SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private

Tenerife’s south coast is at its best from the water, and this private sea safari gives you a faster, more personal way to see it. You may spot dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, and tuna, then stop to swim and snorkel with your own group.

I like two things right away: the boat is private, with space for up to 11 people, and snorkeling gear, sandwiches, and soft drinks are included. The main thing to consider is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and a fast RIB can feel lively on the open sea.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to 11 people: Your group gets the boat rather than joining a large public cruise.
• Wildlife comes first: Captain Nico is praised for finding pilot whales early and approaching slowly, sometimes with the engine off.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: Equipment is already on board, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins.
• A flexible three-hour outing: You can shape the trip around your group or take the established South Tenerife safari route.
• Masca is a possible highlight: The bay gives you a dramatic stop for swimming, a sandwich, and sea views framed by steep rock.
• Food and drinks are covered: A sandwich and soft drink help make this more than a short wildlife cruise.

A private boat changes the feel of the trip

Sea Safari Tenerife leaves from Puerto Colón, at Avenida de Colón in Playa de las Américas. The meeting point is easy to reach by public transport, and the boat returns there after roughly three hours.

The private setup is the central reason to consider this experience. A group of two, six, or up to 11 can share the outing without being folded into a much larger cruise. That gives you more room to set the pace, ask questions, and decide how much time you want for wildlife, swimming, or a faster ride back.

The advertised price is $600.79 per group, with the booking information showing a group size of up to one. That wording is worth checking carefully before you pay, since the activity itself is designed for a maximum of 11 people. For a full group, the cost can make good sense when divided among everyone. For one or two people, it is a much more expensive private outing than a shared boat.

You can also fill in the excursion to suit your group, or follow the South Tenerife safari. That flexibility is useful if your priority is wildlife rather than swimming, or if you want the complete route with the Masca stop. Ask about the plan when you book so you know what your three hours are likely to include.

Puerto Colón and the first run offshore

The boat starts at Puerto Colón and heads out from the resort coast toward the waters where dolphins and whales are commonly sought. The trip includes about 20 minutes of travel to the wildlife area on the usual route.

That first run gives you time to settle into the boat and get a feel for its speed. This is not a slow sightseeing vessel. It is a fast RIB, which makes the ride exciting and helps the captain cover more water, but it can also feel bumpy when the sea is active. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use and choose a seat that feels secure.

The boat’s size is part of its appeal. A smaller craft can move quietly and change position without the drawn-out maneuvering of a large cruise boat. The best wildlife moments may be brief, so a nimble boat gives Captain Nico or another captain a better chance to respond when animals appear.

Watching dolphins and pilot whales responsibly

The strongest part of this trip is the wildlife search. Tenerife’s south coast is known for regular marine life sightings, and the safari looks for dolphins and whales rather than treating the ocean as a simple backdrop for a speedboat ride.

Captain Nico receives particular praise for spotting pilot whales well before anyone else on board. His approach is described as calm and careful. The boat may drift with the motor off while the animals pass nearby, rather than chasing them at speed.

That detail matters. The best encounter is not necessarily the closest one. When the boat slows down and gives the animals room, you have a better chance of seeing natural behavior instead of a rushed pass. Pilot whales may come near the boat, sometimes with young animals, but the distance and timing depend on the animals themselves.

You might also see dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, and tuna. The route has produced sightings of several kinds of marine life, but you should treat every one as a possibility, not a promise. The ocean sets the schedule. A captain can know where animals often feed and travel, yet no operator can guarantee a particular species on a particular morning.

The guide’s explanations add value here. This is not simply a boat ride where you are left to scan the horizon. Captain Nico is described as passionate about the local animals and island, while Captain Eric is praised for giving clear information and hosting the trip well. The exact captain may vary, so you should not book solely on the assumption that one named person will be aboard.

A closer look at the South Tenerife safari

The standard South Tenerife route combines several different experiences in one outing. First comes the wildlife search. Then the boat may continue along the coast toward the Masca area, looking for turtles and flying fish along the way.

The Masca stop is the scenic center of the route. The bay is surrounded by steep rock rising from the ocean, giving you a strong sense of Tenerife’s volcanic coast from sea level. It is a quieter contrast to the faster wildlife search and the ride from Puerto Colón.

The stop includes about 20 minutes for swimming. Snorkeling equipment is provided on the boat, so you can use the water time for a swim or look below the surface. The supplied information does not promise a particular reef, underwater site, or fish population, so think of this as a refreshing ocean stop rather than a dedicated snorkeling expedition.

After swimming, you get a sandwich and a drink. This is a simple meal, not a catered lunch, but it is useful after time in the water and saves you from packing food. Soft drinks are included, and you can enjoy the views while the boat pauses in the bay.

