Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

Pilot whales are the main attraction here, and the southern waters of Tenerife can offer remarkably close sightings without turning the trip into a noisy chase. You may also spot dolphins or turtles, then stop in a quiet bay for a swim from the 52-foot sailing yacht.

I like the small-group feel and the crew’s careful approach to wildlife. I also like that food, drinks, and basic snorkeling gear are included, which makes the $88 price easier to justify. The catch is the sea: large waves can make the ride bumpy, and the short three-hour schedule may leave little swim time if the whales keep you watching.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the most reliable sighting: Dolphins and turtles are possible, but whale encounters are the tour’s strongest feature.
• The boat is roomy without feeling crowded: Past trips have carried as few as seven people and about 10 passengers plus crew.
• Wildlife comes first: Captains such as Alex, Jesús, and Mauricio have been praised for cutting the engine and giving whales space.
• The swim stop is flexible: You may swim and snorkel in a beautiful bay, but a long wildlife encounter can shorten the water time.
• Bring a towel and expect to go barefoot: Shoes are generally not allowed on board, except for health reasons.
• Meeting point matters: Find Pantalán, dock number zero, at Puerto Colón, near Miishi Restaurant.

A three-hour sailing trip with a strong whale-watching focus

This is not a giant party boat or a quick ride along the shore. You meet at Puerto Colón, receive a short briefing, and set out on a 52-foot sailing yacht for three hours.

The trip combines three things that work well together: marine wildlife, a view of Tenerife’s southern coast, and time in the water. The order can vary. The crew first looks for whales and dolphins, then usually anchors in a sheltered bay before returning to port.

The wildlife portion is the heart of the outing. Pilot whales are common in the area, and several trips have seen groups with mothers and young. Dolphins have also appeared, sometimes close to the boat. Turtles are less predictable, but they have been spotted beside the yacht.

I appreciate the crew’s reported style here. Captains have stopped the motor near whales instead of pressing closer, allowing the animals to decide how near they come. That matters. A good wildlife trip is not just about seeing an animal. It is also about avoiding a frantic chase that disturbs it.

You should keep your expectations sensible. No marine wildlife sighting is guaranteed, and not every trip produces the same mix of animals. One outing saw many whales but no dolphins. Another saw a single dolphin and several small whales. The strongest pattern is clear: pilot whales are the best bet, while dolphins and turtles are welcome bonuses.

Meeting the crew at Puerto Colón

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure. The meeting point is Pantalán, dock number zero, at Puerto Colón. If you are unsure where to go, search for Miishi Restaurant, which is the useful landmark provided for the dock.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the marina. Two port car parks are available, with parking listed at about €1 per hour. If you are staying nearby, local transport may be the easier choice, but the tour information does not include a transfer service.

The marina meeting point is straightforward once you know the dock number. A crew member waits at the dock to help direct people to the boat. Still, do not cut it close. Puerto Colón can feel confusing if you arrive while trying to find parking, and the yacht will not be easier to locate from the road than from the dock.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, but you should confirm the practical boarding arrangements when booking if you have specific mobility needs. The supplied information confirms accessibility, but it does not explain the exact boarding setup.

What the yacht feels like on the water

The yacht is a major part of the appeal. It is large enough to give you room to move around, yet the passenger numbers can remain low enough for a relaxed outing. Past groups have included seven people, while another had 10 passengers plus crew and still did not feel crowded.

That space gives you options. You can sit near the front, find a place along the deck, or move around when the crew points out wildlife. Sitting toward the front may also help if you are prone to seasickness, although it will not remove the risk in rough conditions.

The boat may sail under wind power, but this depends on the day. One trip had perfect conditions for raising the sails. Another had too little wind to sail properly. The yacht still travels by motor when needed, so do not book this expecting a full sailing lesson or a guaranteed sail under canvas.

There is a barefoot policy on board, except for health reasons. Wear shoes to reach the marina, then be ready to remove them before settling in. Bring no oversize luggage. A small day bag with the items you need is the sensible approach.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife

The crew gives a short briefing about the plan and explains the marine life around Tenerife. Guides speak English, Spanish, French, and Italian, so you have a good chance of following the wildlife talk in a language you understand.

The guides are one of the most praised parts of the outing. Alex has been singled out for his care and clear explanations, while Jesús, Mauricio, Marta, Monica, and Yuri have also been warmly praised for their work. The exact crew depends on the departure, but the pattern is consistent: expect a friendly guide who spends time talking with people rather than simply pointing toward the horizon.

Pilot whales often provide the main show. The southern coast can produce sightings of several animals, including younger whales and family groups. On some trips, whales have approached close to the stationary yacht. The best moments come when the engine is off and the boat is quiet.

Dolphin sightings are possible, including bottlenose dolphins, but they are not guaranteed. Turtles have also been seen right beside the boat. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole trip looking through a screen. Wildlife can surface quickly and in different places.

The crew’s approach is important for the feel of the trip. Rather than racing after animals, the captain may slow down or stop and let the whales set the distance. You get a calmer encounter, and the sea remains the focus rather than a contest to get the closest photograph.

The southern coast from the deck

The coastline gives you a second reason to choose a sailing trip instead of a standard wildlife boat. You see Tenerife from the water, with the southern shore unfolding beside you as the yacht moves between the marina and the whale-watching area.

