Whales sound like a dream, until you’re out there. What makes Puerto Colón’s Whale & Dolphins Sailing Excursion stand out is the chance to hear marine calls on a hydrophone while you cruise in a protected area, and then kick back at Diego Hernández Beach for swimming or snorkeling with lunch underway. I also like that it’s built around a small group and an expert captain who explains what you’re seeing, not just points out wildlife. One possible drawback: the sea can affect comfort, so if you’re prone to seasickness, plan for it.

I really like the focus on the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone and the mix of activities: sailing for wildlife, then anchoring at a quiet beach that only makes sense if you arrive by boat (or on foot). The 6-hour option also earns its keep by adding more time around Los Gigantes and giving you extra chances to be in the water.

This is a 3 to 6 hour excursion from Puerto Colón on a sailboat, with a live guide in English or Spanish and a group limited to 10. If you’re after a calm, hands-off marine experience with real time on the water plus a proper Canarian meal, it’s a strong fit.

Key points to know before you go

• Hydrophone listening: you’re not only watching whales and dolphins, you’re also hearing their calls when conditions allow
• Pilot whales in Europe’s top territory: Tenerife here sits in an area linked to the largest population of pilot whales in Europe
• Diego Hernández Beach time: a secluded swim or snorkel stop, plus lunch while the crew handles food
• Small group on a sailboat: limited to 10 participants for a more relaxed pace and better spotting
• Respect rules are part of the experience: no touching animals, and the crew works to avoid disturbing wildlife
• 6-hour option adds Los Gigantes: more time on the water and more swim chances

From Puerto Colón to the Teno-Rasca Conservation Zone

Most departures start in Puerto Colón, and the meeting point can shift depending on which option you book, so I’d treat the final instructions as your source of truth. You’ll board a sailboat and head out along Tenerife’s coast in the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone, the kind of location where a wildlife-focused trip makes sense. Instead of rushing from stop to stop, the day is built around time on the water with natural pauses for spotting.

Sailing matters here because it changes the vibe. A cruise with too much engine time feels hectic; a sailboat tends to feel more patient, and that helps you actually pay attention to what’s happening around the boat. You also end up with a better chance of spotting marine life without feeling like you’re sprinting for a photo.

How whale watching works: pilot whales, hydrophones, and no-contact rules

This trip is designed around whale watching around Tenerife and includes the use of hydrophone equipment to listen to whales and dolphins. That’s a big deal because it turns the experience from purely visual into something you can sense through sound. If you care about why animals behave a certain way, hearing calls makes the whole outing feel more real.

What you’re looking for includes pilot whales (the trip highlights a large pilot whale population in Europe tied to this area), plus the possibility of loggerhead turtles and fin whales. You may also spot dolphins during the cruise, and the guide can help you make sense of what you’re seeing and hearing.

One clear rule sets the tone: touching animals isn’t allowed. That’s not just a technicality. It means the crew can keep a respectful distance and you can enjoy wildlife without turning it into a contact sport. It’s also the kind of restraint that helps keep the marine area healthier over the long run.

Dolphins and turtles at sea: what you can realistically spot

Along the route, the wildlife theme is consistent: dolphins and turtles are on the radar, and you’re also watching for whales when conditions line up. The trip description specifically mentions dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales as possible sightings. In practice, that means you should go in with a flexible mindset: marine animals don’t schedule themselves around your itinerary.

I like that the experience doesn’t overpromise a guaranteed sighting of every species. What you get instead is a guided hunt in a conservation zone with the tools to pay attention. Hydrophones add another layer, since you can learn from what’s happening even if visibility is tricky.

And because it’s a small group (up to 10), you’re less likely to have everyone blocking each other’s view. Better sightlines can mean fewer missed moments, especially when dolphins pop up, splash, and move on quickly.

The highlight stop: Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach) and snorkeling time

After the whale watching portion, the boat sails to Diego Hernández Beach, also called Hippie Beach. This is the kind of stop you can’t replicate from shore because the beach is only accessed on foot or by boat, and your boat arrival is part of why the place feels quiet. The crew drops anchor, and you get time to swim or snorkel while the team prepares lunch and drinks.

This segment is where the tour becomes more than wildlife watching. You’re trading observation mode for water time, in clear sea conditions where snorkeling can be the easiest way to enjoy what’s under the surface. If you’re not a confident snorkeler, swimming still works well, and you can keep it simple.

One practical note: the tour is paced by the crew, and they need time to get lunch sorted. That’s good for you because it means you’re not juggling your own food setup while you’re hungry and still thinking about the ocean. You anchor, you relax, you eat, then you head back when it’s time to return.

How the 3- vs 6-hour option changes your day

The excursion runs 3 to 6 hours, and the timing matters more than you might think. The shorter option is great if you want a high-impact wildlife cruise plus a swim stop without turning it into your whole day.

The 6-hour option is the one that gives you extra breathing room. The description specifically says it can include more time around Los Gigantes, plus more time to swim and additional chances to see dolphins. If dolphins and water time are high on your wish list, you’ll likely find the longer option fits better with your energy level.

Think of it like this: the 3-hour trip is efficient. The 6-hour trip is comfortable. Both aim for whales, dolphins, and a beach swim, but the longer route gives the sea more chances to deliver.

