Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

Pilot whales are the real stars of this three-hour cruise from Costa Adeje. They often come close to the boat, and lucky departures may also find dolphins or sea turtles. The small yacht, limited to 11 passengers, feels far more personal than Tenerife’s large catamaran trips.

I like the calm, respectful approach to wildlife and the care shown by captains such as Guy, Alex, Dani, and Maximilian. I also like the easy mix of whale watching, a swim stop, fresh sandwiches, and unlimited drinks. The main caution is value: at $78.44 per person, the trip feels worthwhile when wildlife appears and the service is strong, but some departures offer only a short swim and modest snacks.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the most likely sighting, while dolphins and turtles are possible but never guaranteed.
• The group is capped at 11 people, giving you more room and a quieter outing than large boat tours.
• Captain Guy is especially praised for his wildlife knowledge and personal care, though the assigned captain may be Guy, Alex, Dani, or Maximilian.
• Food includes a freshly made sandwich, with snacks, champagne, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water available.
• The swim and snorkel stop can vary, and some passengers found the water cold or the underwater life limited.
• Meet at Puerto Colón gate 2 fifteen minutes early, and request pickup at least 24 hours ahead if you need it.

A small yacht and a good chance of pilot whales

This outing begins at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, a busy departure point for boat trips along Tenerife’s southwest coast. The difference here is scale. With no more than 11 people on board, you are not packed into a large excursion boat with dozens of other passengers.

That small size matters during wildlife watching. You can move your attention from one side of the boat to the other without fighting a crowd, and the captain can keep an eye on how everyone is feeling. Several passengers found the boat comfortable with groups of six to ten people, including children.

The boat is described as a luxury sailing yacht, but do not expect a full day under sail. Some departures motor out for much of the trip. That is not a problem if your priority is finding whales, but sailing purists should keep expectations in check.

The main target is the short-finned pilot whale, a regular sight in the waters around Tenerife. You may see a pod travelling together, sometimes with young whales. The most memorable sightings involve whales moving close beside the boat while the engine is turned off so everyone can watch quietly.

That respectful handling is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. The best captains do not chase animals or rush the encounter. They explain what you are seeing, give the whales space, and let the boat sit quietly when conditions allow.

Dolphins also appear on some outings, occasionally swimming close to the boat. Sea turtles have been seen too. Still, this is wild nature, not a marine park. You may see several species, or you may spend much of the trip searching and only find pilot whales.

What happens after leaving Puerto Colón

Arrive at gate number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure. If you plan to use pickup, you must contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance, and the pickup area extends within a 10-kilometre radius.

Once aboard, the captain gives you the general shape of the outing and takes the boat out from the harbour. The first part is focused on finding marine life. The captain watches the water and chooses a route based on recent sightings, conditions, and where animals are moving.

This is not a fixed sightseeing route with a guaranteed set of stops. The wildlife search takes priority. One departure may spend a good stretch of time with a pod of pilot whales, while another may have a shorter sighting and more time cruising along the coast.

The coastline views add something to the trip, especially in good weather. You get a different view of Tenerife from the water, with the southwest coast stretching behind you as the boat moves between the harbour and open sea.

The open-water section can be bumpy. Even when the sea looks fairly calm from land, larger swells can make a small sailing boat move sharply. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you feel most stable, watch the horizon, and consider bringing your usual remedy. The captain checks on passengers who feel unwell, but this remains a boat trip in open water.

One point deserves clarification. The tour is advertised with snacks and drinks, but the food is not a large meal. You receive a freshly prepared sandwich or small baguette, along with light snacks. It is enough to take the edge off hunger, not a full picnic lunch.

Meeting Captain Guy and the other possible guides

Captain Guy receives the warmest praise for his approach. He is described as friendly, attentive, and deeply interested in marine life. He also keeps an eye on passengers who may feel seasick and makes an effort to include everyone in the conversation.

Guy is also noted for speaking several languages, which can help mixed groups feel included. His style is part naturalist talk, part host, and part waiter, since the captain may also serve the drinks and food during the outing.

Other departures may be led by Alex, Dani, or Maximilian. Alex is described as enthusiastic and attentive when passengers feel unwell. Dani has been praised for making a birthday outing feel safe and personal. Maximilian has received positive comments for helping a seasick passenger and taking care around the animals.

The captain can make a big difference here. Some passengers received a lively explanation of the ocean, pilot whales, and local wildlife. Others felt the commentary was brief or that the captain spent too much time on the phone.

That variation is worth noting because the experience is partly built around the guide. If you get an engaging captain, the whale watching becomes an informative wildlife outing. If the commentary is limited, you may feel that you have paid mainly for a boat ride, a sandwich, and the chance to spot animals.

Swimming and snorkeling near the end of the trip

After the wildlife search, the boat usually stops for swimming. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can use the masks and other gear provided on board.

The swim is a pleasant change of pace. You can cool off, spend time in the water, and enjoy the boat from a different angle. Some passengers considered the swimming the best part of the trip, particularly when the water was calm.

