Excursion to see the whales – 3 Hours

The Atlantic can make a fine theater. This three-hour cruise from Puerto Colón gives you a small-boat view of Tenerife’s coast, with possible sightings of dolphins, sperm whales, and pilot whales. I like the small group format, listed at up to 12 passengers in the highlights, because it should feel less crowded than a large sightseeing boat. I also like the glass-bottom viewing, a simple but useful way to look below the surface without leaving the boat.

The price is listed as $53 per person, with separate rates of €45 for adults and €22 for children ages 2 to 10. That is fair if you value the food, drink, guide, fuel, port charges, swim stop, and three hours on the water. The main caution is that the details also mention a maximum of 18 passengers, so confirm the expected group size before paying if a truly intimate outing matters to you.

Key points before you book

• Whale and dolphin sightings are the main event: You may see dolphins, sperm whales, or pilot whales in their natural Atlantic setting, but wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed.
• Glass-bottom viewing adds a second angle: Underwater vision lets you watch for movement below the boat as well as around it.
• The cruise includes a swim stop: The captain may anchor at El Puertito or Playa de Las Vistas for about 25 minutes.
• Food and a drink are included: Expect a sandwich plus beer, water, or a soft drink.
• The boat is intended to feel personal: The advertised capacity varies between 12 and 18 passengers, so ask for the current number.
• The crew speaks several languages: Tours are offered in French, English, Spanish, Dutch, and Italian.

Starting at Lina Yacht in Puerto Colón

The tour begins and ends at Lina Yacht in Puerto Colón. The outing lasts three hours, and the route is described as a guided visit around the Puerto Colón area and nearby open water.

That starting point matters because you are not signing up for a long land transfer before the boat ride. Your time is spent on the Atlantic, looking for marine life and taking in Tenerife’s coast. Check the available departure times when booking, since the schedule is not fixed in the information provided.

The experience is presented as a private group, though the stated passenger limit needs clarification. One part of the description says a maximum of 12 passengers, while another says 18. Those numbers can make a real difference. Twelve people gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable place to look out and a more direct exchange with the guide. Eighteen is still a fairly contained group compared with a large excursion boat, but it will feel busier.

The crew includes a specialized cetacean guide and a skilled captain. That combination is important. The captain handles the boat and positioning, while the guide can help you understand what you are seeing. The languages offered are French, English, Spanish, Dutch, and Italian, which makes this a practical pick for mixed-language groups.

Searching the Atlantic for dolphins and whales

The first part of the trip is devoted to finding wildlife. The target animals include dolphins, sperm whales, and pilot whales. The wording allows for whale and/or dolphin sightings, so you should book with the right expectation: this is a search for wild animals, not a scheduled animal performance.

That uncertainty is part of the value. A dolphin cutting across the water or a whale surfacing nearby has a different feel from seeing an animal in a controlled setting. The boat offers clear open-ocean views, so even a quiet stretch of water can give you a broad look at Tenerife’s coastline and the Atlantic beyond it.

I would bring patience. The trip is three hours, which gives the crew time to look in more than one place rather than rushing back after a short ride. One particularly useful detail is that the outing can allow enough time to watch whales at two separate locations. You may therefore get more than one wildlife opportunity during the cruise, though no exact route or sighting pattern is promised.

The best moment may be brief. A fin, a back, or a group of dolphins can appear and vanish quickly. Keep your eyes moving, listen to the guide, and avoid treating the ride as a nonstop show. The broad view from the boat is part of the experience, not merely a gap between sightings.

Glass-bottom viewing below the boat

The underwater viewing system gives the tour a small extra feature that many whale trips do not offer. Instead of looking only toward the horizon, you can peer beneath the boat through glass-bottom panels or underwater vision.

This will not replace a full underwater expedition, and the available information does not promise a particular species or underwater display. Still, it gives children and curious adults something to do while the boat is moving or waiting. It also changes the way you watch the sea. Surface movement, shadows, and marine life below the boat become part of the outing.

I see this as a useful bonus rather than the reason to book. The strongest reason is still the chance to see free-ranging whales or dolphins. The glass-bottom feature helps round out the three hours and makes the cruise feel more active for people who enjoy looking below the surface.

A coastal view with time to slow down

The boat provides open views of Tenerife’s coastline. The exact shoreline route is not specified, so you should not expect a narrated tour of named coastal landmarks at every turn. The main focus is marine life, with the coast serving as a striking backdrop.

One advantage of a smaller vessel is the sense of scale. You are close to the water rather than looking down from a large upper deck. That can make the coastline feel more immediate, and it gives you a good chance to watch the sea from different sides of the boat.

A small group also makes it easier to hear the guide. That matters when the guide points out an animal or explains what is happening. Still, keep the group-size question in mind. The promotion gives both 12 and 18 as maximum figures, and the difference is worth checking before you reserve.

The swim stop at El Puertito or Playa de Las Vistas

The cruise includes a swimming break. The boat anchors at El Puertito or Playa de Las Vistas, with about 25 minutes available for a refreshing swim based on the reported outing.

This is a welcome change of pace after time spent watching the horizon. You can get into the water, cool off, and enjoy a little freedom before returning to Lina Yacht. It also gives the trip a clear second act. You are not simply riding out, searching for wildlife, and turning back.

