Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise

South Tenerife’s best sea-life encounters happen from a small, fast boat, not a floating bus. This three-hour Puerto Colon cruise combines whale and dolphin watching with a swim stop, so you get wildlife, cliffs, sea air, and a bit of action in one outing. I especially like the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins at sea, plus the more intimate feel of a speedboat.

I also like the guides’ care around marine life. Nico has earned praise for explaining the sea and island, while the crew has waited at a respectful distance when animals approached on their own. The catch is simple: wildlife is wild, and the boat ride can be lively. A sandwich and one drink are useful, but not everyone will think the food justifies the full price.

Key points at a glance

• Small speedboat setting: You cruise from Puerto Colon in a more direct, energetic boat than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Marine life to watch for: Dolphins and pilot whales are the main hopes, with turtles, flying fish, and occasional surprises also possible.
• Respectful viewing: The crew keeps distance from animals and lets them choose how close to come.
• Swim stop near Los Cristianos: You can swim or use the supplied snorkeling gear in a bay, with cliffs and coastal views around you.
• Clear-day views: Teide and the nearby island of La Gomera may appear from offshore.
• Useful practical detail: Meet at Puerto Colon Gate 3 fifteen minutes before departure, with no hotel pickup included.

Why this three-hour trip feels different

The appeal here is the mix. Some boat outings focus only on finding whales and dolphins, which can mean a long period of watching the horizon. This one adds a stop for swimming and snorkeling, then returns along the coast past beaches, small ports, and natural swimming pools.

That makes the trip easier to recommend for a first look at South Tenerife from the water. You are not simply sitting on a boat for three hours. You get a fast ride, a wildlife search, a coastal tour, and a chance to get wet.

The speedboat also changes the mood. It feels more active than a large excursion boat, and the low position on the water gives you a closer sense of the sea. The tradeoff is less room to move around, and the ride may feel bumpy when the water is lively. If you prefer a calm, spacious boat with easy shade and plenty of seating, this may not be your best match.

Leaving Puerto Colon with the wind up

Your meeting point is Puerto Colon Gate 3, where a Sea Safari Tenerife staff member waits fifteen minutes before departure. Have your printed or digital ticket ready. Once the group is present, you are escorted to the boat.

There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own way to Puerto Colon. That matters if you are staying elsewhere in Tenerife or relying on a tight connection. Arriving early also gives you a calmer start than rushing to the gate at departure time.

Once underway, the boat cruises along South Tenerife. The speed is part of the fun, but the main aim is to reach areas where dolphins and whales may be feeding, resting, or moving through the Atlantic. The guide explains marine life and the waters around the island in Spanish or English.

I would bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear even if swimming is not your top priority. The boat offers a swim stop, and sea spray is part of the ride. Wear clothing you are comfortable getting wet in, and keep your phone secure when the boat picks up speed.

Whale and dolphin watching in open water

The main wildlife targets are dolphins and pilot whales. You might also see turtles and flying fish. Sightings depend on the animals, the weather, and the conditions on the day, so you should treat them as possibilities rather than promises.

The most useful part of the experience is the approach to wildlife. The crew has been praised for waiting at a respectful distance when dolphins came toward the boat on their own. That is a better way to watch wild animals than chasing them or crowding them.

You may see common dolphins, and spotted dolphins have also appeared on a lucky outing. Pilot whales have been seen close to the boat as well. Other unusual sightings have included a jellyfish, a turtle, and even a sac of squid eggs. None of these can be guaranteed, but they show how much can be happening below and around the surface.

Keep your expectations sensible. You may spend time scanning the water before anything appears. That is normal for a wildlife trip. The guide’s explanations help turn those quiet stretches into part of the experience rather than wasted time.

Nico is one guide name worth noting. He has been praised for explaining the waters and the island in a way that adds context to the ride. Tine is also part of the crew associated with the outing. If you value a guide who talks about ocean life and the effect people have on the island, this is one of the stronger features of the trip.

A bay stop for swimming and snorkeling

At a bay, the boat pauses for a drink and snack. You can get into the sea or stay aboard. Snorkeling gear is provided if you want to look for fish beneath the surface.

The stop adds a welcome change of pace after the wildlife search. The cliffs give you a different view of Tenerife, while the water offers a chance to cool off. If you have been spending your holiday on beaches, the view from offshore still feels different. You see the coast from the water rather than from a crowded strip of sand.

The snorkeling is a simple add-on, not a dedicated reef excursion. The supplied equipment lets you look around among the fish, but the trip description does not promise a particular underwater site or a long guided snorkeling session. Think of it as a pleasant sea stop rather than the central reason to book.

