Costa Adeje: Catamaran Tour, Snorkelling, Snacks & Drinks

The best part of this Costa Adeje catamaran tour is its easy mix of wildlife watching and sea time. You sail from Puerto Colón, scan the water for dolphins or turtles, then stop near Veril Beach for a swim and snorkel before heading back along Tenerife’s sunny coast.

I like the small, relaxed feel and the fact that drinks keep coming while the crew checks on everyone. I also like the value: at $53, you get three hours on the water, snorkelling gear, a meal-sized snack, beer, soft drinks, and water.

The main thing to keep in mind is that the sea can turn choppy, especially on the way out, and marine life is never promised. The snorkelling stop may also be brief, so this is a pleasant coastal outing rather than a full-day wildlife or diving expedition.

Key things to know before you sail

• Wildlife sightings are possible: Dolphins, turtles, and even pilot whales have been spotted, but the crew cannot guarantee animals.
• The snorkelling stop is near Veril Beach: The water can be relatively shallow, which helps less-confident swimmers.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect beer, soft drinks, water, and a simple savoury dish such as chicken and rice or paella.
• Small groups feel comfortable: Recent trips have had around 10 to 20 people, leaving room to sit, move, and find a sunny spot.
• Bring a passport and arrive early: You need to be at Puerto Colón 20 minutes before departure.
• The boat is not wheelchair accessible: Pickup and drop-off are also not included.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

Your three-hour trip begins at Puerto Colón, the marina at the heart of Costa Adeje’s resort coast. Arrive 20 minutes before the booked departure time. The catamaran leaves on schedule, so a late arrival could mean missing the boat.

You may be asked to remove shoes and socks before boarding. That keeps the deck cleaner and safer, but it is worth wearing footwear that you can take off easily. Bring your passport, as it is listed among the required items.

Once aboard, you can settle on the catamaran’s open deck or use the sunbathing area. The setup suits people who want different things from the same outing. You can sit quietly and watch the coast, chat with the crew, take photos, or wait for the swimming stop.

The boat is not designed as a packed party vessel. Group sizes described on recent trips ranged from about 10 to 20 people, with enough room for passengers to spread out. That matters on a three-hour ride. You are not confined to one seat beside strangers, and the crew has time to check in with people individually.

Sailing past Costa Adeje’s beaches

As the catamaran leaves the marina, the view changes from resort buildings to the open coast. You see the beaches of Fañabé and Torviscas from the water, a useful change of angle if you are staying in the area and have already spent time on shore.

The coastal scenery is one of the tour’s quiet strengths. You are not rushing from one attraction to another. The boat gives you time to watch the cliffs, beaches, and ocean, with Mount Teide rising behind Tenerife when conditions allow a clear view.

The sailing itself can feel gentle, but do not assume the whole route will be smooth. One passenger described a rough outbound stretch that caused spray and left them cold for a while. The sea later calmed, but this is a good reason to pack a light layer, even on a warm day.

You should also use sunscreen. The breeze from a moving boat can hide how much sun you are getting. One passenger became badly sunburned after underestimating the exposure. Sunglasses, a hat, and regular sunscreen are sensible additions.

Watching for dolphins, turtles, and whales

The crew keeps an eye on the water as the catamaran travels along the coast. Wildlife sightings have included dolphins, sea turtles, and pods of pilot whales, including whales with young. Dolphins have also been seen near the fish farm, where the boat may circle at a respectful distance.

That last point is important. The aim is to watch animals without chasing or surrounding them. You may see a fin, a turtle, or several dolphins rising together. You may also see nothing at all. One trip had no animal sightings but was still a pleasant day on the sea, which is the right expectation for any wildlife outing.

The captain and deckhand have been praised for watching the water carefully and for paying attention to turtles near the boat. The crew has also been seen removing rubbish from the sea. These small actions add to the sense that wildlife watching is being handled with care.

Guides may include Maria, Mateo, Michelle, or Georgie, depending on the departure. The guide’s role goes beyond serving drinks. You can expect explanations about the island and the marine life, along with practical help when it is time to swim. The language support is Spanish and English.

The swimming and snorkelling stop

The main activity stop is near Veril Beach, where the catamaran pauses for swimming and snorkelling. The exact length can vary, but recent trips included around 15 to 30 minutes in the water. That is enough for a refreshing swim and a look beneath the surface, but not enough for a long, unhurried snorkelling session.

The stop is close to shore, and one account placed the water depth at about eight metres. That may make the stop feel less intimidating if you are nervous about the open sea. You still need to be comfortable entering the water, but you are not being taken far from the coast.

Snorkelling equipment is included. You can look for fish around the boat and near the coast, and some passengers have seen large numbers of fish close by. The water may be clear, though visibility depends on the day and sea conditions.

The catamaran is easy to get on and off, according to one family’s experience. Still, this is not a suitable activity for wheelchair users, and anyone with limited mobility should consider the boarding and swimming arrangements carefully. You should also tell the crew if you are uncertain in the water. The crew is described as attentive and willing to check on passengers.

