Whale and Dolphin Watching Yacht Trip in Puerto Colon

Whales make the best holiday alarm clock. From Puerto Colón, this three-hour cruise takes you into Tenerife’s whale-watching waters aboard a yacht limited to 12 people. I like the intimate group size and the chance to watch pilot whales from a quieter boat instead of a packed catamaran. I also like the simple, useful extras: drinks, baguettes, snorkel gear, and a swim stop when the weather allows.

The main drawback is that the boat and guiding can vary. Most outings earn warm praise for friendly skippers and close whale sightings, but a few people found the boat cramped or the commentary too thin. You should also confirm vegetarian food requests carefully, since one meal request was not handled properly.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: Sightings have included several whales traveling beside the yacht, plus sea turtles and dolphins.
• Only 12 people can board: This gives you more room and a calmer feel than large excursion boats, though the yacht can still feel tight when everyone moves around.
• The swim stop depends on weather: Snorkeling and swimming are offered when conditions are suitable, often at a sheltered bay or cove.
• Food is simple but welcome: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and ham and cheese baguettes are included. Vegetarian food must be requested in advance.
• Patrick is a praised captain: Several outings led by Patrick received especially warm comments for friendly service, sea stories, and skill around the whales.
• The sunset departure is different: The 19:00 sailing runs for two hours until the end of August and includes either whale watching or a swim stop, not both.

Leaving Puerto Colón for open water

The trip begins at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, a handy departure point in southern Tenerife. You return to the same place after the cruise, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from another harbor.

The yacht carries a maximum of 12 people. That limit is the heart of the experience. You get a better chance to ask questions, move your attention quickly when a whale surfaces, and enjoy the sea without a crowd pressing along the rail.

Still, do not picture a huge private yacht with endless deck space. One person found the boat cramped and difficult to move around. The skipper may also handle much of the work alone, so the trip can feel less polished than a large commercial cruise with a separate captain, guide, and catering crew.

You receive confirmation when booking, and the operator sends the practical details by WhatsApp the day before on some departures. If you book separately from friends or family, tell the operator at booking time that you want to share a boat. Several boats may be used for this activity, and waiting until the day of departure can be too late.

Watching for pilot whales off Tenerife

The main sailing time is spent looking for whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are the sightings most often reported, and they are a strong reason to choose this trip. Several outings have seen groups of whales close to the boat, including a family traveling alongside the yacht.

The small boat helps here. A skipper can slow down and give the group time to watch instead of racing through a viewing area. One particularly praised outing involved the captain stopping while a family of whales swam nearby, giving everyone a quiet few minutes to watch.

You may also see sea turtles. Several reports describe turtles along with the whales, including one outing with a sea turtle and another with both whales and turtles. Dolphin watching is part of the advertised focus, but the sightings described most often are pilot whales, so book for a chance to see marine life rather than a guarantee of a particular species.

Birds above the water are also part of the scene. The tour notes encourage you to watch the bird life as you sail, which gives you something to look for between sightings.

The skipper provides live commentary in English and Spanish on every tour. If you need another language, contact the operator before booking on your chosen date. The quality of commentary may depend on who is leading the boat. Patrick is praised for sea stories, information about the whales, and an easy manner with the group. In one less successful outing, the guide offered very little commentary. That is worth keeping in mind if a lively guide is important to you.

Sailing the coast before the swim stop

The outward journey is not only a ride to the whale-watching area. You also get views back toward Tenerife’s coast, and the skipper may point out landmarks while explaining the plan for the trip.

After the whale search, the yacht may stop at a cove or bay for swimming and snorkeling. This part is weather dependent, so do not treat it as guaranteed. Several outings describe a beautiful bay or cove where people swam, used the provided snorkel equipment, and had a snack before returning to port.

I like this two-part design. If the whale sightings are brief, the swim stop gives the trip another purpose. If the sea is rough, however, swimming may not be practical, and the boat can feel choppy during the crossing. One outing had strong wind and rough water, though blankets were provided. Bring a light layer even on a warm Tenerife day.

The stop is also a useful break for families. One group with children and a baby found that the boat had what they needed, while another family appreciated the chance to watch whales, see turtles, and stop for a swim. You should still consider the sea conditions and your own comfort before booking if anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness.

Drinks, baguettes, and the practical side of lunch

The included refreshments are modest, but they fit the setting. You get beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, along with ham and cheese baguettes. Several people found the food fresh and satisfying after time on the water.

Vegetarian options are available on request. Make that request clearly when you book, and check it again before departure if food matters to you. One serious complaint came from a vegetarian who had received confirmation twice but was still given ham and cheese sandwiches, with the suggestion to remove the ham. That is not an acceptable substitute, so do not rely on a casual message alone.