You should also know that getting into the water is optional. The boat’s swim stop will suit confident swimmers who want a refreshing break. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain on board with your drink and sandwich. Bring your own towel, since one is not listed among the included items.

Sandwich, drink, and the practical value of lunch

The price is $77 per person for three hours. Included are the speedboat ride, guide, sandwich, one drink, swim stop, and snorkeling equipment. Hotel transportation is not included.

For a visitor who wants several activities in one booking, the price can make sense. You are paying for a small-boat wildlife outing, a guided coastal ride, marine-life commentary, and a swim stop. The speedboat format is also more active than many standard boat cruises.

The food is basic. You receive one sandwich and one drink, enough for a light refreshment during the trip. One person felt the lunch could be removed to lower the cost, and that is a fair point if you are mainly paying for the wildlife and boat ride. I would not choose this excursion for its meal.

The value improves if you use the swim and snorkeling stop. If you only want to watch dolphins and whales, compare the cost with other wildlife cruises in Puerto Colon. If you want wildlife plus a coastal outing and time in the water, the package is easier to justify.

South Tenerife from the water

The return route follows the southern coast, with views of small ports, beaches, natural swimming pools, and the cliffs around the bays. This is one of the quieter strengths of the trip. Even if wildlife stays hidden, you still get a moving view of the coast.

On a clear day, look toward Mount Teide and the nearby island of La Gomera. Visibility controls this part of the experience, so clouds or haze may hide both. Still, the possibility gives you something else to watch for after the boat leaves the bay.

The coastal views also help you understand South Tenerife as a place shaped by the sea. Ports and beaches look different from offshore, and the speedboat gives you a broad view rather than one fixed viewpoint. You will not stop at every coastal feature, but the return ride adds useful variety to the day.

Group size, comfort, and the speedboat tradeoff

A private group option is available, though the standard booking details do not specify the regular group size. Ask about the private option if keeping the outing to your own party matters to you.

A speedboat offers a more personal feel than the large tourist boats common around resort ports. It can also get you along the coast quickly and give the ride a stronger sense of movement. The cost is comfort. Seating and space are more limited than on a large boat, and the motion may be noticeable.

This outing suits people who enjoy a brisk ride and do not mind being exposed to sun and sea spray. It may be less suitable for anyone who needs a very stable platform, broad accessible seating, or room for a stroller. Baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, non-folding strollers, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

The tour is subject to weather conditions. That is important for both safety and enjoyment. Sea conditions affect the ride, the swim stop, and the chance of good wildlife viewing. Keep your plans flexible enough to handle a change if the operator cannot run the trip as planned.

Who should book this experience

I would choose this outing if you want a lively half-day on the water rather than a slow sightseeing cruise. It works well for couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a speedboat and may enjoy swimming or snorkeling.

It is also a good choice if you care about how wildlife is approached. The crew’s respectful method, waiting for animals to come closer instead of pursuing them, is a meaningful part of the experience. Nico’s explanations are another reason to choose this trip if you want more than a fast ride and a few photographs.

You may want to skip it if your main goal is a guaranteed whale or dolphin sighting. No responsible wildlife tour can promise that. You may also prefer another option if you dislike speed, need hotel transport, or want a substantial meal rather than a sandwich.

Book with weather in mind. Pack sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. Keep your expectations open, since the best sightings can range from a familiar pod of dolphins to a turtle, flying fish, or something less expected.

Should you book the Puerto Colon speedboat cruise?

Yes, if you want a compact South Tenerife experience that combines marine wildlife, fast coastal travel, and a swim stop. The strongest reasons to book are the smaller boat, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, the respectful wildlife approach, and the added time in a bay.

At $77, it is not the cheapest way to sit on the water, and the included food is modest. But the three-hour format gives you several experiences in one outing, and the guide service adds useful context. I would book it for an active morning or afternoon, especially if clear weather gives you a chance to see Teide and La Gomera from offshore.

Go in hoping for wildlife, not demanding it. That mindset gives you the best chance of enjoying the boat ride, the coast, and the quiet moments between sightings.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Puerto Colon, at Gate 3.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive fifteen minutes before departure. A Sea Safari Tenerife staff member waits in front of Gate 3 and checks your printed or digital ticket.

How long does the experience last?

The speedboat tour lasts three hours.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in Spanish and English.

What wildlife might I see?

You might see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and flying fish. Spotted dolphins and other sea life have also been seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes a stop at a bay where you can swim.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included for use at the bay stop.

What food and drink are included?

You receive one sandwich and one drink.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to Puerto Colon.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The tour is subject to weather conditions.