Tenerife from the water feels like a cheat code. This private catamaran charter takes you out of Puerto Colón with a friendly crew, then you get to relax, eat well, snorkel, and watch for whales and dolphins along the coast.

Two things I especially like: first, the snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t have to hunt down rentals or worry about fit. Second, the food and drinks are part of the experience, not an afterthought—expect lunch plus alcoholic drinks while you kick back on the sundecks.

One thing to think about: you’re on the sea for about 3 hours, and while the catamaran is stable, there can still be some movement. If you’re prone to seasickness, plan for it.

Key things to know before you sail

• Private catamaran, flexible route: you decide your itinerary as you go, so it’s not the same cookie-cutter loop every time.
• Snorkeling without packing gear: equipment is provided, and your captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots.
• Wildlife sightings are the main event: the goal is whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
• Food + drinks onboard: lunch plus alcoholic drinks, soda, snacks, and bottled water keep you fueled.
• Comfort options onboard: roomy sundecks, a fly-bridge with lots of seating, and an indoor sofa area.
• Towels aren’t included: bring one, or you’ll have to plan around dry land for that part.

Where the day starts: Puerto Colón, Pantalan #6, and hotel pickup

Your day begins in Puerto Colón at the Diamant – Glass Bottom Boat area, Pantalan 6 (Costa Adeje). That’s your anchor point—this is a private experience that ends back at the same meeting point.

If you’re staying in the south of Tenerife within the pickup zone, you’ll have transfer from hotels. The service also lists pickup within a 20 km radius from the port of Puerto Colón, so if your hotel is nearby, you can often save the taxi hassle.

It’s also worth noting you’ll get a mobile ticket and confirmation at booking. That matters on a short trip like this: less scrambling, more time enjoying the ride.

The Monte Cristo Catamaran: comfort, shade, and the small practical wins

This charter runs on a purpose-built catamaran (Monte Cristo Catamaran). The setup is designed for comfort and views, and the boat is described as stable—good news if you’re imagining a wobbly day.

There’s a restroom onboard, which may sound boring until you’re actually out there for hours. You also get multiple places to relax: a sundeck area at the prow and a fly-bridge with plenty of seating, plus an indoor sofa area if the sun gets too enthusiastic.

Shade options are important in Tenerife, especially if you’re traveling in warmer months. You’ll want at least one spot where you can cool off between sun-and-snorkel moments.

A quick heads-up: the catamaran is not wheelchair accessible, so if accessibility is a concern, plan accordingly.

The “private” part: group size, pacing, and why it matters

This is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. The operation says it can accommodate groups of up to 24 passengers, which is part of why it feels so relaxed—there’s room to spread out.

At the same time, the pricing is listed as per group up to 15. That doesn’t mean 24 is impossible, but it does mean you should ask (before booking) what passenger count your price covers if you’re on the larger side.

In real terms, the private setup helps you pace the day. If you want more wildlife watching and less time in the water, you can lean that way. If your group is eager to snorkel early, your captain can steer the day toward that.

Cruising for whales and dolphins: how to make sightings more likely

The main plan is a cruise straight from Puerto Colón along the coast while you look for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. You also might see sea turtles—this is one of those trips where “chance of wildlife” turns into a highlight if conditions line up.

Because the itinerary is decided as you sail, you’re not stuck waiting around in the same place. You also have people-power: everyone can scan the water, point, and react quickly instead of being boxed into a rigid schedule.

To improve your odds, do the obvious stuff: pick a good viewing spot on the fly-bridge or sundeck, keep your eyes forward, and be ready to move when the crew calls something out. Bring sunglasses and use sunscreen—bright water can be dazzling, and squinting makes it harder to track movement.

Lunch and drinks onboard: why this isn’t just “snacks on a boat”

This charter treats food and drinks as part of the experience, and that’s a big part of the value. You’ll have lunch plus alcoholic beverages, along with soda/pop, snacks, and bottled water.

The food offerings are described as a nice selection that includes items like tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection. Drinks are listed as water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne. In other words: it’s not a sad sandwich moment.

And yes, people love this part because it turns the boat ride into a real celebration. One 50th birthday experience in particular highlighted how well the day ran from pickup to drop-off, with lots of drinks and excellent food—exactly the kind of “this felt special” outcome you’d hope for.

Small practical tip: pace your alcohol. You’re out on open water for a few hours and you’ll likely be switching between sun deck, swimming, and scanning for animals.

Snorkeling off Tenerife without the gear headache

You’ll get snorkeling equipment included, which is honestly one of the best conveniences on the whole list. You don’t have to pack fins or guess whether the rental is clean, comfortable, or even the right size.

