Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Tour

The best part of this Puerto Colón trip is the small speedboat. With no more than 11 people aboard, you get a better view of the Atlantic and can hear Captain Nico explain what you are seeing. Pilot whales and dolphins are the usual stars, while turtles, flying fish, sunfish, and even a rare orca have appeared on some outings.

I like two things in particular: the crew’s careful approach to wildlife, and the chance to combine whale watching with a swim or snorkel stop. The main consideration is that this is an open-sea trip, so sightings and comfort depend on weather, waves, and the movements of wild animals.

Key points at a glance

• Small groups of up to 11: More room to see the water, ask questions, and move around than on a large sightseeing boat.
• Captain Nico’s marine knowledge: He explains the animals and looks for them without chasing or crowding them.
• Official Barco Azul license: The boat is authorized by the government to approach dolphins and whales under the required rules.
• Wildlife and swimming in one trip: Search for whales and dolphins first, then stop near Palm-Mar or La Caletta for swimming and snorkeling.
• Good extras for $53: Snorkeling equipment, drinks, snacks, and the speedboat ride are included.
• Flexible booking: Choose a shared or private departure, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Setting off from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje

The trip begins at Puerto Colón, in the south of Tenerife. This is a useful base for a marine excursion because the boat can quickly leave the harbor and reach the open Atlantic.

Your exact meeting point can vary with the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You will need to make your own way to the harbor, which is easy enough if you are staying around Costa Adeje, but worth planning if you are based elsewhere on the island.

The advertised duration is two to three hours. The sea search itself is described as lasting about two hours, with the total time depending on the departure and the swimming stop. Starting times vary by date, so check availability before building this into a busy day.

The speedboat gives the outing a different feel from a large catamaran cruise. You sit closer to the water and spend less time moving between the harbor and the viewing area. Several people also liked the sense of speed, though one useful reality check is that this is not a nonstop high-speed ride. The boat must slow down around wildlife, and the crew’s priority is safe, respectful viewing.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The main activity is a search across the Atlantic for marine life. Tenerife’s southern waters are known for regular sightings of pilot whales and dolphins, and this trip is built around finding them rather than simply taking a coastal cruise.

You may see pilot whales moving in groups, dolphins surfacing near the boat, or other species passing through the area. Sightings reported on different trips have included bottlenose dolphins, turtles, flying fish, sunfish, and a loggerhead turtle.

One outing recorded a large whale and pilot whales, along with a turtle, a baby hammerhead shark, and a sunfish. Another group saw roughly 20 whales, three turtles, and two dolphins. These are exciting possibilities, not a fixed schedule. Wildlife sets the timetable, and no responsible operator can promise a particular species on a particular day.

The boat’s official Barco Azul license matters here. It indicates that the operator has government authorization to meet dolphins and whales while following the rules for these encounters. The strongest reports about the trip focus not simply on how many animals appeared, but on how the boat approached them.

Captain Nico is repeatedly praised for his calm handling and strong understanding of marine life. The boat does not chase animals or force a close approach. Instead, the crew waits and lets the animals come toward the boat when they choose. That makes the experience feel less like a performance and more like watching a wild scene unfold on its own terms.

This approach also affects the pace. You might spend time sitting quietly while the captain scans the water. Then, suddenly, a whale surfaces nearby or dolphins appear beside the boat. It is not constant action, but that pause is part of a responsible whale-watching trip.

What the small boat changes

A maximum of 11 people is one of the clearest advantages of this outing. On a large boat, you may need to stand behind several rows of passengers or move from one side to the other when an animal appears. Here, the group is compact enough for a more personal experience.

You can ask the captain questions without trying to catch him between announcements. The small setting also works well for families and couples who prefer a quieter trip. One family group ranging in age from 7 to 70 found the format suitable for everyone, and children also enjoyed the speed and wildlife search.

The private option gives you more control over the group. The shared option keeps the price at $53 per person and still limits the number aboard. If you are comparing this with a large boat at a slightly lower price, I would treat the smaller group as the main reason to choose this one.

There is a practical trade-off. A small speedboat has less space than a large vessel, and the open sea can feel more exposed. If you are sensitive to motion, consider taking the precautions you normally use for boat trips. One person specifically chose a speedboat after feeling that it made them less seasick than larger boats, but that will not be true for everyone.

Swimming and snorkeling near Palm-Mar or La Caletta

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward Palm-Mar or La Caletta, depending on the weather. Here you can stop for a swim or use the included snorkeling gear.

This second part helps keep the trip from becoming a single-purpose wildlife outing. Even if the animals are quiet, you still have time in the water and a chance to enjoy Tenerife’s coast from a different angle. The stop is described as short, so think of it as a refreshing break rather than a full snorkeling session.

Bring your own swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. The boat supplies snorkeling equipment, drinks, and snacks. A cold drink is particularly welcome after sitting in the sun, and the snack gives you something to eat before returning to the harbor.

