Whale watching and listening Eco-Catamaran Tour with Food Tasting

Pilot whales can appear beside the catamaran, and an underwater microphone lets you hear them communicate. That mix of close wildlife viewing and actual listening makes this more than a standard boat ride. I like the three-hour length, which gives you time for wildlife, a swim, food, and a relaxed return, and I like that the crew also points out Tenerife’s volcanoes and marine life.

The $48.37 price is fair for a boat trip with sandwiches and unlimited drinks, though you should know the catamaran can feel crowded when close to its 64-person limit. Snorkel equipment, coffee, tea, the special hammock, photos, and hotel pickup cost extra or are not provided.

Key things to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the star attraction: The catamaran uses an underwater microphone so you can hear them as well as see them.
• The trip includes a proper swim stop: You can jump into the sea at a sheltered bay, sometimes referred to as Spaghetti Bay.
• Food and drinks are built into the fare: Sandwiches and unlimited drinks are included, with vegetarian food available if requested ahead of time.
• The boat leaves from Puerto Colón: Meet at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, in Marina Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje.
• Bring your own swimming gear: Snorkel equipment is not included, and one swim stop may not be enough if snorkeling is your main goal.
• Space depends on the departure: The maximum group size is 64, and the front seating and hammock are claimed early.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

The trip begins at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, in Marina Puerto Colón. This is in Costa Adeje on Tenerife’s south coast, and the catamaran returns to the same place after roughly three hours.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the marina. The meeting point is near public transportation, and nearby parking is available for a fee according to the practical information provided for the tour. Leave enough time to find the correct pontoon and board without rushing.

Arriving early matters for more than punctuality. The front seating and the most comfortable lounging spots can fill quickly. One particularly unusual feature is an exclusive hammock that you can ask the crew about, but it is not included in the fare and should not be treated as guaranteed seating.

Pack light. On some departures, shoes and extra belongings are stored away while the boat is moving, so a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a small amount of personal gear are more useful than a large beach bag. You should also wear clothing suited to changing conditions because the tour runs in all weather.

Searching the south coast for whales

Once out from Puerto Colón, the catamaran follows Tenerife’s south coast and heads into the waters where pilot whales and dolphins are often seen. The crew searches for animals in their natural setting rather than taking you to a fixed enclosure or attraction.

That distinction matters. Wildlife watching always carries some uncertainty, even in an area with frequent sightings. Still, the available experience details point to regular encounters with pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and other sea life. Sightings have included several groups of whales, dolphins swimming at the bow, and two species of dolphins on a single trip.

Pilot whales are especially associated with this excursion. You may see them close to the boat, sometimes passing near the catamaran, and the underwater microphone gives the encounter another layer. Hearing their calls can be more striking than simply watching a fin surface and disappear.

The crew also provides live commentary. Expect information about the animals, the island, and the volcanoes along the coast. Captains Angel and Victor are named as attentive members of the team, and the boat may operate with a multilingual guide. English is offered, while the crew may also speak other languages depending on the departure.

The best wildlife moments call for quiet. When animals surface nearby, the atmosphere can change quickly from music and conversation to a still deck focused on the water. The crew’s approach is described as respectful of the animals, which is important to me. A good whale-watching trip should not turn the animals into a chase scene.

Listening to pilot whales underwater

The underwater microphone is one of the most distinctive parts of the trip. It lets you listen to pilot whales communicating below the surface, not just wait for them to appear above it.

This is valuable because whale watching is not a continuous show. There will be stretches when you are looking at open water, waiting for movement. The listening equipment gives you something meaningful to focus on during those pauses and helps explain that the animals are present in a world you cannot see from the deck.

The experience is still weather and wildlife dependent. One departure may bring close whales and dolphins, while another may offer fewer encounters. The captain’s commentary and the surrounding views help fill the quieter stretches, but you should book this as a nature outing rather than a guaranteed animal performance.

Several sightings have included turtles, flying fish, and plenty of smaller fish near the swimming area. These are welcome extras, but the main reason to choose this boat is the chance to see and hear whales and dolphins.

A swim stop near the coast

After the wildlife search, the boat stops in a bay for swimming and snorkeling. This gives the trip a welcome change of pace. Instead of spending all three hours seated and watching the horizon, you can get into the water, cool off, and see fish below the surface.

The bay is sometimes called Spaghetti Bay in the tour descriptions and passenger comments. It is presented as a fun stop with clear enough water for fish watching, though the exact conditions depend on the day.

Bring your swimsuit and towel. One person arrived without swimwear because the stop was not clear in the pre-trip details and missed the chance to swim. That is an easy mistake to avoid.

