Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise

Watch Tenerife from the water. This three-hour speedboat trip pairs dolphin and whale watching with a swim stop, coastal views, and a close-to-the-sea feel that larger boats cannot match. I like the intimate zodiac-style ride and the chance to see wildlife behaving naturally, with the captain keeping a respectful distance. I also like that snorkeling gear, a sandwich, and one drink are included.

The main drawback is simple: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the sea can change the plan. You also need to reach Puerto Colon yourself, and a speedboat is not the best fit for anyone who dislikes motion or has mobility equipment that cannot fold.

Key details before you book

• Three hours from Puerto Colon: The trip leaves from Gate 3 and follows Tenerife’s southern coast before returning to the marina.
• Wildlife in the open Atlantic: Dolphins and pilot whales are the main targets, with possible sightings of turtles, flying fish, squid eggs, and other sea life.
• A smaller boat experience: The speedboat offers a more personal ride than the large sightseeing boats that fill this part of the coast.
• Swim and snorkel stop: You pause in a bay for a swim, a drink, a sandwich, and time with the provided snorkeling gear.
• Great views on clear days: You may see Mount Teide and the island of La Gomera from offshore.
• Strong guide-led experience: Nico has earned special praise for explaining the marine life, local waters, and Tenerife’s coast.

Leaving Puerto Colon on a fast, open boat

Your meeting point is Puerto Colon Gate 3. Arrive 15 minutes before departure, where a Sea Safari Tenerife staff member checks your printed or digital ticket and leads the group to the boat once everyone is present.

That meeting routine matters. This is not a walk-up harbor cruise where late arrivals can wander aboard. If you miss the departure, the boat cannot sensibly wait while the crew searches the marina. Puerto Colon is easy to recognize as a departure point, but give yourself enough time to find Gate 3 and get settled.

The ride begins with the pleasure of speed. You feel the wind, hear the engines, and see the resort coast from a lower angle than you would from a large upper deck. The boat carries you along the southern shore toward the open water, with small ports, beaches, and natural swimming pools appearing from the sea.

I find this style of trip more engaging than a slow harbor cruise. A large boat gives you more room, but a smaller speedboat gives the outing a sense of movement and makes the coastline feel less packaged. The tradeoff is comfort. There is less space to wander, and the ride may feel lively when the water is choppy.

Searching for dolphins, pilot whales, and flying fish

The wildlife portion is the heart of the trip. The captain searches the waters around south Tenerife for dolphins and whales, then explains what you are seeing and how these animals live in the Atlantic.

The animals remain wild, so no responsible operator can promise a sighting. That uncertainty is part of the deal. You may see common dolphins and pilot whales, while more unusual sightings can include spotted dolphins, turtles, flying fish, a man-of-war jellyfish, or even a floating sac of squid eggs. These are not scheduled attractions. They are possible encounters in the animals’ own environment.

Past outings have produced especially strong sightings. Dolphins and pilot whales have been seen close to the boat, and one outing included spotted dolphins, a turtle, and a man-of-war jellyfish. The important detail is how the boat approaches. The captain waits at a respectful distance rather than chasing animals or forcing them to come near.

That approach improves the experience in two ways. First, it is kinder to the wildlife. Second, it gives you a better chance to watch normal behavior instead of a frantic escape from a noisy boat. Bring patience. The best moment may be a quiet fin appearing beside the boat, not a staged jump on command.

Captain Nico has drawn particular praise for explaining the waters, island, and marine life in a clear and personal way. His contribution matters because whale watching can otherwise become a simple game of scanning the horizon. A good guide helps you understand what you are looking at and why it matters.

The boat can also be a useful choice if you want something more personal than the big tourist vessels operating from the same coast. You are closer to the water, and the captain can speak directly to the group. A private group option is available if that suits your plans and budget.

The bay stop near Los Cristianos

After the wildlife search, the boat stops at a bay for a break. The exact timing depends on sea conditions and the day’s route, but this is the part that turns the trip from a pure viewing excursion into a half-day on the water.

You can jump into the sea for a swim or use the supplied snorkeling equipment. Fish may be visible around the bay, and the calm stop gives you a chance to cool off after the faster ride. If you would rather stay aboard, you can simply enjoy the cliffs and coastal views while the group swims.

The snorkeling is modest rather than a full reef expedition. The attraction is the combination of clear water, a sheltered pause, and the chance to see fish close to shore. Do not book this expecting a long guided snorkeling session or a dedicated marine park visit. It is a refreshing stop built into a wider boat tour.

A sandwich and one drink are included after or during the stop. That is useful, since three hours in the sun and wind can leave you hungry. Still, keep your expectations practical. The food is a convenient snack, not a restaurant lunch. One person felt the sandwich could be skipped in favor of a lower price, so food should not be the reason you choose this tour.

Pack a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. You do not want to spend the ride home wet without a towel, and the open boat offers plenty of exposure to the sun. Sunscreen is especially important because the breeze can make the heat feel weaker than it is.

