Tenerife: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour by Sailboat

Seeing a family of pilot whales move through the Atlantic is the main reason to book this three-hour cruise from Puerto Colón. You may also spot dolphins, turtles, tuna, or other species among the 26 types of cetaceans known in these waters. The wildlife is never guaranteed, but the setting gives you a real chance to watch animals living freely, not performing on command.

I like the small-group feel, with some departures carrying only about 7 people and others around 12 to 14. I also like the caring crew. Guides such as Raul, Félix, Alejandro, and Ismael have earned praise for explaining marine life clearly and helping people who feel seasick. The main catch is that the advertised sailing experience may actually use a motor-powered catamaran or yacht, and lunch can be as simple as a ham and cheese sandwich.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are a realistic highlight: Several outings have seen families of pilot whales swimming near the boat for extended periods.
• Small boats feel calmer: A group of roughly 7 to 14 people gives you more room and less crowding than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Swimming follows the wildlife search: You may stop near a private beach or quiet cove for swimming and snorkeling, though the stop can be shortened if the crew stays longer at sea.
• The crew takes care of people: Guides have helped with seasickness, translated explanations, and answered questions in Spanish and English.
• The boat may not sail under wind power: Some departures use the engine throughout, despite the sailing-tour description.
• Bring a jacket and your own snorkel gear: Wind can make the boat chilly, and snorkeling equipment is not included.

What the three-hour trip is really like

You meet the guide at Puerto Colón, Dock 8, in Costa Adeje. The boat then follows the southern coast of Tenerife, where the goal is to find whales and dolphins in their natural surroundings.

The word sailboat needs a little explanation. The experience may use a fully equipped sailboat, yacht, or catamaran, but several people found that the boat traveled under motor power rather than sail. If sailing itself is important to you, ask for clarification before booking. If your priority is a quiet, uncrowded boat with time on the water, the motorized vessel may still suit you well.

The southern coast gives you fine views even during a quiet wildlife period. You see Tenerife from the sea, with the coastline stretching behind you and open Atlantic water ahead. The boat is small enough to make the outing feel personal, but it is still equipped with a shower and toilet facilities.

Wildlife watching off Costa Adeje

The crew searches for dolphins and whales along a coast where several species are known to pass through or live in the surrounding waters. The possible list includes dolphins, pilot whales, baleen whales, killer whales, and blue whales.

That list describes what can be found in the region, not what you should expect to see on every trip. Wildlife watching is nature, not a theater schedule. One outing might bring only a brief dolphin sighting, while another could produce a memorable family of pilot whales that stays near the boat for close to an hour.

Pilot whales are especially worth understanding before you go. They can look somewhat like large dolphins, and a family group moving together makes a powerful sight. One particularly moving outing included a mother and young whale. You can watch the animals surface, travel, and keep their own distance without artificial displays or feeding.

The boat’s relatively quiet profile is another advantage. A past outing described the vessel as quiet enough that the animals did not appear disturbed as it passed nearby. That does not mean you will always get close, but it helps create a more natural viewing experience.

The crew’s explanation matters here. A guide such as Félix has been praised for explaining the marine reserve and the animals in a way that adds meaning to the sighting. Alejandro and Ismael also made a point of translating the tour for English-speaking passengers when needed. The official Blue Boat flag gives you added reassurance that the operator is authorized and that the crew is trained to discuss the mammals and their behavior.

The swim and snorkel stop

After time searching offshore, the boat may head to a private beach or sheltered spot for swimming and snorkeling. The water is described as clear, and the stop lets you trade whale watching for a closer look at Tenerife’s marine environment.

You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the sun. A shower on board is useful after salt water, especially if you plan to continue sightseeing after the cruise.

Keep your expectations practical. The swim stop is not the main event, and its length can change. One outing spent longer at sea hoping to find whales, leaving only a short time for snorkeling. That is a fair trade if the wildlife search is productive, but it may disappoint you if swimming is your main reason for booking.

Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own if you have it. The supplied information does not promise a large reef or a guided underwater tour. Think of this as a refreshing Atlantic swim with a chance to see local sea life, not a dedicated snorkeling expedition.

Food, drinks, and life on deck

The price includes drinks, snacks, and a meal. The atmosphere is part of the appeal. You can sit on deck with the sun on your face, have a glass of wine or a beer, listen to music, and watch the coast slide by.

The food is basic rather than a full restaurant lunch. Sandwiches have been described as mostly bread, with ham and cheese as the standard option. If you are vegetarian, ask about food when booking because one passenger found no suitable vegetarian sandwich prepared automatically.

That small detail matters. The meal helps make the $69 price reasonable, but you should not book this as a food tour. Consider it a convenient onboard lunch that keeps you fed while the crew searches for wildlife.

Drinks are included, though one older outing reported that supplies did not last for the entire trip. Most people seem to value the relaxed setup more than the catering. Still, if you need frequent water or have dietary needs, bring what you require if permitted, or check with the operator before departure.

