Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

Pilot whales can come right alongside Roulette, and dolphins sometimes play at the bow. That is the main draw here: you are not packed onto a large sightseeing boat, but sailing with up to 10 passengers and two crew members who can give the wildlife their full attention.

I like the small-group setting and the chance to sail without the constant engine noise. I also like the crew’s respect for the animals, plus the simple but welcome spread of sandwiches, cake, snacks, cava, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. The main consideration is the Atlantic itself: choppy water can make some passengers seasick, and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the main prize: The crew regularly looks for pods around Tenerife’s south coast, with dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and seabirds also possible.
• Only 10 passengers fit aboard: The 12-meter Roulette has three cabins, two bathrooms, and deck mats, giving you more room and personal attention than a large whale-watching boat.
• Captain Salvador brings the local knowledge: He has guided many outings, explaining marine life, Tenerife’s geography, and the nearby islands in Spanish and English. Italian is also available.
• Snorkeling is part of the three hours: The boat stops in a sheltered bay or scenic coastal spot for a swim, often for about 30 minutes.
• Food is more than an afterthought: Expect baguette sandwiches, crisps, cake or dessert, and a steady choice of drinks, including cava and beer.
• The meeting point needs care: Arrive 10 minutes early at dock door Nº5 in Puerto Colón, just beyond the port parking barrier, and look for the boat named Roulette.

A small yacht with a very different feel

Roulette is a 12-meter sailing yacht, not a high-capacity excursion vessel. It carries a maximum of 10 passengers, although some departures have had fewer people, which makes a real difference when everyone wants a clear view of a whale or dolphin.

You can sit on the deck mats, move between the front and rear areas, or settle into a spot with a view of the water. The boat has three double cabins and two bathrooms. You are not booking a private charter, but the limited capacity gives the outing a private-charter feel without the private-charter price.

At $70 per person, the value is strongest when you use the whole package. You receive three hours on the water, a marine-life guide, drinks, snacks, a prepared lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a small group. Large whale-watching boats may offer a lower starting price, but they usually cannot provide the same level of personal service or quiet sailing.

The food is not a restaurant meal, and it should not be treated as one. It is usually a ham and tomato baguette, sometimes with Iberian ham, crisps, and a slice of cake. For a three-hour trip, it is practical and filling, especially after swimming. Dietary needs have been accommodated on some departures, but you should tell the operator in advance rather than count on a special menu.

Meeting the crew at Puerto Colón

You meet at the door of dock Nº5 at Puerto Colón, 10 minutes before departure. It is the first jetty after passing the port parking barrier, near the port parking area. Look for the name Roulette on the boat.

This detail matters because Puerto Colón has several docks, boats, and departure points. Give yourself enough time to find the right entrance instead of arriving at the marina at the last minute. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the port.

The crew varies by departure, but Captain Salvador is frequently at the helm. Other crew members named on different outings include Rafa, Ramone, Jenny, Yani, Dani, and Silvio. The common thread is a friendly, attentive style. Drinks are offered throughout the trip, and the crew keeps an eye on comfort, including passengers who begin to feel unwell.

The tour runs in Spanish, English, and Italian. Salvador has been especially appreciated for explaining local geography, the ocean around the Canary Islands, and the animals you encounter. The information is not just a set script. It tends to follow what you are seeing.

Sailing out along Tenerife’s south coast

Once Roulette leaves Puerto Colón, the outing becomes a mix of sailing, wildlife watching, and coastal scenery. Tenerife’s volcanic shoreline rises behind you, while La Gomera may appear across the water on a clear day.

If the wind is strong enough, the crew uses the sails on the way out and back. That can give you a wonderfully quiet stretch on the Atlantic, with the boat moving under wind rather than engine power. On other days, the crew may need the motor, and the sea may be calm or slightly rough.

The crew’s job is to locate cetaceans without chasing them. Pilot whales are the species most often singled out, and pods may include adults and calves. Dolphins can appear in groups, sometimes close to the hull or bow. Turtles, flying fish, red-fin tuna, and seabirds are also possible.

Keep your eyes moving. A whale may surface well away from the boat, while dolphins can arrive quickly at the front. The crew tries to give both sides of the yacht a fair view, so do not worry if your first position is not perfect.

The wildlife is wild, not scheduled entertainment. You might see several pods in one outing, including animals close to the boat, or you might have a quieter trip. No responsible operator can promise a particular species or number of sightings. The strongest part of this experience is that the crew looks for animals while keeping a respectful distance, rather than treating them as a staged show.

Why pilot whales are the star of the trip

The waters off Tenerife are known for regular sightings of short-finned pilot whales. On this tour, the crew’s familiarity with local waters is a real benefit. Captain Salvador and the other guides explain what you are seeing, how the animals behave, and why the boat is slowing down or changing direction.

A close encounter can be remarkable, especially from a low sailing yacht. You may see a family group surface together, a calf beside an adult, or a pod moving calmly past the boat. Dolphins may provide the livelier display, sometimes swimming beside the bow.

