Puerto Colon : Whale & Dolphins Sailing Excursion

The ocean puts on the show. This small-group sailing trip from Puerto Colon combines whale watching, dolphin spotting, a swim at secluded Diego Hernández Beach, and a Canarian lunch in one easy outing. I especially like the hydrophone, which lets you hear whale and dolphin calls, and the limited group size of no more than 10 people. The main thing to consider is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the boat can be uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness.

I also like the choice between a three-hour outing and a six-hour cruise toward Los Gigantes. Captain Daniel, often called Dani, has earned praise for his warm hosting, clear explanations, and care around marine life. Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimsuit, and towel, then expect a relaxed day on the water rather than a fast-paced attraction.

Key points to know before boarding

• Pilot whales are the main event: The boat visits the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone, home to Europe’s largest population of pilot whales.
• You hear the animals as well as see them: Hydrophone equipment lets you listen to whale and dolphin calls beneath the boat.
• The six-hour option reaches Los Gigantes: It gives you more time for swimming and more chances to spot dolphins.
• Diego Hernández Beach is boat-access only: Also known as Hippie Beach, this quiet stop works well for swimming, snorkeling, and a relaxed lunch.
• The lunch is part of the experience: Canarian food, drinks, fruit, and sometimes pastries and savory snacks are served while you are anchored.
• The boat stays small: Groups are limited to 10 people, and a private boat can be booked for up to 10.

Setting out from Puerto Colon

Your trip begins at Puerto Colon, a busy marina on Tenerife’s southwest coast. The exact meeting point can vary with the option you book, so check the final instructions carefully before heading to the harbor. One person lost time after receiving an incorrect pontoon reference, so this is a small detail worth checking rather than brushing aside.

Once aboard, you sail away from the marina and along Tenerife’s southern coast. The change is pleasant: harbor activity gives way to open water, broad sea views, and the volcanic coast in the distance. This is a sailing excursion, not a large party boat, so the small group makes it easier to find a good place to sit and ask questions.

The tour lasts between three and six hours. The shorter version suits you if you want a half-day on the water without giving up most of your day. The six-hour trip is the better choice if Los Gigantes interests you, or if you want a longer swim stop and additional time searching for dolphins.

Watching pilot whales in the Teno-Rasca zone

The main wildlife portion takes place in the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone. This protected area is important because it supports a large resident population of pilot whales, described as the largest population of pilot whales in Europe.

Pilot whales are not a guaranteed photo opportunity. They are wild animals moving through their own habitat, and the boat must search rather than follow a fixed route to a viewing platform. That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but you should set your expectations properly. Some outings may produce several sightings, while conditions at sea affect what you can see.

The possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales. You may see animals at the surface, watch dolphins splash near the boat, or catch only a brief glimpse before they move away. Keep your camera ready, but do not let it take over. Watching the water with your own eyes is often more rewarding than trying to record every second.

The crew also uses a hydrophone. This underwater microphone picks up the calls of whales and dolphins, adding a second layer to the experience. You are not simply scanning the horizon. You get a sense that the sea below is active even when the surface looks quiet.

Captain Daniel, known as Dani, is particularly well suited to this kind of outing. He has been praised for explaining the animals, answering questions, and taking care not to disturb them. That matters here. A good wildlife captain knows when to approach slowly, when to hold back, and how to help you understand what you are seeing without treating the animals like performers.

Dolphins, turtles, and the limits of wildlife watching

Dolphins are one of the most exciting possibilities on the trip. They may appear alongside the boat, splash in the sea, or move away before everyone has a clear look. The open-water setting gives you a more natural encounter than a show, but it also means the timing belongs to the animals.

Loggerhead turtles and fin whales are also among the species you may spot. The information provided for the trip does not promise any particular animal on every departure. If your main goal is to see one specific species, you should book with an open mind.

The rules are simple: do not touch the animals. That instruction protects both you and the wildlife. It also keeps the outing focused on observation, not interference. I appreciate that the experience places listening, learning, and careful viewing alongside the excitement of a sighting.

Diego Hernández Beach and the swimming stop

After the wildlife search, the boat heads to Diego Hernández Beach, sometimes called Hippie Beach. You can reach this beach on foot or by boat, but the excursion approaches from the water and anchors offshore or nearby.

This is the point where the trip slows down. You can swim or snorkel in the clear sea while the crew prepares lunch and drinks. If you prefer not to get wet, you can stay aboard and enjoy the coastal setting. The stop gives the outing a useful rhythm: active wildlife watching first, then time to relax.

The six-hour option gives you more time for this part of the day. It also includes the chance to enjoy the area near Los Gigantes. If you like a quick swim and a short sea trip, three hours may be enough. If you want the day to feel unhurried, six hours offers better value.

One limitation is that the included items specifically list the cruise, hydrophone, lunch, drinks, and fruit. Swimming and snorkeling are part of the planned stop, but the supplied details do not confirm that snorkeling equipment is provided. Bring your swimsuit and towel, and check the arrangements for equipment when you book if snorkeling gear matters to you.

Canarian lunch aboard the boat

Lunch is served while the boat is stopped at the beach. The meal features Canarian cuisine, with drinks and fruit included. Additional food may include pastries, cold meats, and small savory snacks, depending on the service on your departure.

That meal makes the trip feel more complete than a simple wildlife cruise. You are not left searching for food after swimming, and you can try local flavors without giving up time to find a restaurant. The setting also helps: lunch on a small boat near a quiet beach is a far more memorable break than eating at a marina café.

