Tenerife: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour by Sailboat

The sea is the real star here. This three-hour cruise from Puerto Colón follows Tenerife’s southern coast in search of dolphins, pilot whales, and other marine life in open Atlantic waters. I like the small-group feel and the calm, friendly crews, especially when guides such as Raul, Félix, Alejandro, and Ismael take time to explain animal behavior. I also like that swimming, snacks, drinks, and a meal are included.

The main catch is the name: you may not actually sail. Several departures use a motor-powered catamaran or yacht, and one recent passenger expected a sailing boat but found the engine running throughout. Sightings are never guaranteed, and lunch can be as simple as a basic ham and cheese sandwich, so bring the right expectations.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours from Puerto Colón: The cruise stays along Costa Adeje and the southern Tenerife coast, with time for wildlife watching and a swim stop.
• Small groups can make a real difference: Some departures have had only seven people, while others carried around 12 to 14, giving the trip a quieter feel than a large excursion boat.
• Pilot whales are a strong possibility: Guests have seen families of pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, tuna, and other marine life, though no sighting can be promised.
• Swimming is part of the appeal: The boat may stop near a private beach or sheltered bay for swimming and snorkelling in clear Atlantic water.
• Food is included, but keep it modest: Drinks, snacks, and a meal come with the price, but the meal may be a simple sandwich.
• The boat may use its engine: Book this for the wildlife and small-group atmosphere, not for a guaranteed traditional sailing experience.

Leaving Puerto Colón for Costa Adeje

You meet the guide at Puerto Colón, Dock 8, in the Costa Adeje area. The information supplied for this trip has caused some confusion about the exact meeting point within the port, so I would check the precise dock instructions after booking and arrive early enough to find the boat without a sprint along the marina.

The cruise lasts three hours from start to finish. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to Puerto Colón. Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses, and weather-appropriate clothing are the sensible basics.

The south coast of Tenerife usually offers broad views back toward the island, with the water giving you a fresh angle on Costa Adeje. The scenery is not just a backdrop while you hunt for animals. A boat lets you see the coast from offshore, away from roads, hotels, and beach traffic.

The vessel is described as a fully equipped sailboat or yacht, but the actual craft can vary. Some people have found a catamaran rather than a conventional sailboat, and the engine has been used instead of the sails. That is not a dealbreaker for most people, but it matters if the gentle quiet of sailing is the main reason you are booking.

Watching whales and dolphins in open water

The wildlife portion is the heart of the trip. The waters off Tenerife are home to up to 26 known cetacean species, including dolphins, pilot whales, baleen whales, killer whales, and blue whales. That is a list of species found in the wider area, not a promise that you will see every kind during three hours.

Pilot whales have been a particularly memorable sight on some outings. One family stayed near a boat for roughly an hour, turning a simple wildlife search into a sustained encounter. Another group saw a family with a young calf, which made the experience feel less like ticking an animal off a list and more like watching a real social group at work.

Dolphins have also appeared in large numbers on some departures. You might see them briefly, or you might get a longer look as they move near the boat. Turtles and tuna have been seen too, but they are additional possibilities rather than standard features.

The best part of this kind of outing is its uncertainty. You are not entering an aquarium with a scheduled show. You are looking across the sea, waiting for a fin, a back, or a blow. That can mean a thrilling hour with whales nearby, or a shorter dolphin sighting followed by a scenic ride and swim.

The crew helps make that waiting worthwhile. Guides have explained the reserve and marine fauna in both Spanish and English, and some have made an effort to translate for smaller English-speaking groups. The Blue Boat flag is also a useful sign that the operator is authorized to run marine wildlife activities and that the staff has training related to the animals and their behavior.

Please keep your expectations sensible. One departure saw many dolphins but no whales, while another group saw pilot whales for a long period. Nature sets the schedule here. The boat, guide, and weather all affect what you see.

Why a small boat improves the experience

Group size is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. One party of seven found the number just right, and other departures have carried about 12 to 14 people. That gives you more room to relax, hear the guide, and move around the deck than you would get on a large sightseeing boat.

A smaller group also makes the outing feel more personal. The crew can check on individual needs, explain sightings in two languages, and keep an eye on anyone feeling unwell. One guide repeatedly checked on a passenger with motion sickness and helped her stay comfortable.

That care matters because the Atlantic can be choppy. Even if you normally feel fine on ferries, whale watching involves time on open water, often while you are standing or watching the horizon. If you tend to get seasick, sit where you can see outside, stay hydrated, and tell the crew early. The staff has shown a willingness to help, but the supplied information does not state that medication is provided.

A small boat has a tradeoff. It can feel more exposed to wind and spray, and one person found the boat cold when the sun disappeared. Bring a light jacket even on a warm Tenerife day. The coast may be sunny while the boat ride feels cool.

The swim and snorkel stop

After time searching for marine life, the boat may head to a private beach or a sheltered coastal spot for swimming and snorkelling. The clear Atlantic water is a welcome change of pace after the wildlife watch, and several people have singled out the swim as a highlight.

This is not only a whale trip. You get a chance to cool off, look for local marine life, and enjoy the coast from water level. The timing of the stop can vary. One group had only a short period to snorkel because the crew spent longer at sea looking for whales. That is a reasonable choice when animals are nearby, but it means you should not treat the swim as a guaranteed long session.

Snorkel equipment is not included. Bring your own gear if you want to explore below the surface, or confirm what options are available before you go. The boat does include a shower, which is handy after saltwater swimming.

