Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is the quiet way it approaches marine life. The captain may cut the engine near pilot whales, giving you time to watch mothers, calves, dolphins, or turtles without a noisy chase. I like the small-group feel and the chance to sail a handsome 52-foot yacht rather than a packed sightseeing boat.

I also like the simple finish: a swim and snorkel stop in a sheltered bay, followed by sandwiches, fruit, cava, wine, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water. The main caution is the sea. It can turn bumpy, and several people with motion sickness found the waves challenging, even though they still enjoyed the trip.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife sighting: Dolphins and turtles are also possible, but whale sightings are a major part of the experience.
• The boat is a 52-foot sailing yacht: With smaller groups, you get room to sit, move around, and watch the water.
• The captain may stop the engine near whales: This gives the animals space and makes the encounter calmer.
• A sheltered bay breaks up the outing: Use the stop to swim, snorkel, or simply rest with a drink.
• Food and drinks are included: Fresh fruit, sandwiches, water, juice, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine are provided.
• The sea may be rough: Sit near the front if you are prone to motion sickness, and bring only what you need.

Why Tenerife’s South Coast Is Good Whale Country

Tenerife’s southern waters are a strong setting for a short marine-life trip. The route follows the island’s south coast, where the crew knows the places most often used by dolphins and pilot whales.

This is not a coastal sightseeing cruise with wildlife added as an afterthought. The guide gives you a short briefing at the start, then points out marine life and explains what you are seeing. You may spend much of the first part watching the horizon, so patience helps.

Pilot whales are the most reliable feature of the trip. Several outings have found groups with small whales, mothers, and babies. Dolphins also appear, though one particularly enjoyable trip saw many whales but no dolphins, while another found only one dolphin. Turtles are possible too, including close sightings beside the boat.

I appreciate the crew’s reported approach to the animals. The boat can stop its engine and let the whales decide how close they want to come. That makes the experience feel less like a chase and more like a respectful meeting at sea.

Meeting the Crew at Puerto Colón

The meeting point is Pantalán, or dock, number zero at Puerto Colón. Look for Miishi Restaurant as a useful landmark, and arrive 15 minutes before departure.

The port has two parking areas, with parking listed at about €1 per hour. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Puerto Colón. One party used the bus to reach the marina, and found someone waiting at the dock to guide them to the boat.

That small arrival detail matters. Marinas can be confusing, especially if you are carrying towels and trying to find the right dock. Give yourself extra time, then use the restaurant landmark if you are unsure where to go.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, but the tour operator does not provide hotel transfers. Oversize luggage is not allowed. Bring a compact day bag with your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.

Settling Onto the 52-Foot Yacht

The boat is a 52-foot sailing yacht, and its size helps create a more personal outing. Several groups described having plenty of room, even with around 10 people aboard besides the crew. Other departures had only seven passengers, giving the trip an almost private-charter feel for a far lower price.

At $88 per person, the value depends on what you want from a boat trip. You are not paying only for transport along the coast. The price includes three hours on a sailing yacht, a live guide, wildlife searching, a swim stop, snorkeling equipment, sandwiches, fruit, and a broad selection of drinks.

That is a good package for anyone who would otherwise book separate whale watching and swimming activities. It is less appealing if you want a large party boat, loud music, or a guaranteed dolphin show. This outing is built around the sea, the crew, and the chance to watch animals in their natural setting.

The boat has a barefoot policy, except when health issues make shoes necessary. That is worth knowing before you arrive. Wear swimwear under light clothing, and bring a towel that you can keep close without filling the deck with bags.

Watching Pilot Whales Without a Noisy Chase

After the briefing, the yacht heads toward the area where whales and dolphins are most often found. The crew shares information about Tenerife’s marine life and watches for movement on the water.

When pilot whales appear, the most memorable moments can be surprisingly quiet. The captain may turn off the engine and wait. You might see backs surface in a line, a smaller whale beside a larger one, or an animal coming close to inspect the yacht.

The strongest wildlife accounts describe lots of pilot whales, sometimes with mothers and babies. One outing also saw bottlenose dolphins. Another had dolphins and pilot whales, while some saw whales but no dolphins. This variety is normal for a wildlife trip, so I would book it for the time on the ocean and the chance of sightings, not for one exact animal.

The guide names worth noting include Alex, Jesus, Mauricio, Marta, Monica, and Yuri, all praised for friendly service or strong knowledge of the sea. The crew names can vary by departure, but the pattern is clear: expect a guide who talks with people, explains local marine life, and checks that everyone is comfortable.

The boat may raise its sails if conditions allow. That can be one of the prettiest parts of the trip, with the engine quiet and the yacht moving under wind power. There is no promise of a full sailing run, though. One outing had too little wind to sail, while another group described putting up the sails as a memorable highlight.

The Secluded Bay Swim Stop

Before returning to Puerto Colón, the captain drops anchor in a sheltered bay. This changes the pace nicely. After scanning the horizon and following whales, you get time to swim, snorkel, or simply sit on deck with a drink.

