Puerto Colon: Whale-Watching Sailing Tour with Meal & a Swim

Puerto Colón is your launch point for a three-hour search for pilot whales and dolphins in Tenerife’s Atlantic waters. The small boat carries no more than 11 people, so you get a closer look at the sea than you would on a large sightseeing vessel, along with time to ask the Spanish-speaking captain questions.

I like two things right away: the chance to see a family of pilot whales close to the boat, and the easy mix of wildlife watching with a swim stop. The captain also knows the local waters and gives explanations as you sail. The main drawback is that this trip goes into the open ocean, so sightings are never guaranteed and the water may feel lively under the boat.

Key points to know

• Pilot whales are the main prize: The trip can bring you close to family groups, with dolphins also possible.
• Only 11 people go aboard: This keeps the outing personal and less crowded.
• Food and drinks are included: The experience highlights paella and cava, while the detailed meal description also mentions sandwiches, beer, and another drink.
• A beach swim breaks up the sailing: You stop in a bay near a warm, sandy beach before returning to port.
• Bring your own towel: Swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and beachwear are also practical essentials.
• It is a Spanish-language trip: The captain provides explanations in Spanish.

Leaving Puerto Colón aboard Mola Mola 2

You meet at pontoon 1 in Puerto Colón and look for the boat named Mola Mola 2. The tour ends at the same place, which keeps the logistics simple if you are staying near the marina or arranging your own transport.

The boat trip lasts three hours from start to finish. That is a useful length for a holiday schedule: long enough to reach open water, search for marine life, stop for a swim, and eat aboard, but short enough to fit around other plans in southern Tenerife.

The group limit of 11 people matters here. On a large whale-watching boat, the best viewing spots can feel crowded, especially when everyone moves to one side after a sighting. With this smaller group, you should have a better chance of seeing the water and hearing the captain’s explanations without a wall of people in front of you.

The activity is not a hotel pickup tour. You need to make your own way to Puerto Colón and find the correct pontoon. Give yourself time to locate pontoon 1, especially if you are unfamiliar with the marina.

Searching the Atlantic for pilot whales

Once the boat leaves the harbor, the focus shifts to the sea. You will sail into open water and watch for movement at the surface. The target species are whales and dolphins, with pilot whales a particular highlight.

Pilot whales often travel in family groups, so a sighting can involve more than one animal. One close encounter described for this trip involved a family group near the boat. That does not promise the same view on every departure, but it gives you a sense of what can make this outing special.

The captain helps with the search and points out what to watch for. You may be looking for a fin, a splash, or a group moving together across the water. This is not a staged animal show. You are spending time in their natural setting, and the sea decides what appears.

That uncertainty is worth keeping in mind before you book. A whale-watching trip can offer a remarkable sight, but no honest operator can guarantee a close encounter. If you need a fixed list of animals and a certain viewing time, this may test your patience. If you enjoy watching the water and letting the day unfold, the open-ocean setting is part of the appeal.

The captain speaks Spanish, so this outing suits you best if you understand Spanish or are comfortable enjoying the scenery with limited explanation. The supplied details do not list another guide language, so do not assume commentary will be available in English.

A small boat changes the feel of the trip

The small group is one of the strongest features of this sailing outing. A maximum of 11 participants gives the boat a quieter, more personal feel than a large catamaran excursion. You can relax in the sun, feel the Atlantic breeze, and keep watch without the constant noise of a packed deck.

You should also expect less space than on a large vessel. The details do not specify the boat’s seating layout, cabin space, or shade, so plan for a genuine sailing experience rather than a fully equipped cruise ship. Bring sun protection and be ready to spend much of the three hours outdoors.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people with visual impairments. That restriction is important because boarding a boat and moving around a marina can require steady footing and clear access. If you have any concern about getting aboard, contact the provider before booking.

The swimming stop at a sandy beach

On the way back to Puerto Colón, the boat stops near a warm, sandy beach in a bay. You can get into the cool water for a swim, then return aboard and spend time in the sun.

This stop gives the trip a welcome change of pace. Whale watching requires patience and attention. A swim lets you stretch, cool off, and enjoy the water in a more direct way. You do not have to spend the whole outing scanning the horizon.

The exact beach and anchoring time are not specified, so I would not book this expecting a long beach visit or time to walk ashore. Think of it as a water stop from the boat. Bring swimwear and beachwear, but remember that a towel is not provided.

