Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

Pilot whales often provide the star turn on this small sailing trip from Puerto Colón, sometimes swimming close enough to watch without binoculars. Dolphins and turtles are possible too, but wild animals keep their own timetable. The boat carries no more than 11 people, so you get a calmer outing than the big catamaran cruises.

I like the personal touch from captains such as Guy, who is praised for his care with both passengers and marine life. I also like the useful mix of whale watching, a swim stop, fresh baguette sandwiches, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. The main caution is value: at $78.44, some people find the food modest and the snorkeling stop brief.

Key points before you book

• Pilot whales are the most realistic wildlife sighting: Dolphins and turtles appear sometimes, but nothing is guaranteed.
• The group is capped at 11 people: That gives you more room and a quieter feel than a large party boat.
• Captain Guy earns repeated praise: Alex, Dani, Maximilian, and Maxi have also led departures.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen, but expect the stop to vary with sea conditions.
• Drinks are generous, food is simple: You get a glass of champagne or similar fizz, unlimited drinks, and a freshly made sandwich.
• Pickup is limited: Request transport within the 10-kilometer area at least 24 hours ahead, or meet at gate number 2.

Why this small Tenerife cruise feels different

Puerto Colón is the launch point for many boat trips, and the difference here is scale. With a maximum of 11 people, you are not packed onto a large vessel with a crowd competing for every view. A full boat can still feel social, but it is far less hectic than the big catamarans that work the same stretch of Tenerife coast.

I especially like the chance to spend three hours on the water without treating the trip as a quick wildlife photo stop. The captain searches for whales and dolphins, gives you time to watch, and then finds a place for a swim. That slower rhythm matters when you are hoping to see animals in the wild.

The boat is described as a luxury sailing boat, though you should keep your expectations sensible. Several departures have been spent mostly motoring rather than sailing, depending on wind and the needs of the trip. You get a pleasant boat outing, but not necessarily a full afternoon under sail.

Meeting the boat at Puerto Colón

You need to arrive at gate number 2, 15 minutes before departure. The meeting point is Puerto Colón, pontoon 2, Costa Adeje. The tour returns to the same place, which makes the outing easy to fit into a day based around Costa Adeje or nearby resorts.

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius, but it is not automatic. Contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance if you want to use it. If you arrange your own transport, go straight to the meeting point rather than waiting for a vehicle.

The activity is offered in English, and the crew may have wider language skills. One captain, Guy, was praised for speaking five languages and making sure everyone was included in the conversation. That can be a real help on a small boat, where the quality of the host shapes much of the day.

Looking for pilot whales off Tenerife

The main reason to book is the chance to see pilot whales in their natural setting. The waters around Tenerife are known for regular sightings, and this trip often finds pods of pilot whales. Some passengers have seen mothers with young, several groups of whales, or animals swimming close to the boat.

You may also see dolphins. They have been spotted near the boat, sometimes moving alongside it. Sea turtles have appeared too, including a mother and young turtle in one memorable outing. Sharks were also reported on one trip, though that is clearly not a standard promise.

The sensible approach is to treat every sighting as a gift, not a guarantee. A captain can search, but cannot order dolphins to perform on schedule. Weather, sea conditions, animal movement, and the length of time spent searching all affect what you see.

The strongest wildlife moments come when the captain gives the animals space. Guy has been praised for turning off the engine and allowing everyone to watch quietly rather than chasing the pod. That respectful approach is better for the animals and usually makes the sighting feel more genuine.

How the three-hour itinerary unfolds

The trip begins from Puerto Colón and heads along the southern coast of Tenerife. The first part is devoted to searching for whales and dolphins. Your captain watches the water, adjusts the route, and explains what you are seeing when the animals appear.

Some departures have found pilot whales within the first 45 minutes. Others have spent longer searching, with the latter part of the cruise becoming more of a coastal boat ride. You should allow for both possibilities. The advertised three hours is not three hours of constant whale action.

The coastline views add something when the animals are quiet. You get a different angle on southern Tenerife from the water, with time to sit back, take photographs, and enjoy the boat. An evening departure can include sunset views, making it a good choice if you want scenery as much as wildlife.

The captain may stop the boat near a suitable swimming area. The timing can be short, and one departure ended about 20 minutes early, so I would not book this expecting a long water session. Conditions matter too. Wind and chop can shorten or change the stop.

Swimming and snorkeling near the coast

Swimming is included, and snorkeling equipment is available. Bring your own towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen. The water may feel cold, particularly on a windy or cloudy day, so do not feel obliged to jump in just because the stop is offered.

The snorkeling part is the least predictable feature. Some people enjoy getting into the water, while others find the stop too cold or too short. One outing stopped near Los Cristianos beach, where the water offered little to see, and the passenger was advised not to bother with a snorkel.

That does not make the swim pointless. A quick dip in the Atlantic can be a refreshing break after sitting on the boat, and some people describe the swimming as a highlight. But I would book this for the wildlife and relaxed cruise first, with snorkeling as an extra rather than the main event.

If swimming is important to you, ask the crew about sea conditions on the day. The exact location and duration can change. The captain has to balance safety, wildlife rules, weather, and the comfort of everyone onboard.

