Three hours on open water sounds short, until the sea steals focus. This sailing excursion out of Puerto Colón is built around watching pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, while you cruise Tenerife’s southern coastline. A crew member shares sea-life pointers as you head toward the best areas.

I especially like the small-group feel and the way the captain manages animal encounters. In the past, skippers such as Alex and Jesus have slowed things down (including turning off the engine) so you can watch marine life without making a big fuss. You’ll also get a steady flow of snacks and drinks onboard, with many stops feeling relaxed rather than rushed.

One heads-up: conditions can get choppy. Reviews mention seasickness for kids when waves run higher, so if you’re motion-sensitive, plan to choose your spot carefully and bring a calm, steady mindset.

Key Things I’d Tell Friends Before You Go

• A 52-foot sailing yacht gives you room to spread out instead of feeling packed like some larger boats
• Whales, dolphins, and sometimes turtles are a real focus, not a random bonus
• The swim and snorkel stop happens after anchoring in a secluded bay, with basic snorkeling gear provided
• A thoughtful crew (captains like Alex, Jesus, and Mauricio are mentioned often) keeps the day paced well
• Barefoot rules onboard are common on yachts here, so bring what you can comfortably store and use
• Chop is possible, so plan for motion if you get queasy

Puerto Colón Dock Zero: Finding the Boat Without Stress

You meet at the Pantalán (dock) number zero in Puerto Colón. Arrive about 15 minutes early so you can check in, get settled, and not feel rushed before you head out.

If you’re trying to orient fast, search for Miishi Restaurant and use that as a landmark to find the dock area. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan how you get to the marina on your own.

Parking exists at the port, and it’s roughly 1€ per hour (so it’s not free, but it’s not a deal-breaker). This tour is short enough that you’ll feel the impact of timing, so it’s worth treating the meeting point like part of the itinerary.

A 52-Foot Yacht, Barefoot Policy, and a Crew That Sets the Mood

This is a sailing excursion on a yacht about 52 feet long. That size matters: you get the comfort of deck space for watching, plus enough room that even small groups can move around without bumping into each other.

There’s a barefoot on board policy, except in case of health issues. If you prefer shoes, you may want to confirm what’s allowed for your situation before you go, but otherwise plan for bare feet and bring a towel you can dry off with after swimming.

The day runs about 3 hours total, so the crew’s job is to keep the pace smooth. In practice, reviews point to a welcoming vibe from captains and guides like Alex and Marta, along with very attentive hosting from staff such as Mauricio.

Also, you’ll have a live tour guide speaking English, Spanish, French, or Italian. That matters more than it sounds: when someone can explain what you’re seeing (and where you might see it next), the watching becomes more satisfying.

One more practical reality: you’re sailing, but not every minute is guaranteed under sail. In one case, a family noted there wasn’t enough wind to sail, and the crew still kept the outing working well—so think of sailing as part of the experience, not a promise of nonstop sails.

Whale and Dolphin Watching: Seeing Them While Keeping Space

The main idea here is wildlife viewing from the water. The day is structured around visiting areas where pilot whales and dolphins are most likely to show up, and the crew points out sea-life hotspots along the southern coast.

What I like is the emphasis on how the animals behave, not forcing closeness. Several reviews describe captains turning off the motor to reduce interruption, and that kind of restraint tends to improve the experience even when sightings are brief.

You’re also more than just looking for a single species. Past trips include pilot whales and dolphins, and at least some days also include sea turtles. If turtles show up, it’s often the kind of moment that changes the mood from excitement to awe.

A small note for your expectations: you might see whales without dolphins, or you might see one dolphin and lots of whales. That’s not a failure on the tour’s part; it’s ocean life. Still, the crew’s searching and their willingness to adjust plans is part of why the experience scores so highly.

If you’re planning photos, think more like a watcher than a photographer. Keep your eyes up for surface movement, and let the crew’s guidance steer you toward the right side of the deck.

Tenerife’s Southern Coast by Sea: The Real Reason This Works

The sailing portion isn’t filler. The excursion takes you along Tenerife’s southern coastline, and the water-level perspective is simply different from streets and viewpoints.

Because the route is focused on marine viewing, you’ll often feel like you’re traveling toward something, not just driving in a straight line. That gives the day momentum: cruise, scan the horizon, listen to the guide, and then slow down when life appears.

Some days are also described as not matching a specific land sight people might expect. For example, one traveler said they did not see Los Gigantes on their outing even though they’d assumed it might happen. If Los Gigantes is a must for your vacation, it’s smart to ask the company directly what sightings and coast segments are typical on your sailing day.

Even without a named landmark, you still get what you came for: sea views, open water air, and the feeling of being out where the animals live.

The Secluded Bay Stop: Swimming and Snorkeling With Provided Gear

After checking for wildlife, the captain drops anchor in a secluded bay. Then you get a break to swim, snorkel, or simply relax and enjoy the onboard snacks and drinks while the boat sits still.

This is the part that turns a wildlife outing into a full sea-day. Reviews describe clear blue water and gorgeous conditions in the anchored spot, and many people love it because you go from scanning the surface to actually being in it.

Basic snorkeling equipment is included, but you’ll still want to bring your own comfort items. Pack your swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen because those are the things you’ll miss quickly once you’re wet and sun-exposed.

Time in the water can vary. One review mentions that after spending time with whales, the swim window was short, around 10 minutes, so don’t assume snorkeling will be long every single day.

Also keep in mind you’ll board and move around on a yacht with wet surfaces. Move calmly, keep an eye on your footing, and you’ll avoid turning a fun stop into a slippery chore.

Snacks, Drinks, and the Value of an 88-Dollar Sea Day

At around $88 per person for a 3-hour yacht excursion, the value mostly comes from what’s included. You’re not just paying for a boat ride; you’re getting fresh fruits and sandwiches plus a selection of beverages.

The drink list includes options like beers, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water. That’s a lot of choice for a short outing, and it helps explain why so many reviews highlight the onboard food and drinks as part of what made the day feel complete.

You’re also getting basic snorkeling gear, so you don’t need to budget separately for that. Add in the crew’s job—searching for whales and dolphins, then managing a safe, respectful viewing—and suddenly the price feels more like paying for a guided sea experience than a simple ticket.

One practical value tip: bring a little extra water habit if you personally prefer it. While water is included, a few people have noted they still recommend carrying their own in general, especially if you’re sweating or snorkeling longer than expected.

If you compare this to wildlife tours that don’t include food, drinks, or snorkeling equipment, you can see why the overall rating stays so high. It’s one of those tours where the included extras make the day feel like a full plan, not an add-on.

What About Motion Sickness and Wind?

Chop is the main variable you can’t control. Reviews specifically mention taller waves and bumpy moments that caused seasickness for some children, even though everyone still enjoyed the trip.

If you’re motion-sensitive, you’ll want to sit where the motion feels least. One traveler suggests seating near the front when conditions are rough, which is a helpful instinct if you know how your body reacts on boats.

Wind is another variable. In at least one case, there wasn’t enough wind to sail the way people hoped. The good news is that the crew still ran the itinerary and focused on sightings and the bay stop, so even a motor-led day can still deliver the highlights.

Think of this as a sea experience that reacts to the ocean. If you go with that mindset, you’ll feel less disappointed by the weather and more grateful for whatever the ocean provides.

Who This Trip Suits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is a great fit if you want a short, guided sea outing with a real wildlife focus. It’s also ideal if you like sailing but you’re more interested in what happens on the water than checking off a long list of attractions.

Families can do well, especially with smaller group sizes. Several reviews describe an intimate experience with only a handful of passengers onboard at times, which means you can watch without feeling boxed in.

You’ll enjoy it even more if you like being active in the water. The swim and snorkeling stop is a central part of the tour experience, and it’s easy to jump in once you’re anchored.

Who should think twice? If you’re very prone to seasickness and haven’t handled boat motion well before, consider whether a 3-hour outing in potentially choppy conditions is worth it. Also, if you strongly need shoes onboard for comfort, the barefoot policy may require a quick check with the operator about your situation.

Good news: the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible. If you use a mobility device, it’s still smart to confirm how boarding and movement work on the specific yacht, since small details matter on boats.

Should You Book This Sailing Excursion?

I’d book it if your priority is pilot whales and dolphins plus a genuine swim stop, and you want food and drinks included without turning the day into a long, complicated travel mission. The combination of a guided wildlife hunt, a calm pace, and the option to get in the water makes it feel like more than just “watch from the deck.”

I’d hesitate if motion sickness is a major issue for you. This trip can get bumpy in the waves, and while you can take steps to sit where you feel better, you can’t fully guarantee calm water.

If you want a sea day with respectful animal viewing and a friendly crew that clearly knows the ocean, this one has the right ingredients. For many people, it’s the kind of Tenerife highlight you remember because it felt personal, not like a factory tour.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife sailing excursion?

It lasts 3 hours total.

Where do I meet for the activity?

Meet at the Pantalán (dock) number zero in Puerto Colón. You can search for Miishi Restaurant to help you find the right dock area.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point yourself.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the sailing excursion, fresh fruits and sandwiches, a selection of beverages (such as beers, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water), and basic snorkeling equipment.

What should I bring to the boat?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is there snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Basic snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew will anchor in a secluded bay where you can swim and snorkel.

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