Premium All Inclusive Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

Tenerife’s southern coast is a dependable place to look for whales, and this three-hour yacht trip keeps the group small enough for the skipper to explain what you are seeing. You may spot resident whales, dolphins, and even a sea turtle, then stop for a swim in the Atlantic.

I like the maximum 10-passenger boat and the fact that drinks, food, and snorkeling gear are included rather than added at the dock. The main caution is the sea itself: strong wind and waves have caused severe motion sickness, and snorkeling may not be possible when conditions turn rough.

Key points at a glance

• Resident whales near Tenerife: The southern coast is home to whales year-round, so sightings are a realistic possibility rather than a lucky long shot.
• Small boat, personal feel: The boat carries about 10 people, giving you more room and more time to ask the skipper questions.
• Food and drinks included: You receive snacks, a sandwich-style bite, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks during the trip.
• Swimming stop included: You can get into the Atlantic when sea conditions allow, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• Good for families and proposals: The operator offers accessible boarding support and special arrangements for engagement moments.
• Weather matters: Calm water can make this a wonderful outing, but wind and waves can turn it into a rough ride.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

The meeting point is Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, on Tenerife’s south coast. This is a practical base for a boat trip, with public transport nearby and a clear return to the same place after roughly three hours.

The location matters because the southern coast is where the boat goes looking for marine life. Tenerife’s resident whales live in these waters throughout the year, so the trip does not depend entirely on a short seasonal migration. Dolphins are also possible, though no wildlife trip can promise a sighting every time.

Before you book, check the departure time carefully and arrive early. One customer reported waiting in the heat for about an hour because the boat left later than the stated time. That sounds like an exception rather than the usual plan, but it is a good reason to confirm the meeting details and avoid arriving at the last minute.

A small boat with room to look around

The biggest practical advantage here is group size. The stated boat capacity is 10 people, while the booking information also gives a maximum of 11 passengers. Either way, this is much smaller than the large excursion boats that can make whale watching feel crowded.

A small group changes the mood. You can move your gaze from one side of the boat to the other without fighting for a viewing spot, and you are more likely to hear the skipper’s explanation. The experience can feel relaxed and personal, especially when the boat is carrying seven or nine people.

The crew members named in the feedback include Juan and Marie. Juan is described as friendly, welcoming, and entertaining, with one small group especially pleased by his handling of the trip. Another guide named Paco received a serious complaint about his manner, so the quality of the personal interaction may depend on who is working that day. I would not book this mainly for a particular guide, but the operator clearly aims to provide commentary as well as transport.

Looking for whales and dolphins

The wildlife search is the heart of the outing. The skipper uses local knowledge of recent whale and dolphin locations and takes the yacht along Tenerife’s southern coast. Because resident whales live here all year, the chances are better than on a trip that depends on animals passing through for a few weeks.

Still, sightings are never guaranteed. One outing produced whales, dolphins, and a sea turtle. Another saw four or five dolphins but had difficult water. A different trip found whales but no dolphins. That is the normal trade-off with wildlife watching: you are heading into a real marine environment, not visiting an aquarium with animals on a schedule.

When a pod appears, the small boat should help you watch without feeling packed in. The guide can point out what you are seeing and explain where whales and dolphins are commonly found. If you want a trip that gives you a better sense of the sea around Tenerife, rather than a quick photo from a crowded vessel, this format has real appeal.

You should also bring realistic expectations about the view. The animals may surface briefly, move away, or appear at a distance. A good day can produce repeated sightings, but the ocean remains in charge.

The swim stop and snorkeling question

At some point, the boat stops so you can swim. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, which saves you from bringing your own mask and makes the water stop easy to join.

The important phrase is when conditions allow. One customer said snorkeling was impossible, and another said the equipment was not even seen during the trip. These comments do not match the advertised plan, but they highlight a practical point: the swim stop is weather dependent and may be brief or limited.

If the sea is calm, the chance to get into the Atlantic adds welcome variety to the whale search. You are not sitting on a boat for three straight hours, and children who lose patience with wildlife watching may enjoy the water more than the animal sightings. One family with children aged seven, five, and one had a particularly positive time, with the children enjoying the swim.

If you are booking mainly for snorkeling, I would choose a dedicated snorkeling trip instead. Here, the wildlife search comes first. Swimming is an extra feature, not the central purpose.

Snacks, drinks, and the meaning of premium

The price is listed at $21, which makes the inclusion of food and drinks a strong part of the value. You receive soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, and snacks, with one account describing the food as a homemade half sandwich.

