Watching whales from a real sailing yacht beats the big-ship routine. This 3-hour cruise out of Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje puts you on a 12-meter sailing boat authorized for whale watching in the south of Tenerife, with a roof for shade and plenty of space to relax while you scan the water.

I especially like the combo of pilot whales in this area and the fact that you’re not just searching from deck chairs—you get cruising time, plus a swim and snorkeling stop with gear included. One practical note: even though it’s a sailing boat, the trip may not set sails the whole time, depending on wind, and the animal commentary can be more or less detailed from captain to captain.

Key Things I’d Prioritize Before You Go

• 12-meter Lina7 / Mizendoha: smaller-feeling yacht setup versus large boats, with a shaded roof.
• Pilot whales in the south of Tenerife: this operator is licensed for whale watching here.
• Snacks, cold drinks, and snorkeling equipment included, so you can show up light.
• A swim and snorkeling window built into the schedule, not just a pass-by.
• Live guide in English, Italian, or Spanish, plus on-water spotting from the captain.

Puerto Colón Meets a 12‑Meter Yacht in Costa Adeje

You start at Gate 5, Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, where the boats are moored for departures. The vibe here is very “get on the water, quickly,” which you’ll appreciate when you’re short on time and just want the ocean to start doing its thing.

This tour runs on either Lina7 or Mizendoha—both described as 12-meter sailing boats. The big win is comfort: there’s a roof for shade at all times, so you’re not stuck baking in the sun while you wait for spouts and fins.

The Whale-Watching Focus: Pilot Whales Off Tenerife’s South Coast

The whole reason to book is simple: this area is where you can spot resident pilot whales. The operators specifically set this cruise up for whale watching in the south of Tenerife, which matters because it’s not a random “we’ll probably see something” excursion.

During the whale segment, you’ll also get a chance to look for dolphins. The timing is short—about a 15-minute viewing window—so your best move is to treat it like a spotlight moment. Keep your eyes up, give the captain room to position the boat, and be ready for quick bursts of activity rather than long, guaranteed sightings.

A heads-up from real-world experience: some passengers want more details about whale behavior—things like diet, age, or how deep they dive. You can still expect a guide to talk, but the depth of the facts can vary. If you love wildlife trivia, consider bringing your own questions so you can follow along in the moment.

Costa Adeje Sailing Time: What the “Cruise” Part Gives You

Between the wildlife checks, you get serious “being on the Atlantic” time. You’ll have about an hour of sailing as you leave the harbor area, then another 30 minutes, and later a 45-minute stretch on the way back.

Even if you don’t see a whale every minute, that sailing time is part of the value. It’s where the trip shifts from watching to living: you get ocean air, you see Tenerife’s rugged coastline from out at sea, and you get enough movement that the experience feels like an outing—not just a short boat hunt.

One thing to know: although these are sailing boats, some conditions may mean sails aren’t set. Wind can be unpredictable, and one passenger noted that they didn’t raise sails during their trip. If your dream is to watch the yacht under sail the whole way, keep expectations flexible.

On-Board Comfort Details That Make a 3-Hour Trip Easier

A 3-hour whale trip is short, but discomfort can still ruin it—sun, splashy decks, awkward stair steps, or nowhere to sit. This boat is built with comfort in mind, starting with space: it’s set up for groups, with a large living area and a table for eight, plus sofas.

Cabins are described as spacious, with storage (wardrobes, drawers, and storage space). The aft cabins have direct access to bathrooms with showers and hot water, which is a big deal on any outing that includes swimming. There’s also a kitchen area with cooking burners, sinks, an oven, and refrigerators—plus solar panels and a reported 900-liter water autonomy, which points to a well-run operation with a focus on independence at sea.

Small practical thing that came up in feedback: the step/tread to enter the water might feel less than ideal if you’re worried about balance. One passenger nearly caught a finger, because the stair shifts with the boat’s movement. If you’re using the water entry yourself, go slow, hold on, and let the captain position the boat before you step down.

Snacks and Drinks Included: A Simple Win

You get snacks and cold drinks included, and that sounds minor until you’re out on the water for a few hours. It keeps the trip from feeling like you need to ration food or buy overpriced extras mid-ride.

The snack window also works psychologically. When you’re waiting for whale activity, having something to nibble helps you stay relaxed and patient. One passenger even said they enjoyed the small food offering, which lines up with the “short and sweet” structure of the cruise.

The Swim and Snorkeling Stop in Costa Adeje

This is where the cruise stops being just about wildlife and turns into active holiday time. You’ll have about 30 minutes for brunch, swimming, and snorkeling.

Snorkeling equipment is available, so you don’t have to track down gear in advance. You’ll want to arrive ready to change quickly and enjoy it as a real mini-break: get in, look around, then warm up and reset.

Important gear reality: you’ll likely want a sun hat and a towel, but those aren’t included. Bring them, even if you think you’re being “minimal.” After time in open water, you’ll feel grateful you packed small comforts.

Also note what one passenger experienced: they swam in a calmer cove-like area, watched fish, and were able to change with access to toilets. Those basics—space to manage your swim time and bathroom access—make snorkeling far more enjoyable than it sounds.

Dolphins, Whales, and How to Use the Short Viewing Time

Because the whale viewing segment is relatively brief, you’ll get more out of this tour if you’re prepared to switch modes fast: scan, react, and watch the captain’s cues.

Here’s my practical advice:

• Stay on the side where the captain positions the boat.
• Don’t chase your own sightline; follow the boat’s movement.
• When you spot a blow or back movement, keep watching for the next surfacing cycle.

Pilot whales can be easier to detect when you’re looking for patterns rather than one moment. So if you miss the first sighting, don’t assume it’s over—give it a bit.

And yes, you might see dolphins too. That’s a bonus, not the main event, but it can keep the energy up during the in-between sailing periods.

Price and Value: Is $65 Worth It?

$65 per person for a 3-hour outing on a 12-meter sailing boat is the kind of price that usually means you’re paying for a more personal experience versus a large mass-market tour.

What you’re getting for your money:

• Whale watching in a licensed area for this kind of excursion
• Snacks and cold drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• A real sailing-boat atmosphere (not just a motorboat with a sail theme)
• A live guide in English, Italian, or Spanish

Where the value depends on you: if whales are your top priority, understand that wildlife isn’t under your control. You’re buying the best shot offered by the operator in this area, not a guarantee.

Where the value is very strong: if you want a “do it all” water day—sailing cruise, wildlife spotting, and a proper swim—this package fits nicely into a short stay in Tenerife’s south.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want whale watching without committing a full day
• Like smaller-feeling outings and boats with shade
• Plan to swim and snorkel, not just watch from the deck
• Prefer a live guide in English, Italian, or Spanish

It may be less ideal if:

• You care deeply about learning lots of whale science and behavior during the trip. One passenger wanted more info about things like feeding, size, and dive depth.
• You expect sails to be raised continuously. A passenger noted that sails weren’t set during their sailing conditions.
• You’re uncomfortable with getting in and out of the water on shifting stairs. Go slow, use handholds, and be careful with timing.

Should You Book Lina7 or Mizendoha?

I’d book if you want a balanced water day: pilot whale watching from the south of Tenerife, sailing time that actually feels like you’re out at sea, and a built-in swim with snorkeling gear included. The boat setup—shade roof, comfortable lounge space, and bathrooms—also makes it easier to enjoy all phases of the outing instead of rushing through them.

I’d pause before booking if you’re the type who needs constant sailing action or very deep wildlife education. In that case, you may be happier with a tour that promises longer wildlife time or more structured animal-focused narration.

If you’re in Costa Adeje and you want a compact, good-value maritime experience—this is the kind of tour that’s easy to recommend.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Gate 5, Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje.

How long is the tour?

The experience runs for 3 hours.

What’s included in the price?

It includes whale watching on a 12-meter sailing boat, snacks and cold drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

Do I get time to swim and snorkel?

Yes. There’s a stop in Costa Adeje that includes brunch, swimming, and snorkeling for about 30 minutes.

What languages are the live guides?

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

Which animals are you aiming to see?

The focus is on pilot whales resident in the Canarian waters, and you may also see dolphins during the wildlife segment.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat and a towel, since they are not included.

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