REVIEW · PRIVATE WHALE WATCHING CHARTERS IN TENERIFE

private charter 3 Hours Whale Encounter puerto colon adeje

★ 5.0 · 14 reviews 3 hours (approx.) Operated by OCEAN BLUE TENERIFE · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Whales can make three hours feel very short. This private charter from Puerto Colón gives your group room to watch pilot whales, spot dolphins, and enjoy the sea at an unhurried pace. I like the small private setting and the warm crew, especially Chris, Mickey, Jessica, and Alex, who include children and explain what you are seeing. I also like the chance to stop for a swim, with turtles sometimes part of the outing. The main drawback is that food appears simple and may not be plentiful enough for a large group.

You pay $481.17 for up to 15 people, which can be good value for a family or group of friends. Split 10 ways, it is far less than a private boat for two or three people. The trip depends on good weather, and wildlife is never guaranteed, but the strong 4.9 rating from 14 ratings and a 100 percent recommendation suggest this crew is doing many things right.

Key points at a glance

private charter 3 Hours Whale Encounter puerto colon adeje - Key points at a glance

  • Private boat for up to 15 people: Your group does not share the activity with strangers, making it easier to set the pace and keep children involved.
  • Three hours from Puerto Colón: The outing leaves from Costa Adeje and returns to the same marina.
  • Pilot whales and dolphins: Sightings have included family groups, newborn whales, and several pods of pilot whales.
  • Swimming and turtle spotting: Some trips stop in a clear-water cove or Turtle Bay for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Friendly, hands-on crew: Chris, Mickey, Jessica, and Alex have been praised for clear explanations and attention to children.
  • Simple food and drinks: A sandwich, beer, champagne, or other refreshments may be included, but do not expect a full meal.

Setting out from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje

private charter 3 Hours Whale Encounter puerto colon adeje - Setting out from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje

The meeting point is Tenerife Yacht Lina / Kailanipier, at pontoon number 5 in San Eugenio, within Puerto Colón. The address is Avenida de Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje. The activity ends back at this same point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location.

The port is a practical base for a short sea trip. You arrive, find the yacht at the named pontoon, and then spend about three hours on the water. Since the boat returns to the marina, this fits neatly into a day built around Costa Adeje.

I would allow extra time to find the correct pontoon. The meeting details use two boat names, Tenerife Yacht Lina and Kailanipier, so check the booking confirmation carefully before you go. A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is issued at booking.

This is a private activity, not a shared cruise. That matters more than it might sound. You are not waiting for a large group to board, and the crew can speak directly with your family or friends. If you have children, older relatives, or a mixed-age group, that flexibility is one of the main reasons to choose this trip.

More Private Whale Watching Charters in Spain

The first minutes: a briefing about whales and dolphins

private charter 3 Hours Whale Encounter puerto colon adeje - The first minutes: a briefing about whales and dolphins

After leaving the port, the guide explains the outing and introduces the cetaceans you may encounter. The briefing also covers how the trip will run and what to expect from the sea.

That short introduction gives the wildlife watching some context. Instead of simply pointing at an animal and calling out its name, the guide explains the different cetaceans in the area. The exact species and number of sightings depend on conditions, but pilot whales and dolphins are the main animals reported during this excursion.

The guides also seem comfortable making the trip feel personal. Chris and Mickey have included children in the boat-handling experience under supervision. That does not turn the outing into a formal lesson, but it gives younger passengers something active to do between wildlife sightings.

Jessica has also been praised for her work as a guide, while Alex has helped create a relaxed family program. The crew names may vary by departure, so you should not assume that every listed person will be aboard. Still, the consistent picture is of a crew that talks with the group rather than simply operating the boat from a distance.

Watching pilot whales off Tenerife

The best part of this trip is the chance to watch pilot whales in open water. Sightings have included several families, a family with newborn calves, and one especially memorable encounter with a group of whales.

Pilot whales are social animals, so a family group can make the sighting more rewarding than a quick glimpse of a single animal. You may see several animals traveling together, surfacing near one another, or moving through the water as a unit. The crew’s explanations help you notice more than just a fin.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a wildlife trip, not a staged show. The boat crew can search likely areas, but they cannot promise whales, dolphins, turtles, or any particular behavior. Weather and sea conditions also shape the experience. One outing took place under overcast skies and still produced several families of pilot whales, but the views and comfort on your own day may differ.

The private format helps here. If your group wants to stay quiet while watching, you can do that. If children are excited and full of questions, the crew can respond without competing with a crowded deck. That balance is difficult on a large sightseeing boat.

Dolphins, turtles, and the chance to swim

Dolphins have also been seen during the trip, sometimes along with whales. One outing included whales, dolphins, and a turtle, giving the group a good mix of marine life in a single morning or afternoon.

Turtles are not presented as a guaranteed sighting. You might see one during the wildlife portion, or you might encounter turtles around a swimming stop. The exact route changes with conditions, so think of this as a possibility rather than a promise.

Several outings have included a stop in a sheltered cove or an area known as Turtle Bay. The water has been described as clear, and passengers have used masks and snorkels to swim. Even a one-year-old child was able to go into the water with family support on one trip, while older children enjoyed the swimming break.

That stop changes the rhythm of the outing. Three hours can feel long if you spend the whole time scanning the horizon. A swim gives you a different way to enjoy the coast and lets children burn off some energy.