If you prefer not to swim, you can stay aboard and enjoy the view. The tour is not built around forcing everyone into the water. The sun deck and open seating give you a way to enjoy the stop without snorkelling.

Food, drinks, and the easygoing atmosphere

Drinks are part of the price, including beer, soft drinks, and water. The crew is known for keeping drinks available and checking on passengers throughout the sailing. That makes the outing feel more generous than a basic boat transfer with one drink handed out at the start.

The food is simple rather than elaborate. Depending on the trip, it may be chicken with rice and vegetables or a mixed paella-style dish. Portions have been described as modest but sufficient for a light lunch, especially after swimming.

This is worth explaining because the word snacks can create the wrong idea. You should not book this expecting a full restaurant meal or a wide range of dietary choices. The food is a practical, warm dish served during the trip. If you dislike savoury rice dishes, you may want to eat something before boarding, as alternative snacks are not clearly provided.

The relaxed service is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Guides such as Maria and Mateo have been singled out for friendly conversation, humour, island information, and regular drink service. The captain and deckhand also receive praise for making people feel safe and looked after.

The tone is social but not necessarily loud. Families, couples, and groups of friends can all fit in. Children as young as five have enjoyed the trip, and older passengers can take part without needing to snorkel.

What the $53 price really covers

At $53 per person, this is a good-value half-day activity if you want several elements in one booking. The price covers the three-hour catamaran ride, captain, deckhand, professional crew, snorkelling equipment, swimming stop, snacks, beer, soft drinks, water, and access to the sunbathing area.

You are paying for more than transport. A shorter boat outing with no food or drinks can easily feel thin, while this trip gives you a proper block of time on the coast and a chance to swim. The small-to-medium group size also improves the value, since you are not paying for a crowded boat with little room to move.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is serious snorkelling. The water stop is relatively short, and the route is built around a general coastal experience rather than extended time in one reef area. It is also not the best choice if guaranteed whale or dolphin sightings are essential.

Pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to Puerto Colón and arrive on time. If you are staying in Costa Adeje, this is straightforward, but check your transport plan before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are arranging several activities around uncertain holiday plans.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip most

I would recommend this outing to families, couples, and small groups who want a gentle day on the water without giving up comfort. It works especially well if one person wants to swim while another prefers to sit in the sun with a drink.

It is also a good first snorkelling experience. The crew supplies equipment, the stop is near the coast, and the water can be shallow enough to feel manageable for nervous swimmers. Children who are confident in the sea can enjoy jumping from the boat when the crew allows it.

The trip suits people who value service. The crew has repeatedly been praised for offering drinks, explaining what is happening, helping swimmers, and creating a friendly mood. Small touches have included lending a power bank and even returning to retrieve a lost watch from the seabed. That kind of care is not part of the formal package, but it tells you something about the attention passengers may receive.

I would look elsewhere if you need wheelchair access, dislike boat movement, or want a long snorkelling session. You may also find the food too limited if you have dietary restrictions, since the included meal is a simple savoury dish and alternatives are not specified.

Practical tips for a better three hours

Pack a passport, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light layer. The wind can feel cool when the boat is moving, even on a hot Tenerife day.

Wear footwear you can remove easily. Shoes and socks may need to come off before boarding, and a clean, uncluttered deck is part of the boat’s setup.

If you want calmer water, consider a morning weekday departure if the schedule allows. One experienced passenger specifically preferred Monday or Tuesday mornings, though sea conditions can change from day to day.

Do not plan the trip around wildlife sightings. Treat dolphins, turtles, or whales as a welcome bonus. The coast, swimming stop, food, and crew still provide a worthwhile outing if the sea stays empty.

Finally, tell the crew if you feel cold, uneasy, or unsure about entering the water. The staff’s helpful approach is one of the best reasons to speak up rather than simply sit uncomfortable.

Should you book the Kalima Kat catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a friendly, good-value three-hour cruise with swimming, basic snorkelling, drinks, and a simple meal. The crew care is a major draw, and the smaller group feel makes the trip more comfortable than a crowded sightseeing boat.

Skip it if you need guaranteed wildlife, accessible boarding, or serious time underwater. For everyone else, this is a sensible way to see Costa Adeje from the sea, enjoy a swim, and leave the planning to a capable crew.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour depart from?

The tour departs from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. You need to arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure.

How long is the Costa Adeje catamaran tour?

The catamaran trip lasts three hours, including sailing, the swimming and snorkelling stop, and time for food and drinks.

Are snorkelling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, along with beer, soft drinks, and water.

Is food included on the boat?

Yes. Snacks are included, usually a simple savoury dish such as chicken and rice or a paella-style meal. Alternative snacks are not specified.

Can I see dolphins or whales?

You may see dolphins, sea turtles, or pilot whales, but sightings are not guaranteed. The crew watches for wildlife along the coast and near the fish farm.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Pickup and drop-off are also not included.