SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

The best part of this three-hour speedboat trip is the chance to see wild dolphins and pilot whales close to Tenerife’s southern coast, then stop for a swim instead of spending the whole outing on the boat. Captain Eric is often at the helm, with Tines helping run the operation.

I like the small maximum of 11 people, which gives the outing a more personal feel than a large whale-watching boat. I also like that snorkeling gear, drinks, sandwiches and even a BladeFish underwater scooter are included. The main drawback is simple: wildlife is wild, and a minimum number of bookings is required, so a departure can be changed or canceled.

Key points

• Small group: The boat takes a maximum of 11 people, keeping the trip quieter and easier to manage.
• Wildlife focus: The usual target area is known for dolphins and pilot whales, with turtles, flying fish, crabs and other sea life also possible.
• Active three-hour route: You combine fast coastal travel, animal watching, swimming and snorkeling in one outing.
• BladeFish included: You can try an underwater personal propulsion device as part of the water stop.
• Food provided: Drinks and sandwiches are served, so you do not need to pack a meal.
• Back at Puerto Colón: The trip begins and ends at Sea Safari Tenerife in Playa de las Américas.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

Your meeting point is Sea Safari Tenerife on Avenida de Colón at Puerto Colón, in Playa de las Américas. This part of Tenerife’s south coast is easy to reach and close to public transportation, useful if you are staying around Costa Adeje or Playa de las Américas.

The boat returns to the same place after roughly three hours. That makes the trip easy to fit between other plans. You are not committing to a full-day cruise, and you will not need to arrange a second pickup from another harbor.

The group limit of 11 matters. On a boat this size, you should have a better view when dolphins surface and less trouble hearing the guide. It also means the experience is not designed for a large crowd looking for a party atmosphere. You are there mainly for wildlife, the coast and time in the water.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, but keep an eye on the departure information and meeting point. One serious complaint described a missed departure, although that appears to be an isolated problem against a much stronger overall record. I would save the operator’s contact details and arrive early, especially if this is an important birthday or family outing.

Looking for dolphins and pilot whales

The boat heads toward places where dolphins and whales have been seen before. That does not turn the trip into a guaranteed wildlife show, but it does give the crew a sensible starting point. The speedboat can cover more ground than a slow sightseeing vessel, which is valuable during a short three-hour outing.

Pilot whales are a major possible sighting in these waters. You may also see several dolphin species. Past outings have included turtles, flying fish, crabs, large schools of fish and even a hammerhead shark. Those extra sightings are never promised, but they show why it pays to keep watching the water rather than focusing only on the horizon.

I especially like the way the trip leaves room for more than one kind of wildlife encounter. A group of dolphins may be the headline sight, while a turtle near the surface or flying fish beside the boat becomes the detail you remember later. Keep your eyes open and your camera ready, but do not expect every animal to appear on every departure.

Captain Eric receives repeated praise for finding animals and explaining what you are seeing. His approach is described as careful around the wildlife, not aggressive or rushed. That is important. A good wildlife boat gives you a close view without treating the animals like performers.

The route and sightings will change with weather, sea conditions and animal movement. You may see several families of pilot whales, dolphins and turtles, or you may spend more time searching. That uncertainty is part of any genuine wildlife outing. If your priority is a guaranteed animal encounter, no responsible boat trip can offer that.

Speedboat travel along Tenerife’s south coast

The boat is not simply a floating viewing platform. The fast ride is part of the attraction. You cover a useful stretch of the coast in three hours, and the return route follows the southern shoreline toward Puerto Colón.

This lets you see Tenerife from a different angle. The cliffs and coastal rock formations look different from the water, and the ride gives you a broad view of the southern edge of the island. It is not a dedicated geology cruise, but the cliffs add variety between wildlife sightings and the swim stop.

The speed can also be a drawback. If you want a slow, quiet cruise with plenty of time to sit back, this may feel too active. The boat has been described as comfortable by one family, including a four-year-old and a baby, but the experience still involves open-water movement. Anyone prone to seasickness should consider that before booking.

You will also spend time scanning the sea. That may mean brief periods when there is little to see. The reward is that the boat can move on to another area rather than staying fixed in one place.

A cove for swimming and snorkeling

The outing includes a stop for swimming and snorkeling, usually in a sheltered cove. This breaks up the wildlife search and gives you a chance to get into the water rather than only looking down from the boat.

Snorkeling equipment rental is included. Different mask sizes are available, according to the information provided, so you can travel light. You do not need to carry your own mask and fins unless you prefer using familiar gear.

The underwater scenery is described in modest but appealing terms: fish, crabs and other small marine life may appear near the cove. Do not expect a purpose-built reef or a long guided snorkeling session. The value here is variety. You get wildlife watching, a coastal ride and a chance to swim in one compact excursion.

You are not forced to enter the water. This is a useful point for mixed groups. One person can stay aboard and enjoy the views while others snorkel. That makes the trip workable for families and for anyone who likes the idea of the sea but is not keen on swimming.

The BladeFish adds a playful touch. This underwater personal propulsion device pulls you through the water, giving the swim stop something beyond standard mask-and-snorkel time. It is a distinctive feature at this price, though you should think of it as a short extra activity rather than the main purpose of the tour.

