Whale and Dolphin Watching Yacht Trip in Puerto Colon

Seeing pilot whales from a small boat is the heart of this Puerto Colón outing. You sail from Playa de las Américas, listen to the captain’s commentary, and search the open water for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. The boat limit of 12 people keeps the experience far more personal than a large catamaran cruise.

I like the chance to combine wildlife watching with a swim in a sheltered cove, and I like that beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and baguettes are included. The main consideration is that the boat and guide can vary, and rough seas or limited wildlife activity can make the three hours feel long.

Quick take: what matters most

• Pilot whales are the main sighting: Tenerife’s waters are especially known for resident pilot whales, and several trips report close views of family groups.
• Small groups change the mood: With a maximum of 12 people, you get more room and easier access to the captain than on a 100-plus-passenger boat.
• The swim stop depends on conditions: Snorkeling and swimming are included when weather and sea conditions allow, but wildlife watching and swimming are not guaranteed together on every departure.
• The boat may not match the online photographs: The operator uses more than one boat, so ask in advance if separate bookings must be placed on the same vessel.
• Food is simple but useful: Expect ham and cheese baguettes, with vegetarian choices available if requested ahead of time.
• Sunset trips are shorter: The 7:00 p.m. departure runs for two hours and visits either the wildlife area or the swimming stop, not both.

Setting off from Puerto Colón

The tour begins at Puerto Colón, the marina serving Playa de las Américas. You return to the same meeting point after roughly three hours, so the outing is easy to fit into a day based in the resort area.

The marina is close to public transportation, and confirmation is sent when you book. The operator also sends detailed information by WhatsApp the day before some departures, which is useful for checking the meeting details and any last-minute updates.

The first moments are practical rather than dramatic. You board, receive a life vest if needed, and settle into the boat while the captain explains the plan. English and Spanish are spoken on every tour. If you need another language, contact the operator before booking rather than assuming it will be available on the day.

The small capacity is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Six people on a sailing boat feels relaxed and social. Twelve is still a modest number, but space can become tight when everyone moves to one side to watch a whale. A few people have found the boat cramped, particularly when trying to move around.

A three-hour search for pilot whales

Once out of the marina, the captain takes the boat toward the waters where whales and dolphins are commonly found. The outing is not a rigid sightseeing route with a set number of stops. It is a search on open water, guided by sea conditions, recent sightings, and the captain’s judgment.

Pilot whales are the species most often seen on this trip. They travel in family groups and may surface beside or near the boat, sometimes remaining in view long enough for everyone to watch. Some outings have also included dolphins, sea turtles, and birds overhead, but you should treat those as possible extras rather than promises.

This kind of wildlife trip rewards patience. You may have a lively stretch with several whales, followed by quiet water and a long wait. That uncertainty is part of any responsible whale-watching outing, but it is also the chief risk in paying for a three-hour experience. One poor account describes only a brief whale sighting and very little commentary afterward.

The captain’s role matters a great deal here. A good captain positions the boat carefully, points out animals before they vanish, and explains what you are seeing. Patrick is named several times as a friendly captain who handled the boat well, shared seafaring stories, and helped make the trip feel personal. Other departures may have a different captain or guide, so the quality of the commentary can vary.

If you have never watched whales at sea, keep your expectations realistic. You are not visiting an aquarium, and there is no guarantee that an animal will surface on cue. Bring patience, keep scanning the water, and listen closely when the guide points toward a fin or blow. The small group helps because you are less likely to miss a sighting in a crowd.

What the boat experience is really like

The excursion is presented as an elegant yacht trip, but the actual boat can vary. The operator uses multiple boats, and descriptions from past outings include sailboats as well as other small vessels. Some people found the boat pleasant and spacious enough, while others expected something more polished from the photographs and felt disappointed.

That difference is worth taking seriously. If the exact style of yacht matters to you, contact Tenerife First Excursions before booking. If you are booking separately from friends or family, tell the operator at the time of booking that you want to be on the same boat. Waiting until later may be too late because several boats operate this trip.

The smaller boat has real advantages. You can hear the captain without a loudspeaker, ask questions more easily, and move your attention from one side of the boat to the other. You also avoid the crowded feeling of a large whale-watching catamaran.

The tradeoff is movement. Space may be limited, and a choppy sea can make it harder to stand, walk, or take photographs. One outing included strong wind and rough water, though blankets were provided. If you are prone to seasickness, the open-water setting and three-hour duration deserve careful thought.

Life vests are available, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but the boat is still a moving marine setting, not a fully accessible platform. Ask the operator directly about any specific mobility needs before booking.

The swim stop and cove break

When conditions allow, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. Several outings include a pause in a beautiful cove, where you can get into the water, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, and take a break from scanning the horizon.

This stop gives the trip a welcome change of pace. Whale watching requires sitting, waiting, and concentrating. A swim lets you stretch, cool off, and enjoy the water even if the animals have been shy.

