Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is its small size. With no more than 11 people aboard, you get a much quieter wildlife outing than the big catamarans crowding the Costa Adeje waterfront. Pilot whales are the main prize, and they can come surprisingly close to the boat.

I like the patient approach to wildlife and the friendly captains, especially Guy, who is often praised for his care, humor, and knowledge of the sea. I also like the simple extras: a sandwich, unlimited soft drinks, beer and wine, a glass of sparkling wine, and time for a swim.

The catch is that nature sets the schedule. Dolphins may stay away, snorkeling can be underwhelming, and some departures spend less time sailing or swimming than you expect. At $78.44 per person, this feels best for people who value a small group and a personal captain more than a packed list of activities.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the most reliable wildlife sighting: Dolphins, turtles, and even sharks have appeared, but no animal sighting is guaranteed.
• The boat holds a maximum of 11 people: This gives the trip a calmer feel than a large party boat.
• Guy is a particularly well-liked captain: Alex, Dani, and Maximilian also receive praise for their care and marine-life knowledge.
• The food is modest but useful: Expect a freshly made sandwich and light snacks, not a full meal.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: Bring your own towel, swimwear, and sunscreen, and remember that the sea may be cold or choppy.
• Meet at Puerto Colón gate number 2: Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, with optional pickup available within a 10-kilometer radius if arranged in advance.

Why this small boat works better than a large catamaran

Tenerife’s southwest coast is one of the better places in the Canary Islands for seeing pilot whales. These animals live in the waters off Costa Adeje, so the boat does not need to make a long ocean crossing before beginning its search.

The small group is the main reason to choose this particular outing. A maximum of 11 passengers means fewer people leaning over the rail, less crowding around the captain, and a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit. The boat also feels more personal when the captain explains what you are seeing or checks how you are handling the sea.

The vessel is described as a luxury sailing boat, but do not assume you will spend the whole trip under sail. Some departures motor out for much of the route, and the wind and sea conditions decide how much actual sailing is possible. You still get the open-water setting and coastal views, but this is primarily a wildlife and swimming excursion, not a pure sailing lesson.

I like that the trip is built around watching animals in their natural setting rather than chasing them. The better captains slow down or switch off the engine so you can watch quietly, and they avoid getting too close. That matters with pilot whales, which are impressive precisely because they are wild and unhurried.

Leaving Puerto Colón for the whale grounds

Your meeting point is Puerto Colón, pontoon 2, Costa Adeje. You should be at gate number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure. That extra time is worth taking seriously, since the marina can be busy and the boat will not want to hold up the departure.

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must request it at least 24 hours ahead. If you are arranging your own transport, go directly to the marina. The tour ends where it begins, which makes it easy to pair with an afternoon around Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos.

Once aboard, the crew normally settles everyone in before heading out. The listed duration is about three hours, long enough to spend real time looking for wildlife rather than rushing to a photo stop and returning immediately.

The first part of the route is a search. That means some quiet stretches with nothing obvious happening. You may see only open water and Tenerife’s coast for a while, but this is the necessary part of a wildlife trip. The captain needs to watch for fins, blows, and movement rather than follow a fixed sightseeing script.

Meeting Tenerife’s pilot whales

Pilot whales are the star of this excursion. Several departures have found pods, including mothers with calves, and some whales have swum close alongside the boat. Seeing a family group at the surface can be the defining moment of the whole three hours.

Do not treat that as a promise. The animals are free to move, and the captain cannot control how long they remain nearby. One trip may produce a memorable encounter with a large pod, while another may bring only a shorter sighting.

Dolphins are also part of the search, and they have sometimes approached the boat. But their appearance is less certain. You may be told early in the trip that dolphins are unlikely that day, which is honest and preferable to pretending they are guaranteed.

Turtles have appeared as well, including a mother and baby seen near the surface. A few departures have even spotted sharks. These are pleasant surprises, not reasons to book on the assumption that you will see a particular species.

The strongest captains add useful context without turning the trip into a lecture. Guy is especially praised for explaining the animals, the sea conditions, and the need to give wildlife room. Alex, Dani, and Maximilian are also noted for being attentive and willing to keep passengers informed.

The quality of the commentary can vary. Some people receive a lively explanation throughout the outing, while others hear only a short set of facts. If marine biology is your main reason for booking, make a point of asking questions. A good captain will usually welcome them, and you will get more from the time between sightings.

The swimming and snorkeling stop

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for swimming. This gives the outing a second purpose, especially if the animals are keeping their distance.

Snorkel equipment is included, and you can enter the water if conditions suit you. The stop may be near the coast, including the area by Los Cristianos, rather than a secluded underwater site far from shore. That makes it easy to get in and cool off, but it also means the snorkeling may not reveal much.

This is the part where expectations matter most. Some departures provide a pleasant swim in clear water, while others find the water too cold or choppy. In at least one case, the crew advised that there was little to see underwater. You may enjoy the simple pleasure of floating in the sea more than the actual snorkeling.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you are sensitive to cold water, windy conditions, or motion on a small boat, you may prefer to watch rather than swim. No one needs to enter the water to get value from the whale-watching portion.

