Tenerife whales, paella, and a swim. I love the way the catamaran keeps you moving along the coast for wildlife spotting, and I like that the crew helps you actually understand what you are seeing, including Pilot whales. One drawback to plan around: snorkel gear is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

From Puerto Colon, this is a solid half-day break because you get lunch and unlimited drinks onboard, not just a short viewing window. You’ll also catch a view of the Teide Volcano when you head back along the Costa Adeje shoreline.

Key takeaways

• Crew-led wildlife spotting with hands-on explanations in English and Spanish
• Paella-style lunch plus unlimited drinks onboard, including beer and sangria
• Diego Hernandez Bay swim stop with sunbathing nets and clear water
• Teide Volcano views on the return along the Costa Adeje coast
• Bring snorkel equipment since it is not provided

Costa Adeje from the water: your 3-hour rhythm on MaxiCat

This cruise is built around one big idea, see marine mammals, then enjoy the sea. You start with time to scan for whales and dolphins, then you shift to relaxing, eating, and cooling off with a swim stop.

The pacing feels right for the time you are spending. Even with a packed mix of spotting, lunch, and getting in the water, you are not stuck doing one single thing for the whole trip. It is also an easy tour length if you want something memorable without losing a whole day to logistics.

One more small reality check: the trip runs as a 3-hour experience, but the actual time on the water can feel a bit shorter. Plan your day with a little buffer, especially if you are relying on hotel pickup.

Finding Pantalan 9 and the red catamaran with maxicat on it

You will meet at Pantalan 9 in Puerto Colon. Look for the red catamaran with the inscription maxicat, and arrive early enough to get settled before departure.

If you skip pickup, go to the harbor about 20 minutes before departure time. That timing helps you avoid the usual last-minute scramble of finding the right dock, then getting everyone organized before the safety briefing.

If you choose optional pickup, it is only in selected areas in the south of Tenerife, and the exact pick-up locations depend on what you select. Playa Paraiso area pickup is offered only on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, so check your travel dates before you count on that convenience.

Wildlife spotting that actually helps you understand what’s out there

The heart of the cruise is the search for whales, dolphins, and birds. After a safety briefing, the crew starts calling out wildlife and sharing facts about the local marine environment.

What I like about this setup is that you are not just along for the ride. The staff actively point out what you are looking at and help you connect sightings to what the species typically do in this area. That makes the photo moments more satisfying because you know what you are seeing.

In practice, the most commonly reported highlight is Pilot whales, including sightings of calves. You may also see Atlantic spotted dolphins, and sometimes you might spot other marine life like turtles during the swim portion. That said, wildlife is wildlife, so sightings are not guaranteed every single trip.

A fun detail worth noting is the way the crew uses whistles and their boat positioning to improve chances of sightings. It is not magic, but it shows they are paying attention and trying to get you the best viewing angles.

The Diego Hernandez Bay swim stop: nets, clear water, and colorful fish

After wildlife time, the cruise heads toward Diego Hernandez Bay for a swim break. This is where the experience shifts gears from watching to doing.

You can relax on the sunbathing nets, then cool off in the clear water when you are ready. You’ll also have an opportunity to snorkel, but only if you bring your own gear since snorkel equipment is not included.

This is also a good spot to look carefully, not just straight ahead. You might see small colorful fish up close while you swim, and there is a chance of spotting turtles if you are lucky and pay attention to where the water looks busy.

If you are prone to sea sickness, plan smart. The cruise is short, but it is still time on open water, and the ride can feel choppy depending on conditions. Bringing a hat for sun and staying hydrated helps, and it is worth having a plan for motion if you need one.

Lunch onboard and unlimited drinks: simple, satisfying, and convenient

One of the strongest value points here is that lunch happens onboard, not before or after. That means you are fueled for wildlife scanning, then you eat without needing to disembark and hunt for food on land.

The lunch is described as Canarian-style rice and paella, and you’ll also have unlimited drinks during the cruise. Common drink mentions include soft drinks, beer, and sangria, which makes the middle of the day feel like a proper treat rather than a rushed fuel stop.

Food quality is generally viewed as good for the price. A fair expectation is that it is not gourmet cooking, but it is filling and convenient, with enough variety for most people. If you have dietary needs, there is support too: vegetarian and vegan menus are available upon request, and there is a children’s menu available as well.

