Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

Pilot whales are the main event here, and they often come surprisingly close to the boat. You may also see dolphins, turtles, or even sharks, but wild animals set the schedule. I like the small group of no more than 11 and the captains’ clear respect for marine life.

I also like the relaxed food-and-drink service, especially the freshly made baguette, cold drinks, and welcome glass of fizz. The catch is value: at $78.44, this costs more than a basic boat outing, and the swim stop, wildlife time, and level of guiding can vary.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the most reliable sighting: Dolphins and turtles are possible, but never promised.
• Small boat, small group: A maximum of 11 people makes this calmer and more personal than a large catamaran.
• Three hours on the water: The trip includes wildlife searching, coastline views, drinks, lunch, and a swim or snorkel stop.
• Captain Guy gets especially high marks: Alex, Dani, and Maximilian have also led well-received trips.
• Food is light, not a full meal: Expect a sandwich or small baguette, snacks, and plentiful drinks.
• Meet at Puerto Colón gate 2: Arrive at least 15 minutes early, with a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen.

Setting out from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje

The trip begins at Puerto Colón, pier 2, in Costa Adeje. You need to be at gate number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure. This is worth taking seriously. A marina departure has no room for a late arrival, and the boat returns to the same meeting point at the end.

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must contact the operator at least 24 hours ahead. If you are staying outside that area, or prefer to make your own way, the port is near public transportation.

The boat carries no more than 11 people. That limit is one of the strongest reasons to consider this outing. You have more room to sit, a better chance of speaking with the captain, and less of the crowding that can make large whale-watching boats feel like floating buses.

The word sailing deserves a little caution. The boat is described as a sailing boat, but some departures have motored out rather than sailed under canvas. Think of this as a small yacht cruise with wildlife watching, not a guaranteed traditional sailing lesson.

The search for pilot whales and dolphins

Once clear of the marina, the captain searches the waters around Tenerife for marine life. The usual prize is the pilot whale. These animals often travel in family groups, and some outings have found mothers with calves. When the boat reaches them, the best captains cut the engine or keep a respectful distance so you can watch without a noisy chase.

That approach matters. A good wildlife trip is not just about getting close. It is also about allowing the animals to choose their distance. Captain Guy is repeatedly praised for his care around whales and his understanding of sea conditions. He also checks on people who feel unwell, which can make a real difference on open water.

Dolphins are less predictable. They may swim beside the boat, sometimes close enough to make the sighting feel very immediate, but you might also spend the entire outing with pilot whales as the main wildlife encounter. Turtles have appeared on several trips, including a mother and young turtle, and one outing even reported sharks. Those sightings are bonuses, not part of a promise.

The boat may spend a fair amount of time moving along the coast while the crew searches. That is normal for wildlife watching, but it can feel slow if you expect nonstop animal activity. One three-hour outing had whale sightings early, followed by a longer stretch of coastal cruising and time near the port. Bring the right expectation: this is a patient search on the sea, not an aquarium show with a fixed timetable.

Captains who shape the experience

The captain makes a large difference here. Guy receives the warmest praise for combining friendly service, animal awareness, and practical care. He has been described as speaking five languages and making sure people from different countries are included in the conversation.

He also handles the hospitality side of the trip. That can mean serving drinks, handing out sandwiches, checking how you feel, and sharing facts about the ocean. His style appears to be especially good for families and first-time whale watchers.

Alex has also been praised for his enthusiasm and for helping someone who felt seasick. Dani has been described as attentive and reassuring, while Maximilian has received credit for explaining wildlife and looking after passengers in windy weather.

The guiding level may not be identical on every departure. One person felt the captain shared too few facts, while others found the information lively and useful. If marine biology is your main reason for booking, ask questions directly and let the captain know you want to learn more. The experience seems strongest when the guide is actively talking about the animals, sea conditions, and Tenerife’s coast.

What is served on board

The food is simple but welcome. You receive a freshly made sandwich or small baguette, along with light snacks. The exact amount has been a point of disappointment for some people who expected a more substantial lunch. I would treat the food as a light meal, not a picnic spread.

Drinks are more generous. The package includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus water and a glass of Champagne or sparkling wine. Some departures have included fizz with strawberries or Prosecco. The wording varies between Champagne and other sparkling wine, so do not book this expecting a specific luxury label.

The drinks make the trip feel more sociable, especially during a calm whale-watching pause. They also add value for adults who want a pleasant afternoon on the water rather than a strictly nature-focused excursion. Still, drink service should not distract from safety or the wildlife. The best moments come when the engine is quiet and everyone is watching the whales.

Vegetarian food is available if requested at booking. A gluten-free request was not always met, so I would confirm dietary needs before paying and again before departure. If you have a serious allergy, the supplied information does not promise a fully adapted menu.

The swimming and snorkeling stop

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for swimming. Snorkel equipment is included, and the water gives you a chance to cool off after sitting in the sun.

