Whale and Dolphin Watching Yacht Trip in Puerto Colon

Pilot whales are the main attraction on this small-group yacht trip from Puerto Colón. You spend about three hours at sea, watching for whales and dolphins with far more room than you get on a large excursion boat. The captain shares live commentary, and the crew may stop in a sheltered cove for swimming and snorkeling when the weather cooperates.

I like the 12-person limit, which makes it easier to see the water and ask questions without fighting for space. I also like the simple, useful extras: beer, wine, soft drinks, water, baguettes, and snorkeling gear are included. The main caution is that the boat can feel cramped when the sea turns choppy, and wildlife sightings can never be promised.

At a glance: what makes this boat trip different

• Pilot whales are the most likely headline sighting: Dolphins, turtles, and other sea life are also possible, but the strongest pattern is repeated sightings of pilot whales.
• The yacht carries no more than 12 people: That means a quieter outing and a more personal feel than a large catamaran cruise.
• Captain Patrick is part of the appeal: His sailing stories, friendly manner, and ability to stop near whale groups have made a strong impression.
• Swimming and snorkeling depend on the sea: The stop may take place in a beautiful cove, but rough water or poor weather can change the plan.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect ham and cheese baguettes, with vegetarian food available if requested in advance.
• The sunset departure is shorter: The 19:00 sailing, offered until the end of August, lasts two hours and includes either wildlife watching or a swim stop, not both.

Leaving Puerto Colón for open water

The trip begins at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas. You return to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location at the end. The port is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in the southern resort area.

The yacht is the heart of the experience. With a maximum of 12 people, you can move between the seating areas and viewing spots without the crowding common on large whale-watching boats. That smaller scale also lets the captain respond to the group. If someone spots movement in the water, the boat can pause and give everyone time to look.

There is a tradeoff. A compact yacht gives you a close, personal outing, but it has less open deck space than a large catamaran. One of the less favorable experiences described the boat as cramped and hard to move around. If you want wide, open walkways, a large vessel may suit you better.

The captain may do much of the work himself, including steering, explaining the route, and serving the group. That can make the trip feel direct and informal, but it also means the quality of the commentary may depend on who is assigned to your boat that day. English and Spanish are spoken on every tour. If you need another language, contact the operator before booking.

Searching for pilot whales off Tenerife

Tenerife is a strong place for whale watching, and pilot whales are the species most often encountered on this outing. You may see them traveling in family groups or moving alongside the boat. Several accounts describe multiple whales, including a playful family that held everyone’s attention for several minutes.

The best part is the waiting. You are not watching animals in an enclosure or following a fixed show. The captain searches, slows down, and points out movement when it appears. That makes even a short sighting feel meaningful. You may also spot dolphins, sea turtles, and bird life above the water, though the trip should not be booked with a guarantee of any particular animal.

Captain Patrick has been especially praised for handling the boat around whale groups and giving the animals space while letting the group watch. His sailing stories add a human touch, too. Still, the experience is not perfectly consistent. One account described a quiet trip with very little explanation after a brief whale sighting. For the best chance of an engaging outing, ask who will be captaining your boat when you receive the tour details.

Weather matters more than the calendar. Wind can make the water rough, reduce comfort, and affect the time spent searching. Blankets may be provided on cooler or windy outings, but you should still dress for changing conditions and expect some spray.

The swim and snorkeling stop

When weather and sea conditions allow, the yacht stops for swimming and snorkeling. The stop may be in a sheltered bay such as the cove near La Caleta, where the setting gives you a break from watching the horizon.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. The stop adds variety to the trip. After sitting and scanning the sea, you can get into the water, cool off, and see a different side of Tenerife’s coast.

Do not treat the swim as a guaranteed part of every departure. Rough water may cancel it, and the sunset sailing has a specific limitation: the two-hour evening trip goes either to look for whales and dolphins or to the swim stop, not both. The price remains the same because the late departure is shorter and offers a choice rather than the full three-hour plan.

If swimming is your main goal, ask about the exact plan before booking. If whales are your priority, choose a standard departure rather than assuming the 19:00 sailing will include time in the water.

Food, drinks, and the practical comfort level

Included refreshments are straightforward rather than elaborate. You receive ham and cheese baguettes, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. That is enough to make the three-hour outing easier, especially when the boat spends long stretches at sea.

Vegetarian options are available on request. Make this request clearly when you book, and confirm it before departure. The operator has received a complaint from a passenger who requested vegetarian food but was still given a ham and cheese sandwich. Removing the ham is not a proper substitute, so do not leave this detail until boarding.

The food is best viewed as a light snack or simple lunch, not a full meal. Fresh baguettes and a drink work well during a relaxed cruise, but bring any other food you need if you have strict dietary requirements. The provided information only confirms vegetarian options, so contact the operator about allergies or other diets.