The operator lists vegetarian choices but does not specify a full vegan menu. If you are vegan or have an allergy, contact Tenerife First Excursions before booking and ask exactly what will be provided. The supplied information confirms vegetarian options, not a detailed allergy or vegan arrangement.

Snorkeling equipment is included, as are life vests. The optional photo service costs extra and is not part of the basic price. You may prefer to bring your own phone or camera, but protect it carefully around salt water.

What the $62.56 price really buys

At $62.56 per person, the trip sits in a reasonable range for a three-hour marine outing, especially when you count the drinks, food, snorkel equipment, and small group. The strongest value comes from the 12-person limit. You are paying not just for time at sea, but for a less crowded way to watch wildlife.

A large boat may offer more deck space, but the small yacht gives the trip a more personal feel. Several people specifically preferred having six or so passengers rather than joining a boat carrying around 180 people. That comparison explains the price better than the menu does.

The value is less convincing if you expect a polished luxury yacht, constant commentary, or a guaranteed swim. The boat itself disappointed one person who felt the photos had set a different expectation. Others found it perfectly pleasant, with enough room for everyone, but you should think of this as a compact sailing trip rather than a high-end charter.

The tour is commonly booked about 11 days ahead. That suggests you should not wait until the last minute if your dates are fixed, especially during busy periods or if you want to be with a particular group.

Picking the right departure time

Daily departures give you useful flexibility. A morning sailing leaves room for other plans later, while an afternoon trip can fit around a relaxed start to the day. The exact departure choices depend on the date you select.

There is also a sunset departure at 19:00 through the end of August. This sailing lasts two hours, not three, and the price remains the same because of the late operating time.

The sunset option does not include the full program. It goes either to look for whales and dolphins or to a swim stop, but not both. Choose it for the evening setting and shorter outing, not if you want the full whale-and-swim combination.

For the standard three-hour trip, leave room in your schedule after returning to Puerto Colón. The sea may be choppy, and the pace can vary depending on wildlife sightings and conditions. Do not book a tightly timed dinner or airport transfer immediately afterward.

Weather, comfort, and what can go wrong

This activity requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is useful protection, but it does not prevent a rough ride when the trip goes ahead in windy conditions.

The yacht supplies life vests and blankets have been available on at least one windy outing. I would still bring a light waterproof layer, sunglasses, sun protection, and footwear that feels secure on a moving boat.

The trip is suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transportation. The supplied information does not give detailed guidance about wheelchair access, so contact the operator before booking if you need specific boarding assistance.

The guide and captain make a real difference. The best outings feature a friendly skipper who explains what you are seeing, answers questions, and gives everyone a fair chance to watch. A weaker outing may feel quiet after the initial sighting. If personal attention is your priority, ask who will lead your departure and confirm the language before you pay.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and the local time at Tenerife is used for the cut-off.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want wildlife watching without a crowded catamaran. It also suits anyone who values a slower, more personal outing and likes the idea of combining whales with drinks and a swim.

Families can benefit from the short three-hour format, though young children should be comfortable on a moving boat. The included snacks and drinks help, and the maximum group size keeps the outing easier to manage than a large cruise.

It is less suitable if you need guaranteed calm water, a fixed list of animals, or a highly structured presentation from start to finish. It is also not the best choice for someone who wants a spacious luxury yacht or a full meal with several dietary choices.

Should you book the Puerto Colón whale trip?

I would book this trip if your main goal is a small-group chance to see pilot whales in their natural setting, with the bonus of a swim and simple refreshments. The most convincing features are the 12-person limit, the friendly captains on the strongest departures, and the repeated sightings of whales close to the boat.

Before booking, confirm three things: which boat you will use, who will guide your departure, and what food will be provided. If you have a vegetarian, vegan, or allergy request, get a clear answer in writing. Also remember that the sunset trip is only two hours and includes either wildlife watching or swimming.

At $62.56, it offers good value when the sea is kind and the guide is engaged. It is not a guaranteed wildlife show, and the compact boat will not suit everyone. For a quieter alternative to Tenerife’s large sightseeing boats, though, this is a sensible choice.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin trip depart from?

It departs from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the standard tour?

The standard outing lasts approximately three hours. A special 19:00 sunset departure runs for two hours until the end of August.

How many people can join the yacht trip?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 12 people. If you are booking separately from friends or family, tell the operator at booking time that you want to be placed on the same boat.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Swimming and snorkeling are available when the weather and sea conditions allow. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included, but the sunset departure includes either whale and dolphin watching or a swim stop, not both.

What food and drinks are included?

Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and ham and cheese baguettes are included. Vegetarian options are available if requested in advance. The optional photo service is not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience start time.