Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

Pilot whales are the main event here, and Tenerife’s southern waters can put you close enough to watch family groups surface beside the boat. You’ll also scan for dolphins and turtles while the crew explains the local sea life and gives the animals room to choose the encounter.

I like the small-group feel and the chance to travel under sail when the wind allows. I also like the simple finish: a swim in a quiet bay, sandwiches, fresh fruit, and drinks on deck. The catch is the sea itself. Big waves can make the ride bumpy, and some outings have little time for swimming when the whales keep everyone watching.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the strongest sighting bet: Several outings have seen large groups, including mothers and young.
• A 52-foot yacht keeps the mood calm: Groups have ranged from about seven to ten people beyond the crew, though numbers can vary.
• The captain gives marine life space: The engine may be stopped while whales approach on their own.
• Swimming time depends on the sea and wildlife: The bay stop may be brief if the whale watching runs long.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect sandwiches, fruit, water, soft drinks, juices, beer, cava, and wine.
• Bare feet are the rule: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat, but leave large luggage behind.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

Your meeting point is Pantalán, dock number zero, at Puerto Colón in southern Tenerife. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. If you need a landmark, search for Miishi Restaurant, which is close to the entry point.

The port has two parking areas, costing about €1 per hour. There is no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to reach Puerto Colón on your own. One practical option is the bus, as some people have done, but allow enough time to find the correct dock. Staff meet you at the marina, which makes the final wait straightforward once you arrive.

The yacht is 52 feet long, large enough to give you room to move around without the feel of a packed excursion boat. Group size is not guaranteed, but outings have had about seven to ten people beyond the crew. That is a useful middle ground: social enough to share the excitement, but not so crowded that everyone fights for a view.

Before leaving, the guide gives a short explanation of the plan. Guides have included Alex, Jesús, Mauricio, Marta, Monica, and Yuri on different departures, with service available in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. The important thing is not a particular name, but the crew’s role: they explain what you are seeing and help keep the pace comfortable.

One unusual rule matters right away: you go barefoot on board unless a health issue prevents it. Wear shoes you can remove easily, and do not bring oversize luggage. A small day bag with your essentials is the sensible choice.

Whale watching along Tenerife’s southern coast

The first major part of the three-hour trip takes you toward the waters where pilot whales and dolphins are often found. Tenerife is especially associated with pilot whales in this area, and the sightings can be much more than a quick fin on the horizon. Some trips have seen repeated groups, young whales, and animals approaching close to the yacht.

That does not mean a guaranteed show. These are wild animals, not trained performers. One outing saw many whales but no dolphins, while others spotted both dolphins and pilot whales. Turtles have also appeared, including one seen close to the boat. The right mindset is to value the search and the open water, with sightings as the reward rather than a promise.

The crew’s approach is a real strength. When whales are nearby, the captain may switch off the engine and wait. That gives the animals control over the distance and keeps the encounter quieter. You may see a whale surface beside the yacht, or you may watch a group move through the water at a more relaxed distance.

This is also where the yacht format matters. A sailing boat moves differently from a large, fast sightseeing vessel. You can sit on deck, watch the water, and enjoy the coast without constant engine noise when the sails are up. There may not always be enough wind to sail, so some of the journey will use the motor. When the sails do go up, the mood changes quickly: the boat becomes quieter and the ride feels more connected to the sea.

The southern coast gives you a changing view of Tenerife from the water. This is not a coastal sightseeing cruise built around a long list of landmarks, and you should not book it expecting a visit to Los Gigantes. The focus is marine life, sailing, and a swim stop rather than a full coastal tour.

Why pilot whales make this trip special

Pilot whales are social animals, and watching a group surface together can be more rewarding than a single sighting. The best moments may be small: a young whale appearing beside a larger one, several backs breaking the surface in sequence, or the engine stopping while the animals decide how close to come.

The crew also adds value by pointing out the most active areas and explaining Tenerife’s marine life. That turns the trip into more than a search for dark shapes in the water. You’ll have a better sense of what you are looking at and why the boat pauses in one place rather than racing around.

You should still prepare for changing conditions. Some outings have had calm, clear water. Others have encountered large waves, with children feeling seasick even though they still enjoyed the trip. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit near the front, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider taking your usual remedy before departure. The ride can be gentle, but the Atlantic does not take requests.

The open deck is useful for spreading out and finding a position that suits you. It also means you need to take the sun seriously. Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are on the recommended packing list for good reason. Bring a towel and swimwear even if you are unsure about swimming, since the bay stop is part of the plan.

The swim and snorkel stop in a secluded bay

Before returning to Puerto Colón, the captain drops anchor in a sheltered bay. This is your chance to swim, use the basic snorkeling equipment, or simply sit on deck with a drink and take in the water.

