3h Whale Watching Share Tour Beneteau Oceanis 440

The best part of this outing is the boat itself. Madoudou is a roomy Beneteau Oceanis 440, not a packed sightseeing vessel, so you get three hours of open-air sailing, whale watching, and coast views with a maximum of 11 people. The main wildlife target is the pilot whales living in the waters south of Tenerife, with dolphins also possible.

I like the small group size and the fact that food, cold drinks, and snorkeling gear are included. I also like the slower pace of sailing on a proper cruising yacht, which gives the trip a calmer feel than a short motorboat run. The main consideration is communication: Captain Max speaks Spanish, English, and Italian, but English explanations may be limited during the trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Maximum 11 people: The low passenger limit gives you more room on deck and avoids the packed feel of a large whale-watching boat.
• Captain Max and Madoudou: You sail aboard a 13.76-meter Beneteau Oceanis 440 from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje.
• Pilot whales are the main sighting: The boat has official authorization for cetacean watching in southern Tenerife.
• A 30-minute break is included: Expect time for snacks, cold drinks, and optional snorkeling at a quiet stop.
• Three hours on the water: One hour is set aside for wildlife watching, with sailing before and after.
• Bring your own hat and towel: Food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are included, but these two useful items are not.

Setting sail from Puerto Colón

You meet at Gate 5 in Puerto Colón, the marina in Costa Adeje on Tenerife’s south coast. The outing ends back at the same meeting point, which makes it simple to fit into a day around the resort area.

Puerto Colón is a practical starting point for this kind of trip. The boat heads directly toward the open waters south of Tenerife, where pilot whales live year-round in the Canary Islands. You are not being taken to a distant island or asked to spend most of the day in transit. The three-hour format keeps the experience focused.

That short duration is useful if you want to add whale watching to a wider Tenerife schedule. You can take a morning or afternoon sailing, depending on the available departure time, then return to Costa Adeje with much of the day still free.

The group limit matters here. With no more than 11 people, you should have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit or stand when wildlife appears. It also means fewer people competing for the same view. Still, this is a shared excursion, not a private charter, so the boat will have other passengers aboard.

What the Beneteau Oceanis 440 adds

Madoudou is a 13.76-meter Beneteau Oceanis 440, a sailing yacht designed for comfortable trips on open water. It has spacious cabins, storage areas, an indoor living room, an outside table, and an awning.

You probably will not use every cabin feature during a three-hour excursion, but the boat’s layout tells you what sort of ride to expect. This is a cruising yacht with room to move around, rather than a basic open boat built only for speed. The aft cabins have access to bathrooms with showers and hot water, and the interior includes two sofas and a table for eight.

The galley has three burners, two sinks, an oven, and two refrigerators. Solar panels provide power, and the boat carries 900 liters of water. These details may sound more relevant to a multi-day sailing trip, but they help explain why the yacht can offer a comfortable break, snacks, and drinks during a short trip.

The outdoor table and awning are especially useful. Tenerife’s south coast can be sunny, and a covered space gives you a break from direct sun while you eat. You should still bring a sun hat because one is not supplied.

The boat is equipped for deeper-water navigation, but comfort does not guarantee calm seas. Conditions in the Atlantic can change, and a sailing trip may feel more active than a land-based excursion. If you are prone to seasickness, keep that in mind before booking.

Sailing along Tenerife’s volcanic coast

The first part of the trip is sailing through the waters around Tenerife. The boat offers a close view of the island’s wave-worn volcanic coast, with the sea doing much of the work as entertainment.

I like this portion because it gives the trip a proper sailing identity. You are not simply being transported to a wildlife viewing area. The movement of the yacht, the wind, and the open Atlantic are part of the experience.

The pace also creates a useful pause from Costa Adeje’s busy resort setting. Once you are on the water, the focus shifts to the coast and the sea. The itinerary does not promise a long lecture or a formal coastal tour, so you should book this for the feel of being on a sailboat as much as for the wildlife.

Captain Max is the person guiding the outing. Spanish, English, and Italian are listed as the working languages. You should set your expectations carefully: English communication may be brief, with the captain pointing out animals rather than giving a detailed natural-history talk. If you want a highly narrated wildlife lesson, this may feel too quiet. If you prefer a peaceful ride with simple guidance, that same quiet style may suit you.

One hour searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife section lasts about one hour. Madoudou is authorized for cetacean watching in southern Tenerife, and the main animal you may see is the pilot whale.

Pilot whales are a regular part of the Canary Islands’ marine life, but no responsible whale-watching trip can promise a sighting. Animals move freely, and conditions affect what the crew can find. You may also see dolphins during this part of the trip.

The boat’s sailing approach can make the search feel more relaxed. You have time to scan the sea, watch for movement, and enjoy the wider setting instead of rushing from one spot to another. On the other hand, a sailboat may not cover the water as quickly as a fast motor vessel. That is the tradeoff: calmer sailing and a smaller group, but possibly less range during the wildlife search.

