Tenerife Whale watching on private charter

The best part of this Tenerife outing is the freedom to shape the day around your own group. You sail aboard the Abrazo from Puerto Colón, search for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, then anchor in a quiet cove for swimming, sun, and snorkeling. I like the privacy and the roomy catamaran, with cushions, nets, and plenty of space to spread out. The catch is simple: wildlife sightings cannot be promised, and the longer charters require checking availability in advance.

I also like that the crew handles the food and drinks while you enjoy the coast. Victor and Conrado receive special praise for their care and service, and the trip includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. It is a polished choice for a family group or friends, but if you want a low-cost shared boat ride, the $1,055.39 group price may feel high.

Key things to know before sailing

• Private for up to 12 people: You share the Abrazo only with your own family or friends, not a mixed boatload of strangers.
• Whale and dolphin country: The southwest coast is home to resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins.
• Three to eight hours: You can choose a shorter outing or request a longer charter, but availability must be checked.
• Swimming stop included: The boat anchors in a clear-water cove for swimming and snorkeling. Bring your own equipment.
• Food and drinks are covered: Catering, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included.
• Return to Puerto Colón: The trip begins and ends at Av. de Colón, 11, in Playa de las Américas.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

Your day starts at Club Náutico Puerto Colón, at Av. de Colón, 11, in Playa de las Américas. This is a useful base for a private sailing trip because the boat returns to the same meeting point, keeping the day easy to manage.

The charter is designed for groups of up to 12 people. That number matters. On a standard whale-watching boat, you often fit into someone else’s schedule and share the deck with people you do not know. Here, your group controls the mood. You can spend the day chatting with family, marking a birthday, or simply finding a quiet place on the catamaran without worrying about a crowded public tour.

The Abrazo is described as a spacious catamaran, with comfortable deck cushions and nets at the front. Those nets can be a pleasant place to stretch out as the boat moves along, though you should expect the motion of the sea rather than the stillness of a hotel terrace.

The listed duration ranges from three to eight hours. The three-hour version is the basic option shown for the route, while longer private charters can offer more time along the coast and at anchor. Ask about the exact timing before you book, since the longer formats depend on availability.

Watching pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins

Tenerife’s southwest coast is known for resident marine life, particularly pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. That gives this trip a stronger wildlife focus than a simple coastal cruise, but nature still sets the terms.

You may see dolphins moving near the boat or pilot whales surfacing farther out. One particularly strong account describes many dolphins and two whales coming very close to the catamaran. That kind of encounter is possible, but it should not be treated as a guarantee. The crew can take you to the right part of the coast, but they cannot schedule an animal appearance.

This is one reason I prefer the private format for families and small groups. You can enjoy the search itself without feeling rushed by a large excursion timetable. You also have the coast, the boat, and the swimming stop to enjoy if the animals stay out of sight.

The trip includes live commentary on board. That gives you more than a silent ride, although the provided information does not specify the language or the full subject of the commentary. If learning about marine life is your main goal, ask what the crew will cover when confirming your booking.

The Tenerife coast from the water

A private charter gives you a different view of the southwest coast. From the sea, you can take in coastal cliffs and open stretches of water without the traffic and heat of a road excursion. The route may include Masca Bay, the Los Gigantes Cliffs, and other coastal spots, depending on the chosen charter and conditions.

Masca Bay is a natural fit for a boat trip because the water gives you access to scenery that is harder to appreciate from inland viewpoints. Los Gigantes Cliffs provide the dramatic coastal backdrop many visitors hope to see in this part of Tenerife. Keep in mind that the exact route is not fixed in the same way as a bus tour. The captain and crew may adjust the plan for weather, sea conditions, wildlife, and the number of hours you book.

That flexibility is a benefit, but it also means you should not treat every named place as a guaranteed stop. Confirm the route if Masca Bay or Los Gigantes is the main reason you are booking.

Anchoring in a clear-water cove

The swimming stop is a key part of the experience. The catamaran anchors in a quiet cove with clear water, giving you time to leave the cushions and get into the sea.

The water temperature is listed at about 18 degrees Celsius in winter and up to 26 degrees in summer. That is a meaningful difference. Summer swimming should feel easier for most people, while winter swimmers may want a little courage before getting in. You can swim, use your own snorkeling gear, or remain on deck and enjoy the sun.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask and fins if you want to explore below the surface. This is a small detail that can make a big difference. The boat provides the setting, but not the kit.

The cove also gives non-swimmers a worthwhile break. You can lie on the deck cushions, use the nets, or simply watch your group in the water. That makes the trip more flexible than a tour built around nonstop sailing.

Food, drinks, and the feel of the day

Food is included, with meals served according to the itinerary. The supplied details do not name the exact dishes or specify whether every departure includes breakfast, lunch, or dinner, so check the timing and menu before setting out.

Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included. This adds real value to a private charter, especially for a group that would otherwise buy drinks separately throughout the day. It also means you do not need to plan the outing around finding a restaurant during the sailing period.

A vegetarian option is available, but you must request it when booking. Do not wait until you board, since the crew needs notice to prepare it.

The food and drinks help turn the trip into a full coastal outing rather than a short boat transfer. Still, the phrase special catering should not lead you to expect a particular menu unless it is confirmed in advance. Ask what is being served, especially if anyone in your group has dietary needs.

Service from Victor, Conrado, and the crew

The human side of this trip matters. The crew remains available throughout the sailing, and Victor and Conrado receive especially strong praise for their attention and service. The most positive descriptions focus on the boat’s condition, cleanliness, care with details, and the warm way the crew handles the day.

That is useful information for a private charter. When you pay for the whole boat, you are paying not only for the catamaran and route, but also for the ease of having a crew take care of practical details. Food arrives, drinks are available, and you have someone on board to help with the sailing plan and swimming stop.

The service style is likely to suit people who want a relaxed, polished day rather than a bare-bones boat ride. If you prefer complete independence, keep in mind that this is crewed sailing, not a self-drive rental.

Is $1,055.39 good value for a group?

The price is $1,055.39 per group of up to 12 people. Divided evenly among 12 people, that works out to about $88 per person. A group of six would pay about $176 per person, while a couple would carry the full group cost between them.

That makes the charter strongest value when you can fill much of the boat. Families, wedding groups, birthday parties, and groups of friends can share the fixed cost while enjoying privacy, catering, drinks, and a dedicated crew.

The price is harder to justify for a very small party. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, a shared whale-watching excursion may cost less, although it will not give you the same control over the deck, route, or atmosphere.

I would compare the price against what you would spend on separate boat tickets, drinks, lunch, and a coastal sightseeing trip. Here, those pieces are combined into one private outing. The value comes from the complete day and the privacy, not simply from the number of hours on the water.

Choosing between three and eight hours

The three-hour option makes sense if you want a compact introduction to the coast, wildlife, and swimming stop. It is also the safer choice for anyone unsure about sea conditions or prone to getting tired on boats.

A longer charter gives you more time for whale and dolphin watching, a slower pace, and possible coastal visits such as Masca Bay or Los Gigantes Cliffs. It should also leave more room for the swimming stop without making the whole outing feel rushed.

The tradeoff is cost and availability. The tour offers private charters from three to eight hours, but you need to contact the provider to confirm which length is available on your date. Since the exact meal service may depend on the departure time, ask about that at the same time.

Who will enjoy this private charter most?

I would choose this trip for a group that values time together more than a fixed sightseeing checklist. It suits families with children, groups of friends, and anyone celebrating a special occasion.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate. The private setup also helps if your group includes swimmers and non-swimmers, since people can choose how they use the stop.

It is a good match for you if these points matter:

• You want the boat to yourself.
• You like the idea of swimming from the catamaran.
• You want food and drinks included.
• You hope to see whales and dolphins in their natural setting.
• You plan to share the fixed price with a larger group.
• You prefer a relaxed day over a tightly packed shore itinerary.

You may want another option if your main goal is guaranteed wildlife viewing, a low per-person price, or a specific fixed route. No responsible whale-watching trip can promise animals, and the longer route details depend on conditions and availability.

Practical details that affect your day

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Private transportation is not included, so you must make your own way to Puerto Colón.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. That makes it easier to plan lunch, a hotel return, or another activity afterward, especially if you choose the three-hour sailing.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to use it, and tell the provider about a vegetarian meal when you book. Souvenir photos are available to buy, but they are not included.

Should you book the Abrazo?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the fixed price and you want a private day that combines wildlife, swimming, coastal views, catering, and drinks. The strongest reasons are the roomy catamaran, the quiet cove stop, and the attentive service associated with Victor and Conrado.

I would be more cautious if you are a small party watching every euro or if seeing whales is your only goal. The wildlife is never certain, and the total cost remains substantial for one or two people.

For a family or group of friends, this is a well-rounded Tenerife outing with a pleasant balance of nature and comfort. Confirm the charter length, route, meal details, and availability before paying, then bring snorkeling gear and let the coast set the pace.

FAQ

Where does the private Tenerife whale-watching charter begin?

It begins at Club Náutico Puerto Colón, Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity end?

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

How long does the charter last?

Private charters are offered from approximately three to eight hours. You should contact the provider to confirm availability for your preferred duration.

How many people can join the private boat trip?

The price covers one private group of up to 12 people.

Which whales and dolphins might I see?

The southwest coast has resident populations of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The catamaran anchors in a clear-water cove where you can swim.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Meals are included according to the itinerary, along with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the provider when booking.