Snorkel gear is not included, so pack your own mask and fins if you want to explore properly. The boat does not promise several snorkeling sites. The scheduled experience centers on one main swim stop, and you may spend the rest of the time returning along the coast rather than visiting another bay.

That makes the swim stop best viewed as a refreshing break, not a dedicated snorkeling excursion. If your priority is seeing underwater life for a long period, you may want a tour built around reefs and multiple sites instead. If you simply want a safe chance to swim during a whale trip, this arrangement works well.

Sandwiches, drinks, and the pace on board

Food and drinks are included in the price, which improves the value considerably. You receive sandwiches and unlimited drinks during the outing, enough to keep the trip from feeling like three hours without a meal.

Vegetarian food is available, but you need to advise the operator when booking. Coffee and tea are not included, so do not assume the drink service covers hot beverages. The minimum drinking age is 18, which is relevant if alcoholic drinks are being served.

The food is practical rather than a full meal. Think of it as simple onboard fare that fits a swimming and wildlife excursion. That is just right for most people, especially when the main attraction is being on the water rather than sitting down to eat.

The crew also helps shape the mood. Some departures include music, though it may not suit everyone’s taste. It has been described as not overly loud, and it is sometimes turned off while wildlife is being watched. If you prefer a quiet nature trip from start to finish, this may feel more social than serene.

How crowded is a 64-person catamaran?

The stated maximum is 64 people. That is not an enormous number for a catamaran, but it can still feel busy, especially when everyone gathers on one side for a whale sighting or lines up for food and drinks.

The boat has been described as clean, well maintained, and relatively new. Facilities are reported to be in good order, which matters on a three-hour outing. You are not simply getting on a worn-out vessel and hoping for the best.

The main comfort issue is space. Some departures feel pleasantly uncrowded, while others feel slightly tight for the boat’s capacity. You may have less room to stretch out, and the best lounging spots can disappear early.

I would arrive ahead of departure if you care about seating choice. The front of the boat can give you a good view, but it may also be more exposed to movement and spray. If you are prone to seasickness, a steadier central position may suit you better, though the tour does not specify particular seating zones.

Children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The trip can suit families, particularly because the wildlife, swimming stop, food, and commentary give children several things to do. Keep in mind that the boat is operating in the open sea, and the day’s conditions may affect comfort.

What the $48.37 fare really covers

At $48.37 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to use the included food and drinks. A three-hour boat trip with live commentary, a swim stop, wildlife searching, and the chance to hear pilot whales gives you several separate activities for one fare.

The value is less obvious if you do not drink, do not swim, and mainly want a quiet whale-watching platform. In that case, you are still paying for the boat and wildlife search, but some of the included features matter less to you.

There are a few extra costs and omissions to remember:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
• Snorkel equipment is not included.
• Souvenir photos are available to buy.
• Coffee and tea are not included.
• The special hammock is not included.
• Food taxes, fees, and handling charges are included.
• Vegetarian food is available if requested ahead of time.

The fare also includes a flexible cancellation policy. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the local cutoff time applies.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this outing if you want a balanced half-day on the water rather than a specialist marine biology trip. It works particularly well for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want whales, dolphins, a swim, and an easy meal in one package.

It is also a good match for anyone who likes the idea of listening to whales, not just photographing them. The underwater microphone gives the trip a feature that many basic sightseeing cruises lack.

You should think twice if you dislike group outings or need a lot of personal space. A 64-person departure can feel crowded, and the catamaran may not provide the peaceful, private atmosphere of a small sailing trip.

It is also not the right pick if you expect a full snorkeling day. You get a swimming stop, but snorkel gear is extra and the schedule does not promise multiple locations.

Weather is another factor. The boat operates in all weather, so dress appropriately and expect conditions to shape the comfort of the ride. A warm December day can still bring cool water, with one reported swim temperature of about 18 degrees Celsius.

My booking advice

I would book this tour for the combination of wildlife listening, swimming, and included refreshments. The chance to see pilot whales close to the catamaran, hear them underwater, and then swim in a coastal bay gives the three hours a good rhythm.

Book it if you can accept that nature controls the main event and that the boat may feel full. Arrive early, bring a swimsuit and towel, pack your own snorkel gear if wanted, request vegetarian food in advance, and ask the crew about the hammock as soon as you board.

For most people staying around Costa Adeje, this is a practical and fairly priced way to get onto the Atlantic without giving up half a day to a long excursion. I would skip it only if you want a private boat, a quiet sailing-only experience, or several serious snorkeling sites.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching catamaran tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Sandwiches and unlimited drinks are included. Coffee and tea are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you should request it when booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.