Whales and sunshine share the same agenda. This short 3-hour catamaran ride gets you off Tenerife’s south coast, hunting for whales and dolphins on the way to a real beach break at Playa de los Hippies. I like that it’s built for comfort and food, not just sightseeing.

Two things I really like: south Tenerife pickup and drop-off makes the logistics easy, and food and drinks are included for the full experience. One thing to consider: sightings are never guaranteed, and on a few disrupted days the group size may be a bit larger than the advertised cap.

Key highlights at a glance

• Pickup in southern Tenerife: You’re collected and returned to your area, so you can focus on the sea.
• Whales and dolphins by catamaran: You cruise out toward La Gomera with a real chance at pilot whales and dolphins.
• Playa de los Hippies time: You get a beach stop for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing and watching the mountains.
• Drinks plus lunch-style snacks: Tapas, snacks, fruit, and a selection of drinks are part of the deal.
• Helpful crew touch for sea sickness: Some guests report ginger being offered for motion discomfort.

Why this catamaran route feels like the real Tenerife

This is a cruise that keeps moving, but not in a rushed way. You head out from Puerto Colón in the direction of La Gomera first, then you switch to a proper break at Playa de los Hippies. It’s a nice match for anyone who wants ocean time without losing a whole day.

I like that it’s not just a boat-and-photos situation. You’re also given a swim and snorkel window at the beach stop, so your afternoon includes both wildlife time and water time.

The vibe is straightforward. You get onboard, the crew runs the plan, and you settle in for a short but satisfying ocean outing.

Price and value: what $108.37 gets you

At about $108.37 per person for roughly 3 hours, the value comes from how much is included. You’re not just paying for the boat ride; you’re also getting pickup (when added to your booking details), plus food and drinks.

That matters because the classic “cheap boat trip” problem is usually one of two things: you spend extra money on snacks, or you end up stuck paying transport to reach the marina. Here, the convenience and the included lunch-style spread help it feel fair for the time on the water.

Small-group size is part of the pitch too (with a maximum listed for the experience), and when it works well, that translates to a more personal, easier-to-hear experience during wildlife talks.

Getting on board at Club Náutico Puerto Colón de Adeje

The action starts at Club Náutico Puerto Colón de Adeje on Av. de Colón (Costa Adeje). The trip ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a second transfer afterward.

Pickup is offered, but you have to provide details for it during booking, including your hotel, phone number, and email address. If you want this to be painless, do that early and double-check the contact info.

As for getting there without pickup, the start point is near public transportation, which is useful if you’re staying somewhere with easy bus access.

Stop 1: leaving Tenerife toward La Gomera for whales and dolphins

Your first phase is the ocean hunt, heading from Puerto Colón toward La Gomera. This is where the tour leans hardest into wildlife spotting.

On the wildlife side, you should think in terms of “possible sightings,” not a guaranteed show. The sea is wild, and animals move. Still, the pattern on this route seems strong enough that many guests report pilot whales (including family pods), and dolphins are commonly part of the mix when conditions line up.

What you’ll get onboard is a crew-guided experience: people are welcomed, and there’s explanation about what you’re seeing out at sea. Based on guest feedback, the crew tends to communicate with confidence and care, including empathy for the animals and the ocean environment.

Practical tip: if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring a plan. One guest specifically noted that ginger (zenzero) is offered onboard to help. Even if you don’t need it, it’s good to know you’re not just left to suffer in silence.

Stop 2: Playa de los Hippies—snorkel, swim, and mountain views

After the wildlife search, you switch gears at Playa de los Hippies. This is the part of the trip that turns the cruise into a true beach moment.

You can swim and snorkel, or you can just hang out and watch the Tenerife coastline and the mountains across the water. The beach stop is also where the included food and drinks feel most useful—because you’re actually sitting still long enough to enjoy them.

What’s served here is a mix of convenience foods that still feels like a real lunch. Expect drinks plus tapas, snacks, and fruit, and you’ll likely feel like you’re eating like a vacationer instead of grabbing a stale sandwich.

A fun detail from one guest: there’s a honey rum shot at the end of the trip. It’s not something you should expect every time, but it’s a nice example of the small touches that can make the afternoon memorable.

Food and drinks included: what to expect (and how much)

This tour includes a selection of drinks and a spread of bite-sized food options: tapas, snacks, and fruit. In practice, that means you’re not stuck hungry if your day started late or you skipped breakfast.

