Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks and Snacks

Whales can make three hours fly by. This Southern Tenerife yacht trip pairs small-group sailing with pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, swimming, and a simple spread of sandwiches, fruit, and drinks. I like the personal feel, with no more than 11 people on the shared boat, and I like the captains’ calm, respectful approach to wildlife. The main caution is the sea itself: if you are prone to motion sickness, this may not be your best morning or afternoon.

The cruise costs about $77 per person, which is fair for a three-hour outing that includes hotel pickup within a 10-kilometer radius, snorkeling gear, food, and unlimited drinks. I would bring a jacket even on a warm day, and I would not book this expecting guaranteed animal sightings. Nature keeps its own timetable.

Key points to know before booking

• Small boat, personal feel: Shared trips carry up to 11 passengers, and some departures have had as few as five to nine people.
• Pilot whales are the regular stars: Dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and seabirds may also appear, but sightings depend on conditions.
• A quiet swimming stop is included: You can snorkel with turtles in a secluded bay or stay aboard and relax.
• Captains make the difference: Guy, Maxi, Max, Dani, Kevin, Raul, and others are praised for safety, local information, and help with seasickness.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: Expect baguettes with ham, cheese, or salad, plus fruit, chips, nuts, beer, champagne, soft drinks, and water.
• Plan for sun and spray: Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a towel, and a light jacket.

Why this Southern Tenerife cruise feels different

Southern Tenerife has a busy boating scene, but this trip avoids the feel of a floating crowd. The shared yacht takes a maximum of 11 passengers, and several departures have had fewer people. That matters when a pod of pilot whales appears beside the boat. You can usually see without craning around a wall of people or competing for the best place at the rail.

The boat is described as a luxury yacht and sailboat, with room to move around and open views across the water. It is not just a wildlife chase. You get time to watch the coastline, listen to the captain, and enjoy the sea at a slower pace.

The strongest part of the experience is the crew. Guy receives repeated praise for his friendly manner, sharp eye for wildlife, and care with passengers who feel ill. Maxi, Max, Dani, Kevin, Raul, and other captains also receive high marks for explaining the marine life and keeping the mood easy.

I especially like the emphasis on not chasing animals. One captain explained that the whales and dolphins live here and that the boat is only a visitor. That attitude matters. You get a better experience when the captain gives animals room rather than racing after every splash.

From Puerto Colón to the open Atlantic

You meet at Puerto Colón, near gate number 2, at the top of the dock by the sign for Pantalan Nº4. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. If you arrange pickup, the van ride takes about 20 minutes, and pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius if requested at least 24 hours ahead.

Once aboard, expect a short safety briefing before heading out. The exact route can change with sea conditions and wildlife activity, but the main sailing portion lasts about three hours, including the search for marine life and the swimming stop.

The open-water part is the reason to book this rather than a simple harbor cruise. Captains look toward the areas where dolphins and pilot whales are commonly found. Several outings have seen pilot whales within roughly 20 minutes, while others found dolphins later in the trip. That range tells you something useful: sightings can be excellent, but they cannot be scheduled like a museum visit.

Bring your camera, but keep your attention on the water. A pod may surface near the boat for only a moment, and the best sight can be behind you. Look up occasionally, too. The trip includes birdwatching, and one outing even spotted flying fish.

Meeting pilot whales and dolphins

Pilot whales are the most dependable highlight in the experience reports. People have seen family groups, young whales, and pods swimming close to the sailboat. A few descriptions mention whales coming right alongside or passing beneath the boat, which gives you a far more intimate view than a distant fin on the horizon.

Dolphins can be just as exciting. One outing found two pods, while another watched about 10 dolphins playing and jumping around the boat. The crew’s ability to spot animals is important here. Captains such as Guy and Maxi are praised for noticing wildlife at a distance that passengers would likely miss.

Still, you should set your expectations properly. The tour takes place in the animals’ natural home, not an aquarium. You might see whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, or flying fish, but no responsible operator can promise a particular species on a particular departure.

The captain’s commentary adds value even during quieter stretches. You can ask about the whales, dolphins, coastline, Canarian culture, and the surrounding marine area. Several captains are described as funny and easy to talk with, so the educational side does not feel like a lecture.

The secluded bay and turtle stop

After the open-water wildlife search, the boat anchors in a quiet bay. This is the change of pace that makes the trip feel complete. You can swim, use the included snorkeling gear, look for turtles, or remain on deck with a drink.

Turtles have been spotted during the stop, and some outings have combined turtles and whales in the same three-hour trip. The water can be cold outside the summer months. One March departure found the sea refreshing rather than warm, so you should pack accordingly and never feel pressured to swim.

The stop also helps passengers who have had enough motion on the open sea. A stationary boat is often easier for a queasy stomach than a moving one, though the tour is still not suitable for people who are strongly prone to seasickness.

You need to bring your own towel. That detail is easy to miss because snorkeling equipment is supplied. Pack the towel in a small bag along with dry clothes, sunscreen, and a jacket.

