REVIEW · TENERIFE
Private 2 hour Whale Watching Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Whale Watch Tenerife · Bookable on Viator
One small boat can turn into a big memory fast. This private whale watching tour in Tenerife mixes responsible spotting with live science and a hydrophone so you can hear cetaceans before you even clock them.
I also like that it is truly private for your group (up to 10), so the captain and marine biologist can work at the pace that keeps the animals comfortable. The ride is on an 8-meter boat, close enough for great views but it can feel choppy.
The main drawback to plan for: motion sickness. Because it is a smaller whale-watching boat, some people (including kids) can get sea-sick, so bring your own strategy like motion-sickness tablets if you usually react to waves.
In This Review
- Key things you will notice right away
- Where you start at Puerto Colón Marina, Dock Pantalán No. 3
- Boarding a custom-built 8-meter whale boat (and why it feels better)
- The biologist talk and hydrophone listening: science you can actually use
- How the Captain finds whales and dolphins within 3 miles, respectfully
- Watching is better when someone else handles the photos
- Price and value: $617.02 per group up to 10
- Who this private tour suits best (and who should reconsider)
- Timing, weather, and seasickness reality in Tenerife
- Should you book this private Tenerife whale watching tour?
- FAQ
- Where does the tour meet in Tenerife?
- How big is the private group?
- How long is the whale watching trip?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- What is included on board?
- Are food and drinks provided?
- What should I know about motion sickness?
- What happens if weather is poor?
- Will I get confirmation after booking?
Key things you will notice right away
- Private group up to 10: your group goes out together, no mixing with strangers.
- Marine biologist onboard: expect live talk on local marine life and what you might be seeing.
- Hydrophone listening: the boat staff lowers it to help you hear whales and dolphins.
- Careful approach under whale-watching rules: the captain slows down and keeps distance.
- Photos sent by email: you can watch instead of hunting for the perfect shot.
Where you start at Puerto Colón Marina, Dock Pantalán No. 3
Your tour begins at Whale Watch Tenerife at Puerto Colón Marina, Pantalán / Pier Number 3 (Costa Adeje area). Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early. You’ll find a setup that is actually traveler-friendly: parking right at the marina (about 1€ per hour), plus bathrooms and restaurants at the site.
This matters more than it sounds. Whale watching lives and dies by timing, and being close to the departure point cuts stress. If you are traveling with family or you just want an easy start before the sea air, this is the kind of dock location you appreciate.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Tenerife
Boarding a custom-built 8-meter whale boat (and why it feels better)
Once you’re onboard, you meet the Captain and get a short safety briefing. Then the boat heads out for a focused search rather than a long, aimless cruise. The vessel is described as a custom-built 8-meter whale watching boat, and that size is a big part of the experience.
Why you will likely like it: a smaller boat usually means better sightlines and less crowd noise. In the stories shared by previous visitors, people often highlight how calm and experienced the skippers feel, and how the boat setup supports watching from a decent distance.
Why you should think about it: with a smaller boat, the motion can be real when the water is rough. If you know you get seasick, plan for it before you go. One visitor even suggested having motion-sickness tablets ready after seeing their child get a bit woozy during bobbing.
The biologist talk and hydrophone listening: science you can actually use
A major reason to pick this tour is the onboard marine biologist staff. After the Captain’s briefing, they explain the local marine ecosystem and the cetacean species you are likely to encounter. They also provide didactic materials, so you’re not just sitting there waiting for a miracle.
Then comes the fun, hands-on part: the tour includes hydrophone listening. Instead of only watching behavior, you’ll get a chance to hear the animals as well. In the trip highlights, people specifically mention the hydrophone when whales pass underwater, which turns the “moment” into something you can follow.
On guides you might meet:
- Ion is repeatedly praised for combining deep respect for the cetaceans with clear, engaging explanations. People mention that he can handle questions well and that taking photos is done without pulling attention away from the animals.
- Carlota is also noted for being passionate and knowledgeable, with a strong emphasis on respectful viewing.
- John shows up in stories as both a skilled skipper and a guide who lowers the hydrophone at the right moments.
If you like wildlife tours that treat animals like living neighbors (not props), this is the style you want.
How the Captain finds whales and dolphins within 3 miles, respectfully
Here’s what you are really paying for in the captain’s job: using location, timing, and restraint. The plan is to head to a whale or dolphin hot spot usually not more than 3 miles off shore. Once you get into the area, the Captain slows the boat and approaches with the local whale-watching regulations in mind.
