Whales and dolphins, right off the south coast. This Puerto Colón speedboat trip mixes close-up wildlife with a proper ocean run and a laid-back swim stop, usually with the kind of sightings you remember for years. I like that it is built around a small group (max 11), so the skipper can actually work the waters and you are not just a face in a crowd.

You will sail out from the harbor of Puerto Colón in Tenerife (Costa Adeje area), cruise for about two hours looking for dolphins and whales, and then head to a swim spot such as Palm-Mar or La Caleta depending on the weather. The best part for me is the way the boat experience stays personal, and the skipper you may meet, like Nico, focuses on respectful viewing rather than chasing. My one caution: animal sightings depend on sea and marine conditions, so you cannot treat it like a guaranteed checklist.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Small group, max 11: easier questions, more attention, less chaos when wildlife appears.
• Licensed boat for dolphin and whale viewing (Barco Azul): you are not just hoping for the right approach.
• Real swimming and snorkeling time: after the spotting, you get wet in a cove, not just photos from the deck.
• Snacks and drinks included: useful in the heat, especially after time on the water.
• Captain-led wildlife spotting: the skipper’s choices matter when winds and currents shift.
• Snorkeling gear provided: you can pack light and still enjoy the underwater part.

Puerto Colón Speedboat: what the ride feels like

The day starts at the harbor in Puerto Colón, in the south of Tenerife near Costa Adeje. You are on a speedboat for a run of about two hours on the Atlantic, which is long enough for real looking time, not just a quick loop around the harbor.

This is also one of those tours where the boat type matters. A speedboat means you can reach wildlife areas faster than big-boat tours, and several guests note that they felt safe even when the sea got lively. If you are the type who gets motion sick, you might find this style of cruising works better than you fear, and one guest even mentioned taking tablets beforehand as an extra precaution.

Wildlife spotting with the Barco Azul licensed approach

This tour is centered on spotting dolphins, whales, and sometimes turtles from the boat. What I like is that it is not just about seeing something big on paper; it is about how you get there. Guests repeatedly mention that the skipper keeps a respectful distance and does not rush the animals.

One recurring name you will hear in the experience is Nico. Multiple guests describe him as calm, very well-informed, and tuned in to where marine life appears. The sightings listed in real accounts include pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, plus turtles, and in one case even an Orca. Another person described seeing a baby hammerhead shark as part of the overall marine moment.

Important reality check: wildlife is wild. You might see lots of animals, or you might see fewer if waves, wind, or movement in the water pushes them deeper. The upside is that the crew is actively searching during the cruise, and the small-group setup helps the skipper respond quickly when conditions change.

The swim and snorkeling stop: Palm-Mar or La Caleta

After the wildlife spotting portion, you head to a swim area—often Palm-Mar or La Caletta—depending on the weather. This timing is smart. You get the adrenaline of the animal search, then you switch gears to a slower, hands-on part of the trip.

At the swim stop, you get a chance to swim or snorkel, and snorkeling gear is included. In practical terms, this is where you trade boat spotting for underwater spotting: fish, sea life, and that quick moment when you realize you are not just looking at the ocean—you are in it.

A few guests also mentioned extra fun beyond standard snorkeling. One person specifically noted an underwater scooter, which can make the underwater section feel more playful and efficient (if it is available on your departure). Even without extras, the included snorkeling gear plus a calm cove stop can be the difference between a good tour and a great one.

Timing and flow: how the 2–3 hours usually play out

The tour is listed as lasting 2 to 3 hours total, with sailing taking about two hours. That structure keeps it flexible for a day of sightseeing on Tenerife. It also means you are not burning half your day sitting on a boat with nothing happening.

Here is what to expect in the flow:

• You depart from Puerto Colón and spend the cruise searching for marine life.
• Once you have your wildlife time (which can be long or short depending on conditions), you go to the swim/snorkel area.
• You finish with snacks and drinks as you cool down and recover your land legs.

One small note: this is speedboat viewing, not a theme park ride. If you want constant screaming acceleration, you might feel it is calmer than your imagination. Several guests connect this restraint to respecting the surrounding marine life, and honestly, that matches the licensed, regulated focus of the trip.

Small group comfort: max 11 persons makes a difference

The tour runs with a maximum group size of 11, and private group options are available. This matters more than it sounds. When you have fewer people, you get:

• better sight lines when animals appear
• more space to move around on the boat
• quicker communication with the captain and guide

I also like the social side. With fewer passengers, the guide can answer questions without turning the whole trip into a shouted lecture. Live guidance is offered in English and Spanish, so you should feel comfortable asking what you are seeing as the sea life pops up.

Snacks and drinks are also included, which helps the overall flow. On hot Tenerife days, you want something in your stomach and a cool drink in your hand, not just sunburn and good intentions.

Where the value shows: price, inclusions, and what you actually get

The price is listed at $53 per person. On Tenerife, that can feel like a lot until you add up what is actually included and how much time you get on the water.

You are paying for:

• a speedboat cruise from the harbor
• a captain/guide experience while searching for wildlife
• snorkeling gear for the swim stop
• snacks and drinks during the tour
• private or shared format depending on the option you pick

You are not paying for pickup and drop-off, which is the one clear trade-off. If your plan already puts you near Puerto Colón or you have easy transport, that omission might not matter much. If you need pickup, you might spend extra on taxis and lose the value edge.

In my view, the best value comes if you want the experience to be more hands-on than the big-boat version. Guests repeatedly praise the smaller feel and the chance to get closer to animals thanks to boat speed and positioning, without turning it into an aggressive chase.

What to bring (and what to plan for) on Tenerife Atlantic water

The tour gives you snorkeling gear, but you still need your own basics. Bring:

• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen

If you are prone to seasickness, consider bringing your own solution. One guest mentioned motion-sickness tablets before the trip, and that tells me people sometimes plan for it rather than just hoping. Bring what works for you.

Also think about comfort for boat time. Even if you are not told about a specific dress code, you will be on open water in the sun and wind. Pack light, but plan for a few sun-and-splash moments.

And if you rely on a wheelchair: this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. That limitation is clear, so plan an alternative if accessibility is part of your checklist.

Should you book this dolphin and whale speedboat tour?

I would book it if you want a short, active ocean outing where the goal is real wildlife viewing and you also want a swim/snorkel break. The small group size (max 11) plus the licensed viewing approach are big reasons this works, and the fact that snacks and drinks are included means you start and end the trip feeling human.

Skip it or rethink it if you need a guaranteed sighting. This is nature, and even with a great skipper like Nico, the sea and animal behavior decide what you see that day. Also factor in the missing pickup—make sure you can reach the meeting point (which can vary by option) without burning your time or budget.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón dolphin and whale watching speedboat tour?

It runs about 2 to 3 hours total, with roughly two hours spent on the speedboat cruising the Atlantic while looking for marine wildlife.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included, and the meeting point can vary depending on the option you book.

What marine animals are you hoping to see?

The focus is on dolphins, whales, and turtles, and sightings can include other marine life depending on what appears during your cruise.

What snorkeling support is included?

Snorkeling gear is included, and you’ll have time to swim or snorkel during the stop after the wildlife spotting cruise.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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