Bring patience. A pilot whale sighting may be brief, and several people may need to share the best viewing side of the boat. The small passenger limit helps, but you should not expect a private view every time an animal surfaces.

If the guide gives only a short indication of where to look, keep your eyes on the water and watch the reactions of people around you. The experience is more about being present on the sea than receiving a constant stream of commentary.

The 30-minute secret stop

After the wildlife search, the boat makes a stop described simply as a secret stop. The break lasts around 30 minutes and includes time for food, drinks, and snorkeling.

The phrase secret stop does not provide a precise location, so you should not plan around a particular beach or cove. What you can count on is a pause in the schedule. That break gives you a chance to sit down, eat, and enjoy the boat without staring into the distance for the next animal sighting.

Snacks and cold drinks are included. The food is described as simple sandwiches rather than a full meal, so think of this as a light brunch or refreshment stop. If you need a substantial lunch, eat before departure or plan another meal after returning to Puerto Colón.

Snorkeling equipment is available, which adds variety to the trip. You can use the break to get in the water if conditions and the stop allow it. A towel is not included, so bring one if you plan to snorkel. The supplied information does not specify the exact snorkeling location, water temperature, or how long you may remain in the water, so do not book this as a dedicated snorkeling tour.

The break is also a practical benefit for anyone who wants a little less motion. Sitting at anchor or taking time around the boat can be more comfortable than spending all three hours underway.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

The price includes whale watching, sailing, snorkeling equipment, food, and drinks. That makes the $63 per-person cost reasonably easy to assess: you are paying for three hours on a well-equipped sailing yacht, a small shared group, wildlife viewing, and refreshments rather than for transport alone.

The value is strongest if you want the full mix. If you only care about seeing whales, a larger motorboat may offer a different style of trip, possibly with more room to search quickly. If you care about the sailing itself, the included snacks and water activity make the price more appealing.

Pack lightly but usefully:

• Sun hat, since it is not included
• Towel, especially if you plan to snorkel
• Comfortable clothing for sitting and moving around the boat
• Any personal items you need for three hours on the water

Food is included, but the available details point to ordinary sandwiches and soft drinks, not a formal meal. You should also remember that the boat’s kitchen facilities do not mean you can order a full menu during the excursion.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This outing suits you if you want a calm, small-group sailing trip with a chance to see marine life. Couples, friends, and families who prefer a slower boat ride may like the setting and the limited passenger count.

It also works well for people staying in Costa Adeje who want a three-hour activity rather than a full-day tour. The return to Puerto Colón keeps the logistics simple, and the included food means you do not need to arrange refreshments during the outing.

You may want a different experience if you need constant guide commentary. Captain Max may point out dolphins and whales without offering much introduction, and English explanations may be limited. That is the clearest weakness to consider.

This is also not the best choice if your main goal is a long snorkeling session. Snorkeling is part of a 30-minute break, while the heart of the trip is sailing and cetacean watching.

Booking details that matter

The listed price is $63 per person. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is still changing. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

The activity lasts three hours, but the exact starting time depends on availability. Check the departure options before booking, especially if you have another excursion, airport transfer, or dinner reservation planned.

You meet at Gate 5 in Puerto Colón, and you return there at the end. The activity is available in Spanish, English, and Italian. Since the boat carries a maximum of 11 people, popular departure times may have limited space.

Should you book Madoudou?

Book this trip if you want sailing first, wildlife watching second, with a small group and a short snorkeling break. The Beneteau Oceanis 440 gives you a more comfortable setting than a basic boat, and the included snacks, drinks, and equipment keep the outing easy.

Think twice if you want a fast vessel, a detailed English narration, or a guaranteed close look at whales. Sightings depend on nature, and the guide’s commentary may be minimal.

For a relaxed half-day on Tenerife’s Atlantic waters, the combination is appealing: a proper sailing yacht, pilot whales as the main target, possible dolphins, and time to stop for food and snorkeling. Bring a hat and towel, keep your expectations realistic, and you will know exactly what kind of trip you are booking.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching trip start?

The meeting point is Gate 5 at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

Where does the activity finish?

The trip ends back at the meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long is the excursion?

The activity lasts three hours.

How many people can join the shared tour?

The maximum group size is 11 people.

What boat is used?

The excursion uses Madoudou, a 13.76-meter Beneteau Oceanis 440 sailing yacht.

Which animals might I see?

The main wildlife target is the pilot whale. Dolphins and other marine life may also be seen.

How long is the whale-watching portion?

The marine-life viewing and whale-watching section lasts about one hour.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the itinerary allows about 30 minutes for a break with snorkeling.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Food and cold drinks are included. The food may consist of simple sandwiches and soft drinks.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat and a towel, since neither is included. The trip is available in Spanish, English, and Italian, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.