Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip in Tenerife On a Sailing Boat (3 Hr)

An Honest Look at the Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip in Tenerife

If you’re headed to Tenerife and eager to see some of the island’s incredible marine life, this whale and dolphin watching boat trip might be worth considering. Offered by Best Excursions Tenerife, this experience promises a friendly, intimate setting—max 12 travelers—aboard a sailing boat, with the chance to spot pilot whales and dolphins in the wild. Plus, it features a swim stop in a scenic bay, food, and drinks, making it a nice half-day outing.

What’s particularly appealing is the small-group vibe and the knowledgeable local skipper who knows exactly where to find the sea creatures. We love that it’s flexible with multiple departure times, so it can slot into most Tenerife itineraries easily. But, as with all things, there are a few caveats—like the variable success in sightings and the overall value compared to some larger tours.

This trip seems best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, personalized experience with good company and a chance to enjoy the ocean without feeling like they’re part of a big, crowded tour. If you’re after a focused, intimate adventure with local guides, it could be just right. But if you’re expecting guaranteed sightings or a high-energy, adrenaline-packed trip, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Small group size (max 12 people) for a more personal experience
• Expert local skipper with years of knowledge on where to find marine life
• Scenic swim stop in a secluded bay to relax and cool off
• Open bar offering drinks and snacks throughout the trip
• Flexible departure times to suit your schedule
• Variable sightings—whales and dolphins are wild, so no guarantees

Setting the Scene: What to Expect on Your Trip

This 3-hour cruise is designed to fit into your Tenerife plans while giving you a genuine shot at seeing marine life in its natural environment. You’ll meet at the Puerto Colón marina, a popular spot that’s easy to reach with public transportation. From there, a small sailing boat—capped at 12 guests—sets out into the waters, with a seasoned skipper steering the way.

The trip combines education, relaxation, and adventure. As you glide across the sea, your guide will share insights into the local whales and dolphins—what species live here, their habits, and why Tenerife is such a hotspot for marine life. We liked that the guide’s local knowledge is a major plus, increasing your chances of spotting creatures while also enriching your understanding of the ecosystem.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings

While the experience promises encounters with pilot whales and dolphins, it’s important to remember that sightings depend on the day’s conditions and the animals’ behaviors. One reviewer excitedly shared, “Seeing the pilot whales was great,” highlighting that the wild nature of these creatures means no sighting is guaranteed. That’s part of the adventure, and part of why many travelers enjoy it—they’re experiencing wildlife in its natural state, not just watching from a distance.

Scenic Stop for a Swim

After some time searching for marine life, the boat will anchor in a secluded bay. This is a real highlight—it’s a chance to jump in for a swim, snorkel, or simply relax on deck. The bay’s calm, scenic setting provides a perfect backdrop for unwinding after spotting whales or dolphins. The trip’s description emphasizes that this is a safe yet scenic spot, ideal for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of Tenerife’s coastline.

Food and Drinks

A nice perk onboard is the open bar, with a selection of drinks including alcoholic beverages and snacks. This adds a laid-back, social vibe, making the trip feel more like a shared adventure rather than a tour bus. One reviewer called the food and drinks “tasty,” which suggests they’re a decent bonus rather than just an afterthought.

The Experience in Detail: What Really Goes On

We imagine that the itinerary is straightforward but effective. The boat departs from Puerto Colón, with three options throughout the day, giving flexibility for your plans. Once at sea, the skipper uses their local expertise to find the best spots for marine sightings. The fact that the tour is capped at 12 people means you avoid the crowded boats, which can often be noisy and less personal.

The search for whales and dolphins is, of course, the main event. As one review noted, “Les dauphins été au rendez-vous,” or dolphins were present, but the overall experience felt somewhat lacking in commentary, with the guide providing no extra narration. This suggests that if you’re after a more educational or engaging trip, you might find it a bit too relaxed.

The highlight—without a doubt—is the scenery. Watching whales breach or dolphins leap out of the water is a thrill, and being on a sailing boat adds a touch of authenticity. You’ll love the feeling of being away from the crowds and in the water with these majestic creatures.

The swim stop is another big plus. The bay is described as “safe,” and you’ll likely enjoy some downtime in the sun, floating in clear waters. Food and snacks are included, making it easy to relax without having to bring much along.

Evaluating the Cost and Value

At around $52 per person, this tour is fairly priced for an intimate, small-group experience. Compared to larger, busier tours, you’re paying for a more personalized outing. The open bar and snacks add to the perceived value, and you’re getting a mix of wildlife watching, a scenic swim, and a social atmosphere.

However, the mixed reviews about the value suggest that some travelers think the experience could be more informative. One comment pointed out that although whales were seen, “the trip was good value for money,” it might lack the depth of commentary or educational content some expect.

The flexibility with departure times and the small group size are significant benefits that justify the price for most. Still, if your priority is guaranteed sightings or a high-energy adventure, this might not be the best fit.

What Travelers Are Saying

• Positive: “Seeing the pilot whales was great and the trip was good value for money,” praised Ted_S. The small group and knowledgeable local skipper clearly made a difference.
• Mixed: “Les dauphins été au rendez-vous mais le reproche quil y aurait à faire cest le prix trop chère,” noted a reviewer, suggesting the experience was somewhat expensive for what was offered—mainly wildlife sightings without much commentary.
• Critical: “FATE ATTENZIONE,” was the warning from one traveler who had a reservation but was told minutes before departure that the trip couldn’t go ahead due to weather conditions—a reminder that wildlife tours are weather-dependent.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This whale and dolphin watching trip is well-suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, small-group experience with a knowledgeable guide. If you love being on the water, enjoy scenic stops for swimming, and don’t mind the uncertainty of wildlife sightings, you’ll likely find this worthwhile.

It’s especially good if you value personalized service, a social atmosphere with drinks and snacks, and a chance to learn about Tenerife’s sea life from a local expert. If you’re traveling solo, a couple, or a small group, this tour offers a more intimate vibe compared to larger boats.

However, if you’re looking for a tour with guaranteed sightings or a detailed commentary, you might want to consider other options or be prepared for some unpredictability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 3 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy wildlife, the swim stop, and relax without it feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers whale and dolphin watching, a swim stop in a secluded bay, food, and drinks from an open bar, and the guidance of experienced local guides.

How many people will be on the boat?
Up to 12 travelers, which creates a more intimate and relaxed environment.

Are there multiple departure times?
Yes, the tour offers three different daily departure options, so you can choose what fits best with your schedule.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely—free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip, and you’ll receive a full refund if you cancel in time.

Is it suitable for children?
The minimum drinking age is 18, and since it’s a boat trip with alcohol, it’s primarily geared toward adults. If traveling with children, consider their comfort with boat travel and the fact that the focus is on wildlife and relaxation.

Final Thoughts

This 3-hour whale and dolphin watching cruise offers a cozy, personalized way to connect with Tenerife’s marine environment. You’ll appreciate the local expertise, scenic swim stop, and the laid-back vibe that small group tours naturally foster. It’s a good choice if you’re after a relaxed, insightful outing that balances wildlife watching with leisure.

That said, keep expectations realistic—wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and some travelers might find the experience somewhat light on commentary or educational content. But for those who value intimacy, scenery, and the chance to relax with drinks in hand, this could be just the ticket.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a couple wanting a peaceful escape, or someone curious about the local sea life, this trip can add a memorable touch to your Tenerife holiday—especially if you’re okay with a touch of unpredictability and a focus on the natural, rather than the choreographed.

Enjoy your trip, and here’s hoping you get lucky with some whale fins or dolphin leaps!