Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

Tenerife’s south coast is at its best from the water, especially when a pod of pilot whales surfaces beside a quiet sailboat. I like the small 10-person group, which gives you room to move around and makes the wildlife feel less like a show and more like a shared encounter. I also like the thoughtful mix of sailing, wildlife watching, swimming, and lunch in one three-hour outing.

The main caution is the sea itself. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and choppy water can make some passengers seasick. Snorkeling time is useful but brief, often around 30 minutes, so this is primarily a whale-watching sail with a swim stop, not a full snorkeling expedition.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: Dolphins, turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and red-fin tuna may also appear.
• Only 10 passengers fit aboard: The limited capacity feels far more personal than a large sightseeing boat.
• The 12-meter Roulette has room to relax: It includes deck mats, three double cabins, two bathrooms, and two crew members.
• Food is simple and welcome: Expect baguette or sandwich-style lunch, crisps, cake, snacks, and drinks including cava, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
• The crew makes the difference: Salvador, Rafa, Ramone, Yani, Jenny, and other crew members are praised for their care and local marine-life knowledge.
• Plan your arrival carefully: Meet at dock door number 5 at Puerto Colón, 10 minutes before departure, without hotel transportation included.

Why this small sailboat works so well

At $70 per person, this is priced above the cheapest large-group boat trips but still offers strong value. You are paying for a limited-capacity yacht, two crew members, drinks, food, snorkeling gear, and three hours on the Atlantic. The small group is the key difference.

A large boat can give you a broad view, but it also means crowds gathering at one rail when dolphins appear. On the Roulette, you can shift sides more easily, sit near the bow, or settle on a deck mat. The crew can keep an eye on both sides of the yacht and explain what you are seeing without shouting over a party atmosphere.

This is also a proper sailboat experience rather than a simple motorized wildlife cruise. When the wind is suitable, the crew has sailed both out and back, creating a quiet stretch with only the wind and sea around you. The yacht may use its engine at times, but the sailing element is an important part of the appeal.

The boat carries up to 10 passengers and two crew members. It has three double cabins, two bathrooms, and deck mats for comfort. Those cabins are part of the yacht’s layout, not private accommodation for the excursion, but they help explain why this feels more substantial than a basic open boat.

Meeting the Roulette at Puerto Colón

You meet at the entrance to dock number 5 at Puerto Colón, 10 minutes before departure. It is the first jetty after the port parking barrier, and the boat is named Roulette.

This detail matters because Puerto Colón has several docks and plenty of activity around the marina. Give yourself enough time to pass the parking barrier and find the correct jetty. One useful tip is to arrive early rather than trying to locate dock number 5 at the last moment.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to Puerto Colón, so allow extra time if you are staying outside the immediate marina area. The exact starting time can vary, and you should check availability when booking.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and Italian. That is helpful during the wildlife portion, when clear explanations about animal behavior and safety make the experience more meaningful.

Sailing south from Puerto Colón

Once everyone is aboard, the yacht heads along Tenerife’s south coast. The views include volcanic shorelines, beaches, open Atlantic water, and, on clear days, La Gomera across the channel.

I like this opening section because it gives you time to settle into the pace of the boat. You are not rushed from one activity to the next. Sit on the deck, watch the shoreline recede, and let the crew explain Tenerife’s geography and the marine environment around the island.

The word sailboat is important here. If the wind is favorable, the captain may raise the sails and cut the engine for part of the route. That creates a calm, low-noise ride that suits anyone who prefers a relaxed outing over loud music and constant announcements.

Conditions can change. Some departures have had slightly choppy water, while others have enjoyed a smooth sail. If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. The crew has helped unwell passengers before, but it is still wise to prepare in advance and choose a seat with a steady view of the horizon.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The crew works in an area known for regular cetacean sightings, with pilot whales a frequent highlight. Dolphins can also appear, sometimes moving close to the bow or traveling in family groups. Turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and other marine life add variety to the search.

The captain does not simply point the boat toward every animal and rush after it. The strongest part of this experience is the crew’s clear respect for the wildlife. They look for animals without treating them like a performance, then give you time to watch when a pod is nearby.

Sightings reported on different outings have included pilot whales with calves, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, red-fin tuna, Cory’s shearwaters, and flying fish. A few lucky groups have been surrounded by 20 or 30 pilot whales. That is thrilling, but you should still remember that open-water wildlife is unpredictable.

The crew also makes an effort to give people on both sides of the yacht a fair view. That is easier with only 10 passengers aboard. You may see animals surfacing beside the hull, playing in the bow wave, or traveling just ahead of the boat.

Salvador has been especially praised for his enthusiasm about the sea, local geography, and island history. Other departures have been led or hosted by Rafa, Ramone, Yani, Jenny, and Dani. Staff can vary, but the consistent strength is the personal attention and the ability to explain what you are seeing in plain language.

The swim and snorkeling stop

After the wildlife search, the yacht heads to a sheltered spot for swimming and snorkeling. The setting may include volcanic cliffs, a quiet bay, or a cave to explore from the water, depending on the route and conditions.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. You can swim in the warm water, look for fish, and cool off after time in the sun. The sea stop is a welcome change from sitting on deck, especially on a hot afternoon.

