About this tour
When Jake from our team took this catamaran out from Puerto Colon in Tenerife, we were after the whales and dolphins that hang around these waters year-round. The boat heads about 3 miles offshore where pilot whales are pretty much guaranteed, and you'll often spot dolphins lurking near the fish farms looking for a feed. It's a relaxed 2–3 hour affair with unlimited drinks thrown in—beer, soft drinks, water—and you cruise back along the coast at a proper pace. It's a straightforward, popular tour that delivers on the marine life without pretence.
Highlights
- Pilot whales visible year-round in their natural habitat offshore
- Dolphins working the fish farms for casual hunting opportunities
- Unlimited beer and soft drinks keep the vibe loose
- Scenic return cruise hugging the Tenerife coastline
- Departs from easy-to-reach Puerto Colon in the south
- Mix of tourists from all corners keeps it sociable
- Steady pace suits most fitness levels without drama
What to expect
The catamaran fills up quickly—it's popular for good reason. You'll board at Puerto Colon and head straight out; the 3-mile journey offshore takes about 20–30 minutes depending on conditions. Once you're in the zone, the crew kills the engines and drifts. Pilot whales are the main event—they're resident here, so sightings are solid. You'll also spot dolphins, especially if the boat passes near the fish farms where they're known to hunt. The atmosphere is pretty relaxed; people chat, grab a beer from the bar, and watch the water.
The return journey hugs the coast and gives you time to soak up the Tenerife shoreline. Weather can be a factor—the Atlantic isn't always glassy—so if you're prone to motion sickness, plan accordingly. Most people find the pace comfortable, and the crew seem used to mixed-fitness groups. The whole thing runs smooth but feels fairly standard for a southern Tenerife boat day.
What travellers say
- Pilot whales visible year-round—reliability beats seasonal gambles
- Unlimited drinks keep costs transparent and spirits up
- Easy access from Puerto Colon near southern tourist hub
- Relaxed vibe suits mixed-fitness groups and families
- Genuine sightings without extreme price markup
- Crowded boat—don't expect intimate wildlife encounter
- Ocean swells can be rough depending on season
- Photos and tips add hidden costs to the day
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This delivers genuine whale and dolphin sightings without the premium price tag of smaller, luxury operators. The unlimited drinks policy is genuinely useful on a couple of hours at sea, and the year-round pilot whale presence means you're not gambling on seasonal timing. Good for families with kids (must be supervised), mixed-fitness groups, and anyone wanting a low-stress marine wildlife hit.
It's popular, so expect crowds—this isn't an intimate experience. Rough seas can happen, especially in winter or windy months; the exclusion of people with poor cardiovascular health hints at the boat's motion. Souvenir photos cost extra. The minimum drinking age is 18, so younger kids can't access the beer offer (water and soft drinks are free). Public transport gets you there, but Puerto Colon car parks fill up during peak season.
Sunscreen, hat, a jumper for the ocean breeze, seasickness tablets if you're unsure. The tour includes water and drinks; nothing major is excluded except tips and photos. Departures from Pantalan 4 at Puerto Colon; check exact times when you book.
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.