Premium All Inclusive Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

Tenerife’s resident whales make this more than a hopeful search at sea. From Puerto Colón, you cruise the southern coast with a small group and qualified skippers who know where marine life is often found. The boat holds about 10 people, though the booking information also lists a maximum of 11, so I would confirm the exact capacity before you pay.

I like the small-group setup, which gives you more room than a large sightseeing boat and makes it easier to hear the skipper. I also like that drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear are included, so the $21 price covers more than a simple boat ride.

The main caution is the Atlantic itself. Strong wind and waves have caused serious seasickness on some departures, and snorkeling may not happen if conditions are poor. One complaint also described a delayed departure and a modest half-sandwich rather than a full premium spread, so keep your expectations sensible.

Key points to know before you book

• Resident whales near Tenerife: The southern coast has whales that remain in the area throughout the year, making sightings a realistic possibility.
• Small boat, personal feel: The stated capacity is 10 people, with one report describing only seven passengers plus the skipper.
• Snorkeling depends on the sea: Equipment is supplied, but the swim stop may be short or snorkeling may be impossible in wind and rough water.
• Food and drinks included: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and snacks are part of the trip, though the food should be viewed as a light refreshment.
• Skippers named Juan and Marie: They receive especially warm praise for being friendly, welcoming, and interesting.
• Puerto Colón departure: The boat leaves from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas and returns there after roughly three hours.

Leaving Puerto Colón for Tenerife’s southern coast

The experience begins at Puerto Colón, in Playa de las Américas on Tenerife’s south coast. This is a practical departure point if you are staying in the resort area, and the port is close to public transportation.

You should allow extra time to find the exact meeting spot. One unhappy customer reported waiting in the heat because the boat left later than expected, with a scheduled 12:30 departure becoming closer to 1:20. That may have been an isolated problem, but it is a good reason to arrive early, check in promptly, and ask staff about any delay rather than standing around without information.

Once aboard, the small capacity becomes important. A boat carrying around 7 to 10 people feels far less crowded than a large excursion vessel. You have a better chance of finding a clear place to look over the side, and the skipper can usually explain what you are seeing without shouting across a packed deck.

The listing gives two capacity figures: 10 people for the boat and a maximum of 11 for the activity. I would treat 10 as the useful figure and confirm the final number when booking. If you are choosing this trip specifically for an intimate outing, that small detail matters.

Looking for whales that live here year-round

Tenerife’s southern waters are known for resident whales, which gives this excursion a helpful advantage. You are not relying only on a seasonal migration. The skipper takes the boat along the coast and uses local knowledge of recent sightings to guide the search.

No responsible whale-watching trip can promise a close encounter. The animals choose the route, not the boat. Still, the possibility of seeing whales on a normal day is fairly strong here, and the trip can produce more than one kind of sighting. Reports from this experience include several whale pods, dolphins, and even a sea turtle.

I would bring patience and keep your eyes moving. Marine animals surface briefly, and the best moment may come from a quiet patch of water rather than a dramatic breach. The pleasure is partly in reading the sea, watching for movement, and learning what the skipper points out.

The trip is especially appealing if you want some explanation rather than a silent ride. The small group makes it easier for the skipper to talk about the animals and answer questions. Spanish and international passengers have described receiving plenty of information, which adds purpose to the time spent looking across open water.

What the boat ride feels like

The boat is described as beautiful and clean, with enough room for everyone on board when the group is small. That does not mean luxury in the private-yacht sense, but it does suggest a more polished setting than a basic transport boat.

The sea can change the mood quickly. On a calm day, the ride is gentle and the coastal views are a major part of the experience. One family found the trip comfortable even with children aged 1, 5, and 7, and the baby slept through much of it. Another departure had strong wind and waves, leaving more than half the group with nausea and other health problems.

That contrast is the key practical point. If you get seasick, take the possibility seriously. The boat is small, so rough movement may feel more noticeable than it would on a large vessel. Choose a calm-weather day if you have flexibility, eat lightly beforehand, and bring any medication you normally use for motion sickness.

The company states that the activity requires good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy protects you from taking a boat trip in unsafe conditions, but it cannot guarantee a smooth ride when the excursion does operate.

Whales, dolphins, and the value of local guidance

The best part of this trip is the chance to combine wildlife watching with a skipper-led outing. You are not simply transported offshore and left to guess what is happening. The crew helps you understand where sightings have occurred and what to watch for.

Dolphin sightings are less certain. One outing saw four or five dolphins but found the rough sea unpleasant. Another saw whales but no dolphins and still considered the ride enjoyable. That is a fair picture of wildlife watching: you may see one species, several, or fewer animals than hoped.

The whale encounters can be memorable even without a close approach. Seeing several pods from a small boat gives you a sense of the animals living in these waters, rather than presenting them as a quick attraction on a fixed schedule. I would choose this trip for the chance to observe marine life in its natural setting, not for guaranteed photographs.