If you are traveling with kids, this is also one of those tours that keeps the pacing easy for families. The swim nets and the boat atmosphere tend to work well for younger travelers, as long as you bring the basics like sunscreen and a towel.

Teide Volcano views and a relaxed return along Costa Adeje

When you head back, you’re cruising along the Costa Adeje coast with a chance to appreciate the Teide Volcano in the background. This is a nice payoff because it turns the return into something more than just heading back to the harbor.

Even if you already had your whale moment earlier, this part still matters. The coast view is a good time to slow down, take photos from deck, and just enjoy the sea breeze after swimming or snorkeling.

The best part is that the return still feels like part of the experience. Instead of feeling like the tour ends the minute lunch is over, you get a final stretch where the scenery helps close out the day on a calm note.

Price and value for about $46 in Tenerife south

At around $46 per person for a 3-hour cruise, this lands in the value category for Tenerife. You are not paying just for the boat ride, you are paying for the full package: staff on board, lunch, and unlimited drinks, plus optional pickup.

For me, the best value logic is simple. If you were to do the same day on your own, you’d still spend money on transportation, food, and a paid activity that can deliver whale and dolphin chances from the water. Bundling all of that into one ticket makes the math easier, even before you factor in the swim stop.

The experience is also repeatedly described as well organized and not overly chaotic. That matters because it keeps the tour from feeling like a cattle call. If you are the type who hates long waits, this is one of the tours that tends to keep the flow moving.

Where the price can feel less perfect is if you personally want snorkeling gear provided, or if you are picky about a more upscale meal. Since snorkel equipment is not included and lunch is more basic than fancy, you’ll want to set expectations accordingly.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This cruise is a great fit if you want a mix of wildlife, food, and water time in a short window. If you like boat days but also want something active like swimming, you will probably enjoy this format.

It also suits couples and families because you get the “wow” factor from whales and dolphins, then a fun break in the bay. The crew’s focus on safety and helping people during the cruise matters too, especially if someone in your group is nervous about being on the water.

If you rely on wheelchair access, this one is not suitable since it is not designed for wheelchair users. Also, if you want snorkeling, bring your own gear, because you will be responsible for that part of the experience.

Finally, if you are traveling with realistic expectations, you will have the best time. Wildlife sightings can be amazing or merely good depending on the day and conditions, and the swim and scenery help keep the whole outing satisfying either way.

Practical tips that make the day easier

Here are the things you can do before you go to make this smoother once you are on the water.

Bring swimwear and a towel, plus sunscreen and a hat. Comfortable shoes matter too, since you will be moving around the harbor and stepping on and off the boat.

Pack your own snorkeling equipment if you want to get in and snorkel. If you do not snorkel, still consider goggles, because the swim stop is where you can see fish up close.

Dress for sun and salt water, and avoid high-heeled shoes since they are not allowed. If you can, plan with a change of clothes after the swim portion, because you will likely end up wet.

If you are using hotel pickup, double-check your exact pickup zone and the day-specific rule for Playa Paraiso. Pickup is helpful, but it is still smart to build a little patience into your schedule.

Should you book this whale and dolphin cruise with food and pickup?

If your priority is seeing whales or dolphins, getting a real lunch onboard, and enjoying a swim stop in Tenerife, then yes, I’d book it. The value at around $46 makes sense because the ticket covers more than just a short viewing window.

I would book it with the right expectations too. You are paying for a great chance and expert spotting, not a guaranteed dolphin and whale checklist, and snorkeling gear is on you to bring.

Skip it only if snorkeling equipment provided is a must, or if wheelchair access is required. If neither applies, this is one of those straightforward, high-reward half-day tours that makes Costa Adeje feel like the ocean is the main character.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

You should go to Pantalan 9 in Puerto Colon and look for the red catamaran with the inscription maxicat. If you do not use pickup, plan to arrive at the harbor about 20 minutes before departure time.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup is optional. If you select it, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at selected locations in the south of Tenerife. Pickup in the Playa Paraiso area is only available Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

What food and drinks are included on board?

Lunch is included, described as a Canarian-style rice/paella lunch. Drinks are also included, with unlimited drinks available during the cruise.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Snorkel gear is not included, so you’ll want to bring your own if you plan to snorkel during the swim stop.

Can I request vegetarian, vegan, or children’s meals?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan menus are available upon request, and there is also a children’s menu available upon request.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.