Private Yacht Tour With Whale and Dolphin Watching 42 Foot Boat

Whales, dolphins, and a private boat await. This Tenerife sailing trip gives you the whole yacht for your group, with room to move, a friendly skipper, snacks, drinks, and time for a swim. I especially like the small private setting and the chance to listen for marine life with onboard sonar equipment. I also like that pilot whales live in these waters year-round, so the wildlife search is not based on a rare seasonal event.

The main tradeoff is cost. At $716.45 for up to 11 people, the price can make good sense for a nearly full group, but it is a steep bill for only two or three people. The standard cruise lasts about three hours, and sightings are never guaranteed. The sea, after all, does not take reservations.

Key points to know before booking

• Private yacht from Puerto Colón: Only your group joins the boat, with a maximum of 11 people.
• Whale watching with sonar: Pilot whales are present locally year-round, and the skipper uses sonar to help listen for whales and dolphins.
• Snorkeling stop included: The skipper anchors so you can swim and use the supplied snorkeling equipment.
• Drinks and snacks are part of the fare: Champagne, beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, and light refreshments are included.
• Choose your cruise length: You can select a three-hour or six-hour outing, in the morning or afternoon.
• Strong hosting is a major plus: Captains named in the feedback include Guy, Juan Angel, and Maxi, with special praise for their care and wildlife spotting.

Setting out from Playa de las Américas

You begin at Puerto Colón, specifically Pantalan 2 in Costa Adeje. The activity starts with boarding, meeting the captain, settling in, and receiving a safety briefing. This opening takes about 10 minutes, so plan to arrive ready rather than expecting a long marina orientation.

From the jetty, the yacht heads away from Playa de las Américas and out toward the Atlantic waters used by whales and dolphins. That first view from the sea gives you a fresh angle on the resort coast. From the boat, the waterfront becomes a backdrop rather than the main event.

The yacht is described as a 40-foot sailing boat, measuring 12.19 meters, while the tour title refers to a 42-foot boat. Either way, this is a substantial vessel rather than a small open motorboat. It carries up to 11 people and has outdoor deck space, a saloon cabin, a kitchenette, and other onboard facilities.

That size matters. A private group of 11 can spread out instead of sitting shoulder to shoulder. A smaller party gets even more room. You can move between the deck and the saloon, find shade or shelter when needed, and keep your belongings in a more comfortable setting than on a crowded shared excursion.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion is the heart of the trip. Pilot whales are present in the local waters throughout the year, and the route heads toward areas known for sightings. Dolphins and sea turtles are also possible, so you are watching more than one species.

The supplied sonar equipment adds an unusual element. You are not only scanning the water for a fin or splash. You can also listen for whales and dolphins with the equipment onboard. That makes the search more involving, especially when animals are below the surface or hard to spot from the deck.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. No whale-watching operator can promise a sighting, and the information provided does not claim guaranteed encounters. The strongest reports describe groups seeing whales, dolphins, two turtles, and even flying fish, but nature sets the schedule. You may see several animals, or you may spend more time watching open water and learning where to look.

A good skipper can make a big difference here. Guy is praised for creating a relaxed atmosphere while explaining the wildlife. Juan Angel is singled out as a warm host during an afternoon trip, and Maxi is credited with keeping a sharp eye out and pointing out where to look. These details suggest that the captain is not simply steering the boat. The captain helps turn a quiet patch of ocean into an active search.

If you want the best chance of seeing something, stay alert and listen to the skipper. Wildlife may appear quickly and disappear just as fast. Keep your attention on the water rather than spending the whole outing with a phone in your hand.

Swimming and snorkeling from the anchored yacht

During the cruise, the skipper drops anchor so you can enter the sea. This is a welcome change of pace after the wildlife search. You can swim, use the supplied snorkeling gear, and look for sea turtles and other marine life close to the boat.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. The available information does not promise a particular reef, beach, or underwater site, so think of this as a flexible open-water stop rather than a guided snorkeling lesson.

That flexibility is useful for a private group. Some people can swim while others remain on deck with a drink. If not everyone in your party wants to enter the water, the yacht gives them a comfortable place to wait. The stop also lets families set their own pace instead of following a strict group schedule.

You should still check your comfort level before jumping in. The tour information says most people can participate, but it does not list water temperature, depth, or special flotation equipment. Anyone who is unsure about swimming should ask the operator ahead of time.

The reports of family members swimming successfully suggest that this part can work well for mixed-age groups, provided everyone is comfortable in the sea. The presence of turtles and fish can make the water stop more than a simple cooldown.

Champagne, open drinks, and light food

The onboard refreshments are one of the tour’s most practical benefits. You receive a glass of Champagne, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water. Light refreshments are included, with one account describing nibbles and baguettes being available during a full afternoon boat.

This is not a restaurant meal, so you should not book it expecting a formal lunch. But for a three-hour cruise, snacks and sandwiches can be enough to keep the outing comfortable. The drinks also make the yacht feel more like a private celebration than a basic wildlife ride.

