Puerto Colon: Whale and Dolphin Watching Yacht Trip

The main draw here is the chance to see pilot whales close to Tenerife’s southern coast, then swim from the yacht in a quiet Atlantic cove. It is a compact three-hour outing, not an all-day cruise, so you get a taste of the sea without giving up your whole day.

I like the small group of up to 10 people, which should make the boat feel more personal and give you a better view around the rail. I also like the mix of wildlife watching, coastal scenery, onboard food and drinks, and time in the water. The main consideration is simple: animals move on their own schedule, so sightings can vary even when the crew shares information with other boats.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife target, with dolphins and turtles also possible in the waters around southern Tenerife.
• The three-hour route begins and ends at Puerto Colón, with a cruise along Costa Adeje and a stop at a secluded cove.
• Only 10 people join the boat, a useful advantage over large sightseeing vessels.
• Food, drinks, and snorkel equipment are included, though a full lunch is not.
• Swimming is part of the plan, so bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a hat, and biodegradable sunscreen.
• The price is $56 per person, with English and Spanish guiding and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

You meet outside the Tenerife First Excursion office 15 minutes before departure at Puerto Colón. This marina in southern Tenerife is the practical starting point for a short cruise toward Costa Adeje, and the tour returns to the same meeting point.

The boat is described as a small sailboat or yacht, with a maximum group size of 10. That number matters. You are not being loaded onto a large party vessel with dozens of people competing for the same view. A small boat also makes it easier to ask the guide questions, move around the deck, and keep watch for fins or blows on the water.

The trip is offered with live guiding in English and Spanish. No guide names are provided, but the provider is Tenerife First Excursion. Make sure your booking details include the correct phone number and email address, since the company sends information by WhatsApp and email.

Once you leave Puerto Colón, the outing settles into a relaxed pace. The stated aim is not a high-speed chase. You cruise across the Atlantic while looking toward open water and back at Tenerife’s southern coast.

What you see along Costa Adeje

The cruise follows the Costa Adeje area, where the views include steep coastal cliffs, open shoreline, and seaside towns. You get a different view of southern Tenerife from the water. Instead of looking out from a road or hotel terrace, you see the coast as a long sweep of rock, buildings, and sea.

The scenery is one of the tour’s quieter rewards. Wildlife may be the reason you book, but the ride itself gives you time to enjoy the island’s setting without a packed schedule. Bring sunglasses and a sun hat because the open deck offers little separation from the sun’s glare.

The boat may communicate with other captains while searching for whales and dolphins. This is a practical part of the experience, not a gimmick. If another boat has spotted animals, sharing their location can help the crew direct you toward the area. It also means the route may adjust during the cruise rather than follow a rigid sightseeing loop.

You should still keep expectations sensible. Pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles are wild animals, and their location can change. The outing has produced sightings of dolphins, pilot whales, and a turtle, with some pilot whales reported close to the boat, but no responsible wildlife trip can promise a particular animal at a particular time.

Watching pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

Pilot whales are the star of this excursion. They are often seen in the waters around Tenerife, and the trip gives you a chance to watch for them from a small boat rather than from shore.

Keep your eyes on the water and listen for guidance from the crew. Wildlife watching involves stretches of open sea between sightings, so the experience is partly about patience. The reward is a sudden fin, a group of whales at the surface, or dolphins moving through the water near the boat.

Dolphins are another possible highlight. They can be harder to predict because they may appear quickly and disappear just as fast. A small group gives you a decent chance of hearing where to look without having to push through a crowd.

Turtles are also known to frequent the area. One reported outing included a turtle seen below the surface, which shows the variety you might find beyond the main whale-and-dolphin search. Keep your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the whole cruise looking through a screen. The best moments may last only a few seconds.

The whale watching portion is not a staged show. You are going out to look for animals in their natural setting. That makes the experience more genuine, but it also means the quality of the wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed every time.

A secluded cove and time for a swim

After the wildlife search and coastal cruise, the yacht heads to a secluded cove. This is where the trip changes from watching the sea to using it.

You can swim in the clear Atlantic water and use the snorkel equipment provided. Bring your own towel, as one is not listed among the inclusions. Swimwear is essential, and biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested.

The cove stop gives the three-hour trip a useful balance. You are not sitting on a boat for the full duration, and you are not rushing from one viewpoint to another. You get a chance to cool off, stretch, and enjoy the water before returning to Puerto Colón.