The exact stop is not fixed. It may be El Puertito or Playa de Las Vistas, depending on the outing. Since the description does not promise particular water conditions or facilities at either place, bring what you need for a comfortable swim and follow the crew’s instructions.

If swimming is important to you, remember that it is a stop rather than the main purpose of the tour. About 25 minutes is enough for a quick dip, not a long beach session. If you prefer staying dry, you can treat it as a chance to relax on board while others swim.

Sandwiches, drinks, and the real value of the price

The listed headline price is $53 per person. Elsewhere, the rates are given as €45 for adults and €22 for children ages 2 to 10. Because those figures do not match exactly, check the booking page for the final currency and amount before confirming.

At the adult rate, the value is reasonable if you plan to use the full package. The fee covers the three-hour cruise, the crew, fuel, port taxes, IGIC, a specialized guide, a sandwich, one drink, and the swim stop. You are paying for a guided marine outing rather than just a short boat transfer.

The included food is practical rather than a reason to choose this trip on its own. You receive a tasty sandwich and a choice of beer, water, or a soft drink. That saves you from packing a full meal and keeps the outing simple. If you have dietary needs, the available information does not state that alternatives are provided, so ask before departure.

For children, the €22 price is more appealing, especially if they enjoy boats, animals, and swimming. The glass-bottom viewing gives younger passengers another focus when no animals are visible at the surface. The trip lasts three hours, so consider your child’s comfort with time on the water before booking.

What the strongest feedback tells you

The most positive comments focus on the crew and the balance between wildlife watching and swimming. A particularly favorable outing included enough time to watch whales in two places, followed by a swim of roughly 25 minutes. The guide was described as cheerful, and that mood spread through the group.

That is useful information because a guide’s attitude can shape a small-group trip. A friendly guide who keeps people informed without turning the ride into a lecture can make quiet periods feel easier. The crew also handled changes before the outing without trouble in one case, which is a practical sign that communication can be smooth.

Another strong point is the staff. The crew has been praised as exceptionally good, and the overall rating is 4.5 from 28 reviews. That is a solid result, while still leaving room for a few uneven days.

There was also a serious service problem when an outing was canceled because of engine trouble. A replacement was offered for the following day, but that did not work for the passenger’s schedule, and there was concern about receiving the refund. Mechanical trouble can happen on any boat, but this is a useful reminder to avoid placing the cruise on the final day of your holiday if seeing whales is a major priority.

Who will enjoy this three-hour cruise

This outing suits you if you want a short, focused boat trip rather than a full-day cruise. Three hours is long enough to search for marine life, enjoy the views, stop for a swim, and have a light meal without taking over your entire day.

It is also a good fit for mixed-age groups. Children have the promise of dolphins, whales, underwater viewing, and swimming. Adults get a guided wildlife outing with food and a drink included. The multilingual crew makes it easier for international groups to follow the trip.

The cruise may work well for people who prefer a smaller setting, provided you confirm whether your departure will have 12 or 18 passengers. It is wheelchair accessible, another useful point for guests who need that feature.

You may want to reconsider if you need guaranteed whale sightings, a fixed swimming location, or a large amount of time in the water. None of those is promised. The trip works best when you see it as a chance to spend three hours at sea with a good possibility of wildlife, not as a guaranteed animal encounter.

Practical booking advice for a smoother day

Book early enough that a cancellation or weather-related change would not ruin your plans, even though the stated cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, which keeps your plans flexible.

Ask two questions before booking: Is the current maximum 12 or 18 passengers, and will the adult charge be €45 or the displayed dollar amount? Those are the two details most likely to affect your decision.

The tour is listed as available in French, English, Spanish, Dutch, and Italian. Select the language that will help your group follow wildlife explanations and safety instructions.

Allow time to reach Lina Yacht at Puerto Colón, but the supplied details do not include a hotel pickup service. Do not assume transport from your accommodation is included. The tour begins and ends at the yacht.

Should you book Ocean Blue?

I would book this cruise if you want a compact, reasonably priced wildlife outing with several extras built in. The best features are the friendly crew, the chance to watch whales or dolphins in open water, and the added swim stop. The sandwich, drink, and glass-bottom viewing make the three hours feel well filled.

I would be more cautious if your schedule is tight or if a canceled trip would cause a major problem. The engine issue shows why it is wise to leave a spare day in your plans. Confirm the passenger limit and final price, then book if you are happy to accept the normal uncertainty of searching for wild animals.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching experience?

The experience lasts three hours, beginning and ending at Lina Yacht in Puerto Colón.

Where does the boat leave from?

The starting point is Lina Yacht at Puerto Colón in Tenerife.

What animals might I see?

You may see dolphins, sperm whales, and pilot whales. The experience is described as whale and/or dolphin watching, so sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat anchors at El Puertito or Playa de Las Vistas for a swimming break.

How long is the swimming break?

The supplied information describes a swim of about 25 minutes.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive a sandwich and one complimentary beverage. The choices are beer, water, or a soft drink.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is offered in French, English, Spanish, Dutch, and Italian.

How many people can join the boat?

The information lists both a maximum of 12 passengers and a maximum of 18 passengers. Confirm the current group size when booking.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What is the price for children?

Children ages 2 to 10 are listed at €22. Adults are listed at €45, while the headline price is also shown as $53 per person, so confirm the final booking currency and charge.