Based on the experience, the food portion seems generous when the boat is within its normal operating load. Some guests even said the tapas were better than expected, with ample portions.

Drinks are also a strong point in feedback. Several guests described plentiful drink service, including a setup where you can enjoy your selection without a feeling of strict limits.

One note to keep you grounded: if the boat carries more people than expected on a particular day, food service can feel more limited. That’s an edge-case scenario, but it’s worth factoring in if you’re a very specific eater or you’re counting on a certain amount.

Dolphins and whales: what you’re really signing up for

This is whale-and-dolphin territory, but the ocean doesn’t promise anything on schedule. You’re signing up for a search with a chance to see whales and dolphins, not a guaranteed wildlife checklist.

Guests reported success with pilot whales, including family pods with a mother and calf in one account. That’s the kind of encounter that makes a short cruise feel like a “big memory.”

Also, you might have better luck if you come prepared to look for movement and not just assume dolphins will show up right away. Keep your eyes on the water surface, and don’t panic if the first sighting doesn’t happen immediately.

Pickup, group size, and why it can feel crowded (sometimes)

The tour is capped at a maximum number listed for the experience (advertised as up to 18). Many of the experiences described felt like a well-run small-group outing with a friendly, welcoming crew.

However, one guest reported seeing a higher count onboard than advertised after a weather-related reschedule. In other words: the tour usually runs as planned, but weather disruptions can shift logistics and guest numbers.

What does that mean for you? If your priority is a very quiet, tightly controlled group size, aim for a day when weather is stable. And if you’re sensitive to crowds, remember that a catamaran is still a catamaran—more people means more shared space.

Who this cruise is best for

This fits best if you want an afternoon at sea that includes four core pieces:

1) ocean views and wildlife searching

2) a real beach break

3) included snacks and drinks

4) easy pickup/drop-off from the south

It also works well for mixed-age groups. One review specifically said it was enjoyed by both adults and children, which hints that the pace and onboard setup are family-friendly.

If you hate boats or you get seriously seasick, you might still enjoy it if you use the ginger approach and come ready for gentle sailing. But if you’re highly motion-sensitive, you’ll want to treat this as a “maybe” until you check sea conditions for the day.

Practical tips to get more from your 3 hours

Keep it simple and you’ll have a better time.

Bring swim basics

Pack a swimsuit you can change into quickly. Even if you mainly plan to relax, Playa de los Hippies gives you the option to swim or snorkel.

Plan for sun and salt

Tenerife sun can feel intense even when the air is comfortable. Bring sunscreen, and consider sunglasses with decent coverage. The boat ride plus beach time can dry you out.

If you get sick on boats, prepare

Ginger is offered according to guest feedback. Still, it’s smart to bring your own coping tools too (seasickness bands, medication if you use it).

Have a flexible wildlife mindset

If you see whales and dolphins, great. If you only spot a few things or nothing obvious, the value still comes from the beach stop and included food/drink break.

Weather and rescheduling: the sensible part of booking

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor enough to cancel, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the kind of policy you want for an ocean activity.

And because the schedule can shift with real sea conditions, keep your day loose. A short cruise like this is a lot easier to enjoy when you don’t have tight connections right after.

Should you book this catamaran ocean cruise?

I’d book it if you want a simple, time-efficient Tenerife experience that mixes wildlife searching with an actual beach break—plus food and drinks included and pickup in southern Tenerife. It’s a solid choice for couples, small groups, and families who don’t want to spend the whole day coordinating transport.

I’d think twice if you’re expecting a guaranteed dolphin-and-whale show every time, or if a very exact headcount onboard matters a lot to you. The ocean controls that part.

If your main goal is whale and dolphin spotting, go with the mindset of a good search, not a certainty. If your goal is a fun afternoon with swimming options and snacks, this is the kind of cruise that often delivers even when wildlife sightings are lighter than hoped.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The tour runs for about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Club Náutico Puerto Colón de Adeje (Av. de Colón, Costa Adeje) and ends back at the meeting point.

Do I get pickup from my hotel?

Pickup is offered. You’ll need to add your hotel, telephone number, and email address when booking so they can arrange it.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes a selection of drinks and an assortment of food such as tapas, snacks, and fruit for lunch.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?

Yes. There’s time to swim and snorkel, with a stop at Playa de los Hippies where you can do it.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. For cancellations by you, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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