Sunscreen is essential. Sunglasses help during the long periods of glare on the water, and a secure way to keep them from blowing away is sensible. The official advice also calls for a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and beachwear.

Food, cava, beer, and a point worth checking

A meal is included, which adds real value to a three-hour outing. The highlights describe Tenerife-style paella with a glass of cava, while the detailed sailing account mentions sandwiches served with beer or another drink while the boat is anchored. Because both descriptions appear, I would confirm the exact food and drink offering when booking.

That small bit of uncertainty does not erase the value of having food included. You do not need to arrange lunch separately, and eating aboard turns the trip into more than a short boat ride. The timing determines whether you receive lunch or dinner.

The meal is served during the sailing experience, with the detailed account placing sandwiches and drinks at the bay stop. You can expect a relaxed meal rather than a formal restaurant service. If you have allergies, dietary needs, or strong preferences, ask the operator what will be served before you pay.

Cava adds a festive touch, while beer and soft drink options are also mentioned in the description. Since the drink wording is not entirely consistent, confirm whether cava, beer, and other drinks are all available on your selected departure.

What $68 means for the value

At $68 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water. But the price covers a three-hour boat trip, a small group, a swimming stop, food, and drinks. You are paying for several activities in one compact outing rather than for transport alone.

The strongest value comes from the group size. A maximum of 11 people gives you a more intimate setting, and the captain can focus on a manageable number of passengers. The included meal also helps, particularly if you are comparing this with a basic whale-watching trip where food and drinks cost extra.

The price is harder to justify if your only goal is a guaranteed whale sighting. No whale-watching trip can promise that, and this activity also requires you to arrange your own transport to Puerto Colón. I see it as good value for someone who wants wildlife watching, sailing, lunch or dinner, and a swim in one half-day plan.

The flexibility helps too. You can reserve now and pay later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Check the starting times before choosing a date, since the departure schedule can vary.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

I would choose this outing if you want a small, relaxed day on the water rather than a fast, crowded boat ride. Couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends can make good use of the three-hour format.

It also suits anyone who likes a mixed itinerary. You get a wildlife search, open-ocean sailing, a meal, drinks, and a swim. No single part has to carry the whole experience.

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike open water, have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, or need an English-speaking guide. The tour is in Spanish, and the boat heads away from shore into the Atlantic. People who need a fully accessible vessel should not book this one without first checking directly with the provider.

The experience also requires a little patience. You may spend time looking at empty water before anything appears. That is normal for wildlife watching, but it is better to know this before you step aboard.

Practical advice for a smooth morning or afternoon

Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can use the beach stop without a fuss. Add a light beach layer, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel, since the operator does not provide one.

Arrive at Puerto Colón with enough time to find pontoon 1 and identify Mola Mola 2. The meeting point is specific, but marinas can take a few minutes to navigate if you are seeing the area for the first time.

Keep your plans around the tour flexible. The departure time depends on availability, and the open ocean can shape the day’s rhythm. Do not schedule an important appointment immediately after the boat returns.

If you are sensitive to boat motion, remember that this is an open-ocean sailing trip, not a sheltered harbor cruise. The supplied information does not list sea-sickness medication or special onboard facilities, so plan according to your own comfort.

Should you book Mola Mola 2?

Book this trip if you want a compact, social sailing outing with the possibility of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, plus food, drinks, and a swim. The small group and reports of a close pilot-whale family encounter are the main reasons I would consider it.

I would pause if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings, an English-language guide, wheelchair access, or a clearly defined menu. The food description includes both paella with cava and sandwiches with beer or another drink, so confirm that detail before booking.

For the right person, $68 is a fair price for three hours that combine several Tenerife experiences. Go for the open sea, the chance of a close whale sighting, and the easy swim stop. Do not go expecting a scripted show or a promise of animals on cue.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón whale-watching tour?

The activity lasts three hours. Check availability for the current starting times.

Where does the tour start?

Meet at pontoon 1 in Puerto Colón and look for the boat named Mola Mola 2.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Colón.

What animals might I see?

The trip searches for whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are specifically associated with the experience.

Is food included?

Yes. Lunch or dinner is included, depending on the tour time. The description highlights paella and cava, and also mentions sandwiches with beer or another drink.

Are drinks included?

Yes, drinks are included. The details mention cava, beer, and another drink, so confirm the exact selection for your departure.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. A towel is not included.

What language is the tour in?

The live tour guide service is in Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.