The supplied details do not promise a visit to Los Gigantes, and one outing specifically did not reach that area. If seeing Los Gigantes is essential to your plans, this is not the right trip to book on that expectation. The focus is the southern coast near the whale and dolphin grounds, not a long sightseeing cruise to a particular landmark.

The pace is generally gentle, but the sea decides how smooth the ride feels. Calm water can make the yacht feel almost still, especially when the motor is off. Large swells can make the same route uncomfortable, particularly for children or anyone sensitive to motion.

A review described children becoming seasick during unusually tall waves, even though they still enjoyed the trip. Another passenger noted that a first-time boat user who normally gets motion sick had a good ride by sitting near the front. Take both points seriously: the crew can help, but weather and personal tolerance remain outside its control.

The bay stop for swimming and snorkeling

Before returning to Puerto Colón, the captain anchors in a secluded bay. This is the slower part of the trip, giving you time to swim, snorkel, or stay on deck with a drink.

The bay has been described as having clear blue water and a beautiful setting. Basic snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel unless you prefer your own gear. You do need swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

The amount of time available in the bay can change. If the boat spends longer with whales, the water stop may become brief. One trip allowed only about 10 minutes for a quick swim after an extended whale encounter. That is not necessarily a flaw, since most people would rather have a memorable wildlife sighting than a longer swim in an ordinary spot, but you should know the tradeoff.

If swimming is your main reason for booking, this may feel short. If you see the swim as a pleasant finish to a wildlife trip, the balance works better. The crew may also prepare food while you swim, which keeps the stop useful for everyone.

Fruit, sandwiches, and drinks on board

The food is simple and practical. Fresh fruit and sandwiches are included, along with drinks such as water, juices, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine.

Some guides prepare sandwiches while the boat is under sail or when they have time between wildlife encounters. The exact meal style can vary, but you should have enough for a light snack during a three-hour outing. Several passengers have specifically enjoyed the sandwiches, fruit, and drinks.

Bring your own water if you like to drink frequently. One person felt the supplied drinks were not quite enough for their needs, even though alcoholic drinks and sandwiches were provided. Sunscreen, salt air, and warm weather can leave you thirsty.

Alcohol is available, but drink sensibly. The yacht may be moving in rolling water, and you still need to manage the swim stop safely. Water and juice are the better choices before getting in the sea.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this sits above a basic shared boat ride but below the cost of a private yacht charter. The value comes from the combination of a 52-foot yacht, a smaller passenger group, wildlife guidance, food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a three-hour outing.

The small-group element is especially important. A crowded boat can make wildlife watching feel like a queue at sea. Here, you may have room to change position, hear the guide, and enjoy the deck without standing shoulder to shoulder.

The price is strongest for couples, families, and small groups who want a calmer boat setting. It is less compelling if you only want a guaranteed swim or a long sailing session. The boat may not be able to raise the sails in light wind, and the bay stop may be short if the whale watching runs long.

You also save the cost and hassle of buying drinks and snacks separately during the trip. That does not make the outing cheap, but it makes the final price easier to understand.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this for anyone who puts wildlife ahead of a strict sightseeing checklist. It suits you if you want a friendly crew, a comfortable yacht, and the chance to see pilot whales without the feel of a large excursion boat.

Families can enjoy it, but parents should prepare children for possible motion sickness. The boat has room to move, yet the sea can be rough. Bring the right clothing, avoid a heavy meal before departure if motion is a concern, and follow the crew’s advice.

This is also a good match for couples and small groups looking for a quiet half-day on the water. The limited passenger numbers can feel close to a private charter without the full private-boat cost.

It is less suitable if you need hotel transport, want to visit Los Gigantes specifically, or expect a guaranteed dolphin sighting. It is also not ideal if you dislike removing your shoes or if you need a long, dedicated snorkeling session.

Practical packing advice for the three hours

Keep your bag small because oversize luggage is not allowed. Pack:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• A small amount of water if you prefer extra hydration
• Motion-sickness medication if you already use it

Wear comfortable clothes that can handle spray and sun. The barefoot rule means you will not spend the outing in shoes, so avoid bringing anything you need to keep dry on your feet.

The best approach is to arrive ready for both wildlife watching and swimming. You may spend much of the trip seated or standing on deck, then move straight into the water at the bay.

Booking flexibility and final decision

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. These details are useful if your Tenerife schedule depends on weather or changing plans.

I would book this trip if your priority is a small-group whale-watching outing with a good boat, a respectful crew, and a swim stop included. The strongest reason to choose it is the chance to watch pilot whales in a calm setting, with the captain giving them space.

I would skip it if you need a guaranteed smooth sea, a guaranteed dolphin encounter, or a long visit to a particular coastal landmark. For most people who want a thoughtful three-hour wildlife trip rather than a loud boat ride, the mix of whales, coast views, snacks, and swimming makes this a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the sailing excursion?

The excursion lasts three hours.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at Pantalán, dock number zero, in Puerto Colón. Miishi Restaurant is a useful landmark for finding the entry point.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What animals might I see?

The trip looks for pilot whales and dolphins, and you might also see turtles. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The yacht stops in a secluded bay where you can swim or snorkel, and basic snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are provided?

Fresh fruit, sandwiches, water, juices, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine are included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Oversize luggage is not allowed.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Contact the provider if you need details about the exact boarding arrangements.