The quality of this part depends on sea conditions and location. Some people enjoyed a very good swim, while others found the sea cold or choppy. At least one departure stopped close to Los Cristianos beach, where the water offered swimming but little to see below the surface. Another person was told not to bother taking a snorkel because there was not much underwater life at that spot.

So, book this for a refreshing swim with the possibility of snorkeling, not for a dedicated reef excursion. The supplied equipment is useful, but the tour does not promise colorful fish, clear water, or a long snorkeling session. Some trips have offered only about 10 minutes in the water, while others gave passengers more time.

Bring your own towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen. If you dislike cold water, you can remain on board and enjoy the views and drinks. You should also be comfortable with the possibility that wind or waves shorten the stop.

Sea conditions and seasickness

Tenerife can look calm from shore while the boat feels lively offshore. Several people enjoyed smooth, peaceful conditions, but others felt the effects of larger waves strongly. The smaller boat gives you a closer connection to the sea, which is part of its charm, but it also means more movement than on a large vessel.

If you are prone to seasickness, prepare carefully. Eat lightly beforehand, bring any medication you normally use, and tell the captain early if you feel unwell. The captains have a reputation for checking on passengers and offering practical help, but the boat cannot remove the motion of the sea.

One point deserves attention: a passenger raised concern about limited safety instructions and not being offered life jackets before departure. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not describe a full safety briefing. I would listen closely when the crew gives instructions and ask where safety equipment is kept if that is not explained.

How the three hours unfold

The trip is listed at about three hours, with departure and return at Puerto Colón. The usual rhythm is:

• Meet at gate 2 and board the small yacht.
• Motor or sail out from the marina.
• Search for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or other marine life.
• Pause to watch the animals without rushing them.
• Stop for swimming and possible snorkeling.
• Enjoy sandwiches, snacks, sparkling wine, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
• Cruise back to Puerto Colón.

This order can change. Wildlife is not a stage performance, and the captain may adjust the route to sea conditions or sightings. Some outings have ended around 20 minutes early, while others have spent extra time looking for animals or cruising near the harbor.

The coastline views are part of the experience, especially if the wildlife is quiet. An evening departure can add a sunset, which gives the boat ride a different mood. If you are choosing between times, the late trip may suit you if scenery and atmosphere matter as much as sightings.

Is $78.44 a fair price?

At $78.44 per person, this sits in the premium range for a three-hour Tenerife boat trip. The price makes the most sense if you value a very small group, drinks included, a sandwich, snorkel gear, and a captain who takes time with the wildlife.

It is less compelling if your main goal is simply to get into the ocean or see the coast. You can find cheaper ways to swim, and the snorkeling stop may be brief or visually limited. The wildlife itself is also never guaranteed, even though pilot whales are a common highlight.

For a family or couple who wants a quieter boat and personal attention, the cost can feel reasonable. For a group expecting a full lunch, luxury service at every stage, or hours of guaranteed whale and dolphin action, it may feel overpriced.

The current score is 4.5 from 511 ratings, which fits the overall picture: strong service and memorable whale sightings, balanced by a few uneven details around food, swimming time, safety information, and value.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend it to:

• Couples who want a relaxed half-day on the water.
• Families with children who can manage a three-hour boat outing.
• People who prefer a small group to a large catamaran.
• Wildlife fans who understand that nature sets the timetable.
• Anyone who likes having drinks and a light lunch included.
• Visitors who want a possible swim without booking a separate beach activity.

I would think twice if you need a guaranteed snorkeling site, dislike boat movement, expect a full meal, or want a formal naturalist lecture. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but the supplied information does not give detailed mobility guidance for boarding or moving around the boat.

Booking details that matter

Confirmation arrives at booking. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since wind affects both comfort and swimming time, checking the forecast before you leave your hotel is sensible.

If two people are attending together, put them on one booking rather than making separate reservations. The operator uses several boats, so separate bookings may not place you together.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want pilot whales, a small group, and an easygoing captain-led outing rather than a fast, crowded boat ride. Captain Guy is the safest name to hope for, but Alex, Dani, and Maximilian have also provided attentive trips.

Go in expecting wildlife watching, not a guarantee. You may see whales close to the boat, dolphins racing alongside, or turtles drifting nearby. You may also spend part of the trip simply cruising Tenerife’s coast. The food is a sandwich and snacks, not a feast, and snorkeling is a short extra rather than the main attraction.

For someone who values personal service and animal-friendly viewing, $78.44 can be fair. For a bargain hunter or serious snorkeler, I would choose a cheaper or more specialized outing.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Puerto Colón, pier 2, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at gate number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Puerto Colón.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance.

How long is the boat trip?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

What animals might I see?

You may see pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Some outings have also seen sharks, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time for swimming and snorkeling.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes a glass of Champagne or sparkling wine, light snacks, a freshly made sandwich, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Can I request vegetarian food?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the operator when booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You are offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.