Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

Whales are often closer than you expect. This three-hour sailing trip from Puerto Colón combines pilot-whale and dolphin watching with a swim stop along Tenerife’s southern coast. I like the roomy 52-foot yacht, the small-group feel, and the crew’s care around the animals. I also like that sandwiches, fruit, and drinks are included, so you are not paying extra every time you want water or a snack.

The main drawback is the sea itself. Large waves can make the ride bumpy, and some people may feel seasick. The swim stop can also be brief if the crew spends extra time with whales, and dolphins are possible rather than promised.

At a glance

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife draw: Sightings can include mothers, calves, and whales swimming close to the yacht.
• The 52-foot sailing yacht keeps the mood calm: Small groups have room to move around, rather than being packed onto a large sightseeing boat.
• The crew gives the animals space: Captains have stopped the motor and waited for whales to choose how close they come.
• Swimming happens in a sheltered bay: You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard with a drink while enjoying the coast.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fresh fruit, sandwiches, water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and cava.
• The tour leaves from Puerto Colón: Find Pantalán, or dock, number zero near Miishi Restaurant and arrive 15 minutes early.

Leaving Puerto Colón on a 52-foot yacht

The meeting point is at Pantalán number zero in Puerto Colón, in the south of Tenerife. Look for Miishi Restaurant as a useful landmark. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure, since the boat is at a working marina and the crew needs time to organize boarding.

There are two port car parks, with parking reported at about €1 per hour. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the marina. That is not difficult if you are staying in the southern resort area, but it matters when you compare the total cost of the outing.

Once aboard, you receive a short briefing about the plan. The barefoot policy is part of the boat routine, except for health reasons, so wear shoes you can remove easily and keep your luggage small. Oversize bags are not allowed. I would bring only the basics: swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a phone in a secure waterproof pouch.

The yacht is 52 feet long, which gives the trip a more personal feel than a large catamaran cruise. The exact number of people can vary, but several outings have had only seven to ten passengers besides the crew. That is enough company to make the ride sociable, while still leaving space on deck.

Whale watching off Tenerife’s southern coast

The waters off southern Tenerife are known for regular marine life sightings, especially pilot whales. The crew points out areas where dolphins and whales are commonly found and explains what you are seeing as the boat moves along the coast.

Pilot whales are the stars of this trip. You might see small groups, mothers with young, or several whales surfacing in sequence. On one outing, the boat spent time with many pilot whales and the passengers lost count. On another, two whales came very close after the engine was switched off.

That engine-off moment matters. The best wildlife experience is not simply getting close. It is watching without chasing or cutting across the animals’ path. Captains such as Alex, Jesus, Mauricio, Yuri, and Marta have been praised for explaining the sea life and giving the whales room to decide how near they want to come.

You could also see bottlenose dolphins, other dolphin species, or a turtle. Some outings have included lots of dolphins and pilot whales. Others have produced one dolphin, several whales, or no dolphins at all. The trip takes place in the animals’ natural habitat, so sightings and numbers cannot be guaranteed.

I appreciate that the crew seems to treat the wildlife as the purpose of the outing, not as a moving target. The boat may slow down or stop instead of pursuing an animal. That can mean a quieter, less frantic experience, even if you do not get a dramatic close approach.

Bring sunglasses and a hat, since much of the viewing takes place in open sun. Keep your eyes moving across the water rather than staring at one fixed spot. A pilot whale can appear for only a moment, and the crew’s calls will help you look in the right direction.

Sailing along Tenerife’s coast

The coast is part of the experience, not just background scenery between wildlife sightings. From the yacht, you see Tenerife from sea level, with the southern shoreline changing as the boat moves away from Puerto Colón.

The sailing pace is slower and gentler than a fast motorboat. When there is enough wind, the crew may raise the sails, adding a quiet, classic sailing stretch to the outing. Several people have singled out this part as one of the most memorable moments.

Wind is not guaranteed. One family had a pleasant trip but found there was not enough wind to sail properly. The boat still went out and reached the wildlife areas, but you should understand the difference between a sailing excursion and a guaranteed sail under canvas. The yacht uses its engine when conditions require it.

The sea can also change the feel of the ride. Calm, clear water makes for an easy morning on deck. At other times, larger waves have made the boat noticeably bumpy, especially for children and anyone prone to motion sickness. A passenger with a normally seasick companion found that sitting near the front helped, but this is not a promise that the ride will be smooth.

If you are sensitive to motion, eat lightly before leaving and choose a place with a clear view of the horizon. Follow the crew’s advice about where to sit. The boat’s size helps, but it cannot cancel out ocean movement.

A quiet bay for swimming and snorkeling

Before returning to Puerto Colón, the captain drops anchor in a secluded bay. This is the change of pace that keeps the tour from feeling like three straight hours of scanning the sea.

You can swim, use the basic snorkeling equipment, or stay on deck and relax. The bay has been described as beautiful, with clear blue water and attractive scenery. If you prefer not to get in, you can enjoy the view, have a drink, and let the crew prepare the food.

The length of this stop can vary. If the boat spends a long time with whales, the swim may last only about ten minutes. On other trips, there has been enough time for a proper swim and a relaxed break. That tradeoff is worth understanding: wildlife sightings take priority, so the water stop is not fixed like a timed pool session.

Bring your own towel and swimsuit, as these are not supplied. Basic snorkeling gear is included, but you should not expect a full guided snorkeling tour. The main focus is whale and dolphin watching, with swimming added as a pleasant second act.

The barefoot rule is especially relevant here. You will remove your shoes on board, so a small bag and quick-drying swimwear are more practical than bulky beach gear.

