Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching aboard Portuguese schooner

Seeing pilot whales and dolphins from a traditional wooden schooner is the main draw here. You leave from Los Cristianos and spend the first part of the trip searching Tenerife’s southern waters, then anchor along the coast for lunch and a swim. The boat gives you open photo angles rather than a view through windows.

I like the old sailing-ship character and the relaxed layout, with an upper deck for sunbathing, an open bar, and a large central table. I also like that food and drink are included, so you are not expected to pack a picnic. The main caution is value: one account reported no lunch and extra cocktail sales, while another described a meal of rice, chicken, salad, rolls, and a drink. Clarify what is included before you board.

Key points at a glance

• A real wooden Portuguese schooner: The boat adds old-sea character that you will not get from a standard motor cruiser.
• Pilot whales and dolphins: The route heads toward the colony near Tenerife’s southern coast, but sightings are wildlife encounters, not a fixed show.
• Lunch and Atlantic swimming: After the search, the boat anchors so you can eat and swim in open water.
• Upper deck and open photo views: You can relax in the sun and take pictures without window glare.
• Small enough for a social boat day: The maximum group size is 60 people, so expect company but not a huge ship.
• Good cancellation protection: You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before departure, and poor weather can lead to a refund or another date.

Setting sail from Los Cristianos at 10:00

Your meeting point is at the Fishermen’s Wharf in Puerto Los Cristianos, Arona. The boat returns to this same harbor, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in or near Los Cristianos.

The departure time is 10:00 in the morning. Check the exact pier carefully before setting out. One family had trouble because an online map directed them to the wrong location, although the crew helped them reach the correct place and held the boat.

That is useful advice for anyone booking this trip: do not rely only on a map pin. Use the written meeting details, allow time to find the Fishermen’s Wharf, and arrive early enough to sort out the pier without a last-minute dash.

The boat can carry up to 60 people. That is not an intimate private sailing, but it is still a moderate-sized outing rather than a large ferry experience. If you want silence and personal service, this may feel busy. If you like a sociable family boat with room to move, the size should work well.

A Portuguese schooner with old-sea character

The vessel is an authentic Portuguese wooden schooner from the last century. Its sailing-ship design is a big part of the appeal. You are not simply being carried from one point to another in a plain excursion boat. The wooden hull and traditional style give the trip a sense of old Atlantic travel, with the operators presenting it as a way to recall the sailing days and the pirates who once crossed these waters.

I would choose this boat for its character, especially if the vessel itself matters to you. The schooner creates a more memorable setting for families and anyone who enjoys boats, even if the wildlife is quiet on the day.

The layout is practical. There is an upper deck for relaxing and sunbathing, a large central table, and an open bar. The open deck also helps with photography. You can move around for a clear view instead of trying to shoot through glass or over a tall cabin wall.

Sun protection matters here. The boat offers a place to sunbathe, but a sunny Atlantic crossing can feel intense. Bring the basics you normally need for a boat outing, even though food and drink are supplied.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The first purpose of the trip is wildlife watching. From Los Cristianos, the schooner heads toward the area known for a colony of pilot whales and dolphins.

This is the part that needs the most realistic expectations. The crew can take you to the right waters, but no responsible whale-watching trip can promise animals on cue. You might see several dolphins, a few pilot whales, or only brief sightings. The boat may also need to remain in one area while the crew looks for movement.

One account described seeing both dolphins and whales as planned, with clear explanations from the crew. That is the best-case version of the outing. Another person found the slow search dull, describing several hours spent near the coast with little change of position. Both reactions make sense. Wildlife watching rewards patience, but people expecting a fast-moving cruise may find the waiting repetitive.

The schooner is better suited to someone who enjoys the process, not just the result. Bring your camera, but keep it ready for quick appearances. The unobstructed boat sides give you good angles, though you will still need timing and luck to capture a clean image.

The crew’s explanations are another part of the wildlife section. One especially positive account praised the explanations and the friendly crew. That matters because a good guide can help you understand what you are looking at, rather than leaving you to guess at distant fins.

Lunch and a swim in the Atlantic

Once the cetacean search is finished, the boat sails toward the coast and anchors for lunch. This changes the rhythm of the trip. Instead of watching the water, you get a chance to sit at the central table, eat, and enjoy the sea around you.

The meal is described as included, but the exact serving needs attention. A detailed account listed rice, chicken drumsticks, salad, bread rolls, and one drink, and described the food as good. Another person booked the excursion expecting lunch and said it was not provided, while also feeling pressured to buy different cocktails.

That conflict is important. I would not book this expecting a restaurant meal or unlimited drinks. The safest reading is that a basic meal and some drink service are intended, but cocktails or upgraded beverages may cost extra. Ask the operator what lunch includes and whether the open bar covers soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, or only selected items.

The swimming stop is short but appealing. One account described about 15 minutes in the water. That is enough for a quick Atlantic dip, not a full beach afternoon. You should be comfortable with the idea of swimming from an anchored boat and with the possibility that sea conditions or the schedule may affect the length of the stop.

For families, the swim can be the highlight after the slower wildlife search. A family with children found the crew particularly helpful, including an incident in which crew members jumped in to rescue a turtle. That story reflects the hands-on spirit people can encounter onboard, though you should not expect wildlife rescues to be part of the planned itinerary.

Returning to the harbor

After lunch and swimming, the schooner sails back to the departure harbor. The stated duration is approximately two hours, but one account described being on the water for about three hours. That difference may reflect how long the boat spends searching, anchoring, or handling the day’s conditions.

I would leave some flexibility around the end time. Do not schedule a tight airport transfer, timed attraction, or important reservation immediately afterward. The return is to the same Los Cristianos meeting point, which is convenient, but the exact finish can depend on the wildlife search and sea conditions.

The boat’s return passage gives you another chance to use the upper deck, take pictures, or simply sit at the central table. If you are prone to boredom during a calm cruise, bring your patience. This is not a speedboat ride packed with constant action.

What the $57.96 price really buys

At $57.96 per person, the cost is reasonable if you value three things together: a traditional vessel, wildlife watching, and a meal with a swim. You are paying for a two-hour experience as advertised, though the day may run longer, and the included food and drink help the price make more sense.

The value weakens if you mainly want a guaranteed whale sighting or a long swimming session. Wildlife is unpredictable, and the swim may last only around 15 minutes. The boat’s slow pace is part of the experience, not a flaw that the crew can always fix.

The meal also affects the calculation. A simple lunch with rice, chicken, salad, rolls, and one drink can be useful and filling. It is not the same as a full open-bar package with unlimited cocktails. Since one account felt the price was poor because lunch was missing and cocktails were being sold, confirm the food and beverage details before paying.

I would compare this with other Tenerife boat trips only after checking what each one includes. A cheaper trip without lunch may not actually save much once you buy food. A more expensive trip may offer a longer swim but lose the charm of a wooden schooner. Here, the vessel and the atmosphere are part of the price.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This outing fits families, couples, and people who like gentle days on the water. The crew has been praised for being friendly and helpful, and the boat’s open layout lets you choose between sun, shade, conversation, and wildlife watching.

It is also a good choice if you want photos without a solid cabin blocking the view. The upper deck gives you a pleasant place to sit, although the best position for wildlife can change quickly.

I would be more cautious if you need constant activity. The boat may spend a long time in the same general area while looking for animals. One person called the experience boring for that reason, even though dolphins were seen and the meal was enjoyed.

The trip also suits people who prefer a shared boat rather than a private charter. With a maximum of 60 people, you will have company. That can create a cheerful family atmosphere, but it means the quietest corners may not remain quiet.

Practical details before you book

The ticket is mobile, and the tour is offered in English. Confirmation is provided at booking, and most people can participate.

The meeting point is:

Puerto Los Cristianos, Muelle de Pescadores, Puerto de Los Cristianos, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. Since the online location caused confusion for one family, check the written address and the harbor signs rather than trusting an automatic map route.

The tour requires suitable weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The operator may also cancel if too few people book, with the choice of another experience or a refund.

For your own plans, bring swimwear, sun protection, and a camera. Food and drink are included, but it is sensible to confirm exactly what the package covers, especially if you want cocktails or more than the included drink.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not refunded, and all cutoffs use Tenerife local time.

Should you book the schooner?

Book it if you want a characterful boat, a chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, a basic lunch, and a short Atlantic swim in one outing from Los Cristianos. The wooden Portuguese schooner, open decks, friendly crew, and good wildlife sightings can make this a fine family day.

Skip it if you need guaranteed animals, a fast ride, a long swim, or a polished all-inclusive drinks package. Before booking, confirm the lunch and beverage details and plan for the trip to last longer than the stated two hours. For the right kind of boat day, the schooner adds plenty of charm. For someone who dislikes slow searching at sea, that same pace may feel like the main drawback.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin and whale trip begin?

It begins at Puerto Los Cristianos, Muelle de Pescadores, in the port of Los Cristianos, Arona, Tenerife.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at the port of Los Cristianos.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is approximately two hours. The time on the water may vary, and one account described an outing lasting about three hours.

What animals does the boat search for?

The trip searches for pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife’s southern coast.

Is lunch included?

Food is described as included. A meal account listed rice, chicken drumsticks, salad, bread rolls, and one drink, but another person reported that lunch was not provided. Confirm the exact meal with the operator before departure.

Are drinks included?

Drink service is included in the tour description, and the boat has an open bar. Cocktail sales were also reported, so ask which drinks are included and which cost extra.

Can I swim during the excursion?

Yes. After the wildlife search, the boat anchors and offers time to swim in the Atlantic. One account described about 15 minutes in the water.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 60 people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. If poor weather or too few bookings cancel the trip, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.