Tenerife: Sailboat Tour with Food and Snorkeling

Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars of this small-group sailboat trip from Puerto Colón. You cruise Tenerife’s south coast, stop for a swim and snorkel, and eat sandwiches and cake while the crew searches for marine life. I like the calm scale of the boat and the chance to sail without the noise of a large excursion vessel.

I also like the thoughtful food and drink service, plus the crew’s clear respect for the animals. Captains such as Salvador and Rafa are praised for explaining what you see without turning the outing into a lecture. The main caution is the Atlantic: choppy water can cause seasickness, and wildlife sightings can never be promised.

Key things to know before you book

• Pilot whales are a frequent highlight: The boat operates in waters known for cetacean sightings, and many outings see pilot whales, dolphins, or both.
• The boat carries only 10 passengers: With two crew members, you get more room and a quieter experience than on a large party boat.
• Snorkeling lasts about 30 minutes: You stop in a sheltered bay for swimming, fish viewing, and a break from the open water.
• Lunch is simple but welcome: Expect baguette sandwiches, crisps, cake or another dessert, and drinks including cava, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
• You meet at Puerto Colón: Find dock door No. 5, ten minutes before departure. The boat is named Roulette.
• The $68 price covers the main extras: Your cruise, guide, wildlife watching, snorkeling gear, food, and drinks are included, but hotel transport is not.

A quiet boat for meeting Tenerife’s marine life

Tenerife’s south coast is a busy holiday area, but the sea just offshore offers a very different mood. From the deck of Roulette, you see volcanic shores, beaches, open Atlantic water, and the island of La Gomera in the distance when conditions allow.

The 12-meter sailboat is set up for a maximum of 10 passengers and two crew. It has three double cabins, two bathrooms, and mats on deck where you can stretch out. That layout matters. You are not packed into rows of seats, and you have a real chance to move around, find a good viewing position, or simply sit in the sun.

The small capacity also helps during wildlife watching. The captain can work with the group rather than managing a crowd, and both sides of the boat can be given a chance to see the animals. On some departures, the boat has carried only six passengers, leaving plenty of space.

The experience is not built around loud music, a bar atmosphere, or a long list of artificial activities. Its appeal is simpler: sail, watch, swim, eat, and talk with the crew. That makes it a good choice if you want a personal outing rather than a floating party.

Meeting Roulette at Puerto Colón

You need to find dock door No. 5 at Puerto Colón and arrive 10 minutes before departure. It is the first jetty after passing the port parking barrier, near the port parking area. Look for the sailboat named Roulette.

This is worth treating as part of your planning, not an afterthought. Puerto Colón has several piers and boat operators, so give yourself enough time to get through the parking area and locate the correct dock. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you arrange your own way to the port.

The tour returns to the same meeting point after three hours. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking. Past departures have included morning and late-afternoon trips. The later option can be appealing if you prefer less intense midday heat, though the exact conditions on the day are what matter most.

Sailing south from Puerto Colón

Once everyone is aboard, the crew introduces the boat and begins the coastal cruise. If the wind is favorable, Roulette uses its sails on parts of the outward and return journeys. That is one of the nicest details of this trip. You can hear the water and feel the boat move without the constant sound of a large engine.

The route follows the Costa Adeje coast, with views back toward Tenerife and across the water toward La Gomera. The scenery is not a parade of famous monuments. Instead, you get broad ocean views, volcanic coastline, beaches, and the changing shape of the island as you move offshore.

The crew also gives context about the area and its marine life. Salvador has been especially praised for explaining local geography and the species found around Tenerife. Rafa has also been singled out for his friendly manner and skill at handling the boat. Other departures have featured Yani, Silvio, or Jenny, with the crew sharing the work of serving drinks, keeping an eye on comfort, and helping with the wildlife search.

You can sit back with a drink, watch the coast, or keep your eyes on the water. The crew’s approach is attentive rather than formal. Drinks are offered during the cruise, and the outing has a relaxed pace instead of rushing from one activity to the next.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The whale-watching portion takes place off the south coast, where the crew looks for cetaceans in their natural setting. Pilot whales are a common highlight of the trip, and dolphins are also frequently seen. Some outings have included calves, bottlenose dolphins, flying fish, redfin tuna, sea turtles, and seabirds.

You might see a small group of animals close to the boat, or you might watch a larger pod moving through the water. One outing encountered a group of roughly 20 to 30 pilot whales. Another saw dolphins riding near the bow. These are memorable moments because the animals are not performing tricks or being fed for entertainment.

The captain may spend time with a pod so people on both sides of the boat can get a view. That practical attention makes a difference on a small sailboat. You do not need to fight for a place at a viewing rail, and the crew can adjust the boat’s position as the animals move.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. These are wild animals, and no responsible operator can guarantee a particular species or a close approach. The crew searches carefully and shares what it knows, but the sea decides what appears. Even when one hoped-for whale is absent, seeing pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or seabirds can make the trip worthwhile.

The crew’s respect for the animals is another strong point. You are not promised a staged encounter. Instead, the experience centers on observing marine life from the boat and learning about the species and their environment.

A sheltered bay for swimming and snorkeling

After the wildlife search, the sailboat stops for swimming and snorkeling in a bay. The water is generally warm enough for a comfortable dip, though your comfort will depend on the season, wind, and weather.

