Puerto Colon: Whale and Dolphin Watching Yacht Trip

Pilot whales are the main attraction here, and the waters off southern Tenerife give you a good chance to see them close to the boat. Dolphins and turtles may appear too. The trip combines wildlife watching with a swim stop, so you get more than three hours of staring at an empty sea.

I like the small group of up to 10 people, which makes the yacht feel calmer and gives you a better view around the railings. I also like the simple plan: cruise from Puerto Colón, search for marine life, stop at a quiet cove, then enjoy food and drinks before swimming. The main drawback is that wildlife is never fully predictable, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 95.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the star sighting: Dolphins, turtles, and larger whales also visit these waters.
• A small yacht keeps things personal: The group is limited to 10 people, rather than filling a large excursion boat.
• The three-hour route includes a swim: You cruise along Costa Adeje before stopping at a secluded cove.
• Food and drinks are provided: Expect a snack or light onboard offering, not a full lunch.
• Snorkel equipment is included: You only need to bring your swimwear and towel.
• Puerto Colón is both start and finish: Meet outside the supplier’s office 15 minutes before departure.

Why this Puerto Colón trip is different

Many boat outings from southern Tenerife focus only on getting offshore, spotting something, and returning to port. This one adds a second reason to be on the water: a swim in a sheltered cove with snorkel equipment supplied.

That matters because wildlife watching can be slow. You might see pilot whales soon after leaving port, or you might spend time scanning the sea before anything appears. The cove stop gives the trip a dependable payoff even when nature refuses to follow a schedule.

The group limit is another strong point. With only 10 participants, you are not competing with a packed crowd for a place at the rail. You can move around more easily, hear the English- or Spanish-speaking guide, and enjoy a quieter ride on a smaller yacht.

The experience is operated by Tenerife First Excursion. No individual guide names are provided, so you should expect a live guide in English or Spanish rather than a named specialist assigned in advance.

Leaving Puerto Colón for Costa Adeje

Your meeting point is outside the supplier’s office at Puerto Colón. Arrive 15 minutes before departure, since the boat leaves from the port and the group needs to be ready before boarding.

Once underway, the route follows the southern coast toward Costa Adeje. You will have broad views of Tenerife’s cliffs, coastline, and seaside towns while the crew watches the water for marine life.

The setting is one of the best reasons to choose a boat trip in this part of the island. From the sea, southern Tenerife looks different from the resort streets. You see the coast as a long sweep of cliffs and shore, with the towns appearing from a more open angle.

The trip lasts three hours in total. That is long enough to allow time for wildlife watching and a swim, but short enough to fit comfortably into a day of sightseeing. You do not need to commit to a full-day cruise or sacrifice an entire afternoon at the port.

Looking for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

Pilot whales are the key target. They are frequently found in the waters around Tenerife, and the trip is designed around the chance to watch them from the yacht.

You may also see dolphins, turtles, or larger whales. The boat crew communicates with other captains to help locate animals, which can improve your chances of a sighting. This is useful, but it is not a guarantee. Wild animals set the timetable, not the excursion company.

The most rewarding moments come when the boat slows and everyone starts watching the water. You might see a fin, a back, or a brief movement before the animal disappears again. Keep your sunglasses on and stay alert. Wildlife can surface on either side of the yacht.

A calm attitude helps. You should book this for the chance to see marine life, not as a promise of a particular species or a nonstop show. The trip has received a 4.4 rating from 20 reviews, with the strongest praise focused on sightings of pilot whales and dolphins, the small group, and the food and drinks served onboard.

Some outings may return around sunset, depending on the departure time. Starting times vary, so check the available schedule if evening light matters to you. A later cruise can add attractive color to the coast, but you should not assume every departure includes a sunset.

The secluded cove and swim stop

After the wildlife portion, the yacht heads to a secluded cove. This is where the trip changes pace. Instead of scanning the horizon, you can get into the Atlantic, cool off, and use the included snorkel equipment.

You need to bring your own swimwear and towel. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, which is a practical choice for a marine environment. A sun hat and sunglasses are also useful during the open-water portion of the cruise.

The water is described as clear and suitable for swimming. The stop is meant for a refreshing break rather than a formal snorkeling lesson, and no specific underwater wildlife is promised. Think of it as time to enjoy the sea after the more focused whale watching.

The cove also makes the trip feel less rushed. A three-hour excursion can sometimes become a quick out-and-back ride, but this route gives you time to stop rather than simply cruise past the coast. If you prefer to remain dry, you can enjoy the boat and the scenery instead, though the swim is a central part of the experience.

