Premium All Inclusive Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

Tenerife’s southern coast gives you a real chance to see resident whales and dolphins without spending a full day at sea. This three-hour boat trip keeps the group small, with space for about 10 people, and adds a swim stop, snorkeling gear, drinks, and snacks.

I like the personal feel of a small yacht and the fact that skippers such as Juan and Marie are praised for being friendly and informative. I also like the simple value: at about $21, you get marine-life watching, a boat ride, refreshments, and time in the Atlantic.

The main catch is the sea itself. Wind and waves can make the ride rough, and snorkeling may not be possible every time. The listed capacity also varies between 10 and 11 people, so confirm the exact group size when booking.

Key points to know before you book

• Resident whales year-round: Tenerife’s southern waters are home to whales throughout the year, so sightings are possible in every season.
• Small yacht setting: The boat carries about 10 people, with other information listing a maximum of 11.
• Three hours on the Atlantic: Expect a coastal cruise, wildlife search, explanations from the skipper, and a swim stop when conditions permit.
• Drinks and snacks included: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and food are provided during the trip.
• Snorkeling is weather-dependent: Equipment is supplied, but strong wind, waves, or other sea conditions can prevent a useful swim stop.
• Puerto Colón departure: You meet at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas and return to the same place.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

Your trip begins at Puerto Colón, the marina in Playa de las Américas on Tenerife’s south coast. The meeting point is close to public transportation, which makes it practical if you are staying in the resort area and do not have a car.

The boat then heads along the southern coast. You are not being taken to a fixed aquarium-like viewing point. The skipper uses local experience and current conditions to search for whales and dolphins in open water. That makes each outing a little different, and it also means sightings can never be guaranteed.

The boat’s small size changes the mood. A group of about seven to ten people gives you more room than a large excursion vessel and makes it easier to ask questions. You are also less likely to feel lost in a crowd when the skipper explains what you are seeing.

One practical point needs care: the information gives a capacity of 10 people in one place and 11 in another. If having the smallest possible group matters to you, ask the operator to confirm the number before you pay.

Searching for whales and dolphins off Tenerife

The main reason to book is the chance to see marine life in its natural home. Tenerife has resident whales that remain in the area all year, which gives this trip a stronger wildlife case than an excursion that depends only on seasonal sightings.

The search takes place along the southern coast, with qualified skippers guiding the boat toward areas where whales and dolphins have been spotted before. You should expect patience rather than a set performance. Some outings produce several whale pods, while others may bring dolphins, a sea turtle, or only a few sightings.

That uncertainty is part of the bargain. One outing produced sightings of four or five dolphins despite rough conditions. Another included whales, dolphins, and a sea turtle. You may see a lot, or you may spend much of the time watching the sea and waiting for a fin or blow.

The skipper’s role matters here. Juan is singled out for being friendly, welcoming, and interesting, while Juan and Marie are praised for creating a particularly enjoyable trip. The experience depends partly on who is working that day, but the format gives you direct contact with the crew rather than a distant announcement over a loudspeaker.

Keep your expectations sensible. The description refers to whales and dolphins, but it does not promise a particular species, number, or distance from the animals. You should treat sightings as the central possibility, not a guarantee.

What the three-hour route feels like

The experience lasts about three hours and ends back at Puerto Colón. The exact balance between cruising, wildlife watching, explanations, and swimming depends on sea conditions and what the skipper finds.

The first part is likely to focus on leaving the marina and moving toward the southern coast. As the boat reaches the viewing area, the skipper can explain where marine life has been spotted and what to watch for. This is more useful than simply pointing at an animal, since you begin to understand why sightings happen in certain parts of the route.

The middle of the trip is the main wildlife-search period. Calm water makes this much more pleasant. One particularly positive outing had only seven people plus the skipper, a clean boat, plenty of room, and calm seas. That combination allowed everyone to watch comfortably.

The final part can include a swim stop in the Atlantic. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can get into the water if conditions allow. You may also choose simply to remain on the boat and enjoy the view. The stop is a welcome change from sitting in one position, especially for children and anyone who likes a quick swim.

Do not assume snorkeling is guaranteed in a useful form. One outing found it impossible, while another had no chance to use the equipment at all. Strong wind and waves can make swimming uncomfortable or unsafe, so the skipper may shorten or skip that part.

Snacks, drinks, and the meaning of premium

Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and snacks are included. That is a pleasant touch on a three-hour trip, particularly when you are spending time in the sun and salt air.

The word premium deserves a little caution. One person expected more than a homemade half sandwich and felt disappointed by the food. I would treat the refreshments as a useful extra rather than a full meal. The included snack can take the edge off hunger, but you should not book this as a food-focused cruise.

The drinks still add value at this price. You do not need to arrange refreshments separately, and the casual service suits a small boat better than a formal meal would. Alcohol is included, but drink sensibly: the boat may encounter movement, heat, and changing sea conditions.

