Three hours at sea can feel like a whole getaway. This 3-hour whale watching share runs from Puerto Colón in south Tenerife aboard the elegant Beneteau Oceanis 440 Madoudou, with authorization for cetacean viewing and a relaxed sailing pace.

I love the small-group feel (max 11 people) and how comfortable the boat is, even while you’re moving with the Atlantic swells. I also like that you get snacks and cold drinks plus snorkeling equipment for a quick in-water stop. One drawback to consider: the level of onboard explanation depends on the guide situation, so if you want lots of commentary, choose your language and be ready for a more laid-back style.

Key highlights at a glance

• Max 11 passengers means you’re not packed in like a cattle call
• Beneteau Oceanis 440 comfort with spacious indoor seating and outdoor shade
• Whale watching authorization in southern Tenerife for pilot whale chances
• 1 hour of dedicated whale watching time built into the route
• Secret stop with brunch and 30 minutes of snorkeling plus equipment provided
• Captain Max aboard Madoudou on a sailing-focused itinerary

Madoudou and Puerto Colón: where the 3-hour Tenerife sail starts

Your experience begins at Gate 5 in Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje, south Tenerife). This matters more than you’d think. Showing up on time with a share tour keeps the day calm, and the boat trip feels smooth from the first minutes instead of rushed.

Madoudou is a Beneteau Oceanis 440 sailing yacht. It’s about 13.76 meters long, built for comfort and longer offshore sailing, not just a quick coastal loop. Inside, there’s a large living area with space to sit and a dining table for eight, plus two sofas. The outdoor setup also helps: there’s an outside table and awning, which is perfect when the sun pops through and you want to stay seated without baking.

Even if you don’t use every onboard feature on a short trip, it’s nice to know the boat is properly equipped. You’ll find features like a water system with 900 liters of autonomy, solar panels, and an outboard raft. Translation: the crew can focus on the wildlife and the timing, not on scrambling for basic necessities.

What you’re really watching for: dolphins, marine life, and pilot whales

This isn’t a generic sightseeing cruise. The whole point is cetaceans in the south of Tenerife waters, where the boat is authorized for whale watching.

On the route, you’ll have time for dolphin watching and marine life viewing. Then the program includes a dedicated 1-hour whale watching window. The specific whale you’re hoping to see is the pilot whale (calderones), which live in these Canarian waters.

A practical way to set expectations: you’re going to sea for a chance, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter. Wildlife depends on the ocean that day. What you can control is your approach—bring your eyes, stay flexible, and don’t expect the captain to stop in the same place every time.

When you’re out there, you’ll usually get the best results by doing the simple things: change side when the boat turns, watch the surface for breathing, and keep scanning during the breaks between sightings. On a smaller boat, you can often reposition without feeling like you’re climbing over strangers.

The itinerary in real time: sailing, a 1-hour whale session, then a secret stop

The day is laid out in a way that balances movement with time on the water where sightings can happen.

Stop 1: Puerto Colón departure

You leave from the harbor area in Costa Adeje. Expect the trip to start with sailing as the boat heads out from the port.

Stop 2: Sailing in the Canary Islands

This is your “settle in” period. It’s time to get comfortable on board, soak up views, and adjust to the feel of a sailing yacht on open water.

Stop 3: Dolphins and marine life, then whale watching (1 hour)

This is the core of the experience. You’ll look for dolphins and other marine life first, then you get the longer window for whale watching. One hour is a meaningful chunk of time at sea—enough for the crew to look around, track sightings, and give you a real shot rather than a quick drive-by.

Stop 4: The secret stop with brunch and snorkeling (30 minutes)

After the wildlife focus, the trip shifts gears. You’ll take a break, enjoy brunch, and have 30 minutes of snorkeling with equipment provided. This stop is where the tour turns from watch-and-wait into active sea time.

Stop 5: Back to Puerto Colón

You return to the meeting point area at the end of the 3 hours.

One thing I like about this structure is that it avoids the most common disappointment in short tours. You don’t just chase whales and then return hungry and sunburned. You get a meal and a quick swim component, so the trip feels complete even if sightings are short.

Snorkeling at the secret stop: short swim, right gear, no fuss

You get snorkeling equipment included, which is a big value point for a share tour. It’s one less thing to pack, one less rental line, and one more reason the tour feels designed for comfort.

You’ll have 30 minutes for snorkeling. That’s plenty for a calm circuit and a look around, but it’s not the time to treat it like a full-day underwater expedition. Go in with a simple plan: put your mask on, breathe steady, and keep it relaxed.

Also, remember what’s not included. You’ll want your own sun hat and towel. If you show up without them, you’ll end up improvising, and that can take the fun out of a moment that’s meant to feel carefree.

Onboard comfort that makes the difference on an Atlantic day

A 3-hour boat trip can feel either pleasant or tiring. Madoudou is set up to tilt toward the pleasant side.

The yacht layout is practical: cabins are spacious and designed for real storage, with wardrobes, drawers, and compartments. The aft cabins have direct access to bathrooms with showers and hot water. On a short outing, you might not use showers, but knowing the bathrooms are functional and comfortable makes the whole experience feel more complete.

The galley is also well equipped, with three burners, two sinks, an oven, and two refrigerators. That matters because the crew can prepare the included food and drinks without relying on last-minute, minimal options.

Outside, the awning and outdoor table help you stay in the shade while keeping an easy view of the sea. On a windy day, that little bit of comfort can make it easier to stay focused for sightings.

And yes, the sailing focus is real. This is not just engine time with sails looking decorative. You’re on a sailing yacht, and the rhythm of that usually feels calmer than a pure power-boat ride.

Food, drinks, and the real value of a $63 share tour

At $63 per person, this trip lands in the “worth it if it fits your priorities” category. Here’s why: the price includes not just the boat, but also snacks and cold drinks and snorkeling equipment, plus food (brunch) during the secret stop.

For many people, whale watching alone can run expensive once you add the extras. This tour bundles the extras into one outing: wildlife time, a snack/drink component, and a short snorkeling experience. That combination makes the price feel more balanced than a strict wildlife-only cruise.

The other value factor is group size. With max 11 people, you’re more likely to have space and a decent viewing feel. In whale watching, crowding can turn exciting into frustrating fast. A smaller group usually helps you stay patient and attentive.

The guide and language: what to expect in practice

A live tour guide runs in Spanish, English, or Italian. That’s helpful because cetaceans aren’t just about sighting—they’re also about knowing what you’re seeing.

That said, communication style can vary depending on the situation on the day. If you’re someone who wants background and species context, choose the language you’ll understand best and make sure you get a quick intro early. If you’re more of a watch-first person, you’ll still get plenty of sea time and wildlife searching without needing a lecture.

With Captain Max on board, the trip keeps a sailing-and-sighting focus. Think relaxed pacing, not a nonstop narration machine.

Who this fits best (and who should reconsider)

This is a great match if you want:

• A small-group whale watching option in south Tenerife
• A boat that feels comfortable for a short trip (not cramped)
• A mix of wildlife and a little action with snorkeling
• A simple, packaged experience with food, cold drinks, and equipment included

You might reconsider if:

• You’re expecting a nonstop guided lecture in English (or any language) from start to finish
• You want long snorkeling time (you get 30 minutes)
• You’re sensitive to wind and sun and haven’t packed your own hat and towel

Should you book the 3-hour Beneteau Oceanis whale watch?

I’d book it if your ideal Tenerife day looks like this: you sail out from Puerto Colón, you get serious time for pilot whale spotting, and you come back with snacks in your stomach and sand-free memories from a quick snorkel.

It’s also a smart choice if you want value without overpaying for a full-day excursion. The combination of a comfortable Beneteau Oceanis 440, max 11 passengers, included drinks/food, and snorkeling equipment makes the price feel grounded.

My only “don’t forget” advice is simple: pack your sun hat and towel, choose the guide language you’ll enjoy most, and plan to stay patient while the captain looks for cetaceans. If you do those things, this is one of those 3-hour trips that punches above its time limit.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Gate n. 5 in Puerto Colón and ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the whale watching share tour?

The duration is 3 hours.

What boat is used for this experience?

It’s hosted on Madoudou, a Beneteau Oceanis 440 sailing boat.

How many people are on the share trip?

The tour is a share with a maximum of 11 people.

What wildlife might I see?

You’ll have a chance for dolphins and marine life viewing, and you’ll have a 1-hour whale watching segment focused on pilot whales.

Is whale watching included?

Yes. Whale watching is part of the tour, with the vessel authorized for cetacean viewing in the south of Tenerife.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available and you get 30 minutes at a stop for snorkeling.

What food and drinks are included?

Snacks and cold drinks are included, and there is brunch during the secret stop.

What should I bring since it is not included?

Sun hat and towel are not included.

What languages are the live guide available in?

The live guide is available in Spanish, English, and Italian.

You Might Also Enjoy

E-bike Ride at Chinyero Natural Reserve – on premium bikesTenerife: Trip to Puerto de la CruzEco Adapted Diving in TenerifeHalf Day Family Buggy Teide Nacional Park Morning or Sunset