Puerto Colon : Shared/private boat trip with snack & Drinks

Southern Tenerife is best seen from the water, and this three-hour cruise from Puerto Colón gives you a good mix of wildlife, sailing, food, and swimming without packing the day too tightly. The boat heads along Costa Adeje, where you may spot pilot whales and dolphins before stopping for a snorkel.

I like the small, well-kept boat, with covered seating, a sundeck, and a toilet. I also like the crew-led feel: Miguel handles the sailing with a light touch, while Charlotte explains the animals and keeps the mood warm and welcoming. The main consideration is simple: wildlife is never guaranteed, and the sea can be less calm on some departures.

At a glance

• Pilot whales and dolphins: The route through Costa Adeje gives you a chance to watch marine life in its natural setting.
• Tapas and unlimited drinks: Food is included, with enough served to make this more than a quick snack stop.
• A proper swimming break: Bring swimwear and a towel for snorkeling in a sheltered bay.
• Comfortable boat setup: You get covered seating, an open sundeck, and a toilet on board.
• Multilingual crew: Live guidance is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
• Private or small-group options: You can choose a more personal sailing rather than joining a large boat excursion.

Why this Puerto Colón cruise feels different

Many boat trips from Tenerife focus on getting as many people as possible onto the water. This one is built around a smaller, more relaxed setting. The boat is described as exclusive, with reduced passenger numbers, so you have more room to move around and a better chance of hearing the guide.

That matters during wildlife watching. You can look out from the covered seating area, move up to the sundeck, or find a quieter spot while the crew scans the water. You are not simply sitting in one fixed seat for the whole outing.

The atmosphere also suits different kinds of days. A couple can treat it as a slow morning on the sea. Families can use the swimming stop as a change of pace. Friends can share tapas and drinks while sailing along the coast. Private options are available if you want the boat arranged around your own group.

The central three-hour trip is the most useful choice for many people. It is long enough for wildlife viewing, coastal sailing, food, and snorkeling, but short enough to leave time for other plans in Costa Adeje. Other versions range from two to six hours, so check the exact departure and duration when you book.

Meeting the boat at Puerto Colón

You meet at Puerto Colón and should wait by gate or pontoon number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure. A crew member will meet you there, and the activity returns to the same point at the end.

The short safety briefing takes about 10 minutes. This is a useful part of the trip, not wasted time. You learn how to move around the boat, where to sit, and what to expect before heading out. The boat is intended to be safe for people of different ages, but you still need to follow the crew’s instructions, especially when moving between the seating area, sundeck, and swimming platform.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off included. If you are staying outside Puerto Colón, allow extra time to reach the marina on your own. Arriving early also gives you a calmer start than rushing through the port just before departure.

Sailing along Costa Adeje

Once the boat leaves Puerto Colón, the first main stretch is a guided coastal sail of about 40 minutes. This is a chance to settle into the rhythm of the trip, take in the shore from a different angle, and get a feel for the boat.

The route is not designed as a stop-and-photograph sightseeing tour. It is a moving view, with the coastline passing gradually as the crew explains the area and keeps watch for wildlife. I like this kind of opening because it gives you time to enjoy the ride before the more focused animal-watching section.

You can usually choose between the covered seating area and the open sundeck. The covered section is helpful if you want shade or a break from the sun. The sundeck is better for wide views and photos, though you should bring sun protection and keep hold of loose items.

The boat itself is an important part of the experience. A clean, well-maintained vessel with a toilet makes a three-hour trip much easier, particularly for families. The reduced passenger setup also means you are less likely to feel packed in while the boat is under way.

Watching for whales and dolphins

The wildlife section lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on dolphin watching, whale watching, and other marine life. Pilot whales have been seen on the route, along with dolphins, but the crew cannot promise a sighting on any particular departure.

That uncertainty is part of the deal with responsible wildlife watching. You are looking for animals in the open sea, not visiting a show with a scheduled performance. A good crew will keep the approach respectful and avoid turning the encounter into a chase. Charlotte is especially useful here, bringing clear explanations about the animals and helping you understand what you are seeing.

Take your time during this section. Keep your eyes on the water, listen for instructions, and avoid spending the entire stretch looking through your phone. The sundeck may offer a better vantage point, while the covered area gives you a place to watch without standing in direct sun.

The trip is a good fit if you care about seeing animals without joining one of the largest boats in the area. It is less suitable if your main goal is a guaranteed close encounter. No responsible operator can offer that guarantee, and the sea conditions can affect visibility.

A second sailing stretch along the coast

After the wildlife viewing, the boat continues sailing in two further sections of roughly 20 and 30 minutes. These parts give you time to enjoy the sea without needing to follow a tightly packed schedule.

This is when the trip begins to feel less like a checklist and more like a day on the water. You can sit back, talk with your group, take photos, and enjoy the views from the coast. Miguel’s role adds a social touch, with a friendly style that helps keep the ride relaxed.

The extra sailing time is also useful if the wildlife appears quickly. Instead of ending the main activity as soon as an animal is spotted, you still have room for food, swimming, and a leisurely return. On the other hand, if you prefer constant activity, these stretches may feel slow. This is a sailing trip first, not a nonstop attraction ride.