At roughly $21, the combination is strong if the boat ride, wildlife search, and swim stop all appeal to you. Even if the animals keep their distance, you are paying for time on the Atlantic with a small group rather than just a brief transfer.

The boat, comfort, and group size

The boat is described as beautiful and clean, with enough space for everyone on one outing. The small group is one of the strongest features of the experience. Seven people plus a skipper felt especially spacious, while groups of nine still allowed plenty of explanations and a personal atmosphere.

A smaller boat also brings tradeoffs. You feel the motion more than you would on a large vessel, especially when wind and waves rise. One trip became unpleasant enough that more than half the people experienced serious seasickness, including nausea and vomiting.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take this seriously. The experience requires good weather, but good weather does not always mean a flat sea. The most comfortable outing had calm water, while another had strong wind and waves. Ask about the forecast and sea conditions before setting out, and sit where the skipper recommends.

The boat has easy access for disabled passengers, which is an important feature. Still, the information does not describe the exact boarding setup or facilities onboard. If you use a wheelchair or need specific assistance, contact Tenerife First Excursions before booking so the crew can confirm what is possible on your date.

Swimming and snorkeling in the Atlantic

The swim stop gives the trip a more active finish. You can leave the boat for a short swim, and snorkeling equipment is supplied. For families, this can be as memorable as the wildlife search. A family outing included children aged seven, five, and one, with one child jumping straight into the ocean.

The stop is not a separate snorkeling tour with a guaranteed reef or underwater site. It is a chance to enjoy the sea during the boat trip. That distinction matters if underwater wildlife is your main goal.

Conditions control the experience. Rough water may make snorkeling impossible, and the crew may need to change the plan. Even on a calm day, some people may prefer a simple swim rather than using the mask and snorkel.

Bring the right attitude and you should enjoy this part. Think of it as a refreshing break from wildlife watching, not a guaranteed underwater excursion. The equipment is an advantage, but it does not remove the effect of wind, waves, or visibility.

Families, couples, and special occasions

This trip suits families who want a short outing rather than a full-day cruise. The three-hour length is manageable for children, and the chance to swim gives younger passengers something active to look forward to. The small boat also makes it easier for parents to stay close to children.

The operator offers engagement specials for anyone planning to propose. That makes the setting useful for a personal occasion, but you should arrange the details in advance rather than relying on a surprise plan at the dock.

Couples may appreciate the quieter scale of the yacht, especially when the group is small. You can watch the sea, share a drink, and enjoy the open water without committing to a long sailing day.

This is less suitable if you want a guaranteed animal encounter, a large stable ship, or a polished meal service. It is also a poor choice for anyone who becomes very uncomfortable on choppy water unless the forecast looks calm.

Timing, meeting point, and cancellation terms

The activity begins and ends at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas. It lasts approximately three hours, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Arrive early enough to find the marina and meeting point without rushing. One serious complaint involved a departure delay that left people waiting in the heat for about an hour. That appears to have been an operational problem rather than the normal plan, but it is still a reminder to keep some flexibility around the start time.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The trip requires good weather, and if the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you are offered another date or a full refund.

That weather policy protects you from being forced onto the water in unsafe conditions. It also means you should avoid scheduling this as your only important activity on the final day of your holiday.

Who should book this whale-watching trip?

I would choose this experience if you want a short, affordable boat trip with a real chance of seeing resident whales and dolphins. The small group, direct contact with the skipper, included drinks, and possible swim stop give it more personality than a basic sightseeing ride.

It is particularly well suited to families, couples, and people staying in Playa de las Américas who want an easy half-day activity. The accessibility option and engagement specials also make it worth asking about for specific needs or occasions.

I would hesitate if rough seas quickly make you ill, if you need guaranteed snorkeling, or if a substantial meal is important to you. You should also confirm the departure time, passenger capacity, and accessibility details before booking.

Should you book the Puerto Colón whale tour?

Yes, if you value a small boat, local guidance, and good overall value more than certainty. At about $21, the chance to see whales or dolphins, swim in the Atlantic, and receive snacks and drinks is attractive.

Book with realistic expectations. The best version of the trip includes calm seas, a friendly skipper such as Juan or Marie, several whale sightings, and time in the water. The less comfortable version can involve delays, rough waves, seasickness, or no practical snorkeling.

For most people who can handle open water, I think the balance is favorable. Choose a calm-weather day if possible, keep your schedule flexible, and remember that the sea decides how much wildlife and swimming you receive.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to Puerto Colón, the same place where the activity begins.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat is described as having space for 10 people. Additional information lists a maximum of 11, so confirm the exact capacity when booking.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No specific number or type of sighting is guaranteed. The southern waters have resident whales throughout the year, and the skippers search areas where whales and dolphins have been seen before.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the trip includes a swim stop when sea conditions allow.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and snacks are included. The information does not present the snack as a full meal.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.