Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise

The best part of this trip is the mix of wildlife watching and speedboat time. You head out from Puerto Colón in search of dolphins and whales, then stop in a bay where you can swim or snorkel beneath Tenerife’s cliffs. On a clear day, Teide and La Gomera add a fine backdrop.

I like the small-boat feel and the guides’ respect for the animals. Nico, named often by satisfied passengers, explains the Atlantic sea life and waits for animals to approach rather than chasing them. I also like the simple swim stop, with snorkeling gear, a cool drink, and a sandwich included. The main consideration is that wildlife is wild, so sightings and weather cannot be promised.

Key points to know before you go

• Three hours on a lively speedboat: Expect wind, spray, and a faster ride than you would get on a large sightseeing boat.
• Wild dolphins and pilot whales: You might also see turtles, flying fish, spotted dolphins, or even unusual marine life such as a jellyfish.
• A proper swim stop: The boat pauses in a bay near the south coast, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Small-group atmosphere: The boat feels more personal than a large tourist vessel, and a private group option is available.
• A thoughtful wildlife approach: The crew keeps some distance and lets animals come toward the boat.
• Good practical value: The $77 price includes the boat, guide, sandwich, one drink, swim stop, and snorkeling gear.

What the three-hour trip is really like

This is not a slow harbor cruise. It is a three-hour ride by speedboat from Puerto Colón, with the boat moving back and forth along the south coast of Tenerife. You get a mix of open-water travel, wildlife watching, coastal views, and a stop for swimming.

The speed is part of the fun. You feel the wind, see the coast from a low position on the water, and cover more ground than you would on a small, slow boat. It also means you should expect movement. If you prefer a quiet, steady boat ride, this may feel energetic rather than restful.

The exact wildlife route depends on sea conditions and where the animals are. The captain searches for dolphins and whales in their natural setting, and you might also spot turtles or flying fish. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the trip is built around looking for real marine life rather than visiting an aquarium or staged attraction.

The crew’s attitude matters here. The most appealing detail is that the boat keeps its distance while the animals approach on their own. That gives you a better chance to see natural behavior and avoids turning the encounter into a chase. The guide also explains more about Atlantic marine life as you go.

Meeting the crew at Puerto Colón Gate 3

You meet the Sea Safari Tenerife staff at Puerto Colón Gate 3, 15 minutes before departure. A staff member waits in front of the gate, checks your printed or digital ticket, and escorts the group to the boat once everyone has arrived.

That early arrival matters. The boat leaves from a busy port, and you do not want to be hunting for the meeting point at the last minute. Puerto Colón is the starting point, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to the port.

The company operates in Spanish and English. A private group option is available if you want a more personal outing, though the supplied information does not specify the private-group price or maximum size.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The boat includes a swim stop, and you may get spray during the ride, so beach clothes make more sense than anything formal. Baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, non-folding strollers, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Searching for dolphins and whales off South Tenerife

Once the boat leaves Puerto Colón, the focus turns to the sea. The crew watches for dolphins and whales while explaining what you are seeing. Pilot whales are among the possible sightings, and you might also see common dolphins, spotted dolphins, turtles, or flying fish.

The experience can be especially rewarding because it does not rely on one single species. One outing may produce only a few sightings, while another may bring several kinds of marine life. A particularly lucky trip could include pilot whales, turtles, spotted dolphins, and other unusual sights. It is best to treat each sighting as a bonus, not as a checklist.

You may see the animals close to the boat, but that does not mean the crew drives directly at them. The more responsible approach is to wait at a respectful distance and allow the animals to choose how close they come. That can require patience, but it also makes the encounter feel less forced.

The guide adds useful context during the search. You are not simply sitting in silence, scanning the horizon. The captain talks about Atlantic marine life and the waters around Tenerife, making the time between sightings part of the trip.

Keep your eyes moving. Dolphins can appear briefly near the boat, while whales may show themselves farther away. Flying fish can be easy to miss if you are watching only for large animals. You might find that the whole group becomes quiet for a moment, waiting to see where the next movement appears.

The speedboat ride and views from the water

The boat gives you a close view of Tenerife’s southern coast. From the water, you see small ports, beaches, natural swimming pools, and cliffs that are easy to overlook from land.

This low, fast viewpoint is one reason to choose this tour instead of a standard large boat. You feel more connected to the water, and the coast changes quickly as the boat moves along it. The ride also gives you a fresh angle on the developed southern resorts without keeping you in the resort streets.

On a clear day, you can see Mount Teide and the nearby island of La Gomera. Those views depend on visibility, of course, but they add a strong sense of place when the air is clear. I would keep your camera ready, although spray, speed, and movement can make photography tricky.

There is a trade-off. A speedboat gives you excitement and a close water-level view, but it is less sheltered than a large vessel. Wind can be strong, and the ride may feel bumpy. If you have any concern about motion, ask about the sea conditions before boarding and choose your seat with care.

The bay stop for swimming and snorkeling

Partway through the outing, the boat stops in a bay along the southern coast. This is the calm break in an otherwise active trip. You can get into the water for a swim, or use the provided snorkeling equipment to look for fish.

The stop gives you time to cool off, stretch, and enjoy the setting without the engine running beneath you. Cliffs surround the bay, and the change from open-water speed to a quiet swim makes the three-hour schedule feel varied.

