Whales and dolphins off Tenerife sound great, especially on a catamaran. This short cruise out of Puerto Colón focuses on wildlife spotting with plenty of time on the water for views of the island. Expect a laid-back ride where the crew tries to keep the experience smooth and respectful.

I really like two things about this trip. First, you get unlimited beer and soft drinks plus bottled water, which keeps the vibe easy for a 2 to 3 hour outing. Second, the crew is praised for helping you spot animals and for handling encounters in a way that feels ethical and careful.

One drawback to plan around is motion. Even though the boat is a catamaran, some people report feeling seasick when the water gets choppy, and the tour is also described as non-smoking, so bring what you need before boarding.

Key things that make this catamaran outing worth your time

• Puerto Colón, Pantalan 4 departure, with a boarding-card swap at Gate 4
• Unlimited beer and soft drinks on board, served alongside bottled water
• Pilot whales, dolphins, and sometimes turtles seen in their natural environment
• Crew attention that includes spotting help and lots of photos taken for you
• Upgrade option that can add a snorkeling stop and sandwiches
• Small-boat feel for a trip capped at 50 travelers

Tenerife Catamaran Basics: Duration, Price, and What You Get

This is a compact catamaran cruise on Tenerife, typically 2 hours or 3 hours, priced at about $42.34 per person. That time window matters. In real life, it means you get sea time and wildlife chances without losing half a day to travel, waiting, and reshuffling your plans.

For the price, the biggest value is not just the animals. It is the combination of cold drinks, time on a comfortable boat, and a crew that makes the ride feel organized. Several reviews mention the crew being friendly and actively helping with spotting, plus taking photos even if you do not ask.

Just know this is not a private charter. The trip caps at 50 travelers, so you will not have a tiny boat feel like a half-dozen friends on a private hire, but it also avoids the chaos of very large tours. If you like being able to hear your guide and move around without elbowing people, this size is a plus.

Getting On Board at Puerto Colón: Gate 4 Timing and the Boarding Card Swap

Your start point is Puerto Colón, Pantalan 4. The key detail here is early arrival. You should be at Puerto Colón Gate Number 4 about 15 minutes before departure so you have time to exchange your ticket for a boarding card at the gate.

This small step can save your tour. The dock is active and it is easy to lose track of which gate your boat uses. If you are the type who hates rushing, give yourself a buffer so you can find Gate 4, handle the boarding card swap calmly, and then settle in.

Also, the location is described as being near public transportation, which is helpful if you are relying on buses, taxis, or walking from nearby areas.

2-Hour vs 3-Hour: Snorkeling Stop and Sandwiches on the Longer Option

The standard tour runs about 2 hours, and there is a longer option around 3 hours. The longer version adds an upgrade that can include a snorkeling stop plus sandwiches.

That upgrade is worth thinking about in a practical way:

• If you want a pure wildlife cruise, the 2-hour option is simpler and keeps you out on the water where spotting is the main event.
• If you want a bit more variety, the 3-hour option can add time in the water and a food component.

One caution from feedback is that snorkeling gear may not feel plentiful for everyone, and the water time can be limited depending on conditions and how the crew schedules it. If snorkeling is your main goal, keep expectations realistic for a short stop rather than a full beach session.

For the sandwiches, the info you have points to sandwiches being included on the longer option, but reviews also mention that options can be basic, such as ham and cheese or cheese sandwiches, and that there may not be broad vegetarian choices. If you have dietary needs, plan to bring your own snacks so you are not stuck deciding at the last minute.

Wildlife Watching That Keeps Its Distance: Dolphins, Pilot Whales, and Turtles

The main reason to pick a cruise like this is simple: you want dolphins and whales in the open ocean, not in a tank or a staged setting. This trip is set up for spotting dolphins and whales in their natural environment, and pilot whales show up repeatedly in feedback.

What I like about the way this trip is described is the emphasis on behavior. Multiple reviews highlight that the crew can be very respectful around wildlife. Some mention the crew stopping or shutting off engines when appropriate, and keeping music quiet when close to animals. That matters because it is not just about getting a photo. It is about not pushing the animals into stress just to satisfy a schedule.

You might also see other sea life. Reviews include mentions of sea turtles, and in at least one case, reports of other interesting wildlife. The exact mix depends on season and water conditions, but the overall theme is consistent: the guides keep scanning, you get time to watch, and the encounters are close enough to feel special without turning into a chaotic pursuit.

