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

Pilot whales are the stars of this three-hour sailing trip from Puerto Colón. Dolphins, turtles, and even the occasional shark may appear, but wild animals set the timetable. I like the small boat, with no more than 11 people, and the way captains such as Guy and Alex focus on calm, respectful wildlife watching.

I also like the simple extras: a fresh sandwich, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus a glass of fizz. The main caution is value. At $78.44 per person, this is pricier than a basic whale-watching cruise, and the wildlife encounter can be brief while the swim stop may feel short.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the most likely sighting: Dolphins and turtles are possible, but no wildlife sighting can be promised.
• Small groups matter: The boat carries a maximum of 11 passengers, a calmer setup than the large catamarans.
• Captain Guy earns special praise: He is noted for his warmth, marine-life knowledge, language skills, and care with seasick passengers.
• Food is light, not a full meal: Expect a freshly made sandwich, snacks, and drinks rather than a substantial lunch.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, but conditions may be cool or choppy.
• Meet at gate number 2: Arrive at Puerto Colón at least 15 minutes early, since the boat leaves from the marina.

A small boat in Tenerife’s whale-watching waters

This trip leaves from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje and heads along Tenerife’s southwest coast. The boat is described as a luxury sailing boat, though the actual outing may involve motor travel as well as sailing. That matters if you are picturing a quiet, sail-only cruise.

The small passenger limit is one of the strongest reasons to consider it. With as few as four, six, eight, or ten people aboard, you have more room than on a large party boat and a better chance of hearing the captain. You also avoid the packed-deck feeling that can make wildlife watching less personal.

The trip is not built around speed. You spend time looking for animals in open water, then stop for swimming and possibly snorkeling. The coastline itself becomes part of the outing, with views toward Tenerife from the sea and a more relaxed pace than a short harbor cruise.

I especially like the attitude toward the animals. Captain Guy is praised for switching off the engine and allowing passengers to watch pilot whales quietly rather than chasing them. That is the right approach. Wild whales are not performers, and a respectful sighting is worth more than a frantic close pass.

The trip from Puerto Colón to open water

You need to reach Puerto Colón, pontoon 2, gate number 2, 15 minutes before departure. The precise meeting point matters because a marina can be confusing when several boats are loading at once. If you request pickup, it must be arranged at least 24 hours ahead and is available within a 10-kilometer radius.

The experience ends back at the same meeting point. Pickup is useful if you are staying nearby and do not want to arrange a taxi, but going directly to the marina may be simpler if you are already in Costa Adeje or near the port.

Once aboard, settle in before the boat moves away from the harbor. A glass of champagne or sparkling wine is included, along with soft drinks and light refreshments. Some passengers describe prosecco with strawberries, though the exact presentation may vary.

The boat is a better fit for people who enjoy a calm, social outing than for anyone seeking a high-speed ride. The crew may speak with the group about the ocean, the animals, and local conditions. Captain Guy is especially praised for including everyone in the conversation and for speaking several languages. Other departures may be led by Alex, Dani, or Maximilian.

Watching pilot whales in their natural setting

The main wildlife target is the pilot whale. These whales are regularly seen in Tenerife’s waters, and several groups have had close and memorable encounters, including sightings of adults with calves. A large pod can make the trip feel special, even if the whales remain visible for only part of the cruise.

I would set your expectations carefully. The crew cannot guarantee whales, dolphins, or turtles on any particular departure. Some outings produce several whale sightings and dolphins near the boat. Others find pilot whales but no dolphins or turtles. One group even saw sharks, but that is not a standard promise of the excursion.

The boat may spend a fair amount of time searching. That can feel peaceful when the sea is smooth and the captain is explaining what to watch for. It can feel slow if the animals appear early and the rest of the trip becomes mostly coastline cruising.

A good captain makes a major difference here. Guy is repeatedly praised for explaining marine life, checking how people are feeling, and keeping a respectful distance from the animals. Alex is also described as attentive and enthusiastic, while Dani is noted for making passengers feel safe. Maximilian has been praised for helping seasick passengers and for giving useful wildlife information.

You should not expect a formal naturalist lecture from every departure. The amount of explanation can vary. Some passengers received plenty of background about the sea and its animals, while others wanted more spontaneous commentary. If learning about marine life is your top priority, ask questions and tell the captain what interests you.

Dolphins, turtles, and the luck factor

Dolphins are listed among the main attractions, and some have swum close to the boat. Still, they are less predictable than the marketing may suggest. On some trips the captain explains early on that dolphins are unlikely, while pilot whales remain the better chance.

Turtles are another welcome surprise. Several groups have seen sea turtles floating near the surface, including a mother and young turtle. These moments are brief, so keep watching the water even after the main whale sighting.

This is not a wildlife park. You cannot guarantee a particular species, a close approach, or a long viewing period. I recommend choosing the trip because you enjoy time at sea and hope for wildlife, not because you need a fixed checklist of whales, dolphins, and turtles.

That mindset also helps with the price. A short whale sighting followed by a quiet cruise can still be worthwhile if you value the boat, the small group, the drinks, and the chance to swim. If your only goal is to see as many animals as possible, a larger or more specialized wildlife trip may suit you better, though this experience offers a more personal setting.

The swim and snorkel stop

The itinerary includes time to swim and use the supplied snorkel equipment. This gives the outing a second purpose after the wildlife search. You can cool off, look beneath the surface, and enjoy the water before returning to the marina.

