Premium All Inclusive Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

Tenerife’s south coast gives you a good chance to see marine life without spending a full day at sea. This three-hour yacht trip looks for resident whales and dolphins, then adds a swim stop, snacks, and drinks to make the outing feel more like a small sea excursion than a basic wildlife cruise. The small boat matters, since a group of around seven to ten people gives you more room and easier access to the skipper.

I like the included food and drinks, which remove the usual little costs on a short boat trip. I also like that snorkeling gear is supplied and that the crew, including named skippers such as Juan and Marie, provide explanations rather than simply pointing at animals. The main caution is the sea itself: wind and waves can cause seasickness, and snorkeling may not be possible if conditions are poor.

Key points before you book

• Resident whales near Tenerife: Whales live around the Canary Islands year-round, so sightings are possible in every season.
• Small-group boat: The stated boat capacity is 10 people, though booking information lists a maximum of 11 passengers.
• Three hours on the southern coast: You get time for wildlife watching, a swim stop, and commentary without giving up most of your day.
• Snacks and drinks included: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and food are part of the trip.
• Snorkeling depends on the sea: Equipment is provided, but rough water can make the swim stop uncomfortable or impossible.
• Returns to Puerto Colón: The trip begins and ends at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

You meet at Puerto Colón, the marina in Playa de las Américas, on Tenerife’s southern coast. The activity returns to this same point, which makes it easy to plan around a hotel stay in the resort area or nearby public transport.

The boat ride lasts about three hours. That is a useful length for a wildlife trip: long enough to get away from the marina and search for animals, but short enough to fit around a beach afternoon, dinner, or another Tenerife plan.

I would arrive early and check the exact departure time carefully. One passenger reported waiting in the heat because the advertised time and actual departure did not match. A delay can be frustrating at a sunny marina, so confirm the meeting instructions and start time before you set out.

The boat is described as a yacht with space for up to 10 people. The booking information also gives a maximum of 11 passengers, so the group size may vary slightly depending on how the operator counts the skipper. Either way, this is far smaller than a large excursion boat.

That smaller scale is one of the strongest reasons to consider the trip. You are not trying to see over several rows of heads, and you can ask the skipper questions without waiting for a formal presentation. The tradeoff is that a smaller yacht may move more in open water, particularly when wind picks up.

Searching for whales along Tenerife’s south coast

The central aim is to find whales and dolphins in the waters off southern Tenerife. Resident whales live in the area throughout the year, which gives this trip a stronger chance of sightings than an outing that depends only on seasonal migration.

Still, wildlife watching is never guaranteed. You may see several pods, a few animals, or none at all. One outing produced sightings of whales, dolphins, and even a sea turtle. Another produced four or five dolphins despite difficult weather. A separate trip saw whales but no dolphins.

The skipper’s local experience is important here. The crew keeps track of places where whales and dolphins have been seen before and guides the boat toward likely areas. That does not turn the ocean into a set schedule, but it gives you better odds than simply taking a scenic ride along the coast.

The best part of this section is the combination of movement and explanation. You are not only waiting for a fin to appear. The crew explains the marine life around the island and helps you understand what you are seeing. On a calm day, this can feel relaxed and personal, especially with only seven or so passengers aboard.

Sightings can also be brief. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire trip looking down at a phone. The animals may surface on one side of the boat and disappear before everyone has a perfect photograph. The experience is more rewarding if you treat the wildlife as the main event, not a guaranteed photo session.

What the small boat changes

A group of seven passengers plus the skipper has been reported on one trip, while other departures may reach the listed maximum. This range makes a real difference.

With fewer people, the skipper can answer questions and adjust the conversation to the group. You can usually move around the boat more easily, and the outing feels less like a timed public excursion. Families also have more breathing room than they would on a packed vessel.

The family setup can work well for mixed ages. One family brought children aged 7, 5, and 1, and the youngest slept through much of the trip. Another child jumped straight into the water at the swim stop. These details suggest that the outing can suit families, though parents should still consider the boat motion and the child’s comfort at sea.

The small size does not remove the normal risks of boating. If you are prone to motion sickness, take the possibility of rough water seriously. Strong wind and waves caused severe discomfort for several people on one departure, even though dolphins were seen. A calm sea can make the trip a delight, while a rough sea can dominate the entire experience.

The swim stop and snorkeling option

At some point, the boat stops so you can swim in the Atlantic. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

This is a pleasant change of pace after wildlife watching. You can cool off, get into the water with less fuss, and enjoy the setting from sea level. For children and confident swimmers, the swim stop may become the most memorable part of the trip.

There is an important condition: snorkeling is not guaranteed. One passenger could not find or use the equipment, while another reported that snorkeling was impossible. The sea, wind, waves, timing, and crew arrangements can all affect how the stop works.