The swim is not ideal for everyone. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and anyone who is uncomfortable boarding a small boat or entering open water should consider that before booking. The tour is also not suitable for people over 95 years old.

Food and drinks onboard

Food and drinks are included, which improves the value of a short boat trip. The details describe refreshments and food onboard rather than a full lunch. One outing included a sandwich and drinks, so you should expect something light, not a formal meal.

That distinction matters if you are booking around mealtimes. You may want to eat before departure or plan a proper meal after returning to Puerto Colón. The included snack is best viewed as a pleasant extra during the cruise and cove stop.

A drink and a simple bite also make sense after time in the sun and water. You will want to keep hydrated, especially on a bright day. Still, do not book this as a food-focused cruise. The wildlife, views, and swim are the real reasons to go.

Why the 10-person limit matters

Small group size is one of the strongest features here. With no more than 10 participants, the boat should feel less crowded, and each person has a better chance of finding a comfortable spot to watch the sea.

The limit also helps during wildlife sightings. If the boat changes position, you are less likely to be part of a large group moving around at once. You can hear the English or Spanish guide and ask questions without the noise of a large crowd.

A small yacht is not the same as a large, stable sightseeing ship. Some people will prefer the intimacy and closeness to the water. Others may feel more comfortable on a larger vessel. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider that this is a small boat trip and prepare accordingly, though the supplied details do not specify whether motion-sickness medication is available.

The boat’s small size also affects the weather experience. Sun, wind, and spray may be more noticeable. Sunglasses, a hat, and suitable swimwear are not just packing suggestions here. They help you stay comfortable throughout the three hours.

Is $56 a fair price?

At $56 per person, the outing offers several separate elements in one booking: a three-hour cruise, a small group, live guiding, wildlife watching, food and drinks, snorkel equipment, and a swim stop.

I consider that a reasonable price if you want an active half-day on the water rather than a simple sightseeing cruise. The small group is especially important to the value. You are paying for more than transport across the bay. You are paying for a more personal boat setting and a crew that communicates with other captains while looking for wildlife.

The value is less convincing if you only want a guaranteed whale sighting or a full meal. The animals are wild, and lunch is not included. You should also factor in the cost of getting to Puerto Colón because hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided.

The flexible booking terms help. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check the available start times when booking, since the exact departure time depends on availability.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families with swimmers, and anyone who prefers a quiet boat ride over a large group cruise. It suits people who want several experiences in one morning or afternoon: coastal views, wildlife watching, light refreshments, and a swim.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in southern Tenerife and can reach Puerto Colón on your own. The three-hour duration leaves room for other plans on the same day.

You should think twice if you dislike open water, need wheelchair access, or want a guaranteed wildlife encounter. The small boat and swimming stop are central to the experience, not optional side features.

The activity is not suitable for people over 95 years old. The information does not give a minimum age, so families with young children should confirm any age requirements before booking.

Practical packing advice for the three hours

Bring the items the operator specifically requests:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen

You will also want to wear clothing that can handle sea spray and a wet swim stop. Snorkel equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own unless you prefer your personal gear.

Arrive 15 minutes early and meet outside the supplier’s office at Puerto Colón. The tour finishes back at the same meeting point, so arrange your onward plans with that return location in mind.

If you are booking separate places for yourself and another person, contact the operator at the time of booking if you want to be on the same boat. Multiple boats may be used for the activity, and waiting until later may be too late to make that request.

My verdict on the Puerto Colón yacht trip

I would book this trip if you want a small-scale sea outing with several worthwhile parts, rather than a whale watching trip alone. The strongest combination is the 10-person group, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, and the stop for swimming in a sheltered cove.

The fair price, included refreshments, and snorkel equipment add to the appeal. Just keep your expectations realistic about wildlife, bring your own towel, and remember that hotel transport and a full lunch are not included.

Choose it for the open-water setting, close boat atmosphere, and flexible three-hour format. Skip it if you need accessibility features, dislike small boats, or would be disappointed by a day when animals remain out of sight.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón whale and dolphin trip?

The boat excursion lasts three hours.

Where does the activity start?

You meet outside the supplier’s office at Puerto Colón, 15 minutes before the departure time.

Where does the tour finish?

The yacht returns to Puerto Colón, at the original meeting point.

What wildlife might I see?

The trip focuses on pilot whales. Dolphins and turtles also frequent the area and may be seen.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The yacht stops at a secluded cove where you can swim in the Atlantic.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Food and drinks are provided onboard. A full lunch is not included.

What languages are available?

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

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.