Four engines, wild sightings, and lunch.

This Tenerife RIB trip is built for whale-and-dolphin chances and a genuinely relaxing pace, with a small group and a real swim/snorkel break. I especially like the included lunch and drinks, because it turns the boat ride into a full day out instead of a quick, snack-less excursion.

The one thing to plan for: the boat’s speed may feel calmer than you expect from photos, because there are legal speed limits in these waters to protect marine life.

Key things that make this Tenerife RIB tour worth your time

• Small group (max 8 people) on a boat that can carry up to 15, so you’re not lost in a crowd
• Atlantic spotting with a guide’s eye for whales, dolphins, and even a sea turtle
• Swim and snorkeling gear included, plus a stop in a quieter cove-type area
• Lunch plus free-flowing drinks (cava, beer, soft drinks, bottled water)
• Comfort extras onboard, including a restroom and shower

Whale-and-dolphin spotting from Puerto Colón, the easy way

If you’re chasing marine life, the Atlantic off Tenerife is one of the best places to do it without wasting your whole day. This 3-hour RIB cruise leaves from Puerto Colón and focuses on three things: seeing whales and dolphins, getting your feet wet with a swim/snorkel stop, and then eating onboard while everyone stays in the same relaxed “day trip” rhythm.

I like that the format doesn’t feel rushed. You’re out on the water long enough to actually enjoy the chase for sightings, but the schedule still lands neatly at a total of about 3 hours including lunch and drinks. And because the group is capped, you get more back-and-forth with the crew instead of just being herded around.

You’ll also get a nice mix of activity and downtime: cruising, scanning the water, a chance to snorkel, and then food and drinks while you’re still on the boat.

Where you meet: gate 13 in Puerto Colón (and it’s not complicated)

Meet at Club Náutico Puerto Colón, at gate 13 in the port. The docking reference is dock number 0 at Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje area). The boat returns you back to the same meeting point when the tour wraps.

If you’ve ever shown up late at a busy marina, you know the stress tax this can cost. Here, the location is clear: one port, one gate, one stop back. That simplicity matters on a trip that’s only about three hours long.

The trip uses a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English.

The Atlantic run: what you’re really paying for

The core of the experience is the run out on the Atlantic with a crew that actively looks for whales and dolphins. The goal isn’t just cruising past random water. You’re taken to where marine life is likely, and the crew stays alert for signs.

What I found most compelling is the pattern of sightings people describe: pilot whales show up often, plus plenty of dolphins, and there’s at least occasional luck with a sea turtle. Even when conditions or animal behavior don’t cooperate perfectly, you’re still on a boat built for spotting—fast enough to cover ground, and small enough that you can actually see what’s happening.

A quick word on speed expectations: some folks note they wanted it to feel faster at all times. The important context is that boats in these waters can have a legal speed limit to protect wildlife. That means the ride might not match the most aggressive-looking moments in marketing photos. It’s still a RIB experience, but you should think “active cruising” rather than nonstop thrill-ride speed.

Swim and snorkeling stop: short, practical, and actually fun

The best boat trips give you more than just watching. This one includes time for a swim break and snorkeling (snorkel gear is provided). You’ll have the chance to get in the water during the stop, and the mood shifts from scanning the horizon to enjoying the sea up close.

A lot of people love this part because it turns the trip into something physical. You’re not just learning the names of animals; you’re actually in the water where you’re hoping to spot wildlife.

There’s also a practical comfort layer: you get a restroom and shower onboard, which makes it easier to rinse off and stay comfortable when you get back to the port.

If you’re deciding whether you should bring swim stuff, you don’t have to overthink it—snorkeling equipment is included, but you’ll still want to be prepared to get wet and to change back into dry clothes afterward.

Lunch onboard with cava, beer, and soft drinks

This is where the trip earns real value. Lunch is included, and it’s paired with drinks: cava, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water. The tone is that you can relax while food and drinks are available, instead of scrambling for a meal afterward on shore.

The food people describe most often is a simple, filling lunch like chicken with rice and salad. One downside you should be aware of is timing: some departures serve lunch fairly early (one person specifically mentioned 11:25). That can be totally fine if you’re starting your day hungry, but if you’re a late eater, it might feel a bit ahead of your usual schedule.

Another practical note: you won’t have a galley kitchen cooking fresh food while you’re cruising. The lunch is brought onboard in thermal containers and served during the break. That’s normal for a boat of this size and it keeps things moving. It also explains why the lunch is consistent and shelf-stable rather than restaurant-fresh.

Bottom line: you’re paying for the whole package—wildlife time plus food and drinks without extra stops.

Crew vibe and the small-group advantage (this is where it shines)

The experience stands or falls on the crew, and the tone here is friendly and attentive. People mention staff who are welcoming and quick to help, and there’s even a specific guide name that pops up: Julian, praised for greeting promptly and keeping things fun.

The small-group setup matters because it changes how the spotting works. With fewer people, the guide can manage instructions and adjust the boat’s position more effectively. You’re more likely to notice the exact moment something surfaces, rather than watching through a wall of shoulders.

It also helps during the swim/snorkel stop. Clearer, tighter group management means you spend more time in the water (or close by) and less time waiting around.

One more detail I appreciate: the boat takes a maximum of 15 people, but your sailing is capped at 8 travelers for this tour. That’s an unusually meaningful difference. When the group stays small, the whole trip feels less like a transport and more like a planned outing.

Boat comfort vs. the “expectations from photos” gap

A small number of people raised complaints about the boat’s look and cleanliness or the ride feeling slower than expected. Most of the feedback is positive about comfort and a clean, safe feeling, but it’s smart to know why a mismatch happens.

Two reasons show up in the discussion around speed and feel:

• Wildlife protection limits speed in these waters, so the highest-speed moments may be intermittent
• Conditions can affect the ride. Even with a RIB, wind and waves can change how the cruise feels minute to minute

So here’s my advice for setting expectations: go for the animals, the swim, and the included meal and drinks. If you’re mainly chasing a constant thrill speedboat ride, you might end up a little disappointed.

Is the $84.66 price good value for Tenerife?

For $84.66 per person (about 3 hours, lunch included, plus drinks), this isn’t a bargain price. But it’s also not just “a boat ride.” You’re paying for four bundled perks:

• time on a RIB built for wildlife spotting
• snorkeling gear and a real swim stop
• lunch onboard
• drinks, including cava and beer, with soft drinks and bottled water

When you add it up, the cost starts to make sense, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat excursion and then hunt down lunch and drinks on shore. This tour compresses it into one easy plan.

Also, value improves when the group stays small. With max 8 people, you’re not competing for attention or struggling to hear instructions. For many people, that directly boosts the “worth it” factor.

Who should book this RIB whale watching trip

You’ll probably enjoy it most if you fit one of these profiles:

• You want a balanced outing: wildlife spotting plus a swim/snorkel break
• You don’t want to spend your day on multiple transport legs to get food or drinks
• You like the idea of a small group on a boat, rather than a crowded event
• You’re traveling with kids, since the trip works for most people and children must be accompanied by an adult

If you’re the type who wants a strictly adrenaline-heavy ride, you should temper expectations about constant speed. But if your goal is marine sightings and a “done-for-you” day with lunch and drinks handled, this hits the target.

Should you book it?

I’d book this if you want a proper wildlife cruise experience with a real swim and included meal, and you appreciate small-group attention on the water. The overall rating is strong, with 92% recommending it, which lines up with the standout positives: marine life sightings, friendly crew, and the fact that lunch and drinks are genuinely part of the experience, not an afterthought.

I’d think twice if your top priority is non-stop speed thrills or if you’re extremely sensitive to ride feel in choppy conditions. In that case, you might be happier with a different kind of boat tour.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Tenerife RIB luxury trip?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get lunch, cava and beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and use of snorkeling equipment. A restroom and shower are also included.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Puerto Colón, at gate 13 in the port. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people are on the boat for this experience?

The boat can take up to 15 people, but this specific tour sailing is capped at a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

Do children need special consideration?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What if the weather isn’t good?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of travelers to run.

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