Lunch with Canarian cuisine: what you actually get

You’ll eat a lunch that’s described as Canarian cuisine, served after anchoring at Diego Hernández Beach. Drinks are included, and fruit is also part of the included items. That turns this into a full half-day/short-day plan instead of a “sail for an hour, snack on something later” situation.

A detail I appreciate is that the crew is preparing food while you’re in swim mode. It means you’re not scrambling around to find a meal right after you get back onboard. You also get a more relaxed rhythm: water time, then a proper meal, then the sail back.

I’d plan to use the lunch to refuel the way you would on a day at the beach: eat, hydrate, and don’t forget sunscreen. Tenerife sun can be strong even when you’re feeling cool from sea breezes.

Small group comfort: why up to 10 matters on a sailboat

This is limited to 10 participants, which is a sweet spot for a wildlife sailing trip. With fewer people, you get less chaos on deck and better opportunities to watch without constant crowd movement. It also tends to make it easier for the guide and captain to answer questions during the cruise.

The guides are described as live tour guides in English and Spanish, and the captain plays a central role in explaining marine animals and the conservation area. One captain name that comes through strongly is Captain Daniel with Big Smile Luxury Charters Tenerife. In the trip spirit, the goal is clear: keep everyone safe and help you understand what you’re seeing.

If you love travel where the guide’s voice actually matters, this kind of small-group sailing can feel like a private lesson wrapped in an outdoor adventure.

Practical tips: what to bring and how to handle seasickness

You’ll want to pack for a boat day that includes both sun and water. The list is straightforward:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

I’d also bring a way to keep essentials secure while you’re in and out of the water, since deck time and beach time can mean wet surfaces and sun glare.

Now for the not-fun part: seasickness. The tour notes recommend that if you think you’ll get motion sickness, avoid excessive liquid intake the night before and the morning of your boat trip. Have a solid breakfast but keep drinks limited. Also, avoid mixing drinks such as orange juice, coffee with milk, tea, water, or fruits with high water content.

There’s also medication guidance listed in the info: about 30 minutes before boarding, adults may take two Biodraminas with caffeine, and children may take one Biodramina without caffeine. If you’re considering medication, check that it’s appropriate for you with your own medical advice before travel.

Who this tour suits best (and when to consider private)

This sailing excursion is a good match if you want a mix of wildlife + beach time + included lunch without complex planning. It’s especially nice for couples, small groups of friends, and families who want a calmer day rather than a nonstop sightseeing loop.

You should also consider it if you like structured guidance. The trip includes a live guide and focuses on marine animals, including using the hydrophone and explaining what you see.

If you prefer more control, there’s a private option described for having your own boat, available for up to 10 people. That can work well for groups who want a quieter setting, different pacing, or simply fewer people in the mix.

Price and value: is $88 fair for this mix?

At $88 per person, you’re paying for a bundle: sail cruise, hydrophone listening, Canarian lunch, drinks, and fruit, plus a guide and time at a secluded beach. It’s not just “boat + see animals,” and that’s why I think the value is solid.

The included meal alone can help justify the cost. On a short, active marine day, buying food separately often adds up quickly, especially when you’re trying to find something close to where the day ends. Here, you get food prepared while you’re enjoying the beach stop.

You’re also paying for the conservation-zone focus and the small group size. That combination matters because it reduces the feeling of being shoved around and increases your odds of genuinely enjoying the wildlife moments you do catch.

Should you book Puerto Colón’s whale and dolphins sailing excursion?

Book this if you want a balanced Tenerife half-day: wildlife with real tools (hydrophone listening), a real water break (swim or snorkel at Diego Hernández Beach), and a proper Canarian lunch. The small group size and active guiding style make it feel more personal than a large-boat tour.

Consider skipping or choosing a different style of trip if you’re very sensitive to boat motion or you hate sun-and-water days. Also, if your schedule is tight, the 3-hour option is fine, but if dolphins and extra swim time matter most, the 6-hour option is the smarter fit.

If your ideal travel day is calm, nature-focused, and gently guided rather than rushed, this is one of the more practical ways to spend a few hours on Tenerife.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Puerto Colón whale and dolphins sailing excursion?

The tour runs 3 to 6 hours, depending on the option you choose. You can check starting times based on availability.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, but it may vary depending on the option booked, so it’s best to confirm the exact meeting location for your selection.

What marine animals might we see?

The experience is described as whale watching around Tenerife with a focus on pilot whales, and it also mentions the possibility of dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales.

Do you use a hydrophone?

Yes. The tour includes listening to whales with hydrophone equipment, so you can hear calls in addition to watching for animals.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. At Diego Hernández Beach, you can choose to snorkel or swim in the sea.

What happens at Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach)?

The boat anchors at Diego Hernández Beach, which is only accessed by foot or by boat. You’ll have swim or snorkel time while the crew prepares lunch and drinks, then you return to Puerto Colón.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes Canarian cuisine, along with drinks and fruit.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group limited to 10 participants.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is touching animals allowed?

No. Touching animals isn’t allowed.

What should I bring, and what about seasickness?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you might get seasick, the info recommends limiting liquids the night before and morning of the trip, eating a solid breakfast, and following the listed Biodramina guidance about 30 minutes before boarding (adult vs child dosing is specified).

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