Whales, dolphins, and sonar in one sail. This private Tenerife South trip is built around a sonar system plus a small group setup (max 9), so you spend more time looking and less time guessing. I also like that swimming and snorkeling are part of the experience, not an afterthought, with snacks and drinks kept flowing. The main consideration: it’s not suitable if you’re prone to seasickness.

You’ll meet at Puerto Colón Marina at dock number 2 and climb aboard the luxury sailing yacht Gran Azor. Once you’re out on the calm, clear water, the captain keeps things friendly and informative, and you can relax between sightings with provided snorkel gear, photos you can buy later, and a proper coast-and-sea day in the Canaries.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• Sonar listening for whales and dolphins so you’re not only scanning with your eyes
• Max 9 people on board for a quieter, easier experience than crowded wildlife cruises
• Gran Azor luxury sailing yacht with a professional captain running the show
• Included snacks, drinks, and snorkeling equipment so you’re not managing gear or spending onboard
• Swim and snorkel time in warm, clear water when the captain finds good conditions
• A fun, multilingual captain experience (Captain Maxi is specifically noted for being personable)

Sailing Out of Puerto Colón Marina on the Gran Azor

This is a private charter, so the vibe starts early: you show up at Puerto Colón Marina, go to dock number 2, and board the Gran Azor without the chaos you get on larger boats. The big practical win here is the group size. With a maximum of 9 people, you’re more likely to get comfortable, ask questions, and keep an eye on the water without constant crowd reshuffling.

The yacht type matters too. A sailing yacht often means a smoother, more relaxed pace when conditions allow, and the trip description emphasizes calm, warm, clear waters along Tenerife South. That translates into fewer logistics headaches for you and more time doing what you actually came for: watching marine life and enjoying the sea.

You’ll also want to notice the language side. The captain and live tour team are described as speaking multiple languages (English is included, and Spanish and German are listed for the tour guide; the captain is also described as speaking Russian and Polish). Even if you only speak one language, having options usually means better explanations when sightings pop up.

Finally, this route is specifically tied to Puerto Colón Marina as the departure and return point. That’s helpful because you’re not spending hours on transfers around the island just to reach a boat.

Why the Whale and Dolphin Sonar Changes the Whole Game

Whale watching can be frustrating. You can spot a “something” in the distance, then spend the rest of the trip holding your gaze and hoping. This charter tries to fix that with sonar system guidance—described as listening for whales and dolphins.

In plain terms, sonar makes the hunt more structured. Instead of only reacting to visible blows or surface fins, the crew can use information about what’s out there underwater. That means you’re more likely to get to the right area quickly, and you’re less stuck in the passive waiting game.

What you should aim for is not just “a whale sighting,” but the feel of actively being guided. The highlights promise you’ll see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural environment, and the sonar element is central to the promise. When you’re on a smaller yacht, that guidance can feel more personal—less like you’re part of a big herd chasing the same location.

Also, the style of captain matters. A captain who communicates well turns sightings into a story: what you’re seeing, why it’s happening nearby, and what to watch for as the animals move. One guest experience notes Captain Maxi as especially fun and engaging, and that kind of energy usually helps a lot when the sea gets changeable.

The South-Coast Cruise: Views, Coast-Tour Time, and Real Marine Life

The cruise focuses on the south coast of Tenerife, and the selling point is simple: rich marine life in a region where you can often spot dolphins and whales without racing all over the water.

You should expect the trip to feel like a mix of:

• a search-and-watch segment for whales and dolphins
• a slower coast-and-scenery segment while you cruise around Tenerife South

That balance is valuable for you. Wildlife days don’t always follow a perfect script, and a good charter doesn’t leave you staring at blank water for hours. The structure here includes time for views and cruising, so even if sightings come in waves, you’re still getting a full day on the water.

Sea turtles are also specifically listed. That matters because turtles tend to surface differently than whales or dolphins, and they don’t always become the main event. Having them mentioned as a target species is a good sign the crew is actually looking across different animals, not just chasing the biggest splash.

You’ll be out on calm waters from Puerto Colón, and the “listen and look” approach is repeated in the experience description. If you’re someone who enjoys noticing small details—movements at the surface, the shape of fins, the timing of breaths—this kind of guided hunt is more satisfying than a generic “sightseeing boat” approach.

Swim and Snorkel When Conditions Are Right

One of the best reasons to choose this trip is that it doesn’t treat swimming as a side quest. You can jump overboard and swim, and you can snorkel at your leisure.

Two practical points make a difference here:

1. Snorkel equipment is included, so you’re not packing a bag of gear or renting at the last minute.
2. The water is described as warm and clear, which is the kind of condition that makes snorkeling feel worth the effort.

What to bring helps you get the most out of the water time: swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all listed. If you’ve ever left sunscreen at the hotel and then paid for it with a miserable afternoon, you already know why this matters. Tenerife sun is strong, and you’ll be outside.

There are also rules you should follow. Fishing and feeding animals are not allowed. That’s good for you because it helps keep the marine life behavior natural, and it usually keeps the experience calmer and more respectful.

A small reality check: this trip is not positioned for people prone to seasickness. If you tend to feel rough on boats, snorkeling time can be less enjoyable even if conditions look perfect.

