3h Whale Watching Private tour Beneteau Oceanis 440

The best part of this outing is the chance to watch pilot whales in their home waters while sailing south from Puerto Colón under full sail. You are not packed onto a large excursion boat. Your private group, up to 11 people, gets the Oceanis 44 and a quieter way to meet Tenerife’s Atlantic coast.

I like the combination of open-water wildlife watching and a proper sailing trip. I also like the generous spread of Canarian snacks and cold drinks, which turns a short cruise into a relaxed half-day treat. The main consideration is simple: three hours is not long, so wildlife sightings depend on nature, and the boat cannot promise whales, dolphins or turtles on every departure.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife target: The boat has authorization for whale watching in southern Tenerife, where resident pilot whales live.
• You get a private boat for up to 11 people: The $623 price applies to the whole group, not each person individually.
• Puerto Colón is the meeting point: Go to Gate 5, with the activity returning there after the cruise.
• The route includes a Los Cristianos swim stop: Snorkeling equipment is available, and food tasting is part of the stop.
• Pickup is available in nearby resorts: The free van serves up to eight people from Costa Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Palm Mar and Los Cristianos.
• The boat is built for comfort: There is shade, indoor seating, cabins, bathrooms, a kitchen, solar panels and plenty of water storage.

Setting sail from Puerto Colón

You meet at Puerto Colón, in the south of Tenerife, at Gate 5. The marina is the starting and ending point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup after the cruise.

The boat is a Beneteau Oceanis 44, a substantial sailing yacht with room for a private group of up to 11. The published details also describe the boat as roughly 12 to 14 meters long. That is large enough to feel steady and comfortable, while still giving you the character of a sailing boat rather than a floating sightseeing platform.

The plan is to leave the harbor under full sail and head toward the Atlantic. That matters because the journey itself is part of the outing. You are not simply being carried to a wildlife viewing point. You can feel the boat work with the wind and watch Tenerife’s volcanic shoreline recede as the yacht moves into open water.

Sailing conditions are naturally less predictable than a motorboat schedule. The route may feel calm and gentle, or you may notice more movement once the boat reaches deeper water. If you are prone to seasickness, take that into account before booking and choose a seat where you feel most comfortable.

The 45-minute run along Costa Adeje

The first main stretch lasts about 45 minutes and follows the Costa Adeje area. This gives you time to settle in, look back at the coast and get used to the boat before the wildlife search begins.

The yacht has a roof that provides shade, which is especially useful in Tenerife’s strong sun. You can spend time outside for the views, then retreat under cover when the glare becomes tiring. The large living area has a table for eight and two sofas, while the outside table and awning offer a more social place to eat.

The onboard layout is more generous than you might expect on a three-hour trip. The cabins have storage, and the aft cabins connect directly to bathrooms with showers and hot water. You are unlikely to need the cabins during such a short excursion, but their presence tells you that this is a yacht designed for longer stays at sea, not just a basic day boat.

The kitchen includes three burners, two sinks, an oven and two refrigerators. You will not be preparing your own meal, but the facilities help explain how the crew can serve a proper selection of snacks and keep drinks cold throughout the trip.

Looking for pilot whales, dolphins and turtles

The wildlife stop is scheduled for about 20 minutes at a secret location offshore. The goal is to find local marine life, particularly pilot whales, along with dolphins and turtles.

Pilot whales are the key attraction here. These animals live in Canarian waters, and the yacht is authorized for whale watching in southern Tenerife. That authorization is important because responsible wildlife trips should operate within the local rules and avoid treating animals as a guaranteed stage show.

Still, no responsible operator can promise a sighting on a particular three-hour departure. The crew will search for marine life, but the animals decide where they go. You should book this for the chance to see wildlife, not as a guaranteed whale encounter.

The short wildlife stop also shapes your expectations. Twenty minutes may be enough for a good sighting if the animals are nearby, but it is not an extended research-style watch. Keep your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the whole time staring through a screen. The best moment could be brief.

Dolphins and turtles are possible targets as well. The information does not specify particular dolphin species or the likelihood of seeing turtles, so I would treat both as welcome additions rather than the main reason to reserve. The pilot whales are the most clearly defined wildlife focus.

A yacht made for comfort, not just viewing

The Oceanis 44 gives this trip a different feel from a standard group cruise. You have indoor and outdoor seating, shaded areas, storage and bathrooms, all within a private setting. That makes a difference when you are spending time on open water with family or friends.

The boat carries an outboard raft and has solar panels for energy independence. It also has 900 liters of water autonomy. Those details are not headline attractions, but they show that the boat is properly equipped for time away from the marina.

You should not read this as a luxury hotel at sea. It is still a working sailing boat, and space outdoors can feel limited when everyone gathers on deck. The private format helps because your group is not sharing the boat with a large crowd.

The private booking is especially useful for groups with different ideas of a good afternoon. Some people can sit in the shade, others can watch for whales, and others can prepare for the swim stop without negotiating with strangers. At $623 for up to 11 people, the cost becomes more reasonable as your group fills the boat. For 11 people, it works out to about $57 per person. For two people, it is a much more expensive outing.

The Los Cristianos stop and time in the water

After the wildlife search, the route includes a stop near Los Cristianos. This section lasts about 30 minutes and combines a break, snorkeling and food tasting.

