Luxury Opera 60 Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is the combination of wildlife watching and a proper swim stop. You leave Puerto Colón on the 60-foot Opera 60, search the coast for whales, dolphins, and turtles, then anchor in a bay for snorkeling, food, and time in the water.

I like the generous space on board, especially for a boat trip limited to 15 people. I also like that the price includes snorkeling gear, food, snacks, and drinks rather than leaving you to pay for every small extra. The main consideration is the wildlife: sightings are never guaranteed, and one poor report also describes weak service, lukewarm food, and an early return.

Key points to know before booking

• A 60-foot luxury RIB: Opera 60 is almost 20 meters long, with two Volvo Penta engines producing 740 horsepower.
• Small group by boat-trip standards: The maximum is 15 people, giving you more room to sit, move, and watch the sea.
• Wildlife and swimming in one outing: The three-hour trip combines whale and dolphin watching with a bay stop for swimming and snorkeling.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect snacks and onboard refreshments, with several reports of prosecco, beer, wine, soft drinks, and a warm meal.
• Comfort matters here: There are sunbeds, several seating areas, two tables, a toilet, speakers, and showers for after swimming.
• Book with realistic expectations: You may see pilot whales, dolphins, or turtles, but no marine wildlife sighting can be promised.

Leaving Puerto Colón on the Opera 60

You meet at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, one of Tenerife’s main pleasure-boat harbors. The tour returns to the same place after roughly three hours, so you can plan a meal, beach time, or another activity nearby without arranging a second pickup.

Opera 60 is not a small fishing boat with a few seats bolted to the deck. It is a large rigid inflatable boat, meaning it has a solid hull with inflatable side defenses. The boat measures 60 feet, or almost 20 meters, and is powered by two 740-horsepower Volvo Penta engines.

The size gives you a useful mix of speed and room. You can move around to find a good viewing angle, sit at one of the tables, stretch out on a sunbed, or stay in a more shaded seating area if the sun becomes too strong. The boat also has a toilet, which is a small but important comfort during a three-hour outing.

The boat is decorated in a polished, elegant style, with quality speakers and several areas for sitting. That makes the trip feel more like a small private cruise than a basic sightseeing run. Still, one report found the exterior looking worn, so you should not book this solely for showroom-perfect looks.

The first search for whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion begins after leaving the harbor. The crew watches the water and points out what appears around the boat, with common targets including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.

Several detailed accounts describe sightings of pilot whales and dolphin groups, while turtles were also seen on some outings. One group saw a large family of whales, and another saw dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles in the same trip. Those are excellent possibilities, but they remain possibilities. Another outing saw whales but no dolphins, and one account described seeing dolphins and almost a whale.

That uncertainty is part of any wild animal trip. You are not visiting an aquarium, and the sea does not follow a schedule. Go because you enjoy being on the water and have a chance to see marine life, not because you require a particular species.

The crew’s approach to the animals is another important point. Reports describe the boat keeping a respectful distance from whales and dolphins while helping everyone get a good view. That is the right way to handle a wildlife outing. You may not get an extremely close approach, but you can watch the animals behaving naturally instead of treating them like a staged attraction.

The crew also adds value by identifying species and explaining what you are seeing. One German-language account specifically praised the guide for naming the animals and keeping the mood light. Fabrizio is named in another account as a welcoming host who kept the drinks flowing and helped create a friendly atmosphere.

The fast boat can reach the wildlife area quickly. One outing reported seeing whales within about 20 minutes of leaving the harbor. Timing will change with sea conditions and animal movements, but the powerful engines mean you are not spending the whole three hours simply getting into position.

A quiet bay for lunch and snorkeling

After the wildlife search, the boat heads to a small bay for the more relaxed part of the trip. This stop changes the mood from scanning the horizon to enjoying Tenerife’s coast at close range.

The bay is where you can swim and snorkel using the equipment supplied on board. Several outings describe clear enjoyment of this part, including sightings of different fish species. You can expect the stop to be a chance to get into the water, cool off, and look below the surface rather than a formal guided snorkeling lesson.

Bring your swimming clothes, as this is not a trip where you should plan to stay dry. A towel is also sensible, though the supplied information specifically confirms showers for after swimming, not towel provision. The onboard showers are especially useful if you want to continue sightseeing or go straight to dinner after returning to port.

The coast itself is part of the reward. From the water, you get views of Tenerife’s striking shoreline without the noise and traffic of a road. The boat’s size gives you room to sit back and watch the cliffs, coves, and open water instead of being packed shoulder to shoulder.

The food is served during or around this bay stop. Descriptions include a warm meal, chicken and rice, good homemade food, tasty local-style cooking, bread, snacks, and a choice of drinks. The meal sounds more like simple, hearty boat food than a fine-dining service. That is fine for most people. You are eating on a moving boat or in an anchorage, not sitting in a waterfront restaurant.

