REVIEW · TENERIFE

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling

5.0 · 63 reviews 3 hours (approx.) Operated by Monte Cristo Catamaran · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this Tenerife outing is the freedom to shape a private catamaran cruise around your group. From Puerto Colón, you can look for whales and dolphins along the coast, stop for a swim, and spend the rest of the trip enjoying the views from the sundeck or flybridge. The wildlife is never guaranteed, but the open-water setting is the main event.

I like the included snorkeling gear and food spread, since you can pack lightly and still have a proper meal, snacks, fruit, and drinks onboard. I also like the hotel transfer within 20 kilometers of Puerto Colón, a useful touch in south Tenerife. The main drawback is the short three-hour duration, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible.

Key points to know before booking

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Key points to know before booking

  • Private sailing for your group: You set the pace and share the catamaran only with your own party.
  • Wildlife watching from Puerto Colón: Keep watch for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural setting.
  • Swimming and snorkeling included: Your captain chooses suitable spots, and equipment is supplied.
  • Lunch and drinks onboard: Food includes tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and meat selections, with water, soft drinks, beer, and champagne.
  • Comfortable outdoor space: Use the forward sundeck, flybridge, or indoor sofa, with a restroom onboard.
  • Pickup has a limit: Hotel collection is offered within 20 kilometers of Puerto Colón, while other locations require you to reach the marina yourself.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Setting out from Puerto Colón

Your meeting point is at Diamant Glass Bottom Boat, Pontoon 6, in Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje. If you are staying in the south of Tenerife within the 20-kilometer pickup area, private transport is included. That saves you the trouble of arranging a taxi for your whole group, especially if you are carrying swim bags, towels, sunscreen, and spare clothes.

The boat returns to the same marina after roughly three hours. The timing is long enough for a proper outing, but not so long that it takes over your whole day. I would plan this for a morning or afternoon when you want one major activity, rather than expecting a full-day cruise.

The crew welcomes your group and takes you out from the harbor along Tenerife’s coast. Since the charter is private, your party has more say in how the time is used. You can focus on wildlife watching, spend more time swimming, or simply settle in with a drink and enjoy the island views.

There is one point to clarify before paying: the advertised group price is stated for up to 15 people, while the operating information says the private catamaran can accommodate up to 24 passengers. If your group has more than 15 people, confirm the exact price and capacity directly with Monte Cristo Catamaran. That detail matters because the per-person value changes sharply depending on your final head count.

Watching whales and dolphins off Tenerife

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Watching whales and dolphins off Tenerife

The boat heads out to the waters around Tenerife, where whales and dolphins may be seen moving freely near the coast. You are not visiting an aquarium or a penned display. The appeal is the chance to see marine life in its own setting, with the island and open sea around you.

Bring patience. Wildlife sightings depend on the animals, the weather, and the captain’s route on the day. The reports of dolphins and whales make this a strong possibility, but nobody can promise a close encounter or a particular species. Sea turtles are also possible.

This is where a private boat helps. You can stay on deck with your group, take turns looking from different parts of the vessel, and ask the crew about the route. The catamaran provides broad views, so you are not confined to a single narrow viewing area.

I would bring sunglasses and sunscreen even if the sky looks mild at the marina. The glare off the water can be strong, and the open deck gives you little protection once the boat is underway. A light layer is sensible too, since conditions at sea can feel different from those on shore.

Choosing your own rhythm on the water

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Choosing your own rhythm on the water

A fixed sightseeing cruise often gives you a set route and a set stop. This charter is more flexible. You can sit high on the flybridge for views, stretch out on the forward sundeck, or retreat to the indoor sofa when you want shade and shelter.

The crew takes you to suitable snorkeling areas, and the equipment is included. You can swim in the clear coastal water, look below the surface, and return to the boat when you have had enough. The captain decides where to stop, so the exact location depends on conditions and the day’s plan.

You should bring your own towel. Towels are not included, and a wet swimsuit can make the ride home uncomfortable, especially if you are using the included transfer. Pack a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel, and keep personal items secured while the boat is moving.

The catamaran is built for comfort and follows safety regulations. It is described as stable, but it will still move with the sea. If you are prone to seasickness, consider ginger tablets or Dramamine before boarding. A few people in a group feeling unwell can change the mood quickly, so it is worth planning ahead.

Lunch, tapas, and drinks between swims

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Lunch, tapas, and drinks between swims

Food is part of the appeal here, especially for a celebration or a group that does not want to think about lunch while out on the water. The spread includes tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection, along with fruit and other snacks.

Drinks include bottled water, soda, beer, and champagne. Alcoholic drinks are included, but use good judgment before swimming, particularly in bright sun and moving water. The crew can keep the food and drinks flowing while you enjoy the views, but the trip is still a boat outing rather than a formal restaurant meal.

The food also makes the charter easier for mixed groups. One person can swim, another can watch for dolphins, and someone else can sit with a plate and enjoy the coast. For a birthday, family gathering, or small celebration, that relaxed setup may be more useful than a tightly scheduled sightseeing program.

Past outings have included a 50th birthday celebration with timely pickup, plenty of drinks, good food, and dolphins. Another group received updates about collection time the day before, and the crew helped people who felt seasick. That points to an attentive approach, though you should still bring any medication you personally need.

