SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main event here, but the best part is how much this three-hour speedboat trip fits into one morning. You head from Puerto Colón toward known wildlife areas, then return along Tenerife’s south coast with time for swimming, snorkeling, cliff views, and a ride on a BladeFish underwater propulsion device.

I like two things right away: the group is limited to 11 people, so this should feel more personal than a large sightseeing boat, and the price includes snorkeling gear, drinks, and sandwiches. You also have the freedom to stay on board if swimming is not your thing. The main consideration is simple: wildlife sightings are never fixed, and one troubling report describes a missed departure, so confirm the meeting details before you go.

Key Points Before You Book

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars: The route heads toward places where these animals have been seen before, with sightings also including turtles, flying fish, and other marine life.
• Small boat, quick coverage: A maximum of 11 people and a speedy boat let the crew cover more water during the three-hour outing.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You can choose from different masks, and there is no need to pack your own equipment.
• Try the BladeFish: This underwater personal propulsion device adds a playful extra to the swimming stop.
• Food and drinks are provided: Sandwiches and refreshments are included, useful on a boat trip with no need to bring your own meal.
• You return to Puerto Colón: The tour starts and ends at Sea Safari Tenerife on Avenida de Colón in Playa de las Américas.

A Three-Hour Wildlife Trip From Puerto Colón

Sea Safari Tenerife leaves from Puerto Colón, a useful base for a short marine outing in the south of Tenerife. The trip lasts about three hours, which is long enough to search for wildlife and still leave room in your day for the beach, lunch, or another activity.

The boat heads toward areas where dolphins and whales have been spotted before. That wording matters. You are not following a fixed wildlife show, and no sighting can be promised. The crew is working with recent animal patterns and local knowledge, then adjusting the route as the morning develops.

The boat’s speed is a real advantage. On a slower craft, a large part of a short excursion can disappear into the journey itself. Here, the captain can cover more water and give you a better chance of reaching active areas before returning along the coast.

The boat holds no more than 11 people. That is not a private charter, but it is small enough to keep the outing from feeling like a crowd scene. You should have a clearer view around you, a better chance to hear the guide, and less competition for a comfortable place on board.

Searching for Dolphins and Pilot Whales

The wildlife portion is the heart of the experience. The trip has produced sightings of dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles, with some outings also recording flying fish, crabs, many smaller fish, and even a hammerhead shark. The most frequently praised sightings are several families of pilot whales and groups of dolphins.

Pilot whales are especially associated with the waters off Tenerife. Seeing them from a boat can be quite different from spotting a single animal at a distance. The reports from this excursion describe groups and families, which gives the captain more reason to slow down and let you watch their movement.

The boat is taken close to marine life, but the guide is described as approaching animals carefully and respectfully. That is important. A good wildlife trip should give you a clear view without turning the animals into a performance.

Captain Eric receives particular praise for finding wildlife and explaining marine animals and the island. One family also appreciated his flexibility when the outing was close to being canceled because only one person had booked. That kind of personal attention can make a difference on a small boat.

Still, you should set your expectations sensibly. A perfect list of dolphins, whales, turtles, and sharks is possible, but it is not the basic promise of every departure. You are booking a search through known marine areas, not a guaranteed checklist.

Bring patience and keep your camera ready. Animals may appear suddenly, move quickly, or stay below the surface. The speedboat adds excitement, but it also means you should be prepared for movement while watching.

The Speedboat Makes the Route More Fun

The boat is not just transportation between stops. The fast ride is part of the appeal, especially if you enjoy the feeling of moving across open water. During a three-hour outing, that pace helps the crew reach more distant wildlife areas and still fit in a coastal return route.

A fast boat is not perfect for everyone. If you are sensitive to motion, the ride may feel more active than a large, slow sightseeing vessel. The available information says one family found the boat comfortable and not likely to cause seasickness, but that experience will vary from person to person.

You should also expect an outdoor trip with exposure to sun, wind, and spray. The tour information does not list a detailed packing list, so bring only what you need and keep valuables protected. Comfortable clothing and sun protection make sense, though the operator specifically provides the snorkeling equipment, drinks, and sandwiches.

The small capacity gives the trip a friendly feel. It also means the outing can be affected by minimum booking numbers. If too few people sign up, Sea Safari may cancel and offer another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Swimming and Snorkeling at a Coastal Stop

After the wildlife search, the boat includes time for swimming and snorkeling. The exact cove is not specified, but the outing includes a stop for getting into the water and watching the cliffs from the sea.

The swimming section gives the trip a useful change of pace. You are not sitting in one position for three hours, and you get a closer look at the water around Tenerife’s southern coast. Several accounts describe the snorkeling portion as a highlight, with masks in different styles available.

You do not have to swim. One family traveling with a 71-year-old mother found that she enjoyed the trip without pressure to leave the boat. That makes the experience more flexible than a boat tour built around a mandatory water stop.

This is useful for mixed groups. A confident swimmer can snorkel, someone else can try the BladeFish, and a less active member of the group can stay aboard and enjoy the sea views. The tour information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility guidance for the boat or water entry.

Turtles have been seen during the trip, including a young turtle feeding on a jellyfish in one particularly memorable outing. Those sightings are not promised, but they show the range of marine life that may appear around the swimming area and along the route.