That detail is worth noting. The word premium may suggest a substantial meal, but you should expect a light bite rather than lunch. The food is useful during a three-hour outing, especially if you have children with you, but it should not replace breakfast or a proper meal before boarding.

Drinks add more value, particularly when you compare this with a basic boat trip where every beverage costs extra. Alcohol is included, but you should keep your sea legs in mind. On a calm day, a drink can be a pleasant touch. In rough water, alcohol may be the last thing your stomach wants.

I like that the operator includes the essentials up front. You can focus on the coast, wildlife, and swimming instead of keeping track of small charges. Just keep your expectations at snack level.

Sea conditions can change the whole outing

The greatest drawback is not the boat, the route, or the wildlife. It is the Atlantic. Wind and waves can make the trip uncomfortable even when the animals appear.

One particularly rough outing led to nausea, vomiting, and other health problems for more than half the group. That is a serious warning for anyone prone to motion sickness. The same day still produced several dolphin sightings, but wildlife could not make the ride enjoyable for everyone.

You may want to take your usual motion sickness precautions, though the supplied information does not specify what the operator provides. Sit where you feel most stable, keep your eyes on the horizon if the sea becomes rough, and do not assume a beautiful forecast on land means perfectly calm water offshore.

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can accept another date or receive a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but it does not remove the possibility of a trip going ahead in water that feels uncomfortable to you. If calm seas are important, check the forecast close to departure and ask the operator how conditions look.

Families, accessibility, and special occasions

This trip suits families better than many fast boat excursions because the group is small and the pace includes time for looking, listening, and swimming. The reported family group included a one-year-old, a five-year-old, and a seven-year-old. The baby slept through much of the ride, while the older children enjoyed the sea.

That does not mean every child will be comfortable. A three-hour boat ride can feel long if the water is rough or wildlife takes time to appear. Bring sun protection and anything your family normally needs for a half-day outing, since the supplied information confirms snacks and drinks but does not give a full list of onboard facilities.

The operator also advertises easy access for disabled passengers. If access is important to you, contact the company before booking so the crew can confirm that the boat and boarding process fit your needs. The service also offers engagement specials, making this an option for a proposal on the water. Ask for the exact arrangement before paying, since the details of those specials are not provided here.

What the $21 price delivers

At $21, this is an unusually low price for a small-group whale and dolphin outing with refreshments and a swim stop. The value is strongest if you want several elements in one package: a coastal cruise, a chance to see resident whales, drinks, a snack, and access to snorkeling gear.

The price is less compelling if you need a guaranteed dolphin sighting, a full meal, or a calm-water snorkeling session. None of those can be promised. The wildlife is genuine and unpredictable, and the food appears modest.

I would call it good value for a flexible visitor who sees the boat ride itself as part of the experience. You are paying for a chance to meet Tenerife’s marine life in its natural setting, not for a fixed performance. The small capacity makes the deal better than the price alone suggests.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a compact, friendly outing and like the idea of combining wildlife watching with a swim. It is especially suitable for couples, families, and small groups who prefer a quieter boat to a large party cruise.

It also works well if you have limited time in Playa de las Américas. The trip lasts about three hours, returns to Puerto Colón, and includes the main extras you might otherwise have to arrange separately.

I would hesitate if you suffer badly from seasickness, need guaranteed snorkeling, or expect a large meal. The rough-water experience shows that conditions can defeat the best plan. I would also treat the guide quality as variable, since the personal service received both warm praise and one strong complaint.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and the local-time cutoff applies.

Final call: a good-value wildlife cruise with one big condition

This Tenerife whale and dolphin tour is worth booking if you can accept the uncertainty of the ocean. The strongest reasons are the small group, year-round whale habitat, included drinks and snacks, and the chance to swim from the boat.

Book it on a calm-weather day, arrive at Puerto Colón with time to spare, and think of snorkeling as a bonus rather than a promise. If you do that, the $21 price offers a lot: three hours on the southern coast, expert local guidance, and a real chance to see whales and dolphins where they live.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The boat capacity is stated as 10 people, and the activity information gives a maximum of 11 travelers.

What wildlife might I see?

You may see resident whales and dolphins along Tenerife’s southern coast. A sea turtle has also been seen during one outing, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and snacks are provided. The food has been described as a homemade half sandwich, so plan on a light snack rather than a full meal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the trip includes a swim stop. The swim and snorkeling may be affected by sea conditions.

Is the tour suitable for disabled passengers?

The operator offers easy access for disabled passengers. Contact the company before booking to confirm that the arrangements meet your specific needs.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.