The return trip is described as more relaxed, though the captain may open the throttle for a lively finish if your group wants it. This is a nice touch for people who want both nature and a little speed. If you prefer a calm ride, say so clearly. The ability to shape the outing is one of the private charter’s practical advantages.

What the boat ride is really like

The appeal of a fast RIB is obvious: you feel close to the water, cover ground quickly, and get a more active ride than you would on a large catamaran. The boat can also approach wildlife areas with less noise and fuss when the captain cuts the engine.

The trade-off is comfort. A RIB is not the right choice if you want a broad, steady deck and a quiet cruise. Wind, spray, and movement are part of the experience. The provided information says most people can participate, but it does not give detailed guidance on medical conditions, pregnancy, or minimum ages. If any member of your group has a health concern, ask Sea Safari before booking.

The boat carries up to 11 people, making it private but not necessarily intimate for a small party. A group of 10 or 11 will have a different feel from a couple sharing the same craft. The operator describes the activity as private, so only your group participates, which is useful for families and friends who want control over the pace.

This arrangement is also helpful for solo visitors. The booking material specifically notes that Tine has been flexible and helpful with solo guests. Still, the fixed private price may be difficult to justify for one person unless privacy is the main goal.

Food, snorkeling gear, and the useful extras

The included sandwich and soft drink may sound minor, but they improve the three-hour format. You are away from shore long enough for hunger to become annoying, especially after swimming. Having a basic snack on board means you do not need to interrupt the outing or carry a full picnic.

Snorkeling gear is also included. That matters if you are packing light or have not brought equipment to Tenerife. The information does not specify the exact equipment provided or whether children’s sizes are available, so ask if fit is important for your group.

The trip combines wildlife, scenery, swimming, and a snack without requiring several separate bookings. That is its strongest value. You are paying for a private boat and captain, not just for a short dolphin sighting. The price makes more sense when your group is large enough to share it.

The activity is offered in English. Captain Nico is local, and his familiarity with Tenerife is part of the appeal. Tine is also described as responsive and flexible when arranging excursions. The booking contact and the captain may not be the same person, so confirm who will meet you and who will operate the boat on your date.

Who will get the most from this safari

I would choose this outing for a family or friend group that wants a private, active day at sea. It suits people who prefer a small boat, wildlife watching, and a swim over a long, passive cruise.

It is also a good match for anyone who wants to see several sides of Tenerife’s southern coast in one morning or afternoon. You get open-water wildlife, views of the volcanic shoreline, the Masca bay, and a fast return run.

You may want a different type of boat trip if you dislike movement, want guaranteed whale sightings, or prefer a full meal and a heavily scheduled program. This is a flexible marine excursion, not a formal nature lecture or a luxury yacht charter.

For families, the private format gives you more control, but the fast boat and open sea still call for sensible judgment. For couples, the privacy is attractive, though the per-group price may be high. For solo guests, the service can be accommodating, but the cost deserves close attention.

Practical details that affect your decision

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the activity ends back at Puerto Colón. The start point is near public transportation, which makes it practical if you are staying around Playa de las Américas or nearby parts of Costa Adeje.

The tour lasts about three hours. That is long enough for a wildlife search, a swim, food, and a scenic route, but short enough to fit around other plans. Since the outing can be shaped around your group, clarify whether you want the standard route or a more customized use of the time.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Tenerife time, so check the deadline before making last-minute plans.

The experience is offered in English and is sold with a mobile ticket. Bring the ticket on your phone, wear clothing suitable for spray and swimming, and protect any phone or camera from water. Those last suggestions are practical precautions rather than listed requirements, since you will be on a small open boat.

Should you book Sea Safari Tenerife?

Book it if you want a private RIB, a careful wildlife search, and a swim at Masca in one three-hour trip. Captain Nico’s calm approach to pilot whales and the chance to stop the engine near the animals are the most appealing details.

The decision comes down to price and comfort. The $600.79 group price can be good value for a larger party, but it is harder to justify for one or two people. You should also be comfortable with a fast, open boat and with the fact that dolphins, whales, turtles, and other wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

If those conditions suit you, this is a well-rounded way to experience Tenerife from the sea. You get privacy, local guidance, simple food, snorkeling gear, and enough flexibility to make the outing feel like your group’s own adventure rather than a fixed cruise.

FAQ

Where does the Sea Safari Tenerife tour start?

The tour starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, at Puerto Colón.

How long does the private sea safari last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours and returns to the original meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat can accommodate a maximum of 11 people. It is a private activity, so only your group participates.

Are snorkeling equipment, food, and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available on board, and the tour includes a sandwich and a soft drink.

Is dolphin or whale viewing guaranteed?

No. The tour looks for dolphins and whales, along with possible sightings of turtles, flying fish, and tuna, but wildlife sightings depend on conditions at sea.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.