Tenerife: 3 &-6 Hour Private Whale & Dolphin Watching

The best part of this Tenerife outing is the small boat and open-water setting. A private group of up to nine sails from Puerto Colón on the Gran Azor, looking for pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles while a sonar system lets you listen for marine life below.

I like the freedom to swim and snorkel when you choose, rather than spending every minute watching the water. I also like the generous food and drinks, plus the relaxed captain-led feel. Captain Maxi has earned particular praise for being friendly and fun.

The main consideration is the price: $1,101 per group, which is a strong value for nine people but expensive for a small party. You should also skip this trip if you are prone to seasickness, and keep expectations sensible because wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

Key points to know before sailing

• Small private group: The yacht carries no more than nine people, giving you room to move around and making the day feel personal.
• Pilot whales are a real possibility: One six-hour outing saw many pilot whales close to the yacht, with dolphins farther away at roughly 50 meters.
• Sonar adds another way to watch: You can listen for whales and dolphins as well as look for them on the surface.
• Swimming is part of the fun: Snorkel gear, food, and drinks are included, so you can treat this as both a wildlife trip and a relaxed boat day.
• The coast gets its share of time: The outing is not only a hunt for animals. A large part of one six-hour cruise became a scenic coast tour.
• Puerto Colón is the meeting point: Go to dock number 2, and bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.

Sailing out of Puerto Colón on the Gran Azor

You meet at Puerto Colón Marina in Tenerife’s south and go to dock number 2. From there, you board the Gran Azor, described as a luxury sailing yacht with a professional captain at the helm.

The south coast is a sensible place for this kind of trip. The waters are described as calm, warm, and clear, and the route gives you both offshore wildlife watching and views back toward Tenerife. You may sail under wind power or use the motor, depending on conditions and the needs of the outing.

The private format matters here. With a maximum of nine people, you are not packed into a large excursion boat with a crowd around every rail. You can shift from the deck to the swimming area, ask questions, and find a comfortable spot without fighting for space.

The boat is also the setting for much of the day. You are not simply being taken to a viewing point and returned. You spend hours at sea, with time to watch the water, enjoy the coast, eat, drink, and take a swim.

Searching for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

The main wildlife targets are whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Pilot whales are especially worth keeping in mind. One six-hour outing saw many of them close to the boat, which is the sort of encounter that can make the trip memorable.

Dolphins were also seen, though one account placed them about 50 meters away. That is close enough for a good look, but it is not the same as having dolphins right beside the yacht. This is an important point when you book any wildlife cruise: sightings depend on the animals, the conditions, and the timing.

Sea turtles are also part of the search, along with other marine life. The trip does not promise a particular species or a guaranteed close approach. Instead, your captain takes you through Tenerife’s south-coast waters and keeps watch for movement, fins, blows, and other signs of animals nearby.

The sonar system gives the experience an extra layer. You can listen for whales and dolphins rather than relying only on what breaks the surface. That will appeal to anyone who likes the natural side of the trip and wants more than a quick photo opportunity.

You should still bring a camera, but keep it ready and be patient. Wildlife watching involves stretches of looking out over open water. The reward comes when something appears, not from constant action every minute.

Six hours at sea, not six hours of nonstop wildlife

The listed duration is six hours, while the experience information also refers to a three-hour private sailing charter and a three-hour option. Check the available start times and select the length you want when booking.

For the full six-hour version, plan on a proper day at sea. One outing split its time between wildlife watching and a coast tour, with the coastal portion making up about half the trip. That is useful to know if you are expecting six straight hours of whale and dolphin sightings.

I see this as a strength rather than a flaw, provided you want a boat day. The coast tour gives your eyes a break from scanning the water and lets you enjoy Tenerife from a different angle. You also get more time for swimming, food, drinks, and conversation.

If your only goal is to see a whale or dolphin as quickly as possible, the shorter option may suit you better. If you want a relaxed private charter with marine wildlife included, the full six hours gives the outing room to breathe.

The captain is described as informative and fun. Captain Maxi was singled out as a very nice and entertaining host, and that personal touch can make a long day on the water much better. The information lists English, German, and Spanish for the live guide, while the captain information also lists English, Spanish, Russian, and Polish.

One note is worth keeping in mind: not every departure may feel equally educational. Some people want detailed explanations of the coast and the cetaceans you might see. If that matters to you, ask questions early in the trip and tell the captain what interests you.

Swimming and snorkeling in clear water

At a suitable point in the cruise, you can jump into the water for a swim or use the included snorkeling equipment. The water is described as clear, warm, and calm, though sea conditions can still change.

