Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching aboard Portuguese schooner

Exploring the Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour in Tenerife

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing day on the water while catching glimpses of playful dolphins and majestic whales, this Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching tour aboard a traditional Portuguese schooner might just be what you’re after. While I haven’t personally set sail on this particular trip, I’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear picture of what to expect—and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Two things that really catch our eye about this tour are the chance to see marine life in their natural habitat and the inclusion of a hearty lunch. Plus, the boat’s vintage charm, with its wooden schooner design, makes it feel like an adventure straight out of a storybook. On the flip side, a possible snag is that some travelers find the trip a bit slow or uneventful if marine sightings are sparse. This experience tends to suit those who love being on the water, enjoy wildlife encounters, and appreciate a laid-back vibe.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic outing with the added thrill of spotting wild whales and dolphins. It’s also a good pick for families or anyone looking for a combination of sightseeing, wildlife, and a casual onboard meal.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Travel on a traditional Portuguese schooner, adding a touch of nautical history to your day.
• Wildlife Encounters: The main goal is spotting whales and dolphins in their natural environment, with some reviews highlighting successful sightings.
• All-Inclusive: Food and drinks are included, making it easier to relax without worrying about packing snacks.
• Photo Opportunities: The boat’s open design provides unobstructed views perfect for photos of marine life and sea vistas.
• Flexible & Convenient: Starts at Los Cristianos, with a straightforward 2-hour duration, ideal for a half-day escape.
• Booking & Cancellation: Most travelers book about a week in advance, and free cancellations are available if plans change.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Starting Point and Setting Sail

The adventure begins in Puerto Colón Marina in Los Cristianos, a popular spot that’s easy to reach and well-equipped for boat excursions. The journey kicks off at 10:00 am, giving you a good morning start to maximize your time on the water.

The Vessel – A Vintage Portuguese Schooner

The boat itself is a standout. It’s described as a last-century wooden schooner, carrying a nostalgic charm that transports you back to the age of pirates and explorers. With an upper deck for sunbathing and relaxing, as well as a central table and open bar, it’s set up for comfort and good company.

Marine Life & Sightings

The core activity involves sailing towards areas known for whale and dolphin activity. While not every trip guarantees sightings, the reviews suggest that many travelers do see dolphins and whales, with some describing it as a “great adventure.” One review even highlights a heroic moment where crew members jumped in to save a turtle—adding a dash of heroism and showcasing their dedication.

The Experience on the Water

As the boat glides along the coast, you’ll have plenty of chances for photo ops—both of the Atlantic waters and the marine life. The open bar and large central table mean you can indulge in drinks and socialize, while the upper deck offers a quieter space for relaxation and sunbathing.

Lunch & Swim Break

After observing marine life, the boat anchors off the coast to serve a lunch featuring rice, chicken legs, salads, and bread. The reviews describe the meal as tasty, and it’s a lovely way to refuel while enjoying the ocean views. Following lunch, there’s time to swim in open waters, which adds a fun, refreshing element to the trip.

Return and Reflection

The boat gently makes its way back to the starting point, providing a peaceful, scenic conclusion to your outing. With a total duration of around two hours, it’s a perfect half-day activity that doesn’t overcommit your schedule.

The Experience Vibe: Pros & Cons

What Travelers Love:

• Authentic wooden schooner: Many find the vintage vessel charming and fitting for a maritime adventure. It’s a nice change from modern catamarans or larger cruise ships.
• Wildlife sightings: Several reviews share positive stories about dolphins and whales being spotted, which can truly make the trip memorable.
• Inclusive lunch: Not only do you get to see marine life, but you also enjoy a tasty onboard meal, often described as good quality and satisfying. The inclusion of drinks adds to the relaxed, social atmosphere.
• Photo opportunities: The open design of the boat makes capturing images of whales, dolphins, and panoramic ocean views quite easy.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Uneven sightings: Some travelers mention that the boat can spend quite a bit of time in one spot, sometimes leading to periods of boredom if no marine animals are present. As one review puts it, “3 hours pretty much spent near the same spot” which some found a little dull.
• Weather dependence: Like all outdoor tours, the experience hinges on good weather. Poor conditions might lead to cancellations or less enjoyable trips.
• Pace of the trip: If you’re expecting a fast-paced adventure or lots of swimming, this might feel a bit slow or laid-back, which isn’t necessarily a negative but worth noting.

The Value of This Tour

At $56.67 per person, this trip offers a decent value, especially considering the all-inclusive nature—food, drinks, and the unique vessel. The reviews suggest you’re paying for more than just sightseeing; it’s about the atmosphere, the chance to relax, and hopefully, some impressive wildlife encounters.

For those who love being on the water and are excited about sea life, this tour offers a blend of adventure and comfort. It’s perfect if you want a straightforward, scenic trip with some potential for wildlife spotting and a tasty meal in a cozy, historic setting.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a laid-back, scenic marine adventure in Tenerife. It suits those who appreciate historic vessels and fishing for whales and dolphins in a relaxed environment. Families or groups who enjoy socializing over drinks and a good meal will find the onboard setup very appealing. If your main goal is to see marine mammals, be aware that sightings depend on luck, but many guests do have rewarding experiences.

If you’re after a quick, easy escape from the crowds with fantastic photo opportunities and the chance for a memorable wildlife encounter, this trip fits the bill nicely.

FAQs About the Tour

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed, family-friendly vibe and inclusion of a meal suggest it can be suitable for children. Always check with the provider if traveling with very young kids.

How long does the trip last?
The total duration is approximately 2 hours, making it perfect for a half-day activity without feeling rushed.

Do I need to bring anything?
Nope, food and drinks are included, and the boat’s open design means you should just bring your camera, sun protection, and a hat.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Puerto Colón Marina in Los Cristianos and finishes back at the same point.

What’s the best time to book?
Most people book about 9 days in advance, probably to secure a spot during peak seasons.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation if you cancel more than 24 hours before the trip.

Final Thoughts

This Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching tour offers a charming and relaxed way to explore Tenerife’s marine environment. The vintage schooner adds a special touch, and the chance to see dolphins or whales, combined with an included meal, makes it a practical choice for many travelers.

It’s especially suited for those who enjoy being out on the water, don’t mind a slower pace, and want a taste of historical sailing while hoping for some wildlife surprises. If you’re after a straightforward, scenic, and comfortable experience with the possibility of memorable wildlife encounters, this trip could be just right.

That said, keep in mind that sightings depend on luck, and the pace might feel slow for some. But with friendly crew, good food, and a historic vessel, it’s a memorable way to spend a couple of hours in Tenerife sea.