The skipper’s manner also affects the day. Juan receives particularly warm praise for being friendly, welcoming, and interesting. Juan and Marie are both named as making one outing feel special. Another report criticized a guide called Paco for being rude, so the experience may vary with the crew assigned to your departure. That is worth keeping in mind if personal service is your main reason for choosing a premium small-group trip.

The swim and snorkel stop

At some point, the boat may stop so you can swim in the Atlantic. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the water stop gives the outing a welcome change of pace after time spent scanning for animals.

I like this feature because it makes the three-hour trip feel less one-dimensional. You get wildlife watching, a coastal cruise, and the option to get into the water. For families, the swim can be a highlight, although children should be comfortable with open-water conditions and closely supervised by their adults.

The important word is may. Snorkeling is not guaranteed. One customer said the equipment was never seen, while another found snorkeling impossible. Rough seas, wind, water conditions, or limited time can all affect the stop. Even when the boat pauses, you might get only a short swim rather than a long snorkeling session.

Pack swimwear under your clothes, plus a towel if you need one. The supplied information confirms that a swim stop is offered and that equipment is provided, but it does not specify the brand, amount, or style of gear. If snorkeling is your main goal, contact the operator before booking and ask how the stop is handled on your chosen departure.

Snacks, drinks, and what premium means here

The price includes alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, food, and snacks. That is useful on a three-hour outing, especially because buying refreshments separately on a boat is rarely convenient. A cold drink also helps turn a wait between sightings into part of the day rather than dead time.

I would not book this as a food tour. One complaint described the premium snack as a homemade half-sandwich, which gives you a more realistic idea of what to expect. The food is best treated as a light bite, not lunch.

Alcohol is included, but you should still pace yourself. A moving boat, sun, and waves can make even a small amount feel stronger than expected. Soft drinks are available too, so you can enjoy the trip without drinking alcohol.

At $21, the value is strong if your priorities are a short boat ride, a small group, wildlife watching, and included refreshments. The price is especially attractive compared with a private charter. You are not paying for guaranteed sightings or a lavish meal, and you should judge the offer on the whole package rather than the word premium.

Who will get the most from this three-hour outing

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want a compact sea adventure from Playa de las Américas without committing to a full-day cruise. Three hours is long enough to search for whales, enjoy the coast, and possibly swim, but short enough to fit around other Tenerife plans.

It suits couples looking for a quieter boat experience, families who prefer a limited passenger count, and anyone who values a skipper who can explain the marine life. The engagement option is also a distinctive touch if you are planning to propose. The company says it can help with special arrangements for popping the question, though you should contact it directly to discuss the details.

The trip may also work for passengers with disabilities, since easy access is advertised. You should still confirm the exact arrangements before booking, because the information does not explain the boarding method, onboard space, or facilities.

I would be more cautious if you are highly prone to seasickness, need a guaranteed snorkeling session, or expect a full meal. The small boat is part of the appeal, but it can also make rough water feel more intense. Families with young children can enjoy it, as one family with children from 1 to 7 did, but adults remain responsible for supervision at sea.

Timing, cancellation, and simple planning advice

The activity lasts about three hours and ends back at Puerto Colón. That return to the same meeting point makes it easy to plan lunch, an afternoon at the beach, or another activity afterward, though I would leave some spare time in case the departure runs late.

You receive confirmation when booking, and mobile tickets are accepted. The port is near public transportation, and most people can take part. Since the activity depends on weather, keep your schedule flexible if possible.

Free cancellation applies when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not refunded. If poor weather causes the company to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

For the day itself, I would bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and any motion-sickness medicine you need. Arrive early, especially if your departure time matters, and ask about the boat’s capacity and the likely swim conditions before leaving the dock.

Should you book this whale-watching trip?

I would book it if you want a reasonably priced, small-group outing with a real chance of seeing Tenerife’s resident whales and the added option of dolphins, a swim, drinks, and snacks. The strongest reasons are the limited passenger count, the roughly three-hour length, and the chance to spend time with skippers such as Juan and Marie.

I would skip it if snorkeling is your central aim or if rough water would ruin your day. The wildlife is never guaranteed, the snack may be quite modest, and the sea can be uncomfortable in windy weather.

For most visitors staying near Playa de las Américas, this is a good-value way to get onto the Atlantic without spending a whole day at sea. Book it for the wildlife and the small boat first. Treat the food and snorkeling as useful extras, and you will have a more realistic and enjoyable experience.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching experience begin?

It begins at Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

What animals might I see?

You may see resident whales and dolphins. Sea turtles have also been seen during the trip, but sightings are not guaranteed.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat capacity is stated as 10 people. The additional information also lists a maximum of 11 travelers, so confirm the exact number when booking.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the trip includes a swim stop when conditions allow. The stop may be limited or snorkeling may not be possible in rough weather.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and snacks are provided during the trip.

Is the activity suitable for most people?

Most people can participate, and easy access for disabled passengers is offered. You should confirm your personal access needs with the provider before booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather causes the company to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.