Bonadea II Ecological Whale Watching, 2 hours

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main event here, but the best feature is the way you see them: from a small boat limited to six people, with the engine shut off when animals approach. I like the personal scale and Sergio’s clear concern for the sea. He has even stopped to collect floating plastic during the trip.

The catch is that wildlife is never guaranteed, and two hours can pass quickly if animals are spread out. The boat also cannot carry anyone over 130 kilos, so check that restriction before booking. At $78.64 per person, this is not the cheapest boat ride in Tenerife, but it offers a far more personal outing than a large shared vessel.

Key points at a glance

• Six people maximum: The small group gives you room to see animals from the boat without a crowd around you.
• Pilot whales are the likely highlight: You may see pods, mothers with calves, dolphins, turtles, and Cory’s shearwater birds.
• Wildlife-first approach: Sergio avoids chasing animals, often turns off the engine, and keeps a respectful distance.
• Protected waters: The trip takes place in the Teno-Rasca marine strip, a Special Conservation Zone within the Natura 2000 Network.
• Two hours from Costa Adeje: Meet at Av. de Colón, 4, and return to the same point.
• Strong practical record: The experience has a 5.0 rating from 378 reviews, with 100 percent recommending it.

A small boat in Tenerife’s protected waters

Bonadea II runs this whale watching trip from the south of Tenerife, departing near Costa Adeje. The boat heads into the Teno-Rasca marine strip, a protected marine area recognized as a Special Conservation Zone and part of the Natura 2000 Network.

That location matters. You are not simply taking a fast ride offshore in search of a photo. The trip takes place in waters managed for marine life, and the company has operated passenger navigation and cetacean observation for more than 29 years. It also carries the Canary Islands Blue Boat flag, a designation for boats authorized for whale watching by the regional Tourism Department and the Spanish Ministry of the Environment.

The boat can carry no more than six people. That changes the feel of the outing right away. You have a better chance of seeing over the sides, asking questions, and moving to a useful viewing position without a packed deck blocking your view.

A small boat also comes with tradeoffs. It can feel more exposed to movement on the water than a large sightseeing vessel, and there is less room to spread out. Still, if your priority is a quiet, close look at marine life rather than onboard entertainment, the scale is a major advantage.

What you can see in two hours

Pilot whales are the most consistent focus of this trip. The area is known for pods that surface to breathe, rest after feeding, and move through the protected waters. Sightings may include adults, young whales, and family groups.

You may also see dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins have been spotted on the route, sometimes close to the boat. A particularly memorable sight can occur when the engine is off and a curious dolphin approaches on its own. That kind of encounter is never promised, but the quiet boat gives it a better chance than a noisy vessel that keeps moving.

Turtles are another possible sighting. Leatherback turtles have been seen, and a turtle injured by a ferry was also identified during one trip. Spotting a turtle requires sharp eyes, since it may appear only briefly between swells. Sergio’s experience helps here, as he has been praised for noticing small animals that are easy to miss.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a wildlife trip, not an aquarium visit. The animals choose where to go, and some departures may produce more sightings than others. The strongest reason to book is not a guarantee of one particular species. It is the chance to watch several kinds of marine life in their natural setting, with a captain who does not treat wildlife as a stage show.

Why the quiet approach matters

The most valuable part of this experience is its conduct around the animals. Sergio approaches carefully, avoids chasing, and lets the boat drift or remain still when the animals come close. This is especially important around pilot whale pods, where repeated engine noise and aggressive pursuit can change the animals’ behavior.

You may hear the engine cut out while whales or dolphins pass nearby. That pause gives you time to watch breathing patterns, body movement, and group behavior without the constant sound of a motor. It also makes the experience feel less like a chase.

The company’s ecological focus is practical, not just a label on the booking page. On several outings, Sergio has collected plastic debris floating in the sea. That small act will not solve the ocean’s pollution problem, but it shows you how the captain treats the water as part of the experience rather than just a route to the animals.

You may also hear about the problems caused by boats that enter protected waters illegally, play loud music, or operate open bars close to cetaceans. That context helps explain why a slower, quieter trip can be better for both the animals and the people watching them.

The best wildlife viewing is not always the closest possible approach. A respectful distance can give you a clearer view of natural behavior, and it avoids turning the animals into performers. I like that this trip puts the emphasis on observation rather than pursuit.

Meet captain Sergio and ask questions

Sergio is the captain and guide, and he leads the trip in English as well as Spanish. English-speaking passengers have found him welcoming and easy to understand, and he explains what you are seeing instead of leaving you to guess.

His experience seems most useful when the sea is busy with small signs. He may identify a distant blow, notice a turtle between waves, or use information about a nearby sighting to adjust the route. One outing even changed direction near the end when a new whale sighting was reported, giving the group extra time with a pod.

