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

Pilot whales are the real stars here. From Puerto Colón, this small sailing boat heads along Tenerife’s southwest coast in search of whales and dolphins, then pauses for swimming and snorkeling. Seeing a pod glide close to the boat can be a thrilling, quiet moment.

I like the maximum group size of 11, which feels far more personal than a large catamaran. I also like the wildlife-first approach, especially when Captain Guy stops the boat and keeps a respectful distance. The main caution is value: at $78.44, you are paying for a small boat and personal service, not a guaranteed dolphin show or a full meal.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the most reliable highlight: Dolphins, turtles, and even sharks have appeared, but no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.
• Small boat, small group: The boat carries no more than 11 people, with some departures running with only 4 to 10 passengers.
• Captain Guy gets especially high marks: Alex, Maxi, and Dani have also led trips, and the guide can vary.
• Swimming is part of the plan: Snorkel equipment is provided, but the water can be cold and the underwater life may be limited at the stop.
• Food is light, drinks are generous: Expect a freshly made sandwich, snacks, a glass of Champagne or similar sparkling wine, plus unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.
• Sea conditions matter: Bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel, and take care if you are prone to seasickness.

A small boat in Tenerife’s whale country

This excursion leaves from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, one of the main departure points for boat trips on Tenerife’s southwest coast. The first practical advantage is size. With a maximum of 11 passengers, you have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit, hearing the captain, and getting a clear view when wildlife appears.

That matters more than it may sound. On a crowded catamaran, a whale can surface on the far side of the boat while several dozen people stand up at once. Here, the mood is usually calmer. Several departures have had only 6 to 10 people on board, and one especially quiet outing had just four passengers.

The boat is described as a luxury sailing boat, but do not assume you will spend the whole trip under sail. At least one outing traveled under motor power throughout. The crew may use the boat’s sailing setup when conditions allow, but the core experience is a small-boat wildlife cruise, not a guaranteed sailing lesson.

You should arrive at gate number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure. The tour returns to the same meeting point after about three hours, making it easy to fit into a morning or afternoon in Costa Adeje.

Searching for pilot whales off Costa Adeje

The wildlife search is the heart of the trip. Tenerife’s southwest waters are well known for resident pilot whales, so these are the animals you have the best chance of seeing. Several outings found family groups, including mothers with young, and some pilot whales swam very close to the boat.

The captain’s handling makes a difference. The best outings have included stopping the engine and allowing passengers to watch in peace rather than chasing the animals. Captain Guy is particularly praised for explaining marine life, reading sea conditions, and keeping a respectful distance. Alex, Maxi, and Dani have also been described as attentive and engaged.

You may also see dolphins. They have approached the boat on some trips, sometimes swimming close alongside it. Turtles have appeared too, including a mother and young turtle and a large sea turtle floating near the surface. One outing even reported sharks. These are welcome surprises, not promises.

That distinction is important. Wildlife is wild, and a three-hour trip cannot guarantee a certain species or a long viewing session. One outing saw pilot whales for about 15 minutes and spent more time cruising along the coast afterward. Another found whales early but then had a fairly ordinary ride back toward the port.

I would book this for the chance to see marine life in a respectful setting, not for a guaranteed sequence of whales, dolphins, and turtles. If pilot whales appear, you may get an excellent encounter. If they do not, the value depends more heavily on the boat, guide, drinks, and time on the water.

Captain Guy and the value of a good guide

The strongest praise goes to Captain Guy, who combines boat handling with the role of guide, host, and drinks server. He has been described as warm, funny, careful, and deeply interested in the ocean. He also speaks five languages and makes an effort to include everyone in the conversation.

That personal attention is one of the main reasons this trip can feel different from a standard harbor cruise. Guy has checked on people feeling seasick, explained wildlife behavior, served sparkling wine and strawberries, and kept an eye on the whole group. He also appears to take animal welfare seriously, which is exactly what you want on a wildlife outing.

The captain is not always Guy. Alex has been praised for his enthusiasm and for helping a passenger who felt unwell. Maxi has shared useful information about wildlife and looked after people when the weather turned windy. Dani has also been described as attentive and reassuring.

The guiding style may vary by departure. One person found the commentary too brief, while another felt the captain spent too much time on a phone. If you want a formal naturalist talk with constant facts, this may feel light. If you prefer a relaxed host who talks when something interesting appears, you may find the tone just right.

What the three-hour itinerary feels like

The trip begins at Tenerife Sailing Charters in Puerto Colón. After boarding, you settle into the boat while the captain explains the outing and heads toward the waters where pilot whales are commonly seen.

The wildlife-search portion takes up much of the trip. You may spend time scanning the water, following the captain’s directions, and waiting for a dorsal fin or blow. This is not an amusement-park ride with animals on cue. Some stretches may feel slow, especially if the boat is moving along the coast without a sighting.

When whales or dolphins appear, the pace changes. The captain may reduce speed or stop the engine so you can watch without the boat surging forward. The small passenger count helps here because everyone has a reasonable chance to look out and take photographs.

At some point, the boat stops for a swim. This is usually a short break rather than a long beach-style bathing session. You can get into the water, and snorkel equipment is included. Several people enjoyed the swim, but others found the sea cold or choppy and stayed on board.