This part makes the experience more than a wildlife search. You can spend time watching for animals, then cool off in the sea, dry on deck, and return to the view. If you prefer not to swim, you can simply stay aboard and enjoy the sun.

Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera. The operator supplies snorkel equipment, but the rest of your personal beach kit is your responsibility.

Fishing is not allowed, and you must not feed the animals. Those rules protect the marine life and keep the encounter as natural as possible. Do not expect a supervised snorkeling lesson or a dedicated reef excursion. The information provided presents snorkeling as leisure time during the sailing trip.

Food, drinks, and the feel of a private charter

All drinks and food are included. The amount served on one six-hour outing was described as generous and very good, enough to make the group feel thoroughly looked after for the day.

That inclusion improves the value, especially on the longer version. You are not stopping to buy lunch or carrying a large supply of drinks aboard. It also helps the trip feel like a private celebration, not just a transport service with wildlife on the side.

You can choose your own pace. Watch from the deck, chat with the captain, swim, snorkel, eat, or simply lie in the sun. The boat’s private setup gives your group more control over how much time you spend on each part.

Still, the trip is not a private restaurant or a formal yacht charter with a custom menu. The supplied information confirms food and drinks, but not specific dishes, dietary options, or a full meal plan. If someone in your group has dietary needs, ask before booking.

Is $1,101 good value for your group?

The price is $1,101 for a private group of up to nine. At full capacity, that works out to about $122 per person for the six-hour outing, before any optional extras. For a family or group of friends, that is a reasonable way to buy a full day on the water with a yacht, captain, food, drinks, snorkel equipment, and the chance to see marine life.

For two or three people, the calculation changes. You are paying for privacy and the boat itself, not only for seats on a wildlife cruise. A smaller party may find a shared excursion cheaper, though it would not offer the same control or room.

The price feels strongest when you use the whole experience: wildlife watching, the coast tour, swimming, snorkeling, meals, and time on deck. It feels less convincing if you mainly want a short dolphin sighting and do not care about privacy.

Souvenir photos are not included, but they can be purchased. Everything else listed for the trip, including food, drinks, and snorkel equipment, is included.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife boat trip?

I would choose this for a group of friends, a family marking a special occasion, or anyone who wants a quiet private day at sea rather than a crowded boat ride. The small capacity is also useful for groups that want to talk, relax, and set their own rhythm.

It suits people who enjoy a mix of activities. You can watch whales and dolphins, listen through sonar, admire the coast, swim, snorkel, and eat well without changing boats or adding separate bookings.

It is less suitable for anyone who gets seasick. Six hours on the water is a long time if you already know that boat motion bothers you. It may also disappoint someone who expects guaranteed close encounters or nonstop sightings.

Families should consider the swimming portion, sun exposure, and length of the day when deciding. The supplied information does not give a minimum age, child policy, or accessibility details, so ask the operator before paying if those points affect your group.

Practical details that make the day easier

Go to Puerto Colón and find dock number 2. Allow enough time to locate the marina and board without rushing, though the exact meeting time depends on the departure you select.

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothing and pack a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. Since the trip includes time in the sun and on the water, sun protection matters even when the air feels pleasant.

Keep your camera secure around the swimming area. You may want photos of Tenerife’s coast and the yacht, but wildlife sightings can happen quickly and without warning.

The booking terms allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility while arranging a Tenerife itinerary.

Should you book the Gran Azor charter?

Book it if you want a private six-hour boat day with a good chance of seeing pilot whales, dolphins, or turtles, plus swimming, snorkeling, food, drinks, and coastal views. The small group size and the captain’s friendly style are the strongest reasons to choose it.

The value is best for a full group of up to nine. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, compare the private price with a shared cruise. Also choose the shorter option if you want a quicker outing, and the six-hour version if you like the idea of spending a relaxed day on the water.

I would not book it if seasickness is a concern, if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings, or if your main goal is a detailed naturalist lecture. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded Tenerife excursion that treats the sea as both wildlife habitat and a place to enjoy.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin cruise meet?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón Marina. Once you arrive, go to dock number 2.

How long does the private boat trip last?

The experience is offered in three-hour and six-hour versions. The listed activity duration is six hours, so check availability and select your preferred option when booking.

How many people can join the private group?

The group can include up to nine people.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. All food and drinks are included in the trip price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included. You should bring your own swimwear and towel.

What languages are available?

The live guide is listed as speaking English, German, and Spanish. The captain information also lists English, Spanish, Russian, and Polish.