Luxury Opera 60 Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

Tenerife’s Opera 60 turns a short wildlife cruise into a proper half-day outing. You head from Puerto Colón into the Atlantic aboard a 60-foot RIB, watch for pilot whales and dolphins, then stop in a sheltered bay for swimming, snorkeling, food, and drinks. It is a nice mix of open-water excitement and easy relaxation.

I like the small group limit of 15, which gives you space to move around the boat and find a good view. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling gear, drinks, food, a toilet, and even showers after swimming. The main consideration is the sea itself. Sightings are never guaranteed, and one disappointing account describes poor drink service and an early return, so expectations should stay flexible.

Key points before you book

• A 60-foot luxury RIB with room for up to 15 people gives this trip a less crowded feel than a large sightseeing boat.
• Whale and dolphin watching comes first, with pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles among the wildlife you may see.
• Swimming and snorkeling follow the wildlife search, usually at a sheltered bay with equipment supplied on board.
• Food and complimentary drinks are included, with many outings featuring a simple warm meal and sparkling wine.
• The boat has sunbeds, several seating areas, two tables, music, a toilet, and showers, useful comforts on a three-hour trip.
• The tour leaves from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas and ends back at the same marina.

Why the Opera 60 feels different from a basic boat trip

The central appeal here is the boat itself. Opera 60 is a rigid inflatable boat, or RIB, with a solid hull and inflatable side sections for extra protection. At nearly 20 meters long and powered by twin 740-horsepower Volvo Penta engines, it is far larger than the small speedboats often used for coastal excursions.

That size matters. You have several seating areas, sunbeds, two large tables, and enough room to avoid feeling packed in. A maximum of 15 people is a useful limit, especially when the boat stops for food and swimming. You can sit with your group, move toward the front for the ride, or find a quieter spot while the crew searches for wildlife.

The boat is designed with a polished, party-friendly feel. There are quality speakers for music, and the setup leans more toward a relaxed luxury outing than a plain marine safari. The word luxury should be kept in proportion, however. One person found the exterior older and more worn than expected. The interior space and layout receive far more praise than the boat’s exterior finish.

Leaving Puerto Colón for open water

The meeting point is Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas. This is the practical heart of the outing, since you return to the same place after roughly three hours. The boat is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Once aboard, you can settle into the spacious seating areas before the boat heads away from the marina. The route is not simply a fast ride from one point to another. The crew searches the water for signs of marine life, so the exact timing depends on where animals are seen and how the sea behaves that day.

This is one reason not to think of the three hours as a tightly timed checklist. Wildlife can appear quickly or take longer to find. One outing reached whales within about 20 minutes, while another account describes seeing dolphins and nearly a whale. Those different results are normal for any wildlife trip.

The fast RIB adds fun to the journey, but conditions can change. In rougher water, you may find the ride bumpy, and drinks may not be served while the boat is moving. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you can see the horizon and keep your expectations realistic. The supplied information does not promise calm water or a particular route.

Watching pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

The waters around Tenerife are well known for marine life, and the main purpose of this trip is to look for it in its natural setting. Pilot whales and dolphins are the most commonly described sightings, with sea turtles also appearing on some outings. The combination can make for a memorable morning or afternoon, but no responsible operator can guarantee a particular animal.

The crew’s approach is important. The boat keeps a respectful distance from whales and dolphins rather than charging directly at them. That gives you time to watch their movement without turning the encounter into a noisy chase. The crew also points out animals and shares information about what you are seeing.

Some outings produce especially strong wildlife moments. You might see a pod of pilot whales, a school of dolphins, or turtles near the boat. Another possibility is a shorter sighting or no dolphin sighting at all. One account describes whales coming close to the boat but no dolphins, while other outings included all three types of animal.

I would treat the wildlife portion as a chance to observe, not a guaranteed show. Bring patience. Keep your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the whole time looking at a screen. The best moments may last only seconds, and the people around you will also want a clear view.

The sheltered bay, swimming, and snorkeling

After the search for whales and dolphins, the boat heads to a small bay for a slower part of the trip. This change of pace is one of the best features of the itinerary. You move from scanning the horizon to getting into the water, looking at fish, and enjoying Tenerife’s rocky coast from sea level.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The stop is also suitable for a simple swim if you are not interested in snorkeling. Accounts describe seeing different fish species, and sea turtles may also appear in the wider area.

The bay is not presented as a major snorkeling site with a long guided reef tour. Think of it as a pleasant swim stop built into a wildlife cruise. Water conditions, visibility, and the amount of time in the bay can vary. The boat has showers for rinsing off afterward, which is a welcome touch when you are carrying salt water and sunscreen.