Views From the Catamaran: Tenerife From the Water, Not From the Road

Even if wildlife is your top priority, the ride itself is a big part of the value. The tour highlights incredible views of Tenerife from the catamaran, and that is exactly what a short cruise does well.

From the water, you get angles you never see from the highway. Coastlines look different, cliffs and bays show scale, and you can enjoy the change of scenery while you are waiting for the next wildlife sighting.

This is also a reason the timing helps. A 2 to 3 hour outing is long enough to feel like an escape, but short enough that you are not stuck watching the same horizon until boredom sets in. If you are combining this with other Tenerife sights, you get a clean half-day slot.

Drinks and Food: Unlimited Beer, Soft Drinks, and the Real-World Notes

Let’s talk about the part most people remember: drinks. The included items are bottled water plus unlimited beer and soft drinks. That is a strong perk for a tour at this price point.

A practical note: some feedback suggests the drinks can feel less perfectly managed at certain times, depending on restocking between groups. I would not count on unlimited meaning infinite pours from start to finish for every single minute. Still, most feedback says drinks are available and the onboard vibe is friendly.

There are also a couple of rules to keep in mind:

• Minimum drinking age is 18.
• The trip is described as non-smoking by a reviewer, and you should assume smoking is not allowed during the cruise.

Food depends on the option. The basic info says bottled water and drinks are included for the cruise, and the upgrade adds sandwiches. Reviews mention sandwiches can be limited to simple choices and may not include vegetarian options. One review also points out there may not be hot food.

If food matters to you, I recommend a simple strategy. Treat the sandwiches as a bonus, not a full meal plan. If you avoid pork or have dietary restrictions, bring a backup snack so you have something you can eat comfortably.

Seasickness and Comfort: When the Ocean Is Choppy

The catamaran design can feel steadier than a fast speedboat, but it is still the open Atlantic and conditions can change quickly. Reviews point out choppy water can lead to rougher motion. One review even suggests the catamaran can travel fairly slowly, which can increase the feeling of motion for some people.

So here is your practical move: pack a comfort plan.

• If you are even a little prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness tablets before you board.
• Dress for sea spray and wind, even if Tenerife looks sunny from shore.
• If you have a choice, picking a spot that feels stable to you can make a noticeable difference.

None of this should scare you off. It just means you will enjoy it more if you prepare.

Crew and Service: Photo Help, Friendly Guides, and Respectful Handling

Service is a huge part of why this cruise scores well. Many reviews describe the crew as friendly, helpful, and attentive. A common theme is that guides actively try to spot animals, then communicate clearly so you know when to look.

People also mention that crew members take photos of passengers and sometimes help with fun photo moments. Some reviews name guide staff such as Lucie and Mario, and others reference Simon and Angela. You should treat that as helpful evidence of real personalities on board, not a guarantee of exact names on your date.

What stands out most is how the crew combines “fun time” with “don’t mess with wildlife.” That balance is the difference between a good whale watch and a wildlife encounter that feels rushed or pushy.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Trip (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

This is a good fit if you:

• Want dolphins and whales on Tenerife without committing to a full day
• Like a boat trip with drinks included
• Prefer a smaller group feel capped at 50 travelers
• Enjoy guided spotting and photo-friendly service

It may be less ideal if you:

• Care deeply about vegetarian or allergy-specific meals, because the food described on the longer option seems basic and options may be limited
• Want a long snorkeling session, since the upgrade includes a snorkeling stop but time can be tight
• Are extremely sensitive to motion and do not prepare for choppy conditions
• Expect a cruise that includes smoking, because it is described as non-smoking

Should You Book This Catamaran on Tenerife?

I think this is a strong booking for most people who want a classic Tenerife sea outing: whales, dolphins, and scenic views, plus a crew that aims for respectful wildlife behavior. The pricing feels reasonable for what is included, especially the drinks and the active spotting help.

I would book it if you can do two things: show up early for Gate 4 and plan a comfort strategy for the sea. If you are booking the 3-hour upgrade, also think ahead about snacks and dietary needs, since the sandwich situation can be simple.

If you want a short, feel-good catamaran cruise where the focus stays on sea life and the crew actually works to help you see it, this is a good match.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour on Tenerife?

The tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

It starts at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 4.

What time should I arrive at Puerto Colón?

You should be at Puerto Colón Gate Number 4 about 15 minutes before departure.

What do I need to do with my ticket at the meeting point?

At the gate, you need to exchange your ticket for the boarding card.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes bottled water and unlimited beer and soft drinks.

Is there an age requirement for drinks?

Yes, the minimum drinking age is 18.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, for a full refund.