The swim stop is not always a major snorkeling session. Conditions, location, and timing affect what you see. One account describes a stop close to Los Cristianos beach, while another says there was little to see beneath the surface. The water can also be cold, windy, or choppy, and some passengers choose not to get in.

That is worth knowing before you book. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, but do not expect a tropical reef or a long guided snorkeling lesson. The equipment is included, yet the underwater viewing may be modest.

Some departures have offered around 10 minutes in the water, while others allowed more time. One outing ended about 20 minutes early, and another missed the swim opportunity altogether. These reports suggest that weather and sea conditions can alter this part of the plan.

I see the swim as a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book. The whale watching is the core experience. If you are happy to swim when the conditions suit, you will get more from the trip. If snorkeling is your top priority, this may not provide enough underwater time.

What you actually get to eat and drink

The food is useful but limited. Expect a freshly made sandwich or small baguette, along with light snacks. Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking.

Do not arrive expecting a large picnic lunch. One passenger found the food disappointing because the advertised snacks amounted mainly to one sandwich. Others found the baguette tasty and felt the refreshments were generous enough, especially with drinks included.

The drinks package adds real value for some people. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are available without a separate charge, and a glass of champagne or sparkling wine is included. Some departures have served prosecco and strawberries, though you should not assume the exact brand or presentation.

Special diets need attention. A vegetarian option is specifically available, but one passenger who requested gluten-free food did not receive it. If you need gluten-free provisions, contact the operator before departure and confirm what can be supplied rather than relying on the standard sandwich.

The drinks are also part of the atmosphere. A cold drink after whale watching or a glass of fizz during the coastline cruise makes the trip feel more like a leisurely boat outing than a basic transport ride. Just keep the food portion in perspective when comparing the price with other excursions.

Comfort, sea conditions, and safety

The boat can feel spacious with six to eight people aboard. With the full 11 passengers, the experience will be more compact, particularly if the sea is rough and people want to move around. The small group is still a major advantage over a large catamaran, but it does not remove the motion of the ocean.

Sea conditions are important. Even when the weather looks fairly calm from shore, larger waves can make a small boat move noticeably. One passenger found the ride uncomfortable because of seasickness and felt there was limited room to move toward the front of the boat.

If you are prone to seasickness, plan carefully. Eat lightly, follow your normal travel routine for motion sickness, and tell the captain as soon as you feel unwell. The captains are described as checking on passengers and offering practical help, but they cannot control the sea.

One passenger also raised a concern about limited safety instructions, including no clear life-jacket briefing. That is a fair point. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but you should still listen closely when the crew gives instructions and ask where safety equipment is kept if it is not explained.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The trip can work well for families, particularly when children enjoy animals and boats, but young passengers need supervision around the railings and during the swim stop.

Is $78.44 a fair price?

At $78.44 per person, this is a premium-priced three-hour boat trip for Tenerife. The cost includes the small group, wildlife search, swimming time, snorkel equipment, a sandwich, snacks, and an open selection of beer, wine, and soft drinks.

The value is strongest when you get several things at once: a good pilot-whale encounter, a friendly captain, comfortable space, and time in the water. A family pod of whales with calves can make the price feel justified. The same price may feel high if you see animals for only 15 minutes, skip the swim, and spend much of the outing motoring along the coast.

I would compare it with the type of boat rather than just the length. This is not the cheapest way to get offshore, but it is more intimate than the big catamarans. You are paying partly for the group size and personal service, not only for the wildlife.

Souvenir photos are not included but may be available to purchase. I would not count on photos as part of the value calculation. Bring a phone or camera only if you can use it safely without missing the animals.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife boat trip?

I would recommend it for couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed half-day on the water. It suits you especially well if you like the idea of combining wildlife watching with a drink, a light lunch, and a swim.

It is also a good match for people who prefer a small boat and a captain-led experience. Guy is particularly praised for warmth, humor, animal care, and attention to seasickness. Alex, Dani, and Maximilian have also received positive comments for their care and explanations, though the style can vary by departure.

I would be more cautious if you need a guaranteed dolphin sighting, a serious snorkeling session, a full meal, or a perfectly timed three-hour itinerary. The trip depends on weather, wildlife, sea conditions, and the captain’s judgment.

Book at least 24 hours ahead if you need pickup or a vegetarian meal arranged. The experience is often reserved about 18 days ahead, so popular dates may not remain open at the last minute. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before departure, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a small-boat day with a real chance of seeing pilot whales, plus swimming, a sandwich, and drinks. The strongest feature is the personal feel, particularly on departures led by Captain Guy.

Skip it if you are paying mainly for a long snorkel session or a guaranteed dolphin show. At this price, the experience depends heavily on wildlife luck and sea conditions. For the right expectations, it offers a calm and pleasant way to see Tenerife from the water, with enough extras to make the outing feel special when the whales cooperate.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching trip start?

It starts at Puerto Colón, pontoon 2, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at gate number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 11 passengers.

What wildlife might I see?

You may see pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Some departures have also seen sharks, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a swimming stop, and snorkel equipment is available to use. Sea conditions and timing can affect the length of the stop.

What food and drinks are included?

The experience includes a glass of champagne or sparkling wine, light snacks, a freshly made sandwich, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, go directly to Puerto Colón gate number 2.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.