Whales and dolphins off Tenerife sound like a dream. On this small catamaran cruise, you get smooth pickup options, a real buffet lunch plus unlimited drinks, and a swim/snorkel stop to top it all off. One catch: sightings are super common but not guaranteed.

I especially like how the crew keeps the pacing easy. You’re out looking for marine life, then you get a proper break to swim or snorkel, then you eat and drink without hunting down food plans afterward. And yes, the drink service is a big part of the fun.

If you’re the type who hates waiting for nature to show up, build flexibility into your expectations. You’ll spend about 3 hours at sea, and the best moments come when the dolphins and whales decide to be nearby.

Key Highlights

• Small-group catamaran feel, not a giant cattle boat
• Hotel transfers in the south (Los Cristianos, Las Americas, Adeje areas, if selected)
• Snorkeling equipment included for the bay swim stop
• Unlimited drinks with a glass of champagne, plus wine and cava
• Dolphin and whale viewing off the south coast, with frequent sightings

Monte Cristo Catamaran on Tenerife’s South Coast: The Real Appeal

This tour hits a sweet spot: you get time on the water (about 3 hours), plus a built-in comfort plan for people who don’t want the day to fall apart. The catamaran setup helps too. It’s the kind of boat where you can move around, find a good angle for spotting wildlife, then head to the water for a swim when the schedule allows.

The value comes from the mix. Many Tenerife boat trips charge extra for food or drinks, but here the tapas buffet and drink service are part of the package. And because it’s tied to the south coast route (Puerto Colón area), the timing feels practical for a half-day outing rather than a full travel day.

I also like that it stays straightforward: cruise out, look for marine life, stop to swim/snorkel, then enjoy lunch and drinks while you coast back close to the shoreline for views.

Getting There: Dock #6 Puerto Colón and Pickup Options

Your cleanest starting point is Dock #6 in Puerto Colón (Playa de Las Américas). The meeting instruction is simple: look for a light grey catamaran with the name Monte Cristo Catamaran on the back.

If you choose the transfer option, pickup is available in parts of south Tenerife, including Los Cristianos, Las Américas, and Adeje (the exact service depends on what you selected). On pickup days, you wait in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

If you’re driving or taking a cab to the marina, there’s a public parking lot nearby that costs €1.20 per hour. It’s one of those details that quietly saves stress.

The Main Event: Finding Whales and Dolphins in Their Own Habitat

From Puerto Colón, the crew sets out to search for dolphins and whales. What matters is how the hunt is handled: the guides and crew focus on locating wildlife in natural conditions instead of treating it like a quick photo sprint.

The tour experience here is about respectful viewing. Dolphins often show up in the bow-wave area and around the boat, and you may spot different marine species during the cruise. The vibe is that you’re not just looking through glass—you’re on the water with the animals nearby.

The important reality check: sightings are extremely common, but never guaranteed. Some trips will feel like a highlight-reel moment the entire time, and others might be more dolphin-focused than whale-focused. If you can accept that nature sets the terms, you’ll enjoy this more.

Practical tip: bring sunglasses and a sun hat. Deck time adds up fast, and the sun off Tenerife can be intense even when the water looks calm.

The Swim and Snorkel Bay Stop: What You Actually Get

At some point during the cruise, the catamaran sails to a beautiful bay and drops anchor. This is where the tour shifts from watching wildlife to joining the sea for a bit.

You can swim or snorkel in crystal-clear water, and snorkeling equipment is included. You’ll want to bring your own towel, because having to dry off after the swim stop is one more thing to think about. (Yes, you’ll probably be sunscreen-slick and trying to look dignified at the same time.)

I like this stop because it gives you a different “proof” moment. Even if the wildlife viewing is a bit variable, the water time is still the same core activity: jump in, snorkel if you brought your courage, then relax on deck while everyone dries off.

If you’re sensitive to waves, keep an eye on your footing near the water entry points. A catamaran can move, and the fun gets better when you stay steady.

Tapas Buffet Lunch, Wine, Cava, and a Champagne Glass

One of the biggest reasons people enjoy this tour is the onboard eating and drinking plan. You get a buffet lunch with tapas, and the menu includes cava and a glass of wine as part of the offering.

There’s also a built-in drink experience:

• a glass of champagne
• plus wine and cava
• and drinks available throughout (often described as nonstop)

More practically: you don’t have to coordinate your hunger or worry about finding a restaurant at the wrong time. Lunch arrives when it fits the cruise rhythm, so you can focus on the views and the marine life.

