Puerto Colon : Whale & Dolphins Sailing Excursion

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is the chance to watch pilot whales and dolphins in open water, not in a show or enclosed park. From Puerto Colon, you sail along the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone, where the crew also looks for loggerhead turtles and fin whales. A hydrophone lets you hear whale and dolphin calls below the boat, which adds a fine bit of wonder to the wildlife search.

I like the small group of no more than 10 people, and I like the mix of wildlife, swimming, and food. Captain Daniel, also called Dani, has earned praise for his warm care, clear explanations, and close attention to the animals. The main caution is simple: this is a sea trip, so wildlife sightings are never fully in your hands, and one booking email reportedly gave an incorrect pier location.

• Pilot whales in their natural habitat: Look for one of Europe’s largest resident populations of pilot whales.
• Hydrophone listening: Hear whale and dolphin calls instead of only watching the surface.
• Diego Hernández Beach: Swim or snorkel at the secluded beach also known as Hippie Beach.
• Local lunch on board: Expect Canarian specialties, drinks, fruit, and, on some outings, pastries and generous snacks.
• Six-hour option: Add more time for swimming, dolphin searches, and the coast near Los Gigantes.
• Private charter available: You can reserve the whole boat for up to 10 people.

Sailing Out From Puerto Colon

You begin at Puerto Colon, a busy marina on Tenerife’s south coast. The precise meeting point can vary with the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully and allow time to find the correct pontoon. One person lost time after following an incorrect pier location in an email, a small but avoidable snag before an otherwise excellent outing.

The boat carries a maximum of 10 participants on the regular small-group trip. That matters. You are not packed onto a large excursion vessel, and you have a better chance to speak with the captain, find a good place to watch, and ask questions as the boat moves along the coast.

The listed price is $88 per person. For three to six hours on the water, wildlife watching, drinks, fruit, lunch, snorkeling time, and a specialist captain, I find that fair value, especially if you choose the longer outing. It is not the cheapest way to see Tenerife from the sea, but the small group and food included make it more than a basic wildlife cruise.

The exact start time depends on availability, and the tour can last three to six hours. If you have only a morning or afternoon free, the shorter trip gives you a taste of the coast and the wildlife search. If you want a slower day with Los Gigantes, a longer swim, and more time looking for dolphins, choose six hours.

Searching the Teno-Rasca Conservation Zone

Once you leave Puerto Colon, the focus turns to the water. The boat heads into the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone, an important detail because this is more than a general coastal cruise. The crew knows to watch for pilot whales, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales in the area.

Pilot whales are the main attraction. Tenerife is home to Europe’s largest population of these animals, and seeing them moving freely beside a sailing boat is very different from watching captive animals perform. You may see backs, fins, or groups traveling together, but the animals set the pace. Patience is part of the deal.

Dolphins can be more active at the surface, splashing and moving quickly near the boat. The crew also looks for turtles, including loggerheads. Fin whales are listed among the possible sightings, though you should treat every species as a possibility rather than a promise. Marine wildlife follows its own schedule.

The hydrophone is one of the most memorable details. Instead of waiting silently for a fin to appear, you can listen to whale and dolphin sounds underwater. That changes the experience from simple sightseeing into a better sense of what is happening beneath the boat.

Captain Daniel, or Dani, leads the trip and explains the animals and the surrounding coast in English or Spanish. His role is important here. A wildlife cruise is much better when the person at the helm can answer questions and explain what you are seeing without turning the outing into a nonstop lecture.

The captain also keeps the boat at a respectful distance. You are specifically asked not to touch the animals. That rule protects the wildlife and keeps the encounter on the right side of responsible watching. I appreciate that the trip focuses on observation rather than trying to force close contact.

Watching Whales Without a Theme Park

A good whale-watching trip asks you to accept a little uncertainty. You might see several pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles, as one recent outing did, or you might spend more time scanning the water. No boat trip can control the animals, and the experience is strongest when you value the search as much as the perfect photograph.

The small boat helps in practical ways. With no more than 10 people, you can move your attention from one side to the other without fighting a large crowd for a view. You also have a more direct connection with the captain, which helps when a sighting appears and you need to know where to look.

Still, bring realistic expectations. Wildlife may surface for only a moment, and the open sea can feel calm one minute and uncomfortable the next. If you are prone to seasickness, eat a solid breakfast and limit drinks before the trip. The operator recommends avoiding excessive liquid intake the night before and in the morning, as well as avoiding combinations such as coffee with milk, tea, orange juice, water, and fruit with high water content.

The supplied guidance also mentions Biodramina before boarding, with different instructions for adults and children. If you plan to use any medicine, follow the product directions and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure. This is practical preparation, not a reason to skip the trip.

Diego Hernández Beach and the Swimming Stop

After the wildlife search, the boat sails to Diego Hernández Beach, also called Hippie Beach. The beach can only be reached on foot or by boat, which gives the stop a more secluded feel than a standard resort beach.

The crew drops anchor, and you can choose to swim or snorkel in the clear blue water. This is a welcome change of pace after watching the horizon. You are no longer waiting for a fin to appear. You can get into the sea, cool off, and enjoy time at your own speed while lunch is prepared.

The swimming stop is one reason I prefer the six-hour option when time allows. Three hours can work well if you want wildlife and a quick sea break, but six hours gives the whole day more breathing room. You have more time to enjoy the beach, and the longer option also includes the chance to see Los Gigantes and spend longer looking for dolphins.

