Review · WHALE WATCHING AND SNORKELING TRIPS
SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private
The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is its small scale. Rather than joining a crowded cruise, you head out with only your own group, up to 11 people, in search of dolphins and whales. When the boat slows and the engine goes quiet, wildlife may come close on its own terms.
I like the private format, which lets you shape the three hours around wildlife, swimming, snorkeling, or a livelier ride home. I also like the simple extras: snorkeling gear, a sandwich, and a drink are already on board. The main consideration is the price, listed at $600.79 per group up to one person, so you should confirm the final cost for your party before booking.
Key points
- Private boat for up to 11 people: You share the boat only with your own group.
- Wildlife search near Tenerife: The trip looks for dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, and other marine life.
- Swimming and snorkeling included: Equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack a mask or fins.
- Masca can be part of the route: The South Tenerife option heads toward Masca Bay for swimming and dramatic coastal views.
- Food and drink provided: You receive a sandwich and a soft drink during the outing.
- Skilled local captains: Nico and Eric are named in the available feedback, with Nico praised for patient, careful wildlife watching.
A private start from Puerto Colón

You meet Sea Safari Tenerife at Avenida de Colón in Playa de las Américas, close to Puerto Colón. The activity returns to the same meeting point, which keeps the day easy if you are staying in the south of Tenerife.
The tour lasts about three hours. That is long enough to search for marine life, stop for a swim, and still enjoy the ride without giving up a full morning or afternoon.
The boat is private for your group, though the advertised capacity reaches 11 people. This matters more than it may first seem. You are not assigned to strangers, and the captain can respond to your group’s pace and interests within the time available.
The exact shape of the outing is flexible. You can fill the excursion as you like, or choose the South Tenerife safari route. That gives you more freedom than a fixed sightseeing cruise, but it also means you should discuss your preferred balance of wildlife watching, snorkeling, swimming, and coastal scenery before setting off.
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Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The marine wildlife is the main reason to book. Tenerife’s southern waters are known for regular sightings of dolphins and pilot whales, and this trip is designed around finding them rather than simply cruising past the coast.
The boat first spends time looking for dolphins and whales. One description of the outing places the wildlife area after roughly 20 minutes of travel from the harbor, though the exact timing can change with conditions and the captain’s decisions.
This is where a small boat can feel special. You are closer to the water than you would be on a large cruise vessel, and the captain can slow down or switch direction when wildlife appears. The best moments may be quiet ones, with the motor off and the boat drifting while animals pass nearby.
Captain Nico receives especially strong praise for spotting pilot whales before anyone else on board and for putting the animals’ comfort first. That approach is important. A good wildlife trip is not only about getting close. It is also about slowing down, avoiding needless disturbance, and giving the animals room to choose their own distance.
You may see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, or tuna. The available accounts describe all of these, but wildlife sightings are never something a boat can guarantee. The sea sets the schedule. Still, the captain’s experience and the small boat give you a useful chance to spend time searching rather than simply hoping to spot something from a distant deck.
A closer look at the boat and the ride

This is described as a speedboat and a private RIB-style outing. That gives the trip two different moods.
At low speed, you can focus on the sea and watch for fins, blows, or movement near the boat. At higher speed, the ride becomes part of the entertainment. Several accounts describe an energetic return to the harbor, with the captain opening the throttle after asking if the group wanted a faster ride.
That final burst of speed can be great fun, especially for people who enjoy a little motion. It may not suit everyone, though. If anyone in your group dislikes fast boat rides, tell the captain early and make your preference clear.
The boat’s size also affects comfort. A private craft feels personal and responsive, but it does not offer the room or sheltered seating of a large excursion vessel. Bring practical sun protection, and remember that ocean spray and motion are part of the experience.
South Tenerife, Masca, and the swim stop

The South Tenerife safari route can include a run toward Masca. This section adds scenery to the wildlife search, with steep coastal rock formations and views back toward the island.
Masca Bay is described as a particularly memorable stop. The boat heads into the bay, where you can take roughly 20 minutes for swimming before having a sandwich and drink. The setting gives the break a real sense of place, rather than making it feel like an ordinary swimming pool stop.
The swimming portion is a useful counterpoint to the wildlife search. Sitting quietly while looking for whales requires patience. A swim gives you a chance to stretch, cool off, and enjoy the water directly.
Snorkeling equipment is included. That is a practical advantage, especially if you are packing light or do not want to carry wet gear around Tenerife. The supplied details do not specify the exact equipment available, so ask if you have particular needs.
The water stop is weather and sea-condition dependent. The tour description promises swimming and snorkeling as part of the experience, but the captain remains responsible for deciding where and when it is safe to stop.
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What you eat and drink on board