You should also pack a towel unless your booking instructions say otherwise. A towel is not listed among the included items, and arriving without one after a swim is an avoidable nuisance.

Food, drinks, and the onboard mood

The $69 price includes free drinks, snacks, and a meal. On the right day, this adds real value: you can spend three hours at sea without buying extra refreshments, while the crew creates an easygoing setting with music and time to sit in the sun.

The food is basic rather than a major meal. Sandwiches have been served, and one person found the offering less generous than expected. If you are vegetarian, ask when booking because ham and cheese sandwiches may be the standard option. The supplied information does not promise a broad choice of special diets.

Drinks have also varied in how they were experienced. Most descriptions point to drinks being available, but one older account felt they were not supplied for the full duration. I would treat the included refreshments as a useful bonus, not the reason to book.

The atmosphere earns more consistent praise. A glass of wine, a beer, music, sunshine, and a quiet ride can be just as enjoyable as a wildlife sighting. That is especially true when the sea is calm and the group is small.

The crew and bilingual guiding

The people on board shape this experience more than the menu does. Captains and guides have been described as professional, funny, welcoming, safe, and caring. Names that have received particular praise include Raul, Félix, Alejandro, Ismael, Danny, Paco, and captain teams whose personal style can vary by departure.

Félix was praised for explaining the marine reserve and for helping create a close encounter with around 20 whales and a dolphin sighting. Alejandro and Ismael made a special effort to translate the full tour for an English-speaking family. Raul was singled out for making the trip welcoming and accommodating.

The formal guide languages are Spanish and English. You should not assume German or another language will be available, although a crew member once explained parts of the outing in German for a child. The consistent point is that the guides try to communicate clearly and share what they know about the animals rather than simply pointing at them.

That educational side gives the trip more purpose. You learn to see a pod as a family group, notice the way pilot whales move together, and understand why keeping distance from marine animals matters. The crew’s conduct also supports the idea of wildlife watching rather than chasing.

What the $69 price really buys you

At $69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. But the price includes three hours, a small-group setting on some departures, a guide, drinks, snacks, a meal, a swimming stop, and an onboard shower.

The value is strongest if you care about personal space and a quieter atmosphere. A large boat may offer a lower price, but you may spend more time looking over other people’s heads and less time speaking with the guide. Here, the smaller format can make the wildlife encounter feel more direct.

The value is weaker if you are mainly paying for a traditional sailing trip or a substantial lunch. The engine may run throughout, and the meal may be a basic sandwich. You are paying primarily for access to the coast and wildlife, not for a polished restaurant meal or a guaranteed sail under canvas.

The rating of 4.7 from 228 reviews reflects a strong overall record, but the four-star experiences are useful too. They point to the same practical issues: unclear meeting-point directions, motor use instead of sailing, simple lunch, and occasional equipment problems such as a toilet fault.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less risky if your schedule is still taking shape. You still need to check availability and starting times for your chosen date.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this outing for families, couples, and anyone who prefers a personal boat trip over a large organized cruise. It suits people who enjoy being outdoors, can handle some movement at sea, and see value in a guide who explains the marine environment.

Families should appreciate the gentle mix of wildlife, snacks, and swimming. The activity is described as suitable for all ages, and the crew has taken extra care with children and people worried about seasickness.

It is also a good fit for nature-minded visitors who do not need a guaranteed photo opportunity. The reward is the chance to watch animals in their own setting, with the possibility of a long pilot whale encounter or a lively dolphin sighting.

I would be more cautious if you need a fully predictable schedule, a long snorkelling session, a substantial lunch, or a true sailboat ride. You should also check the boat and access arrangements if someone in your party uses a wheelchair. The activity is described as wheelchair accessible, but non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed, so the specific boat setup matters.

Practical tips for a smoother three hours

• Confirm the exact meeting point at Puerto Colón, Dock 8, before the day of departure.
• Bring a jacket. Wind and cloud can make the boat feel cold even in Tenerife sunshine.
• Wear secure, comfortable shoes and pack swimwear, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring snorkel equipment if you want to use it, since it is not included.
• Ask about vegetarian food when booking.
• Leave large bags and luggage behind. Pets, non-folding wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.
• Tell the crew if you are prone to seasickness. The staff has shown care with passengers who feel ill.
• Think of whale and dolphin sightings as a possibility, not a guarantee.
• Book this for the marine setting and the crew, not only for the word sailboat.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón, Dock 8, in Costa Adeje on Tenerife’s south coast. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours. It includes whale and dolphin watching along the southern coast, marine life viewing, and a possible swimming or snorkelling stop.

What animals might I see?

The waters are known to contain up to 26 cetacean species, including dolphins, pilot whales, baleen whales, killer whales, and blue whales. Sightings are not guaranteed. Turtles and tuna have also been seen on some trips.

Is this always a sailing boat?

No. The boat may be a sailboat, yacht, or catamaran, and some departures use a motor engine rather than sailing. Confirm the vessel details if sailing itself is important to you.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Drinks, snacks, and a meal are included. The meal may be a basic sandwich, and vegetarian guests should ask about alternatives when booking.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and clothing suited to the weather. Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a small, friendly wildlife cruise with swimming included. The strongest reasons are the attentive guides, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat, and the relaxed atmosphere on a smaller vessel.

Do not book it solely because you expect a silent sail under canvas or a generous lunch. The engine may run, the food is simple, and wildlife remains unpredictable. With those points understood, $69 is a fair price for three hours on Tenerife’s south coast, especially if your ideal day includes open water, a cold drink, and the sudden appearance of a whale family beside the boat.