The stop is weather dependent, and it is not guaranteed. Wind, waves, and safety conditions may lead the captain to skip it. The sunset departure has a stricter limit: the two-hour trip goes either to look for whales and dolphins or to the swim stop, not both.

The water stop is best seen as an added benefit rather than the main reason to book. If swimming is your priority, check the departure time carefully and understand that sea conditions control the plan. If whales are your priority, the standard three-hour trip gives the captain more time to search and may include a swim afterward.

Drinks, baguettes, and the practical comforts

Beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included. The drinks make the outing feel more like a relaxed sailing trip than a bare wildlife excursion, particularly during the return journey or the cove stop.

Food is straightforward: ham and cheese baguettes. They are not a full meal, but they are useful during a three-hour trip at sea. Vegetarian options are available on request, and you should make that request clearly when booking.

Do not rely on removing the ham from a prepared sandwich. A vegetarian request was once confirmed but not properly honored, which caused a serious disappointment. If you need vegetarian or vegan food, contact the operator before the day of departure and confirm what will be provided.

The included food and drinks improve the value at $62.56 per person. You are paying not only for the boat ride, but also for a small group, a captain, wildlife searching, refreshments, and possible snorkeling. The price is reasonable if you value the quiet setting and personal service. It is less attractive if you want a guaranteed whale sighting, a luxury yacht with plenty of room, or a full lunch.

An optional photo service is available for an additional cost. You do not need to buy it, so bring your own camera or phone if you want photographs. Keep your attention on the water, though. The best sighting may last only a few seconds.

When to book and which departure to choose

The trip operates daily, with a choice of departure times. That flexibility makes it easy to fit around a beach day, a visit to another part of Tenerife, or an evening meal in Playa de las Américas.

The regular tour lasts about three hours. Choose it if you want the best chance to combine whale watching with a swim and snack stop. It also gives the captain more time to search if the first area is quiet.

A new sunset departure at 7:00 p.m. is available through the end of August. It lasts two hours and is priced the same as the longer trip because of the late operating time. You will visit either the whale and dolphin viewing area or the swimming stop, not both.

The sunset option suits you if you mainly want time on the sea and warm evening light. It is not the best choice if your goal is to maximize both wildlife viewing and swimming. Check the seasonal availability before booking, since the 7:00 p.m. departure is specifically offered only through the end of August.

This tour is often booked about 11 days ahead. That is a useful guide if your dates are fixed, especially for a small boat with only 12 places. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, except when poor weather causes the operator to cancel. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this outing if you want whale watching without spending the day on a crowded excursion boat. Couples, families, and small groups who like a calm sea outing will get the most from it, particularly when the captain is active with explanations and the whales cooperate.

It also suits families well. One outing carried adults, children, and a baby, with food and drinks available for everyone. Still, the boat can become lively and cramped, and the sea may be choppy, so parents should consider how young children handle several hours on the water.

The experience is less suitable if you need a guaranteed schedule of sightings, dislike waiting, or expect a luxury yacht exactly like the promotional images. It is also a poor fit if you require a fully specified dietary menu and do not have time to confirm your request in advance.

The overall rating is 4.5 from 419 ratings, which fits the broad picture: many excellent outings, a handful of average ones, and a few serious service problems. The strongest praise centers on the small group, friendly captains, pilot whale sightings, swimming, and the more personal feel compared with large catamarans.

Should you book the Puerto Colón whale trip?

Book it if you want a small-group whale-watching trip with drinks, simple food, and a possible swim stop. The chance to see pilot whales in their natural setting is the main reward, and the intimate boat makes the experience more relaxed than a large cruise.

Before paying, confirm the boat type, your departure time, and any dietary needs. Choose the full three-hour trip if you want both wildlife searching and a possible swim. Choose the sunset option only if two hours and one main activity are enough for you.

At $62.56, I see good value for a personal sea outing, but not a guarantee of luxury or constant action. If you accept the uncertainty of nature and the possibility of a different boat, this is a sensible choice from Puerto Colón.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin trip depart from?

It departs from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity finishes back at the same meeting point.

How long does the standard tour last?

The standard tour lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 people.

What animals might I see?

The trip searches for whales and dolphins, with pilot whales commonly reported. Sea turtles and seabirds may also be seen, but no animal sighting is guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Swimming and snorkeling are included when weather and sea conditions allow. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

What food and drinks are included?

Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and ham and cheese baguettes are included. Vegetarian options are available on request.

Are vegan options available?

Vegan options are stated to be available on request. Contact the operator before booking to confirm what will be prepared.

Is the sunset departure the same length as the regular tour?

No. The 7:00 p.m. sunset departure runs for two hours through the end of August. It includes either whale and dolphin watching or the swim stop, not both.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the operator to cancel the experience.