Tenerife: Sailboat Tour with Food and Snorkeling

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is its small scale. The 12-meter Roulette carries only 10 passengers and two crew, so you get a real chance to see pilot whales and dolphins without being packed onto a large excursion boat. The crew may include captains such as Salvador or Rafa, both praised for their marine-life knowledge and warm service.

I like the quiet sailing time, especially when the wind allows the boat to travel under sail instead of engine power. I also like the generous food and drinks, which include sandwiches, cake, crisps, water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. The main consideration is the Atlantic: even a pleasant day can bring choppy water, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan carefully.

Key things to know before booking

• Small yacht, limited to 10 passengers: The Roulette offers far more space and calm than a large whale-watching boat.
• Pilot whales and dolphins are common targets: The crew knows the local waters and may also spot turtles, seabirds, flying fish, or tuna.
• Snorkeling follows the wildlife search: You usually get time for a swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay during the three-hour outing.
• Food is simple but substantial: Expect baguette sandwiches, crisps, cake, and a steady supply of drinks rather than a formal meal.
• Puerto Colón is the meeting point: Go to dock door number 5, the first jetty beyond the port parking barrier, 10 minutes before departure.
• No hotel transfer is included: You must make your own way to Puerto Colón and return from there.

A small yacht with a much calmer feel

Tenerife’s south coast is lined with boat trips, but the type of boat changes the whole experience. The Roulette is a 12-meter sailboat with three double cabins, two bathrooms, deck mats, and room for 10 passengers plus two crew. That is a very different setup from a large motorboat carrying dozens of people.

I like the limited group size because it keeps the outing personal. You can spread out on deck, ask questions without shouting, and get a clear view when wildlife appears. The crew also has a better chance of checking that everyone sees the animals from both sides of the boat.

The yacht is built for comfort, but it is still a sailing boat. You should expect movement, wind, and the occasional rough patch. The reviews include one strong warning from a passenger who became seasick, although the crew took excellent care of that person. If you know you are sensitive to boat motion, take your usual precautions and choose a calm day if possible.

The boat’s cabins and bathrooms are useful on a three-hour trip, but this is not a luxury yacht charter in the private, crewed-for-your-party sense. It is a shared small-group outing. The word exclusive here refers to the intimate boat experience, not a private booking unless you arrange the whole boat separately.

Meeting the crew at Puerto Colón

You meet at the door of dock number 5 at Puerto Colón, 10 minutes before departure. Look for the first jetty after passing the port parking barrier and find the boat named Roulette. The meeting point can be a little confusing if you arrive late, so allow time to walk through the marina.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That matters if you are staying outside the Puerto Colón area or planning to rely on a taxi. You will need to organize your own route to the marina and return from the same place after the trip.

The experience ends where it begins, at Roulette Charters. That makes it easy to fit into a day in Costa Adeje, but you should not plan a tightly timed connection immediately afterward. Boats and wildlife do not work on a railway timetable.

The tour lasts three hours, with departure times shown according to availability. Morning and afternoon departures have different moods. An afternoon trip may give you softer light and less intense heat, while a morning trip can suit families and anyone wanting to keep the rest of the day free.

Sailing south along the Costa Adeje coast

Once everyone is aboard, the boat heads out from Puerto Colón along Tenerife’s south coast. From the water, you get a clean view of the volcanic shore, beaches, cliffs, and distant island of La Gomera when conditions are clear.

The scenery is only part of the point. The crew watches the sea for signs of life and explains what you are seeing. This is not simply a ride past the coast with music playing in the background. The crew’s focus is on finding animals while respecting their space.

When the wind is up, the skipper may raise the sails for part of the route. One particularly enthusiastic account described sailing for roughly 90 minutes on the outward and return legs, with no engine noise during those stretches. That will depend on the wind and sea conditions, but it is one of the nicest features of choosing a sailboat.

I would treat the sailing as a bonus rather than a guarantee. The captain has to balance comfort, safety, timing, and wildlife sightings. On some departures, the boat may use the engine more than you hoped. Still, even a short period under sail changes the mood and gives you a quieter view of Tenerife.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife search takes up much of the cruise. The crew specializes in cetacean sightings and knows the local marine environment. Pilot whales are a major possibility, and dolphins are also frequently seen. You might spot calves traveling with adults, as well as turtles, seabirds, flying fish, or redfin tuna.

Pilot whales are not giant blue whales. They are dark, social animals that often travel in family groups. Seeing several together, especially with young whales, can be a memorable part of the trip. Dolphins may come near the bow and sometimes play in the boat’s wave.

The crew’s role matters here. A good skipper does more than point toward a fin. You need someone who can identify the species, position the boat sensibly, and give people on both sides a fair view. Accounts of this trip repeatedly describe captains moving or waiting so the whole group could see the animals.

Wildlife is never guaranteed, and the crew cannot control what appears on the day. One outing saw pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and even a large group of whales. Another found plenty of dolphins and fish but not the larger whale seen in the area the previous day. That is the honest bargain with a nature trip: the search is real, but the animals remain wild.

The reported wildlife encounters can be remarkably close. You may see a pod alongside the boat or dolphins playing near the bow. The crew’s stated aim is respectful viewing, so do not expect a staged show or animals trained to approach on command.

A swim and snorkel stop in a sheltered bay

After the wildlife viewing, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. The stop generally lasts around 30 minutes, giving you time to get into the water, look for fish, and cool off before lunch.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. Several accounts describe a sheltered bay, with one mentioning a cave nearby. The exact stop depends on the sea and weather, so the setting can vary.