The swimming stop can also be shorter than expected. One departure allowed about 10 minutes, and another ended around 20 minutes early. Those accounts do not define every outing, but they are useful reminders that the advertised three hours can be shaped by sea conditions, wildlife activity, and the captain’s judgment.

Sandwiches, sparkling wine, and drinks on board

The food service is simple. You can expect a freshly made sandwich or baguette for lunch, along with light snacks. Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking.

I would plan on a practical snack rather than a picnic spread. Some people find the sandwich satisfying, while others feel the word snacks suggests more food than is actually served. If you have a large appetite, eat something before boarding.

The drink selection is a stronger part of the package. Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included, along with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine. Some accounts describe the sparkling drink as Prosecco rather than champagne, so it is sensible not to book solely for a particular label.

Strawberries have also been served on some trips. These small touches help the boat feel more special, particularly when you are watching whales with a cold drink in hand.

Remember that alcohol and rolling seas are not always a perfect match. If you are prone to seasickness, start with water and keep your balance in mind. The captains are often praised for checking on people who feel unwell and offering practical help, but prevention is still your best plan.

What the captain can change about the day

The captain makes a large difference here. Guy is the name most closely linked with warm hospitality, wildlife care, and clear explanations. He is also described as speaking several languages and making sure everyone is part of the conversation.

That personal attention is valuable on a boat this size. The captain may serve drinks, explain the animals, watch the sea conditions, and check on anyone feeling sick. You are not simply left to find your own way around.

Alex is also praised for being enthusiastic and attentive, particularly when a passenger felt seasick. Dani has been described as caring and reassuring, while Maximilian has received credit for accommodating the group and keeping a respectful distance from the animals.

Still, do not expect the exact same style every time. A few departures have had less commentary, and one account felt the captain spent too much time on a phone. The trip is strongest when the captain is actively explaining the sea and responding to questions.

There is also one practical point worth noting: at least one passenger felt that safety instructions were limited, with no clear explanation of life jackets or emergency procedures. That is not a reason to assume the boat is unsafe, but you should listen carefully at the start and ask if anything is unclear.

Seasickness, comfort, and the small-boat trade-off

A small boat gives you a more personal outing, but it also responds more clearly to waves. Even when the sea does not look rough from the marina, larger swells can be felt on board.

One person found the motion uncomfortable and noted that the front of the boat did not offer much extra space. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking your usual remedy before departure, eating lightly, and choosing a position with a clear view of the horizon if possible.

The boat has been comfortable for groups of six adults and two children, and other departures have had only four passengers. That makes the maximum of 11 a real limit rather than a vague marketing phrase.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. Because the tour includes open water, a moving boat, and an optional swim, you should judge your own comfort rather than assume every part will suit everyone.

Is $78.44 a fair price?

At $78.44 per person, this is one of the pricier whale-watching choices around Tenerife. The price makes more sense when you value the small group, personal service, included drinks, and the chance to spend time with a captain who treats the wildlife seriously.

It is less convincing if you are comparing only the number of activities. You might spend a limited period watching whales, have a short swim, and receive one sandwich rather than a large meal. Some trips also spend part of the route motoring along the coast without much additional commentary.

I would call it fair value for a relaxed, low-capacity boat outing when the wildlife cooperates. It is not the best choice for someone who wants a guaranteed dolphin encounter, a long snorkeling session, or a full lunch.

The tour is booked, on average, about 18 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early during busy holiday periods, especially if you want a certain date or need vegetarian food or pickup.

Booking details that matter

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you do not need to print anything. The tour is offered in English.

Make one booking for everyone in your party. If you buy separate tickets for the same outing, you could be placed on different boats because the company operates several vessels.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The experience depends on good weather, so if the company cancels for poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The tour returns to Puerto Colón. That simple out-and-back setup means you do not need to arrange a second transfer at the end.

Who should book this Tenerife boat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a quiet, small-group wildlife trip with a chance to swim afterward. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who would rather hear the captain than compete with a large crowd for a view.

It is also a good match for people who enjoy the atmosphere of a boat day even when the animals are not especially active. The drinks, coastal views, and open water still give the trip a pleasant rhythm.

I would hesitate if you need a guaranteed sighting, dislike boat motion, or expect a substantial lunch and a serious snorkeling location. The wildlife is unpredictable, the sea can be cold or choppy, and the food is closer to a light meal than a feast.

Book it for the captain, the small group, and the chance to see pilot whales behaving naturally. Do not book it as a checklist of dolphins, turtles, snorkeling, and sailing. With realistic expectations, this can be a memorable three hours on Tenerife’s southwest coast.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching trip start?

It starts at Puerto Colón, pontoon 2, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Puerto Colón.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 11 people.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The animals are wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and sharks have all been seen on different departures.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time for swimming if conditions allow.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive light refreshments, a freshly made sandwich, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and a glass of champagne or sparkling wine.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If poor weather causes the company to cancel, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.