Do not expect a formal restaurant meal. This is a casual boat lunch, so dress for sun, sea spray, and movement. Keep your appetite flexible if you are sensitive to motion. A heavy stomach can make seasickness worse, especially when the boat is underway again.

Three hours or six hours?

The choice of duration changes the character of the experience.

The three-hour sailing

Choose three hours if you want:

• A shorter wildlife trip
• Time for whale and dolphin watching
• A swim or snorkeling stop
• Lunch without committing most of your day
• A more manageable outing for a mixed schedule

This option works well when you have other plans around Tenerife or when someone in your group is unsure about spending a long time at sea. You still get the core elements: sailing, marine wildlife, the hydrophone, food, and a beach stop.

The six-hour sailing

Choose six hours if you want:

• More time looking for dolphins
• A longer swim
• The chance to enjoy Los Gigantes
• A slower pace aboard the boat
• More time with the captain and the small group

The longer trip is the stronger choice for a birthday, a special occasion, or anyone who sees the boat ride as the main event of the day. Captain Daniel has been praised for making celebrations feel personal and for keeping people comfortable and welcome aboard.

The tradeoff is obvious: six hours is a long time if the sea makes you uneasy. It also leaves less room for other sightseeing. I would not choose the long version simply because it sounds like better value. Choose it because you genuinely want extra time on the water.

Why the small group matters

The maximum group size is 10 people. That is a major advantage over large whale-watching boats, where you may spend the trip looking over heads and waiting for a chance to ask a question.

A small group also suits the beach stop. There are fewer people moving around the boat, and the lunch service feels more personal. The captain can explain what you are seeing, answer questions, and keep an eye on the group during swimming time.

The private option is available for up to 10 people. This could make sense for a family group, a birthday, or friends who want control over the mood and schedule. The public small-group option should already feel fairly personal, so a private boat is most useful when privacy matters to you.

The guide language is English and Spanish. If you want to ask detailed questions about whales, dolphins, or turtles, this language information is worth checking against your own needs before booking.

Price and overall value at $88

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Tenerife. The price is easier to justify because it covers several separate experiences: the sailing trip, marine wildlife search, hydrophone session, beach stop, lunch, drinks, and fruit.

The small group also adds value. You are paying for more than transport from the marina. You get a captain who can explain the animals and adjust the experience around the group, rather than boarding a large vessel with a fixed sightseeing routine.

The value is strongest if you want an all-in-one half-day. You do not need to arrange a separate lunch, search for a beach, or find another boat for swimming. The six-hour option offers more time, but the shorter outing may be better value for you if you want only the essentials.

I would be more cautious about the price if your only goal is a guaranteed whale sighting. No responsible wildlife trip can promise that. You are paying for the chance to see free animals in a protected sea area, plus the setting, food, and guide rather than for a guaranteed show.

Seasickness and what to bring

The boat trip includes time underway and may involve movement, so take seasickness seriously. The provided guidance recommends a solid breakfast, limiting excessive liquid intake before the trip, and avoiding a mixture of drinks and high-water-content fruit the night before and morning of the cruise.

The operator also gives specific advice about Biodramina before boarding, with separate guidance for adults and children. Medication is a personal health matter, so follow the product instructions and ask a medical professional if you are unsure.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• A sun hat or hat
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen

You may also want a light layer for the sailing portion, although no extra clothing requirement is specified. Keep your belongings secure around water, especially during the swim stop.

Do not touch marine animals. This is both a safety rule and a basic part of responsible wildlife viewing.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife cruise?

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want a small, friendly boat trip with several activities in one package. It suits couples, families, small groups of friends, and anyone who prefers a calm experience over a large organized cruise.

It is especially good for people who like to ask questions. The captain’s role is not limited to steering. You can learn about pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and the local coast while listening for animal calls through the hydrophone.

The six-hour trip is a good fit for a birthday or special outing. Food, drinks, swimming, and the chance to see Los Gigantes give it more of a full-day feel, even though the listed duration is six hours.

I would think twice if you become seasick easily, dislike uncertain wildlife sightings, or want a tightly timed tour with no chance of waiting at sea. The experience depends on natural conditions, and the ocean does not follow a schedule.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The meeting point may vary by option, so confirm that detail before leaving for Puerto Colon.

Should you book the Puerto Colon whale trip?

I would book this tour if you want wildlife, swimming, and lunch in one small-group outing, especially if the idea of hearing whale calls appeals to you. The hydrophone, conservation-zone setting, and careful approach to animals give it more substance than a basic boat ride.

Choose three hours for a compact half-day. Choose six hours if Los Gigantes, extra dolphin-search time, and a longer swim matter to you. At $88, the tour earns its price through the small group, food, drinks, guide service, and several distinct parts of the day.

Just arrive prepared for the sea, verify the meeting point, and keep your expectations realistic. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or fin whales, but the best part is that the animals remain wild and in control.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching excursion begin?

The excursion begins at Puerto Colon in Tenerife. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option you book, so check your booking details carefully.

How long is the experience?

You can choose an excursion lasting three or six hours. Check availability for the departure times offered on your selected option.

What marine animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are free in their natural habitat.

What is the hydrophone used for?

The hydrophone lets you listen to the calls of whales and dolphins underwater while you are on the boat.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The boat stops at Diego Hernández Beach, also called Hippie Beach, where you can swim or snorkel in the sea.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Canarian cuisine is included, along with drinks and fruit. Pastries and savory snacks may also be served.

Does the six-hour option visit Los Gigantes?

The six-hour option is intended for enjoying Los Gigantes, spending more time swimming, and having more chances to see dolphins.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Spanish.

Can I book a private boat?

Yes. A private option is available for groups of up to 10 people.