Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

Pilot whales can make your day at sea. This three-hour sailing trip from Costa Adeje combines wildlife watching with a swim stop, snacks, and drinks aboard a small boat limited to 11 people. I like the relaxed scale and the chance to watch whales without the crowds of a large catamaran. I also like the care shown by captains such as Guy, Alex, and Maximilian, who are praised for their calm handling of the sea and respect for marine life.

The main caution is value. At about $78.44 per person, this is not Tenerife’s cheapest whale trip, and the wildlife cannot be guaranteed. Some departures have included pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles, while others have offered a shorter wildlife sighting and a modest sandwich rather than a full lunch.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the most reliable wildlife sighting: Dolphins and turtles appear sometimes, but pilot whales are the animals most often seen.
• The boat is small: With a maximum of 11 people, you get more room and a quieter feel than on the large excursion boats.
• Swimming is part of the plan: A stop is made for swimming and snorkeling, though the water can feel cold and the underwater life may be limited.
• The captain makes a big difference: Guy receives especially warm praise for his animal knowledge, hospitality, and attention to seasick passengers.
• Food is simple, drinks are generous: Expect a freshly made sandwich, light snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.
• Arrive early: Meet at Puerto Colón, gate number 2, at least 15 minutes before departure.

Setting out from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje

Your trip begins at Puerto Colón, pontoon 2, in Costa Adeje. The meeting point is easy to identify, but give yourself enough time to reach gate number 2 and be there 15 minutes before departure. The boat returns to the same place at the end.

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must arrange it at least 24 hours in advance. If you are coming on your own, you simply go directly to Puerto Colón. The port is near public transport.

The boat is described as a luxury sailing boat, but you should picture a comfortable, intimate craft rather than a huge yacht with a full restaurant and hotel-style service. The group limit of 11 is one of the strongest points. You are not packed shoulder to shoulder with dozens of people, and the captain can keep an eye on how everyone is doing.

One practical note: some trips sail, while others motor for much of the route. Wind and sea conditions decide how the boat moves. If you are booking because you want a pure sailing experience, keep your expectations flexible.

Searching Tenerife’s coast for pilot whales

The main purpose of the outing is to find whales and dolphins in their natural setting. The waters around southern Tenerife are known for regular sightings of short-finned pilot whales, and these are the animals you have the best chance of seeing on this trip.

Pilot whales often travel in family groups, and the most memorable sightings have involved several whales moving together, including adults with young. You might see them close to the boat, sometimes near enough to watch their backs and breathing without needing binoculars. On other days, the animals may remain farther away or appear only briefly.

The captain’s approach matters here. Guy is repeatedly praised for slowing down, turning off the engine, and allowing passengers to watch quietly rather than rushing after the animals. That is good practice, and it makes the sighting feel less like a chase. The best wildlife experience is not always the one with the closest photograph. A calm boat and respectful distance give you time to notice how the pod moves.

Dolphins are possible, but they are less certain. Some trips have seen dolphins swim close to the boat, while others have had no dolphin sighting at all. Sea turtles have also appeared, including reports of a mother and young turtle, but turtles are an occasional bonus rather than something to count on.

This is important when comparing the price with other boat trips. You are paying for a small-group setting, the captain’s time, refreshments, and the possibility of a good wildlife encounter. You are not buying a guaranteed three-hour show.

Captains who add personality to the trip

The strongest part of this experience may be the person at the helm. Guy receives the most praise, with several passengers describing him as warm, attentive, funny, and deeply interested in the sea. He has also been praised for speaking five languages and including everyone in the conversation.

Alex and Maximilian also receive positive comments for explaining the marine life and looking after people who felt seasick. That personal attention is valuable on a small boat. A captain who checks on you, offers practical help, and keeps the group informed can change the whole mood of the afternoon.

The level of explanation may vary. Some departures have included plenty of information about whales, turtles, sea conditions, and the coast. One less positive experience included only a few minutes of facts, with the captain spending much of the trip less involved with the group. If you want a full marine biology talk, this may not always meet that hope.

I would treat the guide as a major part of the experience, but not the only reason to book. The actual captain can vary, and the wildlife conditions can change from day to day.

Swimming and snorkeling near the end of the cruise

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for swimming. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you are invited to use it to see what is below the surface.

The swimming stop can be a refreshing change after time spent watching the horizon. Several people have described the swim as a highlight. Others skipped it because the water felt cold, or because the sea was windy and choppy.

Keep your expectations modest about snorkeling. This is not presented as a dedicated reef excursion, and the stop may be close to the coastline near Los Cristianos. One departure offered little to see underwater, while another included a pleasant snorkel before returning to port. Conditions, visibility, and location make a difference.

The supplied information says snorkeling equipment is included, but a few passengers said equipment was not offered or that they were told there was little to see. If snorkeling is central to your plans, ask the crew about the equipment and the swim stop when you board.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, but anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. Even when the water looks fairly calm from shore, a small boat can rise and fall noticeably on open water.