Snorkeling equipment is available, so you do not need to bring your own gear. The supplied information does not describe the exact swimming location, water depth or what marine life you may see there. Treat it as a chance to cool off and enjoy the sea, rather than a dedicated snorkeling safari.

Bring a towel and a sun hat. Those are the two items specifically recommended, and both are practical. You may also want to wear swimwear beneath your clothes, since the schedule moves from sailing to wildlife watching and then into the water.

The swim stop is also when the food comes into its own. This is not limited to a packet of crisps. The spread includes various cheeses, local salami, jams, olives, tomatoes, hummus, nachos, Canarian mojo sauce, breads, fresh items and nuts.

That selection gives you a small taste of local flavors without turning the trip into a formal meal. Mojo sauce is a particularly useful touch, since it is one of the Canary Islands’ best-known table sauces. The food is better understood as generous grazing food than a full lunch, so consider eating beforehand if you need a substantial meal.

Drinks include cava, white wine, beer, cola, Sprite, Fanta and water. The alcohol is included, but you should pace yourself. Sailing, sun and alcohol can combine quickly, especially before the swim stop. Water is available, and it should be your main drink during the day.

Returning to Puerto Colón

The final part of the tour brings you back to Puerto Colón. The full activity lasts three hours, although the exact starting time depends on availability when you book.

One useful detail is that the tour has included a sunset on at least one departure. You should not assume every sailing is timed for sunset, since departure times vary, but a later outing could offer warm evening light along the coast.

Because the tour begins and ends at the same marina, it is easy to fit into a day in Costa Adeje or nearby. You can plan a beach morning before the cruise or dinner afterward without dealing with a distant return point.

The free pickup van is another practical advantage if you are staying nearby. Pickup is available from Costa Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Palm Mar and Los Cristianos, with space for a maximum of eight people. That limit matters: a private group of 11 cannot all use the van together unless separate arrangements are confirmed. The advertised meeting point remains Puerto Colón Gate 5.

Food, language and the private-group feel

The tour is offered in Italian, Spanish and English. That gives mixed-language groups a fair chance of following the safety instructions and wildlife explanation without needing one person to translate everything.

The private format is the strongest reason to choose this boat over a cheaper shared cruise. You can shape the mood of the afternoon around your own group. Families may appreciate the space and the swim break, while couples or friends can enjoy a more personal day on the water.

The private setup does not guarantee silence or a personal guide for every minute. The crew still needs to handle the boat, look for wildlife and manage the stops. But the group size gives the trip a more relaxed feel than a large excursion vessel.

One earlier outing was described as relaxed, with pilot whales followed by a swim and a beautiful sunset. That is a useful picture of the experience at its best: wildlife first, then time in the water, with the sailing itself tying the afternoon together. The guide was also praised as a top guide, though no guide name is provided, so you should not expect to request a particular person.

Price, cancellation and who gets the best value

The price is $623 per private group of up to 11 people. This is not a budget whale-watching trip for solo visitors, but it can be good value for a full group.

At maximum capacity, the cost is about $57 per person. That covers the private yacht, a three-hour sailing route, the wildlife search, snorkeling equipment, food, cold drinks and the return to Puerto Colón. Pickup is also free from the listed nearby areas, though the van holds no more than eight people.

For a couple, the same price becomes a major splurge. If you are traveling alone or with one companion, a shared boat may make more financial sense, even if it lacks the privacy and comfort of this outing.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your Tenerife schedule is still changing. Check the available start times before booking, particularly if you want to coordinate the cruise with dinner, a hotel transfer or sunset.

Is this sailing trip right for you?

I would choose this outing if you have a group of friends or family and want more than a quick wildlife ride. The private yacht, shaded seating, local snacks and swimming stop create a well-rounded afternoon rather than a single-purpose whale search.

It is also a good fit if you value sailing itself. The boat leaves under full sail, and the route gives you time to enjoy the coast and the Atlantic. If you only care about seeing whales and want the longest possible viewing time, the three-hour format may feel brief.

Families should consider the private setup, the bathroom facilities and the chance to get into the water. Couples should weigh the high total price against the privacy. Groups staying in Costa Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Palm Mar or Los Cristianos can also benefit from the included pickup, provided the van capacity works for them.

My main advice is to reserve with the right mindset. Expect a comfortable sailing trip with a real chance of seeing pilot whales, dolphins or turtles. Do not treat it as a guaranteed wildlife performance. Bring your hat and towel, protect yourself from the sun, and let the boat, coast, food and open water share the attention.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón, at Gate 5. It also ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The sailing trip lasts three hours. Starting times depend on availability when you book.

How much does the private tour cost?

The price is $623 for a private group of up to 11 people.

What wildlife might I see?

The crew looks for pilot whales, dolphins and turtles in the waters south of Tenerife. Pilot whales are the main wildlife focus.

Is the boat authorized for whale watching?

Yes. The Beneteau Oceanis 44 has authorization for whale watching in southern Tenerife.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available for the stop near Los Cristianos.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. Local snacks and cold drinks are included. The selection includes cheeses, local salami, jams, olives, tomatoes, hummus, nachos, Canarian mojo sauce, breads, fresh items and nuts. Drinks include cava, white wine, beer, soft drinks and water.

Is hotel pickup available?

Free van pickup is available from Costa Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Palm Mar and Los Cristianos. The van can carry a maximum of eight people.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat and a towel.

What languages are offered?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.