Life vests are provided. Snorkeling equipment is included. An optional photo service is available for an extra charge, but photography is not part of the basic price.

How the three-hour schedule usually feels

The standard trip lasts about three hours and departs daily, with a choice of departure times. That flexibility helps you fit the cruise around a beach day, a meal, or another activity in southern Tenerife.

The first part is spent leaving the port and heading toward the whale-watching area. You can enjoy the coastal views while the captain explains the plan. Once in open water, the pace becomes slower and more watchful. The crew scans for blows, fins, and movement at the surface, then positions the yacht so the group can watch.

The middle portion may include time with pilot whales, dolphins, or turtles. Sightings can be quick or can hold the boat in place for several minutes. You should plan for patience. A wildlife trip can include quiet stretches, and one poor experience described nearly three hours with little action. That is the risk you accept in exchange for seeing animals in their natural setting.

If sea conditions are suitable, the boat then stops for swimming and snorkeling before returning to Puerto Colón. Some accounts describe this as a beautiful, relaxing finish, with snacks and drinks served around the swim stop.

The late summer sunset option changes the rhythm. At 19:00, you get two hours, not three. The boat will either search for whales and dolphins or make the swim stop. This can be a pleasant evening outing, but it is not the right choice if you want both activities.

What the $62.56 price gets you

At about $62.56 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water, but the price includes more than a basic harbor cruise. You are paying for a small group, a yacht rather than a packed excursion boat, a captain-led search for wildlife, drinks, food, and snorkeling equipment.

The group size is the key value. A large boat may offer more space overall, but you share the experience with many more people. Here, the captain can talk with you directly, point out sightings, and adjust the boat’s position without managing a huge crowd. Several high ratings focus on this personal feel and the contrast with boats carrying far more people.

Value depends on your expectations. If you mainly want a guaranteed whale sighting, no boat can honestly promise that. If you want a quiet sea outing with a real chance of seeing pilot whales, plus food and a possible swim, the price is fair.

The trip is often booked around 11 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve before your holiday if your dates are fixed, especially if you want a particular departure time or need a special language or meal request.

Who should book this yacht trip

I would choose this tour if you want a small, social boat outing rather than a large group cruise. It suits couples, families, and small groups who value a calmer setting and direct contact with the captain.

Families can find it practical because food, drinks, life vests, and snorkeling equipment are included. A group with six adults, four children, and a baby found that the needed basics were available, but remember that the boat has limited space. Infants and young children may be happier on a calm day than in rough seas.

It also suits anyone who wants a gentle break from busy resort days. Several outings have been described as relaxing, especially when the boat found pilot whales and later stopped in a quiet bay.

I would think twice if you get seasick, dislike waiting for wildlife, or need generous room to move. Wind and chop can change the mood quickly. The captain and crew may provide blankets, but no small yacht can remove the motion of the sea.

Booking details worth handling early

Confirmation is sent at booking, and the operator may message you with final cruise details the day before. Check those messages carefully for the meeting time and boat information.

If you are booking separately from friends or family, tell the operator at the time of booking that you want to be on the same boat. Multiple boats may be used, and waiting until the day of departure may be too late.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can receive a full refund or move to another date.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. Since this is a small yacht outing with possible swimming and choppy conditions, ask the operator directly about any mobility concern before you book.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a personal whale-watching outing with a good chance of seeing pilot whales, a friendly captain, included refreshments, and a possible swim in a coastal cove. The small group is the strongest reason to choose it.

Go in with realistic expectations. Wildlife is unpredictable, the boat can feel tight, and the commentary may vary by crew. Confirm vegetarian food, ask about the captain and boat, and choose the standard three-hour departure if you want both whale watching and swimming.

For a relaxed day at sea with a decent mix of wildlife, snacks, and water time, I think it offers good value. For a guaranteed show or a spacious, highly polished vessel, choose a different type of cruise.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching yacht trip start?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the standard tour last?

The standard experience lasts about three hours. Daily departures are available, with a choice of departure times.

How many people can join the yacht?

The boat carries a maximum of 12 people. Multiple boats may be used for the overall tour, so tell the operator at booking if you want to be placed on the same boat as friends or family.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Swimming and snorkeling are included when weather and sea conditions allow. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but the stop is not guaranteed on every departure.

What food and drinks are provided?

The tour includes beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and ham and cheese baguettes. Vegetarian food is available on request, so make the request when booking and confirm it before departure.

What is different about the 19:00 sunset departure?

The sunset departure is available until the end of August and lasts two hours. It includes either whale and dolphin watching or a swim stop, not both. The price is the same as the regular tour.