SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

The best part of this Puerto Colón trip is the chance to see wild whales and dolphins at close range from a fast, small boat. The route also brings you past Tenerife’s sea cliffs, with time for a swim and snorkel in a sheltered cove.

I like the maximum group size of 11, which makes the boat feel more personal than a large sightseeing vessel. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling gear, drinks, sandwiches, and a chance to try the unusual BladeFish underwater propulsion device are all included.

The main caution is simple: wildlife is wild, and the tour depends on good weather and a minimum number of bookings. One serious service complaint reports that the boat did not arrive, although the wider record is very strong at 4.8 out of 5 from 51 ratings, with 98 percent recommending it.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main event: You may also spot turtles, flying fish, and other marine life.
• A small speedboat covers plenty of coast: The boat can travel quickly between known wildlife areas and Tenerife’s southern cliffs.
• Swimming is optional: You can stay aboard if you prefer not to enter the water.
• Snorkeling gear and food are included: Masks, drinks, and sandwiches make packing easy.
• The BladeFish adds something different: You can try an underwater personal propulsion device during the water stop.
• Puerto Colón is both the start and finish: The meeting point is Sea Safari Tenerife on Avenida de Colón in Playa de las Américas.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

You begin at Sea Safari Tenerife on Avenida de Colón, near Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas. This is a practical starting point in the busy resort area of southern Tenerife, and the meeting place is near public transportation.

The trip lasts about three hours and returns to the same point. That makes it easy to fit into a morning or afternoon without giving up a full day of sightseeing. It also means you can combine the boat ride with time in Playa de las Américas or nearby Costa Adeje.

The boat carries no more than 11 people. That number matters. A small group gives you a better chance of seeing the water from the side of the boat, hearing the guide clearly, and asking questions without competing with a crowd.

You should arrive ready for an active outing, even though you are not required to swim. The experience includes fast boat travel, wildlife watching, a possible water stop, and a coastal ride back to Puerto Colón.

Looking for whales and dolphins along Tenerife’s south coast

The crew takes you toward places where whales and dolphins have been spotted before. This is not a visit to a tank or a staged animal encounter. You are looking for marine life in the open sea, so the exact sightings can never be promised.

Pilot whales are a particular highlight. The area around southern Tenerife is known for regular sightings of these large, social whales, and the boat is designed to cover more ground than a slow cruise. Several accounts describe seeing groups of pilot whales alongside dolphins during the same trip.

The close viewing can be exciting, but responsible boat handling matters just as much. One of the useful details from the feedback is that the captain approached animals carefully and respectfully. That is the right way to enjoy this type of trip: watch the animals without expecting them to perform or come right up to the boat.

You might also see turtles. Specific sightings have included more than one turtle, including a young turtle feeding on jellyfish. Other reported marine life includes flying fish, crabs, a hammerhead shark, and many smaller fish. Those sightings are bonuses rather than promises, but they show how varied the water can be.

The speedboat is a good choice if you want wildlife viewing plus a sense of movement. It can cover a wider area in three hours, and the ride itself adds excitement. The tradeoff is that a fast boat can feel lively on the water. If you are prone to seasickness, consider that before booking, even though one family specifically found this boat comfortable in that regard.

What the three-hour route includes

The outing begins with the wildlife search from Puerto Colón. The exact order can change with sea conditions and animal movements, but the plan combines several different experiences rather than staying focused on one activity.

First comes the search for whales and dolphins. The crew takes you to known sighting areas and keeps watch for movement on the surface. You may see dolphins traveling near the boat, pilot whales in family groups, or other animals passing through the area.

The route then includes views of Tenerife’s cliffs. Seeing the island from the water gives you a different sense of its southern coast. Instead of looking down from a road or resort, you see the rock faces from sea level, with the boat moving along the coastline.

A swimming and snorkeling stop is also part of the plan. Snorkeling equipment rental is included, so you do not need to pack a mask and fins or arrange a separate rental. Different mask sizes and types have been available, which is useful if you are traveling with family members who need different fits.

The trip finishes by following the coast back to Puerto Colón. That return route gives you more time on the water rather than simply retracing the shortest path. It also lets you enjoy the coastline after the wildlife search and water stop.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the BladeFish

The water stop is a welcome change from sitting on the boat. You can swim, snorkel, or remain aboard. That flexibility is important because not everyone in a group wants the same level of activity.

If you prefer to stay dry, you are not pressured to leave the boat. This makes the trip suitable for mixed groups, including people who want the views and wildlife but are less interested in swimming.

If you do enter the water, the included snorkeling equipment keeps the process simple. You can look for fish and other marine life near the cove, although the exact visibility and sightings depend on conditions that day.

The unusual extra is the BladeFish, an underwater personal propulsion device. Think of it as a small motorized unit that helps pull you through the water. It is not the main reason to book the trip, but it gives the swimming stop a playful edge and can be a memorable feature for older children and adults.