That flexibility is useful, but it should not be mistaken for an extended tour. The advertised duration is about two hours. If conditions and sightings require a change in direction, the timing can feel full, but you should not book this expecting a half-day expedition.

Sergio’s conservation message is also part of the educational side of the trip. You can learn why boats should avoid cutting across cetacean groups, why engine noise matters, and how plastic affects marine animals. Families with children may appreciate that the trip offers more than a quick photograph. It gives young passengers a clear reason to care for the sea.

The route from Costa Adeje

The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 4, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The trip begins and ends at this same point, which keeps the plan simple if you are already staying in the Costa Adeje area. The location is near public transportation.

The stated itinerary lists Santa Cruz de Tenerife, but the practical departure information points you to Costa Adeje in the south. Use the exact meeting address when planning your morning, and allow enough time to arrive without rushing. Confirmation is provided when you book.

Once aboard, the boat heads out toward the Teno-Rasca marine strip. You will see Tenerife from the water as the coastline recedes, then spend much of the two hours searching for signs of whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds.

Cory’s shearwater birds are among the possible sightings. They add interest even when cetaceans are not immediately nearby, and they give you something to watch while the captain searches. The boat ride itself is part of the outing, but the route is built around wildlife rather than coastal sightseeing alone.

At the end, you return to the original meeting point. There is no separate finish location to arrange around.

Is $78.64 a fair price?

At $78.64 per person, this trip is priced above a basic large-boat whale watching ride. The value comes from the limited capacity, the two-hour length, the guide’s experience, and the wildlife-first approach.

With a maximum of six people, the trip can feel closer to a private charter than a standard group cruise. You are paying for space, direct access to the captain, and a quieter setting. If you are comparing only the number of minutes on the water, the price may seem high. If you value personal attention and responsible wildlife viewing, it makes more sense.

The price also includes a guide who does more than point at animals. Sergio explains what you see, watches for smaller wildlife, and may collect plastic along the way. Those details add meaning to the outing, especially if conservation is part of your reason for booking.

I would not choose this trip if you want a luxury yacht, food service, or a long day at sea. None of those features are described. I would choose it if you want a compact, focused excursion with a strong chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins without joining a large crowd.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This outing suits couples, solo visitors, and families who want a close look at marine life. It is also a good fit for anyone who cares about how wildlife is approached and prefers a captain who puts animal welfare before a dramatic photo.

Families should note the small capacity. A group of four can fit comfortably within the six-person limit, leaving only two other places. That can make the outing feel more personal and easier for children to follow, though the boat’s movement may not suit everyone.

It also suits visitors who want an English-language experience. English is offered, and Sergio has been described as speaking very good English. Spanish-speaking passengers can also take part, and mixed-language groups have been welcomed.

You should think twice if you need a very large, stable vessel or if you weigh more than 130 kilos, because the boat cannot carry passengers above that limit. You should also be comfortable with the uncertainty of nature. Even an experienced captain cannot order a whale or dolphin to appear.

Timing, weather, and booking details

The experience lasts approximately two hours. It is often booked about 16 days ahead, so I would reserve early if your Tenerife schedule is fixed, especially during a busy travel period.

The trip needs good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time, so check your calendar carefully.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The stated weight restriction remains important: passengers over 130 kilos cannot be carried because of the boat’s characteristics.

Bring practical sea-day expectations. The boat is small, the trip is outdoors, and conditions can affect comfort and sightings. The supplied details do not promise meals, drinks, hotel pickup, or special equipment, so do not assume those are included.

My verdict on Bonadea II

I like this experience because it treats whale watching as wildlife observation, not a race to get the closest photograph. The six-person limit, the protected setting, and Sergio’s habit of stopping the engine create the right conditions for a thoughtful encounter.

The strongest sightings can be memorable: pilot whales with calves, dolphins swimming near the boat, a turtle appearing between waves, or seabirds skimming the water. Yet the real value is the method. You get to see marine animals while learning why quiet operation, distance, and patience matter.

The main drawbacks are the short two-hour format, the lack of guaranteed sightings, and the boat’s 130-kilo passenger limit. The $78.64 price is fair for a small-group trip, but less appealing if you only want a quick ride or prefer a large vessel with more onboard facilities.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a small, calm, conservation-minded whale watching outing from Costa Adeje, especially if pilot whales, dolphins, and an informed English-speaking guide appeal to you. I would also choose it for a family or couple seeking a more personal experience.

Skip it if you need guaranteed animal sightings, a spacious boat, a longer expedition, or a fully equipped cruise. For most visitors who value respectful wildlife viewing, the limited group and captain’s careful approach make this one of the better choices in southern Tenerife.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching tour start?

It starts at Av. de Colón, 4, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately two hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is six people.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and Cory’s shearwater birds. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals remain in the wild.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, and Sergio has been described as speaking very good English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. A different date, experience, or full refund is also offered if the minimum number of participants is not reached.