Keep your expectations realistic. This is not a dedicated reef snorkeling tour. The wildlife search takes up much of the three-hour trip, and the swim stop is commonly around 30 minutes. If snorkeling is your main goal, you may want a longer water-based excursion. If you want a refreshing swim added to a whale-watching sail, the timing works well.

The stop also gives the crew a chance to serve lunch. Fresh baguettes or sandwiches, often with ham and tomato, have been served along with crisps and cake. Some departures have included Iberian ham sandwiches and gingerbread-style cake. The food is picnic-style rather than a formal meal, but it is more than enough for a short outing.

Dietary needs can sometimes be accommodated, but you should mention them when booking or contact the provider beforehand. The supplied information confirms food and drinks, but it does not promise a specific menu for every departure.

Food, drinks, and the feel on board

Drinks are included throughout the cruise. Choices listed for the tour include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. Cava after a wildlife sighting adds a festive touch, while water and soft drinks make the setup suitable for families and non-drinkers.

The crew regularly checks on passengers and offers refreshments. That attentive service matters on a small yacht, where you are spending three hours in close quarters with the same people. It also helps families, older passengers, and anyone who feels uneasy on the water.

Food is generous for the price and duration, but do not expect a restaurant meal. Think of a good sandwich, crisps, cake, and small snacks served in a relaxed setting. The real value is having lunch while surrounded by sea views, not the complexity of the menu.

The boat is clean and comfortable, with space to sit at the front or spread out on deck mats. With six to eight passengers, the yacht feels especially roomy. At the full limit of 10, it should still be far less crowded than a standard group boat, though you will be sharing the available deck space.

What the $70 price really buys you

The $70 price includes the sailboat cruise, guide, whale watching, drinks, snacks, lunch-style food, and snorkeling equipment. It also buys you the small-group format, which is the feature I would value most.

A cheaper trip may still get you to the same stretch of ocean, but it may carry many more people and offer less room for quiet observation. Here, two crew members can focus on navigation, wildlife spotting, serving food, and passenger comfort.

The price is especially fair if you see several species and get a good sailing stretch. No operator can promise that outcome, so the value should not depend only on counting whales. You are also paying for three hours on a proper yacht, views of Tenerife and La Gomera, a swim stop, and informed commentary about the local sea.

The 4.8 out of 5 rating from 652 bookings supports the idea that the experience is consistently well received. Still, I would not book it solely for the score. Book it because you want a quiet, personal boat trip with a strong chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins.

Who should choose this tour

This outing suits couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who prefer a calm boat rather than a party cruise. Children can enjoy the dolphins, swimming, snacks, and open-water setting, though parents should decide if their child is comfortable on a three-hour yacht.

It is also a good pick for anyone interested in marine life. The crew explains species and behavior, and the trip’s respectful approach gives you a better chance to watch animals without feeling that the boat is disturbing them.

You should think twice if you get severe seasickness, dislike open water, or want a long snorkeling session. The boat can encounter choppy conditions, and the main purpose is cetacean watching. You should also be comfortable with the lack of hotel transport and the need to find dock number 5 yourself.

For a birthday or special occasion, the crew has supplied cake and even helped mark a 60th birthday with candles. That kind of personal touch is possible because the group is small, though it is best to arrange special requests ahead of time.

Booking tips for a smoother day

Reserve early if you want a particular departure time or are traveling with a group. The capacity is limited to 10 passengers, and the small format is one of the main reasons to choose this boat.

Arrive at Puerto Colón at least 10 minutes before departure, and allow extra time to locate the correct dock. Look for door number 5 and the boat called Roulette.

Wear swimwear under your clothes if you plan to enter the water, and bring anything you need for sun protection. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but the supplied information does not specify towels, so bring your own if you want one after swimming.

If you have dietary needs or worry about seasickness, raise the issue before departure. The crew has shown care toward passengers who felt unwell, and food adjustments may be possible, but neither should be left to chance.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is still taking shape.

Should you book the Roulette?

Yes, if you want a personal whale-watching trip that balances wildlife, sailing, swimming, and simple food. The crew’s care, the 10-person limit, and the chance to travel under sail give it an advantage over crowded boat excursions.

I would choose it for the relaxed pace and the chance to watch pilot whales and dolphins without loud entertainment or a packed viewing rail. Just remember that nature sets the timetable, the sea can be choppy, and snorkeling is a short part of the day.

For $70, the package is strong: three hours, a proper 12-meter yacht, two crew members, food, drinks, and equipment. If those details match what you want from the south coast, Roulette Charters is an easy choice.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife sailboat tour?

The experience lasts three hours, including sailing, wildlife watching, swimming, and snorkeling.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at door number 5 of the dock at Puerto Colón, 10 minutes before departure. It is the first jetty after the port parking barrier, and the boat is named Roulette.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The sailboat has a maximum capacity of 10 passengers, with two crew members onboard.

What wildlife might I see?

The tour looks for pilot whales and dolphins, and you might also see turtles, seabirds, flying fish, or red-fin tuna. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with the opportunity to swim in the sea.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes snacks, sandwiches or baguettes, dessert such as cake, mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. The exact menu can vary.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach Puerto Colón independently.