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from packing your own equipment. The description does not promise a particular fish species or underwater site, so think of this as a pleasant sea stop rather than a specialist snorkeling expedition.

If you do not want to swim, you can remain on the boat and enjoy the bay from the deck. The available information does not specify how long the stop lasts, so do not plan around an exact number of minutes. Bring sunscreen and a towel either way.

The water stop may be the most useful feature for families and couples who want more than wildlife viewing. You get an active break rather than three straight hours of sitting. At the same time, anyone hoping for a long, dedicated snorkeling session should know that snorkeling is one part of a wider coastal trip.

Sandwiches, drinks, and the simple onboard break

After or during the bay stop, you receive a sandwich and one drink. This is not a full restaurant meal, but it is a practical touch on a three-hour outing. A cool drink after time in the water is welcome, and the food means you do not need to arrange lunch during the excursion.

The included snack also helps explain the price. You are paying for a guided speedboat trip, marine-life search, swim stop, snorkeling equipment, food, and a drink in one package. At $77 per person, that is reasonable if you value the small boat and the wildlife focus.

The sandwich may not suit everyone. One passenger felt the food could be skipped in favor of a lower price. If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not list alternatives, so check before booking rather than assuming the sandwich can be changed.

I would still treat the snack as a useful extra, not the reason to choose the trip. The real value is the time on the water and the chance to see marine life in the wild.

Why the small boat changes the experience

The boat is described as a zodiac-style speedboat, and that makes this outing feel different from the typical large tourist cruise. You are closer to the water, closer to the guide, and more aware of every turn and wave.

A smaller boat can also make wildlife watching feel more personal. The guide can explain what is happening without a huge crowd between you and the sea. The group atmosphere is more intimate, and you have a better chance of hearing the commentary clearly.

That intimacy comes with less room. The supplied information does not give the boat’s passenger capacity, so you should not assume there will be unlimited space or lots of covered seating. If you need a fully accessible boat or extra room for equipment, check before booking.

The private-group option may suit couples, families, or small parties who want more control over the day. The standard tour is likely the better value if you mainly want the boat ride, wildlife search, and swim stop without paying for exclusivity.

How the guides shape the day

Nico is the guide name most closely linked with this experience, and his role goes beyond steering the boat. He explains the waters and the island, points out marine life, and gives the coastline more meaning.

Tine is also associated with the crew. Together, the team brings a personal touch that fits the small-boat format. The strongest praise centers on friendly service, clear explanations, and care for the sea.

The nature of this trip means the guide must make judgment calls. The crew chooses where to search, how long to watch, and when to move on. Respect for the animals is important, especially when dolphins or whales come near by themselves.

That is a good reason to choose this experience over a larger, more rigid cruise. You are not only buying transport along the coast. You are paying for someone to read the conditions, explain the wildlife, and keep the outing focused.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several experiences in one morning or afternoon: a fast boat ride, marine-life watching, a swim, snorkeling, and coastal views.

It suits:

• Couples looking for an active three-hour outing
• Families with children who enjoy boats and swimming
• Visitors who prefer small groups to large sightseeing vessels
• Anyone hoping to see dolphins or pilot whales without visiting a captive-animal attraction
• Repeat visitors who want to see Tenerife from the water
• Private groups wanting a more personal arrangement

It may not suit you if you dislike wind, speed, or boat movement. It is also not the best fit if you need a non-folding wheelchair, electric wheelchair, or stroller, since those are not allowed.

The tour is also weather-dependent. A rough or unsuitable sea can affect the route, wildlife search, or swim stop. That is normal for a real ocean trip, but it means you should keep a little flexibility in your schedule.

Booking value, timing, and cancellation

At $77 per person, the price is fair for a three-hour guided speedboat outing with wildlife watching, snorkeling equipment, a sandwich, and one drink. The strongest value comes from the combination of activities. A dedicated whale-watching trip might suit you better if wildlife is your only goal, while a beach day may cost less if swimming is all you want.

Here, you get a compact taste of several sides of South Tenerife. You see the coast from the sea, search for animals, hear local information, and stop in a bay. The experience is not luxury, and the included meal is simple, but the format makes good use of three hours.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still shifting. The exact starting times depend on availability.

Should you book the Puerto Colón speedboat?

Book it if you want a lively boat ride with a real chance to see dolphins and whales, plus time to swim and snorkel. The small boat, careful wildlife approach, and guides such as Nico and Tine give the outing more character than a basic coastal cruise.

I would skip it if you want a guaranteed animal sighting, a long snorkeling session, or a calm, sheltered boat ride. If you are comfortable with weather-dependent plans and a bit of wind, the $77 package offers a well-balanced way to spend three hours on South Tenerife’s coast.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at Puerto Colón, in front of Gate 3. Meet the Sea Safari Tenerife staff 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The speedboat tour lasts three hours.

What marine life might I see?

You might see dolphins, whales, pilot whales, turtles, and flying fish. Spotted dolphins are also possible.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes a stop in a bay where you can swim.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can snorkel during the bay stop.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes a sandwich and one drink.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages are available?

The live guide is available in Spanish and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchairs and strollers?

Non-folding wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, baby strollers, and non-folding strollers are not allowed.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Can the tour be affected by weather?

Yes. The tour is subject to weather conditions.