Bring the practical basics: swimwear, a towel and sun protection. The supplied details confirm drinks and sandwiches, but they do not specify whether towels or extensive personal storage are provided. Pack as lightly as you can, since the boat is small and the trip already includes equipment.

Snacks, drinks and a sensible three-hour length

Drinks and sandwiches are provided during the trip. This is more useful than it may sound. Three hours is long enough for the boat ride, animal search and swim stop, but short enough that a simple snack should cover most people.

You avoid the hassle of bringing a packed meal, and the food helps keep the outing from becoming uncomfortable for children or anyone who gets hungry on the water. The available information does not list the exact drinks, sandwich fillings or arrangements for special diets, so ask Sea Safari before departure if that matters to you.

At about three hours, the timing is well judged for a first boat trip. You get a proper outing without giving up an entire day. It also suits a family holiday where you want to leave space for the beach, a hotel pool or another activity later.

The pace is fairly full. You may spend part of the trip traveling quickly, part searching for wildlife, and part swimming or snorkeling. If you want a long, leisurely water stop, you may find the schedule brief. If you want several experiences in one morning or afternoon, the format works well.

What the $78.10 price buys you

At $78.10 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Tenerife. Its value comes from the combination of features rather than from one single attraction.

You are paying for a small-group boat, a three-hour route, wildlife searching, the return coast ride, snorkeling equipment, food and drinks. The BladeFish is another unusual extra. A basic sightseeing boat may cost less, but it may not include swimming gear or offer the same active format.

The small group is the strongest value point for me. With no more than 11 people, you are not lost in a crowd when dolphins appear. The guide can give clearer explanations, and the crew can better manage the mix of people who want to swim and those who prefer to stay aboard.

The price is harder to justify if your only goal is a guaranteed close view of whales. Wildlife sightings cannot be controlled, and the trip may produce a quieter day at sea. It makes more sense for you if you value the full outing: boat travel, coastal views, wildlife, swimming, snorkeling and refreshments.

The trip is booked on average about 25 days ahead, so popular dates may fill early. That is especially worth noting if you are visiting for a short stay or planning around a birthday. Book ahead, but remember the weather and minimum-group conditions before locking the activity into a tight schedule.

Families, older adults and mixed groups

The outing can suit a wide range of ages. One family included a 71-year-old parent who enjoyed the full three hours without pressure to swim. Another group included a four-year-old and a baby. Those examples suggest the crew can be flexible, but they do not replace your own judgment about boat travel and water activities.

The no-pressure approach is important. You can watch dolphins, pilot whales and the cliffs without entering the water. That makes the trip a better choice for a family with different comfort levels.

Young children may be excited by the speed, but the boat environment requires attention and supervision. The provided information says most people can participate, not that every age or medical condition is suitable. If someone in your group has mobility, health or swimming concerns, check directly with Sea Safari before booking.

English-language guiding should work well for English speakers who want explanations during the animal search and coastal ride. Captain Eric is singled out for his friendly manner and clear information about marine life and Tenerife. Tines is also connected with the operation and has helped with flexible arrangements.

Weather, cancellation and planning advice

This experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. After that, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes made inside the 24-hour window are not accepted. The cutoff follows local Tenerife time.

For practical planning, avoid placing a costly restaurant booking, airport transfer or other fixed event immediately after the boat trip. The scheduled length is about three hours, but sea conditions and the search for wildlife can affect the feel of the outing. Arrive at Puerto Colón with time to spare and keep your plans around it flexible.

Is the Sea Safari worth booking?

I would choose this trip if you want a small, active boat outing with a real chance of seeing dolphins and pilot whales, plus a swim stop and a few unusual extras. The combination of a maximum 11 people, included snorkeling gear, sandwiches, drinks and a BladeFish gives the $78.10 price solid value.

It is especially suited to families, couples and mixed groups where some people want to swim and others prefer to watch from the boat. The strongest reasons to book are the small size, Captain Eric’s reported skill at finding marine life, and the range of possible sightings, from pilot whales and dolphins to turtles and flying fish.

I would hesitate if you dislike speedboat travel, need a guaranteed wildlife sighting, or want a long, relaxed snorkeling session. The boat depends on weather and a minimum number of bookings, and the sea may not provide a dramatic animal encounter every time.

For most visitors staying near Playa de las Américas or Costa Adeje, this is a well-rounded three-hour use of a holiday morning or afternoon. You get Tenerife from the water, not just another beach view, and you can return to Puerto Colón with your swimming, wildlife and sightseeing boxes all checked.

FAQ

Where does the Sea Safari trip start and finish?

It starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Colón.

How long does the boat trip last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours. It includes wildlife watching, coastal travel, a swimming and snorkeling stop, and the return route along the south coast.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include dolphins and pilot whales. Turtles, flying fish, crabs, fish and, on some outings, a hammerhead shark have also been seen. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment rental is included, and different snorkeling masks are available. You can also try a BladeFish underwater personal propulsion device.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. Drinks and sandwiches are provided during the trip.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may result in a new date or a full refund.