enjoy this chance to cool off after the excitement of spotting marine life. The calm bay also offers excellent photo opportunities, with the boat and cliffs as a backdrop.

Later, onboard dining kicks in with fresh food and plenty of drinks from the open bar, including alcoholic beverages. The focus here is on creating a relaxed, social environment, whether you’re enjoying a cold beer, a glass of wine, or some tapas-style snacks. One reviewer praised the delicious food and tapas, which made the trip even more enjoyable.

What the Experience Feels Like

During the trip, expect a mix of scenic cruising, wildlife watching, swimming, and socializing. The crew likely provides commentary on the local marine life, giving you context about the species and their habits. Since the boat is large, movements are gentle, and you won’t feel the rocking as much as you might on smaller vessels.

Some travelers have expressed that the wildlife sightings may be brief or unpredictable. One reviewer mentioned that it was more of a coastal cruise with a quick detour into the open sea at the end, rather than a dedicated whale-watching trip. If you’re hoping for a full hour dedicated to searching for whales, be aware that the experience might be more casual.

Practical Details and Value

• Price: At $55.01, this tour offers a decent value, especially considering the included food, drinks, swimming, and large vessel comfort.
• Duration: Three hours is just enough time to enjoy the activities without feeling rushed.
• Booking: It’s wise to reserve your spot 9 days in advance on average, as this helps ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before departure add flexibility, a plus for planning.

Authentic Experiences and Challenges

While the tour offers a fun and scenic day at sea, it’s important to set realistic expectations. The reviews indicate that the actual wildlife sightings might be fleeting, but the overall atmosphere—laid-back, social, and scenic—is highly praised. The inclusion of delicious food and tapas significantly enhances the experience, giving it a local touch.

Keep in mind that private transportation isn’t included, so plan to arrive by taxi, shuttle, or public transit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, groups, or couples looking for a relaxed day on the water with opportunities to see marine life, enjoy good food, and swim in a beautiful bay. It’s suitable for first-time visitors or those who prefer a larger, stable vessel over smaller, more intimate boats. If your main goal is guaranteed whale sightings, you might want to keep your expectations flexible or consider alternative tours.

For travelers wanting a fun, social atmosphere with plenty of amenities, and don’t mind the possibility of fleeting wildlife sightings, this tour offers great value and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, making it a manageable outing for most travelers.

What’s included in the price?
You get whale and dolphin watching, a swimming stop, food, and an open bar with alcoholic beverages.

Are there any additional costs?
Private transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the marina.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the trip, offering some flexibility.

What’s the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 9 days in advance on average, especially during peak seasons.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the info doesn’t specify age restrictions, the relaxed nature suggests it’s generally suitable for families, provided children are comfortable on boats.

What is the boat like?
It’s a large catamaran with plenty of space for up to 70 travelers, offering comfort, stability, and room for social distancing.

Will I see whales and dolphins?
Wildlife sightings are probable but not guaranteed. Some reviews mention luck in spotting pilot whales, while others felt it was more of a coastal cruise.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a light jacket in case it gets breezy. Snacks are provided, but you might want to bring extra drinks or personal items.

To sum it up, this whale and dolphin-watching tour in Tenerife offers a comfortable, social, and scenic day on the Atlantic. With the bonus of swimming, food, and drinks included, it appeals to those seeking a laid-back yet engaging experience. While wildlife sightings can be unpredictable, the overall ambiance—spacious vessel, friendly atmosphere, and delicious food—makes it a worthwhile choice for many travelers. Just keep your expectations balanced, and you’re in for a pleasant marine escape.