Whale & Dolphin Watching With Mustcat Virgin Coast Trip On a Large Catamaran

If you’re visiting Tenerife and looking for a way to combine wildlife spotting with a relaxing day on the water, this whale and dolphin watching tour aboard a spacious catamaran might just be your ideal escape. Priced at around $58 per person, it offers a mix of marine exploration, socializing with drinks, and a chance to cool off with a swim in a beautiful bay. With an average booking window of 80 days in advance, it’s clearly a popular choice, and for good reason.

What makes this tour stand out is the balance it strikes between wildlife discovery and leisurely indulgence. You’ll love the included open bar, which serves alcoholic drinks throughout, and the delicious food that’s served onboard — a refreshing change from more rigid, snack-only trips. However, a potential downside is that the sightings of whales and dolphins can be hit or miss, as one review mentioned seeing just a few small whales and no dolphins during their trip. Still, if you’re after a fun, social experience with the chance of spotting marine wildlife, it’s worth considering.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy being on the water, want to keep things casual, and appreciate the chance to relax with drinks and good company. It’s also perfect if you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a small-group vibe, given its capacity of up to 70 people. Keep in mind, the tour’s success heavily depends on weather conditions, so flexibility can be helpful.

• Wildlife Spotting: Look out for whales and dolphins in Tenerife’s waters, with expert guidance on where to find them.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: Enjoy an open bar with alcoholic drinks and tasty onboard food, making it more of a social outing.
• Swim Stop: The tour includes free time to swim in a scenic bay, perfect for cooling off mid-summer.
• Tour Duration & Experience: About 3 hours on a large catamaran, departing from Las Galletas marina.
• Weather Considerations: Trips are weather-dependent; poor conditions may lead to cancellations or rescheduling.
• Authentic Insight: Expect a friendly crew and a scenic ride, with some trips offering memorable wildlife sightings, although not guaranteed.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Departure & Setting

The adventure begins at the marina in Las Galletas, a convenient starting point for travelers staying in southern Tenerife. The boat itself is a large catamaran, providing plenty of space for comfort and socializing. As you set sail, you’ll notice the relaxed vibe, perfect for unwinding while waiting for nature’s show. The crew at Best Excursions Tenerife is known for being friendly and helpful, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the start.

The Marine Wildlife Encounter

The primary aim of this trip is spotting whales and dolphins, which is not only exciting but also educational. Guides provide information about the different species around Tenerife, which enhances the experience. Based on reviews, some guests have seen a few small whales (“3 baleines rikiki” as one review put it), but sightings can vary. Dolphin sightings are less certain, with some trips not seeing any at all. The unpredictability of marine life is part of the adventure—if you’re lucky, you might see a pod of dolphins leaping alongside the boat or a whale surfacing nearby.

The Scenic Anchor & Swim Stop

After some wildlife watching, the boat anchors in a small bay near a beach or Palm Mar cave. Here, you’re free to jump into the refreshing waters for a swim. This is often highlighted as a favorite part of the trip, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. As one reviewer noted, “we anchored near a bay where you can swim,” which adds a lovely break in the midst of wildlife spotting.

Food & Drinks Onboard

A major plus for this tour is the all-inclusive open bar, featuring alcoholic drinks served throughout the trip. This transforms the outing into a casual, social event, perfect for groups or solo travelers looking to unwind. Accompanying the drinks, you’ll find delicious onboard food, making it more than just a wildlife cruise — it’s an enjoyable meal on the water. The reviews didn’t specify the exact menu, but the emphasis on food and drinks makes the experience feel more complete and welcoming.

The Return & Reflection

After a few hours of sailing, wildlife watching, and swimming, the boat heads back to Las Galletas marina. The return journey offers stunning views of Tenerife’s coast, and often, you’ll have a chance to relax and chat about the day’s highlights. It’s a laid-back finish to what can be a very engaging experience.

What to Expect from the Tour

• Meeting Point & Logistics: Depart from Av. de Colón in Playa de la Américas. The location is accessible via public transportation, making it easy to get to the marina.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours — a good length for a half-day adventure without feeling rushed.
• Group Size: Up to 70 travelers, which balances a lively atmosphere with enough space on the vessel.
• Weather Sensitivity: Since the trip is weather-dependent, cancellations due to poor conditions are possible. You might be offered a different date or a full refund if that happens.
• Price & Value: At $58.17 per person, this trip offers a lot of value considering the inclusions of food, drinks, and the experience itself.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer noted, “The crew was very friendly, the boat was great, and we saw 3 small whales, but no dolphins.” This highlights the unpredictability but also the positive vibe of the crew. Another appreciated the scenic views and the beverages, emphasizing the relaxed atmosphere. These small details make it clear that while wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the overall experience is enjoyable, especially if you like social outings on the water.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy relaxed, social experiences with a touch of adventure. It’s particularly suitable for those wanting to combine wildlife viewing with a drink-filled cruise, making it perfect for groups or couples. Families with kids might also find it a manageable way to introduce children to marine life, provided they’re prepared for possible weather cancellations.

If your priority is guaranteed whale sightings, you might want to consider other options, but if you’re happy with the possibility of a scenic boat ride, good company, and a chance to see some marine creatures, this is a solid pick.

The Sum Up

This whale and dolphin watching tour on a large Tenerife catamaran offers a relaxed, social way to explore the waters around the island. With a friendly crew, an open bar, delicious food, and the chance to swim in a beautiful bay, it’s easy to see why many travelers choose this experience. While sightings of marine life aren’t guaranteed, the enjoyment of being out on the water, soaking up stunning views, and sharing a drink or two with fellow travelers makes this a worthwhile outing.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who value comfort, good company, and a leisurely pace over strict wildlife guarantees. If you’re after a fun, half-day adventure that combines the best of Tenerife’s marine environment with laid-back vibes, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that’s not too long or too short.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour features an open bar with alcoholic beverages available throughout the trip.

Can I swim during the tour?
Absolutely. The boat anchors in a small bay where you’re free to hop off and enjoy a swim before heading back.

What’s the chance of seeing whales or dolphins?
Sightings are not guaranteed. Some trips have seen a few small whales but no dolphins, as noted by past guests. Wildlife encounters can vary depending on conditions.

Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed nature and family-friendly activity make it suitable for most age groups, especially if they’re comfortable on boats and in the water.

What if the weather is bad?
Trips depend on good weather; poor conditions could lead to cancellations. You’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund if the tour can’t go ahead.

Whether you’re in it for the wildlife, the views, or just enjoying a sunny day with friends, this Tenerife catamaran trip offers a lively, inclusive way to experience the island’s marine environment.