Tenerife Motor Boat Whale Watching & Snorkeling Experience

Wild pilot whales and dolphins are the main event here, but the small boat makes the trip feel more personal than a large excursion vessel. You cruise from Puerto Colón along Tenerife’s southern coast, then stop at Playa del Puertito for a swim and possible turtle sighting.

I like the limited group size of 11 and the choice between shaded seats and front sunbeds. I also like the mix of wildlife watching and time in the water, since you are not spending all three hours sitting on a boat. The main consideration is space: it is a compact motorboat, and reaching the front sunbeds requires a narrow climb.

Key points at a glance

• Wild whale and dolphin watching: Look for pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat off Tenerife’s southern coast.
• Small boat, maximum 11 people: The group size allows for a quieter outing and more direct attention from the captain and crew.
• Swimming at Playa del Puertito: Enjoy about 30 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, snacks, and drinks.
• Possible turtle sighting: Turtles can sometimes be seen near the bay, adding another bit of wildlife interest.
• Two seating areas: Choose the large shaded seating area or sunbeds at the front of the boat.
• Three hours for $69: The price includes a coastal cruise, wildlife search, and swimming stop, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

A small boat with a real wildlife focus

This experience works best if you want more than a fast ride along the coast. The boat heads out to search for wild pilot whales and dolphins, rather than taking you to a staged animal encounter. That matters. Sightings are never guaranteed with wild animals, but the setting feels more natural and the reward is far greater when a pod appears.

The vessel is a 10.8-meter motorboat built for a maximum of 11 people. That is a useful size for this kind of outing. You are not one face among a crowd, and the captain can keep the group together without shouting across a large deck.

You get two basic seating choices. The shaded area is the practical pick if you want cover from the sun. The front has large sunbeds, which should appeal to anyone who wants to stretch out and feel the motion of the boat. One practical warning: reaching the front involves a narrow climb, so keep that in mind if you prefer easy movement around the boat.

The boat is described as having comfortable seating for 11, but the front sunbeds are also part of the seating plan. If everyone wants a conventional seat, the space may feel tight. I would choose your preferred area early and accept that this is a compact boat, not a floating lounge.

Starting at Puerto Colón

The meeting point is on Avenida de Colón in Costa Adeje, at Puerto Colón. This is one of the main tourist ports in southern Tenerife, so it is easy to combine the boat trip with time around the harbor.

You can walk along the waterfront before or after the tour, browse the shops, watch fish in the clear water, or relax on a nearby beach. That makes the start and finish convenient, especially if you are already staying in Costa Adeje or planning a day in the area.

The activity returns to the same meeting point. Since the tour lasts about three hours, it fits neatly into a morning or afternoon without taking over your whole day. You should still allow enough time to find the departure point at the port, since the supplied information does not include hotel pickup.

Cruising Tenerife’s southern coast

Once underway, the trip includes scenic views of Tenerife’s southern coastline. From the water, you get a different angle on the coast than you would from a road or beach. The cruise also gives the captain time to reach areas where pilot whales and dolphins may be present.

The route is not simply a direct trip to the swimming bay. Wildlife watching takes up the largest part of the outing, with about two hours devoted to searching for and observing dolphins and pilot whales. That is the heart of the experience, so patience helps.

The boat’s small size should make it easier to move your view from one side to the other when animals appear. You can use the shaded seating area or the front sunbeds, depending on how much sun and motion you prefer. If you are prone to seasickness, the covered area may feel more secure, while the front can offer a more open ride. The information does not promise calm water, so bring your own comfort strategy.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins in the wild

The wildlife portion is the strongest reason to book. The goal is to see pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, not in a controlled show. You might see a family group of pilot whales, as participants have reported, along with dolphins moving through the water.

A pod of pilot whales can be impressive even when the animals surface only briefly. Their family groups give the outing a social, alive quality that a simple sightseeing cruise cannot match. Dolphins can be quicker and harder to track, which adds a little suspense to the search.

The captain and crew are described as attentive and professional, with a friendly manner. That is important on a wildlife tour, where timing and careful boat handling affect what you see. The captain also needs to keep an eye on everyone during the swim stop, so attentive service has value beyond conversation.

Keep your expectations sensible. No ethical wildlife trip can promise a particular animal on a particular day. You may see both dolphins and whales, as some outings have, but conditions and animal movement can change. The tour earns its value from giving you a proper two-hour search period, not from promising a guaranteed show.