The snorkeling break is about 30 minutes. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. You may see fish in the water, and several outings have included a quiet cove or a cave to explore from the boat.

This part of the trip provides a useful change of pace. Three hours of watching the horizon can feel long if you are not interested in marine life, but the swim breaks up the sailing and gives you a chance to cool off. It is also a nice moment for children, provided they are comfortable around open water and are supervised by the adults with them.

The stop is not presented as a full snorkeling expedition. You get a short swim in a scenic bay, not a long guided reef tour. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, you may want a more specialized excursion. If you want swimming as one part of a broader boat outing, the timing is about right.

Sandwiches, cake, cava, and simple onboard comfort

Food is served during the trip, usually after the swim or at another suitable point in the cruise. The meal has been described as fresh baguettes with fillings such as ham and tomato, along with crisps and a slice of cake. Some departures have included Iberian ham sandwiches and gingerbread-style cake.

This is casual boat food, not a restaurant lunch. I would treat it as a generous snack meal that tastes especially good after time in the water. If you expect a full hot meal, you may find the offering modest. For a three-hour cruise, though, sandwiches, dessert, and steady drinks are a sensible arrangement.

Included drinks include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. The crew keeps offering refreshments, and several families and couples appreciated having both alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices. A glass of cava fits the setting nicely, but you can just as easily stick with water or a soft drink.

If you have dietary needs, tell the operator ahead of time. The crew has accommodated dietary requests on past outings, but the supplied information does not list a fixed menu or every possible alternative. A little notice gives the team a better chance to prepare.

Why the crew makes such a difference

A boat trip depends heavily on the people running it. Here, the crew does more than steer. They look for wildlife, explain the animals, offer food and drinks, help with snorkeling, and keep an eye on anyone feeling unwell.

Salvador is repeatedly praised for his knowledge of local species and his respect for the ocean. Rafa is also noted for being friendly, informative, and a capable boat driver. Yani has been described as attentive with food and drink service, while Silvio and Jenny have been praised for making people feel welcome.

That personal service is especially useful on a 10-passenger boat. If you are nervous in the water, uncertain about snorkeling equipment, or beginning to feel seasick, you can speak directly with the crew. One passenger who became very ill from choppy water received prompt care from the captain and crew member.

You should not assume the sea will be smooth. If you are prone to motion sickness, eat lightly before departure, consider your usual precautions, and choose a seat where you feel most comfortable. The crew can help, but they cannot control the swell.

How the $68 price compares

At $68 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Tenerife. It is also not simply a three-hour boat ride. The cost includes the sailboat cruise, a live guide, whale watching, snorkeling equipment, snacks, lunch-style sandwiches, cake, and a wide selection of drinks.

The strongest value comes from the small group. A larger boat may offer a lower headline price, but you usually trade away space, quiet, and direct contact with the crew. Here, the limit of 10 passengers gives the outing a private-feeling quality without requiring you to charter the whole boat.

The value is also better if you plan to use the included extras. Someone who only wants a short scenic sail may find the price high. Someone who wants wildlife watching, a swim, food, and drinks in one half-day outing gets more for the money.

The boat’s three cabins and two bathrooms are useful comforts, though you are not booking an overnight sailing trip. They simply make the vessel better suited to a relaxed three-hour cruise.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and small groups who want a calm way to see Tenerife from the water. Children have taken part, including a toddler, but adults remain responsible for supervision during swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife watching.

It also suits anyone who prefers personal service to a large excursion boat. The crew can answer questions, serve food directly, and make sure both sides of the vessel get a fair look at the animals.

This may not be the best fit if you dislike boats, suffer badly from seasickness, or want a guaranteed whale encounter. It is also not ideal if you are seeking an intense snorkeling session or a full restaurant meal.

For a birthday or other small celebration, the boat has handled special touches such as a cake with candles. Lighting candles on deck can be tricky in the wind, but the setting is memorable.

Practical details that can improve your day

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a light layer for the ride back. The open deck can feel cooler once the boat is moving, even on a warm day.

Arrive early enough to find dock No. 5 without stress. Bring any dietary information to the operator’s attention before departure. If you plan to drink alcohol, remember that the boat may encounter choppy water, so moderation is sensible.

The tour is offered in Spanish, English, French, and German. A live guide is included, and the small group is limited to 10 participants. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reservation option allows you to book now and pay later.

Should you book Roulette Charters?

I would book this tour if you want Tenerife wildlife, a real sailing boat, and a small group in one outing. The combination of pilot-whale watching, a short snorkeling stop, simple food, and attentive crew service gives you a well-rounded three hours.

Book it with realistic expectations. The boat is not a luxury yacht with a formal meal, and the ocean may be choppy. Wildlife is never guaranteed. But if you value quiet sailing, close-up natural encounters, and a crew that takes care of the details, $68 is a fair price for a strong south-coast experience.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife sailboat tour?

The tour lasts three hours, including sailing, wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, and onboard food and drinks.

Where does the tour depart?

It departs from Puerto Colón at dock door No. 5. The meeting point is the first jetty after the port parking barrier, and the boat is named Roulette.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure.

How many people can join the sailboat tour?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 10 passengers and two crew members.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

What food and drinks are provided?

The crew provides snacks, baguette sandwiches, crisps, cake or dessert, mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks.

What marine life might I see?

You might see pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and other marine life. Sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You make your own way to Puerto Colón.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.