Whales and dolphins, plus lunch at sea. If you want wildlife without a full day commitment, this Costa Adeje catamaran ride hits the sweet spot. You also get a food break, unlimited drinks, and a swim stop with nets, all while the crew works hard to get you good sightings.

I love two things most: first, how much effort the staff puts into spotting marine life, including frequent pilot whale sightings and the chance to see dolphins too. Second, the combination of a real onboard meal and a time in the water, not just sitting and hoping. It is a solid value day because your ticket covers the boat time, lunch, drinks, and (optional) hotel pickup.

One thing to plan around: sightings are never guaranteed. On top of that, you will want to bring your own snorkeling equipment, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Key takeaways before you go

• Pilot whales are often the main event, with the crew directing the best viewing spots
• Food and unlimited drinks are included, so you are not hunting for meals mid-trip
• Diego Hernandez Bay is the swim and snorkel stop, with sunbathing nets and clear water
• Bring your own snorkel gear, since it is not provided on board
• Teide Volcano shows up on the return route, giving you a scenic closer to the day
• Pickup is optional, with specific Playa Paraiso pickup days, so match your day to the schedule

Costa Adeje to Puerto Colon: meeting point and what to pack

This cruise starts from Puerto Colon, and that matters because you are right in the action of Tenerife’s south-coast marina. Go to Pantalan 9 and look for the red catamaran with the inscription maxicat. If you are meeting directly, plan to arrive about 20 minutes before departure so you have time to find the boat and get settled.

For clothes, keep it simple and seaworthy. Wear comfortable shoes (skip high-heeled options) and bring a hat, sunscreen, and swimwear. You will also want a towel, since you are planning to get wet at the bay stop. If you do snorkel, bring your own equipment, because it is not included.

If you chose pickup, you will meet a coach at selected locations in the south of Tenerife. One detail worth double-checking: pickup for the Playa Paraiso area only runs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. If you are not on one of those days, you will likely need to make your own way to Puerto Colon.

The catamaran ride and the crew’s whale-and-dolphin search

Once you are aboard, expect a safety briefing before you head out. From there, the focus is classic Tenerife south-coast viewing: scanning for dolphins, whales, and migratory birds while you sail along the shoreline.

What makes this part feel special is the crew’s active role. They point out wildlife and share facts about the local marine environment as you go. In practice, that means you are not just looking out a window. You are getting help understanding what you are seeing, and where to look next.

A common highlight is pilot whales. People often spot a pod and, at times, the whales come very close to the boat, giving you a real sense of scale. There is even a technique you might notice if you are paying attention: the captain may whistle to attract the short-nosed whales, which is a memorable touch and adds to the overall feel of the trip.

Dolphins are the exciting bonus when they show up. Some days include dolphins right alongside the whales, while other days may be whales only. Either way, you will still get a lively ride because the crew keeps searching and communicating.

Diego Hernandez Bay: where you swim, snorkel, and possibly spot turtles

After the first wildlife viewing, the catamaran heads toward Diego Hernandez Bay. This is the “get in the water” portion, and it is one of the best reasons to book a short cruise like this instead of a long sit-on-deck tour.

When you reach the bay, you can relax in the sunbathing nets or cool off in the clear water. If you snorkel, this is where it pays off to have your own gear. People describe seeing lots of fish during the swim, and the water visibility can be excellent.

You might also spot turtles, if conditions and timing line up. It is not a sure thing, but the possibility adds a little extra thrill once you are floating and scanning for movement.

Practical tip: do not wait until the very last minute to get in if you plan to snorkel. Waves can splash water onto the nets, and you may end up wetter than you expect anyway, so plan for that.

Lunch at sea: Canarian style rice, paella, and unlimited drinks

The onboard meal is where this cruise earns its value. Lunch is included, and the menu is built around Canarian flavors and simple crowd-pleasers.

Commonly, you get paella or a chicken paella-style option, and kids may receive items like chicken nuggets and chips. There is also Canarian style rice mentioned as part of the lunch experience. If you want vegetarian or vegan food, you can request that option in advance, and there is also a children’s menu available upon request.

Then there is the drinks. Unlimited drinks are part of the package, and people often call out things like sangria, beer, and soft drinks. The key practical point for your planning: you are eating and drinking with the sea in motion, so keep it comfortable. If you know you get seasick easily, bring what you need and take it slow when you are first seated.

