Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

Pilot whales are the real stars here. Tenerife’s southern waters are known for regular whale sightings, and this three-hour trip gives you a calm, boat-level view rather than a quick pass from a crowded excursion vessel. You may also spot dolphins or turtles, but wildlife is never a fixed appointment.

I like the small-group feel and the chance to stop in a secluded bay for a swim. I also like the crew’s reported care around the animals, including turning off the engine and letting whales choose how close to come. The main caution is the sea: large waves can make the ride bumpy, and sailing may not be possible if the wind is weak.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the main target: Sightings are frequent, with reports of adults, mothers, and young whales close to the yacht.
• A 52-foot sailing yacht: You get more room and a quieter setting than on many large motorboats.
• Small groups matter: Groups of seven to ten people have felt spacious, with an atmosphere close to a private charter.
• Swimming is part of the plan: The captain anchors in a secluded bay for a swim, snorkel, or rest on board.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fresh fruit, sandwiches, water, soft drinks, juices, beer, cava, and wine.
• The sea can be rough: Bring sensible expectations if you are prone to motion sickness, and sit near the front if that helps you.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

The trip begins at Pantalán, dock number zero, inside Puerto Colón on Tenerife’s southwest coast. You should arrive 15 minutes early. The meeting point is near Miishi Restaurant, which is a useful landmark if you are unfamiliar with the marina.

There are two port car parks, priced at about €1 per hour. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way there. One group took the bus to the marina, and the meeting point was easy to find once they arrived. Allow extra time if you are traveling by public transport or walking from a nearby resort.

The crew gives a short briefing before departure. This is when you learn the basic plan, how the wildlife search works, and what to expect on the yacht. The staff speak English, Spanish, French, and Italian, so language support is good for an international group.

The yacht is 52 feet long. That gives the trip a more personal feel than the larger whale-watching boats that operate from Tenerife’s ports. It also means the group size matters. Reports of seven to ten people on board, excluding crew, describe plenty of room to move around without feeling lost in a crowd.

There is a barefoot policy on board, except for health reasons. Wear shoes to the marina, but expect to remove them before or during boarding. Leave oversize luggage at your accommodation. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel are the useful basics.

Watching pilot whales along Tenerife’s south coast

The wildlife search begins as the yacht follows Tenerife’s southern coastline toward the main whale and dolphin area. The crew explains the sea life and points out places where dolphins and whales are most often seen.

Pilot whales are the species you are most likely to focus on. Several outings have found groups of them, including smaller whales and young animals. One of the most valuable details is how the crew handles the sightings. The boat may stop its motor and wait, rather than chase the animals. That gives you a quieter encounter and reduces the sense that the yacht is forcing the action.

You may see whales close to the boat, but the exact distance is up to the animals. That is worth remembering. This is a wildlife trip, not a staged performance. Some outings have seen many pilot whales and dolphins, while another saw whales but no dolphins. A turtle has also appeared during some trips, including one close enough to the yacht for a memorable look.

The best moments can be surprisingly quiet. The engine stops, the yacht drifts, and everyone waits for a fin or back to surface. You may see a mother and young whale together, or a dolphin briefly matching the boat’s course. The crew’s patience matters more than a loud promise of guaranteed sightings.

The southern coast adds interest while you search. You are not simply sitting in one place with your eyes fixed on the horizon. The yacht gives you changing views of Tenerife from the water, with the coastline as a backdrop and the open Atlantic around you.

There is one point to keep clear when booking. This is not described as a trip to Los Gigantes, and one outing did not include that area. If your main aim is to see the cliffs of Los Gigantes, confirm the route before paying. The advertised focus is whale and dolphin watching along the south coast, followed by a bay stop.

How the yacht changes the mood

A sailing yacht creates a slower, softer sort of outing. When the wind allows, the crew raises the sails and the engine quiets. That can be the most peaceful part of the trip, with the water and coastline doing most of the work.

Do not assume the yacht will sail for the full three hours. One family had a lovely trip but found there was not enough wind to sail. Another group was lucky enough to have the sails raised. The boat still functions as a comfortable platform when the motor is running, but the sailing element depends on conditions.

The front of the yacht can be a good place to sit if you are concerned about motion sickness. One passenger who often feels unwell on boats found the ride manageable near the front. That said, another group found the waves large and the motion bumpy, with children becoming seasick even though they still enjoyed the trip.

If you know you are sensitive to movement, take that seriously. Eat lightly before departure, use any motion-sickness remedy you already know works for you, and tell the crew if you feel unwell. The open deck is pleasant, but it does not remove the effects of a rough sea.

The atmosphere is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. The group is small enough for the skipper to chat with everyone, answer questions, and check that people are comfortable. Captains and guides named in the feedback include Alex, Jesús, Mauricio, Marta, Monica, and Yuri. Their roles may vary by departure, but the consistent picture is of friendly crew members who care about marine life and take time with the group.

