Luxury Opera 60 Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

Wildlife and swimming share the same afternoon. The Luxury Opera 60 combines whale and dolphin watching with a stop for snorkeling, a meal, drinks, and views of Tenerife’s south coast. I especially like the unusually roomy boat and the small group limit of 15 people. You get more space to move around than on a standard excursion boat, though wildlife sightings and service quality can vary with weather and crew.

The 60-foot RIB is the other big attraction. It has sunbeds, several seating areas, two tables, a toilet, showers, and 740 horsepower from twin Volvo Penta engines. I also like that the snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks are supplied, but at $96.79 per person, you should book it for the whole package rather than expect a simple boat ride.

Key points to know

• A 60-foot luxury RIB: The Opera 60 is nearly 20 meters long, with plenty of seating, sunbeds, tables, a toilet, and showers.
• Whales often appear early: Some outings reach marine life within about 20 minutes of leaving Puerto Colón, though sightings are never guaranteed.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: The boat stops in a sheltered bay, with equipment provided for exploring the water.
• A proper meal is served onboard: Food has included warm chicken and rice, bread, snacks, and simple local-style dishes.
• Small group limit: A maximum of 15 people helps keep the boat from feeling crowded.
• Flexible cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund, subject to the stated weather and minimum-group rules.

Leaving Puerto Colón on a 60-foot RIB

The trip begins at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, one of the main harbors on Tenerife’s south coast. It ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point after the boat ride.

The Opera 60 is not a small inflatable raft. It is a rigid inflatable boat with a solid hull and inflatable side defenses, built for speed and stability. At almost 20 meters long, it has a much more open feel than many whale-watching boats.

The twin 740-horsepower Volvo Penta engines give the boat plenty of power, but the practical benefit is space. You can sit at one of the tables, stretch out on a sunbed, move to a better viewing position, or settle into a shaded area. The boat also has quality speakers, which helps create a social, relaxed mood during the slower parts of the outing.

The maximum group size is 15. That matters here. A boat this size could easily feel empty with a small party, but it also gives you room to spread out when everyone wants a clear view of the sea. Several families and groups of friends have found the space comfortable, with enough seats for everyone.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. The boat is described as luxurious, but one report found the exterior looking older and more worn than expected. Most feedback praises the comfort and style, yet the boat may not look brand-new from every angle.

The first hour: searching for whales and dolphins

Once out of the harbor, the main task is finding marine life. The crew watches the water and points out what appears nearby. Depending on conditions, you may see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, or other sea life.

Some outings have reached whales within about 20 minutes of leaving the harbor. One group saw dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles on the same trip. Another saw a large family group of whales. These are memorable sightings because the animals remain in their natural setting, rather than performing in a confined space.

You should not treat any sighting as guaranteed. One outing had whales but no dolphins, while another saw dolphins and almost a whale. The sea, weather, and animals decide the schedule. That uncertainty is part of the point, but it is worth remembering before you pay for the trip.

The crew generally keeps a respectful distance from the whales and dolphins. That is good for the animals and gives you a calmer view. You may not get a dramatic close pass every time, but a careful approach is better than chasing marine life for a quick photograph.

The guides also help identify what you see and keep the atmosphere lively. Fabrizio is singled out for his warm welcome and attentive hosting, including making sure drinks did not run dry. A captain described as professional also received praise. The crew’s approach can make a real difference during quiet stretches when everyone is waiting for the next fin or blow.

The boat’s height and open layout help with viewing, but you may still want to move around. Bring your camera, but keep your attention on the water. Marine sightings can last only a few seconds.

A sheltered bay for lunch and snorkeling

After the wildlife search, the Opera 60 heads toward a small bay for food and swimming. This change of pace is one of the strongest parts of the trip. You are not simply sitting on a boat for three hours. You get time to eat, enter the water, and see Tenerife’s coast from sea level.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. The water can offer views of different fish species, and one outing was described as especially good for snorkeling. You may also see turtles during the wider boat trip, although the exact wildlife depends on the day.

The stop is useful for families and mixed groups. Someone who cares most about whales can enjoy the wildlife search, while someone else can look forward to swimming. It also breaks up the ride for children who may not want to sit still for three hours.

Swimming conditions depend on the weather and the sea. The trip requires good weather, and the snorkeling stop may feel more or less comfortable depending on wind and water conditions. The boat has showers, a welcome feature after swimming, although you should still bring your own swimsuit and any personal sun protection you need.

The bay is also where the meal is usually served. Food has included a warm chicken and rice dish, bread, snacks, and simple local-style cooking. Several people praised the meal as tasty and plentiful. The food is best viewed as a substantial boat lunch, not a restaurant meal.