Also, the crew is used to handling discomfort at sea. People have reported sea sickness, and the staff helped quickly and kindly, so you are not left on your own if your stomach protests.

Views on the way back: Teide Volcano and the Costa Adeje coastline

When it is time to head back, you cruise along the Costa Adeje coast with the view of Teide Volcano on the horizon. This is not just a filler section. The return route gives you another chance to enjoy the south coast scenery after the wildlife moments and swimming.

If you are the type who likes photos, this is where you can slow down and frame shots. The water around Tenerife’s south coast can look calm from far out, even if you are still feeling the boat movement, and the volcanic silhouette gives your photos a strong Tenerife identity.

It is also a nice rhythm shift. You go from scanning for whales, to swimming, to eating, then you finish with scenery and a smoother pace while heading back to Puerto Colon.

Time on the water: how a 3-hour trip really feels

The duration listed is about 3 hours, but you should know that the exact time floating can feel closer to 2.5 hours depending on conditions. That is usually not an issue because the trip is packed into a short window: wildlife search, swim stop, and lunch.

Here is how that timing often matters for your day. If you are on holiday with limited energy, the half-day feel works well. You get the big nature moment, plus the comfort of lunch and drinks. If you are trying to build your schedule around other activities, this is easier to fit than a full-day whale excursion.

The other timing factor is pickup. If you are picking up from a hotel, your start time can depend on where you are on the route. A couple of reports mention late pickup or minor waiting issues on the return. You can reduce stress by building a little buffer into your plans and keeping your meeting instructions handy.

Who this cruise suits best (and who might hesitate)

This is a good match for most people who like wildlife, decent food, and a little water time without a major time investment.

You will likely love it if:

• you want whales and dolphins without committing to a long expedition
• you like catamaran days that mix sightseeing with a swim stop
• you are traveling as a couple, with kids, or with friends and want something straightforward
• you appreciate guided interpretation rather than random scanning

It may not be the best fit if:

• you need wheelchair accessibility, because the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users
• you do not like boats or you are very sensitive to sea motion, even though the crew is attentive if you get unwell
• you forgot snorkeling gear, since you will need your own equipment for the water viewing part

Price and value: is $46 reasonable for what you get?

At around $46 per person, the value is strong because your ticket bundles the big costs most stand-alone activities charge for.

You are paying for:

• a catamaran cruise (not just a short harbor trip)
• staff and a safety briefing
• lunch
• unlimited drinks
• optional pickup and drop-off in the south of Tenerife (if you selected it)
• a swim stop at a bay where you can use nets and get into the water

The only clear extra cost is snorkeling gear, since it is not included. If you already own basic mask and snorkel, your “real” cost drops further. And if you do not, you still have enough time before your swim stop to buy basic gear elsewhere in the area.

In plain terms, this is one of those trips where the included food and drinks make it feel more complete. You are not spending your vacation searching for lunch while everyone else is already eating.

Should you book the Maxicat whale and dolphin cruise from Costa Adeje?

If you want a short, well-fed day at sea, I think it is a smart booking. The combination of whale-and-dolphin searching, lunch, unlimited drinks, and a real swim stop makes it feel like more than a ticket to look out a window.

Book it especially if you like the idea of pilot whale viewing and you are happy to bring your own snorkeling gear. If you go in knowing that sightings depend on the day, you will be less disappointed and more likely to enjoy the full package.

If whales or dolphins are a once-in-a-lifetime must, treat this as a high-chance wildlife outing, not a guarantee. Either way, the staff’s effort, the onboard meal, and the Diego Hernandez Bay swimming stop are the reasons most people walk away feeling it was worth it.

FAQ

Is snorkeling equipment included on this cruise?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included, so you will need to bring your own equipment if you want to snorkel during the swim stop.

Where do I meet if I am not taking the pickup?

Meet in Puerto Colon at Pantalan 9. Look for the red catamaran with the inscription maxicat.

Does the ticket include lunch and drinks?

Yes. Lunch is included, and drinks are included as unlimited during the trip.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes. A vegetarian and vegan menu is available upon request.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 3 hours. Check availability for starting times.

Is pickup available in the Playa Paraiso area?

Pickup in the Playa Paraiso area is only available Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. On other days, you may need to meet directly at the harbor.