Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise

The best part of this trip is the chance to watch dolphins and pilot whales in open water, rather than seeing marine life behind glass or from a huge excursion ship. The boat may also pass turtles, flying fish, squid eggs, and even the occasional spotted dolphin. The crew waits at a respectful distance, letting the animals choose how close to come.

I like the small speedboat format, which gives you a closer look at Tenerife’s southern coast and a livelier ride than a large catamaran. I also like the useful pause in a bay, where you can swim or snorkel, cool off, and have a sandwich and drink. The tradeoff is that sightings are never guaranteed, and the ride can feel bumpy for anyone who dislikes fast boats or rough water.

Key points to know before you book

• Wildlife in its natural setting: Look for dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and flying fish without feeding or handling the animals.
• A three-hour speedboat ride: The route combines open-water wildlife watching with views of beaches, small ports, and natural swimming pools.
• A proper swim stop: You can enter the sea at a bay near the southern coast, with snorkeling equipment supplied.
• Strong guiding: Nico has been praised for explaining the sea, Tenerife, and responsible wildlife watching in clear detail.
• Simple refreshments included: You receive one drink and a sandwich after the water stop.
• A meeting point in Puerto Colón: Arrive at Gate 3 fifteen minutes before departure, with a printed or digital ticket ready.

Why this Puerto Colón boat trip feels different

Many boat outings from South Tenerife are built around a broad, easy ride with lots of passengers. This one uses a speedboat, so the mood is more active. You feel the wind, move quickly along the coast, and spend less time simply motoring from one point to another.

That speed is useful when looking for wildlife. The boat can cover more water during the three-hour outing, giving the crew a better chance to search for dolphins and whales. It also means a more physical ride. You will want to hold on, and anyone prone to motion sickness should think carefully before choosing this format.

The focus is not just on ticking off an animal sighting. The guide explains marine life in the Atlantic and points out how the animals behave. The most responsible encounters are often the quietest ones, with the boat waiting while the animals decide whether to approach.

That approach matters. You are not promised a staged performance, and the captain does not control the sea. Some trips may produce several sightings, while others may involve more time scanning the water. The reward is that anything you see is part of the natural setting.

From Gate 3 to the open Atlantic

Your starting point is Puerto Colón Gate 3. A Sea Safari Tenerife staff member waits there fifteen minutes before departure, checks your digital or printed ticket, and leads the group to the boat once everyone has arrived.

This timing is worth taking seriously. The boat leaves from the marina, and a late arrival could hold up the group or leave you behind. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Puerto Colón.

Once aboard, the character of the trip changes quickly. The marina gives way to the open coast, and the speedboat becomes the main attraction as much as the wildlife. You get a moving view of South Tenerife, with beaches, small ports, natural swimming pools, and steep coastal cliffs appearing along the route.

On a clear day, you may also see Mount Teide and the nearby island of La Gomera. Those views add a useful sense of place. You are not only looking out to sea. You are seeing how Tenerife’s volcanic interior and neighboring islands fit together from the water.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The wildlife search is the heart of the outing. The main possibilities are dolphins and pilot whales, with turtles and flying fish also mentioned as possible sightings. The sea conditions, season, and animal movements all affect what you see.

Pilot whales are particularly associated with the waters off Tenerife, and seeing them from a small boat can be memorable. You might watch a fin surface, then wait as the animal disappears and appears again farther away. This is not a theme-park show with guaranteed close passes, so patience helps.

Past trips have also included common dolphins, spotted dolphins, turtles, a man-of-war jellyfish, and a floating sac of squid eggs. You should treat these as fortunate possibilities, not a promise. The guide can point out what you are seeing and explain more about the marine environment.

The crew’s handling of the boat is important here. The captain keeps some distance and allows the animals to come toward the boat if they choose. That gives you a better kind of encounter, even if it is less predictable than a tightly managed wildlife display.

Guide Nico has received particular praise for explaining the waters around Tenerife and showing the coast from a fresh angle. Tine is also part of the team connected with the excursion. If you care about learning as well as taking photographs, the guiding adds real value to the ride.

Bring realistic expectations. You may get a spectacular sighting, but you may also spend time watching empty water and scanning for movement. That uncertainty is part of wildlife watching, not a flaw in the trip.

The bay stop and snorkeling break

After the wildlife search, the boat stops at a bay for a swim break. This is a welcome change from sitting on a moving boat, especially on a sunny day.

You can jump into the sea, swim, or use the supplied snorkeling equipment to look at fish beneath the surface. The stop is also a chance to admire the cliffs from below and see the coast at a slower pace.