Food, Drinks, and Captain Maxi’s Easygoing Style

If you’re comparing yacht days, the onboard comfort is often what separates a nice excursion from a memorable one. Here, food and drinks are included, and the highlights call out delicious snacks and drinks served as you cruise.

That inclusion is practical for a few reasons:

• You’re not spending time and money deciding where to eat.
• You can stay focused on the water instead of planning breaks.
• You’ll have energy for snorkeling and for the longer looking stretches.

Multiple details point to this being generous. One experience notes the included food and drinks as really a lot and very good. Another notes the feeling of being treated well on a private day, which often comes down to timing and attention onboard.

Then there’s the captain dynamic. The captain is described as informative and fun, with an affable style. One mention specifically calls out Captain Maxi as a very nice and fun guy, with good humor and a knack for keeping guests engaged. If you want wildlife spotting to feel friendly and human—rather than silent and purely technical—that’s a strong plus.

And because languages are covered (English plus others), you’ll likely get clearer explanations when animals show up, including what to watch for next.

Price and Value: When a Private Charter Makes Sense

Let’s talk money honestly. The price is listed as $1,101 per group up to 9 people, and the total duration is 6 hours.

That means the per-person cost depends on how full your group is. If you fill all 9 spots, you’re looking at roughly $1,101 ÷ 9, or about $122 per person. If you have fewer people, your share goes up, so this works best when you’re traveling with friends or family who can actually split the cost.

What you get at that price is not only access to wildlife, but also:

• a private sailing yacht experience
• food and drinks included
• snorkel equipment included
• a sonar listening system for whales and dolphins
• a professional captain

Even if you’ve seen other whale watching options in Tenerife, the value here is the “package” nature. You’re buying the boat, the guidance, and the onboard comforts in one bundle. That can feel expensive when you’re solo, but it can feel like a smart deal when you’re part of a full small group.

Also, there’s a booking flexibility note tied to free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-and-pay-later option. While you shouldn’t base a decision only on flexibility, it does reduce risk if you’re still fine-tuning your Tenerife schedule.

What You Can Expect to See (and How to Read the Day)

The experience highlights the following:

• whales
• dolphins
• sea turtles

The plan also uses sonar to find whales and dolphins, and it emphasizes that you’re watching animals in their natural environment.

Here’s the mindset I recommend for you: treat the day like a guided search with breaks to enjoy the sea. You’re not just buying one guaranteed sighting. You’re buying time, sonar-assisted tracking, and a crew that can keep you entertained and informed while the ocean does ocean things.

In real terms, sightings often come in momentum. You might get one animal type sooner, and another later. The coast-tour time in the description helps you not feel stuck when sightings are brief.

If you’re especially excited about whales, focus on staying alert and watching for the pattern of surface activity rather than chasing one moment. If you’re after dolphins, remember they can travel in ways that make them appear suddenly, then move away. A captain who’s listening with sonar can help you react at the right times.

Practical Tips: What to Bring on a 6-Hour Yacht Day

This kind of trip is easy when you pack smart. Bring:

• Sunglasses
• swimwear
• a towel
• a camera
• sunscreen

You might also want to wear swimwear under your clothes so you can change quickly if you spot the ideal moment to jump in. Keep your sunscreen where you can reach it fast. And if you’re serious about photos, plan for bright light on the water, not dim twilight.

One more practical note: fishing and feeding animals are not allowed. So don’t plan for any DIY “bait and see” moment. The crew is working within the rules to keep the animals undisturbed.

Who Should Book This Private Whale and Dolphin Sail

This charter suits you if you want:

• a private experience (no crowd jostling)
• sonar-assisted wildlife watching
• a yacht day that includes swimming and snorkeling
• plenty of included onboard comfort (food, drinks, snacks)

It’s also a strong pick for groups of friends who can split the cost. If you’re traveling with 6–9 people, the price can look a lot more reasonable.

Skip it if:

• you’re prone to seasickness

That’s the one clear “no” category stated for comfort and safety.

It’s also worth booking if you like a captain who chats. The experience notes an informative and fun captain who speaks multiple languages, so you’ll get more than just a wildlife spotter briefing.

Should You Book This Tenerife Private Whale and Dolphin Sail?

I’d book this if you want a small-group day at sea with sonar guidance, included snorkel time, and onboard food and drinks. It’s especially good value if you can fill enough of the group to spread the private yacht cost.

I’d pass if you know you get seasick on boats, or if you only want a quick “sighting and done” outing. This is a proper 6-hour ocean day: you’re paying for time on the water, guidance, and the chance to swim and snorkel when conditions are good.

If you’re excited about wildlife but also want comfort, this one hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife whale and dolphin watching cruise?

The duration is listed as 6 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Puerto Colón Marina at dock number 2.

How many people are on the private tour?

It’s a private group with a maximum of 9 people.

What’s included in the price?

All drinks and food are included, and snorkel equipment is provided.

Can I snorkel, and is equipment provided?

Yes. You can snorkel at your leisure, and snorkel equipment is included.

What animals might you see?

The experience highlights whales, dolphins, and sea turtles off the south coast of Tenerife.

What should I bring and what isn’t allowed?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and sunscreen. Fishing and feeding animals are not allowed.

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