Think of the swim as an added opportunity, not the main reason to book. If you would be disappointed by a boat trip without snorkeling, choose a calmer day when possible and ask the operator about sea conditions. If you are happy simply to watch whales and dolphins, the swim stop becomes a welcome extra rather than a promise that might let you down.

You should also be comfortable with the idea of a basic boat swim rather than a guided underwater tour. The information provided confirms the equipment and swim stop, but it does not describe a formal snorkeling lesson or a particular reef site.

Snacks, drinks, and the meaning of premium

The price is listed at $21, which makes the included extras particularly important. Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, snacks, and a sandwich are provided during the outing. That can be good value when you compare it with a wildlife cruise where you pay separately for every drink.

Keep your expectations sensible about the food. One passenger described the premium snack as a homemade half sandwich. That may be perfectly adequate on a three-hour trip, but it is not a full meal or a luxury catering service.

I like the simple approach. You can have a drink while watching the water, take a snack during the search, and avoid returning to shore hungry. The value comes from the whole package: a small yacht, a skipper, marine-life commentary, a possible swim, and refreshments for a relatively low price.

Alcohol is included, but you should judge your own comfort before drinking, especially in rolling seas. Motion sickness and alcohol are not a good pairing. If the water is rough, a soft drink and a light snack may be the wiser choice.

The skippers and the feel of the outing

The crew is described as qualified and experienced with local whale and dolphin locations. Juan and Marie are named among the crew associated with the experience, and Juan has been praised for being friendly, welcoming, and interesting. Another passenger had a poor interaction with a guide named Paco, so the personal quality of the experience can depend on the crew member assigned that day.

That is worth noting because the skipper shapes a small-group tour more than the boat itself. A friendly guide can make a short sighting meaningful, explain why the boat changes direction, and help first-time visitors feel at ease. A brusque guide can make the same three hours feel much longer.

The best approach is to see the crew as a useful source of local knowledge, but not assume every departure will feel identical. The operator has responded to complaints and asked for booking details when problems arose. That does not erase a bad experience, but it shows that concerns can be raised directly with Tenerife First Excursions.

Weather, comfort, and accessibility

This is an open-water activity, so weather matters. The operator requires good conditions and may cancel if the weather is poor. In that case, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

The weather rule is not just administrative. Wind affects wildlife watching, comfort, the ability to stop for swimming, and the chance of using snorkeling equipment. A calm day gives you smoother viewing and a more enjoyable time on the water.

The trip offers access for disabled passengers, but the available information does not explain the boat’s exact boarding arrangements or facilities. If you need specific assistance, contact the operator before booking so the crew can confirm what is possible.

Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation. Families are included among the people who have taken the trip, but every passenger should be ready for a moving boat and changing sea conditions.

For cancellation, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. That policy makes it sensible to check the forecast and your plans before the final day.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would choose this experience if you want a short, personal boat trip rather than a large sightseeing cruise. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like the idea of combining wildlife watching with a swim and a cold drink.

It is also a good fit if you want to keep costs down. At $21, the included snacks and drinks add real value, provided you see the food as a light refreshment rather than lunch.

You should think twice if you are highly prone to seasickness or need snorkeling to happen no matter what. The sea can be rough, and one departure became unpleasant because of strong wind and waves. You should also allow for possible timing changes and confirm the meeting time before arriving at the marina.

The trip may suit a proposal or engagement celebration as well. Special arrangements are offered for people planning to pop the question, though you should contact the operator in advance to discuss the details.

Should you book the Puerto Colón whale trip?

Book it if you want a low-cost, small-group wildlife outing with a realistic chance of seeing resident whales and dolphins. The strongest reasons are the small boat, local guidance, included refreshments, and the chance to swim.

Go with flexible expectations. You may see whales, dolphins, a sea turtle, or only a few animals. The swim and snorkeling stop may be excellent on a calm day and unavailable on a rough one.

For most visitors staying around Playa de las Américas, this is a worthwhile three-hour addition to a Tenerife holiday. Check the departure time, prepare for sun and boat motion, and treat snorkeling as a bonus. With those points in mind, the price offers good value and the chance of a genuinely memorable hour on the Atlantic.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón, Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

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

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The boat is described as having capacity for 10 people. The booking information lists a maximum of 11 passengers.

Are whales and dolphins guaranteed?

No. The waters around Tenerife have resident whales all year, and the crew searches known sighting areas, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the trip includes a swim stop when conditions allow.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and snacks are included. Food may include a sandwich.

Is the tour suitable for disabled passengers?

The experience offers access for disabled passengers. Contact Tenerife First Excursions before booking to confirm the arrangements for your needs.

What is the cancellation policy?

You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.