Bring your own swimwear, towel, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. The sun can feel strong on the water, even when the air seems pleasant. A hat is listed twice in the preparation advice, and it is worth taking one that will not blow away easily.

Snorkeling is offered, but the available information does not promise a particular type of marine life at the beach. Go for the chance to swim in a quiet coastal setting rather than expecting a full reef tour. The real wildlife focus comes earlier, in the conservation zone.

A Canarian Lunch on the Water

While you swim, the crew prepares lunch and drinks. The meal includes Canarian cuisine, fruit, and drinks, with one particularly generous outing also featuring pastries, cold meats, and assorted snacks. The exact menu may vary, but the food is more substantial than a token sandwich.

This is a small detail with a big effect on the day. You do not need to leave the boat searching for lunch, and you can eat while taking in the coast. Local food also gives the trip a stronger sense of place than a generic packed meal.

I would not book this as a food tour. The main reason to go is the wildlife and the time on the water. Still, lunch improves the value of the longer trip, especially for anyone who wants a relaxed half-day or full afternoon without arranging another meal.

The crew’s hospitality has been a major strength. Captain Daniel and the team are described as attentive, welcoming, and eager to share what they know about the animals and the area. That personal care matters on a small charter, where the captain’s attitude shapes the entire mood.

Choosing Three Hours or Six Hours

The shorter option is a sensible choice if you are fitting the trip between other Tenerife plans. You still sail from Puerto Colon, search for whales and dolphins, use the hydrophone, stop for swimming or snorkeling, and eat lunch with drinks and fruit.

Choose six hours if you want the boat ride itself to be part of the holiday rather than just a scheduled activity. The longer version gives you more time for Los Gigantes, a longer swim, and additional chances to spot dolphins. It also reduces the feeling of rushing from wildlife search to beach stop and back to the marina.

Los Gigantes adds dramatic coastal scenery to the day, though the details provided do not promise a separate shore visit. Think of it as a longer coastal sail and viewing opportunity, not a land excursion.

For a birthday or special occasion, the six-hour private option may make sense. The boat can be booked privately for up to 10 people, allowing your party to share the outing without other participants. The regular small group is already limited to 10, so compare the private price before deciding if exclusive use is worth it.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most

I would recommend this excursion to anyone who wants several Tenerife experiences in one outing: marine wildlife, a sail along the coast, a swim, a local meal, and time at a hard-to-reach beach.

It works especially well for:

• Couples who want a quieter boat trip rather than a large cruise.
• Families who enjoy swimming and can manage time at sea.
• Small groups celebrating a birthday or special occasion.
• Wildlife fans who want to hear animals through a hydrophone.
• Visitors with enough time for the six-hour route toward Los Gigantes.

It may be less suitable if you dislike open-water motion, need a guaranteed animal sighting, or want a tightly scheduled sightseeing trip with no waiting. The pace depends on the sea and the animals. You should also be comfortable following the no-touch rule and taking sensible precautions against seasickness.

The guide languages are English and Spanish. If you have detailed questions about marine animals, this is a good setting to ask them directly. The captain’s attention is one of the strongest reasons to choose a small charter over a much larger boat.

Practical Details Before You Book

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times and the meeting point for your exact option before setting out.

Pack lightly, but do not forget the basics:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat or cap
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Any seasickness remedy you normally use

You are not allowed to touch the animals. That is both a tour rule and a sensible wildlife standard.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 46 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on three things: Captain Daniel’s care, the small group, and the quality of the wildlife and food experience. The most useful practical criticism is the incorrect pier information in one email, so double-check the marina directions rather than relying on the first location message you receive.

Should You Book the Puerto Colon Whale and Dolphin Excursion?

Yes, if you want a personal, wildlife-focused day with more substance than a quick boat ride. The chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, listen through a hydrophone, swim at Diego Hernández Beach, and eat Canarian food gives the outing a good balance.

I would choose the six-hour option if your schedule allows and the extra cost fits your plans. You get more time near Los Gigantes, more chances to find dolphins, and a less hurried beach stop. Choose three hours if you mainly want the wildlife search and a short swim.

Book the private option for a special celebration or a group of up to 10 people. Otherwise, the regular small group should give you much of the same personal feel at a lower price. Just prepare for the sea, check the meeting point carefully, and remember that nature decides what appears beside the boat.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin excursion begin?

The excursion begins at Puerto Colon in Tenerife. The exact meeting point can vary by booking option, so check the details for your selected trip.

How long does the boat trip last?

You can choose an option lasting approximately three or six hours. Check availability for the starting times.

What marine animals might I see?

The crew looks for pilot whales, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales. Sightings depend on the animals and sea conditions, so no species is guaranteed.

What is the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone?

It is the coastal area where the boat searches for marine wildlife. The route includes a known population of pilot whales and may also offer sightings of dolphins, turtles, and fin whales.

Does the boat use a hydrophone?

Yes. Hydrophone equipment is used so you can listen to whale and dolphin calls underwater.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The boat stops at Diego Hernández Beach, also called Hippie Beach, where you can swim or snorkel in the sea.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Canarian cuisine, drinks, and fruit are included. Some outings may also provide pastries and additional snacks.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

Can I book the whole boat privately?

Yes. A private option is available for groups of up to 10 people.