The stop is usually brief, so do not expect a long beach visit. One group had only about 10 minutes for a quick swim because the whale watching took longer. That is a fair trade if the wildlife is active, but it means you should be ready to get into the water as soon as the boat anchors.

Basic snorkeling equipment is included. You still need to bring your own towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. If you do not feel like swimming, the bay gives you a restful place to enjoy the view, fruit, a sandwich, or a cold drink.

The water has been described as clear and blue, and the bay is repeatedly singled out as a beautiful part of the outing. I would treat snorkeling as a bonus rather than the main event. The tour’s focus is wildlife watching, and the swim stop fills the final part of the route.

Food, Drinks, and the Pace of Three Hours

The included food is practical rather than elaborate. You receive fresh fruit and sandwiches, with drinks ranging from water and juice to soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine.

The guide may prepare sandwiches while the sails are up or while the boat is anchored. That keeps the service personal, but it also means the exact timing can depend on the sea and the wildlife. If whales are nearby, the crew’s attention should stay on the animals.

Three hours is a sensible length for this format. You have enough time to reach the wildlife area, watch for marine life, enjoy the coastline, stop at the bay, and return without turning the outing into a full-day commitment.

The schedule can feel different from one departure to another. Calm water may allow a relaxed sail and a generous swim. Larger waves may slow the pace and make the ride more tiring. An active whale encounter can also reduce the time available for swimming.

One person suggested bringing extra water, even though water is included. I would not count on needing it, but a refillable bottle is a sensible addition on a sunny boat trip.

Handling Waves and Motion Sickness

The biggest practical concern is motion sickness. The southern coast can be calm and clear, but it can also produce large waves. One family found the ride unusually rough, and children became seasick. Another group warned that the trip got bumpy, while a passenger who normally feels ill on boats did well sitting near the front.

If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a seat near the front and keep your eyes on the horizon. Avoid arriving with a heavy meal, and ask a medical professional about any medication you normally use before boat trips. These are general precautions, not a promise that the water will be smooth.

The yacht gives you more space than a crowded boat, which helps. You can move around, find a comfortable position, and avoid feeling boxed in. Still, a sailing yacht moves with the sea, so this is not the best choice for someone who strongly dislikes rocking.

The barefoot rule can also affect comfort. It helps keep the deck orderly, but you should be comfortable walking without shoes. If you need footwear for a health reason, the policy allows an exception.

What Kind of Day Should You Expect?

I would expect a friendly, low-key outing rather than a formal lecture or a high-energy party. The guides are described as sociable and attentive, and they tend to speak with people across the group.

The atmosphere suits couples, families, and small groups of friends. Children can enjoy seeing baby whales and dolphins, but parents should think carefully about the sea conditions and the possibility of seasickness. The boat is not crowded on many departures, so families have room to settle in.

It also suits anyone who cares about responsible wildlife watching. The most appealing detail is the captain’s willingness to stop the motor and avoid pushing too close. The animals control the encounter as much as possible.

I would not choose this trip if your main goal is to see Los Gigantes. One party specifically noted that the route did not include those cliffs. This is a south-coast wildlife and sailing outing, not a Los Gigantes sightseeing cruise.

Booking Details That Matter

The activity costs $88 per person and lasts three hours. Start times vary, so check the date you want before booking.

The tour is offered in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. It includes a live guide, sailing, food, drinks, and basic snorkeling gear. Hotel transport is not included, and you must reach Puerto Colón on your own.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which is useful if you are arranging several Tenerife plans and want to keep your schedule flexible.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Because this is a boat trip with a barefoot deck policy and a swim stop, I would still confirm the exact boarding arrangements if you use a wheelchair or need specific assistance.

The overall rating is 4.7 from 226 ratings, with especially strong praise for the crew, the yacht, the small groups, and the whale sightings. The praise is not limited to one skipper. Alex, Jesus, Mauricio, Marta, and others are singled out for making people feel comfortable and for explaining the marine life clearly.

Should You Book This Tenerife Sailing Trip?

I would book it if you want a small-group wildlife outing with a proper yacht, a swim stop, and food included. The combination is hard to beat at $88, especially when the boat is carrying only a handful of people and the captain gives whales plenty of room.

Choose another activity if you need guaranteed dolphins, perfectly calm water, or a long snorkeling session. Sightings vary, wind may not be strong enough for sailing, and rough waves can make the three hours uncomfortable.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, towel, swimwear, and a small bag. Arrive early at dock zero, sit near the front if you get seasick, and keep your expectations focused on a respectful encounter with wild marine life. For that kind of day, this is a strong choice on Tenerife’s south coast.

FAQ

How long is the sailing excursion?

The excursion lasts three hours.

How much does the activity cost?

The listed price is $88 per person.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Pantalán, dock number zero, at Puerto Colón in Tenerife.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts.

How can I find the correct dock?

You can search for Miishi Restaurant at Puerto Colón and use it as a landmark for the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to the port.

What marine life might I see?

The excursion looks for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Sightings vary by departure.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The captain anchors in a sheltered bay where you can swim or snorkel. Basic snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are provided?

Fresh fruit and sandwiches are provided, along with water, juice, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and the boat follows a barefoot policy except for health reasons.