Private Charter On Our Luxury Catamaran

Whales and dolphins are the main event here, but the real treat is having a comfortable catamaran and a small group around you when the animals appear. The three-hour cruise can bring you close to pods of bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, sea turtles, and other marine life, though sightings are never guaranteed.

I like the maximum of 12 people, which keeps the boat more personal than a large sightseeing vessel. I also like the friendly crew, especially Louis and Tommy, who are praised for hosting, music, food, and making family groups feel at ease. The main catch is cost: at $1,171.64 per group, this is best value for a larger party, not a solo booking.

Key points to know before booking

• Bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales are possible sightings, along with sea turtles and other marine life.
• The Papillon de Tenerife is a well-maintained catamaran with room for family groups and a maximum of 12 people.
• Louis and Tommy are key crew members, with Captain Peter also named as part of the operating team.
• Swimming and snorkeling time is included, with equipment supplied, but you need to bring your own bath towel.
• Hotel pickup is available in Arona and Adeje, though a van holds only eight passengers.
• The price works best for a full group, since the rate covers up to 12 people rather than charging each person separately.

Why the whale and dolphin search is the star

The boat heads out from Tenerife’s south coast to look for whales and dolphins in open water. This is not a wildlife park or a staged animal encounter. The crew searches the sea, and nature decides what you see and how close you get.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it is also worth understanding before you pay. Previous outings have included bottlenose dolphins feeding in a pod, pilot whales, sea turtles, and even a fish farm along the route. You might see several species in one morning, or spend more time enjoying the sea without a major sighting.

The cruise is designed around the possibility of a wow moment. A pod moving together beside the boat can make the whole morning worthwhile. The crew’s live commentary should help you understand what you are seeing, although the supplied information does not give a fixed script or a guaranteed viewing location.

The three-hour duration gives the boat enough time to travel out, search for wildlife, and leave room for swimming. It is long enough to feel like a proper sailing trip, but short enough to fit into a busy Tenerife holiday.

Sailing aboard the Papillon de Tenerife

The catamaran used for the outing is the Papillon de Tenerife. It is described as clean and well maintained, with facilities suitable for a group that may include three generations of one family. That matters on a boat trip, where comfort can make as much difference as the wildlife.

A catamaran generally gives you more than one place to sit and a broad platform for looking out to sea. The supplied details do not promise a particular seating arrangement, cabin setup, or toilet facilities, so you should ask the operator if those features matter to you.

The group limit is 12 people. Since this is a private activity, only your own booking group participates, which gives you more control than a standard shared excursion. A small family group can settle into its own pace, and friends can enjoy the boat without a large crowd competing for space or views.

The private format also helps explain the price. A full group of 12 pays about $97.64 per person. A group of six pays about $195.27 each, while a group of three pays about $390.55 each. The total is fixed at $1,171.64 per group, so the value improves sharply as you fill the boat.

What the three-hour outing includes

The route is built around two main parts: wildlife watching and time on the water for swimming and snorkeling. The boat may first travel out in search of whales and dolphins, then continue farther offshore or settle in a bay for a more relaxed break.

The wildlife portion is the more active part. Keep your attention on the water, listen for instructions from the crew, and be ready for sightings that may last only a short time. Bottlenose dolphins feeding beside the catamaran can be especially memorable, but you should not expect animals to appear on a timetable.

The swimming stop gives the morning a change of pace. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel. The supplied information does not promise a particular reef, beach, or underwater species, so think of this as time to enjoy the water rather than a formal snorkeling lesson.

One account describes the time in the bay as a highlight. That makes sense for families and mixed-age groups: people who want wildlife can watch the sea, while others can swim, snorkel, listen to music, or simply relax on deck.

Food and drinks are included. The official details list snacks, alcoholic beverages, and nonalcoholic drinks. A past outing also included a more substantial lunch, but you should confirm the exact food plan when booking rather than assume a full meal is provided every time.

The crew makes a difference

Louis and Tommy are named repeatedly as important parts of the outing. Their roles appear to cover hosting, sailing support, and the general atmosphere on board. Tommy is also remembered for handling the music, which adds a social touch to the sailing time.

Captain Peter is named as part of the operating team, and the crew is described as experienced and competent. The company may also use a multilingual guide, so the language of commentary can vary. English is offered for this experience, but it is sensible to confirm who will lead your departure if language support is important.

A strong crew matters on a wildlife cruise because the day includes more than steering the boat. You need clear guidance around swimming, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and safe movement on deck. You also want hosts who can make a mixed group comfortable during the quieter stretches between sightings.

The tone appears especially suited to families and groups celebrating something special. One outing was arranged as a birthday surprise, and another included three generations. That does not make it a formal celebration package, but the private boat gives you room to make the trip your own.

