Private Yacht Tour With Whale and Dolphin Watching 42 Foot Boat

Pilot whales live in Tenerife’s waters year-round, so the main attraction is not just the sailing. It is the chance to watch for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles from a private 42-foot boat with only your own group aboard. The cruise also includes a swim stop, sonar equipment, and an open bar.

I like two things right away: you get real space for up to 11 people, and the price includes more than a quick wildlife search. Champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, snacks, and snorkeling gear are all part of the outing. The main consideration is simple: wildlife is wild, and a sighting cannot be guaranteed. Rough weather can also lead to a rescheduled trip or refund.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 11: You do not share the yacht with another tour group.
• Whale watching all year: Pilot whales are found in local waters year-round, with dolphins and sea turtles also possible.
• A proper swim stop: The skipper anchors so you can swim and use the included snorkel equipment.
• Drinks and food included: Expect Champagne, unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and light snacks.
• Morning or afternoon sailing: Choose a three-hour or six-hour cruise, subject to the booking option you select.
• Puerto Colón departure: You meet at jetty 2 in Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, and return to the same place.

Setting out from Puerto Colón in a private yacht

Your outing begins at Puerto Colón, jetty 2, in Costa Adeje. Allow time to find the marina and reach the correct jetty. The first ten minutes cover boarding, introductions, and a safety briefing before the yacht heads out.

The boat is a fitted 40-foot sailing yacht, listed elsewhere as 42 feet, or about 12.19 meters. It carries a maximum of 11 passengers and has open deck space, a saloon cabin, kitchenette, and other onboard facilities. That matters more than the exact length. You have room to sit, move around, and change your view as the boat leaves shore.

The private format is the heart of this trip. You can book the whole yacht for your family or friends rather than sitting beside strangers. If you fill all 11 places, the listed $716.45 group price works out to about $65 per person for the three-hour outing. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises, but you are paying for privacy, not just a seat.

The skipper and crew names connected with this experience include Guy, Juan Angel, and Maxi. Your actual captain depends on the departure, but the role is the same: handle the boat, point out wildlife, explain the local waters, and manage the swim stop.

Watching Tenerife’s whales and dolphins from the water

Once you leave Playa de las Américas behind, the view changes quickly. From the deck, you see the resort coastline from a different angle before reaching the Atlantic waters used for whale and dolphin watching.

Pilot whales are the main regular sighting. They remain in the area throughout the year, which gives this trip a stronger wildlife basis than a seasonal whale excursion. Dolphins are also possible, along with sea turtles. You may even spot flying fish, a detail reported during one outing.

The sonar equipment adds another layer to the search. You can listen for whales and dolphins below the surface rather than relying only on a distant fin or splash. It does not turn nature into a scheduled show, but it helps you understand that the sea is active even when the surface looks quiet.

Bring patience. The boat may spend time moving through likely areas while everyone scans the water. A private yacht helps here because your group can share the excitement without a crowded deck or a large tour crowd. It also gives the skipper more room to explain what you are seeing.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. The trip is built around wildlife watching, not a guaranteed performance. You could see several animals, as some outings have, or you could have a quieter stretch at sea. The promise is access to a strong local viewing area, not a fixed number of whales.

A swim stop with snorkeling gear included

At some point during the cruise, the skipper drops anchor for a swim. This is a useful break from scanning the horizon and gives you a chance to experience the Atlantic directly.

Snorkel equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins for the planned activity. You may see fish or other marine life near the boat, and sea turtles are possible in the wider area. The information does not promise a particular snorkeling site or a guaranteed turtle encounter, so treat underwater wildlife as a pleasant possibility.

I would pack a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry change of clothing. Those are practical choices for any boat trip with a swim stop. The supplied details do not state that towels are provided, so bringing your own is the safer plan.

The swim stop may suit active adults, older children, and families who want more than a sightseeing cruise. If someone in your party does not want to swim, the yacht’s deck and saloon provide places to remain comfortable. The private setup means your group can enjoy the pause at its own pace, within the skipper’s safety instructions.

Champagne, snacks, and an open bar at sea

The food and drink package makes this more than a basic three-hour boat ride. You receive a glass of Champagne, unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water. Light refreshments are included, with one outing described as having baguettes and generous nibbles.

This is particularly useful for an afternoon sailing. You can settle into the cruise without arranging a separate meal beforehand, though the supplied details describe snacks rather than a full lunch. If you have a vegetarian in your party, request the vegetarian option when booking.