The return along Tenerife’s southern coast

The ride back is not just transport to Puerto Colon. The boat follows the southern coast, offering views of small ports, beaches, natural swimming pools, and the cliffs that frame this part of Tenerife.

On a clear day, Mount Teide may be visible inland, while La Gomera appears offshore. These views add a welcome sense of place. You are not simply looking for animals in open water. You are also seeing how Tenerife’s volcanic interior, coastal settlements, and neighboring islands fit together.

Weather controls how much you see. Cloud, glare, wind, or rough water can reduce visibility, and the route may change for safety. The tour is subject to weather conditions, so keep your schedule slightly flexible if this is an important part of your holiday.

The return ride can be the most energetic part of the day. You get another taste of the speedboat, then arrive back at Puerto Colon after roughly three hours. Because there is no hotel pickup or drop-off, plan your own way to and from the marina.

What the $77 price really buys you

At $77 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. It is also not simply a wildlife cruise. The price includes the speedboat trip, a live guide in Spanish and English, the swim stop, snorkeling equipment, a sandwich, and one drink.

The value depends on what matters to you. If you want a quick harbor ride and do not care about marine life, you can likely find a cheaper option. If you want three hours combining wildlife watching, a fast coastal ride, and time in the sea, the package is more convincing.

The smaller boat is the key value point. Large boats often provide more seats and steadier movement, but this speedboat gives you a closer, more direct connection with the water. It also creates a less crowded feel, though the listing does not give a fixed group size. A private group can be arranged if you want the outing to feel more personal.

I would judge the price fairly rather than call it a bargain. You are paying for the guide’s local knowledge, the boat, fuel, equipment, and the chance to see wild animals without a guarantee. If you get dolphins and pilot whales plus a good swim stop, it feels well spent. If the sea is quiet and the weather cuts the views, the value is less certain.

Who will enjoy this speedboat trip most?

This outing suits you if you want an active morning or afternoon rather than a passive boat ride. It is a good choice for couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a fast boat and a sea swim.

It is also a strong fit if animal welfare matters to you. The trip’s best quality is the stated effort to let animals approach rather than chase them. That gives the wildlife encounter a more respectful tone and makes the waiting worthwhile.

You should think twice if you need a smooth, spacious boat, dislike wind and spray, or want guaranteed sightings. This is not a glass-bottom sightseeing cruise, and it is not designed as a fully accessible outing. Baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, non-folding strollers, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

The boat is also less suitable if you are looking for a long snorkeling session. The swim and snorkeling stop is one part of the three-hour program, not the main event.

Practical tips for a better day at sea

Arrive at Gate 3 at least 15 minutes early. Have your digital or printed ticket ready, since staff check it before escorting the group to the boat.

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring a towel. Add sunscreen, and consider protecting your phone in a waterproof pouch if you want photos from the boat or bay.

Keep your eyes moving during the wildlife search, but do not spend the whole outing staring through a phone camera. A fin can surface and vanish in seconds. Listen to the guide, watch the water ahead, and give yourself time to enjoy the ride even if the animals stay out of sight.

If you are prone to motion sickness, ask yourself how comfortable you are with a fast open boat. The tour information does not promise a calm ride, and weather can affect the sea. A light meal before departure may be sensible, but do not arrive overly full.

The cancellation terms are helpful for a weather-sensitive activity. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options are useful if you are planning around changing holiday schedules.

Should you book the Puerto Colon speedboat safari?

I would book this tour if you want the sea to be the main event and you prefer a smaller, faster boat to a large sightseeing vessel. The combination of dolphins, pilot whales, a bay swim, snorkeling gear, and southern-coast views gives the three hours a good mix of activity.

I would skip it if guaranteed wildlife, a quiet ride, or a full meal matters most. No boat can promise animals, and the included sandwich is best viewed as a practical snack.

For the strongest chance of a memorable outing, choose a day when you can stay flexible, arrive early, and accept that nature sets the timetable. Captain Nico’s clear explanations and respectful approach to the animals are valuable extras. At $77, this is a fair choice for an active Tenerife experience, especially if you would rather watch marine life from a lively speedboat than from a crowded upper deck.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Puerto Colon Gate 3. A Sea Safari Tenerife staff member waits there 15 minutes before departure, checks your printed or digital ticket, and escorts the group to the boat.

How long is the boat trip?

The experience lasts three hours, including the wildlife search, coastal cruising, swim stop, and return to Puerto Colon.

What animals might I see?

The main animals are dolphins and whales, especially pilot whales. You might also see turtles, flying fish, spotted dolphins, a man-of-war jellyfish, or other marine life, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops in a bay where you can swim. Snorkeling equipment is provided if you want to snorkel.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes one sandwich and one drink. It is a snack rather than a full restaurant meal.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to make your own way to Puerto Colon and return to your accommodation after the tour.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The tour is subject to weather conditions, and baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, non-folding strollers, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.