What the BladeFish Adds

The included BladeFish is an unusual feature. It is an underwater personal propulsion device that pulls you through the water, giving the swimming stop a small dose of amusement-park energy without turning the whole tour into a gadget demonstration.

If you have never used one, the crew should explain how to handle it before you try. The supplied information does not give a minimum age, weight limit, or training procedure, so ask the guide what applies on the day.

The BladeFish is best viewed as an optional extra, not the reason to book the excursion. Dolphins, pilot whales, and the coastal ride are the main draw. Still, it is a nice inclusion for anyone who wants more to do than float with a mask.

Because the equipment is included, you do not need to pay extra for the experience or carry your own underwater scooter. You should still think about your comfort in open water. The boat trip is family-friendly in the sense that children and older adults have taken part, but individual swimming ability remains important.

Returning Along Tenerife’s South Coast

The route back to Puerto Colón follows the coastline of southern Tenerife. This gives you a different view of the island than you get from the beaches or roads. You can look back toward the cliffs and see the coast from water level, with the boat providing a fast-moving view rather than a long stationary stop.

The cliff scenery is one reason this works well as more than a wildlife trip. Even if the animals are quiet for part of the outing, the coast gives you something to watch. The trip also keeps moving, so you are not stuck waiting in one place for the perfect sighting.

The return journey completes a tidy three-hour loop. You do not need to arrange a separate ride back, since the activity ends at the same Puerto Colón meeting point where it begins.

The meeting address is Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. It is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in the resort area and do not have a car.

Snacks, Drinks, and Included Equipment

At $78.10 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but the price covers several extras. You receive snorkeling equipment, drinks, and sandwiches, along with the three-hour boat trip and the chance to use the BladeFish.

That package makes the cost easier to assess. A short wildlife trip with a very small group can be worth more to you than a cheaper, larger boat with less personal space. The fast boat also allows the crew to spend more of the available time searching and watching rather than simply traveling out and back.

The food is practical rather than a full meal. Sandwiches and drinks should keep you going during the outing, but do not book this expecting a catered lunch. If you have specific dietary needs, the available information does not say what sandwich options are offered, so ask before departure.

The included mask and snorkel equipment help you travel light. You will not need to pack rental gear or arrange it separately at the marina. Different masks are available, which is useful if you are particular about fit.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several activities in one compact package: wildlife watching, a fast ride, coastal scenery, swimming, snorkeling, and an underwater scooter. The three-hour length works well for a first boat trip or for a day when you want to combine the sea with another Tenerife plan.

Families can find it a good fit because swimming is optional. A four-year-old child and a baby were part of one successful family outing, but the operator does not give detailed age rules, so confirm the requirements for your own children before booking.

The trip also suits older adults who prefer to remain on board. A 71-year-old participant enjoyed the boat without being pushed into the water. That flexibility is one of the strongest practical features.

It may be less suitable for you if you need a guaranteed animal sighting, dislike speedboat motion, or want a long snorkeling session as the main purpose. The wildlife search and coastal ride take up much of the three hours, with swimming included as one portion rather than the entire focus.

The English-language offering is another point to note. The experience is offered in English, and Captain Eric is praised for explaining the animals and the island. If you need a different language, check before paying.

Booking, Weather, and One Important Caution

The trip is usually booked about 25 days in advance, so I would not leave it until the last morning of your holiday if this is high on your list. It has a 4.8 rating from 51 reviews and is recommended by 98 percent of people who rated it, which suggests a strong record overall.

There is one serious warning in the available feedback: one person reported arriving for a confirmed booking and finding that nobody appeared or answered the listed phone number. That is very different from the many positive accounts, but it is specific enough to take seriously.

I would confirm the departure time and meeting point shortly before you go, especially if you have arranged childcare or built a special celebration around the trip. Keep your booking confirmation available and arrive at Sea Safari Tenerife in good time.

The activity depends on good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, Sea Safari offers another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of people is not met, you can also be offered a different date or experience, or receive a full refund.

For your own cancellation, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Is Sea Safari Tenerife Worth Booking?

I think this is a strong choice if you want a lively, small-group boat trip with a real mix of experiences. The combination of pilot whales and dolphins, a quick boat, included snorkeling gear, sandwiches, drinks, and the BladeFish gives you good value for a three-hour outing.

Book it if you are happy to search for wild animals rather than receive a guarantee, and if you like an active ride with an optional swim. It is also a sensible pick for groups with mixed abilities because you can stay aboard while others enter the water.

I would compare other options if your priority is a slow, quiet wildlife cruise, a guaranteed swimming session, or a fully private boat. Before booking, confirm the meeting details and weather plan. With that small piece of caution, Sea Safari offers a well-rounded way to experience Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

Where does the Sea Safari tour start?

The tour starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Av. de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, at Puerto Colón.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Colón.

How long is the boat trip?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

What animals might I see?

The trip can include dolphins and pilot whales. Sightings have also included turtles, flying fish, crabs, many fish, and a hammerhead shark.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment rental is included, and different snorkeling masks are available.

Do I have to swim or snorkel?

No. Swimming is optional, so you can remain on the boat if you prefer.

What is a BladeFish?

A BladeFish is an underwater personal propulsion device that you can try during the water portion of the trip.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. Drinks and sandwiches are provided during the trip.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of 11 participants.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If Sea Safari cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.