Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

Whales can appear beside the bow. This three-hour sailing trip from Puerto Colón combines pilot whale and dolphin watching with swimming, snorkeling, food, and views of Tenerife’s volcanic coast. The small 12-meter Roulette carries no more than 10 passengers and two crew, so you get a far more personal outing than on a large sightseeing boat.

I especially like the small group and the crew’s clear respect for marine life. Captains such as Salvador have been praised for sharing facts about the animals, Tenerife’s geography, and local waters without turning the trip into a lecture. The sandwiches, cake, snacks, and steady supply of cava, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water also make the $70 price feel fair.

The main consideration is the sea itself. Tenerife’s south coast can be choppy, and seasickness is possible, even on a comfortable sailboat. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the snorkeling stop may feel short if you want a full water session rather than a quick swim.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: Sightings have included pods with calves, dolphins, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and red-finned tuna.
• Only 10 passengers fit aboard: The small capacity gives you room to move and a better chance of seeing wildlife from both sides of the boat.
• The Roulette is a proper sailboat: It measures 12 meters and has three double cabins, two bathrooms, and deck mats for comfort.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built into the outing: You stop in a sheltered coastal area, often for about 30 minutes.
• Food is simple but generous: Expect baguette sandwiches, crisps, cake, snacks, and drinks rather than a formal meal.
• Meet at Puerto Colón Pier 5: Go to the dock door 10 minutes before departure, just past the port parking barrier.

Setting out from Puerto Colón on the Roulette

Your meeting point is the door of dock number 5 at Puerto Colón. It is the first jetty beyond the port parking barrier, near the port parking area. Look for the boat named Roulette, and arrive 10 minutes before departure.

This detail matters because Puerto Colón has several piers and excursion boats. Give yourself time to find the correct gate instead of arriving at the last minute with sunscreen in one hand and a phone map in the other. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina.

The Roulette is a 12-meter sailboat with space for 10 passengers and two crew members. That capacity is the heart of the experience. You are not packed onto a big vessel with loud music and dozens of people leaning over the rail. You can sit on the deck, move from one side to the other, and speak directly with the skipper.

The boat has three double cabins, two bathrooms, and deck mats for sitting or stretching out. Those cabins are part of the boat’s design, not private rooms for tour participants during the outing. Still, the facilities make the Roulette feel more like a small sailing yacht than a basic excursion craft.

Sailing south Tenerife with the engine quiet

The trip follows the south coast of Tenerife from Puerto Colón. When the wind allows, the crew sails for part of the outward and return journeys. That is one of the most pleasant features of the trip. You hear the water and the wind instead of spending the entire afternoon beside a running engine.

The views are a strong part of the experience. From the water, you see Tenerife’s volcanic coastline from a different angle, along with open Atlantic views and, in clear conditions, the island of La Gomera. The changing perspective is especially worthwhile if you have already spent several days exploring beaches and resort streets on land.

The crew does not simply point the boat toward open water and hope for the best. The captain uses local knowledge to look for pilot whales and dolphins, while keeping an eye out for turtles and seabirds. The wildlife lives here year-round, but the exact sightings vary from one departure to the next.

Pilot whales are the species most often associated with this trip. Some outings have found family groups with calves, while others have seen dolphins traveling alongside the boat. Turtles have also appeared, as have flying fish, Cory’s shearwaters, red-finned tuna, and other sea life.

The best moments are usually quiet ones. The crew may cut the engine near animals, allowing you to watch without the constant noise of a motor. If dolphins approach the bow, you can see them from close range. If whales remain farther away, the open deck still gives you a useful view.

Wildlife watching without a circus atmosphere

This is not a guaranteed whale show, and that is worth saying plainly. The crew can search likely areas, but wild animals follow their own plans. You might see several pods, dolphins, and a turtle in one trip. You might get fewer sightings on another day.

The boat’s small size helps when wildlife does appear. On a large vessel, the best viewing place can become crowded fast. Here, you have a better chance of moving around and letting both sides of the boat see what is happening. The crew also makes an effort to position the boat so passengers on different sides get a fair look.

The guides are one of the most praised parts of the outing. Salvador, along with crew members such as Rafa, Ramone, Dani, Jenny, Yani, and Silvio, has been described as warm, attentive, and highly informed about local marine life. The exact crew on your departure can vary, but the pattern is clear: you are not left to identify every fin by yourself.

You can expect explanations in Spanish, English, or Italian. The information covers animals, the sea around Tenerife, local geography, and sometimes the island’s culture and history. The strongest guides do more than list species. They explain how the animals fit into the surrounding waters and why it matters to observe them without chasing or disturbing them.

That approach will suit you if you want a wildlife outing with some care behind it. It may feel less exciting to someone expecting a fast chase from one animal to the next, but the slower pace is part of the appeal.

The swim and snorkeling stop

After the wildlife search and sailing, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling in a sheltered coastal area. The setting has been described as scenic, with cliffs and even a cave to explore from the water on some outings.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. You can look for fish close to the boat and cool off in the warm Atlantic water. Some departures allow roughly 30 minutes for the stop, though the exact timing depends on the day’s sailing and wildlife activity.

