Whales feel close when the boat is yours. This private charter on the Abrazo chill out catamaran blends classic Tenerife wildlife spotting with real downtime: you anchor, relax, swim, and sail the coast in comfort while the crew looks after everything.

I love the fact that you’re not sharing the day with strangers—only your group gets the boat time. I also love how meals and drinks are included (plus live onboard commentary), so the experience feels like a day out with friends, not a snack-and-sit trip. The main consideration: snorkeling gear isn’t included, so you’ll need to bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Key points you’ll care about

• Private-group sailing on the Abrazo catamaran (up to 12 people)
• Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are the focus in Tenerife’s southwest waters
• Calm anchoring in a quiet cove for swimming and relaxing on deck
• Meals and unlimited drinks included, with vegetarian option available
• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to snorkel (equipment not provided)
• Your trip length is flexible (about 3 to 8 hours), depending on what you book

Why a private Abrazo catamaran feels different on Tenerife

Tenerife whale watching can be either a crowded “look-and-hope” event or a true time-on-the-water experience. This one leans hard into the second option. You sail on Abrazo with a dedicated crew, and the day is organized around wildlife spotting plus comfort stops—so you’re not rushed from one quick glance to the next.

The catamaran setup matters. Expect spacious decks, cushioned lounging areas, and time at anchor where the boat is calm and your group can actually relax. That’s a big deal when you’re spending hours looking out over open water. You’ll get the best odds of a good sighting when everyone stays patient and settled, and the itinerary gives you those quieter moments on purpose.

From Av. de Colón to Club Náutico Puerto Colón: getting on board

You meet at Av. de Colón, 11 in Playa de la Américas (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). It’s near public transportation, which is handy if you don’t want to fight parking or taxis. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

From there, the plan is to start at Club Náutico Puerto Colón. This is the part of the day that sets the tone: you board, get briefed, and then you’re out along Tenerife’s southwest coast looking for whales and dolphins. If you’re traveling with kids, this is also where the “private group” advantage shows up—your schedule stays yours.

You’ll carry a mobile ticket, and you’ll get confirmation at booking time. So it’s pretty straightforward once you’re checked in.

The whales and dolphins: what you’re actually searching for

The crew focuses on the southwest coast because it’s a privileged area for watching whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The two resident populations they call out are pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins.

That matters because you’re not just chasing random sightings. When a region is known for resident animals, your time has more purpose: you’re spending your hours in the right waters rather than just cruising around blindly.

Here’s the practical side I’d plan for: whales can show up at different times, and dolphins can be active while whales stay farther out. Your best strategy is simple—stay flexible, keep watching, and don’t treat spotting like a switch that flips the moment you leave the harbor.

Anchoring in a crystal-clear cove: the swim and snorkeling part

One of the smartest parts of this charter is the anchoring plan. You’ll stop in a secluded, quiet bay with clear water where you can relax on the cushions on the decks or in the nets. Then you can choose to swim or snorkel.

The water temperature swings quite a bit through the year—about 18°C in winter to 26°C in summer—so I’d treat this as a “bring the right layers” moment. Even if you’re going in for a swim, sea breeze plus cool water can catch you off guard. A simple wetsuit or warmer swimwear (if you use one) will make the whole day more comfortable.

Snorkeling is available, but you need to bring your own gear. That’s not a dealbreaker, it’s just something to pack early so you’re not stuck improvising.

Also, you can anchor and relax even if you skip the water time. Plenty of the value here is that you’re not constantly moving—your group gets an actual break.

Sailing the Tenerife coast: Masca Bay, Los Gigantes, and “other spots”

Beyond wildlife, you’re sailing the coastline with scenery and coastal highlights along the way. The plan calls out options such as Masca Bay and the Los Gigantes cliffs area, plus other spots along Tenerife’s coast.

What I like about this structure is that it gives your day more shape. If the wildlife sightings take time to line up, you’re not stuck on a long straight route with nothing to do. You’ll still be out on the water, moving along a coastline that people come to Tenerife for in the first place.

One caution: the exact timing of these coast stops can depend on the length of your charter and conditions. So if you’re trying to maximize one specific viewpoint, pick a longer duration rather than the shortest option.

Crew service and live commentary: comfort with real information

The crew is a big part of why this charter earns such strong marks. Names show up in feedback—Victor and Conrado—and the overall vibe is polished, careful, and detail-focused.

Expect live commentary during the trip. That turns whale watching from guesswork into something you can follow. Even if sightings are slow at first, commentary helps you understand what you’re looking for and why you’re where you are.

There’s also a catering moment built into the experience: the crew serves a special catering before you sail back to the harbor along the coast. The result is a day that feels planned rather than “just a boat with time on it.”

Meals and unlimited drinks: what’s included and why it matters

This is not a bare-bones outing. The charter includes meals according to the itinerary length, with B for breakfast, L for lunch, and D for dinner. You also get unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

That changes the math for value. On a standard tour, you end up paying extra at the harbor, then again during the trip. Here, food and drinks are part of the package, so you can focus on the experience instead of managing purchases.

There’s a vegetarian option available if you advise during booking. That’s important if someone in your group has dietary needs. It doesn’t say what meals look like, but it does confirm they’ll plan for it.

If you’re planning your day, think of it as a floating meal break plus wildlife time—so you don’t need to eat a full breakfast beforehand unless your charter starts early.

Choosing 3 vs 8 hours: how duration changes the experience

The charter runs from about 3 to 8 hours. In practical terms, a longer charter gives you more flexibility for two things: waiting for the right wildlife moment and spending more time at anchoring or along the coast.

A 3-hour outing can be perfect if:

• you want the core whale watching experience without a full day
• you’re with people who don’t enjoy long waits
• you’re pairing this with other Tenerife stops

An 8-hour charter makes more sense if:

• you want time to relax in the cove and actually enjoy the boat
• you’re hoping for better odds of multiple sightings
• you’d like more coast time around places like Masca Bay and Los Gigantes

Since whales and dolphins can be unpredictable, longer time usually improves your chance to enjoy the full “sail, anchor, swim, watch” rhythm.

Price for up to 12: calculating real value on a private charter

The price is $1,055.39 per group (up to 12 people). That’s private, meaning you’re not paying per person and competing for space on the boat.

Here’s the value logic I use:

• If you’re traveling as a group close to 12, the cost per person can drop to a level that starts to look competitive with higher-end shared experiences—especially because food and unlimited drinks are included.
• If you’re only a couple people, it costs more per head. In that case, it’s usually worth it only if you truly want privacy, your own pacing, and the comfort factor of a dedicated charter.

Also remember what’s included: meals, unlimited drinks, live commentary, all fees and taxes. The main “extras” are souvenir photos (sold separately) and snorkeling gear (you bring your own).

Who this Tenerife private whale watching charter fits best

This one fits best if you like your travel days with fewer crowds and more control. It’s ideal for:

• families (children must be accompanied by an adult)
• friend groups who want a shared “boat day” with food and drinks covered
• couples who want a quieter alternative to standard group whale tours

If you hate waiting and dislike cold water, plan carefully. You can still enjoy the deck time even if you skip snorkeling, but the sea can be cool depending on season.

If you’re chasing a guaranteed whale sighting, set your expectations realistically. The charter is built for the right region and resident species, but the ocean decides when animals show up.

What to pack and plan so the day runs smoothly

A few simple items will make this trip easier from start to finish:

• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to snorkel.
• Think about water temperature: 18°C to 26°C varies by season, so plan swim layers accordingly.
• If you’re using sunscreen, do it before you head out so you’re ready for deck lounging.
• Wear comfortable shoes or grips for moving around the deck.
• If your group includes kids, plan for adult supervision since the tour requires it.

Since it’s a mobile ticket and you meet at Av. de Colón, it’s also worth keeping your phone charged and your booking info accessible.

Quick FAQ

FAQ

How many people can the private charter accommodate?

Up to 12 people per group.

How long is the Tenerife whale watching private charter?

It runs for about 3 to 8 hours, depending on what you book.

Where do we meet for this tour?

The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and the trip ends back at this same meeting point.

Do meals and drinks come with the price?

Yes. Meals are included (breakfast/lunch/dinner depending on the itinerary) and you also get unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You’ll need to bring your own snorkeling gear.

What whales and dolphins are you aiming to see?

The focus is on pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, which are described as resident populations in this area.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available if you advise at the time of booking.

What if weather conditions are poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the cancellation rule?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should you book this Tenerife private whale watching charter?

I’d book it if you want a calmer, more comfortable whale watching day with real time at anchor, included meals, and unlimited drinks—without the stress of crowds. It’s especially good value when you’re splitting the cost across a full group of up to 12.

I’d think twice if snorkeling is central and you don’t want to bring gear, or if you’re set on a tight schedule where a longer 6–8 hour block isn’t possible. And like any whale and dolphin trip, don’t treat sightings like a guarantee—the ocean keeps the final say.

If privacy, comfort, and a good chance in the right waters matter to you, this is the kind of Tenerife outing that feels worth it.

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