Keep your expectations sensible. The information provided does not specify how long each person gets with the BladeFish or how many devices are available. Treat it as an included opportunity, not a guaranteed long session for every person.

Captain Eric and the value of a small crew

Captain Eric is named in the feedback as a strong part of the experience. He is described as friendly, attentive, and able to explain the marine animals and the island. Another crew member named Tines helped keep a family booking together when only one person had initially reserved.

Those details suggest a flexible, personal style, but guide assignments can change. You should not assume Eric will captain every departure unless the operator confirms it.

A good wildlife guide does more than point when a fin appears. The guide helps you understand what you are seeing, keeps the boat at a respectful distance, and adjusts the route when animals move. The accounts connected with this trip describe careful approaches and useful explanations, which are worth more than a rushed checklist of sightings.

The group limit also improves the social side of the trip. You can hear the guide, move around more easily, and enjoy the ride without a bus-sized crowd. For a birthday outing, family trip, or small group celebration, that can make the three hours feel special.

Food, drinks, and what you need to bring

Drinks and sandwiches are provided during the trip. This is a small but useful inclusion. You do not need to carry a packed lunch, and you can keep the focus on the water instead of worrying about food during the three-hour outing.

You should still bring whatever personal items you need for a boat trip, but the supplied details do not specify a full packing list. The key point is that you do not need to bring snorkeling equipment or food.

Because the trip includes swimming, keep your belongings manageable. The tour is built around a small speedboat, not a large vessel with lots of storage. The supplied information does not state whether towels, changing rooms, or lockers are available, so confirm those details if they matter to you.

The experience is offered in English. If clear explanations in English are important to your group, that makes the booking straightforward.

Is $78.10 a fair price?

At $78.10 per person, you are paying for three different elements in one outing: wildlife watching, a speedboat coastal ride, and a swimming and snorkeling stop. Snorkeling equipment, drinks, sandwiches, and the BladeFish opportunity are included.

I see the value in that combination. A shorter boat ride focused only on sightseeing might cost less, but it would not offer the same mix of wildlife, cliffs, swimming, and equipment. The small group limit also gives the price more weight than a basic large-boat cruise.

The value depends on what you want from Tenerife. If your priority is a guaranteed animal sighting, no wildlife excursion can deliver that. If you want a lively half-day on the water with several chances for memorable moments, the package makes more sense.

The strong overall rating, 4.8 from 51 ratings, supports the idea that the experience usually delivers. Still, one serious complaint describes a confirmed booking where nobody arrived and the phone number went unanswered. That appears to be an isolated but important warning. Keep all confirmation details and check the meeting arrangements before setting out, especially if the trip is tied to a special occasion or paid childcare.

Who will enjoy this speedboat trip?

I would recommend it most to people who want more than a passive boat ride. You should enjoy a mix of open-water wildlife watching, speed, coastal scenery, and the chance to get wet.

It suits families especially well. One reported family included a four-year-old child and a baby, while another included a 71-year-old mother. Those examples show that the activity can work across generations, particularly because swimming is optional.

That said, the boat and sea conditions may not suit everyone. The tour is not described as fully accessible, and the supplied information only says most people can participate. If anyone in your group has mobility, medical, or serious seasickness concerns, ask Sea Safari before booking.

It also suits couples looking for a memorable morning or afternoon, and small groups celebrating a birthday. Captain Eric’s flexibility helped turn one uncertain booking into a family outing, though you should not rely on special arrangements unless they are confirmed in advance.

Weather, cancellations, and timing

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The activity also requires a minimum number of people. If that minimum is not reached, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. This explains why a departure could be at risk when only one person is booked, so check your confirmation if you are reserving close to the travel date.

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, and the cut-off follows Tenerife local time.

The experience is often booked around 25 days ahead. That is not a guarantee of availability, but it is a useful hint to plan early if your schedule is tight.

Should you book Sea Safari?

Book this trip if you want a small-group wildlife outing with speed, snorkeling, snacks, and a coastal view of Tenerife. The mix is the strongest reason to choose it. You are not limited to watching animals from a distance, and you are not committed to swimming if you would rather stay aboard.

I would be more cautious if your priority is a slow, quiet cruise or a fully predictable schedule. Wildlife sightings vary, the sea can affect the ride, and the single no-show complaint deserves attention when you confirm your plans.

For most people who want an active three hours from Puerto Colón, the price is reasonable for what is included. Go with realistic expectations, check the departure details, and treat whales, dolphins, and turtles as wild bonuses rather than guaranteed attractions.

FAQ

Where does the Sea Safari trip start?

The trip starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, crabs, many fish, and other marine life. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment rental is included in the activity.

Do I have to swim?

No. Swimming and snorkeling are included options, but you can stay on the boat if you prefer.

What is a BladeFish?

A BladeFish is an underwater personal propulsion device that you can try during the water portion of the trip.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. Drinks and sandwiches are provided during the trip.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum of 11 participants.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation. A different date, experience, or full refund is also offered if the minimum number of participants is not reached.