The secluded bay swim

Before returning to Puerto Colón, the captain anchors in a secluded bay. This is the second main part of the trip, and it changes the pace from wildlife watching to simple time on the water.

You can swim, use the basic snorkeling equipment, or stay on deck with a drink. The bay has been described as beautiful, with clear blue water on calm days. The stop may be long enough for a relaxed swim, but timing depends on how much time the group spends with whales and dolphins.

That point is important. One group spent so much time watching whales that only about ten minutes remained for a quick dip. The crew has to balance the wildlife encounter with the promised swim, and nature does not follow a precise timetable.

Bring a towel and swimwear. Sunscreen is essential, since the deck offers little escape from the sun. Sunglasses and a sun hat will also help during the wildlife search, when you may spend long periods looking across bright water.

The snorkeling gear is basic, so think of this as an optional extra rather than a dedicated snorkeling tour. The bay stop is best for a quick swim, a little mask-and-snorkel time, or a chance to relax while the crew prepares refreshments.

Sandwiches, fruit, and drinks on board

Fresh fruit and sandwiches are included, along with water, juices, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine. Some sandwiches are prepared while the yacht is under sail or when the guide has time away from the wildlife search. The food makes the trip easier because you do not need to plan a separate lunch during the three-hour outing.

The meal is simple rather than a full restaurant service. You get useful, welcome food after time in the sun and wind. Alcohol is available, but remember that the sea may be moving and the trip includes a swim. Water is the sensible priority, especially in warm weather.

One person suggested bringing extra water, despite drinks being provided. That is reasonable advice if you drink a lot in the sun or prefer to have a particular amount available. The included snacks are enough to add value, but they should not be the only reason you book.

At $88 per person, the price is not the lowest way to get onto the water in Tenerife. It becomes more appealing when you consider the yacht, the small group, the wildlife search, the bay stop, the snorkeling equipment, and the food and drinks. A large boat may offer a lower fare, but you are likely paying for a more crowded setting and less personal attention.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and small groups who want a quiet half-day rather than a party boat. If all you want is a short swim, you can find cheaper water activities. If you want whales, a sailing yacht, and a relaxed meal in one three-hour outing, the cost is easier to justify.

Who will enjoy this three-hour trip

I would put this near the top of the list for anyone who wants to see Tenerife from the sea without spending a full day on a boat. The short duration fits neatly into a holiday schedule, and the combination of wildlife and swimming keeps the outing from feeling repetitive.

It suits:

• Couples looking for a quiet yacht experience
• Families who can manage possible motion on the sea
• Small groups who value space and personal service
• First-time whale watchers who want clear guidance from the crew
• Visitors who prefer a gentler, less crowded trip
• Anyone keen to combine marine wildlife with a swim

The trip may be less suitable if you dislike boats, suffer badly from seasickness, or need a guaranteed sailing experience. It is also not the right choice if your main goal is Los Gigantes, since that is not part of the stated route.

Wheelchair access is listed, which makes this option worth considering for people who need an accessible activity. Still, boat access and conditions can vary, so confirm the practical details for your needs before booking.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Arrive 15 minutes before the start at dock number zero. Search for Miishi Restaurant if you need a quick marina landmark. Since pickup is not provided, plan your route before leaving your hotel.

Wear swimwear beneath comfortable clothes. Pack a towel, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and the barefoot rule means you should expect to go without shoes on board.

Keep your phone and camera protected from spray. The supplied information does not state that dry storage is available, so use a waterproof pouch if you want to take photos near the water.

For the best chance of comfort, consider sitting near the front if you are prone to motion sickness. Stay open to the possibility that the yacht will motor rather than sail, or that waves will shorten your swim time. The wildlife itself controls the schedule.

The cancellation policy is practical: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still shifting.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want pilot whales, a small yacht, and a swim stop in one well-paced outing. The strongest features are the personal atmosphere, the crew’s respectful approach to wildlife, and the chance to watch mothers and young whales in their natural setting.

I would hesitate only if you are very prone to seasickness, need guaranteed calm water, or expect a long sailing session and a generous swim regardless of wildlife sightings. For most people who want a thoughtful whale-watching trip rather than a crowded boat ride, $88 is a fair price for the setting and inclusions.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip depart from?

It departs from Pantalán, dock number zero, at Puerto Colón in Tenerife. Miishi Restaurant is a useful landmark for finding the entry point.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts.

How long is the excursion?

The sailing and wildlife excursion lasts three hours.

What animals might I see?

The trip looks for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Pilot whales are the main animal commonly seen, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The captain plans a stop in a secluded bay where you can swim, snorkel, or relax on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Basic snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

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

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Puerto Colón.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and there is a barefoot policy on board except for health reasons.