Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching aboard Portuguese schooner

Set sail on a boat with a story. This family-friendly trip from Los Cristianos combines pilot whale and dolphin watching with the charm of an old Portuguese wooden schooner, plus time for lunch and a swim in the Atlantic.

I like the authentic vessel and the chance to view sea life from an open deck, with no need to pack food or drinks. I also like the friendly crew, who have been praised for clear explanations and thoughtful help, including rescuing a turtle during one outing. The main concern is that the lunch arrangement has not been perfectly consistent, and the trip can feel slow if the animals keep their distance.

For $57.96 per person, this is a fairly priced half-day-style boat outing if you value the boat, the crew, and the chance to see wild animals. It is less suitable if you need constant action or a guaranteed close encounter.

At a Glance: What Makes This Boat Trip Different

• A genuine Portuguese schooner: You ride aboard a wooden sailing vessel designed to recall old sea journeys and pirate stories.
• Pilot whales and dolphins: The main search takes place from Los Cristianos, near a known colony of pilot whales.
• Lunch and an Atlantic swim: After the wildlife search, the boat anchors near the coast for food and a short swim.
• Open-bar service: Drinks are available on board, though one account says the crew promoted paid cocktails, so clarify what is included.
• Two useful deck areas: A central table and two bar services make meals easier, while the upper deck offers space to sit, relax, and sunbathe.
• Small enough to feel personal: The maximum group size is 60 people, far below the capacity of a large excursion ship.

Boarding at Puerto Los Cristianos at 10:00 am

Your morning begins at the fishermen’s pier in Puerto Los Cristianos, in Arona. The stated meeting point is Muelle de Pescadores, Puerto de Los Cristianos, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

This detail matters. One family nearly missed the boat because the location information directed them to the wrong place. The crew helped them reach the correct departure point and waited, but I would still allow extra time to confirm the pier before setting out. Los Cristianos is a working harbor, and a few extra minutes spent finding the right dock can save a stressful start.

The activity is offered in English, and your booking confirmation arrives at the time of purchase. You can use a mobile ticket, so there is no stated need to print anything.

The boat can carry up to 60 people. That is not an intimate private sailing, but it is still a more characterful setting than a large, purpose-built whale-watching vessel. You will share the central seating area, open-bar facilities, and upper deck with the rest of the group.

Sailing on a Portuguese Schooner from the Last Century

The boat is the heart of this outing. Rather than boarding a plain motor cruiser, you step onto an authentic Portuguese wooden schooner dating from the last century. The design is meant to recall traditional sailing and the pirate stories linked with these waters.

That atmosphere gives the trip more personality. The boat itself becomes part of the holiday, not simply transport between two points. You can sit at the large central table, use either of the two bar services, or head upstairs to relax and sunbathe.

The upper deck is also the best place to look for animals and take photographs without a large roof or tall cabin blocking the view. Keep in mind that an open deck brings direct sun and wind. The information provided does not specify shade, so bring suitable sun protection even though food and drink are supplied.

The schooner’s slower, old-fashioned character will appeal to you if you enjoy the feeling of being at sea. It may frustrate you if you expect a fast chase from one sighting to the next. One account described spending about three hours in nearly the same area, not far from shore. That is normal for wildlife watching, but it can feel uneventful when the sea is quiet.

Searching for Pilot Whales and Dolphins

The first main part of the trip focuses on cetacean observation. From Los Cristianos, the boat heads out to look for the local pilot whale colony and dolphins.

This is not a performance with trained animals. The crew can take you to a promising area, but wild whales and dolphins decide what happens next. On a good outing, you may see dolphins moving through the water or pilot whales surfacing nearby. On a slower day, you may spend much of the time waiting and scanning the sea.

One outing produced sightings of both dolphins and whales, exactly as hoped. Another account described seeing dolphins but finding the long period of waiting dull. That contrast is useful. The wildlife is the reason to book, but it is never wise to treat the sighting as guaranteed.

The boat offers unobstructed photo opportunities, especially from the open deck. Still, wildlife photography at sea requires patience. You may see an animal only briefly, and the boat can move as you raise your phone or camera. Keep your equipment secure and be ready rather than expecting a posed photograph.

The crew has received praise for explaining what was happening during the excursion. Clear commentary helps make the waiting worthwhile because you understand what you are looking for and why the boat may hold position. The information does not provide the guides’ names, but the crew’s explanations were singled out as a strength.

Lunch and a Swim in the Atlantic

Once the wildlife observation ends, the boat sails toward the coast and anchors for lunch and swimming. This change of pace is welcome. You get a chance to stop scanning the water, eat at the central table, and take a short swim in the open Atlantic.

The swimming period may be brief. One account described about 15 minutes in the water. That is enough for a quick cool-off, but not enough to treat this as a dedicated beach or swimming excursion.

Food is described as included, and one detailed account lists rice, chicken drumsticks, salad, bread, and a drink. Another positive account praised both the meal and the excellent service. These details suggest a straightforward, filling lunch rather than a formal restaurant meal.

