Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

The star of this three-hour sailing trip is the chance to watch pilot whales from a quiet yacht rather than a crowded motorboat. The crew often cuts the engine near the animals, giving you a calmer encounter and letting the whales decide how close they come. You may also spot dolphins and turtles along Tenerife’s southern coast.

I like the small-group feel, with past sailings carrying around seven to ten passengers plus crew. I also like the simple finish: a swim and snorkel stop, fresh fruit, sandwiches, and drinks aboard a 52-foot yacht. The main caution is rough water. Several people had a bumpy ride, so motion-sickness sufferers should plan ahead.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: Dolphins and turtles are possible, but wildlife sightings can never be promised.
• A 52-foot sailing yacht: There is room to sit on deck, watch the sea, and enjoy a more personal setting than a large sightseeing boat.
• Swimming follows the wildlife search: The captain anchors in a secluded bay for swimming, snorkeling, or quiet time.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fruit, sandwiches, water, soft drinks, juices, beer, cava, and wine.
• The boat can be bumpy: Calm days are pleasant, but tall waves have made some trips uncomfortable for children and anyone prone to seasickness.
• Puerto Colón is easy to reach: Meet at dock Pantalán 0, near Miishi Restaurant, 15 minutes before departure.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

Your trip begins at Puerto Colón in southern Tenerife. Look for Pantalán, or dock, number zero. The meeting point is near Miishi Restaurant, and you should arrive 15 minutes before departure so the crew can check everyone in and give a short briefing.

There is no hotel pickup, so you need to arrange your own way to the port. Two parking areas serve Puerto Colón, with parking listed at about €1 per hour. If you use a taxi, bus, or rental car, allow a little extra time to find the dock.

The boat is a 52-foot sailing yacht, a useful size for this kind of outing. It is large enough to feel steady and offer several places to sit, but small enough for the crew to talk with you easily. Previous sailings have had only a handful of passengers, while others carried about ten people, not counting the crew. That gives the trip a relaxed feel without the crowding common on larger whale-watching boats.

There is a barefoot policy on board, except for health reasons. Wear something easy to remove, and keep oversize luggage at your accommodation. You will want sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. A light cover-up is also sensible after swimming, though it is not specifically required.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Since access details can depend on the marina and the yacht, anyone needing specific assistance should confirm the arrangements before booking.

Watching pilot whales along Tenerife’s south coast

After the briefing, the skipper heads toward the marine area used by pilot whales and dolphins. The crew explains the local sea life and points out places where animals are commonly seen. The southern coast provides a pleasant backdrop, but the wildlife is the reason to keep your eyes on the water.

Pilot whales are the most dependable sighting described for this trip. You might see adults and smaller whales together, and some encounters bring the animals close to the yacht. Dolphins are also possible, including bottlenose dolphins, but they are less certain. One outing had plenty of whales but no dolphins, while another saw a single dolphin and several small whales.

Turtles have also been spotted near the boat. A sea turtle appearing beside the yacht can be a quick encounter, so keep watching even after the main whale sighting. Bring patience. Wildlife does not perform on a timetable, and the captain may need to search for a while before finding a pod.

One of the best details about the trip is how the crew handles a sighting. Captains have been praised for switching off the engine and keeping their distance instead of chasing the animals. That gives you a quieter view and lets the whales choose their own path. You may see them surface beside the boat, pass under it, or remain farther away. The experience feels less like a race to collect sightings and more like a respectful visit to their waters.

The crew names connected with especially praised trips include Alex, Jesús, Mauricio, Marta, Monica, and Yuri. Their roles can vary by departure, but the consistent point is the personal attention. Guides explain the animals, check that people are comfortable, and make time for questions.

You should also know that wind affects the sailing itself. On some departures, the crew raises the sails and the yacht glides quietly along the coast. On a day with little wind, the boat may use its motor for much of the journey. That is normal for a sailing trip, but do not book this expecting a full afternoon of silent sailing every time.

The yacht, the pace, and the ride

The yacht is the setting as much as the transport. You can sit on deck, watch the coastline, and move around when conditions allow. The atmosphere is generally calm, with a slower pace than a high-speed whale-watching boat.

The best place to sit depends on the sea. On calm days, most areas should work well. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a position with a clear view of the horizon and avoid reading or staring down at the water. One passenger who usually feels sick had a better time sitting near the front, while another group warned that large waves made the trip bumpy.

This is an important trade-off. A calm sea can make the yacht feel wonderfully peaceful, especially when the sails are up. Tall waves can turn the same route into a rough ride. Children have enjoyed the outing even when conditions were uncomfortable, but families should think carefully about each child’s tolerance for boat motion.

The crew appears to take comfort seriously. They welcome passengers aboard, talk with people during the trip, and help create an intimate rather than formal atmosphere. You are not simply listening to a recorded speech. You can ask about the whales, the coast, or what you are seeing at that moment.

The three-hour length is well judged for most people. It gives the captain time to search for wildlife and still leaves time for a swim, without taking up the whole day. If you want a longer coastal cruise or a trip focused on Los Gigantes, note that this route does not necessarily include Los Gigantes. One sailing specifically did not visit that area.