Conditions are not always ideal. The sea can be cold or choppy, and some outings allow only a short swim. In a few cases, snorkeling equipment was not offered clearly, or the stop was close to the coast where there was little to see underwater.

Bring your own towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. You should also be ready to skip the swim if the water or weather does not suit you. The boat’s wildlife search comes first, so swimming time can change according to the day’s conditions.

The snorkel stop should be treated as an added pleasure, not the main reason to book. If you want a serious snorkeling outing with reefs and abundant underwater life, this is not the right format. The strongest part of this experience is the search for whales, followed by a casual swim.

Champagne, sandwiches, and unlimited drinks

The food and drink service gives the outing a festive feel. You receive a glass of champagne, sometimes served with strawberries, and there are beer, wine, soft drinks, and water available throughout the trip.

The freshly made sandwich is the main food item. It has been described as tasty, but small. Light snacks are also available, though the exact quantity may not match what you imagine from the word refreshments.

A vegetarian option can be arranged if you request it when booking. One passenger who requested gluten-free food did not receive it, so I would confirm any dietary need directly before departure rather than assume the request has been passed along.

There is an inconsistency in how the drinks are described. The tour includes a glass of champagne, but some passengers received prosecco or another sparkling wine instead. That is a minor issue for many people, but it matters if the premium feel is central to your decision.

The drinks are more generous than the food. Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks can make the $78.44 price easier to accept, especially for an afternoon or evening departure. Still, do not board expecting a restaurant meal.

How much value do you get for $78.44?

At $78.44 per person, this is not the cheapest whale-watching trip in Tenerife. The price is paying for a small group, a sailing yacht, food and drinks, a swim stop, and the chance to spend time with a captain who may provide a strong personal introduction to the local sea life.

For me, the value depends on what happens during the wildlife search. A close encounter with a family group of pilot whales, plus a good captain and a relaxed swim, can make the cost feel fair. Unlimited drinks and a small group add to that sense of comfort.

The price feels less convincing when the boat spends a short time with whales, the commentary is thin, the swim is brief, and the meal amounts to one small baguette. Several passengers felt the experience did not always match a premium description.

You should also compare it with your own priorities. If you want a quiet boat with limited numbers, this is a reasonable choice. If you want the lowest price, a larger catamaran may suit you better. If you want a full meal, serious snorkeling, or a guaranteed dolphin encounter, this trip may disappoint.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

This outing suits couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed few hours at sea without joining a large crowd. Children can participate when accompanied by an adult, and one 10-year-old was reported to enjoy the experience.

It is particularly good for people who value animal welfare and a personal guide. The strongest departures combine close whale sightings with careful boat handling and clear explanations about the animals.

It also works well as a special occasion outing. The champagne, fresh sandwich, coastal views, and small group give it a celebratory feel without turning the trip into a formal event.

You should think twice if you get seasick easily. The boat can feel the swell, and one passenger found the motion difficult even when the sea did not look rough. You may also want another activity if snorkeling is your main goal.

The outing is offered in English, though some captains speak several languages. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Pickup is available only within the stated radius and must be arranged ahead of time.

Practical details that make the day easier

Book ahead if your schedule is fixed. The average booking lead time is about 18 days, which suggests that popular dates can fill well before the departure day.

Use the exact meeting point: Puerto Colón, pontoon 2, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje. Do not arrive at the harbour and expect to find the boat instantly. Give yourself time to reach the gate and be ready fifteen minutes before departure.

Wear comfortable clothing that can handle spray and wind. Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Any seasickness remedy you normally use

If you need vegetarian food, mention it at booking. If you are booking for people who want to board together, place one booking for the whole group. The operator uses several boats, so separate bookings may not place everyone on the same departure.

The tour returns to the same meeting point at Puerto Colón. Souvenir photos are not included, but they may be available to buy.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the local start time. Late cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund. Because the trip depends on suitable weather, a cancellation by the operator should result in another date or a full refund.

Should you book this Tenerife whale-watching cruise?

I would book this trip if you want a small boat, a friendly captain, and a good chance of seeing pilot whales in a respectful setting. The best departures offer close wildlife encounters, a calm swim, plenty of drinks, and a more personal feel than the big boats.

I would not book it expecting a substantial lunch, guaranteed dolphins, or a full snorkeling session. The $78.44 price makes sense when the captain is engaged and the animals cooperate. If your budget is tight, or if you care more about food and swimming than whales, compare other options first.

For a couple, family, or small group looking for a pleasant few hours on the water, it is a sensible choice. Just treat the wildlife and swim portions as weather-dependent, and keep the food expectations modest.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching trip?

The experience lasts approximately three hours, including the wildlife search, coastal cruising, swimming, and snorkeling time.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Puerto Colón, pontoon 2, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. The tour also ends back at the same meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at gate number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometre radius, but you must contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance. If you do not arrange pickup, go directly to Puerto Colón.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes a glass of champagne, a freshly made sandwich, light snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Vegetarian food is available if requested when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time for swimming and snorkeling. The length and quality of the swim stop can depend on sea and weather conditions.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund.