No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first – we care

Wildlife comes first on this gentle Tenerife sail. The Bahriyeli is a 23-meter, two-mast Turkish gulet that takes you from Los Cristianos into the Atlantic for about two hours, with the aim of finding resident pilot whales and dolphins without pursuing them. I like the strict no chase policy and the chance to see Mount Teide from the water. I also like that marine life specialists explain what you are seeing, rather than leaving you to guess at distant fins.

The main thing to understand is that wild animals set the timetable. You may see pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, turtles, seabirds, or even jellyfish, but no responsible operator can promise a close encounter. On some outings, the animals remain far away or surface only briefly, and the boat returns according to its schedule.

Key points to know before booking

• Traditional Turkish gulet: Sail aboard the Bahriyeli, a 23-meter, two-mast schooner with a salon, toilets, and a bar.
• No chase wildlife policy: The boat watches animals from a respectful distance instead of racing after them.
• Two-hour format: A useful length if you want a wildlife trip without committing to a half-day at sea.
• Tenerife from the water: Look back toward the south coast and Mount Teide, Spain’s tallest mountain.
• Marine life interpretation: The crew can identify pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, jellyfish, and migrating whales.
• Good value at $30.23: The price is relatively modest for a boat outing, especially when wildlife sightings are strong.

Setting out from Los Cristianos

The tour begins at the Los Cristianos meeting point, listed by the Plus Code 27XJ+JG Los Cristianos. The activity ends back where it starts, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from another harbor.

Give yourself extra time before departure. Parking around the pier can be very difficult, and arriving early also matters because one piece of feedback warns that the boat may be oversold after a weather cancellation the previous day. That is not the kind of start anyone wants, especially with children or a group, so I would avoid cutting arrival time close.

The tour is offered in English, while the crew has also been described as providing commentary in several languages. The information is intended to help you identify the animals and understand what you are seeing, not to fill every second with narration.

A Turkish gulet rather than a fast catamaran

The Bahriyeli gives this outing a different feel from a standard speedboat trip. A gulet is a traditional Turkish sailing boat, and the two masts and 23-meter hull provide a steady platform for looking out across the sea.

That extra room has practical value. You can move around to look for animals, find shelter in the large salon when the wind picks up, and use the onboard toilets. A bar is also available for refreshments, although food and drinks are not included in the ticket. Bring your own expectations, too: this is a sailing boat experience with wildlife watching, not a guaranteed high-speed chase from one sighting to the next.

The maximum capacity is listed as 136 people. That is a sizeable group, so the boat may feel crowded when an animal appears on one side. One person found it difficult to get a clear view after choosing a less favorable position, while another praised the boat as comfortable and steady.

For the best chance of seeing what is happening, I would keep an eye on both sides of the boat and avoid settling into one spot too early. If the sea is windy, the lower level or salon may make it easier to hear the guide.

The first part of the sail: coast, sky, and open sea

The trip is not two hours of nonstop animal action. Part of the time is spent traveling through the waters off Tenerife, scanning for movement and enjoying the coast.

This is where the boat itself earns its keep. From the water, the southern coast takes on a broader shape, and Mount Teide provides a dramatic inland reference point. The mountain is Spain’s tallest, and seeing it rise above the island while you are offshore gives the trip a useful sense of place.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole outing looking through a screen. Wildlife can surface for only a moment, and a clear view is often better than a blurry photograph. One outing produced only brief whale sightings after a long quiet period, while another found the sea calm and two pods close enough for excellent views.

That contrast is normal for wildlife watching. The boat cannot manufacture activity, and the no chase promise means the crew will not keep circling an animal simply to improve your photograph.

Meeting Tenerife’s resident pilot whales

Pilot whales are among the main targets of this trip. They live in the waters around Tenerife, so the chance of finding them is not based only on a seasonal migration passing the island.

When conditions cooperate, the sight can be special. Pilot whales may surface in groups, and the boat can watch them without pressing closer. Several outings recorded sightings of pilot whales, including pods that stayed near the boat. Other trips saw whales at a distance, or only a female and youngster surfacing for a while.

The crew’s role matters here. A good guide helps you tell a pilot whale from a dolphin, points out the direction of movement, and explains why the boat is holding back. The Bahriyeli team has been praised for identifying species with pictures and for offering explanations in multiple languages.

There is also a fair criticism to keep in mind. One outing was considered too light on marine information, while other accounts describe the crew as very informative. Your experience may depend on the guide on duty, the location of the animals, and how much can be heard from your position on the boat.

Dolphins, turtles, and passing species

Dolphins can be the most exciting part of the trip because they sometimes approach the boat on their own. Bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic Ocean dolphins have been seen, and some groups have circled close to the hull. On another outing, bottlenose dolphins appeared near the end of the return journey, prompting the captain to turn back briefly so everyone could watch a little longer.

That sort of moment captures the value of a no chase tour. The dolphins choose the distance. If they come close, it feels like a natural encounter rather than a performance produced by the crew.

