Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

Pilot whales live year-round off Tenerife’s southwest coast, only a few miles from Puerto Colon. That makes this more than a long ride out to sea: you can often reach the wildlife quickly, leaving plenty of time to watch pods, dolphins, and the occasional surprise such as flying fish or a sea turtle.

I like the small catamaran format, which keeps the boat from feeling packed and gives you a fair chance at a good view. I also like the crew’s respectful approach, including quiet engines near the whales, limited viewing time, and useful explanations from guides such as Lucy, Dani, Tony, Mario, and Lucia.

The main catch is the open sea. Even on a successful outing, waves can make the ride uncomfortable, and the three-hour swimming stop can be choppy. If you get seasick, take that seriously before booking, and consider the shorter option.

Key points to know before you book

• Resident pilot whales: The whales remain in the area all year, so sightings are not tied to one particular season.
• Two boat lengths: Pick two hours for wildlife viewing, or three hours for snorkeling at Playa Espagueti.
• Drinks included: Water, soft drinks, and beer are available during the cruise.
• Small-group feel: The catamaran carries up to 50 people, with capacity adjusted to current government rules.
• Wildlife-first approach: The boat keeps its distance and spends no more than 15 minutes with one whale group.
• Sightings guaranteed: If you do not see a whale or dolphin, you receive another ticket for free.

Why Tenerife is such a good place for whale watching

Tenerife’s southwest coast has an unusual advantage: pilot whales live here permanently. You are not simply passing through a seasonal feeding ground and hoping for luck. The resident pods make their home in the deep water between Tenerife and La Gomera, close enough to reach from Puerto Colon without spending the whole trip traveling.

The cruise usually heads about two or three miles from the coast. That short run gives you a fine view back toward Tenerife, with the island rising behind the boat as you scan the water ahead.

Pilot whales are the main attraction, but dolphins are common too. The route passes fish farms, where dolphins may gather in search of an easy meal. You might see bottlenose dolphins moving in front of the boat, leaping beside it, or appearing only briefly before slipping away.

The crew also talks about the marine life found in the deeper channel. One especially curious detail concerns giant squid, which can reach about 40 feet and live roughly 2,600 feet below the surface between Tenerife and La Gomera. You will not be looking for squid from the deck, but the story helps explain why this stretch of ocean supports such large animals.

Leaving Puerto Colon on a catamaran

The trip begins at Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje. Transportation to the pier is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there and check the exact meeting point for your chosen departure.

Once aboard, the catamaran gives you several ways to spend the ride. You can sit outside for the best views, stay near the inner section for more shelter, or move around as the crew points out activity on either side. The boat has a cabin for storing bags and a pushchair, and a toilet is available on board.

The maximum capacity is 50 people, although the permitted number can change with government regulations. In practice, the boat is often described as less crowded than larger whale-watching vessels. That matters here. Wildlife can appear on either side, and a packed deck makes it harder to move, take photographs, or let a child see over the rail.

The catamaran is not a silent sightseeing platform. Music may play during the ride, creating a relaxed holiday atmosphere, but the crew turns it down or off when whales are close. This is a small but important sign of the trip’s priorities.

Finding pilot whales close to shore

The crew begins scanning once the boat reaches the whale area. Guides including Lucy, Dani, Tony, Mario, Anto, and Lucia have been praised for spotting animals, directing people to the right side, and explaining what is happening without burying you in facts.

That balance works well for a family outing. You learn how pilot whales live, why the pods stay in this area, and how to watch them without adding pressure. Lucia has also translated explanations for children when needed, a useful touch if your family does not follow every English or Spanish explanation easily.

The best sightings can be surprisingly close. Pilot whales may approach the catamaran, surface beside it, or move in a group with young animals. Dolphins can swim directly in front of the bow, and some may leap clear of the water. Still, wildlife is unpredictable. A guarantee of a whale or dolphin sighting is reassuring, but it does not promise a particular species, a certain number of animals, or a perfect photograph.

The boat’s wildlife rules are worth understanding. It cannot remain with the same group of whales for more than 15 minutes, and it must keep a set distance. The captain may also move away if other boats begin circling a pod. That can feel frustrating when the animals are putting on a show, but it is better than turning a wild encounter into a traffic jam.

The crew may shut down the engine or reduce noise when animals come near. That gives you a better chance to hear clicks, splashes, or breaths, rather than watching through a cloud of motor noise. It also keeps the experience focused on observation rather than pursuit.

What the two-hour trip does best

The two-hour option is the cleanest choice if whales and dolphins are your main goal. The boat heads out, spends time searching and watching, and returns without adding a swim stop.

I would choose this version if you have limited time, young children, or a low tolerance for rough water. Several hours on the open sea can feel longer than the clock suggests when the waves rise. Two hours gives you the central experience without requiring you to stay out for the extra stop.

It is also enough time for a satisfying wildlife encounter. The whales live near the coast, so you are not using most of the trip simply to reach them. If the crew finds a pod quickly, you can spend a good portion of the outing watching animals rather than waiting for the first sighting.

The two-hour fare is $41 per person. For a boat trip that includes wildlife guiding, drinks, and a sighting guarantee, I consider that fair value, especially if you think of the cruise as both a marine-life experience and a coastal tour.