What the three-hour schedule feels like

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - What the three-hour schedule feels like

The first part of the cruise is likely to be spent getting clear of Puerto Colón and heading along the coast. This gives you time to settle into the boat, find your preferred seating area, and begin watching the water.

The middle of the outing is the most flexible portion. You may spend it scanning for whales and dolphins, stopping for swimming and snorkeling, or relaxing with lunch and drinks. The captain can adjust the route within the limits of weather and sea conditions.

The final section brings you back to Puerto Colón. It is a compact schedule, so you will not have endless time for every activity. If you want a long snorkeling session, an extended wildlife watch, and a leisurely meal, three hours may feel tight. If you want a polished half-day-style outing without giving up the rest of your day, the length works well.

I would avoid scheduling a major timed attraction immediately afterward. Boat trips can be affected by weather, sea conditions, pickup delays, and the pace of your group. Leave some breathing room before dinner or another fixed appointment.

Comfort, facilities, and access

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Comfort, facilities, and access

The catamaran has a restroom onboard, which is important on a short but active cruise. You also get several ways to sit: the forward sundeck, the flybridge, and an indoor sofa.

The boat is not wheelchair accessible. Most people can participate, but the trip includes boarding, moving around a boat, and entering the water for swimming or snorkeling. If anyone in your party has limited mobility, check the practical details before booking rather than assuming the private format solves access concerns.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Hotel pickup is offered in the south of Tenerife within the stated 20-kilometer radius of Puerto Colón. If your hotel is outside that area, you must make your own way to Pontoon 6.

The charter is offered in English. Confirmation is sent at booking, and the pickup time may be confirmed or updated before the day of departure. Keep your phone available so you do not miss collection details.

Is the $1,792 group price good value?

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Is the $1,792 group price good value?

The listed price is $1,792.13 per group, with the published group limit of up to 15 people. At the full 15-person size, that works out to about $119 per person. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises quickly, so the charter makes the most sense when you can fill much of the available capacity.

Compare this with what you would pay for separate boat tickets, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and transfers. Here, those pieces are bundled together, and the boat is private. That privacy is the biggest value, not simply the meal or the wildlife watch.

For a couple or a very small party, the price may be hard to justify unless privacy is your main priority. For a family reunion, birthday, wedding-related outing, or group of friends, it can be a practical way to keep everyone together without negotiating with strangers about seating, swimming time, or music and conversation.

Again, confirm the capacity and pricing if your group is larger than 15, since the supplied details also describe the boat as suitable for up to 24 passengers. That is the one important pricing question to settle before booking.

The activity is recommended by 98 percent of customers and carries a 4.9 rating from 63 reviews. The strongest themes are prompt pickup, friendly crew, good food, generous drinks, wildlife sightings, and help with seasickness. Those are useful signs, especially because service and organization can make or break a private boat day.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

Private Catamaran Charter with Transfer, Buffet and Snorkeling - Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would choose this for a group that values time together more than a tightly planned sightseeing list. It suits families, birthday groups, couples traveling with friends, and anyone who wants a private setting for a special occasion.

It is also a good fit if you want several activities in one booking: wildlife watching, a coastal cruise, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks. You do not need to rent equipment or arrange a second boat transfer.

You may prefer another plan if you want a long snorkeling session, a full-day sailing trip, guaranteed wildlife sightings, or wheelchair access. The three-hour schedule is convenient, but it limits how much time you can spend on each part of the outing.

Weather is another consideration. The charter requires suitable conditions. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own plans, keep the boat day flexible and avoid placing it on the only day you have available for a major event.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

  • Bring a towel, since one is not supplied.
  • Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes if you want to enter the water without changing onboard.
  • Pack sunscreen and sunglasses for the open deck.
  • Consider ginger tablets or Dramamine if you are prone to seasickness.
  • Keep your phone available for pickup updates.
  • Confirm the pickup area if your hotel is outside south Tenerife.
  • Ask about capacity and pricing if your group exceeds 15 people.
  • Leave extra time after the cruise before a fixed reservation.

The cancellation terms are straightforward: cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Bad weather is handled separately, with a different date or full refund offered if the operator cancels.

Should you book this private Tenerife cruise?

Book it if your group can share the cost and wants a flexible day at sea with food, drinks, snorkeling, and a chance to see whales or dolphins. The private setting, included transfer, helpful crew, and onboard meal make it especially appealing for celebrations and family groups.

Think twice if you are traveling alone, with only one other person, or if you need wheelchair access. Also, do not book it solely for a guaranteed wildlife sighting. Choose it for the whole package: a comfortable catamaran, a swim in Tenerife’s coastal waters, good views, and time with your own group.

FAQ

Where does the private catamaran cruise depart?

It departs from Diamant Glass Bottom Boat at Puerto Colón, Pontoon 6, Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup is available within a 20-kilometer radius of Puerto Colón, covering hotels in the south of Tenerife. If you are outside that area, you must travel to the marina yourself.

How long is the charter?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours and returns to the original meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The listed price is for a group of up to 15 people. The operating information also says the catamaran can accommodate up to 24 passengers, so groups above 15 should confirm the final capacity and price before booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the captain takes the group to suitable snorkeling spots.

What food and drinks are included?

Food includes lunch, fruit, snacks, tortillas, cheese, quiche, bread, crisps, and a meat selection. Drinks include bottled water, soda, beer, and champagne.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom is available onboard.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

No. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

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