There is one important point to check before you pay. One unhappy customer paid about €98 for two people and said lunch was not provided, while the crew repeatedly offered different cocktails. The published details say food and drink are included, but the conflicting account means you should ask exactly what the included meal and drink cover. Do not assume every cocktail at the bar is part of the fare.

This is a good example of why the price needs context. At $57.96 per person, the outing can represent solid value when you receive the wildlife cruise, meal, included drink, and swim. It feels less attractive if you end up paying extra for drinks and receive no lunch.

What the Crew Adds to the Day

The crew receives some of the strongest praise in the available comments. One family said the men on board went the extra mile, especially when they jumped in to save a turtle. That is a memorable act of care, and it suggests a crew that pays attention to what is happening around the boat.

Another account praised the explanations during the wildlife search and described the crew as kind. A French-speaking account also praised the staff and meal. These comments point to a warm, service-focused atmosphere rather than a strictly formal nature tour.

The crew’s attitude matters on a trip like this. You may spend time waiting for a whale to surface, and a friendly explanation or a bit of humor can make the quiet periods easier. It also helps families feel more comfortable, especially if this is a child’s first boat outing.

That said, the bar service deserves a clear question before boarding. The boat has an open bar, but the phrase can be interpreted in different ways. Ask what drinks are included and which cocktails cost extra. That one question could prevent the main source of disappointment.

How the Timing Feels on the Water

The stated duration is about two hours, with a 10:00 am start and a return to the same meeting point. One account describes spending three hours on the water, so the actual timing may not always match the headline duration.

That difference matters if you have another activity booked afterward. I would leave a generous gap before any airport transfer, timed attraction, or restaurant reservation. The wildlife search can take longer than expected, and the boat must still return to Los Cristianos after lunch and swimming.

The trip follows a natural rhythm:

• Depart from Puerto Los Cristianos.
• Search for pilot whales and dolphins.
• Sail toward the coast.
• Anchor for lunch and a swim.
• Return to the departure harbor.

The route is not built around multiple shore stops. You remain on the boat, apart from swimming from the anchored vessel. If you want historic streets, beach time, or several coastal viewpoints, this is not the right format.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would recommend this schooner trip to families who want an easy introduction to boat travel. The crew’s friendly approach and the chance to see dolphins make it appealing for children, while lunch and swimming break up the wildlife wait.

It also suits couples and solo visitors who care more about the feel of the boat than speed. The old wooden schooner gives the day a stronger sense of place than a standard motorboat ride.

You should be comfortable with uncertainty. The animals are wild, the sea can be quiet, and much of the activity involves looking and waiting. If your ideal holiday means constant movement, this may seem boring. One account openly described the outing as dull after spending a long time near the same area.

The trip is also less suitable if you want a long swim. The reported swimming time was only about 15 minutes, so think of it as a refreshing pause rather than the main event.

Price, Value, and the Practical Details

At $57.96 per person, the price includes a boat ride, wildlife search, food and drink according to the published details, and a swim stop. The Portuguese schooner adds value because you are paying for a distinctive setting, not just a seat on a boat.

The value depends heavily on how the included food and drinks are handled. A simple lunch of rice, chicken, salad, bread, and a drink can make the price reasonable. Extra cocktail charges or missing lunch would change that calculation quickly.

The activity accepts mobile tickets and is offered in English. Most people can participate, and the maximum group size is 60. The end point is the same as the start, which makes the outing easy to fit into a day based in Los Cristianos.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 10:00 am start. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The trip also depends on good weather and a minimum number of bookings. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or activity, or receive a full refund.

Should You Book This Schooner Trip?

Book it if you want a relaxed sea outing with character, a helpful crew, and a real chance to see pilot whales and dolphins. The boat, open views, included meal, and short Atlantic swim create a pleasant package at a reasonable price when everything runs as described.

I would be cautious if you need a strict two-hour schedule, guaranteed wildlife sightings, or a long swim. Before paying, confirm the exact departure pier, the actual expected duration, and what the open bar and lunch include.

My final call: this is a good choice for families and easygoing couples who enjoy the sea itself. It is not a high-energy wildlife chase. Its best moments come from the old schooner, the open deck, the crew’s care, and the possibility of a whale or dolphin appearing beside the boat.

FAQ

Where does the schooner trip start?

It starts at Muelle de Pescadores in Puerto Los Cristianos, Arona, Tenerife.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 10:00 am.

Where does the trip end?

It ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Los Cristianos.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is approximately two hours. One account described spending about three hours on the water, so allow extra time in your schedule.

Will I see whales and dolphins?

The trip is designed to search for pilot whales and dolphins, and sightings have included both. Wildlife is not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is lunch included?

Food is described as included. One account lists rice, chicken drumsticks, salad, bread, and a drink, but another account said lunch was not provided. Confirm the current meal arrangement before departure.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. The schooner anchors near the coast after the wildlife search and offers time to swim in the Atlantic. One account described about 15 minutes of swimming.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose a different date or experience, or receive a full refund. The activity may also be canceled if its minimum number of participants is not reached.