The open bar sounds generous, but remember that you are on a moving boat. Drink sensibly, especially if you plan to swim. Bottled water and soft drinks are available, and staying hydrated is the sensible choice in Tenerife’s sun.

The private format also makes the food service feel more personal. You are not collecting a small snack from a shared buffet on a large vessel. You can sit with your own group, watch the sea, and let the skipper handle the route.

Three hours or six hours on the Atlantic

The three-hour cruise is the practical choice for most people. It gives you time to leave Puerto Colón, search for whales and dolphins, enjoy refreshments, stop for a swim, and return to the marina without taking up most of your day.

A six-hour option is also available. It gives the skipper more time to search for wildlife and leaves more room for swimming, relaxing, and eating at sea. It also means more time in the sun and on a moving boat, so think about your group’s comfort before choosing the longer outing.

Morning and afternoon departures are offered. Pick the time that fits your plans and your tolerance for heat. An afternoon cruise may feel more relaxed if you want a slower day, while a morning departure leaves the rest of the day free. The exact sailing times are not provided here, so check the available choices before paying.

If you are unsure, the three-hour option offers a good test. You still receive the main elements: private sailing, wildlife watching, snacks, drinks, sonar, and a swim stop. The six-hour version makes more sense for a group that genuinely wants a long day on the water rather than simply adding hours for the sake of it.

What the private format is really worth

At $716.45 per group of up to 11, this is not priced like a standard shared boat excursion. The value depends heavily on how many people join you.

With 11 passengers, the cost comes to roughly $65.13 each. That includes the yacht, skipper, private booking, drinks, refreshments, snorkeling equipment, sonar, and about three hours at sea. For a family group or a full circle of friends, that is a reasonable way to turn a group outing into a private event.

With only two or three people, the individual price becomes much higher. You may still prefer the privacy and flexibility, but a shared whale-watching trip could cost less if your main aim is simply to spot pilot whales.

The strongest value is for groups that care about comfort and control. You can enjoy the boat together, decide who swims, share food without strangers around, and keep the day focused on your own party. The private booking also removes one common problem on smaller boats: feeling crowded during wildlife sightings.

Check the cost of the six-hour choice before booking. The supplied price refers to the group rate shown for the experience, but it does not specify the six-hour price.

Meeting point, pickup, and timing details

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, jetty 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point, which makes it easy to plan a meal or another activity afterward.

Pickup may be offered, but hotel pickup is not included automatically. Contact the provider at least 24 hours before departure if you want pickup details. I would do this as soon as you book, since the information does not give a standard pickup list or fixed transfer schedule.

The activity is offered in English. A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is received at booking. The marina is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed.

Most people can take part, but a boat trip still calls for sensible planning. Think about how your party handles sea movement, sun, swimming, and a few hours outdoors. The details do not state a specific accessibility setup, so contact the provider before booking if anyone needs mobility assistance.

Weather, cancellation, and the best type of booking

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and a cancellation inside that window is not refunded.

Weather matters. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is fair for an activity that depends on safe sea conditions, but do not schedule the cruise too close to an important flight or fixed event if you have no spare time.

This outing suits families, couples, birthday groups, and friends who want a private day at sea. It is also a good match for anyone who wants wildlife watching without giving up food, drinks, and a swim.

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed whale encounter, dislike boats, or want a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour with constant commentary. Nature sets the pace here. The boat gives you a strong chance to see local wildlife, but no captain can order a whale to surface.

Should you book this Tenerife yacht cruise?

Book it if your group can share the cost and values privacy, open deck space, and a relaxed day on the water. The combination of year-round pilot whales, possible dolphins and turtles, a swim stop, sonar, snorkeling gear, and included refreshments gives the trip more substance than a short harbor sail.

The best value comes with a larger group, especially close to the 11-person limit. Choose the three-hour version for a balanced outing, or choose six hours if your group truly wants a full half-day on the Atlantic. Just keep wildlife expectations realistic, confirm pickup and pricing details, and plan around the weather.

FAQ

Where does the yacht tour begin?

The tour begins at Puerto Colón, jetty 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long does the yacht tour last?

The standard cruise lasts about three hours. A six-hour option is also available.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The yacht can carry a maximum of 11 passengers per booking, and only your group participates.

What wildlife might I see?

Pilot whales are present in the local waters year-round. Dolphins and sea turtles may also be seen, and flying fish are possible.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the skipper anchors during the cruise so you can swim.

What drinks and food are included?

The package includes bottled water, a glass of Champagne, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and light refreshments.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included automatically. Pickup may be offered, so contact the provider at least 24 hours before the trip for details.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.