A 30-minute stop at Playa del Puertito

After the wildlife search, the boat stops at Playa del Puertito for about 30 minutes. This is your chance to swim, snorkel, and cool off in a bay. You can also enjoy the snacks and drinks provided or available during the stop, though the information does not specify a full meal.

There is a chance to see turtles near the bay. That possibility adds another reason to keep your eyes open, but it should be treated as a bonus rather than a promise. The main purpose of the stop is to get into the water and enjoy a change of pace after the boat ride.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim or a short snorkel. It is not a long beach session, and you will probably need to choose what matters most. If you want to look for turtles, snorkel, and spend time simply floating, the stop may pass quickly.

The bay setting also gives the outing a more relaxed rhythm. You spend the first major part looking outward toward the open water, then switch to a closer, hands-on experience. That balance makes the tour suitable for people who want wildlife but do not want to spend the full three hours seated and watching the horizon.

How the $69 price holds up

At $69, this is a reasonable price for a three-hour boat experience with a maximum of 11 participants. The value comes from the combination: a small-group motorboat, about two hours of wildlife watching, coastal views, and a swimming and snorkeling stop.

A larger boat might offer more room, but the small group is a clear advantage if you value a quieter setting and closer contact with the crew. You also avoid paying for a full-day excursion when the main sights can be covered in half a day.

The price is less compelling if your only goal is a long swim. The stop at Playa del Puertito lasts about 30 minutes, so this is primarily a whale and dolphin outing with swimming included, not a beach day with a short wildlife stop.

The boat’s limited capacity also means the experience may sell out more quickly than a large cruise. If you want the small-group format, booking ahead makes sense. The mobile ticket is convenient for keeping the booking on your phone.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this experience to people who want a focused half-day on the water. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like the idea of wild animals, a friendly crew, and a short swim stop without committing to a full-day cruise.

It is especially appealing if you prefer a small boat to a crowded excursion vessel. The group limit of 11 creates a more personal atmosphere and gives you a better chance of hearing instructions from the captain and crew.

Families should note the mix of activities. The whale and dolphin search requires patience, while the bay stop offers more immediate fun. Anyone joining should be comfortable with a boat trip and with getting in or out of the water.

You should think carefully if you need a lot of deck space, easy access to every seating area, or a long snorkeling session. The front sunbeds require a narrow climb, and the boat can feel compact when all 11 places are in use.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. The supplied details say anyone can participate and that most people can take part, but they do not provide specific information about step-free access or specialist mobility equipment. If that matters to you, ask the operator before booking.

Weather, cancellations, and simple planning

This experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes during that period are not accepted. The cut-off follows local Tenerife time.

Bring a phone with the mobile ticket ready, and plan to spend time outdoors in sun and wind. The tour information confirms snacks and drinks during the swimming stop, but it does not list exactly what is served. If you have a particular dietary need, check before departure rather than assuming.

The port is worth using as part of your day. Arrive with enough time to find the meeting point, then consider a walk around Puerto Colón after returning. Clear water, shops, the harbor, and a nearby beach give you easy options without another transfer.

My call: a strong small-group choice

I would book this tour if I wanted a compact, wildlife-centered boat trip from Costa Adeje. The combination of a maximum 11 people, a friendly and attentive captain, a serious two-hour search for pilot whales and dolphins, and a swim at Playa del Puertito gives the outing a clear purpose.

I would not book it expecting a spacious yacht or a long snorkeling session. The motorboat is compact, the front sunbeds require a narrow climb, and sightings remain dependent on nature.

For $69, the experience offers good value if wild marine life is your priority. Choose it for the small group and the chance to see animals in the open sea, then treat the turtles and dolphins as welcome rewards rather than guarantees.

FAQ

Where does the Tenerife motorboat tour start and finish?

It starts at Av. de Colón, 128, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, at Puerto Colón. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours. About 30 minutes is set aside for swimming and snorkeling at Playa del Puertito, while about two hours focus on dolphin and pilot whale watching.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The motorboat has a maximum capacity of 11 participants.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?

Yes. The boat stops at Playa del Puertito for swimming and snorkeling. There is also a chance to see turtles in the area.

What wildlife might I see?

The main wildlife targets are pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Turtles may also be seen during the stop at Playa del Puertito.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also receive a full refund by canceling at least 24 hours before the experience begins.