Swimming and snorkeling in a secluded bay

Before returning to Puerto Colón, the captain anchors in a sheltered bay. This is your chance to swim, use the basic snorkeling equipment, or stay aboard and relax. The water has been described as clear and blue on favorable days, and the stop gives the trip a welcome change of pace after the wildlife search.

The timing of this stop can vary. If the crew finds whales and spends extra time with them, the swim may be shorter. One trip allowed only about ten minutes for a quick dip because the wildlife viewing took longer. On another, there was enough time for a more leisurely swim and a chance to enjoy the bay.

That variability is worth understanding. If your top goal is snorkeling, you may prefer an activity built around a longer water stop. Here, the animals come first. The swim is a pleasant extra, not the main event.

Basic snorkeling gear is included. You still need to bring your own swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. The barefoot rule remains in effect while you are on board, so plan to leave bulky beach items at home. You can also simply sit on deck, enjoy the setting, and skip the water.

Sandwiches, fruit, and drinks on board

Food and drinks are included in the price. The crew provides fresh fruit and sandwiches, along with water, juices, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine. Some sandwiches are prepared while the yacht is sailing, and the food is served as part of the relaxed onboard routine rather than as a formal meal.

This is useful because a three-hour trip can stretch into a hungry outing, especially if you swim. The food is enough to make the experience feel self-contained, and the combination of fruit and sandwiches suits a casual day at sea.

Water is included, but bringing a refillable bottle may still be sensible. One passenger recommended carrying extra water, particularly if you spend time in the sun. Drink carefully if you choose beer, cava, or wine, as a moving boat and warm weather can catch you out quickly.

Do not expect a restaurant meal or a wide range of special diets from the information provided. If you have allergies or dietary needs, ask the operator in advance. The focus is fresh, simple picnic-style food served on deck.

What the $88 price gets you

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Tenerife from the water. The value comes from the combination of a smaller yacht, a three-hour outing, wildlife viewing, a swim stop, food, drinks, and snorkeling gear.

A large boat may offer more capacity, but this yacht gives you more room to speak with the skipper and a better chance of finding a comfortable spot on deck. With passenger numbers sometimes around seven to ten, the price can feel reasonable for a near-private experience without paying private-charter rates.

The wildlife element also adds value, especially when you see several pilot whales, mothers with calves, dolphins, or a turtle. Still, the price does not guarantee a particular animal. You are paying for time on the water and the crew’s effort to find wildlife, not a guaranteed dolphin show.

I would consider this a good choice if you value a quiet boat, personal service, and a mix of wildlife and swimming. It is less suitable if you want a low-cost sightseeing cruise, a guaranteed dolphin encounter, or a long snorkeling session.

The booking terms are practical. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

This suits couples, families, and small groups who want a gentle half-day on the sea. It also works well for people who prefer a personal guide and a yacht with space to move around rather than a packed boat.

Families should consider sea conditions carefully. The trip can be wonderful for children when whales surface close by, but large waves may cause seasickness. Bring whatever motion-sickness treatment you normally use, and choose a seat with a view of the horizon.

It is also a strong option for anyone interested in responsible wildlife watching. The captains have been praised for stopping the engine and giving pilot whales room. That behavior matters: it reduces noise and avoids turning the encounter into a chase.

You may want a different trip if your priority is a specific coastal landmark. This outing focuses on the southern coastline, whale and dolphin habitat, and a bay swim. It does not promise a visit to Los Gigantes, and the sailing portion depends on wind.

Practical details for a smooth morning or afternoon

Arrive at Pantalán 0, near Miishi Restaurant, 15 minutes before departure. Since hotel pickup is not included, plan your route to Puerto Colón in advance.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear and a towel
• A small personal bag rather than oversize luggage
• Extra drinking water if you prefer to have more than the onboard supply

The tour is offered with live guiding in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. The crew’s personal approach is one of the strongest parts of the experience, so use the time to ask questions about the whales and dolphins rather than treating the boat as simple transport.

The yacht follows a barefoot policy except for health reasons. This keeps the deck cleaner and safer, but it means you should wear footwear that comes off easily. Store large bags before you arrive, since space aboard is intended for people, not luggage.

Should you book this Tenerife yacht trip?

I would book it if you want pilot whales, a small boat, and a swim stop in one well-paced outing. The best parts are the respectful wildlife watching, the chance to sail when wind allows, the friendly crew, and the food and drinks already included.

I would pause if you get seasick easily, need a guaranteed calm ride, or care more about snorkeling than whales. Conditions can turn rough, the sails may not always go up, and the swim can be short when the captain finds active wildlife.

For most people who want a personal day on Tenerife’s southern coast, the $88 price is fair. Bring sun protection, arrive early, accept that nature sets the timetable, and you have a strong chance of a memorable outing with pilot whales at the center.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip meet?

Meet at Pantalán, or dock, number zero at Puerto Colón. The entrance is near Miishi Restaurant, and you should arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Puerto Colón.

What animals might I see?

The trip looks for pilot whales and dolphins, and turtles may also appear. Sightings are not guaranteed, but pilot whales are the animal most often seen on this route.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The captain stops in a secluded bay where you can swim, snorkel, or relax. Basic snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are provided?

You receive fresh fruit and sandwiches, plus a selection of water, juices, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine.

What languages are available, and can wheelchair users join?

Live guiding is available in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.