Food quality and temperature may vary. Most accounts praise the meal, but one report found the chicken and rice lukewarm and the bread stale. If lunch quality is a major reason for booking, keep your expectations moderate. The value comes from the whole package: food, swimming, wildlife, transport by boat, and the setting.

Drinks, music, and the mood on board

Drinks are included, which changes the value calculation. The tour provides refreshments and snacks, and several accounts describe prosecco, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and plenty of sparkling wine. One especially positive outing praised the combination of a proper warm meal and generous drinks.

Fabrizio received particular praise for making sure people did not run out of champagne. The exact drink service can depend on the crew and conditions, so I would treat the onboard bar as a pleasant inclusion rather than the main reason to choose the trip.

Music plays through the boat’s quality speakers. This helps create a social, holiday feel, especially while anchored in the bay. If you prefer a quiet naturalist cruise with long stretches of silence, the music and friendly hosting may feel less suitable.

Service appears to be strongest when the crew is attentive and engaged. Most of the available comments describe polite, friendly staff who looked after people well. One account, however, describes a crew member who did not offer drinks for the first hour and was difficult to approach later. The captain in that case was described as professional, but the overall service disappointed the passenger.

That report seems out of step with the usual experience, but it is useful because it points to a real issue: included refreshments only add value if the crew serves them actively. If you need water, drinks for children, or something specific, ask rather than waiting quietly.

Is $96.79 a fair price?

At $96.79 per person, this is more expensive than a basic whale-watching boat ride. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: about three hours at sea, a small maximum group, a large and comfortable boat, wildlife watching, snorkeling equipment, swimming time, food, snacks, and drinks.

You are also paying for space. A cheaper trip may put you on a crowded boat with limited seating and little room to move. Opera 60 can carry up to 15 people, and several outings had 14 people or fewer, leaving ample room for each group. For families and friends who want to sit together, that can matter more than a small saving.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the full package. Swim, snorkel, eat the meal, enjoy the drinks, and make use of the boat’s different seating areas. If you only want a quick wildlife sighting and do not care about swimming or lunch, a cheaper cruise may suit you better.

The outing also works well for a special holiday afternoon. You get a more polished setting than a basic excursion, but you should not confuse the word luxury with restaurant-level dining or guaranteed wildlife. It is a comfortable boat day with simple food and a relaxed drinks service.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend Opera 60 to families, couples, and groups of friends who want several activities in one booking. It is especially useful if some people want wildlife watching while others are eager to swim and snorkel.

The boat’s spacious design is a real help for families. There are tables, sunbeds, and room to spread out, while the toilet and showers reduce the usual discomfort of a long boat outing. The supplied information says most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

The experience may also suit you if you want a social atmosphere rather than a formal wildlife lecture. The crew mixes animal spotting with food, music, drinks, and conversation. If you enjoy a glass of prosecco while looking at Tenerife’s coast, this setup should fit.

You may want another option if you need a quiet, highly structured natural history tour, a guaranteed species sighting, or a polished restaurant meal. The outing is also weather-dependent, and a rough sea can affect how quickly drinks are offered, how comfortable the ride feels, and how long the boat can remain at the swimming stop.

Timing, group size, and cancellation details

The trip lasts approximately three hours, though one report described a return about 20 minutes early. Most outings appear to leave on time, and one account noted departure exactly as scheduled. Still, keep a little flexibility around the stated duration.

The maximum group size is 15. That is one of the strongest practical reasons to choose this boat, since a full 15-person load is still fairly intimate for a motorboat with several seating areas.

You receive confirmation when booking, and the activity is offered in English. A mobile ticket is available, and the meeting point is close to public transportation at Puerto Colón.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. The operator can also cancel if weather is poor or the minimum number of participants is not met. In either case, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Seven useful questions before you book

FAQ

Where does the Opera 60 tour start and finish?

It starts at Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the whale and dolphin trip last?

The planned duration is approximately three hours. The exact time on the water can vary, and one account reported returning about 20 minutes early.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The tour includes a stop for swimming and snorkeling, and snorkeling equipment is provided on board.

What food and drinks are included?

Drinks, snacks, and food are provided on board. Accounts describe a warm meal, chicken and rice, bread, soft drinks, beer, wine, and prosecco, though the exact service can vary.

What wildlife might I see?

You may see dolphins, whales, pilot whales, sea turtles, and fish. Sightings depend on natural conditions and are not guaranteed.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book Opera 60?

Book this trip if you want a full boat afternoon rather than a short wildlife run. The combination of whale and dolphin watching, a swimming bay, snorkeling gear, food, drinks, and a small group gives the price a solid basis.

I would choose it for a family or group of friends who value space and a relaxed party atmosphere. The strongest features are the large boat, 15-person limit, friendly hosting, frequent wildlife sightings, and the chance to get into the water.

Go in with two sensible reservations. Marine life is wild, and food and drink service can be less polished on an off day. If you accept those limits, Opera 60 offers one of Tenerife’s more comfortable ways to spend several hours along the coast.