Whale and Dolphin Watching Yacht Trip in Puerto Colon

The star of this Puerto Colón outing is the chance to watch pilot whales in their natural habitat from a small yacht rather than a large excursion boat. The three-hour trip combines open-water wildlife watching with a possible swim stop, simple food, and drinks. Some boats used for the tour are sailboats, and the exact vessel can vary.

I like the 12-person limit, which gives you a better chance to see the water and ask the skipper questions. I also like the unhurried feel: on good days, the boat may stop near a whale family and let you watch instead of rushing off for the next sighting. The main caution is that this is nature, not a staged show. Sea conditions can be choppy, sightings vary, and the quality of the commentary and boat can depend on which vessel and crew operate your departure.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the main sighting: Dolphins, turtles, and other sea life are possible, but no species is guaranteed.
• A maximum of 12 people keeps it personal: This is a quieter choice than a large catamaran carrying many more passengers.
• The swim stop depends on the weather: Bring swimwear, but expect the captain to skip swimming if sea conditions are poor.
• Food is simple but useful: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and ham and cheese baguettes are included. Request vegetarian food when booking.
• The 7 p.m. sunset departure is different: Until the end of August, this option lasts two hours and includes either wildlife watching or a swim stop, not both.
• Plan ahead for shared bookings: If your party books separately, tell the operator at booking time that you want the same boat.

Leaving Puerto Colón for Tenerife’s whale waters

The trip begins at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, a handy starting point for anyone staying in Tenerife’s south. You return to the same meeting point after the cruise, so there is no need to arrange a second pickup location.

Once aboard, the skipper gives you the basic plan and safety instructions. Life jackets are provided, and snorkeling equipment is included. The boat carries no more than 12 people, though the operator uses multiple boats, so the yacht shown in promotional pictures may not be the exact one you board.

That detail matters. Some departures use an elegant sailboat with enough room for everyone to sit comfortably, while one report found a boat more cramped than expected. You should think of this as a small-boat outing rather than a guaranteed luxury-yacht charter. The small group is the luxury here, along with the chance to spend time with the crew and watch the sea without a crowd around you.

English and Spanish are spoken on every tour, every day. If you need another language, contact the operator before booking and ask if it is available on your chosen date.

The search for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion takes place off Tenerife’s southwest coast. The crew heads toward areas where pilot whales and dolphins are often seen, while you scan the water and listen for updates from the captain or guide.

Pilot whales are the most consistent sighting described for this trip. You may see several animals traveling together, and on a good outing a family can swim close to the boat for several minutes. One of the strongest features of the trip is the captain’s willingness to stop and let you watch when animals are nearby. That creates a calmer experience than a boat that circles briefly and moves on.

Dolphins are included in the name of the excursion, but you should not book on the assumption that dolphins will appear. The same goes for sea turtles. Turtles have been seen, but they are an extra surprise, not part of a promised schedule.

The captain also points out bird life overhead and coastal landmarks along the way. The quality of this part depends on the guide assigned to your boat. Captains such as Patrick have been praised for sharing seafaring stories, explaining what you are seeing, and keeping the group involved. There has also been an isolated complaint about a guide offering little commentary, so expectations should remain sensible.

You are not promised constant action. A whale-watching trip can include stretches of open water with nothing obvious to see. Even on a successful outing, the animals may surface only briefly. Bring patience, watch the water rather than your phone, and listen closely when the captain says something is approaching.

Why the small boat changes the experience

The difference between 12 people and a large excursion boat is easy to understand once you are trying to spot a whale. On a small yacht, you have a reasonable chance of finding a clear viewing position, and the skipper can speak directly to the group. You also avoid the crowding and noise that can make wildlife watching feel more like a queue.

The tradeoff is less room to move. One person found the boat cramped, especially when several passengers tried to change position. A sailboat may offer a pleasant, spacious feel, but it is still a compact vessel. If you need lots of open deck space, this may not feel as roomy as a large catamaran.

The boat can also move noticeably in the Atlantic swell. Several accounts describe windy or choppy conditions, while blankets were available on one rougher outing. The operator supplies life vests, but you should still dress for wind and bring a light layer. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion feels easiest for you and consider taking your usual precautions before departure.

A swim and snorkel stop near a sheltered cove

When conditions allow, the captain may stop at a pretty cove for swimming and snorkeling. This is a welcome change after time spent scanning the horizon. You can use the supplied snorkeling equipment, cool off in the sea, and enjoy a slower pause before returning to Puerto Colón.

The swim stop is weather dependent, and it may be omitted when the sea is too rough. The exact location can vary, but one outing included a stop near La Caleta. Do not treat the swim as a guaranteed second attraction. The captain must balance safety, sea conditions, wildlife watching, and the three-hour schedule.

Pack a swimsuit and towel if you want to enter the water. The available information confirms snorkeling equipment, but it does not promise changing rooms or extensive beach facilities, so arrive ready to board in practical clothing.

Drinks, baguettes, and the practical side of lunch

Included refreshments are straightforward: beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. You also receive ham and cheese baguettes. This is not a full meal, but it is enough to make the trip feel more complete, especially if you are spending a long stretch on the water.

Vegetarian options are available on request. Make that request clearly at the time of booking, and check it again before departure if food matters to you. The operator has confirmed vegetarian requests successfully for some passengers, but one serious complaint involved ham and cheese being supplied despite advance confirmation. A vegan option is also listed as available on request, so state your needs precisely rather than assuming a sandwich can simply be altered.