Tapas, drinks, and the value of the food

Food and drinks are included, with catering presented as tapas. The amount served has been described as generous, and the meal is a real part of the outing rather than an afterthought.

Tapas work well on a boat. You can eat in small portions without committing to a formal meal while the vessel is moving. It also makes the experience social, since your group can share several items instead of each person receiving a separate packed lunch.

Drinks are unlimited during the included service. That adds practical value to the $79 per person price, especially if you would otherwise buy refreshments separately during a half-day activity. An ice cream has also been served as a surprise extra on some trips, though you should treat that as a pleasant possibility rather than a guaranteed inclusion.

The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this as a food tour. The strength is convenience and quantity: you can enjoy a proper spread without bringing lunch aboard. If you have dietary needs, ask the operator before booking, since the available information does not list special meal arrangements.

Snorkeling in a sheltered bay

The swim stop is one of the most appealing parts of the trip. You can get into the sea with a snorkel and look for fish in a sheltered bay before returning to the boat.

Bring your own swimwear, towel, sun hat, and sunscreen. Those items are specifically recommended, and you will be glad to have them. The supplied information does not confirm whether snorkel equipment is provided, so check before departure if you do not plan to bring your own gear.

The stop is not only for strong swimmers. You can decide how much time to spend in the water, although you should be comfortable following the crew’s safety instructions and getting in and out of the boat. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain aboard and enjoy the food, drinks, and views.

Fish have been seen during the snorkeling stop, making it more than a token swim. Still, underwater visibility and sea conditions change. Think of it as a chance to explore, not a guaranteed reef encounter.

The crew: Miguel, Charlotte, and the tone on board

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this experience. Miguel is connected with the sailing and brings humor to the trip, while Charlotte provides much of the wildlife information and personal attention.

Charlotte’s approach is especially helpful if you want more than a quick animal sighting. She explains what you are looking at, answers questions, and helps make the trip welcoming for families and first-time boat passengers. Miguel keeps the practical side moving and adds an easygoing personality.

The service is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish. That does not mean every part of every departure will be delivered equally in all four languages, so confirm your preferred language when reserving. Still, multilingual support makes this a practical choice for mixed-language groups.

I also appreciate that the crew combines hospitality with safety. You receive a briefing, the boat has a toilet, and the crew is licensed for active tourism with insurance coverage. That is useful reassurance when swimming and snorkeling are part of the plan.

Is $79 per person good value?

At $79 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Tenerife. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a three-hour excursion, a smaller exclusive boat, wildlife watching, tapas, unlimited drinks, a guide, and a swim with snorkeling.

You are also paying for space. A large shared boat may offer a lower headline price, but it can feel crowded during wildlife watching and swimming. Here, the smaller setting gives you a better chance to hear the crew and move around the vessel.

The value is strongest if you want one activity that combines several parts of a holiday day. You do not need to arrange a separate lunch, wildlife cruise, or swimming stop. It is also a good choice for a special morning or a relaxed outing with family.

The value is weaker if you only want a short ride or if you are mainly searching for a guaranteed whale sighting. In that case, the three-hour format may feel like more time and money than you need. Compare the exact duration and group type before paying, since options range from two to six hours.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a calm, well-organized sea day with several activities built in. It suits couples, families, and friends who like wildlife, light adventure, good food, and time to sit back.

Families should appreciate the covered seating, toilet, safety briefing, and manageable three-hour length. Parents should still keep an eye on children around the boat and water, as with any marine activity.

It also suits anyone who dislikes the feel of a packed excursion boat. The reduced passenger setup is a major part of the appeal. You get more room and a more personal connection with the crew.

You may want a different activity if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings, a highly athletic snorkeling session, or hotel transport. None of those is promised here. This is a balanced outing, with the pleasure coming from the full combination of sailing, wildlife, food, and swimming.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful if your Tenerife schedule is still changing, but check the exact terms attached to your selected departure.

Should you book the Puerto Colón sailing?

Book this trip if you want to see southern Tenerife from the sea without giving up comfort. The strongest combination is the small boat, respectful wildlife watching, friendly crew, generous tapas, and snorkeling stop.

I would choose the three-hour version for most people. It gives you enough time to enjoy the water without taking over the whole day. If you want a more private celebration, a longer coastal outing, or sunset sailing, ask about the other private options.

The main question is your attitude toward wildlife. If you can enjoy the search even when sightings are uncertain, this is a very appealing outing. If you need a guaranteed show, no boat trip can honestly promise that. For everyone else, $79 is a fair price for a polished half-day experience that keeps the group small and the schedule pleasantly unhurried.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The trip starts at Puerto Colón in Tenerife. Wait at gate or pontoon number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to Puerto Colón, at the same general meeting point.

How long is the excursion?

The main experience lasts three hours. Available options range from two to six hours, so check the selected departure when booking.

What languages are available?

Live guidance is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The trip includes wildlife watching, and pilot whales and dolphins may be seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is food included?

Yes. Catering with tapas is included during the excursion.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are included.

Can I snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The itinerary includes a sea swim with snorkeling in a sheltered bay.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Puerto Colón.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.