Sandwiches, fruit, and drinks on deck

Food is included in the $88 price. You receive fresh fruit and sandwiches, with some passengers noting that sandwiches were prepared while the yacht was sailing and the crew had time to do so. Drinks include water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava.

That is a useful inclusion on a three-hour trip. You do not need to budget for a separate meal or keep checking the time to get back to shore for refreshments. The food also gives the trip a relaxed, social rhythm after the wildlife viewing.

Bring extra water if you tend to drink a lot in the sun. One passenger specifically suggested doing so, even though beverages are provided. Sunscreen, heat, and sea air can leave you thirstier than expected.

The snack service is not the reason to book this trip, but it improves the value. At $88 per person, you are paying for a small-group yacht outing, wildlife guiding, a coastal cruise, a swim stop, equipment, and refreshments in one package. That is a fair price if you want a more personal boat experience rather than the cheapest possible wildlife cruise.

One useful comparison comes from the group size. A trip with around ten passengers can feel close to a private charter, without the cost of hiring a yacht for your own party. The exact passenger count is not stated as fixed, so do not book expecting a private boat. Still, the format appears suited to people who dislike crowded excursions.

The crew makes the difference

The strongest part of this experience is the crew’s approach. Guides speak English, Spanish, French, and Italian, and several named skippers have received strong praise for their warmth and care.

Alex has been described as both attentive and deeply interested in the ocean. Jesus has been praised for helping everyone feel comfortable and for explaining the marine life. Mauricio has been singled out for professional service, while Marta, Yuri, and Monica have also been associated with friendly, informed outings.

I would not book based on a particular captain being guaranteed, since staff can change. But the repeated pattern is encouraging: the guides chat with people, answer questions, explain the animals, and pay attention to comfort on board.

The tone seems more personal than scripted. A guide may prepare sandwiches, recommend places to eat after the trip, or talk with you during the sailing sections. That suits you if you want a human-scale excursion instead of a loud, highly programmed cruise.

The animal care also deserves emphasis. Turning off the motor near whales and allowing them to approach at their own pace is the right approach. You are still close enough for a thrilling sighting, but the experience does not depend on forcing the encounter.

How the three hours usually feel

The timing has a natural flow:

• You meet at Puerto Colón, board the yacht, and receive a short briefing.
• The boat travels along the south coast toward areas where pilot whales and dolphins are often seen.
• The crew explains local marine life and watches for movement on the water.
• The yacht may sail if the wind is suitable, or use the engine when needed.
• The captain anchors in a sheltered bay for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing.
• Fruit, sandwiches, and drinks are served before the boat returns to the marina.

Do not treat every step as a fixed-length appointment. The wildlife section can run longer when animals are nearby, which may shorten the swim. Wind can also change the sailing portion. This flexibility is part of going to sea, but it means the outing will not feel as precisely timed as a bus tour.

Three hours is a good length for most people. It is long enough to reach the whale-watching area and stop for a swim, but short enough that you are not committed to a full day on the water. Families should consider the sea conditions carefully, especially if young children are prone to motion sickness.

What the $88 price really gets you

At $88 per person, this is not the lowest-cost way to get onto the water. Its value comes from the combination of a 52-foot yacht, a relatively small group, wildlife guiding, food, drinks, a swim stop, and snorkeling equipment.

You are also paying for a calmer style of trip. The yacht is not described as a party boat, and the atmosphere is often quiet and relaxed. If you want music, a large crowd, or a packed schedule of coastal landmarks, another cruise may suit you better.

The price works best for couples, families who value space, and small groups looking for an outing that feels more personal. It is also appealing if whale watching matters more to you than simply taking a boat ride. Seeing pilot whales is common on the reported outings, but nature still sets the rules.

Do remember the added practical costs. You arrange your own transport, and parking is separate. Hotel pickup is not included. These are small issues, but they can affect the final budget.

Who should book this yacht trip?

I would choose this excursion if you want three things in one morning or afternoon: marine wildlife, a proper sailing yacht, and time to swim. It is especially suitable for people who prefer smaller groups and a friendly crew.

It suits you if you enjoy unhurried observation. The captains may stop and wait rather than chase animals, and you may spend time simply watching the sea. It also works well for visitors who want a break from Tenerife’s resort streets and a view of the island from offshore.

Think carefully if you suffer badly from motion sickness. The yacht is comfortable, but some days are rough. The swim stop may also be short, and dolphins may not appear.

Pack light, arrive early, wear sunscreen, and keep your expectations realistic. If you do that, the outing offers a strong mix of wildlife, coast, food, and time on the water without taking over your whole day.

FAQ

How long is the sailing excursion?

The excursion lasts three hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

It leaves from Pantalán number zero at Puerto Colón in Tenerife. Miishi Restaurant is a useful landmark when searching for the meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to Puerto Colón.

What marine life might I see?

You might see pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are living in the wild.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The captain anchors in a secluded bay where you can swim, snorkel, or relax on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Basic snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

The crew provides fresh fruit, sandwiches, water, juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava.

What languages are spoken on the tour?

The live guide service is available in English, Spanish, French, and Italian.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and there is a barefoot policy on board except for health reasons.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a small-group whale-watching outing with a real yacht, a considerate crew, and a swim stop. The repeated sightings of pilot whales, the chance of dolphins and turtles, and the included food and drinks make the $88 price reasonable for the right kind of day.

Skip it if you need guaranteed dolphins, guaranteed sailing, a long swim, or perfectly calm water. For everyone else, this is a well-balanced way to spend three hours on Tenerife’s southern coast, with enough comfort and personal attention to feel far less ordinary than a crowded boat cruise.