Bring your swimwear, even if swimming is not your main reason for booking. Several people found this stop a highlight, and skipping it would mean missing one of the two main parts of the experience.

Food, sparkling wine, and the service on board

Food and drinks are included, which changes the value of the trip. You are not paying only for a boat ride and a wildlife search. You also get time to sit at a table, eat, and enjoy the coast without arranging a separate lunch.

The meal has been described as a simple local-style spread and, on some outings, a warm chicken and rice dish with bread. It is not a fine-dining cruise. One person found the food lukewarm and the bread stale, while others described the meal as tasty, plentiful, and good for a relaxed day at sea. I would expect straightforward boat-trip food rather than a restaurant meal.

Drink service is another part of the experience that receives strong praise overall. Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and sparkling wine are among the drinks described. Several outings included generous pours of prosecco, and the host Fabrizio is specifically praised for making sure glasses stayed full.

There is a service caveat. One account describes waiting an hour for drinks, then having to ask for water and sodas while stopped in the bay. That appears to be an exception rather than the usual pattern, but it is worth knowing. Service on a boat can also slow down when the sea is rough or the crew is handling several tasks at once.

If you have children with you, ask directly for water and soft drinks early in the trip rather than assuming every drink will arrive without prompting. If you want prosecco or another alcoholic drink, remember that the boat is moving during part of the tour. Drink lightly until the boat is stationary, particularly if you are sensitive to motion.

Space, comfort, and the small-group advantage

The boat’s strongest practical feature is room. With no more than 15 people, you should not have to fight for a seat or squeeze around a crowded deck. Families and groups of friends can usually sit together, while couples can find a quieter place during the ride.

The sunbeds are useful for the return journey or the stop in the bay. The tables make eating easier than balancing a plate on your knees, and the toilet matters on a three-hour outing. The showers are especially handy after swimming, though the supplied information does not specify how many showers there are or how much privacy they provide.

Music from the boat’s speakers adds atmosphere, but this is not a silent nature trip. If you want total quiet for wildlife watching, the combination of music, conversation, and engine noise may not suit you. If you like a social outing with a celebratory feel, the setup should work well.

The boat is described as stylish and elegant, but do not book solely for a flawless yacht appearance. The useful distinction is between luxury in space and comfort, which the trip provides well, and luxury in immaculate finish, which may vary.

Is $96.79 a fair price?

At $96.79 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: about three hours at sea, a small group, wildlife watching, a swimming stop, snorkeling equipment, food, drinks, and use of a large boat with a toilet and showers.

For a short wildlife-only ride, the cost would be harder to justify. For a boat outing that combines several activities, the value is stronger. You do not need to hire snorkeling equipment, arrange lunch, or pay separately for the coastal cruise.

The best value comes if you use the whole program. Swim, snorkel, eat on board, watch for marine life, and take advantage of the boat’s open space. If you plan to remain seated and only want a quick whale sighting, a cheaper trip may suit you better.

The trip is also a better buy for small groups and families who value comfort. A crowded boat can make a three-hour outing feel long. Here, the 15-person limit and several seating areas give you a fair chance to enjoy the ride without being shoulder to shoulder.

Who should book the Opera 60?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want one outing that combines wildlife, swimming, food, and drinks. It suits couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want more than a short sightseeing cruise.

It is also a good match if you care about personal space. The boat’s size and limited capacity make it easier to move around, take photographs, and watch wildlife from different positions.

You may want another option if you need a guaranteed whale or dolphin sighting, dislike open-water motion, or expect gourmet food and spotless yacht-style finishes. The boat’s schedule depends on wildlife and weather, and service can occasionally be uneven.

The activity is offered in English, most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transportation, making Puerto Colón a practical starting point. The trip requires good weather and a minimum number of people. If weather cancels the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. After that point, changes and refunds are not accepted under the stated policy.

My verdict: book it for the whole package

I would book the Opera 60 if I wanted a comfortable, social half-day at sea, not just a wildlife sighting. The strongest reasons are the small group, generous space, swimming stop, and combination of food and drinks. The crew’s respectful handling of whales and dolphins is another important plus.

Go in knowing that nature sets the timetable. You could see pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles, or you could have a quieter wildlife session. Expect simple food rather than restaurant cooking, and remember that the boat’s exterior may look more used than the word luxury suggests.

For a special day in Tenerife, the package is convincing. Pack swimwear, keep your camera ready, and leave room in your plans for the sea to dictate the pace.

FAQ

Where does the Opera 60 tour start?

It starts at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

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

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum of 15 people.

What wildlife might I see?

You may see dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a stop for swimming and snorkeling in a bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Drinks, snacks, and food are provided on board. The exact meal and drink service can vary.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.