What you gain with the three-hour option

The three-hour departure follows the wildlife search with a stop in Playa Espagueti bay. Here you can swim and use the provided snorkeling equipment for about 30 minutes, although the exact timing can change depending on how long the crew spends looking for whales.

That flexibility makes sense. You are not paying for a rigid schedule that cuts short a rare sighting just to protect the timetable. If the whales take longer to find, the swim stop may be shorter. If wildlife appears quickly, you should have more time in the bay.

The stop adds variety. After watching large mammals in open water, you get a chance to look below the surface at smaller fish. Some trips have included towels and snorkel equipment, and a few departures have also served ham and cheese sandwiches. Drinks are included, but food should not be treated as a guaranteed part of the advertised package unless your booking confirms it.

The bay is not always calm. Several outings have found the water choppy, making swimming less relaxing and leaving some people in the water only briefly. Stopping on the open sea can also make seasickness worse, even if you felt fine while the boat was moving.

Choose three hours if you genuinely want the swim, not simply because it sounds like more value. Choose two hours if the wildlife is your priority or if you know that rough water wears you down.

Drinks, sandwiches, and the practical comforts

Water, soft drinks, and beer are included in the price. The selection has included canned beer, cola, orange and lemon soft drinks, and plenty of water. For a family, that removes one small worry, especially on a sunny boat with nowhere convenient to buy refreshments.

Some outings have also offered ham and cheese sandwiches. This is a pleasant extra when provided, but the core inclusion is drinks, not a full meal. I would still eat before boarding if you need a substantial lunch.

The boat has an inner seating area, a cabin for bags and pushchairs, and a toilet. These details make the trip more manageable for families, although one report described the toilet as blocked. Boat facilities are basic, so do not expect the standard of a shore-based restroom.

Parents should keep children close on deck. The inner area offers a more sheltered place to sit, and the crew checks on families during the ride. The sea can still be rough, so active toddlers need close supervision, particularly when the catamaran is moving or when people enter the water.

The sea conditions you should prepare for

The most important practical warning is seasickness. The southwest coast can look calm from the beach while feeling lively offshore. Several successful trips also involved rocky waves, and some people enjoyed the wildlife despite feeling unwell.

If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use. A stomach that is already unsettled will not improve simply because dolphins appear. The three-hour version deserves extra caution because the boat stops, and a stationary catamaran can feel more uncomfortable than one moving through the water.

Wear clothing suited to sun, spray, and changing wind. Keep valuables secure, and bring a camera strap or waterproof protection if you plan to photograph from the rail. The crew may help with photographs, and there have been chances to take pictures at the wheel, but those moments depend on conditions and crew availability.

You also need to accept that the animal encounter may not look like a nature documentary. The sea may be choppy, light may be harsh, or whales may surface at a distance. One outing in abnormal weather did not produce a whale sighting, even though the family still enjoyed the boat trip. The free repeat-ticket policy offers some protection, but it cannot fix a tight holiday schedule.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, and first-time whale watchers who want a fairly short outing with an informal feel. The guides keep children involved, explain the animals in plain language, and regularly check that people are comfortable.

It also suits anyone who prefers a smaller boat to a large, crowded excursion vessel. With a maximum of 50 people, the catamaran can feel more personal, and you have a better chance of seeing over the rail or moving to the side where animals appear.

The three-hour version is best for people who want a full half-day on the water, including a swim. It is a good match for confident swimmers and for anyone who enjoys combining wildlife viewing with a simple snorkeling stop.

I would hesitate if you dislike open water, struggle with motion sickness, or need a completely predictable schedule. I would also avoid treating the word guaranteed as a promise of close-up whales. It guarantees another ticket if no whale or dolphin is seen, not a private encounter.

Booking value and final call

At $41 per person, this is a strong-value boat trip if you want both wildlife viewing and a relaxed ride along Tenerife’s southwest coast. Free drinks help, the sighting guarantee reduces the risk of a blank outing, and the smaller catamaran format is more appealing than being packed onto a much larger vessel.

The two-hour trip gives you the best balance of time, price, and comfort. Pick the three-hour option only if swimming and snorkeling matter to you, since the bay can be choppy and the stop length may change.

I would book this tour if you want a friendly crew, resident pilot whales, and a responsible approach to wildlife. I would prepare for waves, bring seasickness protection if needed, and keep your expectations realistic. You are going to sea to watch wild animals, not to order a performance, and that is exactly what gives the outing its value.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching catamaran tour depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje, on Tenerife’s southwest coast. Transportation to the pier is not included, and the exact meeting point may vary by booking option.

How long does the tour last?

You can choose a two-hour or three-hour excursion. The three-hour option includes a swimming and snorkeling stop in Playa Espagueti bay.

What animals might I see?

The main sightings are pilot whales and dolphins. You might also see bottlenose dolphins, flying fish, sea turtles, or other marine life, but wildlife sightings and species can vary.

Are whale or dolphin sightings guaranteed?

The activity includes a guarantee of a whale and/or dolphin sighting. If you do not see either, you receive another ticket for free.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks consist of water, soft drinks, and beer. Sandwiches have been served on some outings, but food is not listed as a standard inclusion.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the three-hour option. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, but the timing can change depending on how long the crew spends looking for whales.

Is the boat suitable for children?

Families can use the inner section of the boat, and the crew checks on children during the cruise. The sea can be choppy, so children require close supervision, especially on deck and during the swimming stop.