Pilot whales, cava, and your own yacht. This Tenerife private whale and dolphin tour runs from Puerto Colón on a fully equipped sailing yacht, with real chances to see pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles during the outing. It feels special because you’re not just watching from shore, you’re living on the water for hours with drinks and food taken care of.

I love how comfortable the boat setup is, with bathrooms, cabins, and a proper indoor salon when you want a break from sun or spray. I also like that the pace is relaxed, then moves into swim time once the captain anchors in a secluded bay. One thing to plan for: towels and sun cream are not included, so bring those so your day stays carefree.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private yacht experience from Puerto Colón with a fully equipped sailing boat (baths, cabins, sunbathing area).
• Pilot whales often show up early after you leave harbor, keeping the mood up from minute one.
• Snacks, fruit, cava, beer, and white wine included so you’re not hunting down food mid-cruise.
• Snorkeling equipment is provided, plus the chance to swim when the captain anchors.
• Anchor in a secluded bay for calmer water and a more nature-focused feel.
• Private group up to 11 with a multilingual live guide (Spanish, English, German, French, Italian).

Why Puerto Colón on a Private Yacht Feels Like a Different Trip

Tenerife whale watching can range from quick boat tours to full-day outings. This one sits closer to the “you booked the boat” end of the spectrum, because it’s a private charter on a premium sailing yacht, not a crowded catamaran situation.

From the moment you arrive at Puerto Colón (Pantalan Number 2), the vibe is more laid-back and personal. You’re welcomed on board by the captain, and you start with a complimentary glass of cava. That small touch matters because it sets expectations: you’re here for a relaxed cruise, guided by someone who knows how to work the water and the lookout game, not just to log an animal sighting.

You’ll also appreciate that the yacht isn’t some bare-bones deck. It has bathrooms and cabins, plus a large salon and kitchen. Even if you spend most of your time outside, having the option to cool off or wait out breezier moments without rushing is a real quality-of-life upgrade.

Choosing 3 Hours vs 6 Hours: What the Extra Time Buys You

This tour comes in two main lengths: 3 hours or 6 hours. If you’re wondering what changes besides time, here’s how it usually plays out in practice.

A 3-hour cruise is best if you want the highlights without committing to most of the day. You’ll still get the core experience: leaving harbor, spotting pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles when conditions allow, and enjoying the onboard food and drinks. It’s also enough time for the captain to anchor in a secluded bay and give you a chance to swim with turtles, assuming the conditions line up.

A 6-hour cruise gives you more room for patience. Wildlife sightings aren’t on a schedule, and the captain may spend time repositioning to find the right waters. The longer window also makes the onboard experience feel more complete: you’re not just grabbing food between sightings, you can settle in, snack as you watch, and then spend more relaxed time after anchoring.

If your group is excited and energized, I’d lean toward 6 hours. If you’re just trying to see what this is like and keep it simple, 3 hours is still a strong move.

Cava, Drinks, Snacks, and Fruit: The On-Board Comfort Factor

This is not a “bring your own” kind of cruise. You’ll have cava right after boarding, then complimentary soft drinks plus beer and white wine throughout the trip. There are also baguettes, fruit, and snacks available onboard.

Why does this matter? Because it changes the whole rhythm. You can stay out watching the water instead of thinking about where lunch is. It also keeps the mood steady if the wildlife shows up a bit later than expected.

A couple practical tips based on how this kind of charter works:

• Keep your camera ready. Pilot whales and dolphins can appear and disappear fast, and you’ll want hands free when a moment happens.
• If you plan to snorkel, eat lightly before you get in. The trip includes snorkeling equipment, so you’ll want to feel comfortable once the captain anchors.

And yes, a notable detail from a recent group experience: the captain is friendly about your private-group vibe, including letting the group play their own music. That turns the yacht from a silent viewing platform into something more like a floating hangout with nature breaks.

The Whale and Dolphin Spotting Game: What You Should Expect

The cruise is built around searching for three headline animals: pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. The idea is straightforward: once the yacht leaves the harbor, the first pilot whales should come into view fairly soon.

From there, sightings can vary. That’s normal in wildlife viewing. What you can control is your approach. I like this tour’s structure because it gives you time and boat position to respond when something appears. Instead of doing a fast pass and hoping, you’re cruising and scanning with a captain who’s actively managing where you are on the water.

Here’s what to watch for while you’re on deck:

• When the captain points out activity, don’t just look forward. Check across the water too. Dolphins especially can show up in short bursts.
• Stay patient. Turtles often become more likely around quieter, anchored areas where the water is calmer.
• Keep your hat and sunglasses on. You’ll spend a lot of time facing the sun, especially early.

The other nice part is the “secluded bay” stop. That’s where the trip shifts from watching to doing. If turtles are visible, the captain anchors, and that’s when swimming time becomes possible.

Snorkeling Gear Included: Swimming With Turtles Without Extra Hassle

One of the best practical perks is that snorkeling equipment is included. That means you don’t need to hunt for gear or rent it on the spot. It also makes the swim portion more likely to happen smoothly, since everything needed for snorkeling is already on board.

When the captain anchors in a secluded bay, you may be able to swim with turtles. If swimming isn’t for you, you can still enjoy the stop by relaxing, snacking, and taking in the calmer water.

Two considerations to keep this enjoyable:

• Towels aren’t included, so plan to bring one. After a swim, you’ll be glad you have it.
• Sun protection matters, because sun cream isn’t included either. A hat helps too, but sunscreen is the thing you’ll want once you’re in and out of the water.

Wear your swimsuit as part of your day plan. The tour asks you to come in summer beach clothing, so you’re not scrambling to change mid-cruise.

Meeting Point and Timing: How to Start Stress-Free

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, Pantalan Number 2. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure. That buffer is worth it on a marina day, especially when you’re juggling beach clothes, swim gear, and cameras.

The good news: once you’re on board, the tour keeps moving with a clear flow. You board, you get cava, you head out, you look for pilot whales and dolphins, then you transition to a secluded-bay anchor where turtles may come into the picture and swimming time is offered.

If you’re the type who likes to get oriented quickly, being early helps. It gives you time to settle, choose where you want to sit, and get ready for that first “look up” moment after you leave harbor.

Languages and Private-Group Vibe (Up to 11)

This is a private group experience, with the group size capped at up to 11 people per booking. That matters because it keeps the day from feeling like a cattle-transport event. You can move around more easily on deck, ask questions, and get a more personal feel for what the captain and live guide are watching for.

The live tour guide speaks Spanish, English, German, French, and Italian. You won’t be stuck with one-language commentary that leaves half the group guessing.

In a good whale-watch setting, your questions are part of the experience. Having guide support in multiple languages makes a difference, especially when you want context about behavior and what you’re actually looking at.

Price and Value: Is $701 Per Group Worth It?

The price is $701 per group up to 11, and the cruise lasts either 3 or 6 hours. On the surface, it can look high if you compare it to basic boat tickets. But private yacht charters work differently: you’re paying for the boat time plus the included onboard setup.

Here’s how to think about value:

• You’re not just paying for wildlife spotting. You’re paying for a premium yacht experience with bathrooms, cabins, and a proper indoor space.
• Food and drinks are included: cava on arrival, soft drinks, beer, and white wine, plus baguettes, fruit, and snacks.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, which avoids extra costs and makes the swim portion more likely to happen smoothly.

If your group is near the upper end of 11 people, the cost becomes far more reasonable on a per-person basis. If you’re a smaller group, it’s still a luxury choice, but you’re paying more for the privacy.

So the decision comes down to how you travel. If you like boat days with comfort and included extras, this feels like a strong fit. If you’re trying to do the cheapest possible whale cruise, you can likely find cheaper options. But they usually come with tradeoffs: less comfort, fewer included extras, and less control over the vibe.

What to Bring (and What to Skip)

This tour is simple to pack for, but don’t miss the items that make a difference once you’re out on the water.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Camera

And plan your clothing around the sun and water:

• Wear summer beach clothing
• Bring or wear a hat

Important: towels and sun cream are not included. Pack both so you don’t end up borrowing, drying off with whatever you can find, or spending your day trying to enjoy sun without protection.

A small strategy that helps: keep your camera accessible, but not loose. Deck days have wind and movement. You want quick access without having your gear clutter up the moment you spot something.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This private whale and dolphin watching tour is a good match if:

• You want a luxury yacht feel rather than a standard sightseeing boat.
• Your group includes a mix of ages or comfort levels, because there’s an indoor salon option and bathrooms on board.
• You care about included value: drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear are part of the package.
• You like the idea of a nature-focused day with the chance to swim in a calm bay.

It may be less ideal if you’re mainly chasing a strict checklist of animals no matter what. Wildlife viewing works on nature’s timing, and sightings can vary. The tour’s strength is the experience setup: comfortable boat, time on the water, and a secluded-bay moment for turtles when conditions align.

Should You Book This Private Whale and Dolphin Cruise?

If you want a whale-watching day that feels comfortable from start to finish, I’d say this is worth considering. The big win is the combination: premium yacht comfort, included cava and drinks, real food onboard, and snorkeling equipment ready for the secluded-bay stop.

Before you book, do one thing: plan your beach essentials. Pack a towel and sun cream, show up with swimwear ready, and treat it like a day on the water rather than a quick photo stop.

If your group can fill out the private charter (up to 11), the value jumps. Even if you can’t, it’s still a well-rounded luxury experience where the boat itself is part of the payoff.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

You meet at Puerto Colón, Pantalan Number 2, and you should arrive 15 minutes before departure.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise runs for either 3 hours or 6 hours.

What wildlife might we see?

The tour focuses on pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles.

What’s included on board?

Included items are cava on arrival, soft drinks, beer, white wine, baguettes, fruit, snacks, sailing cruise time, and snorkeling equipment.

Do I need to bring a towel or sun cream?

Yes. Towels and sun cream are not included, so plan to bring them.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, and a camera, and wear summer beach clothing (including a hat).

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