You should still consider your group’s comfort with open-water swimming. The supplied details do not specify water temperature, snorkeling equipment, or a formal swimming lesson, so confirm those points if they matter to you. The experience is best suited to people who are happy with a flexible sea outing rather than a tightly scripted schedule.

More Private Whale Watching Charters in Tenerife

A coastal route with music and a relaxed mood

The coast around Costa Adeje is part of the appeal. From the boat, you get a sea-level view of beaches and the Tenerife shoreline. On some trips, the return to port has included music, dancing, and singing, especially for groups celebrating birthdays or enjoying a private gathering.

That festive mood is not the whole experience, but it can be a nice bonus. One group of friends stopped for food and drinks, then enjoyed music on the way back. Another family used the outing to celebrate birthdays and described the crew as helping create a memorable atmosphere.

You can also expect a crew that pays attention to different ages. Families with children aged two through teenagers have found the trip easy to manage, and adults in their seventies have taken part as well. The private boat means your group can enjoy a lively return without worrying about disturbing a boatload of strangers.

If you prefer a silent nature trip with no music, mention that to the crew. The available information shows that music and a party atmosphere may be part of the outing, particularly for private groups. That will suit some people perfectly and others less so.

Food, drinks, and what to expect at the stop

Food is a weak point compared with the wildlife and crew service. A ham and cheese roll has been served, and some trips have included sandwiches, beer, champagne, or other drinks at a beach or cove stop.

The food is picnic fare, not a proper lunch. One large group found there was not enough food for everyone after swimming, while another found the sandwich dry. If you are booking for 10 to 15 people, I would bring extra snacks unless the operator confirms exactly what is supplied.

This is a practical issue, not a reason to reject the trip. The main value is the private boat, time on the water, and the crew’s personal approach. Still, hungry children can change the mood quickly, so pack food that is allowed aboard or ask in advance about quantities.

Drinks and a relaxed stop can make the trip feel generous, especially for a birthday or family occasion. Just do not book it expecting a catered meal. The information provided does not promise a set menu or enough food for a full group lunch.

Why the private price can make sense

private charter 3 Hours Whale Encounter puerto colon adeje - Why the private price can make sense

At $481.17 per group of up to 15, the price looks high if you are traveling alone or as a couple. It becomes much more reasonable when shared among family or friends.

For 15 people, the cost works out to about $32 per person. For 10 people, it is about $48 per person. That buys three hours of private use rather than a standard seat on a shared boat. You also get a crew focused only on your party, which is useful for birthdays, reunions, and mixed-age families.

The value is strongest for groups of eight or more. A group of 11 friends used the private boat and had room to enjoy the trip together without splitting up. Families also appreciated the ability to involve children and accommodate a toddler without the pressure of a large public excursion.

For two or three people, the cost per person is much higher. You may still value the privacy, but you should compare it with shared whale-watching options in Costa Adeje. This charter earns its price through exclusivity and flexibility, not through luxury dining or a long itinerary.

Who will enjoy this charter most

private charter 3 Hours Whale Encounter puerto colon adeje - Who will enjoy this charter most

I would recommend it most to:

  • Families with children who benefit from a flexible pace
  • Groups of friends sharing the cost
  • Birthday parties and small celebrations
  • People who want whale watching plus a swimming stop
  • Visitors who prefer a personal crew to a large sightseeing boat
  • Mixed-age groups, including young children and older adults

It may be less suitable if you want a guaranteed animal sighting, a gourmet meal, or a strictly timed nature tour. It is also not the best choice if poor weather would make you uncomfortable on the sea, since the trip requires favorable conditions.

Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The available details do not list specific boat-access information, so contact the operator if someone in your party has limited mobility.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the experience is offered in English. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

Good weather is required. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Since sea conditions affect comfort, visibility, and the chance of a pleasant swimming stop, this policy is useful rather than unusual.

The activity is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 29 days. For a private group, especially during a popular holiday period, I would reserve early and confirm the meeting pontoon, food, swimming plans, and expected crew before departure.

Should you book the Ocean Blue Tenerife charter?

Book this trip if you can fill much of the boat and want a private day on the water with a friendly crew. The combination of pilot whales, dolphins, possible turtles, a swim stop, and direct attention from guides such as Chris, Mickey, Jessica, or Alex gives the outing a personal feel that large boats cannot easily match.

I would be cautious about the food and bring extra snacks for a big group. I would also treat wildlife sightings as a welcome possibility, not a guarantee. With those points understood, this is a strong choice for families and groups who value shared memories, simple sea time, and the freedom to enjoy Tenerife at their own pace.

FAQ

How long is the private whale charter?

The experience lasts approximately three hours, including the departure from Puerto Colón, wildlife watching, and the return to the marina.

Where does the activity start?

It starts at Tenerife Yacht Lina / Kailanipier, pontoon number 5, San Eugenio, Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

Where does the activity finish?

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

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers one private group of up to 15 people.

What animals might I see?

The outing has included pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Sightings depend on weather and sea conditions and are not guaranteed.

Is swimming part of the trip?

Some outings include a stop at a cove or Turtle Bay for swimming and snorkeling. Confirm the planned stop and equipment details when booking.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Scroll to Top

Where the whales are

Pick a coast, a season or a boat.