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

Pilot whales are the real stars here. From Puerto Colón, you head offshore in search of pilot whales, dolphins, and perhaps turtles, with captains such as Guy, Alex, Dani, or Maximilian sharing facts about Tenerife’s marine life. The best sightings can bring whales close to the boat, but wildlife never follows a timetable.

I like the small group limit of 11, which feels far more personal than a crowded catamaran. I also like the relaxed mix of wildlife watching, a swim stop, fresh baguette sandwiches, and unlimited drinks. The main consideration is value: at about $78.44 per person, the experience depends heavily on wildlife sightings and on how much time your captain gives to swimming and explanation.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the most likely highlight, with dolphins and turtles possible but never guaranteed.
• The boat carries no more than 11 people, making it quieter and more personal than large excursion boats.
• Guy is especially warm and wildlife-focused, while Alex, Dani, and Maximilian have also led highly praised departures.
• Food is simple rather than lavish, usually a fresh baguette sandwich with light snacks and drinks.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included, though the water can be cold, choppy, or lacking much to see.
• The tour lasts about three hours and returns to Puerto Colón gate number 2 in Costa Adeje.

Why the small boat changes the experience

This is not a party cruise with a crowd pressed along the rail. The boat holds a maximum of 11 people, and that limit matters. You have a better chance of hearing the captain, finding a comfortable place to sit, and watching wildlife without dozens of phones and elbows in the way.

Some departures have carried only six adults and two children, while others had around eight or ten people. That leaves room to move around, though the boat is still a small sailing vessel. If you are sensitive to motion, you may feel the waves more clearly than you would on a large catamaran.

The captain is central to the day. Guy receives especially warm praise for his calm manner, care with seasick passengers, and respect for marine life. He has also been described as speaking five languages. Alex, Dani, and Maximilian have led other trips, so the exact style can vary from one departure to another.

You should expect a friendly host rather than a formal marine biology lecture. At its best, the captain explains pilot whales, sea conditions, and responsible viewing while keeping an eye on everyone onboard. One criticism from a less successful trip was that the explanation lasted only a few minutes, so the amount of commentary is not perfectly consistent.

Leaving Puerto Colón for Tenerife’s whale waters

Meet at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, at gate number 2, at least 15 minutes before departure. The activity begins and ends at this point. Pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you need to arrange it at least 24 hours ahead.

Once aboard, the early part of the trip is about getting away from the port and along the coast. You may see striking views back toward Tenerife, though the main purpose is to reach waters where pilot whales and dolphins are found.

The description calls this a sailing boat, but do not assume you will spend the whole trip under sail. One departure motored for much of the outing, and that is not unusual when the captain is trying to reach wildlife or work with the wind. The boat may sail at times, but the wildlife search takes priority.

The first drink is intended to set a pleasant tone. The package includes a glass of champagne, although some passengers have received cava or prosecco instead. If the exact drink matters to you, ask the crew when you board. Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are also included.

Watching pilot whales in the wild

Pilot whales are the most dependable wildlife possibility on this route. Several trips have found groups, including mothers with calves, and some whales have come close to the boat. A captain may turn off the engine so you can watch quietly, an excellent touch that avoids turning the encounter into a chase.

You might also see dolphins swimming near the boat, sea turtles at the surface, or even other sea life. Some departures have found dolphins close to the hull and a mother and young turtle. Other trips have seen only a few pilot whales. That difference is normal for a wildlife trip, not a fault in the ocean.

The three-hour duration gives the captain time to search, but it does not guarantee three hours of continuous sightings. One outing found whales within the first 45 minutes and then spent much of the remaining time cruising near the coast and port. That is the risk at this price: a good encounter can be memorable, but quiet stretches are part of the deal.

I appreciate that the better captains keep a respectful distance. They do not rush toward the animals or force the boat into the middle of the group. If you want a wildlife experience built around patience rather than guaranteed action, this approach suits you.

If your main goal is dolphins, keep expectations in check. Dolphins are advertised as a highlight, but the crew may explain that they are unlikely to appear on a particular outing. You should book for the chance to see local marine life, with pilot whales the most realistic hope.

A swim and snorkel stop near the coast

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for swimming. Snorkel equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins. Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen.

The swimming stop can be a refreshing change after sitting on the boat. Several people have enjoyed getting into the water, while others found it too cold or too choppy. You may be offered only a short swim, and the length seems to depend on conditions and the timing of the wildlife search.

This is not a dedicated reef snorkeling trip. One departure stopped in an area with little to see underwater, and the crew reportedly advised one swimmer not to bother with the snorkel. Another trip had a satisfying swim and snorkel before returning to the harbor. Think of the equipment as a useful extra, not the central reason to book.