Your captain takes you to the best snorkeling spots. That’s key: Tenerife’s coastal areas vary, and without local knowledge you might end up in the wrong patch. With a crew steering the stop, you’re more likely to find calm, clear water when you’re ready to swim.

Swim time is built into the charter, and you can absolutely go in the water. There’s no towel included, though—so bring one.

What to wear and bring is straightforward:

• swimsuit
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• towel

If you forget the towel, you’ll end up drying off with whatever you can find nearby, which is annoying on a day that’s supposed to be easy.

Sea turtles, whales, dolphins: what to expect vs. what to plan for

Let’s be honest: wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed. This experience requires good weather, and when conditions are right, the odds improve.

The trip is designed around watching for whales and dolphins, with sea turtles also mentioned as a possibility. If you don’t see whales, you can still get a strong payoff from snorkeling and simply being on the water—Tenerife’s coastline is worth the trip even without the big animals.

When you do spot movement, don’t rush. Give it a moment, watch the pattern, and follow the crew’s guidance. Wildlife can be quick—what feels like a blink to you might be a long observation for the crew scanning constantly.

Also, remember you’re in their habitat. Keep your body calm in the water, don’t chase animals, and enjoy the view instead of turning it into a sprint.

Seasickness and comfort: stability helps, but your body decides

The catamaran is described as very stable, but you should still expect some movement. That’s not a scare tactic—it’s reality. The sea has its own plans.

If you’re prone to seasickness, consider herbal ginger tablets or Dramamine prior to boarding. That’s one of those small choices that can completely change whether you enjoy lunch on deck or spend the afternoon stuck in “please make it stop” mode.

Practical move: choose your seat with views and support. On a boat like this, the wrong spot can make small motion feel bigger.

The timing: a focused 3-hour escape from the ordinary

This is about 3 hours, so it’s long enough for cruising, lunch, and snorkeling—short enough that it doesn’t eat your entire day. That makes it a smart fit if you’ve got a packed itinerary in Tenerife and you still want one truly “different” activity.

Because it runs on a private basis, your group can also control the rhythm. You can spend more time swimming, or you can spend more time on deck with a drink, soaking up the view of Tenerife’s mountains from the water.

If you’re traveling with mixed interests—someone who wants wildlife, someone who just wants a sun-soaked boat—this layout usually works.

Weather rules: why good days win

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That matters because spotting whales and dolphins plus snorkeling are both weather-dependent. So if your schedule allows flexibility, you’re more likely to land a day that checks every box.

Also, the cancellation policy is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. That’s a nice safety net if you’re juggling other plans on the island.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is listed at $1,792.13 per group (up to 15), with about 3 hours on the water. It’s a private charter, not a shared boat, and it includes private transportation (within the pickup area), snorkeling equipment, lunch, alcoholic beverages, snacks, and bottled water.

So the value isn’t just the boat ride. It’s the bundle:

• No snorkeling gear rental
• Lunch + drinks included
• A crew that handles the “where to go” part
• A private group setup with restroom onboard and shade options

If you’re traveling as a small-to-mid group, this can be a better deal than piecing together separate tours. And if you’re celebrating something, the private format helps you avoid the awkwardness of trying to coordinate a group at crowded meeting points.

The only caution is to confirm how your group size maps to the listed group limit. Since the charter can accommodate up to 24, it’s smart to ask what passenger count is covered under the quoted price.

Who should book this catamaran charter

This fits best if you want:

• a private boat day with your own pacing
• snorkeling that’s low-effort (gear included)
• a food-and-drink setup that feels like a real outing, not a snack run
• a strong chance to see whales, dolphins, and possibly turtles

It’s especially good for couples, friend groups, families with kids who snorkel (or at least enjoy the water), and anyone celebrating a birthday or milestone where you want the day to feel organized and special.

If you’re on a wheelchair, this one may not work due to accessibility limits. If you’re very sensitive to motion, plan for seasickness support.

Should you book this private catamaran charter in Tenerife?

Yes—if you want an easy, high-comfort half-day that combines wildlife watching, snorkeling, and a proper onboard meal without extra planning. It’s the kind of trip where you can show up, put on sunscreen, and let the crew do the driving.

Book it if:

• you’re staying in the south of Tenerife and pickup is likely to be available
• snorkeling is on your list but you don’t want to deal with gear rentals
• you care about convenience and a smooth, organized experience

Skip it (or think twice) if:

• you’re counting on this to be 100% guaranteed wildlife spotting (nature is nature)
• your group can’t handle a few hours on the water with possible motion
• you’d rather build your own day from multiple smaller stops and don’t want a set 3-hour block

If the weather looks good and your schedule has room for a sea day, this charter is a strong, practical way to turn Tenerife’s coastline into the main event.