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

Pilot whales are the main attraction here, and they can come surprisingly close to the boat. This three-hour trip keeps the group small, with a maximum of 11 people, so you get a much quieter outing than you would on one of Tenerife’s big catamarans.

I like the personal service from captains such as Guy and Alex, and I like the chance to combine wildlife watching with a swim, snorkel, and simple lunch. The main caution is value: the wildlife is never guaranteed, the swimming stop may be brief, and the food is closer to a sandwich lunch than a full spread.

Key points

• Pilot whales are the most reliable wildlife sighting, while dolphins, turtles, and other animals are possible but not promised.
• The boat carries no more than 11 people, a major advantage for space, quiet viewing, and personal attention.
• Captain Guy is especially praised for animal knowledge, language skills, and care with seasick passengers.
• Drinks are plentiful, with beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and a glass of Champagne or similar fizz included.
• Swimming and snorkeling are part of the plan, but the stop can be short and underwater sights may be limited.
• The $78.44 price is reasonable for a small-group trip, though some outings may feel expensive if wildlife viewing is brief.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

You meet at Puerto Colón, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The marina is easy to reach by public transport, and pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius if you arrange it at least 24 hours ahead.

The boat returns to the same meeting point after about three hours. That makes this easy to fit into a beach day, a morning before lunch, or an afternoon followed by dinner in Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos.

The small passenger limit matters right away. With six to 11 people aboard, you are not fighting for a rail position or trying to hear a guide over a large crowd. One outing carried only six adults and two children comfortably, while another had four people aboard. The exact group size will vary, but the cap keeps the experience intimate.

This is described as a luxury sailing boat, though you should not assume you will sail under canvas the entire time. Some departures motor out to the whale area, and wind or sea conditions determine how much actual sailing takes place. If your ideal trip means a quiet yacht under full sail, keep expectations modest.

Watching pilot whales along Tenerife’s coast

Tenerife’s southwest coast is a strong setting for a wildlife boat trip, and pilot whales are the star of this excursion. Several departures have found family groups, including adults with young, and the whales may travel close enough for excellent views from the boat.

The captain’s approach makes a real difference. Guy is repeatedly praised for explaining marine life, watching sea conditions, and checking on people who feel unwell. He is also described as speaking five languages, which can help a mixed group feel included. Alex, Dani, and Maximilian have also led departures, with particular praise for their care and enthusiasm.

Good wildlife watching requires patience. You may spend time moving slowly through the water, waiting for a sighting rather than rushing from one point to another. When whales appear, the captain may stop the engine so you can watch in relative quiet. That respectful approach is a strong part of the experience.

You may also see dolphins, sea turtles, or even other marine life. Dolphins have been seen swimming close to the boat, and some outings have included a mother and young turtle. Still, these are wild animals. The tour can locate pilot whales and find no dolphins, or spend much of the trip searching.

That uncertainty is important when judging the price. If your only goal is to see dolphins, you may come away disappointed. If you value a calm boat ride, coastal views, a small group, and the chance to see pilot whales in their natural setting, the trip makes more sense.

A three-hour route with room for a swim

The basic plan is simple: leave Puerto Colón, search for marine life, stop for swimming and snorkeling, then head back with food and drinks available along the way.

The wildlife search normally takes up much of the outing. Some accounts describe around 15 minutes of close whale viewing, followed by more time along the coast. Other departures have found several groups of pilot whales and spent longer watching them. Nature sets the schedule, so the balance between cruising, wildlife, and swimming can change.

The swim stop is a pleasant break from sitting on the boat. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you are asked to bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The water may feel cold, and wind can make the sea choppy. One person may enjoy getting in while another decides to stay aboard.

Do not picture a full snorkeling excursion over a busy reef. Some swim stops are near the coast, including an area by Los Cristianos, and the underwater scenery may be limited. One departure offered only a short swim and advised that there was little to see with a snorkel. Another provided a good swimming experience, but not everyone got the opportunity to enter the water.

This is best understood as a whale-watching trip with a swim stop, not a dedicated snorkeling tour. If snorkeling is your top priority, choose an outing built around underwater viewing instead.

Drinks, Champagne, and the onboard lunch

The food and drink service adds a social touch to the trip. You receive a glass of Champagne, beer, wine, soft drinks, and light refreshments. Freshly made sandwiches or baguettes are provided for lunch, and several accounts describe the sandwiches as tasty.

The word snacks needs a little context. The main food item is generally one small sandwich or baguette, not a picnic with several courses. Some passengers found this perfectly adequate, especially with unlimited drinks. Others expected more for the price and felt that the food description suggested a larger spread.

