Tenerife: Luxury Private Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour

Seeing pilot whales soon after leaving Puerto Colon is the main draw here, but this is more than a wildlife trip. You have a private yacht for up to 11 people, with cabins, bathrooms, a salon, kitchen, and sunbathing space. The captain also sets aside time for swimming and snorkeling in a secluded bay.

I like the generous food and drink service, especially the welcome glass of cava and the steady supply of beer, white wine, soft drinks, fruit, baguettes, and snacks. I also like the easygoing feel reported by recent guests, including a captain who let one group play its own music. The main consideration is simple: wildlife sightings cannot be controlled, and the six-hour option may feel long if your group mainly wants a quick look at whales.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales near Puerto Colon: The first sightings may come soon after the yacht leaves the harbor.
• Private space for up to 11: Your group does not share the yacht with strangers.
• Three or six hours: Choose a shorter outing or allow more time for wildlife watching and swimming.
• Food and drinks included: Cava, soft drinks, beer, white wine, baguettes, fruit, and snacks are provided.
• Swimming and snorkeling stop: The captain anchors in a secluded bay, with snorkeling equipment available.
• Flexible language support: The live guide service is offered in Spanish, English, German, French, and Italian.

Leaving Puerto Colon on a private yacht

You meet at Puerto Colon, Pantalan Number 2, 15 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters because the boat leaves from a working marina, and you do not want to be searching for the right pontoon at the last moment.

Once aboard, the captain welcomes you with a glass of cava. The yacht is described as fully equipped, with bathrooms, cabins, a large salon, a kitchen, and an area for sunbathing. Those details make a real difference on the water. You have places to sit in shade or sun, room to move around, and a bathroom for a longer outing.

The private format is the strongest practical advantage. For a family, a group of friends, or a special occasion, you can settle into your own rhythm instead of adapting to a crowded shared boat. One group of 11 particularly enjoyed being able to play its own music, which gives you a sense of how personal the trip can feel.

This is still a sailing cruise, not a formal yacht charter with a staff list and scheduled entertainment. The captain is your guide, host, and person responsible for finding wildlife. The tone appears relaxed and social rather than rigidly programmed.

Watching for pilot whales after departure

The first part of the trip focuses on wildlife. Pilot whales are the main species to look for, and the boat may encounter them soon after leaving the harbor. Dolphins and turtles are also part of the search.

I would set your expectations sensibly. The experience is designed around looking for animals, but wild creatures do not follow a timetable. The wording points to likely sightings rather than a guarantee of seeing every species. That uncertainty is part of any wildlife cruise, so the quality of the day also depends on the time spent at sea, the captain’s decisions, and how much your group enjoys simply being out on the water.

The private yacht helps here. You can ask the captain questions, move between the salon and sunbathing area, and wait comfortably rather than standing in one fixed spot on a basic excursion boat. A live guide is available in five languages: Spanish, English, German, French, and Italian.

Recent ratings are very strong, at 4.9 from 14 reviews. The praise centers on three things that matter during a boat trip: friendly service, good food, and useful information from the guide. One German-speaking guest described the day as relaxed, well supplied, and informative. That combination suggests the captain does more than point toward the horizon.

A secluded bay for swimming and snorkeling

At some point, the captain anchors in a secluded bay. This changes the pace from wildlife watching to an easy break on the water. You can swim, use the provided snorkeling equipment, or stay aboard with a drink and a snack.

The chance to swim with turtles is one of the more unusual parts of the outing. You should treat this as an opportunity rather than a promise of close contact, since the animals remain wild. Still, the stop gives the six-hour cruise a useful second act. You are not spending the entire time scanning for fins and backs in the distance.

Bring swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera. Summer beach clothing makes sense, since the trip combines sunbathing and swimming. Towels and sun cream are not included, so pack both. Sun cream is especially easy to forget when the day begins at the marina and feels cool, but the open water offers little shade unless you choose the salon or another covered area.

Snorkeling equipment is included. That saves you from bringing your own gear, although the supplied information does not specify the type or quantity available. If snorkeling is a major reason for booking, you may want to confirm the equipment details before departure.

Food, drinks, and the rhythm of the day

The catering is more substantial than a token drink and packet of crisps. You receive baguettes, fruit, and snacks, along with soft drinks, beer, and white wine throughout the cruise. The arrival cava sets a festive tone without requiring you to organize provisions for the group.

I like this setup for a private day because food service can otherwise become an awkward extra task. You do not need to decide who is carrying lunch, and your group can eat when it suits the pace of the trip. A swim followed by fruit and a baguette is a much better break than rushing back to shore hungry.

The alcohol is worth considering in context. Beer and white wine are available, but the boat is also meant for swimming and wildlife watching. You will want to keep the day comfortable and sensible, especially if you plan to spend time in the water. Soft drinks are available for anyone who does not want alcohol.