The crew’s attitude matters here. They do not describe the trip as a chase, and the strongest outings have involved simply floating near the animals. That gives you time to watch instead of grabbing a hurried photograph before the boat moves on.

Bring patience. Whale watching is a matter of scanning, waiting, and listening for the crew’s instructions. The reward is a more natural encounter, not a guaranteed performance on demand.

Swimming and snorkeling in a quiet bay

After the wildlife portion, Roulette stops for swimming and snorkeling. The exact location depends on sea conditions and the captain’s choice, but departures have included sheltered bays, cliff-lined spots, and an area near a cave.

The stop is often around 30 minutes. That is enough time for a swim and a look below the surface, but it is not a full snorkeling excursion. You receive the necessary snorkeling equipment, and you may see fish in the clear water. The stop also lets you cool off after sitting in the sun.

This part suits confident swimmers and anyone who wants a break from watching the horizon. If you do not want to swim, you can stay aboard and enjoy the scenery. The boat has deck mats for relaxing, and the crew remains nearby to help.

Do not book this tour mainly for a long snorkeling session. The wildlife search and sailing take up most of the three hours. Think of snorkeling as a well-placed bonus that adds variety to the trip.

Lunch, drinks, and the relaxed pace

Food is served during the return portion or after the swim, depending on the timing of the trip. A typical offering is a fresh baguette with ham and tomato, crisps to share, and cake or another simple dessert.

Drinks include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. Cava on a sailing yacht can feel like a nice touch, but you are not required to drink alcohol. The crew keeps nonalcoholic options available.

The meal works because it is casual. You can eat on deck, talk with the other passengers, and watch the coast slide by. This is not a luxury food tour, but it is generous for a three-hour boat trip and saves you from having to plan lunch immediately afterward.

Families can also find the format manageable. One outing included a toddler, and the crew took care of the family throughout the trip. Still, the boat is at sea, and the combination of sun, wind, and movement may be tiring for very young children.

Seasickness, weather, and practical comfort

The biggest drawback is the sea. Some departures have had slightly choppy water, and one passenger became seriously seasick despite having a wonderful crew response. The crew can help if you feel unwell, but their care cannot remove the motion of the Atlantic.

If you are prone to seasickness, prepare before boarding. Eat lightly, follow any medication advice you already use, and choose a position with a clear view of the horizon. The sea can be smooth on the way back and rough on the way out, or the other way around.

Sun protection is also important. You will be exposed on deck, and the open water reflects strong light. Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a cover-up. A towel is useful for the swim, though the supplied information does not list one as included.

The boat has two bathrooms, which is useful on a small yacht. Space is limited compared with land, so keep your belongings compact and avoid bringing anything you do not need.

Who will get the most from this outing

I would choose this tour if you want a personal boat experience rather than a loud, crowded cruise. It suits couples, families, small groups, and solo visitors who enjoy learning about marine life while spending time outdoors.

It is especially good for people who value the crew’s attention. With no more than 10 passengers, you can ask questions, move around for better views, and get help with snorkeling or seasickness without competing with a crowd.

The trip also works well for a special occasion. A birthday cake with candles has been arranged on a past departure, and the crew has helped make birthdays and family outings feel personal.

You may want another option if your priority is a long snorkeling session, a guaranteed whale sighting, or a fully private boat. You should also think twice if you are very uncomfortable on open water. The yacht is comfortable, but it is still a yacht moving across the Atlantic.

Booking details and value at $70

At $70 per person, this is a solid midrange price for Tenerife’s south coast. You get a three-hour cruise, wildlife watching, snorkeling gear, lunch-style food, several drink choices, and a professional crew on a yacht limited to 10 passengers.

The value improves if you compare it with a large boat trip that charges separately for food, drinks, or equipment. The smaller group is the main reason to pay this price. You are more likely to hear the guide, find a comfortable viewing spot, and receive direct help when needed.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some planning flexibility. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. Hotel transfers are not included.

Should you book the Roulette sailing tour?

Book it if you want pilot whales, dolphins, sailing, snorkeling, and lunch in one compact outing, with a crew that treats the wildlife and passengers with care. The small boat, calm service, and strong local knowledge make this more personal than a standard high-capacity cruise.

I would not choose it if you need a guaranteed sighting or dislike the possibility of rough water. For most people who are comfortable at sea, though, $70 is a fair price for three hours on the Atlantic, especially when the wind fills the sails and a pod of pilot whales surfaces beside the boat.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The meeting point is at the door of dock Nº5 at Puerto Colón. It is the first jetty past the port parking barrier. Look for the boat named Roulette.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 10 minutes before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts three hours, including sailing, wildlife watching, swimming, and snorkeling.

How many people can join?

The small group is limited to 10 participants. The yacht has space for 10 passengers and two crew members.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and red-fin tuna. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with the boat cruise, guide, drinks, and snacks.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive snacks and simple food such as baguette sandwiches, crisps, and cake or dessert. Drinks include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks.

Which languages are available?

The tour is available in Spanish, English, and Italian.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to Puerto Colón because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.