There is one important qualification. One outing received lukewarm chicken and rice and stale bread, with service that felt slow. This appears to be an outlier among mostly positive reports, but it shows why I would keep expectations moderate. The food adds value, but the wildlife and boat experience are the main reasons to book.

Drinks, music, and the social side of the trip

Drinks are provided onboard, including water, soft drinks, wine, beer, and prosecco. Several outings describe generous or unlimited drinks, with sparkling wine being a recurring favorite. Snacks are also included.

The drink service helps turn the trip into a relaxed afternoon rather than a strict sightseeing run. You can sit at a table, enjoy the coast, and raise a glass after snorkeling. Fabrizio receives particular praise for being friendly and attentive with the prosecco.

Service, however, may not be perfectly consistent. One report said that drinks were not offered during the first hour because the sea was bumpy, and the passenger eventually had to ask for water and sodas. If you are traveling with children, it is sensible to ask early where the drinks are kept and how service works.

The music system adds to the party feel. This may suit you if you want a sociable boat trip with conversation, food, and drinks. If you want a silent wildlife photography session, the music and group atmosphere may be less appealing.

How much value do you get for $96.79?

At $96.79 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Tenerife. It is also not just a whale-watching ticket. The price covers about three hours, a large luxury RIB, a maximum of 15 people, wildlife searching, a swimming and snorkeling stop, equipment, food, snacks, and drinks.

That bundle makes the price easier to justify. A cheaper boat may offer the wildlife search but not the same space, meal, showers, or small group feel. The Opera 60 is aimed at people who want comfort and a full afternoon rather than the lowest possible fare.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and friends who will use all parts of the outing. If you plan to snorkel, eat onboard, enjoy drinks, and move around the boat, the cost covers several separate pleasures in one booking.

The value is weaker if your only goal is to see whales. Sightings cannot be promised, and the trip may feel expensive if the animals stay distant or the sea prevents a good swim. You are paying for the whole setting and service, not a guaranteed close encounter.

The trip is commonly reserved about 26 days ahead. That suggests you should not leave it until the last moment if your holiday dates are fixed, especially since the boat carries no more than 15 people.

Who will enjoy the Opera 60 most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a comfortable sea outing with several activities in one package. It works particularly well for:

• Families who need a mixture of wildlife, swimming, food, and space
• Couples looking for a relaxed boat afternoon with prosecco and coastal views
• Friends who want a social outing rather than a formal wildlife cruise
• First-time visitors who want to see Tenerife from offshore
• Anyone who prefers a small group to a crowded excursion boat

It may not suit you if you dislike boat motion, want a guaranteed animal sighting, or expect polished restaurant-level food and flawless service. It is also less suited to someone seeking a quiet, specialist photography trip.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, which makes the Puerto Colón meeting point practical if you are staying around Playa de las Américas.

What to pack for three hours at sea

Bring swimwear, since the trip includes a swimming and snorkeling stop. A towel is also sensible, even though showers are available onboard.

You should also pack sun protection and a phone or camera for the coastal views. Keep loose items secure while the boat is moving. If you are traveling with children, ask about water and soft drinks early rather than waiting until the boat reaches the bay.

The experience is offered in English and comes with a mobile ticket. Confirmation is provided when you book. The activity can be canceled or moved if the weather is poor, and a minimum number of participants is required for the trip to operate.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. After that point, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes are not accepted.

Is this Tenerife boat trip worth booking?

I would book the Luxury Opera 60 if you want a small-group whale and dolphin trip with a real swimming stop, not just a short wildlife cruise. The space, sunbeds, toilet, showers, meal, drinks, and snorkeling gear make it a generous package.

Go in with realistic expectations. Wildlife sightings depend on nature, food and service can vary, and the advertised three hours may occasionally finish slightly early. For most people, though, the combination of whales, dolphins, turtles, snorkeling, coastal views, and a comfortable boat makes the $96.79 price reasonable.

If you reserve it, choose it for the full experience: sea life, lunch, swimming, and time to relax onboard. That is where the Opera 60 earns its keep.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Opera 60 experience?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the boat depart from?

It departs from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the experience finish?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Puerto Colón.

What wildlife might I see?

You may see dolphins, sea turtles, pilot whales, and other whales. Sightings depend on weather and natural conditions and are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The experience includes a swimming and snorkeling stop, and snorkeling equipment is provided onboard.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Drinks, snacks, and food are provided. Drinks mentioned for the trip include soft drinks, wine, beer, and prosecco.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum of 15 participants.

What happens if the trip is canceled because of weather?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.