The snorkeling is not presented as a full reef excursion. Think of it as a short coastal swim with a chance to see fish, rather than a dedicated underwater expedition. That makes it easy to enjoy even if you have only modest snorkeling experience, though you should be comfortable in the sea.

You need to bring your own towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. There is no point trying to stay dry for the whole trip. Pack your swim clothes before you arrive, and protect yourself from the strong sun while you are on the boat.

The exact feel of this stop depends on conditions. The tour is subject to weather, and the captain may need to adjust the plan for safety. The sea can be calm and inviting, but it can also be choppy. Listen to the crew before entering the water.

Sandwich, drink, and the ride back

After the swim, you receive a sandwich and one drink. This is a modest refreshment rather than a full meal, but it is well timed. Three hours in the sun, with salt water and a fast boat ride, can leave you hungry and thirsty.

One useful point is that you should not book this outing expecting an elaborate lunch. The food is there to keep you going, not to become the main event. One past opinion found the meal less important than the wildlife and suggested that some people might prefer a lower price instead.

The return run follows more of the southern coast. You may see small harbors, beaches, and natural swimming pools from the water. This final stretch gives you a quieter look at Tenerife after the faster wildlife-search section.

I like the way the route combines several experiences without overloading the schedule. You get marine wildlife, a coastal ride, a swim, snorkeling, refreshments, and a guide’s explanation in three hours. You do not spend an entire day on the boat, which makes it easier to fit around other plans in Tenerife.

What the $77 price really covers

At $77 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon on the island. The price includes the speedboat, guide, wildlife search, swim stop, snorkeling equipment, sandwich, and one drink.

The value depends on what you want from a boat trip. If you mainly want a long swim and a relaxed meal at sea, a different outing may suit you better. If you want a smaller, quicker boat with a serious focus on dolphins and whales, the package is more convincing.

The guide is a major part of the value. A captain who can explain animal behavior, point out coastal features, and handle encounters with care gives the trip more substance than a basic ride along the shore. Nico’s explanations about the waters and island have been a particular strength.

A private group is available, which may make sense for families or friends who want a more personal outing. The supplied information does not give a separate private-group price, so check the current cost before booking.

Who should choose this speedboat excursion

This outing suits you if you enjoy active sightseeing and want more than a slow coastal cruise. It is a good match for couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a fast ride and a sea swim.

You should be comfortable with:

• A three-hour trip on a speedboat
• Wind, spray, and possible bumps
• Searching for wildlife without a guarantee of sightings
• Getting into the sea at the bay stop
• Walking to the boat from the Puerto Colón meeting point

It may not suit you if you need a quiet, steady boat, guaranteed seating comfort, or a full meal. Non-folding wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, baby strollers, and non-folding strollers are not allowed.

The trip can be arranged as a private group, but the standard experience is a shared outing. Ask about the group setup if having more personal space is important to you.

Practical details that can make the day easier

Arrive at Gate 3 fifteen minutes before departure. Have your ticket ready on your phone or printed, and allow enough time to find Puerto Colón without rushing.

Wear swimwear and bring a towel. Apply sunscreen before boarding, since there may not be much shelter from the sun on a speedboat. A light layer can also be useful if the wind picks up.

The tour runs with a live guide in Spanish and English. The guide’s commentary is part of the experience, so stay near enough to hear the explanations when the boat is stopped or moving slowly.

Weather can change the plan. The tour operates subject to conditions, and the captain’s decision should come first when deciding if the boat can safely continue or stop for swimming.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Tenerife schedule is still shifting.

My verdict: book it for wildlife and speed

I would book this tour if I wanted a lively three-hour outing centered on wild dolphins and whales, with a real swim stop added in. The small speedboat, respectful wildlife approach, strong guiding from people such as Nico, and views toward Teide and La Gomera give it more character than a plain harbor cruise.

I would skip it if I wanted a guaranteed animal encounter, a calm catamaran, or a substantial lunch. The $77 price makes the most sense when you value the guide, the smaller boat, the chance of varied sightings, and the snorkeling stop.

Bring a towel, arrive early, and accept that the sea sets the schedule. If you can do that, this is a lively and well-focused way to see South Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Puerto Colón, at Gate 3. A Sea Safari Tenerife staff member meets passengers there fifteen minutes before departure and checks printed or digital tickets.

How long does the excursion last?

The excursion lasts three hours, including the wildlife search, coastal cruise, swim stop, snorkeling time, and return along the southern coast.

What animals might I see?

You might see dolphins and pilot whales, along with turtles and flying fish. Other possible sightings have included spotted dolphins, a man-of-war jellyfish, and squid eggs. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a stop at a bay where you can snorkel or swim.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes one sandwich and one drink. It is a light refreshment, not a full meal.

Can I cancel the booking or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.