About this tour
When Alex from our team ran this catamaran cruise along Tenerife's north coast, we cast off from Porto Colon into genuinely spectacular waters. The boat—a sun-soaked catamaran—cruises past volcanic cliffs and into dolphin and pilot whale territory, with a solid chance of spotting them mid-voyage. You'll anchor in Masca Bay for a swim, tuck into lunch on deck, and help yourself to complimentary drinks at the shaded bar. It's a relaxed 4-hour float that feels less like a tour and more like borrowing a mate's boat for an afternoon.
Highlights
- Pilot whales and dolphins spotted leaping in their natural habitat
- Dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs rising directly from the water
- Swim stop in Masca Bay with crystal-clear visibility
- Crew-served lunch and cold drinks included throughout
- Catamaran deck space generous enough to actually relax
- Captain navigates the best current-day whale-watching zones
- Shaded bar area prevents full-day sun exposure
What to expect
You'll board at Porto Colon in the morning and spend the first hour or so sailing north along the coast—this is when marine life spotting happens. The crew keeps an eye out for dolphin pods and whales; Alex's trip spotted movement in the distance and the captain adjusted course to follow. The scenery is the real draw: those volcanic cliffs genuinely tower. Around midday, the boat drops anchor in Masca Bay, which is sheltered and clear. You'll have time for a proper swim and a chance to shake off the salt. Lunch arrives while you're dried off, and the shaded bar means you're not cooking on deck all afternoon.
Pacing is deliberately unhurried—no rushing between stops, no forced activities. The main wildcard is wildlife: sightings depend on season and daily conditions, so manage expectations. A good crew makes the difference; they communicate about what's around and aren't pushy. The sail back to Porto Colon winds down the experience naturally.
What travellers say
- Excellent odds of spotting dolphins and pilot whales in season
- Lunch and drinks included—no hidden costs mid-cruise
- Los Gigantes cliffs viewed from water are genuinely jaw-dropping
- Catamaran stable and spacious; relaxed vibe throughout
- Swim in Masca Bay is refreshing and genuinely clear water
- Wildlife sightings not guaranteed—conditions and season matter
- Not suitable for those with spinal or cardiovascular concerns
- Early weekday-only office hours make last-minute bookings tricky
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This genuinely delivers if you want to see marine life without cramped boat sardine-packing. Lunch and drinks included means no nickel-and-diming. The catamaran is stable and comfortable; even nervous sailors usually settle quickly. Swimming in Masca Bay is a highlight—water is cooler and clearer than beach options. Best suited for anyone after a low-intensity day on the water who also wants a decent shot at seeing dolphins or whales.
Marine wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so don't book solely for that hope. The 4-hour window is snug if you're slow getting ready or want proper lounge-time. Not ideal for people with walking difficulties (getting aboard and moving around involves stairs and uneven surfaces). Not recommended for those with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns—the boat does rock, and there's inherent sea exposure. Early office hours (9–17:15 weekdays only) mean booking in advance is smart. Bring sunscreen regardless of clouds—reflection off water burns fast. Sea sickness tablets sensible if you're prone.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.