The small-group advantage

A small boat changes the mood. You are not looking over rows of heads or competing with a large crowd for the best view. With around 7 people on some trips and 12 to 14 on others, you have a better chance to hear the guide and move around the deck.

This setup also gives the crew room to notice how you are doing. Kristel became seasick halfway through one trip, and the crew checked on her several times and helped her stay comfortable. Marilyne’s daughter also received extra attention because of possible seasickness.

That is useful family information. The trip is marked as suitable for all ages, but the Atlantic can still feel rough. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a position with a clear view of the horizon, follow your usual precautions, and tell the crew early. Their attentive approach may make a real difference.

A smaller group does not mean the boat is silent or private. Music may play, and the crew may switch between Spanish and English. But the overall style is more personal than a large whale-watching ferry.

Guides who add to the experience

The staff are one of the strongest parts of this outing. Raul has been described as welcoming and accommodating. Alejandro and Ismael brought enthusiasm to their explanations of the marine reserve and local fauna. Félix was praised for his knowledge of the subject, while Danny and Paco also left strong impressions as hosts and captains.

The tour is offered in Spanish and English, and the crew may translate explanations when the group includes different languages. This is especially helpful when the boat spots animals and you need quick guidance on what you are seeing.

The best guides do more than point toward a fin. They help you understand why a whale surfaces in a certain way, how pilot whales travel as a family, and why the crew keeps a respectful distance. That turns a lucky sighting into a useful lesson in the sea around Tenerife.

The quality of the guide can vary by departure because different crew members may operate the boat. The consistently warm feedback about the staff is encouraging, but you should not expect the exact same personality or presentation every time.

Is $69 good value?

At $69 per person, this is a fair price if you want several experiences in one outing: wildlife watching, coastal views, drinks, snacks, a simple meal, and a swim stop.

The strongest value comes from the smaller boat and the chance to spend time with an attentive crew. A large vessel might offer a lower price, but it will not necessarily give you the same quiet atmosphere or personal help. Here, the cost also includes the convenience of food and drinks, so you are not paying for the cruise alone.

The value drops if you mainly want a guaranteed whale sighting, a full sailing experience, or a substantial lunch. None of those can be promised. The boat may use its engine, the animals may stay away, and the food is modest.

I would compare this price with your priorities. For a relaxed half-day on the Atlantic with a genuine chance to see marine life, it is reasonable. For a serious sailor or a dedicated snorkeler, a different specialist trip may be a better fit.

What to bring and what to clarify

Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and clothing suited to the weather. Add a light jacket. Even when Tenerife is warm on land, the boat can feel cold when the sun disappears or the wind picks up.

Bring your own snorkel equipment if you want to use it, since it is not included. You should also ask about vegetarian food before the day of the trip.

Double-check the meeting point after booking. Puerto Colón is the starting point, but one person found the directions to the exact place unclear and had to hurry across the port. The stated meeting location is Dock 8, so allow time to find it rather than arriving at the last minute.

Pets, luggage, and large bags are not allowed. Non-folding and electric wheelchairs are also excluded, although the activity is described as wheelchair accessible. If you use a wheelchair, confirm that your equipment meets the boat’s requirements before reserving.

The operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and offers reserve-now, pay-later booking. That is useful when your Tenerife schedule depends on weather or changing plans.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and solo visitors who want a calm marine outing without spending a full day at sea. It also suits anyone who values a small group, personal attention, and a chance to swim after the wildlife search.

It is a good choice for people who are curious about whales but understand that sightings are never guaranteed. The trip works especially well if you enjoy the boat ride itself, since the sun, drinks, music, and coastal views still give you a pleasant outing when the animals remain distant.

I would be more cautious if you need a vegetarian meal without advance notice, dislike motorized boats, or expect a generous lunch. People with serious motion sickness should also prepare carefully, though the crew has shown real concern for passengers who feel unwell.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón, Dock 8, in Costa Adeje on Tenerife’s southern coast.

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts three hours.

Which languages are available?

A live guide is available in Spanish and English.

Is food included?

Yes. Drinks, snacks, and a meal are included. The food may be simple sandwiches, so ask ahead if you need a vegetarian option.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The boat may stop at a private beach or another suitable place where you can swim and snorkel.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

The activity is described as wheelchair accessible, but non-folding wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Confirm your specific needs before booking.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a small-group whale and dolphin outing with kind crew members, food and drinks, coastal views, and a possible swim. Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and tuna have all been seen on past trips, but you should treat every sighting as a bonus from nature, not a promise.

Before paying, confirm the exact boat, meeting point, and meal options. If you can accept a motor-powered catamaran, a basic lunch, and changing wildlife luck, the $69 price buys a friendly and well-rounded morning or afternoon on Tenerife’s Atlantic coast.