REVIEW · 2-HOUR EXPERIENCES
Most Famous Catamaran in Tenerife Island (2 hours and 3 hours tours)
Book on Viator →Operated by Eden Catamaran SL · Bookable on Viator
Pilot whales, cold beer, and open sea. This 2–3 hour catamaran out of Puerto Colón is all about wildlife time and big Tenerife views from the water.
What I like most is that it’s built for real spotting, not just a quick loop. You get a proper chance to look for dolphins and whales in their natural area, with the crew watching closely.
Two standout perks: the unlimited beer and soft drinks onboard, and the vibe of a crew that actually cares about how you meet wildlife at sea. I also like that you’re not packed into an unlimited-crowd situation, with a maximum of 50 travelers.
One thing to consider: if you’re sensitive to motion, the sea can feel bumpy. A few people specifically recommend thinking about seasickness before you go, especially when conditions turn choppy.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you sail
- Where this Tenerife catamaran fits in (and why it’s popular)
- Getting to Puerto Colón: Gate 4 and the part people miss
- The on-water routine: how spotting usually works
- Wildlife viewing that’s meant to be respectful
- The included drinks: unlimited beer, plus what to expect
- 2 hours vs 3 hours: choose the snorkeling and sandwiches upgrade
- What the views feel like from a catamaran
- Comfort tips for choppy water and sea-sickness
- Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)
- Price value check: is $42.34 actually a good deal?
- Should you book this Tenerife catamaran?
- FAQ
- How long is the catamaran tour?
- What is the meeting point?
- Where does the tour end?
- What does the ticket include?
- Is snorkeling included?
- What is the minimum drinking age?
- Do kids need an adult?
- How many people are on the boat?
- What’s not included?
- Cancellation terms: can I get a refund?
Key things to know before you sail
- Gate 4 timing matters: show up 15 minutes early at Puerto Colón Gate Number 4 and swap your ticket for a boarding card.
- Small-ish group: the cap is 50 travelers, which usually makes spotting and boat movement feel less chaotic.
- Wildlife etiquette: multiple bookings praised the crew for being respectful around animals, including slowing down and not chasing.
- Included drinks are a real part of the trip: bottled water plus unlimited beer and soft drinks for the sailing.
- Pick your length: 2 hours is the quicker option; the longer 3-hour tour adds a snorkeling stop and sandwiches.
- Crew personalities can make it: names like Lucie and Mario, and also Simon and Angela, show up in accounts about friendly onboard hosting.
Where this Tenerife catamaran fits in (and why it’s popular)
Tenerife is great for sunshine, beaches, and viewpoints. But if you want a different kind of day, a catamaran whale-watching trip gives you something land tours can’t. You’re literally moving through the marine space where dolphins and whales feed and travel.
This one is priced at $42.34 per person for about 2 to 3 hours, with English offered. That price makes sense because it includes more than just a seat. You also get bottled water and unlimited beer and soft drinks, which turns the trip from a basic “look out a window” outing into an actual on-board experience.
There’s also a clear value signal in the small cap: up to 50 travelers. On bigger boats, it can get harder to see. Here, you’re more likely to catch what the crew spots when they point it out.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife
Getting to Puerto Colón: Gate 4 and the part people miss
Your tour starts and ends at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 4. The detail that matters most is the entrance point: please be at Puerto Colón Gate Number 4 about 15 minutes before departure.
Bring your mobile ticket. At the gate, you’ll exchange it for a boarding card. Arrive early and you avoid the last-minute scramble that turns an easy morning into stress.
One practical warning: this sailing is not set up as a “straight-from-your-cruise-ship” shore excursion from Santa Cruz harbour. If you’re working with cruise schedules, plan your timing like you’re commuting. One account said it was about a 50-minute drive away and wasn’t clearly communicated as such.
The on-water routine: how spotting usually works
Once you leave the port, the day turns into a mix of cruising and scanning. You’ll be looking out for dolphins and whales in their natural environment, and the crew’s job is to help you find the right areas.
The most common sighting in people’s accounts is pilot whales, sometimes seen close to the boat. Dolphins are also frequently spotted. Some bookings even include additional wildlife like turtles and, in one case, swimming linked with a longer format (more on that when we talk about tour length).
If the sea gets a bit rough, you may feel it more than on a large ferry. Still, the catamaran’s overall set-up tends to be comfortable enough for most people. You just need to match your expectations: this is an ocean ride, not a lake cruise.
Wildlife viewing that’s meant to be respectful
You’ll hear a lot of “ethical” talk in tourism. What matters is what you feel in practice: how the crew behaves when animals appear.
In several accounts, the crew is praised for not pursuing wildlife. There’s also mention of shutting off engines when they get close and turning music off once animals are near, which helps keep the attention on the animals instead of the party volume.
That style of spotting is worth it. When the boat slows and the engines quiet down, your viewing usually improves. You also get more of that calm, watch-and-wait feeling that fits whale country.
The included drinks: unlimited beer, plus what to expect
This trip comes with unlimited beer and soft drinks onboard, along with bottled water. The point is simple: you don’t have to budget extra for refreshments during the sailing.