The stop may be close to Los Cristianos beach or another coastal area rather than in a remote swimming cove. That is convenient, but it means the swim may not feel exclusive. Strong wind and waves can also change the plan, and the captain may shorten or skip the stop for safety.

What is actually served onboard

The food is practical and light. You receive a freshly made sandwich, usually a baguette, along with snacks and drinks. This is enough for a three-hour outing, especially when paired with beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, but it is not a full meal or a lavish picnic.

Some departures have included strawberries with the sparkling wine, and the food has generally been described as tasty. Still, one person felt that the promised snacks amounted mainly to a single sandwich. If you have a large appetite, bring a small extra snack if the operator allows it, but do not expect a buffet.

Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking. A gluten-free request was not fulfilled on one departure, so I would confirm dietary needs directly rather than assume every request will be handled automatically.

The drink package is one reason the price can make sense for some people. Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included, along with the opening glass of sparkling wine. For someone who values a relaxed drink on the water, that helps close the gap between this trip and cheaper whale-watching boats.

Comfort, safety, and seasickness

A small sailing boat gives you a quieter setting, but it also gives you less protection from motion. Several people found the boat comfortable, while others felt the effect of larger waves even when the sea did not look especially rough.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the warning seriously. The boat may be too small for you to escape the movement, and one person found there was not enough room at the front, where motion can sometimes feel different. Ask about sea conditions before departure and bring any usual remedy you rely on.

The crew generally checks on anyone feeling unwell. Captains have offered advice, crisps, and drinks to help people settle. That personal attention is one of the better features of the small group format.

One concern raised on a departure was the lack of a clear safety briefing and the fact that life jackets were not actively offered. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate, but you should ask the crew about safety procedures if that information is important to you. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Is $78.44 a fair price?

At about $78.44 per person, this is one of the pricier small-boat options around Tenerife. You are paying for a limited group, a three-hour outing, drinks, a sandwich, snorkel equipment, and the chance to see wildlife without a large crowd.

The value is strongest when several pieces come together: a calm sea, a captain who explains what you are seeing, pilot whales that stay nearby, and enough time for the swim. One particularly successful trip had only four people aboard, a large pod with babies, turtles, fresh sandwiches, sparkling wine, and plenty of space. That is an excellent day for the money.

The value is weaker when wildlife sightings are brief, the swim is very short, and the boat spends much of the final hour cruising near the port. You are not buying guaranteed whale time, a full lunch, or an elaborate snorkeling site.

I would compare this with large catamaran tours only if price is your main concern. The larger boats may cost less, but the smaller group here is the clearest reason to pay more. If you want personal attention, quiet viewing, and a host who treats the animals carefully, the extra cost may feel justified.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This outing suits couples, families, and small groups who want several experiences in one morning or afternoon. You can watch whales, enjoy coastal views, eat a sandwich, have a drink, and swim without spending a full day at sea.

Children can join when accompanied by an adult, and a 10-year-old was reported to enjoy the experience. Still, parents should consider the boat’s motion and the limited space. A child who gets restless or seasick may find three hours long.

It is also a good match for people who prefer a quieter boat and a captain-led experience. Guy in particular has been praised for making people feel included and for checking on comfort. The outing can feel personal when the group is small.

You may want another activity if you require a guaranteed dolphin sighting, a long snorkeling session, a substantial meal, or a formal safety presentation. You should also think twice if you are highly prone to seasickness or expect luxury service in every detail.

Book at least 15 minutes before departure at gate number 2. Since this activity often sells around 18 days in advance, reserve earlier if your dates are fixed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book the Tenerife sailing trip?

I would book this if your priority is a small boat, respectful whale watching, and a pleasant half-day on the water rather than a guaranteed wildlife show. The strongest departures combine close pilot whale sightings with a warm captain, simple food, free-flowing drinks, and a swim.

I would book with realistic expectations about the weak points. The snorkeling may be ordinary, the sandwich is modest, the sparkling wine may be cava or prosecco, and the tour can feel slow when the animals disappear.

For many people, the quiet scale and personal service will make this worth the higher price. If the captain gives you time to watch a pod without chasing it, that can be the moment you remember from Tenerife long after the last drink is poured.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour start?

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

Where does the tour finish?

The activity returns to the same meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 11 people.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. The package includes a glass of champagne, light snacks, a freshly made sandwich, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time for swimming and snorkeling when conditions and the schedule allow.

Can I arrange pickup from my accommodation?

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance. If you do not arrange pickup, go directly to Puerto Colón gate number 2.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience starts.