This is best viewed as a refreshing break, not a dedicated snorkeling expedition. If you want long stretches underwater, this tour may not give you enough time. If you want a pleasant swim after sitting on deck and watching whales, it fits the schedule well.

The stop also creates a nice change of pace. The first part is focused on spotting animals and taking in the coast. The second lets you get into the water yourself. Families have enjoyed it, and children have particularly liked combining wildlife watching with fish in the snorkeling area.

You should remember that conditions can vary. The sea has been slightly rough on some departures, and the water may not feel calm all day. Follow the crew’s instructions before entering the water and let them know if you are unsure or uncomfortable.

Baguettes, cake, cava, and a relaxed lunch

Food on board is simple and practical. You can expect fresh baguette sandwiches, often with ham and tomato or Iberian ham, along with crisps and a slice of cake. Snacks and desserts are included, and drinks are offered throughout the trip.

The drink selection includes mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. The crew has been praised for keeping passengers supplied without making the service feel formal. After swimming, a sandwich and a cold drink are exactly the sort of small comforts that make a three-hour boat trip feel complete.

Do not book this expecting a restaurant meal. The food is picnic-style, not a plated lunch. Still, the portions have generally been considered enough for the length of the outing, and the straightforward menu suits a day on deck.

Dietary needs should be raised with the provider before departure. One outing included accommodation for dietary requirements, but the available information does not promise a particular menu for every request. If you have an allergy or strict diet, do not leave the question until you are already on the boat.

Special occasions can also be mentioned in advance. A birthday cake with candles has been arranged before, although lighting candles on a breezy deck is not the easiest operation. It is a small example of the crew’s willingness to make the trip personal.

How the $70 price holds up

At $70 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip around Tenerife. It is also not just a quick whale-watching ride. Your price covers the sailboat cruise, a live guide, wildlife watching, drinks, snacks, lunch-style sandwiches, cake, and snorkeling equipment.

The value comes mainly from the small group. A maximum of 10 participants gives the outing a more private feel without the cost of chartering a boat for yourself. You also get two crew members focused on a small number of people, which makes drink service, safety help, and wildlife explanations more personal.

The boat itself adds value. You are sailing on a proper 12-meter vessel with bathrooms and cabins, not sitting on a bare transport boat for three hours. When the wind is favorable, the quiet sailing adds another layer to the experience.

I would consider the price good for couples, families, and small groups who care about comfort and personal service. If your only goal is to spend the least possible money on seeing whales, a larger excursion may cost less. If you want a calmer boat, food, drinks, and time in the water, $70 is reasonable.

Who will enjoy this trip most

You will likely enjoy the Roulette if you want several activities in one compact outing:

• Wildlife fans who want pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds in the open sea.
• Couples looking for a quieter boat with cava, coastal views, and room to sit together.
• Families whose children need more than a straight sightseeing cruise.
• First-time visitors to Tenerife who want an introduction to the island’s coast and marine life.
• Small groups who value personal attention over a large excursion boat.
• Casual swimmers who want a short snorkeling stop rather than a full water-sports session.

You may want to think twice if you are very prone to seasickness. One passenger became seriously ill in choppy conditions, although the captain and crew offered hands-on help and made that person feel cared for. A calm forecast can reduce the risk, but it cannot remove it.

This trip also requires flexibility. The sea, wind, and animals decide how the day unfolds. You may spend longer searching for wildlife and less time snorkeling, or you may find several pods and feel that the water stop is almost too short.

Practical details for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a light layer for the ride back. Even a warm Tenerife afternoon can feel cooler once you are wet and moving across open water.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew advises and avoid arriving with a heavy meal. It is also wise to tell the crew early if you feel unwell. Their previous response to seasickness has been attentive, but preventing the problem is easier than recovering from it.

The tour lasts three hours, with departure times depending on availability. The crew speaks Spanish, English, and Italian. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your Tenerife schedule is still changing.

The booking includes skip-the-line access, but the important practical point is still the meeting location: Puerto Colón, dock number 5, at the Roulette, 10 minutes before departure. There is no hotel transfer included.

Should you book the Roulette sailboat?

I would book this trip if you want a small, friendly wildlife cruise with real sailing, simple food, and a swim stop. The strongest reasons are the 10-person limit, the crew’s care around marine life, and the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins without the feel of a crowded boat.

I would skip it only if you need guaranteed sightings, dislike open-water motion, or want a long snorkeling session. For everyone else, the $70 cost buys a well-rounded half-day on the Atlantic, with enough comfort and personal service to make the experience feel special.

FAQ

Where does the sailboat tour start?

It starts at Roulette Charters in Puerto Colón. Meet at the door of dock number 5, the first jetty past the port parking barrier.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 10 minutes before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The sailboat has a maximum capacity of 10 passengers, with two crew members.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and red-finned tuna. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Are swimming and snorkeling part of the trip?

Yes. The boat stops so you can swim and snorkel in the sea.

What food and drinks are included?

Included refreshments are mineral water, wine, cava, beer, soft drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and desserts.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and Italian.