Sandwiches, champagne, and unlimited drinks

The food is practical rather than lavish. You receive light refreshments, including a freshly made sandwich or baguette for lunch. Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking.

Several people enjoyed the sandwiches, while others felt that one small baguette did not match the premium wording or price. I would think of lunch as a pleasant onboard snack, not a full picnic. If you need a large meal, eat something before departure.

The drink selection is a stronger feature. The package includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, along with water and a glass of champagne or similar sparkling wine. Some trips added strawberries or Prosecco, though the exact presentation can vary. One person reported that the drink was not champagne as expected, so do not book solely for a particular bottle.

The crew often serves the drinks personally, which adds to the relaxed feel of a small group. Still, alcohol and sea motion are not always a good match. If you are prone to seasickness, take care with drinking and consider sitting where you feel most stable.

The captains make a real difference

The most consistently praised part of this trip is the captain. Guy receives especially warm attention for his friendly manner, wildlife knowledge, language skills, and concern for anyone feeling unwell. He has been described as captain, waiter, guide, and host all at once.

That personal care matters on a three-hour boat trip. Guy has checked on people with seasickness, explained sea conditions, and kept conversations inclusive. His respect for whales and dolphins also comes through in the way he avoids getting too close.

Other captains have made strong impressions too. Alex has been praised for enthusiasm and for helping a passenger who felt sick. Dani was described as attentive and reassuring, while Maximilian was credited with good wildlife information and care for the animals. Maxi also received praise for sharing useful facts, though one person felt he spent too much time on his phone.

Your experience can therefore depend partly on who is at the helm. Most feedback points to warm, capable hosting, but the level of commentary is not always the same. If you want a naturalist-style talk throughout the trip, make that clear early and ask questions.

Seasickness, safety, and comfort

The Atlantic can feel rougher than it looks from the harbor. Several people enjoyed calm conditions, but one person found the larger waves uncomfortable and felt there was limited room to move toward the front of the boat. Another passenger became seasick even though the weather did not seem especially bad.

If you are sensitive to motion, this is worth taking seriously. Eat lightly before boarding, follow your usual seasickness plan, and tell the captain as soon as you feel unwell. The crew has been praised for checking on sick passengers and offering practical tips.

One person raised a concern about the lack of a formal safety briefing and not being offered life jackets or clear instructions. That is a fair point to consider. The available information confirms that children must be accompanied by an adult and that service animals are allowed, but it does not provide detailed safety procedures.

Most people can take part, yet this remains a small boat at sea. Families should keep children close and follow crew instructions. If you need a highly structured safety presentation or a very stable platform, compare this with a larger vessel before booking.

Is $78.44 a fair price?

At $78.44 per person, this is priced above the cheapest whale watching trips in Tenerife. The value comes from the smaller group, the sailing boat, the drinks package, the sandwich, and the chance to combine wildlife watching with swimming.

I think the price works best when the boat is not full and the captain gives you the personal service that Guy and others are praised for. Seeing a large pod of pilot whales, a mother and young, or dolphins close to the boat can make the fare feel well spent.

The value is less convincing if you expect a full meal, a long snorkeling session, or constant sailing. You may spend part of the trip motoring along the coast, and wildlife sightings can be brief. The one sandwich may also feel light for a premium-priced outing.

You are paying for a small-group experience, not certainty. If a quieter boat and a friendly captain matter to you, the extra cost is easier to justify. If your priority is the lowest price or the longest swim stop, another excursion may suit you better.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a relaxed half-day on the water. It suits you if you enjoy watching animals without demanding a performance, and if you like having drinks and simple lunch included.

It is also a good choice for anyone who dislikes large party boats. Eight to 10 people can fit comfortably, and the small capacity gives you a better chance of asking questions or moving around without a crowd.

You should think twice if your main goal is snorkeling. The stop may be short, chilly, or lacking underwater sights. I would also be cautious if you suffer badly from seasickness, dislike boat motion, or expect a formal safety talk and a polished luxury service.

Book vegetarian food in advance. Request pickup early if you need it. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sensible expectations about wildlife. Evening trips are worth considering if you want a sunset along with the whale search.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want pilot whales, a small group, and an easygoing captain-led outing rather than a large sightseeing boat. The best departures combine close wildlife sightings, thoughtful guiding, a swim, and enough food and drink to keep the afternoon comfortable.

Skip it if $78.44 feels high for a small sandwich and a possible short swim. You cannot control what wildlife appears, and the snorkeling may not deliver much. For the right person, though, the quiet moments beside a pod of pilot whales are exactly what makes this trip worth considering.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching tour start?

It starts at Tenerife Sailing Charters in Puerto Colón, pontoon 2, gate number 2, Costa Adeje. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

Where does the tour end?

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

How long is the sailing trip?

The trip lasts approximately three hours, although one departure ended around 20 minutes early.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 11 travelers.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. You receive a glass of champagne or sparkling wine, light refreshments, a freshly made sandwich, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time for swimming and snorkeling. Bring your own towel, swimwear, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.