What you eat and drink onboard

Food and drinks are included, along with the snorkel equipment. The onboard food is best understood as a snack or light refreshment, not a sit-down lunch. Lunch is specifically not included, so do not plan this excursion as your main meal of the day.

A sandwich and drinks have been served on some trips, giving you something useful after time in the sun and water. The exact food selection is not specified, so bring any special meal you require rather than assuming the boat can meet dietary needs.

This is a small detail, but it affects the value. At $56 per person, you are paying for a three-hour boat outing with a guide, wildlife search, refreshments, a swim stop, and snorkel gear. You are not just paying for transportation along the coast.

Is $56 good value?

I consider the price reasonable for this type of outing, especially if you want both wildlife watching and swimming. A shorter boat ride that only searches for whales would offer less variety, while a longer cruise would take more time from your day and may cost more.

The 10-person limit strengthens the value. A small group usually gives you more room to enjoy the ride and a better chance to hear the guide. It also avoids the feeling of being one face in a large crowd.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If your only goal is a guaranteed whale sighting, no ethical wildlife trip can promise that. If you want a relaxed boat ride with several possible animal sightings, a coastal cruise, food, and a swim, the package is more convincing.

You should also budget for your own lunch before or after the activity. The included food may be enough for a light appetite, but it is not presented as a complete meal.

Practical planning for the three-hour outing

Wear swimwear under light clothing so you can change easily for the cove stop. Bring a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, and biodegradable sunscreen. You should also make sure your phone number and email address are correct when booking, since the company sends booking details by WhatsApp and email.

The tour starts and ends at Puerto Colón. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the port. Since the meeting instruction says to arrive 15 minutes early, allow extra time to find the supplier’s office and reach the correct meeting point.

The trip is offered in English and Spanish. If you are booking separately from friends or family, tell the company at the time of booking that you want to be on the same boat. Multiple boats are used, and making that request later may be too late.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not suitable for people over 95 years old. Those limits are worth checking before paying, especially if you are arranging the outing for a mixed-age group.

Free cancellation is available 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.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

I would choose this outing for couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends who want a gentle half-day on the water. It suits people who like wildlife but do not want an all-day expedition.

It is also a good fit if you want a little activity without a packed schedule. You can watch for whales and dolphins, swim, have a snack, and return to Puerto Colón within three hours.

The tour may not suit you if you dislike open-water outings, need guaranteed animal sightings, or want a full meal included. It is also a poor match if you require step-free access or hotel transportation.

Photography fans should bring a phone or camera, but do not spend the entire trip looking through a screen. Marine animals can appear quickly, and the best view may be beside you rather than directly ahead.

A balanced look at the wildlife promise

The strongest part of the experience is the combination of a small boat and active searching. Other captains share information about animal locations, helping the crew respond when whales or dolphins are nearby.

That system improves the odds, but it does not turn a wild encounter into a scheduled performance. Even a successful trip can involve quiet stretches, changing positions, and brief sightings.

The reported highlights include pilot whales, dolphins, and a turtle. Whales have also been seen close to the boat on some outings. These details suggest the area can provide memorable encounters, but you should keep your expectations flexible.

The setting helps even when the animals stay hidden. You still have the Atlantic, Tenerife’s cliffs, the coast near Costa Adeje, and time in a sheltered cove. That broader mix is why I prefer this format to a wildlife-only ride.

Should you book the Puerto Colón yacht trip?

Book it if you want a small-group wildlife cruise with a swim stop, and if three hours feels like the right amount of time. The price is fair for the combination of a yacht ride, live guide, possible pilot whale and dolphin sightings, food and drinks, and included snorkel equipment.

I would be cautious if a whale sighting is the only reason you are coming. Nature can change the plan, and the tour cannot promise a particular species. I would also confirm the meeting details, transport to Puerto Colón, and the same-boat request if you are traveling with people who book separately.

For most visitors staying in southern Tenerife, this is a practical way to get offshore without giving up an entire day. You get wildlife, coast views, and a swim, with a small group instead of a crowded deck. That is a sensible package at $56, provided you treat the animals as a welcome possibility rather than a guarantee.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón whale and dolphin trip?

The boat trip lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check the available schedule when booking.

Where does the activity start and end?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón and returns to Puerto Colón. Meet outside the supplier’s office 15 minutes before departure.

What animals might I see?

The trip focuses on pilot whales. Dolphins, turtles, and larger whales also frequent the area and may be seen.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The yacht stops at a secluded cove where you can swim in the Atlantic. Snorkel equipment is included.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes, food and drinks are provided onboard. Lunch is not included, so plan for a separate full meal if needed.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.