The water stop depends on sea and weather conditions. If waves make one location unsuitable, the crew may use the other option or adjust the stop. That flexibility is useful, but it also means you should not book this expecting a guaranteed visit to a particular cove.

If snorkeling is your main goal, this may not be the right choice. The focus is whale and dolphin watching, with swimming added afterward. If you want a compact combination of wildlife, speedboat travel, and a quick swim, the balance works well.

A guide who treats the sea with care

Captain Nico receives the strongest praise for this experience. He is described as friendly, clear, and deeply informed about the animals and the local waters. He also explains what is happening rather than simply pointing toward a fin and moving on.

His handling of the boat is just as important. Several outings were praised for approaching animals gently, avoiding pursuit, and allowing them to decide how close to come. On one trip, the captain also picked up plastic seen floating in the ocean. That small act tells you something about the tone of the experience.

The wildlife list can be remarkable. A rare orca sighting occurred on one February trip, followed later by pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Another outing had a pilot whale and calf nearby despite poor weather and rougher conditions. These examples show why patience matters, but they should not be treated as a promise of orcas, calves, or unusual species.

The trip’s strongest quality is the combination of excitement and restraint. The speedboat can move quickly to search different areas, but it slows down when animals are present. You get the fun of a lively boat ride without turning the wildlife encounter into a chase.

Weather, waves, and realistic expectations

Conditions matter in the Canary Islands, even on a short trip. The route may change between Palm-Mar and La Caletta, and the number of sightings can vary with weather and waves.

A February trip had limited sightings because of conditions, yet the group still enjoyed a close look at a pilot whale and calf and a brief view of a loggerhead turtle. That is a useful reminder to judge the tour by the quality of the experience, not only by the size of the wildlife list.

You should also expect the captain to spend time searching. The boat may pause, change direction, or slow down while he watches the water. That can feel less exciting than continuous motion, but it gives you a better chance of seeing animals behaving naturally.

The boat is described as safe and well handled. Still, this is not a calm harbor cruise. Wear sunscreen, bring a towel, and follow the captain’s instructions around the seating area and water stop. Wheelchair users cannot be accommodated on this activity.

Is $53 good value?

At $53 per person, the tour offers a fair bundle: the speedboat cruise, captain-guide, snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, and a small group capped at 11. You are paying more than you might for a basic large-boat outing, but the price includes the features that make this experience more personal.

The best value comes from the combination of time and access. You spend about two hours searching for whales and dolphins, rather than taking a short coastal ride with a quick wildlife stop. The boat’s speed also lets the captain cover more water when searching, while the small group means you are not sharing the experience with dozens of people.

Private departures are available for people who want the boat to themselves. The shared option is likely the better buy for solo visitors, couples, and families who do not need a private schedule.

I would not choose this solely because of the chance of seeing a rare animal. Orcas, hammerhead sharks, and sunfish have appeared, but they are not part of the standard promise. The value is in the licensed operator, the small group, the captain’s approach, and the included swim stop.

Who should book this speedboat trip?

This outing suits you if you want more than a passive boat ride. You should enjoy being outdoors, moving across open water, and watching for animals rather than expecting a scripted show.

It is a good match for:

• Couples wanting a quieter alternative to a large cruise
• Families with older children who can manage a small boat and open-water conditions
• Visitors who want whale watching and snorkeling in one compact outing
• People who care about respectful wildlife viewing
• Anyone who values direct contact with the captain and a small group

It may not suit you if you need wheelchair access, dislike boat movement, or want a long, dedicated snorkeling session. It is also not ideal if you require a guaranteed sighting of a particular species.

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans may change.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if you want a small, wildlife-focused outing from Costa Adeje and like the idea of ending with a swim. The strongest reasons are Captain Nico’s respectful handling, the official Barco Azul authorization, and the limited group size.

Go with sensible expectations. The sea may be lively, the swim stop may be brief, and wild animals do not follow a timetable. But if you value thoughtful guiding over a loud, crowded cruise, this $53 speedboat trip offers a strong mix of marine life, open-water fun, and personal attention.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, in the south of Tenerife. The exact meeting point can vary according to the option you book.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about two to three hours. The speedboat wildlife search is described as lasting around two hours, followed by the swimming or snorkeling portion.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $53 per person.

What animals might I see?

The main wildlife targets are dolphins and whales, especially pilot whales. Turtles may also appear, along with other marine life such as flying fish, sunfish, bottlenose dolphins, and loggerhead turtles.

Is the boat licensed for whale and dolphin watching?

Yes. The boat has the official government-issued Barco Azul license for meeting dolphins and whales.

How many people can join the shared tour?

The boat accommodates a maximum of 11 people in the small-group format.

Is a private tour available?

Yes. A private group option is available when you select the appropriate booking option.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with drinks and snacks.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. You need to make your own way to the meeting point at Puerto Colón or the location specified for your booking.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Wheelchair users cannot be accommodated on this activity.