The bay is often described as a beautiful part of the trip, with clear blue water and a pleasant setting for a short break. It gives the three-hour outing a welcome change of pace. After watching animals in the open sea, you can get in the water yourself or stay dry and enjoy the yacht at anchor.

Keep your expectations flexible about the length of this stop. On one outing, the group spent so much time with whales that only about ten minutes remained for a swim. That is not a flaw so much as a scheduling tradeoff. The crew has a fixed three-hour window, and wildlife sightings can take priority. If swimming is your main goal, this may feel short. If the whales are your main goal, you may consider the extra watching time a fair exchange.

Basic snorkeling gear is supplied, but the information does not promise a large reef or a major underwater viewing site. Think of snorkeling as an added chance to cool off and see the bay, not the central attraction. You can also skip the water and relax with the included food and drinks.

Sandwiches, fruit, and drinks on deck

Food is simple but useful during a half-day at sea. The crew provides fresh fruit and sandwiches, with some sandwiches made while the boat is sailing. Drinks include water, juices, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine.

This is enough to keep the outing comfortable without requiring you to pack a meal. The relaxed setup suits the boat: sit back, talk with the crew, watch the coast, and eat when the sea is calm enough. One practical note from the experience is worth keeping in mind: bring extra water if you prefer to drink frequently, especially in warm sun.

Alcohol is included, but pace yourself. A glass of wine or beer can be pleasant after swimming, while too much alcohol and a rolling sea are a poor combination. If you are bringing children, the nonalcoholic drinks and sandwiches make the trip easier, though you should prepare them for the possibility of waves.

How good is the $88 value?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but it offers more than a basic whale-watching ride. You are paying for three hours aboard a 52-foot yacht, a smaller setting, a guide who explains the marine life, a possible sailing segment, a swim and snorkeling stop, food, and drinks.

The group size is the main value question. If your departure has seven or ten people beyond the crew, the yacht can feel close to a private charter without the private-charter price. You get more room than on a crowded boat and have a better chance of speaking with the captain or guide.

The price makes the most sense if you want a balanced outing rather than whales alone. You receive wildlife watching, coastal views, time at anchor, refreshments, and the chance to sail. If you care only about seeing dolphins, remember that sightings are not certain. If you care only about swimming, a dedicated beach or snorkel trip may give you more water time.

The free cancellation policy also reduces some booking risk. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Check the available departure times before booking, since the trip lasts three hours and schedules can change by date.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

This excursion suits couples, families, and small groups who want a slower, more personal boat outing. It works especially well for anyone who likes wildlife but does not want to spend the whole time on a large, crowded vessel.

It is also a good choice if you want several activities in one booking. You can watch pilot whales, look for dolphins and turtles, raise the sails if wind allows, swim, snorkel, and enjoy lunch on board. The guides’ warm, social style helps if you like asking questions or chatting during the ride.

Families should think about sea conditions. Children have enjoyed the trip even on rough days, but large waves can cause seasickness. The boat is wheelchair accessible, although you should confirm any personal boarding needs when booking.

This is less suitable if you need a guaranteed dolphin sighting, a long snorkeling session, or a tour centered on Los Gigantes. It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes bare feet on board, open-water motion, or flexible timing at the swim stop.

Practical packing and timing advice

Arrive 15 minutes early at dock number zero. Since there is no hotel transfer, build in time for the journey to Puerto Colón and for finding the marina entrance.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear and a towel
• A small bag rather than oversize luggage
• Any personal motion-sickness medication you normally use

Wear something comfortable for sun and wind. You will remove your shoes on board, so footwear should be easy to take off and put back on at the port.

Do not assume the whole trip will be under sail. Wind conditions decide that. You may motor to the whale area, raise the sails later, or spend more time drifting with the engine off while watching pilot whales.

Should you book it?

I would choose this trip if you want close wildlife watching with a relaxed yacht setting, and you like the idea of adding a swim, snacks, and drinks to the day. The strongest reasons to book are the small-group atmosphere, respectful whale-watching style, and the chance to see mothers and young pilot whales near the boat.

I would hesitate only if you need a guaranteed species sighting or a long swim session. For most people, the $88 price is fair because it combines several experiences in three hours without the crowded feel of a large excursion boat. Pack for sun and possible waves, arrive early, and let the sea set the pace.

FAQ

Where does the sailing excursion depart from?

It departs from Pantalán, dock number zero, at Puerto Colón in Tenerife. Search for Miishi Restaurant to help locate the entry point.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

How long is the excursion?

The sailing and wildlife-watching experience lasts three hours.

What animals might I see?

You may see pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Sightings are in the wild, so no particular animal is guaranteed.

Is swimming equipment provided?

Basic snorkeling equipment is included. You should bring your own swimwear, towel, and sunscreen.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The crew provides fresh fruit, sandwiches, water, juices, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine.