Whales and dolphins, with real swim time. The Opera 60 luxury RIB turns a classic marine-wildlife hunt into a more comfortable, get-out-and-play day, with a spacious boat, onboard snorkeling gear, and refreshments taken care of while you’re cruising and at the bay. If you like doing more than just looking from a deck, this two-in-one format is the point.

My favorite part is the combination of a 60-foot, high-power RIB (stable for people who don’t love tiny boats) and the hands-on snorkeling stop with included drinks and snacks. One thing to consider: service quality can vary. There’s at least one low-star report describing slow drink service early on and food that didn’t hit the mark, so I’d keep expectations flexible and pay attention at boarding if you’re hoping for a very polished, clockwork service pace.

Key things worth knowing before you go

• Opera 60 is big for a RIB: 60 feet (almost 20 meters) with extra-safe inflatable side defenses.
• Power and comfort together: two 740 HP VOLVO PENTA engines move you fast, while there are sunbeds, seating zones, tables, and even showers.
• Wildlife spotting plus a real water stop: you cruise looking for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, then you get time in a swimming and snorkeling bay.
• Everything you need for snorkeling is on board: snorkeling equipment comes with the tour, so you don’t need to hunt for gear locally.
• Food and drinks are part of the day: snacks and drinks are provided onboard, and many reviews praise the volume and variety.
• Small group size: maximum of 15 travelers, which usually means you’re not squeezed into every corner.

Opera 60: A 60-Foot Luxury RIB Built for Comfort at Speed

This isn’t a flimsy “hop-on, hang-on” boat. OPERA 60 is described as Tenerife’s largest and most spacious luxury RIB, with a safer rigid hull and inflatable side defenses. It’s about 60 feet long (just under 20 meters) and runs on two VOLVO PENTA engines rated at 740 HP—that’s a serious setup for getting out past the harbor and into prime marine-viewing waters without turning it into an all-day ordeal.

Onboard comfort is the theme. You get multiple sitting areas and sunbeds, plus two large tables for spreading out food and drinks. There’s also a toilet (not glamorous, but it matters) and showers after swimming, which is a big quality-of-life upgrade when you’re coming back wet and salty. Reviews also call out the music speakers as part of the relaxed vibe, so it feels closer to a well-run day charter than a rushed sightseeing cattle line.

The small group size—up to 15 people—is another practical win. One review specifically notes plenty of room and seats even with a group of family and friends. On a boat, that space isn’t just comfort; it helps you actually enjoy whale-watching without everyone fighting for the best angle.

From Puerto Colón to Whale Sightings: What the Cruise Feels Like

You start at Puerto Colón, in Playa de las Américas (Tenerife), and you return to the same meeting point. The experience is about 3 hours total, so the timing matters: you want decent viewing time, not a long slog.

What to expect once you leave the harbor is a mix of open-water cruising and scanning. Your crew will point out what you might be looking for as you go, and the goal is to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and whales. One of the strongest review patterns is how quickly sightings can happen—one family described seeing whales within about 20 minutes of leaving port. That’s not guaranteed, but it does tell you the trip is run with the idea that you’re not just drifting; you’re actively searching.

A big part of why this works for most people is how it balances speed with respect. Multiple reviews mention the crew being careful about distance from the animals. That matters, because it keeps the vibe calm and it also gives you the best chance to keep watching longer rather than having the boat constantly reposition at the last second.

One caution: it’s a RIB, so if seas are rough, you might feel it. The tour requires good weather, and one low-star review even suggests the ride was bumpy, though they felt service should have improved during that time. In practice, good weather isn’t just nice—it directly affects comfort and how smooth the onboard experience feels.

The Swimming and Snorkeling Bay: Where the Tour Turns Hands-On

This tour earns its value by giving you more than wildlife spotting. After the marine viewing phase, you head toward a swimming and snorkeling bay. That stop is where you’ll likely spend the most memorable “I’m really here” time.

Snorkeling gear is included onboard, so you’re not dependent on local rentals. You’ll also have a chance to actually get in the water—several reviews call it out as a strong highlight, with people praising the stop itself as well as what they saw underwater.

There’s also the comfort factor of the boat setup. You’re not climbing out of a small dinghy with everyone crowding around. The presence of showers means you can rinse off after swimming, which is a small detail that makes a big difference if you’re planning to keep exploring Tenerife afterward.

A realistic expectation: wildlife might not show up perfectly every time. One review notes whales came close, but dolphins weren’t sighted. That’s simply how marine life works—conditions and animal behavior decide what you actually get. Still, the bay time is a reliable part of the day, which is why this “two-in-one” format lands so well for many people: even if animal sightings vary, you still get your swim-and-snorkel payoff.

Food, Drinks, and Music: How the Onboard Atmosphere Works

For a 3-hour experience, the onboard setup is surprisingly full-service. Snacks and drinks are provided, and reviews repeatedly mention the variety of what’s served—cool drinks, wine, beer, and in some cases lots of Prosecco vibes. One review highlights unlimited drinks and a warm onboard meal, describing it as more of a real outing than a simple tour.

What I like about this approach is that it reduces friction. You’re not hunting for food between activities. You can just focus on being on the water—whale watching when the crew calls it out, then slipping into snorkel mode when it’s time.

Music also shows up as part of the comfort picture. There are quality speakers, so the trip can feel lively without being chaotic. That’s a nice match for a group of friends or a family day where everyone wants a fun atmosphere, not a lecture.

Now, for balance: one lower-rated review complains about the timing of drinks early in the trip and mentions lukewarm food and stale bread. That’s not the norm based on the overall ratings, but it’s a useful reminder: if you’re the type who gets annoyed by service hiccups, it helps to know you’re paying for a premium experience, so you should watch how things are handled from the start.

The Crew, Safety, and How They Help You Actually See Things

A great wildlife trip isn’t just about finding animals—it’s about helping you see them without missing the moment. The staff here is repeatedly described as friendly and tuned in to spotting marine life and explaining what to look for. In several reviews, the crew is praised for being respectful of distance from whales and dolphins, which keeps the experience safer and less stressful.

One review specifically calls out Fabrizio as a host who welcomed them warmly and kept the drinks flowing. Even if you don’t meet him on your day, the pattern is the same: the crew’s job is to manage both the marine-spotting work and the onboard comfort so you’re not constantly wondering what’s happening next.

Also, the boat’s design supports safety and comfort at once: the description emphasizes an extra-safe rigid hull with inflatable side defenses. In plain terms, that means you’re on something built to take the punishment of open water while still giving you stable seating zones.

Who This 3-Hour Whale & Dolphin Trip Is Best For

This is a strong pick if you want a mix of wildlife and water time. It’s especially suited for:

• Families and mixed groups who want snorkeling plus a comfortable boat, not just a dry wildlife cruise.
• People who don’t want long travel days—this is about 3 hours, so you can fit it into a vacation without surrendering your whole day.
• Travelers who care about space. With a maximum of 15, you’re less likely to feel squeezed and more likely to get a good view.

It also lists a few practical notes that help planning: mobile ticket, English offered, and near public transportation. It says service animals are allowed and that most travelers can participate. That doesn’t mean it’s for everyone, but it does suggest it’s broadly usable.

If you’re hoping for guaranteed dolphin and whale action, you’ll want to know marine wildlife isn’t a vending machine. Some days deliver more sightings than others. The good news is that the swimming and snorkeling component gives you a “win” even when animal sightings are slower.

Price and Value: Is $96.79 Worth It?

At $96.79 per person for roughly 3 hours, you’re paying for more than “a boat ride.” You’re paying for:

• A premium, spacious Opera 60 RIB experience
• Snorkeling equipment supplied onboard
• Snacks and drinks included
• A structured day with time in a swimming and snorkeling bay
• Comfort details like showers and onboard areas to relax

If you price that out in real life—boat time, equipment, food, and drinks—this format starts to look like a package deal rather than a collection of separate expenses. Reviews also repeatedly mention the quantity and quality of food and drink, which supports the value argument.

That said, value only holds if service hits expectations. The rare negative review is a reminder that on any shared-tour product, a bad day can happen. It’s still the exception, and the overall ratings are very strong. Just keep your personal standard in mind: if you’re very sensitive to service timing or food temperature, choose your expectations accordingly.

Should You Book Opera 60? My Honest Take

Book it if you want a premium, not-too-long marine outing with real water time. The biggest selling points are the boat’s space, the snorkeling-included format, and the way the crew helps you see wildlife while keeping the experience relaxed.

Skip it only if you’re searching for a super quiet, low-energy boat day or if you strongly need consistent, no-variation service at every minute. One report complained about drinks and food timing and described the boat exterior as worn, so if appearance and strict service pace are your top priorities, it’s worth paying close attention at boarding.

If you’re the type who’s happy when the day feels like a comfortable sea trip—with whales, dolphins, or turtles as the bonus—this one is easy to recommend.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Opera 60 Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience?

The experience lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included onboard?

Snacks and drinks are provided on board, and snorkeling equipment is included. The experience also includes time for swimming and snorkeling in a bay.

What wildlife might we see?

As you go, look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and whales.

Is there a group limit, and what languages are available?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers, and the experience is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

Is it suitable for most people and are service animals allowed?

The tour says most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It also notes the activity is near public transportation.

If you tell me your travel month and who’s going (kids? first-time snorkelers?), I can help you decide if this timing and format fits your day in Tenerife.

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