This section works best if you see it as a refreshing break rather than a full snorkeling expedition. The tour’s main purpose is sailing and marine-life watching, not a long reef session. You get a short chance to swim in warm Atlantic water, spot fish, and enjoy Tenerife from sea level.

Bring a swimsuit and a way to protect yourself from the sun. The provided details confirm snorkeling equipment, but they do not specify towels or personal sun gear. Assume you need to bring anything you want for drying off and sun protection.

The water stop is also a useful pause after sitting and watching the horizon. Families can enjoy the change of pace, although parents should keep a close eye on children around the water and follow the crew’s instructions.

Sandwiches, cake, cava, and a relaxed lunch

Food is included, and the meal is straightforward rather than elaborate. You can expect baguette sandwiches, often described as ham and tomato or Iberian ham, along with crisps and a slice of cake. Some trips have included carrot cake or gingerbread-style cake.

The food has a practical purpose. After sailing and swimming, a sandwich is welcome, and the portions appear to be enough for a light lunch during a three-hour trip. You should not book this expecting a restaurant meal or a long sit-down service. It is a well-timed onboard snack spread.

Drinks include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. The crew keeps offering refreshments throughout the cruise, which adds to the easygoing feel. A glass of cava is a pleasant touch, though families and anyone avoiding alcohol have plenty of alternatives.

Dietary needs can sometimes be accommodated. One passenger specifically noted that the guide adjusted the food for dietary requirements. Still, you should tell the operator in advance rather than assume every request can be handled on the day.

The crew has also helped mark birthdays, including providing a cake with candles. That is a thoughtful extra, but it should not be treated as a standard promise unless you arrange it ahead of time.

The crew makes the difference

Several crew names appear in the feedback, including Salvador, Rafa, Silvio, and Yani or Jenny. Since the team can vary by departure, you should not assume one particular person will be onboard. The repeated pattern is more useful: the crew is attentive, explains the animals and local geography, and keeps the atmosphere friendly.

Salvador is particularly associated with marine-life explanations and a good sense of humor. Rafa is praised for handling the boat, preparing food, and making the group feel welcome. Silvio and Jenny are noted for answering questions and looking after everyone. These details give you a sense of the personal service this company aims to provide.

The crew also pays attention to comfort. Drinks are offered often, and help is available if the sea becomes rough. This matters on a small boat, where crew interaction is constant and a careless or distant team would quickly spoil the trip.

You should still expect a shared excursion, not a private guide dedicated only to you. With up to 10 passengers, the group is small enough for conversation but large enough that the crew must divide attention among everyone.

What the $68 price really includes

At $68 per person, this is good value if you want several experiences in one outing. Your price covers the sailboat cruise, guide, wildlife search, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and a broad selection of drinks. You are not paying only for a short boat ride.

Compare it with the separate cost of a whale-watching trip, a swim stop, lunch, and drinks, and the package makes sense. The small group is the strongest value point. You receive more personal space and more direct contact with the crew than you usually get on a large sightseeing boat.

The price is less compelling if you only want a quick look at the coast or a long snorkeling session. Three hours goes by quickly, and the snorkeling period is limited. It is also not a private yacht charter, so anyone seeking complete control over the route should consider a private option instead.

The 4.8 rating from 621 reviews supports the idea that the service and wildlife element are the main strengths. The most consistent praise goes to the crew, the small group, the pilot whales and dolphins, and the food and drinks. The main complaint is not about service but about seasickness in choppy conditions.

Who should book this sailing trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want a gentle mix of nature, sailing, swimming, and lunch. Children may enjoy the dolphins and the chance to get into the water, while adults can appreciate the quiet deck and cava.

It is also a good fit if you dislike large party boats with loud music. The small capacity creates a more peaceful outing, and the crew’s attention stays on the sea and the animals.

You should think twice if you become seasick easily, dislike sitting in the sun, or want a guaranteed whale sighting. The boat can encounter choppy water, and wildlife cannot be scheduled. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, but no ethical operator can promise a particular species.

The trip is also less suitable for anyone expecting a formal sailing lesson. You are there to enjoy the coast, watch marine life, swim, and be looked after by the crew. The sailing is part of the atmosphere, not a hands-on training course.

Practical details that matter

The tour is offered in Spanish, English, French, and German. That makes the wildlife explanations easier to follow for a broad range of passengers.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is still changing. Check the available departure times before booking, since the exact schedule is not fixed in the supplied information.

The activity includes skip-the-ticket-line access, but you still need to arrive at the correct dock. Find door number 5, identify the Roulette, and arrive 10 minutes early.

Should you book the Roulette?

Book this tour if you want a small, friendly whale-watching trip with a proper sailboat feel, a short snorkeling stop, and food and drinks included. The strongest reasons are the 10-person limit, the attentive crew, and the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed sighting, private transport, or a long snorkeling session. For everyone else, $68 is a fair price for three hours that combine Tenerife’s coast, wild marine life, swimming, and a relaxed lunch on deck.

FAQ

How long is the sailboat tour?

The tour lasts three hours, with departure times based on availability.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at door number 5 of the dock at Puerto Colón. This is the first jetty beyond the port parking barrier, and the boat is named Roulette.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure.

How many people can join the tour?

The sailboat carries up to 10 passengers and two crew members.

What wildlife might I see?

The crew looks for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. You might also see flying fish or redfin tuna, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks and light food are included, such as baguette sandwiches, crisps, and cake.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The tour ends back at the Puerto Colón meeting point.