The underwater portion is the least dependable part of the trip. One outing stopped near Los Cristianos beach, where a passenger was told there was little to see below the surface. So bring the mask and snorkel if you want to try, but do not book this as a reef-snorkeling excursion. The appeal is the swim itself and the chance to cool off, not a busy underwater scene.

The return trip brings you back to Puerto Colón. Most outings last close to three hours, though one ended about 20 minutes early. That may be unusual, but it is worth keeping in mind if you are comparing this with a tightly timed activity.

Lunch, Champagne, and what you actually eat

The food is best understood as a light onboard lunch. You receive a freshly made sandwich or baguette, with additional small refreshments or snacks. Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking.

The sandwich has generally been considered tasty, but the portion is not large. One person expected a broader snack spread and received one sandwich instead. If you are hungry after a morning at the beach, eat something before boarding or carry food if permitted by the operator.

Drinks are a stronger part of the package. Included beverages are described as a glass of Champagne, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. People have also referred to Prosecco or sparkling wine, so the exact bottle may vary. You may receive water, beer, wine, cola, Fanta, and other soft drinks during the cruise.

Some outings have added pleasant touches such as strawberries with the sparkling wine. Do not count on a formal meal or premium Champagne brand, but you can expect a relaxed drinks service rather than having to buy every beverage separately.

This is also where the price becomes easier to judge. At $78.44 per person, the fare is not the cheapest whale trip from Tenerife. You are paying for fewer passengers, a three-hour outing, drinks, a sandwich, snorkel equipment, and a captain who may offer much more personal attention than a large boat crew.

If the boat sails full and the wildlife search is brief, the fare can feel high. If you get a close pilot-whale encounter, thoughtful guiding, a pleasant swim, and a quiet boat ride, the package becomes easier to justify.

Sea conditions, seasickness, and safety

The ocean can feel different from the beach. Even when the weather looks calm from shore, larger swells can make a small boat move sharply. Some people have felt seasick, and one person noted that there was limited room to move toward the front of the boat, where motion can sometimes feel easier.

If you are prone to seasickness, plan ahead and consider whether a small sailing boat is right for you. The captain can check on you and offer simple practical help, but the trip still takes place offshore. Avoid arriving dehydrated or overly full, and choose a seat where you feel steady if the crew permits it.

One person raised a safety concern about not receiving clear instructions about life jackets or emergency procedures. The available information confirms that children must be accompanied by an adult and that service animals are allowed, but it does not give detailed safety-briefing information.

You should listen closely to the crew at boarding and ask where life jackets are kept if that is not explained. This is sensible on any boat trip, especially when swimming is included.

Weather also affects the schedule. The excursion requires good conditions. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this experience to people who value a quiet, small-group boat ride over a packed sightseeing cruise. Couples, families with older children, and small groups who want time on the ocean will likely appreciate the relaxed format.

It is also a good fit if you care about how wildlife is approached. The strongest outings feature captains who slow down, avoid crowding the animals, and explain what you are seeing. That makes the encounter feel less like a chase and more like a respectful observation.

Families should note that children must be with an adult. The activity is open to most people, but the water and boat movement still require reasonable comfort at sea.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is snorkeling. The equipment is included, but the swim stop may be short and the water may not offer much to see. I would also hesitate if you need a full lunch, a guaranteed sailing experience, or a tightly scheduled three-hour program.

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must arrange it at least 24 hours ahead. Otherwise, go directly to Puerto Colón gate number 2. This is easy if you are staying around Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, or nearby resort areas.

Booking details that can affect your day

The tour is offered in English and provides a mobile ticket. It is often booked around 18 days ahead, so reserving early is sensible during busy periods.

If you are booking for two parties who want to stay together, make one booking for everyone. The company operates several boats, so separate reservations may not place your group on the same vessel.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff follows Tenerife local time.

Souvenir photographs are not included, though you can buy them separately. Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. If you need vegetarian food, state that when you reserve.

Should you book this Tenerife excursion?

Book it if you want a small, friendly boat, a real chance to see resident pilot whales, and drinks served while you watch the coast go by. Captain Guy is a major reason to choose this option when he is scheduled, though Alex, Maxi, and Dani have also provided strong outings.

Do not book it expecting guaranteed dolphins, a large buffet, extensive snorkeling, or three hours of nonstop wildlife. The experience can include long quiet stretches, a short swim, and motor travel rather than sailing.

For me, the decision comes down to priorities. If personal service and a respectful whale encounter matter most, the $78.44 price can be fair. If you are focused on the lowest fare or the biggest number of activities, a larger and cheaper boat may suit you better.

FAQ

How long does the whale and dolphin boat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and returns to Puerto Colón, the departure point.

Where does the boat leave from?

Meet at Puerto Colón, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. The package includes a glass of Champagne, light snacks, a freshly made sandwich for lunch, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. The food is a light lunch rather than a full meal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the itinerary includes time for swimming and snorkeling. Vegetarian food is available if requested when booking.

Can I arrange hotel pickup?

Pickup is offered within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance. If you do not arrange pickup, go directly to Puerto Colón gate number 2.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.