Whales and dolphins off Tenerife’s coast feel like magic, and you get there by small, relaxed sailing yacht. I like that this trip pairs wildlife spotting with real comfort: drinks, snacks, and a swim/snorkel stop. One thing to consider: conditions on the water can be a bit choppy, and while the vibe is friendly, a few people said the safety info felt light.

I also love the human touch. Captains like Guy (and on other departures, Alex, Dani, or Maximilian) focus on calm viewing and checking in if anyone feels rough from sea motion. You’ll still want to bring what you need for the water, since you’re going in during the swim time and snorkeling isn’t always a sure thing.

Key things I’d book this for

• Max 11 people: room to move and an unhurried feel compared to big boats
• Real time searching: the captain looks for whales and dolphins, not a quick drive-by
• Snorkel equipment included: gear is provided right on board
• Drinks and snacks are part of the deal: beer, wine, soft drinks plus a champagne glass
• Respectful animal watching: engines may be reduced/stopped so you can watch quietly

Puerto Colón to open sea: the yacht feel that makes this worth it

This is a 3-hour sailing adventure out of Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. The start point is straightforward: Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, and you check in at gate number 2, arriving at least 15 minutes early. If you want pickup, it’s available within a 10 km radius as long as you contact the company at least 24 hours ahead.

What makes the experience click is the size. With a maximum of 11 travelers, the boat stays roomy and social in a good way: you can actually hear what the captain is saying, and you’re not packed in like sardines. That matters on a wildlife trip, because spotting takes patience.

Also, this trip isn’t sold as a party cruise. It’s more like: sail, scan the water, enjoy the ride, then settle in when the sea delivers. You’ll see plenty of coastline views along the way, but the main focus stays on what’s swimming out there.

How whale and dolphin spotting really works on a small sailing boat

The headline here is whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. That’s the goal, and the best part of a smaller yacht is that the captain can keep looking without turning it into a stressful scramble.

From the way the trip is described and what people report, you’re likely to spend meaningful stretches out on the water watching for signs. On many runs, pilot whales have been spotted, and dolphins sometimes come right alongside the boat. Even when dolphins don’t show up, it’s not a wasted outing—this is still a day on the sea with a planned wildlife search rhythm.

You should also know: wildlife isn’t a vending machine. Seas, currents, and whale movement decide the outcome more than timing. That’s why choosing an operator that takes the search seriously helps. In the stories people share, captains like Guy are praised for finding whales and keeping an eye on everyone’s comfort during the chase.

A plus: several accounts highlight a respectful approach. People describe the boat slowing down and the captain adjusting the viewing setup to let animals behave naturally, which makes your time watching feel more like observing than interrupting.

The swim and snorkel stop: gear is included, but conditions decide what you see

This cruise includes time to swim and snorkel, and the snorkeling equipment is provided. Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen, because you’ll be getting in during the water stop.

Here’s the practical truth: snorkeling quality depends on where they anchor and what the water is doing that day. Some people loved what they saw with the kit provided; others felt snorkeling wasn’t as productive as hoped—especially when visibility or access wasn’t ideal from where the stop was set.

So I’d treat it like this: the swim time is real fun even if the snorkeling isn’t picture-perfect. The boat stop is long enough for people to enjoy the water, and you’ll have the gear ready so you don’t have to scramble for rentals.

One more note on comfort: Tenerife waters can feel chilly, and wind can make it more noticeable once you’re in. If you’re sensitive to cold water, plan for that. If you’re worried about sea conditions, consider dressing for both sun and wind, not just warmth.

Food and drinks: what’s included and where the value shows up

Let’s talk money’s worth, because at around $78.44 per person you want more than a token snack. Here, snacks and drinks are a core part of the experience, not an afterthought.

The included package includes:

• Glass of champagne
• Light refreshments/snacks, including a freshly made sandwich for lunch
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment

In practice, that often feels like a proper mini-lunch at sea. People mention chilled sparkling options and fresh fruit on board, along with the sandwich and plenty of drinks. Even when details vary a bit by sailing date, you’re not dealing with a bare-bones “one small drink” setup.

One caution: a small number of people said the drink being served didn’t match the champagne wording exactly, and some felt the food portions were lighter than expected. That doesn’t mean your meal won’t be good—it means it’s smart to set your expectations: you’re buying a sailing-and-wildlife experience with included snacks, not a full restaurant lunch.

The best value angle is the combination. You’re paying for:

• a small-boat sea outing,
• real time to search for marine life,
• and included food/drinks so you’re not spending extra during the trip.

That’s the kind of package that actually feels premium, even if you’re watching your budget.

The itinerary is simple: one main departure, one main focus

The schedule is not complicated on paper: you meet at Puerto Colón, and the trip ends back at the same meeting point. There’s a listed stop at Tenerife Sailing Charters, which basically matches the feel of how this kind of outing runs—board, check the setup, then head out.

What you can count on is the flow:

1. Boarding and leaving Puerto Colón
2. Wildlife searching (whales/dolphins are the focus)
3. A swim/snorkel window
4. Return to the harbor

Where the trip feels different from other Tenerife boat tours is the balance. Many people describe it as calm and not rushed. If you like your excursions with breathing room—time to look, take photos, and just watch the sea—this format tends to work.

The downside of a simple itinerary is that it doesn’t guarantee a long list of separate attractions. If your personal definition of value is nonstop action, you might wish for more variety. But if you came for animals and water time, the structure stays aligned with that goal.

Meeting point, pickup, and the 15-minute rule that saves stress

Go early. Seriously. The meeting point is Puerto Colón gate number 2, and you’re asked to arrive 15 minutes before departure. This helps you avoid that last-minute scramble through the port.

If you need pickup, it’s only offered within a 10 km radius, and you have to request it by contacting the provider at least 24 hours before. If you don’t need pickup, you simply go straight to the meeting point.

I also like that this area is near public transportation, so you can handle it without renting a car—handy in Tenerife where parking near ports can be annoying.

One small extra: you’ll get a mobile ticket, and you’ll be able to confirm your booking when it’s time to go.

Who this cruise fits best (and who should think twice)

This is a strong match for:

• Couples and small groups who want a calmer boat day
• Families with kids, since children must be with an adult and the boat size keeps things manageable
• People who care about environmentally aware wildlife watching (captains are praised for respect and approach)

It’s also attractive if you want a more personal feel. With a maximum of 11 on board, you’re less likely to feel like a number.

Who should think twice:

• Anyone who’s extremely sensitive to motion. Even if conditions aren’t extreme, some people in the stories mention feeling sea sick and not having much open space to adjust their view.
• People who expect nonstop snorkeling. Snorkeling is included, but what you see isn’t guaranteed, and some reports suggest the snorkeling moment wasn’t as useful if conditions weren’t right.

Also, dietary notes are worth reading carefully. A vegetarian option is available if you tell the provider when booking. Gluten-free isn’t mentioned in the core info you’re given, and at least one person reported gluten-free wasn’t provided when requested—so if you have a strict dietary need, message ahead to confirm what can be accommodated.

Practical tips so you enjoy every minute

If you want this to feel smooth, show up ready for water and sea motion. Here’s what I’d do:

• Bring a towel and swimwear even if you’re not sure you’ll swim. Once you’re out there, you might.
• Wear sunscreen and a layer that handles wind. You can feel cooler once you’re on the water.
• If you get sea sick, prepare early. Some people say the captain checked in and helped with tips, but prevention still works better than recovery.
• Bring your own expectation for wildlife photos: it’s a moving subject. Turn your camera settings to action mode before you think you’ll need it.
• If you want souvenir photos, remember they’re not included. They’re sold separately, so decide if you care before the ride.

Finally, if you’re hoping for the best animal viewing, patience pays off. Let the captain do the work—your job is to keep your eyes on the water and enjoy the ride while they search.

Should you book this whales-and-dolphins sailing tour from Tenerife?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a small, relaxed boat day with included drinks and a genuine wildlife search. This is the kind of tour that tends to feel “worth it” because you’re not paying extra onboard for basic food and drinks, and the boat size makes the experience feel personal.

Skip it or reconsider if:

• you’re only satisfied with guaranteed dolphins or perfect snorkeling,
• you need a lot of structured entertainment beyond wildlife and water time,
• or you know sea motion hits you hard.

If you’re flexible and you come for the sea—whales, dolphins, a swim stop, and the calm of watching from a yacht—this one makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin sailing boat tour?

It’s about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start in Tenerife?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered within a 10 km radius, but you must contact the provider at least 24 hours before if you want pickup. If you don’t need pickup, go directly to the meeting point.

What wildlife are you looking for during the cruise?

The tour is designed for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. There’s a swimming time and you can use the included snorkeling equipment.

What food and drinks are included on board?

Included items are a glass of champagne, light refreshments/snacks including a freshly made sandwich, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, and you should advise the provider when booking.

What if the weather is 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.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. It has free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling later than that won’t be refunded.

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