Puerto Colon : Whale & Dolphins Sailing Excursion

Tenerife’s best wildlife show is often just offshore. From Puerto Colón, this small sailboat excursion heads into the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone, where pilot whales live year-round and dolphins, turtles, and fin whales may pass by. You also get a swim stop, a local lunch, and the rare chance to hear marine animals through a hydrophone.

I like the small group of up to 10 people, which makes it easier to move around the boat and ask Captain Daniel questions. I also like the mix of wildlife and beach time: you are not stuck watching the sea for hours, since the trip includes snorkeling or swimming at Diego Hernández Beach and a Canarian meal.

The main consideration is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and a boat trip can be rough for people prone to seasickness. The meeting pier can also vary by booking, so check the exact location carefully before setting out.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales in their natural habitat: Tenerife is home to one of Europe’s largest populations of resident pilot whales.
• A hydrophone on board: You can listen to whale and dolphin calls beneath the boat, not just watch for fins.
• Diego Hernández Beach stop: Swim or snorkel at the secluded beach known locally as Hippie Beach.
• A proper local lunch: The crew serves Canarian food, drinks, fruit, and, according to the details shared by past customers, tasty pastries and snack plates.
• Choose the six-hour option: The longer trip gives you time around Los Gigantes, more swimming time, and additional chances to see dolphins.
• Good for private groups: A private boat can be booked for up to 10 people.

Setting sail from Puerto Colón

Your trip begins at Puerto Colón, a busy marina on Tenerife’s southwest coast. The exact meeting point can vary with the option you book, so do not rely only on a general map pin. Check the pier information in your confirmation and allow time to find the correct boarding spot.

The boat heads along the coast toward the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone. This protected stretch of sea is important because it supports resident marine life as well as animals passing through the waters around Tenerife. The setting is far more peaceful once you leave the marina behind, with open water on one side and the volcanic coast of Tenerife on the other.

The standard outing lasts about three hours, while the longer version runs for roughly six hours. The shorter option works well if you want a half-day activity that leaves room for lunch or sightseeing elsewhere. I would choose six hours if wildlife is the main reason you are booking, since extra time on the water means more time to look for dolphins and a fuller visit toward Los Gigantes.

The boat carries no more than 10 participants on the small-group option. That is a useful size for wildlife watching. You are less likely to feel lost in a crowd, and you can usually get a clear view from different parts of the boat. If you are marking a birthday or special occasion, the private option is available for groups of up to 10 people.

Looking for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

The main event is the search for marine animals in open water. Tenerife is known for its large resident population of pilot whales, and the trip focuses on seeing these animals moving freely rather than taking you to an enclosed attraction.

Pilot whales can be especially interesting because they often travel in family groups and spend much of their time below the surface. You may see a dark back, a fin, or a group surfacing together. The crew’s role matters here. Captain Daniel, also called Dani in customer details, explains what you are seeing and answers questions about whales, dolphins, and turtles.

Dolphins are another major target. Their movements are quick, so you may see them splashing, surfacing beside the boat, or moving across the water at speed. The viewing is from the comfort of the sailboat, not from a fast chase boat, which makes the ride feel calmer and gives you time to watch the animals properly.

Loggerhead turtles are also listed among the possible sightings. They are harder to spot than dolphins because they spend much of their time at the surface only briefly. Keep your eyes moving and listen to the crew rather than expecting every animal to appear on cue. Fin whales may also be seen, though sightings depend on the day and sea conditions.

The crew takes care not to touch the animals or disturb them. That is important. A good wildlife trip should give you a chance to observe without turning the animals into a performance. You should also follow the rule against touching marine life, even if an animal comes close to the boat.

Hearing the sea through a hydrophone

The hydrophone is one of the more unusual parts of this excursion. Instead of simply scanning the water, you can listen to whale and dolphin calls beneath the boat.

This adds something useful to the experience. A whale may be below the surface when you cannot see it, but the hydrophone reminds you that the sea is active even when it looks empty. Children often appreciate this part because it turns wildlife watching into both a visual and listening activity.

Do not expect a dramatic soundtrack every second. Sound levels and animal behavior change, and the crew cannot control what the whales do. Still, the equipment gives you a better sense of how much communication happens below the surface.

Diego Hernández Beach and the swim stop

After the wildlife search, the boat sails to Diego Hernández Beach, often called Hippie Beach. The beach can be reached on foot or by boat, and the boat stop gives you a chance to see it from the water before going ashore or swimming near the anchorage.

This is where the pace changes. Instead of scanning the horizon, you can swim or snorkel in the clear sea. The crew prepares lunch and drinks while you enjoy the water. Bring your own towel and swimwear, and pack sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses. The Tenerife sun can feel strong even when the breeze on the boat makes the day seem mild.

The stop is a welcome break, but it is not a full beach day. The amount of time available for swimming depends on the tour option and the day’s sailing conditions. If you want the most relaxed version, choose the six-hour trip. It allows more room for the wildlife search, the stop at the beach, and the route toward Los Gigantes.