The simple food suits the relaxed character of the trip. You can have a drink, watch the coast, and enjoy the sea without paying separately for every bottle of water. Alcohol is included, but remember that the boat can be moving in choppy water, so moderation is wise.

How the timing affects your day

Daily departures make this easy to fit around other plans in Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje, or nearby parts of southern Tenerife. A morning sailing leaves the afternoon free. An afternoon departure gives you time for a relaxed start to the day and places the strongest sunlight over the coast during the return.

A new 7 p.m. sunset departure is available until the end of August. This option lasts only two hours, even though the price remains the same. It includes either whale and dolphin watching or the swim stop, not both. That shorter format may work well if you want evening views and a brief outing, but the standard three-hour departure offers better value if you want both wildlife watching and time in the water.

The tour is often booked around 11 days ahead on average. That is not a formal booking deadline, but it is a useful hint for popular dates. With only 12 places on each boat, last-minute availability can be limited.

If people in your party make separate bookings, contact Tenerife First Excursions immediately and request the same boat. Multiple boats operate the tour, and waiting until the day of departure may be too late to keep your group together.

What the $62.56 price gets you

At $62.56 per person, this outing costs more than a basic large-boat wildlife cruise, but you are paying for the smaller group as much as for the wildlife search. Drinks, food, snorkeling gear, and the possibility of a swim stop are included. You also get a captain who can speak directly to a maximum of 12 passengers.

That is good value for couples, families, and small groups who dislike crowded excursions. It is especially appealing if you want a social but quiet outing, with enough personal attention to ask questions and enough time to sit back.

The price is less attractive if your only goal is to see a whale as cheaply as possible. Wildlife is unpredictable, and one disappointing outing involved only a short sighting followed by a quiet return. You should pay for the small-boat setting and the overall time at sea, not a guaranteed number of animals.

The optional photo service is not included. If you want professional images, you can pay extra, but your own phone or camera may be enough when conditions are calm and the animals surface close by.

Families, couples, and who will enjoy this most

Families can fit comfortably within the 12-person limit, and the tour has carried groups with children and a baby. The crew provides the basic equipment needed for the sea outing, and most participants can take part. Service animals are allowed, and the port is near public transportation.

For families, the main question is how well children handle a three-hour boat ride. The wildlife may be thrilling, but there can also be long quiet periods and choppy water. Bring sun protection, layers, and whatever keeps young passengers comfortable.

Couples and small groups will appreciate the gentle pace, coastal views, and included drinks. This also suits anyone who finds large catamarans too noisy or impersonal. People who want a lively party boat, a formal marine-biologist lecture, or a guaranteed swim should choose carefully.

The trip is conducted in English and Spanish. If language support is important to you, ask before booking rather than assuming another language will be available.

Weather, comfort, and realistic expectations

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. Even when the tour goes ahead, the Atlantic can be windy and rough. A beautiful day on land does not always mean a smooth ride offshore.

I would wear a light jacket, secure loose belongings, and avoid arriving in delicate shoes. Blankets have been provided on at least one windy outing, but you should still prepare for spray and cooler air than you feel at the port.

The most important mental preparation is simple: whales and dolphins are wild animals. A successful trip may mean several pilot whales, a turtle, and a swim stop. Another day may bring only a brief sighting. The crew can search likely areas, but it cannot control the animals.

The overall score is 4.5 out of 5 from 419 ratings, which fits the pattern of the experience: strong praise for the crew, small group, pilot-whale sightings, food, and relaxed pace, alongside a smaller number of complaints about boat condition, cramped space, limited commentary, or missed dietary requests.

Booking, cancellation, and meeting-point details

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the tour ends back at Puerto Colón. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Cutoff times use Tenerife’s local time. That is worth remembering if you are booking from another country. If weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book this Puerto Colón yacht trip?

I would book this if you value a small group, direct contact with the skipper, and a relaxed wildlife search more than a guaranteed show. The chance to watch pilot whales from a boat carrying only 12 people is the main reason to choose it over a large catamaran.

Choose the standard three-hour trip if you want the best chance of combining whale watching, refreshments, and a swim or snorkel stop. Choose the 7 p.m. sunset option only if two hours and one main activity suit your plans.

Ask for vegetarian or vegan food when booking, confirm the language you need, and request the same boat if your group books separately. With those details handled, this is a pleasant, personal way to spend part of a Tenerife day, provided you can accept the uncertainty that comes with real wildlife watching.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching yacht trip begin?

It begins at Puerto Colón, Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

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

How long is the standard tour?

The standard experience lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

Each boat has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What animals might I see?

The trip focuses on whales and dolphins, with pilot whales frequently seen. Sea turtles and bird life are also possible, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and swimming and snorkeling are available when weather and sea conditions permit.

What food and drinks are included?

Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and ham and cheese baguettes are included.

Can I request vegetarian or vegan food?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available on request. Make your dietary request when booking.

Is there a sunset departure?

Yes. A 7 p.m. sunset departure is available until the end of August. It lasts two hours and includes either whale and dolphin watching or the swim stop, not both.

What languages are spoken on the tour?

English and Spanish are spoken on every tour, every day. If you need another language, contact the operator before booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the experience.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

Is the port near public transportation?

Yes. The meeting point is near public transportation.