Seeing whales from a sailboat feels special. This Tenerife trip pairs Portuguese wooden schooner vibes with a clear goal: spot pilot whales and dolphins around Los Cristianos. The boat setup matters too—there’s an open bar and a big central table that makes it feel social, not like a cattle-boat.

Two things I really like about this experience are the photo-friendly, unobstructed viewing from the water level and the promise of food and drink included for the ride (plus time anchored for lunch and a swim when conditions and schedules allow). One thing to consider: the details of the included lunch have been inconsistent in at least one report, so it’s smart to confirm what’s actually served on the day you book.

Quick Hits: what makes this tour worth your time

• Portuguese schooner style on the water: old-school sailing atmosphere without feeling formal
• Pilot whale and dolphin focus: you’re not just doing a generic cruise
• Open bar and a central table: the boat feels like a small hangout, not a bus
• Upper deck for sun and rest: easy to find your own viewing spot
• Time anchored off the coast: lunch and a swim if the sea stays friendly
• Small-group feel (max 60): generally better odds for a relaxed experience

A Portuguese schooner that turns spotting cetaceans into a story

Tenerife is packed with tours, but this one leans into atmosphere. You’re not riding a modern catamaran that’s all function. Instead, you’re on a Portuguese wooden schooner from another era, with a “family cruiser” mood and a crew that brings the trip to life with sailing-style stories (including pirate tales that fit the setting).

That matters because whale and dolphin watching is partly patience. When the day is calm and the water cooperates, the hunt feels exciting. When it’s a little slower, the boat’s energy keeps you engaged. I also like that the tour is designed around the sea experience itself: deck time, viewing angles, and that old-sailing feel.

Practical note: the boat has two main areas in play—an open bar area and a large central table for hanging out—and an upper deck where you can sit back, sunbathe, and scan the water. If you’re traveling with kids, or you just don’t want to be standing for two hours straight, that layout is a real plus.

Where you start in Los Cristianos—and why the meeting point matters

Your trip begins in Puerto Los Cristianos, at the Muelle de Pescadores (fishing pier area). This is one of those details that can make or break your day. One report flagged that people were sent to the wrong spot from a website listing, but the team managed to get things sorted and the boat waited.

So here’s my advice: before you go, take a screenshot of the meeting point description and double-check it against a map on your phone. If you’re early, you’ll also have an easy time finding the correct dock area without stress.

You’ll return to the same meeting point at the end, so you don’t have to plan transport twice.

The 10:00 departure: what you should be ready for

The start time listed is 10:00 am, and the total outing is shown as about 2 hours. In reality, dolphin and whale trips often stretch because weather, sightings, and how long they can anchor off the coast can shift. With this one, you can expect a structure that includes:

• time cruising out for observation
• then an anchored segment for lunch and swimming (when conditions allow)
• and finally the cruise back in

That anchored section is important to know: it changes the rhythm from pure wildlife spotting to a mix of food, downtime, and sea time.

On the hunt for pilot whales and dolphins

The tour’s purpose is straightforward: look for pilot whales (around the pilot whales colony) and dolphins after departure from Los Cristianos.

Here’s what I think this kind of trip does well for your expectations. Instead of selling a guaranteed whale encounter, it focuses on the likelihood—where the crew is trying to take you and what you’re there to see. Whale and dolphin watching is never 100% predictable. But a focused route is better than a vague cruise.

When sightings happen, the best part is viewing access. The boat is designed so you don’t feel trapped behind railings or obstructed by other passengers. You can find spots to watch for blows, surfacing, and the quick, darting movement that dolphins are famous for.

If you’re bringing kids

One review story stood out for families: the crew members went the extra mile, and there was even a moment where a crew member jumped in to help a turtle. You’ll feel that hands-on, protective attitude during the trip, even if you only catch it in small ways.

The Portuguese schooner experience: decks, open bar, and pirate-movie energy

This isn’t a quiet, stiff boat. It’s built for interaction. The open bar and the large central table give you natural places to meet the group and keep the mood light. If you’re the type who gets bored scanning water for too long, this helps.

The upper deck is another smart feature. It gives you a “separate viewing zone” where you can:

• relax without blocking others
• sunbathe if the day is bright
• take photos without leaning into crowds

And the sailing-style storytelling helps pass the time. Even if you don’t care about pirates, it makes the trip feel like you’re participating in an outing—not just waiting for wildlife.