You receive a sandwich and a soft drink during the trip. It is not a full meal, but it is enough to take the edge off hunger during a three-hour outing.
This small detail improves the value of the tour. You do not need to interrupt the day to find food immediately after leaving the harbor, and the snack fits naturally with the swimming stop.
If you have dietary restrictions, ask the operator before booking. The available information confirms a sandwich and drink, but it does not describe the filling, drink choices, or special-diet options.
The guides make a real difference

The boat itself is only half the experience. The captain controls the route, the wildlife approach, the safety decisions, and the mood of the trip.
Nico is praised for his enthusiasm, local knowledge, and careful handling around whales and dolphins. His strength appears to be reading the water and finding pilot whales before they are obvious to the people on board. He also explains what you are seeing instead of leaving you to guess at a distant fin.
Eric is identified as a friendly and informative captain who hosted a private trip with lunch, swimming, and dolphins. Tine is also associated with arranging excursions and giving personal guidance, including helping solo visitors choose activities.
Names and crew assignments can change, so you should not assume Nico or Eric will operate every departure. Still, these details tell you what to look for: a captain who explains the marine life, respects distance from animals, and asks what kind of ride your group wants.
Is $600.79 good value?

The displayed price is $600.79 per group up to one person. That wording is unusual because the tour itself allows up to 11 people. Before paying, confirm how the price applies to your group and whether the amount changes when additional people join.
For a couple, family, or group of friends, a private price can make more sense than paying individual fares for a large cruise, especially if you value privacy. Split among several people, the cost per person may become reasonable. For one person or a very small group, it is a much heavier expense.
The value also comes from what is bundled in. You get about three hours on the water, wildlife searching, swimming, snorkeling gear, a sandwich, and a soft drink. You are also paying for a private boat rather than a standard shared departure.
I would consider it strongest for a group that wants control and a more personal outing. If your priority is simply seeing whales at the lowest possible price, compare it with shared cruises from Puerto Colón. If you want your own boat and the freedom to adjust the outing, the private format may justify the cost.
Who will enjoy this most

This trip suits families, couples, and friends who want one boat for themselves. It also suits people who dislike crowded excursions and prefer to ask questions directly to the captain.
You will get the most from it if you enjoy a mix of activities. The day is not only a whale-watching trip. It can include a fast ride, wildlife watching, a coastal run toward Masca, swimming, snorkeling, a snack, and a return to Puerto Colón.
It is also a good choice for anyone who does not want to bring snorkeling equipment. The gear is supplied, and the activity stays within a manageable three-hour window.
Solo booking requires more thought because of the listed group price. Tine is praised for helping solo visitors, but the advertised cost is still shown as $600.79 per group up to one person. Confirm the exact solo rate and boat arrangements before booking.
Practical details before you reserve

You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity is near public transportation. The meeting point is Sea Safari Tenerife on Avenida de Colón in Playa de las Américas, and you return there at the end.
The tour is offered in English. Most people can participate, but the information does not give detailed mobility guidance or describe the boat’s boarding setup. If you have mobility concerns, contact Sea Safari before reserving.
Book with the sea in mind. Three hours may include the full South Tenerife route, but the captain may need to adjust the timing and route for wildlife, weather, or sea conditions. Tell the crew if your group cares most about whales, swimming, snorkeling, scenery, or speed.
Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.
Should you book Sea Safari Tenerife?
Book this if you want a private South Tenerife boat trip with a genuine mix of wildlife, swimming, snorkeling, and speed. The best features are the small group, included gear and snack, and the chance to spend quiet time near dolphins or pilot whales with a captain who knows what to look for.
Think twice if you are traveling alone and the full group price feels high, or if you want a guaranteed wildlife sighting. No boat can promise that. Also confirm the unusual pricing language before booking.
For a family or group of friends splitting the fare, this is one of the more appealing ways to get on the water from Puerto Colón. You receive privacy, flexibility, and a full three-hour outing instead of a quick wildlife pass. For the right group, that combination is worth considering.
FAQ
Where does the Sea Safari Tenerife tour start?
It starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, near Puerto Colón.
Where does the tour finish?
The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
How long is the sea safari?
The tour lasts approximately three hours.
How many people can join the private tour?
The tour can accommodate a maximum of 11 people. Only your own group participates.
What wildlife might I see?
The trip looks for dolphins and whales, and sightings described for the route also include pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, and tuna.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board.
Is swimming part of the experience?
Yes. The tour includes a swimming stop, and the South Tenerife route can include a stop at Masca Bay.
Are food and drinks included?
Yes. A sandwich and a soft drink are included.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes. The experience is offered in English.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.
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