Food quality looks like the right kind of “vacation food.” It’s meant to keep you fueled for the swim stop and the rest of the afternoon on deck. One note to set expectations: it’s a buffet. If you’re the type who wants a fancy plated meal, you might find yourself wishing for something more formal.

Good to know: there’s a vegetarian option available if you request it at the time of booking. If this matters to you, don’t wait.

How the Crew Makes the Trip Feel Personal (and Why It Shows)

The difference between an average boat tour and a great one is often how the crew handles people. Here, the tone is friendly and attentive. Multiple onboard stories highlight that the crew regularly checks in, keeps the vibe relaxed, and works hard to make sure you’re not running out of drinks.

Names you may hear in the onboard mix include Steve Collins, and crew members such as Danielle and Michael (also seen as Daniele in some confirmations). That kind of repeated praise isn’t random. It usually means the staff culture is solid, and you’ll feel taken care of rather than processed.

You’ll also have a live tour guide in English, which helps a lot on a wildlife trip. When you can follow what’s happening in the water, you spot more, and you enjoy what you’re seeing instead of guessing.

What to Pack and What’s Not Allowed

This is the kind of outing where packing light pays off, but you still need a few basics.

Bring:

• sunglasses
• a sun hat
• a towel
• sunscreen

Not allowed:

• non-folding wheelchairs
• unaccompanied minors

A few more rules that can affect planning:

• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Infants under 1 year old get free admission.
• Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if the passenger is assisted to board and disembark.
• Marine sightings are common but not guaranteed.

If you’re traveling with kids, the accompanying-adult rule is the big one to plan around. And if mobility matters, double-check the wheelchair type ahead of time.

Price and Value: Is $69 a Good Deal?

At $69 per person, this tour is priced like a “do-the-fun-part-for-a-reasonable-fee” activity, not a premium yacht experience. The best part of the value is how many pieces you get included.

You’re not just paying for boat time. Your package includes:

• the dolphin and whale-watching cruise
• snorkeling equipment
• a local guide
• buffered lunch (tapas buffet)
• bottled water
• a glass of champagne
• and wine and cava, with drinks available as part of the experience
• optional pickup and drop-off in south Tenerife zones (depending on what you selected)

When you add it up, $69 feels more reasonable because you’re effectively paying for transportation + guided spotting + food + drinks in one block. If you’ve ever paid separately for lunch and drinks on vacation, this package stops feeling expensive fast.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Skip It)

You’ll likely love this if you want an active half-day without spending your time figuring out logistics. It fits well for:

• wildlife lovers who enjoy watching marine animals in motion
• couples who want a memorable afternoon with good food and drinks
• groups of friends who want a social vibe on deck
• swimmers and snorkelers (since the equipment and bay stop are included)

You might think twice if:

• you need a guaranteed whale sighting (no boat can guarantee it)
• you strongly dislike alcohol-focused experiences (drinks are included and frequently topped up)
• you’re traveling with someone who needs a non-folding wheelchair (those aren’t allowed)

Should You Book the Tenerife Marine-Life Tour with Transfer, Buffet, and Drinks?

If your goal is a fun, easy afternoon that mixes wildlife spotting with real comfort, I’d book it. The reason is simple: the tour covers the basics that make a boat day enjoyable—a good swim/snorkel window, tapas lunch, and drinks—while still giving you serious time offshore looking for marine life.

Here’s how to decide:

• Book if you want a 3-hour outing that feels complete, not half-finished.
• Book if you’ll actually use the included snorkeling gear.
• Book if hotel pickup in the south makes your life easier.

Skip (or pick a different option) only if you’re strict about wildlife expectations or you’re worried about sea time. Otherwise, this is the kind of Tenerife afternoon that leaves you with more than just photos.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

Meet at Dock #6 in Puerto Colón, Playa de Las Américas. Look for a light grey catamaran and the name Monte Cristo Catamaran on the back.

Do I get hotel pickup in south Tenerife?

Pickup is optional and available in south Tenerife zones like Los Cristianos, Las Américas, and Adeje if you select that option. If you have pickup, wait in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

How long is the cruise?

The experience runs for 3 hours.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have a swim/snorkel stop in a bay during the cruise.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a buffet lunch with tapas, plus bottled water. Drinks include a glass of champagne, wine, and cava, and drinks are available during the tour.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you request it at the time of booking.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. Sightings are extremely common, but they cannot be guaranteed.

Are children allowed?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Also, unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

What should I bring, and what should I avoid bringing?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and sunscreen. Non-folding wheelchairs aren’t allowed, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

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