What you eat and drink on board

The included food is simple but useful. You receive baguettes with fillings such as ham, cheese, or salad, along with fruit, chips, and nuts. This is not a catered lunch, but it gives you something substantial during a three-hour trip.

Drinks are unlimited and include champagne, beer, soft drinks, and water. The food and drinks add real value to the $77 price, especially if you are comparing this with a bare-bones boat ride that charges separately for refreshments.

I would still eat a light meal before departure, particularly if you are sensitive to motion. Avoid treating the unlimited drinks as a challenge. Alcohol, sun, and rolling water are a poor combination for anyone already worried about seasickness.

The yacht has enough space to enjoy the refreshments without losing your view. On a small boat, though, movement and seating can depend on the sea and the group. If you feel unwell, tell the captain early. Guy has helped passengers move to the back of the boat, slow down, and sit where their feet could reach the water. Other captains have also returned early when someone became seriously sick.

A closer look at the $77 price

At about $77 per person, this is not the cheapest boat outing in Tenerife. It is priced as a small-group sailing experience rather than a basic mass-market cruise.

You are paying for three hours on a yacht, a maximum shared group of 11, wildlife viewing in a conservation area, a swimming and snorkeling stop, gear, guide commentary, food, drinks, and optional hotel transportation. Private tours are also available, though the supplied details do not give a separate private-tour price.

The group size is the key value. A large boat may offer more deck space, but a small sailboat gives the captain a better chance to speak with you, spot animals for you, and respond if you feel ill. It also makes the swimming stop feel calmer.

The value is weaker if you dislike boats, do not care about marine life, or are booking only for a guaranteed dolphin photograph. It is stronger if you want a relaxed half-day on the Atlantic with several activities folded into one fare.

Pickup, timing, and what to pack

The total activity lasts three hours, plus about 20 minutes in the van each way when pickup is included. Pickup is optional, and you need to contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance if you want a hotel collection within the stated 10-kilometer area.

If you go directly to the marina, use Puerto Colón gate number 2 and arrive 15 minutes early. The meeting point is near the top of the dock, by Pantalan Nº4. Allow a few extra minutes to find the correct dock, since marinas can be confusing when several boats leave close together.

Pack:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear and a towel
• A camera
• A light jacket
• Motion sickness medication or another prevention method you already use

Towels are not supplied. Feeding animals is not allowed, and nudity is prohibited. The tour is offered in English, French, German, and Spanish.

Weather can change the feel of the trip. Even when the coast is sunny, the boat may feel cool once it is moving. A jacket takes little room and can make the return journey much more pleasant.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This is a good match for couples, families, and solo passengers who want a more personal outing. Families receive plenty of variety: wildlife, sailing, a swim, snacks, and a guide who can explain what you are seeing. One family with a 13-year-old particularly valued the mix of whales, dolphins, a turtle, food, and swimming.

It also suits people who want a quieter alternative to an overcrowded excursion boat. Several small groups found that having only five, eight, or nine people on board made the outing feel almost private.

The trip is less suitable for anyone who regularly becomes seasick. The captain may help, slow the boat, move you to a better position, or even return early, but the open Atlantic remains the open Atlantic. If you know you struggle on boats, choose carefully and prepare in advance.

It is also not the right choice if your priority is a long snorkeling session. Snorkeling is part of the stop, but the main purpose is the combined sailing and wildlife experience.

Should you book Tenerife Sailing Charters?

I would book this if you want wildlife with a personal touch, not a guaranteed performance. The small group, strong captains, included food and drinks, and chance to swim with turtles make the price reasonable.

Choose a departure when you can stay flexible about what you see. The best memories may be pilot whales sliding past the hull, dolphins suddenly appearing beside the boat, or a quiet swim after the wildlife search. If the sea is rough, follow the captain’s advice and do not force yourself into the water.

For the best chance of enjoying it, arrive early, pack a jacket and towel, prepare for motion sickness, and keep your expectations natural. The animals are not on a timetable. That is also what makes the encounter feel real.

FAQ

How long does the Tenerife whale and dolphin cruise last?

The boat experience lasts three hours. If you use hotel pickup and drop-off, the van ride takes about 20 minutes each way.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Puerto Colón, near gate number 2. Wait at the top of the dock beside the sign marked Pantalan Nº4, arriving 15 minutes before departure.

How many people can join the shared tour?

The shared boat accepts a maximum of 11 passengers. Private tours are also available.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. The boat visits areas where dolphins and pilot whales are commonly found, but the animals are wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The boat anchors in a secluded bay where you can swim and snorkel. Snorkeling equipment is included, and turtles may be seen.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive ham, cheese, or salad baguettes, fruit, chips, and nuts. Unlimited drinks include champagne, beer, soft drinks, and water.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is optional within a 10-kilometer radius. You must contact the operator at least 24 hours ahead to arrange it.