You might also see a sea turtle. Turtles were spotted alongside whales and dolphins on some trips, but they are not a promised part of the itinerary. The same applies to sperm whales, fin whales, migrating dolphins, jellyfish, and marine birds. These species are possible sightings in the surrounding waters, not fixed stops.

Some outings see only a few distant dolphins. If your main goal is a guaranteed close view, this may feel underwhelming. I would book it only if you are comfortable treating every sighting as a bonus and the time on the sea as part of the experience.

What the no chase policy really means

The central idea is simple: the boat does not pursue whales or dolphins. It watches from a respectful distance and allows the animals to decide whether to approach.

That choice affects the whole trip. A more aggressive boat might try to reach a pod quickly, follow it for longer, or maneuver repeatedly for a better angle. The Bahriyeli’s approach can mean fewer close views, but it also reduces the feeling that the animals are being pressured for entertainment.

The tour works with Sea Shepherd UK, also identified as Neptunes Pirates UK, and part of the ticket cost goes toward marine life conservation. That gives the price a little more weight than a basic harbor cruise. You are paying for a boat, crew, and wildlife search, while also supporting the tour’s stated ocean protection work.

Still, do not confuse an eco-friendly policy with a guaranteed quiet boat. One account describes loud passengers making it hard to enjoy the trip, and another notes that people were standing when seating became difficult. The conservation message is a real strength, but the atmosphere can vary with the group on board.

Comfort, weather, and sea sickness

The sea off Tenerife can shift from warm sunshine to cold wind and spray. Wear layers and prepare for several conditions at once. A sunny morning does not mean the upper deck will feel warm once the boat is moving.

The large salon gives you a place to get out of the elements. Toilets are onboard, and drinks may be available at the bar, though they are not included in the fare. These are small details, but they matter on a two-hour outing.

Sea sickness is another practical concern. One person became unwell but was looked after by the crew, and the two-hour length was considered manageable. If you are prone to motion sickness, the shorter format may be easier than a longer cruise, but the experience still depends on sea conditions.

The tour requires good weather. If rough conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Is $30.23 good value?

At $30.23 per person, this is one of the more affordable ways to get offshore around Tenerife. The value is strongest when you see several species, enjoy calm conditions, and make use of the crew’s explanations.

You receive the boat tour and professional guide, but not food, drinks, or souvenir photos. The price does not buy a private outing, and the maximum group size of 136 means you should not expect an intimate wildlife expedition.

I still think the fare is fair for a two-hour trip, especially because the boat is a substantial gulet rather than a bare-bones craft and the conservation work is part of the experience. The value drops if you want close-up photography or guaranteed animal activity. You are paying for a respectful opportunity to find wild creatures, not an aquatic show.

Who will enjoy this two-hour cruise?

I would recommend the Bahriyeli to you if you want:

• A short boat trip from Los Cristianos
• A more traditional sailing boat rather than a fast, purely functional craft
• A wildlife outing built around not chasing animals
• A chance to see Tenerife’s coast and Mount Teide from offshore
• A family-friendly activity with toilets, a salon, and a bar
• An affordable introduction to whale and dolphin watching

You may want another type of outing if your priority is getting very close to dolphins, taking professional photographs, or spending most of the time actively following pods. One piece of feedback specifically suggested kayaking for a closer experience, while also calling this boat trip the better choice for a conventional cruise with a strong ethical approach.

Pets and service animals are allowed onboard, and the tour is near public transport. The information says most people can participate, though anyone worried about motion sickness should plan carefully.

Booking and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided at booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded.

Because weather affects the activity, keep your schedule slightly flexible. If the operator cancels for poor conditions or because the minimum number is not met, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Bahriyeli?

Book this tour if you want a reasonably priced, two-hour wildlife cruise with a clear ethical position. The best moments come when dolphins approach by choice or a pod of pilot whales surfaces near the boat. The gulet, the views of Teide, the onboard salon, and the conservation link all add value.

Skip it if you need guaranteed close encounters or constant commentary. Wild animals may remain distant, the boat can feel crowded, and some trips include long stretches of open water with little activity.

For most people, the deciding question is not Will I see a whale nose-to-nose? It is Am I happy to watch wildlife on its terms? If your answer is yes, the Bahriyeli offers a responsible and affordable way to spend two hours off Tenerife.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour start?

The tour starts at the Los Cristianos meeting point listed as 27XJ+JG Los Cristianos, Spain.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the Bahriyeli tour?

The sail lasts approximately two hours.

What kind of boat is used?

The Bahriyeli is a 23-meter, two-mast Turkish Gulet sailing boat.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include resident pilot whales, dolphins, sperm whales, fin whales, turtles, jellyfish, and marine birds. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Does the boat chase whales or dolphins?

No. The tour follows a strict no chase policy and watches marine life in its natural environment.

Is a guide included?

Yes. A professional guide and boat tour are included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included unless specifically stated. Drinks may be available from the onboard bar.

Are toilets available on the boat?

Yes. Toilets are available onboard, along with a large salon where you can get away from wind and spray.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. If bad weather or insufficient numbers cause the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.