Anchored lunch and an Atlantic swim: the part you’ll remember

After cetacean observation, the boat sails out toward the coast where it anchors. This is the moment where the trip becomes two experiences in one: wildlife spotting plus an open-water break.

You’re set up for:

• lunch (included according to the tour description)
• a swim in the Atlantic while anchored

Even if you don’t go in the water, this stretch is valuable. It gives your body a chance to reset after time on the boat. It also makes the tour feel more like a full day outing, even if the listed duration is shorter.

One important caution about lunch inclusion

One negative report said lunch wasn’t provided when it was promoted as included, and the boat crew instead tried to sell cocktails. That’s not the most common theme in the ratings, but it is enough that you should be proactive.

If lunch matters to you, confirm what’s actually included for your booking. If you’re booking for a group where food is a key part of the plan, ask a clear question before you go.

Photo opportunities: how to get the shots without ruining your day

If photography matters, this tour’s layout helps. The description emphasizes unobstructed photo opportunities from the boat, and that’s exactly what you want for dolphins and whales—fast movement, sudden surfacing, and changing angles.

My practical approach:

• Pick one or two locations to rotate between (instead of constantly moving)
• Use the upper deck when conditions are bright for general shots
• When dolphins appear near the surface, shift to where you can see the waterline clearly

Also remember: whale and dolphin encounters are usually brief. The less time you spend relocating, the better your chance of capturing the moment.

Price and value: is $57.96 a fair deal?

At $57.96 per person for a roughly 2-hour experience, this isn’t positioned like a bargain bus tour. It’s priced more like a “real outing” with a specific goal, a special vessel, and included onboard basics.

Here’s how I’d judge the value:

• You’re paying for focused wildlife watching (not just scenery)
• You get the schooner experience with an onboard vibe (open bar, central table, upper deck)
• Food and drink are included in the tour description
• You may get a lunch-and-swim segment off the coast

So the deal is strongest if:

• you’re excited by the schooner atmosphere as much as the wildlife
• you want a trip that feels social and comfortable
• you like the idea of a swim segment after seeing marine life

The price feels less justified if the day turns into lots of time with minimal sightings or if the meal doesn’t match the inclusion promise. One report described that exact disappointment. That’s why confirming the lunch details before you book is the smartest “value move” you can make.

Who should book this Tenerife dolphin and whale tour?

This is a good fit if you want:

• a family-friendly feel
• an on-water experience with a strong theme (sailing, storytelling, schooner atmosphere)
• a trip that aims specifically at pilot whales and dolphins around Los Cristianos
• a mix of wildlife time plus downtime anchored off the coast

It’s also a solid choice if you prefer comfort over speed. You won’t get the same “race around the bay” energy as some high-speed tours. You’ll get more of the cruising-and-watching style, plus the chance to rest up top.

If you’re traveling solo and hate group chaos, note that the boat is capped at 60 travelers. That’s big enough to have a lively feel, but small enough compared to some mass tours that you should still find your own viewing pocket.

When the weather changes the plan

This experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll either be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s normal for marine wildlife trips, and it’s worth respecting.

If the forecast looks rough, don’t treat it like a failure. It’s simply the reality of getting out to where pilot whales and dolphins can show up comfortably.

Should you book this Dolphin & Whale Watching aboard a Portuguese schooner?

I’d book it if you want a Tenerife sea day that feels more like a memorable outing than a checklist. The combination of Portuguese wooden schooner character, whale-and-dolphin focus, and time anchored for lunch and swimming makes it a strong choice for families and for anyone who enjoys a slower pace.

Just don’t go in blind on one point: if lunch inclusion is important to you, confirm what you’ll receive on your specific departure. And if you’re picky about the exact meeting point, double-check the Muelle de Pescadores in Puerto Los Cristianos so you don’t lose time hunting docks.

When it works, it can be a genuinely fun day—especially with a crew that keeps the mood light and the explanations clear.

FAQ

Where does the tour start in Tenerife?

It starts at Puerto Los Cristianos at the Muelle de Pescadores (fishing pier), 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the tour depart?

The start time listed is 10:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 2 hours.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is food and drink included?

Food and drink are included according to the tour description. (One report raised a mismatch on lunch details, so it’s wise to confirm what’s included for your date.)

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 60 travelers.

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