Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

Pilot whales live year-round off Tenerife’s southwest coast, often just 2 or 3 miles from Puerto Colon. That makes this a strong choice if you want a real chance of seeing whales without spending half the trip motoring into open water. Dolphins may appear near the fish farms, and the view back toward Tenerife is part of the fun.

I like the small catamaran setup, which gives you a better view than a packed excursion boat, and I like the crew’s care around the animals. Guides such as Lucy, Danny, Dani, Mario, Tony, and Lucia are frequently praised for clear explanations and friendly help. Free drinks are another useful touch, with water, soft drinks, and beer available.

The main drawback is the sea. Even on a sunny day, the open water can be choppy, and several people felt seasick. The snorkeling stop on the three-hour trip can also be rough, so treat it as an optional bonus rather than the main reason to book.

Key points at a glance

• Resident pilot whales: The whales live in the area all year, so sightings are not tied to one short season.
• A maximum of 50 people: The boat is smaller than many large whale-watching vessels, helping you get a clear view from different parts of the deck.
• Two or three hours: Choose the shorter wildlife trip or add a swim and snorkeling stop in Playa Espagueti.
• Free drinks included: Water, soft drinks, and beer are provided, with some departures also offering sandwiches.
• Wildlife-first approach: The boat keeps its distance, limits time with one whale group to 15 minutes, and turns off or reduces the engine when animals are close.
• A real open-sea outing: Bring suitable clothing and consider seasickness medication if you are sensitive to waves.

Why Tenerife is such a good place for whale watching

The southwest coast of Tenerife is one of the easier places in the Canary Islands to see cetaceans. Pilot whales live permanently in the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, rather than passing through for only a few weeks each year. That is important because it gives the crew a reliable area to search.

You are not promised a theatrical show. These are wild animals, and they may surface quietly, travel in a loose group, or appear only briefly. Still, the local population gives this trip a better starting point than a general boat ride that simply hopes something turns up.

The setting helps too. From the water, you get a broad view of Tenerife’s southwest coast, with the island rising behind you as the catamaran moves offshore. The trip generally heads about 2 or 3 miles from land, close enough to keep Tenerife in sight while reaching the waters where the whales are commonly found.

The crew also watches around fish farms for dolphins. Fish farms can attract smaller fish, and dolphins sometimes come looking for an easy meal. You might see bottlenose dolphins moving ahead of the boat, jumping near the bow, or traveling alongside it. Flying fish, sea turtles, and different whale groups have also been spotted, but none of those sightings can be promised.

Leaving Puerto Colon on a 50-person catamaran

The trip begins at Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje. Transportation to the pier is not included, so you need to make your own way there. The exact meeting point can vary by the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully before setting out.

The catamaran holds up to 50 people, with capacity adjusted when government rules require it. That is not a private boat, but it is a more manageable size than the very large vessels used for some coastal excursions. A smaller group matters when whales surface on one side of the boat and everyone wants to look at once.

You can move around to find a good angle, though you should still listen to the crew and keep walkways clear. The boat has an inner area where you can sit, along with space to store bags and a pushchair. A toilet is available on board, although one report noted that it had been blocked during a trip, so I would not count on it being perfect.

The catamaran is a practical choice for families. Children can sit inside if the wind picks up, and the crew checks on people during the crossing. You still need to supervise young children closely around the railings and open deck, especially when the boat is moving.

The first search for pilot whales

Once the boat leaves the harbor, the crew begins scanning the water. The best part of this early stretch is the sense of anticipation. You are not watching a recorded presentation or visiting an enclosed attraction. Every sighting depends on looking carefully at the sea.

The guides explain the species you may encounter and point out where to watch. That guidance is useful because a whale’s back can be surprisingly easy to miss when several passengers are looking in different directions. Guides including Lucy and Lucia have been singled out for giving clear explanations, while Lucia has also helped translate information for children.

Pilot whales are large members of the dolphin family, though the tour presents them as whales in the ordinary sense. They often travel in family groups, and you might see adults and young animals together. Some sightings are close enough to show a fin, back, or tail clearly, while the most memorable encounters can involve a whale approaching the boat.

The crew must keep its distance and cannot remain with the same group for more than 15 minutes. This rule may feel frustrating if the animals are close, but it is exactly the sort of limit you want on a wildlife trip. The boat also needs to move away when other boats begin circling the pod.

Expect the schedule to bend around the animals. The snorkeling time on the three-hour option can vary because the crew may spend longer searching for whales. If the sighting takes time, you may receive less time in the water. That is a fair trade if your main goal is wildlife, but it is worth understanding before booking the longer option.

Dolphins, fish farms, and the chance of unusual sightings

The fish-farm section adds variety to the trip. Dolphins can gather here to feed, and they may move quickly around the boat. Bottlenose dolphins have been seen on many departures, sometimes swimming in front of the catamaran or jumping near the bow.

You may also hear about the enormous squid that live in the deep water between Tenerife and La Gomera. These animals can grow to around 40 feet and live at depths of about 2,600 feet. Seeing one is not a normal expectation, but the information gives you a better sense of how much life exists below the surface, even when you can see only a calm stretch of ocean.

This is where a good guide makes a difference. Lucy, Mario, Tony, Danny, Dani, and other crew members are praised for pointing passengers toward activity and keeping the commentary interesting without filling every moment with speech. The music can create a relaxed holiday mood, though the crew lowers or stops it when whales are nearby.

You should bring patience. The trip may deliver pilot whales but no dolphins, or dolphins without whales. Some departures have seen both in large numbers, while poor weather has made sightings harder. The whale and dolphin guarantee provides another ticket if no whale or dolphin is seen, but it does not turn nature into a scheduled performance.

What the three-hour version adds at Playa Espagueti

The three-hour option follows the wildlife search and then stops in the bay of Playa Espagueti. Here, you can swim and use the provided snorkeling equipment for around 30 minutes, although the exact time can change depending on how long the whale search takes.

This option suits you if you want a fuller boat outing rather than a focused wildlife trip. The stop gives children and confident swimmers a chance to get into the sea, and you may see fish below the boat. Towels and snorkeling equipment have been available on some trips, but I would check the current arrangements when booking rather than assume every item is provided.

The water can be warm, yet the bay is not always calm. Several people found the stop choppy, and one person felt queasy once the catamaran stopped moving. If you are prone to seasickness, swimming may help you feel better, but do not force yourself into the water. The shorter two-hour trip is likely the better fit if you mainly want whales and do not care about snorkeling.

You should also remember that snorkeling is not guaranteed to receive a full 30 minutes. The crew puts the animals first, and the timing depends on the search. That is sensible conservation practice, but it means the three-hour option is not a fixed wildlife period followed by a guaranteed swim period.

Drinks, sandwiches, and the value of $41

At about $41 per person, this sits in the reasonable range for a two to three-hour marine excursion in Tenerife. The value comes from several pieces working together: a catamaran ride, a live guide, whale and dolphin searching, included drinks, and a second ticket if no whale or dolphin is seen.

Water, soft drinks, and beer are included. Some departures have also served ham and cheese sandwiches, which can make the trip feel more generous, especially if you are traveling with children. Food is not listed as a standard inclusion in the basic description, so treat sandwiches as a possible extra rather than part of the firm price.

I consider the two-hour option the better value if you want a concentrated wildlife experience. Pilot whales are often close to shore, so you do not necessarily lose much by choosing the shorter trip. The three-hour trip costs more only if that is how the option is priced at booking, but it gives you more time on the water and the chance to swim.

The free drinks are not the main reason to book, but they matter on a sunny boat. You can settle in without buying every bottle separately, and the crew keeps checking that people have enough to drink. The included beverages also make the price easier to justify for families.

How to handle waves and seasickness

The most consistent caution is the sea state. Tenerife can have bright sunshine while the water remains unsettled. A catamaran is stable compared with some smaller boats, but no vessel can remove every roll and bump once it reaches open water.

If you are sensitive, take seasickness tablets or use another remedy that you already know works for you. One person specifically recommended seasickness wristbands, while others found that getting into the water helped. I would also avoid arriving hungry, though the available sandwiches can help later.

Keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and choose a position that feels comfortable rather than standing at the front the whole time. The crew regularly checks on passengers, but the boat cannot promise smooth conditions.

The trip is still suitable for families, provided adults keep an eye on children. There is an inside seating area, space for a pushchair, and a toilet. The crew has also been attentive to children who needed a better view or extra reassurance.

Wildlife rules make the trip better

The strongest part of the operation is its effort to keep the animals in charge. The boat cannot stay with one group for more than 15 minutes, must respect a set distance, and leaves when too many other boats begin crowding the whales.

That means you may not get the longest possible photo session. It also means you are less likely to watch a pod being chased from one angle to another. When animals come close, the crew has reduced engine noise and kept the atmosphere calm.

I especially value the explanation of how pilot whales live and why they need space. This adds meaning to the sighting. You are not simply collecting a photograph of a fin. You are learning to read the group, notice family behavior, and accept that the best encounter may last only a few minutes.

Bring a phone or camera, but keep it ready rather than staring at the screen. Whales can surface on either side of the boat, and the crew will point you toward the action. Some crew members have also helped take photographs, including pictures at the wheel, but photography help should be viewed as a courtesy, not a promised service.

Who should choose this tour

I would choose this trip if you want a good chance of seeing pilot whales in the wild, prefer a smaller boat, and enjoy a guide who explains what you are seeing. It also works well for families who want an outing that is more relaxed than a high-speed boat ride.

The two-hour version is best for:

• First-time whale watchers
• Families with younger children
• Anyone who wants to limit time on choppy water
• Visitors focused mainly on pilot whales and dolphins
• People who do not need a swim stop

The three-hour version is better for:

• Confident swimmers
• Anyone wanting a longer catamaran outing
• Families whose children will enjoy snorkeling
• People happy to let wildlife sightings determine the schedule

I would think twice if you are highly prone to seasickness, dislike sitting outdoors in wind, or expect a guaranteed close encounter with several species. The whale and dolphin guarantee helps with the risk of seeing nothing, but it cannot guarantee a particular number of animals, a calm sea, or a perfect photograph.

Booking advice and final verdict

Book the two-hour trip if whales and dolphins are your priority. Choose three hours if the swim in Playa Espagueti sounds worthwhile and you are comfortable with the possibility of rough water and flexible snorkeling time.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later, which is useful when your Tenerife plans are still moving around. English and Spanish are available, and the guides make a point of checking that people are comfortable.

I would book this tour for the resident pilot whales, the smaller capacity, and the crew’s respectful wildlife rules. At $41, the free drinks and possible sandwiches add value, but the real purchase is time in a genuine marine habitat. If you accept that nature sets the timetable, this is a well-priced and family-friendly way to see Tenerife from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching catamaran leave from?

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

How long does the tour last?

You can choose a two-hour or three-hour excursion. The three-hour option adds a swimming and snorkeling stop at Playa Espagueti.

What animals might I see?

The main sightings are pilot whales and dolphins. You might also see bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, and other marine life, but these additional sightings are not guaranteed.

Are pilot whales seen all year?

Pilot whales live permanently in the waters near Tenerife, so they can be seen throughout the year. Sightings still depend on weather and the animals’ behavior.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and beer are included on board. Some trips have also served ham and cheese sandwiches, but food should be confirmed when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the three-hour option. That option includes a stop for swimming and snorkeling at Playa Espagueti.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling time is about 30 minutes, but it can vary depending on how long the crew spends searching for whales.

What happens if no whale or dolphin is seen?

The tour provides another ticket for free if you do not see a whale or dolphin.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live tour guide service is available in English and Spanish.