Champagne, sandwiches, and unlimited drinks

The food and drink service is a pleasant extra, though it is not a full meal. Included refreshments are a glass of Champagne, light snacks, a freshly made sandwich for lunch, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Some departures have served sparkling wine with strawberries, while other reports refer to Prosecco rather than Champagne.

The sandwich is usually the practical center of the food service. It has been described as fresh and tasty, but a few people found the food offering too small for the way the experience is presented. If you arrive hungry, do not assume you are getting a picnic spread. Think of it as a light lunch with drinks.

Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks add real value if you enjoy a drink on the water. Water and soft drinks are also useful for anyone who skips alcohol or feels unwell. A vegetarian option is available, but you need to request it when booking.

For the price, I would judge the food as a helpful inclusion rather than a major reason to choose the trip. The whale watching and small group are the main attractions. The sandwich and drinks make the three hours more comfortable.

How the $78.44 price compares with the experience

At roughly $78.44 per person, this sits toward the premium end of Tenerife boat trips. The cost makes more sense if you value a maximum of 11 passengers, a more peaceful boat, a captain who spends time with the group, and included drinks.

It is harder to justify if your priority is simply seeing a whale as cheaply as possible. Wildlife is unpredictable, and some departures have had only a short period of whale watching before cruising along the coast or spending time near the harbor. One trip ended around 20 minutes early, which would be disappointing at this price.

The strongest value comes on a good wildlife day. Seeing a family of pilot whales, perhaps with dolphins or turtles, followed by a swim and a relaxed drink on the way back can feel worth every penny. On a quiet day, you may feel you paid for a premium experience but received an ordinary coastal cruise with a small snack.

I would book this for the intimate setting and the quality of the captain, not for a guaranteed parade of animals. The rating of 4.5 from 511 ratings suggests a strong overall record, but the mixed comments about food, snorkeling, safety information, and trip length are worth taking seriously.

Safety, comfort, and seasickness

The boat is comfortable for small groups, with enough room for six adults and two children in one reported group and up to 11 people in total. The limited capacity helps, though space is still more restricted than on a large catamaran.

Sea conditions can change. Some people have found the boat peaceful and smooth, while others felt the movement strongly even when the sea did not appear especially rough. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion affects you least, tell the captain early, and consider taking your usual precautions before departure.

One passenger raised a concern about the lack of a formal safety briefing and not being offered life jackets. That does not prove the trip is unsafe, but it is a fair point. I would listen carefully to the crew’s instructions and ask where safety equipment is kept if the briefing is not clear.

Service animals are allowed, and the tour is offered in English. Most people can participate, but children need an accompanying adult.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most?

This tour suits you if you want a quiet, small-group outing rather than a crowded party boat. It works especially well for couples, families, and small groups who like wildlife but also want time to swim, eat, and sit back.

It is a good choice for people who appreciate a captain with personality. Guy is particularly well regarded for explaining the animals, respecting their space, and checking on anyone who feels ill. The personal service can make the trip feel more like a private charter than a standard excursion.

Families should like the mix of activities. A 10-year-old has reportedly enjoyed the experience, and the combination of whales, drinks, lunch, and a swim gives the outing several changes of pace.

I would be more cautious if you want a long snorkel session, a guaranteed dolphin sighting, a large lunch, or a fully narrated marine science cruise. I would also compare prices if you are mainly interested in a quick whale sighting.

Booking details that can save you trouble

Book at least 18 days ahead if your dates are fixed, since this experience often sells in advance. If you are traveling with friends or family, place everyone on one booking. The operator uses several boats, and separate bookings do not guarantee that you will be placed together.

You receive confirmation at booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you do not need a printed voucher. Pickup must be arranged at least 24 hours ahead within the 10-kilometer service area.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. Since the tour depends on good weather, a weather cancellation brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. If you need vegetarian food, mention it when booking. Souvenir photos are not included, but they may be available to buy.

Should you book the Tenerife whale and dolphin cruise?

I would book it if you want small-group whale watching with a swim and drinks, and you are comfortable paying more for a quieter boat. The best departures sound genuinely special, especially when pilot whales travel beside the boat and the captain gives them space.

I would skip it if your budget is tight or if you need a full meal, guaranteed dolphins, or a long snorkeling session. For the best chance of enjoying the trip, choose a day with a favorable forecast, arrive early at gate number 2, and remember that the whales are wild animals, not scheduled performers.

FAQ

How long does the whale and dolphin trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours, though one reported departure ended about 20 minutes early.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, pontoon 2, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. The trip ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must contact the operator at least 24 hours before departure to arrange it.

How early should I arrive?

You should be at gate number 2 at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. The package includes a glass of Champagne, light refreshments, a freshly made sandwich, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included. The trip also has a swimming stop, although the exact conditions and underwater visibility can vary.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.