Snorkeling equipment details are not specified, so confirm what is supplied if you do not plan to bring your own gear. The activity clearly includes the chance to snorkel or swim, but you should not assume that every personal item is provided.

Canarian lunch on board

Lunch is included, along with drinks and fruit. The meal features food typical of the Canary Islands, giving this trip more local character than a simple boat ride with packaged snacks.

The available details also point to pastries, cold cuts, and assorted snacks being served on some outings. Captain Daniel and the crew are praised for generous hospitality, so you can expect food to be part of the social side of the trip, not an afterthought.

The exact menu is not stated, and food preferences or allergies should be raised before booking if they matter to you. The practical advantage is clear: you do not need to arrange a separate meal during a six-hour outing. You can swim, return to the boat, eat, and continue enjoying the coast without rushing back to shore.

If you are prone to seasickness, eating on a moving boat may take some planning. The supplied advice recommends a solid breakfast and limiting liquids the night before and on the morning of the trip. It also advises against mixing several drinks and suggests asking a pharmacist or medical professional about suitable motion-sickness medicine. Follow medical advice that applies to you, especially for children.

Why the six-hour option costs more time, not just money

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Tenerife. It is also more than a basic harbor cruise. The price includes the sailing trip, hydrophone listening, wildlife guiding, lunch, drinks, fruit, and the beach stop. For a small group capped at 10, that package offers fair value if you want several activities in one outing.

The three-hour version is the better choice for a tighter schedule or a first taste of whale watching. You still get the main elements: sailing, wildlife search, and the chance to swim or snorkel. The six-hour version is the stronger buy for serious wildlife watchers, families who want a slower day, or anyone keen to see more of the coast.

The longer trip can include Los Gigantes, along with more time to swim and extra chances to see dolphins. That matters because marine wildlife does not follow a timetable. An additional few hours can make the difference between a quick sighting and a more rewarding day at sea, though it also means more exposure to sun, wind, and possible motion sickness.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when your Tenerife plans are still shifting. Just remember that the meeting point may vary by selected option.

What Captain Daniel adds to the day

The guide can make or break a wildlife trip. Captain Daniel is presented as both host and marine-life guide, explaining the animals, handling questions, and keeping the mood comfortable on board.

Specific praise focuses on his care with safety, his attention to whales, dolphins, and turtles, and his enthusiasm for the area. That matters because the trip is not simply about spotting a fin. You learn what to look for and why the animals matter in these waters.

The small boat also gives you a better chance to speak with the captain. You can ask about the pilot whales, the calls heard through the hydrophone, or the conservation zone. English and Spanish are available.

The crew’s approach to the environment is another strong point. The animals are watched in their natural setting, and the instructions make clear that touching them is not allowed. I appreciate that the trip treats wildlife as wildlife, not as a guaranteed show staged for passengers.

Who will enjoy this excursion most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a flexible mix of nature, swimming, and food rather than a single-purpose boat ride. It works especially well for couples, families, small groups of friends, and visitors who prefer a personal guide over a large excursion boat.

The six-hour version suits anyone who wants more time around Los Gigantes or who is willing to wait patiently for dolphins. The three-hour option is better if you are unsure about spending a long time at sea or if you have a packed holiday schedule.

It may be less suitable if you dislike open water, cannot tolerate boat movement, or need guaranteed animal sightings. No responsible wildlife operator can promise whales or dolphins on a particular trip. The experience depends on sea conditions and animal behavior.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A light cover-up is sensible, though it is not listed as required. Keep personal belongings secure and listen to the crew’s safety advice before swimming.

Should you book the Puerto Colón whale and dolphin sail?

Book it if you want more than a standard whale-watching cruise. The combination of a small group, hydrophone, Captain Daniel’s personal guiding, a secluded beach stop, and Canarian lunch gives the day a strong sense of place.

Choose the six-hour option if you can spare the time and want the best chance of seeing dolphins, swimming longer, and reaching the Los Gigantes area. Choose three hours if you want a shorter outing and are mainly interested in seeing pilot whales and dolphins.

I would skip it only if seasickness is a serious concern or if you need a guaranteed wildlife encounter. For everyone else, $88 is a reasonable price for a small-scale day on the water with food, swimming, and a real chance to see Tenerife’s marine life where it belongs.

FAQ

Where does the excursion begin?

The tour begins at Puerto Colón, although the exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. Check your booking details for the correct pier.

How long does the trip last?

You can choose a three-hour or six-hour option. Check availability for the departure times offered on your selected date.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What is the hydrophone used for?

The hydrophone lets you listen to the calls of whales and dolphins beneath the boat.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The boat stops at Diego Hernández Beach, where you can choose to swim or snorkel in the sea.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Canarian cuisine, drinks, and fruit are included. Some outings may also include pastries and snack foods.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat or hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Do not touch the animals during the wildlife viewing.