How that plays out can vary a bit by departure. One account noted that unlimited drinks felt less than advertised when the boat didn’t seem fully restocked for the group. Another mentioned drinks being cold and ready.
Also note the age rule: the minimum drinking age is 18. If you’re traveling as a family, you’ll want to plan with that in mind. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
For non-drinkers: soft drinks and water are included, so you’re not stuck watching everyone else sip.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Tenerife
2 hours vs 3 hours: choose the snorkeling and sandwiches upgrade
You’ll typically have two options: the shorter 2-hour tour, or the longer 3-hour tour. The upgrade adds a snorkeling stop and sandwiches, so it’s the better choice if you want a bit more than spotting.
On the 2-hour version, you’re basically paying for a focused time at sea: depart, search, see dolphins/whales if conditions allow, and return. It’s a good fit if you want the “main event” without committing most of the day.
On the longer 3-hour tour, plan for more variety. The snorkeling stop adds an active element, and the sandwiches are included with the longer format. One account said the sandwich options were ham/cheese or cheese, and also mentioned there wasn’t a vegetarian option and no vegetarian/pork-safe alternative. So if dietary needs matter a lot to you, check before you go and consider bringing an extra snack you can rely on.
Also, snorkeling equipment can be a constraint. One account said there wasn’t enough snorkeling gear for everyone and that time was limited. That’s not guaranteed, but it’s a good reason to arrive ready and ask the crew what’s available if you’re counting on water time.
What the views feel like from a catamaran
Even if whales never show up (and they often do, based on accounts), the ride still has a payoff. You’re out on open water, giving you a different angle on Tenerife’s coast than you’d get from a road viewpoint.
Expect the day to feel bright and breezy once you’re moving. People often mention refreshing sea time and beautiful views during the trip.
One more tip: if you want photos, bring a phone strap or a cap. Wind and salt air are real. A few accounts also praised the crew for taking photos without asking and for helping with pictures (including fun captain-style photo opportunities).
Comfort tips for choppy water and sea-sickness
The ocean controls the mood. If the sea is calm, great. If it’s choppy, you’ll feel it.
A few people recommended bringing or taking seasickness tablets, saying the motion can build as the trip goes on. If you’re prone to nausea, don’t rely on hope. Pack your remedy like you would for any boat day.
Also, if you’re sensitive to fumes or smoke, consider this: one account described a non-smoking expectation but said smoking still happened part of the trip until staff intervened. If smoke bothers you, it’s worth positioning yourself accordingly when you board and bringing something to help with comfort (like a mask) just in case.
Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)
This trip is a strong match if you want:
- Wildlife spotting with crew guidance
- Unhurried time on the water for about 2–3 hours
- Included drinks that make the ride feel like a mini-vacation on its own
- A boat that’s not overly crowded (max 50)
It may be a weaker match if:
- You’re very worried about motion sickness
- You’re counting on snorkeling gear being fully available and plentiful (equipment supply can be an issue on some departures)
- You need specific dietary options beyond what sandwiches provide on the longer tour
- You’re assuming the operator will pick you up from Santa Cruz harbour as a cruise shore excursion
For couples and friends, this kind of trip hits the sweet spot: you get scenery, you get a chance at dolphins and pilot whales, and you can relax with drinks while you wait for sightings.
Price value check: is $42.34 actually a good deal?
At $42.34 per person for 2 to 3 hours, you’re not paying just for transport. You’re paying for:
- A catamaran outing focused on wildlife spotting
- Bottled water
- Unlimited beer and soft drinks
- Optional add-on value on the longer tour: snorkeling stop and sandwiches
That makes it feel fair, especially compared with “just a boat ride” tours where you pay extra for refreshments. The key is managing your expectations around wildlife. Ocean sightings depend on conditions, so the real value is that you’re spending meaningful time out there with a crew actively searching.
If you’re going to drink a beer anyway, the math gets even easier in your favor.
Should you book this Tenerife catamaran?
Book it if your goal is simple: a fun, not-too-long Tenerife whale and dolphin trip from Puerto Colón with included drinks and a good chance at pilot whales. The small group limit, the crew’s respectful spotting style, and the overall “we’re here to make this work” attitude are the reasons this earns high marks.
Think twice or plan extra carefully if you’re seasick-prone, have strict dietary needs for the snorkeling/sandwich option, or you’re arriving via cruise and expect pickup from Santa Cruz harbour. In those cases, the fix is planning: bring seasickness meds, check the sandwich situation for your needs, and confirm how you’re getting to Puerto Colón on time.
FAQ
How long is the catamaran tour?
The tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours.
What is the meeting point?
It starts at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 4, at Puerto Colón Gate Number 4.
Where does the tour end?
It ends back at the same meeting point.
What does the ticket include?
You get bottled water and unlimited beer and soft drinks.
Is snorkeling included?
Snorkeling is included on the longer tour upgrade with a snorkeling stop. The shorter option is just the catamaran wildlife outing.
What is the minimum drinking age?
The minimum drinking age is 18.
Do kids need an adult?
Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 50 travelers.
What’s not included?
Souvenir photos are not included (they are available to purchase).
Cancellation terms: can I get a refund?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