The open bar can have real value for a group. If several adults plan to drink wine or beer, the included beverages reduce the temptation to keep checking the final bill. Bottled water and soft drinks also help families and anyone who prefers not to drink alcohol.

Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking. That detail matters because the food selection is described only as light refreshments, so you should not wait until boarding to explain dietary needs.

The combination of Champagne, snacks, and an open bar is especially suited to birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, or a relaxed afternoon with friends. It may be less important to you if your main goal is serious wildlife photography or a long swim.

What the $716.45 group price really means

The listed price is $716.45 for the group, with up to 11 people included. For 11 passengers, that works out to roughly $65 per person. For six people, it is about $119 per person. For four, it is about $179 per person, before considering any separate transport costs.

That makes the group size the key value question. If you can fill most of the boat, this becomes a reasonable way to secure a private yacht, drinks, food, snorkeling equipment, and a dedicated captain. If only two people are going, the same total feels much harder to justify.

You are paying for privacy as much as for the boat ride. There is no unrelated group sharing your deck, no need to negotiate the best seat with strangers, and no pressure to match another party’s mood. A full private boat also gives you more control over how you use the swimming stop.

The three-hour length helps keep the price from becoming even higher, but it also limits the amount of time spent searching, swimming, and relaxing. The six-hour choice may suit a celebration or a group that wants a fuller day at sea. It will also require more time in the sun and on the water, so choose the duration based on your group rather than assuming longer is automatically better.

Choosing between the three-hour and six-hour cruise

The three-hour option is the practical choice for most people. It gives you time to leave the marina, search for whales and dolphins, enjoy the drinks and snacks, stop for swimming, and return to Puerto Colón without using up half the day.

It also works well if your group has other plans in Costa Adeje or Playa de las Américas. You can pair it with a beach afternoon, dinner, or a separate visit elsewhere in Tenerife.

The six-hour cruise makes more sense if the yacht itself is the main event. You will have more time for wildlife watching, conversation, drinks, and time in the water. It is also the better fit for a special occasion where you want the boat to serve as your private base for much of the day.

Morning and afternoon departures are available. A morning trip may suit a group that wants to keep the rest of the day free. An afternoon outing can feel more celebratory, especially with the Champagne and open bar, though the information provided does not promise a sunset departure or sunset views.

Meeting point, pickup, and useful planning details

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, Pantalan 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The cruise returns to the same jetty, which makes the outing easy to plan around a car, taxi, or public transportation.

Hotel pickup is not included by default. Pickup may be available if you contact the operator at least 24 hours before departure, and it is sensible to ask as soon as you book. Do not assume a hotel transfer is waiting for you.

You receive booking confirmation at the time of reservation, and the activity is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation. Most people can take part, but the supplied information does not provide detailed accessibility specifications for boarding, the saloon, or the swim stop.

The tour operates only in suitable weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own plans, avoid booking this as the one activity that must happen on a fixed day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, so watch the local Tenerife cutoff time.

Who will enjoy this private boat most

I would recommend this outing to families, couples traveling with friends, and groups marking a special occasion. The private format is especially useful when people have different ideas about the day. Some can focus on wildlife, some can swim, and others can sit back with a drink.

It also suits anyone who dislikes crowded excursions. A maximum of 11 people keeps the group manageable, and a smaller booking gives you plenty of space on the boat.

The experience may not suit you if your top priority is the lowest possible price, guaranteed wildlife, or a highly technical snorkeling session. You should also think twice if nobody in your party enjoys being on open water for several hours. The yacht has a saloon cabin and deck space, but the central activity is still a sea cruise.

This is not the right choice for someone looking for a packed sightseeing schedule around Tenerife. The value comes from time on the water, not from visiting several land attractions.

Should you book this Tenerife yacht tour?

Book it if you can share the cost with a good-sized group and want a relaxed private day at sea. The strongest reasons are the whole-boat setting, year-round pilot whale sightings, sonar equipment, included drinks, and the option to swim and snorkel from the yacht.

I would be more cautious with a very small party because the total price stays the same. I would also book with realistic wildlife expectations. The reports of whales, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish are encouraging, but no captain can control what appears.

For a group of six to 11 people, this looks like one of the more comfortable ways to combine wildlife watching with a celebration-style cruise from Costa Adeje. Ask for pickup details, request vegetarian food if needed, and choose the three-hour or six-hour option based on how much time you truly want at sea.

FAQ

Where does the yacht tour begin?

It begins at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 2, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

Where does the tour end?

The cruise returns to the original meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long is the yacht trip?

You can choose a cruise lasting about three hours or a longer six-hour option.

How many people can join the private tour?

The yacht accepts a maximum of 11 people per booking, and only your group participates.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. The local waters have pilot whales year-round, and dolphins and sea turtles may also be seen, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. The tour includes a glass of Champagne, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, and light refreshments. Vegetarian food is available if requested when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included automatically. You should contact the operator at least 24 hours before the trip to ask about pickup details.