That careful approach is the reason many people end up describing the encounters as on the animals’ terms. Examples from the experiences shared include:
- Atlantic spotted dolphins in pods, sometimes with calves, with dolphins approaching and bow-riding
- pilot whales coming close while the staff manages the distance and time spent with them
- short conservation moments like pausing to pick up a piece of plastic debris (not something you can count on every time, but it shows the mindset)
Also, you’re not just floating. Your guide calls out behavior and biology while the Captain maneuvers. People specifically mention engines being treated carefully during close encounters and the team giving animals space rather than forcing a spectacle.
Watching is better when someone else handles the photos
One of the smartest features here is also the simplest: the tour staff takes the wildlife photos for you. After the trip, they send the photos by email, so you can enjoy the moment without turning the whole trip into a screen contest.
In the experiences shared, guides like Ion are praised for taking lots of photos and sharing them later, which lets you focus on spotting and learning. Even better, you’re not stuck asking strangers to take your picture while whales do something amazing right next to the boat.
This is a real value point. For a lot of whale-watching tours, you pay for the same boat time but still spend the afternoon feeling like you were busy filming instead of watching. Here, the photo part is handled by the professionals, and you get the memory files after.
You can also read our reviews of more whale watching tours in Tenerife
Price and value: $617.02 per group up to 10
The price is $617.02 per group (up to 10), for about 2 hours. That number looks high until you do the math for group size.
- If you fill closer to 10 people, you effectively turn it into a low per-person cost for a private, biologist-led boat outing.
- If you’re only two or three people, it becomes a premium option, but you still get real extras: the hydrophone listening, the biologist commentary, and the emailed photo set.
What makes it feel like value instead of just a splurge is the combination of:
1) private control over the experience,
2) live interpretation from the boat team, and
3) responsible conduct that helps keep encounters natural rather than frantic.
Also, the tour is designed around a small boat and a focused duration, so you’re not paying for hours of travel with nothing happening. The whole point is to get out, find the animals, and stay attentive.
Who this private tour suits best (and who should reconsider)
This is open to all ages, but the boat and conditions are not for everyone. The stated guest restrictions include:
- pregnancies
- neck or back problems
- mobility problems
- recent surgeries
- and a weight guideline tied to back problems: over 120 kg for participants with back problems
If any of those apply to you (or to someone in your group), take it seriously. A small boat plus a moving deck isn’t the place to gamble on comfort.
Who it is ideal for:
- families who want a private setup and clearer guidance for kids
- couples who want a calmer experience than crowded departures
- travelers who care about responsible wildlife viewing and want context, not just sightings
It’s also a smart pick if you dislike the open-water anxiety vibe. A couple of accounts mention people who weren’t big fans of boats were still glad they went, largely because the skipper felt experienced and the approach was controlled.
Timing, weather, and seasickness reality in Tenerife
Your tour needs good weather. If poor conditions cancel your outing, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That is standard for sea days, but it matters because it can affect your vacation schedule.
For timing, one practical tip: book early if you can. This is commonly booked about 54 days in advance, which suggests decent demand.
For sea conditions, be honest with yourself about seasickness. Because the boat is 8 meters, it can move more than you expect, especially during stops when you’re watching closely. If you know you react, plan ahead with motion-sickness tablets as some guides advise.
Should you book this private Tenerife whale watching tour?
Book it if you want a responsible, small-boat experience with a marine biologist onboard, a hydrophone option, and someone else handling photos so you can focus on the animals. The private up-to-10 setup also makes it easier for families and small groups to get a calmer, more attentive outing.
Skip it (or ask for advice first) if:
- you fall into the stated restriction categories
- you know you get seasick easily and don’t have a plan
- your schedule cannot flex if weather cancels the sea day
If your goal in Tenerife is a real connection with marine wildlife, done respectfully, this is the kind of tour that earns strong recommendations for a reason.
FAQ
Where does the tour meet in Tenerife?
Meet at the Whale Watch Tenerife location inside Puerto Colón Marina at Pantalán / Dock Number 3 (38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain). You should arrive about 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.
How big is the private group?
This is a private tour for your group only, with up to 10 people.
How long is the whale watching trip?
The tour lasts about 2 hours.
What language is the tour offered in?
The tour is offered in English. The guide speaks English and Spanish.
What is included on board?
Included features are local taxes, live commentary by the biologist staff, hydrophone listening, and wildlife photos sent by email after the tour.
Are food and drinks provided?
Food and drinks are not included. You can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks onboard.
What should I know about motion sickness?
Because the tour runs on an 8-meter boat, motion can affect some people. If you know you get sea sick, consider bringing motion-sickness tablets.
What happens if weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Will I get confirmation after booking?
Yes. Confirmation is received at the time of booking. The tour also uses a mobile ticket.