Pickup from Arona and Adeje

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for people staying in the Arona or Adeje areas. This is useful if you are based in the main resort zone and do not want to arrange a taxi to the marina or departure point.

There is one important transport restriction. The company van holds only eight passengers. If your private group has more than eight people, the remaining passengers need an additional taxi, and that taxi cost is yours to pay.

That detail can change the final price for a large group. If you are booking for nine to 12 people, ask how the split pickup will work before confirming. The boat itself can take up to 12, but the included van cannot move all 12 together.

If you are staying outside Arona or Adeje, you must arrange your own transport. The service is near public transportation, but the supplied information does not identify a specific bus route, stop, marina, or parking arrangement. Plan extra time if you are making your own way.

The listed start time is 10:30 a.m. Pickup timing may depend on your hotel and group size, so do not treat 10:30 as the exact moment your van arrives at the door.

What to pack for the catamaran

Bring a bath towel. It is the one item specifically excluded from the package, and you will want one after swimming or snorkeling.

You should also wear practical clothing suitable for a boat and bring anything you personally need for sun protection. The supplied details do not list sunscreen, hats, or swimwear as inclusions, so plan for a normal day at sea rather than relying on the boat to provide personal items.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are also included, along with snacks. If you have dietary needs, ask ahead of time, since no special menu information is provided.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The details do not specify accessibility arrangements for the catamaran, so anyone with mobility concerns should contact Papillon Yacht Services before booking.

How the price compares with the experience

The $1,171.64 group price is not a bargain for two or three people. It becomes more reasonable when shared by a larger family or group of friends, especially since it includes the captain, crew, fuel, insurance, taxes, drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and hotel pickup in the stated zones.

The private format is the biggest value point. You are not paying only for a seat on a boat. You are reserving the outing for your own group, with a limit of 12 people and no unrelated party joining you.

That can be worth paying for on a birthday, family holiday, or special day at sea. It is also useful if your group has different interests. Some people can focus on wildlife, others can swim, and everyone can share the same boat instead of splitting up.

The calculation changes for a small booking. Three people paying more than $390 each may find a standard shared whale-watching trip better value, especially if privacy is not important. This charter makes the strongest financial sense when you can fill most of the available places.

Food is another value question. Snacks and drinks are included, but the formal details do not guarantee a full lunch. If you are counting on a substantial meal, confirm what will be served and bring extra food if needed.

Weather, cancellations, and flexibility

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of people needed to operate the experience is not met.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses local Tenerife time.

This policy is fairly clear, but I would still avoid placing the cruise on the final morning of your holiday. Wildlife viewing depends on the sea, and a weather cancellation is easier to manage when you have another day available.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. That timing matters if your holiday dates are tight, so do not leave this reservation until the last moment if the boat trip is a central part of your plans.

Who will enjoy this private charter most

I would choose this for a group that values privacy, a comfortable boat, and time to relax between wildlife sightings. Families, couples traveling with friends, and birthday groups are a good match, particularly if you can share the total price across many people.

It also suits people who want more than a short dolphin-viewing ride. You get wildlife watching, snorkeling equipment, swimming time, snacks, drinks, and commentary in one outing. The catamaran setting gives the day a sense of occasion.

You may want another option if you are traveling alone or as a couple and are mainly focused on keeping costs low. The fixed group price can be hard to justify with only a few people.

You should also be comfortable with an element of uncertainty. Whales and dolphins are wild animals, and the trip cannot promise a particular species or viewing distance. The boat, crew, and included refreshments add value even when sightings are limited, but marine life remains the reason to book.

Should you book the Papillon catamaran?

Book it if you have a group of six to 12 people, want a private day on the water, and like the idea of combining wildlife watching with swimming and drinks. The small capacity, clean catamaran, and attentive crew are the strongest reasons to choose it.

I would be more cautious with a small group unless privacy is worth the premium. Also confirm pickup arrangements, meal details, and the towel requirement before paying.

For the right group, this is a polished Tenerife sea outing with a real chance of seeing dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles, plus enough relaxed time to enjoy the boat itself. That mix makes the price easier to defend when the catamaran is close to full.

FAQ

How much does the private catamaran charter cost?

The price is $1,171.64 per group, with a maximum of 12 people.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours and starts at 10:30 a.m.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, whales, and sea turtles. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the outing includes time for swimming and snorkeling.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are offered in the Arona and Adeje areas. Passengers staying elsewhere must arrange their own transport.

Can a group of more than eight people use the included van?

No. The van holds eight passengers. If your group is larger, an additional taxi is needed for the remaining people, and that cost is paid by the customer.

What should I bring?

Bring your own bath towel. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, insurance, fuel, and crew are included.