The food is casual rather than a restaurant meal. Expect light cruise provisions, not a full lunch with multiple courses. That is perfectly suited to a three-hour outing and practical for a six-hour trip, though anyone with a large appetite or specific dietary needs should ask for details before booking.

Choosing three hours or six hours

The three-hour cruise is the better fit if you want the core experience: a private yacht, a chance to see whales and dolphins, drinks and snacks, and time for a swim. It keeps the outing manageable for groups with limited time or mixed interest in being at sea.

The six-hour cruise gives the captain more time to search for wildlife and allows a more leisurely visit to the bay. It suits a group that wants the boat itself to be the day’s main activity. You have more time to move between whale watching, swimming, eating, sunbathing, and conversation.

The longer option is not automatically better. If some people in your group tire quickly on boats, prefer a short excursion, or mainly want photographs of pilot whales, three hours may be enough. If you are celebrating something, have a full group of 11, or want an unhurried day with a swim, six hours offers better breathing room.

The advertised price is $701 per group of up to 11. With 11 people, that works out to about $64 per person. The value becomes less attractive for a small group, since the private yacht price is set for the group rather than charged per seat. For a large party, the cost includes the boat, captain, guide service, food, drinks, swimming stop, and snorkeling equipment, making it easier to justify than the headline price first suggests.

What the private format changes

A private group is not just a marketing label. It changes how you use the boat. You can enjoy the salon when you want shelter, sit in the sun, stop for food without coordinating with other passengers, and set a more relaxed mood for your own party.

It also makes this a stronger choice for families and groups with different interests. One person can watch for whales while another relaxes with a drink. Some can swim at the bay while others remain aboard. The yacht has cabins and bathrooms, which add comfort, though the supplied details do not say whether cabins are intended for sleeping or simply part of the boat’s layout.

The captain may allow your group to play its own music, as one private party experienced. Do not treat that as a guaranteed feature, but it is worth asking about if music matters to your plans. The captain’s style appears to be a meaningful part of the experience, with direct praise for friendly service and helpful information.

This is less suited to a solo visitor or couple unless you are happy paying for a private charter. The price makes the most sense when shared across a larger party.

Practical planning before you sail

Wear light beach clothing, a swimsuit, and a hat. Sunglasses and a camera are specifically recommended. Add sun cream and a towel, since neither is supplied.

Arrive at Pantalan Number 2 in Puerto Colon 15 minutes before departure. The meeting point is precise, but you still need to allow enough time to reach the marina and identify the pontoon. Departure times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

The tour is offered with a live guide in Spanish, English, German, French, and Italian. That is useful for mixed-language groups, especially when the captain is explaining wildlife or organizing the swimming stop.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are arranging a group holiday before everyone has settled the final plan. These policies are useful, but I would still check the exact booking terms at the time you reserve.

The supplied details do not give information about accessibility, transport to Puerto Colon, sea conditions, or dietary requests. If any of those points affect your decision, ask the provider before paying.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend this trip most strongly to groups that want time together on the water, not simply a quick wildlife sighting. A private yacht, included provisions, and a swimming stop create a full half-day or full-day outing with a festive feel.

It is particularly well suited to:

• Families wanting a private boat and flexible pace
• Groups of friends sharing the $701 cost
• Couples or families marking a special occasion
• People who prefer a yacht with bathrooms and indoor seating
• Visitors interested in both wildlife and swimming
• Groups that need multilingual guide support

I would be more cautious if your only goal is guaranteed whale watching. The tour looks for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles, but no wildlife cruise can promise a complete list of sightings. I would also think twice about the six-hour option if your group has little interest in swimming, food, or relaxing aboard after the wildlife search.

Should you book the Tenerife private yacht?

Book it if you can fill much of the 11-person capacity and want a relaxed private day with wildlife, swimming, and food included. The strongest features are the personal space, the well-equipped yacht, and the chance to combine whale watching with time in a secluded bay.

Choose three hours for a focused outing. Choose six hours if you want the yacht to serve as your main leisure activity and have a group happy to spend much of the day at sea.

The 4.9 rating from 14 reviews supports the appeal of the service, food, captain, and overall relaxed atmosphere. Just remember the two practical limits: wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and towels and sun cream are your responsibility. With those points clear, this is a good-value private charter for a full group and a costly one for only a few people.

FAQ

Where does the yacht depart from?

The meeting point is Puerto Colon, Pantalan Number 2.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 minutes before departure.

How long is the cruise?

You can choose a three-hour or six-hour cruise, depending on availability.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private group can include up to 11 people.

What animals might I see?

The cruise looks for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles.

Is swimming part of the experience?

Yes. The captain anchors in a secluded bay where you can swim, including the possibility of swimming with turtles.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is available for use during the trip.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive cava on arrival, plus soft drinks, beer, white wine, baguettes, fruit, and snacks.

Are towels and sun cream provided?

No. You should bring your own towel and sun cream.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is offered in Spanish, English, German, French, and Italian.