You may also receive small extras such as crisps, and some departures have included fruit or strawberries with the fizz. The exact presentation can differ by captain and trip. Vegetarian food is available if requested when booking, and you should give advance notice for that option.

There is some inconsistency in how the included sparkling drink is described. The package lists Champagne, while some outings served Prosecco or another sparkling wine. If the specific bottle matters to you, ask before booking rather than assuming it will be French Champagne.

The drinks are one of the better value points. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are available without a strict per-drink charge. That is useful on a warm afternoon, though alcohol and rougher water do not mix well for anyone prone to seasickness.

Why the small boat changes the mood

A maximum of 11 people gives this trip a different feel from the large whale-watching boats leaving the same coast. You can usually move around more easily, ask questions, and hear the captain without a microphone.

The atmosphere also depends on who is leading the trip. Guy is often described as warm, funny, attentive, and passionate about the sea. He may serve drinks, explain animal behavior, and check whether people are comfortable. Alex and Maximilian are also praised for looking after passengers, especially when someone feels seasick.

That personal attention is a real reason to consider this outing. A captain who explains why the boat is stopping, gives wildlife space, and notices when someone feels unwell can turn an ordinary boat ride into a thoughtful one.

There is a small caveat. The amount of commentary may vary. Some departures include plenty of information about the ocean and local animals, while others provide only a short explanation. If you want a formal naturalist talk from start to finish, this may feel light on interpretation.

Comfort, sea conditions, and safety

The boat is described as comfortable, but a small sailing boat moves with the sea. Wind and larger waves can be felt more than they would on a heavier vessel. One outing was described as windy and cloudy, while another found the water cold and choppy at the swim stop.

If you are prone to seasickness, plan carefully. Sit where the motion feels manageable, look toward the horizon, and consider taking your usual remedy before departure. The captain may offer practical tips and check on you, but the sea cannot be made perfectly still.

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and clothing you can layer. A cloudy start can still turn into a bright afternoon, and spray or wind may make the boat feel cooler than the marina.

There is one safety point worth noting. One passenger felt that the pre-trip safety information was limited, with no clear offer of life jackets or explanation of emergency procedures. Most people felt comfortable with the captain, but I would ask where safety equipment is kept if that information is not given before leaving the harbor.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The boat is near public transportation, and the pickup option can help if you are staying within the stated radius.

Is $78.44 a fair price?

At $78.44 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip from Tenerife. You are paying for a small group, a three-hour outing, drinks, lunch, equipment, and a more personal setting than a large shared cruise.

The price feels fair when several things come together: you see pilot whales for a good amount of time, the captain offers useful commentary, the drinks keep flowing, and you get a proper swim stop. A family group that sees whales, turtles, and enjoys a picnic-style lunch may find it excellent value.

The price feels less convincing when the wildlife viewing lasts only a short time, the boat spends long periods cruising without much explanation, or the swim stop is only 10 minutes. The food is also modest, so do not book this expecting a lavish meal.

The average booking lead time is about 18 days. That suggests you should reserve ahead during busy periods, particularly if you need a certain date or want pickup. The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this outing if you want a relaxed, small-group boat ride with a fair chance of seeing pilot whales. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like wildlife but also want drinks, coastal views, and time in the water.

It is especially well suited to people who value the captain’s personal touch. Guy has earned strong praise for his care, humor, language skills, and respect for animals. Dani, Alex, and Maximilian have also been described as attentive and involved.

Families should note that children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. A 10-year-old enjoyed one departure, and the smaller boat can feel less overwhelming than a large cruise vessel.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed dolphins, a long snorkeling session, a large lunch, or a formal safety briefing. I would also be cautious if you are very sensitive to motion. A three-hour ride can feel long when the sea turns rough.

Should you book the Tenerife whale-watching boat?

Book it if you want pilot whales, a small group, and a friendly captain more than a packed sightseeing schedule. The best departures combine close wildlife viewing, quiet time with the engine off, a pleasant swim, and generous drinks.

Go in with realistic expectations. Dolphins and turtles are bonuses, snorkeling may be limited, and lunch is usually a single sandwich. At $78.44, the experience depends heavily on the wildlife and the captain on your departure.

For a calm, personal outing with a strong chance of seeing pilot whales, I think it is a good choice. For a guaranteed dolphin show or a full water-sports session, choose something more specialized.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching trip depart?

The trip departs from Puerto Colón, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and returns to Puerto Colón.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 11 people. The actual group may be smaller.

What wildlife might I see?

Pilot whales are the main possible sighting. Dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life may also appear, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. Swimming time and use of snorkeling equipment are included, although the length of the stop and underwater visibility can vary.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive a glass of Champagne or similar sparkling wine, a sandwich or freshly made baguette, light refreshments, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Vegetarian food is available if requested at booking.