Whales & Dolphins watching in exclusive sailboat

This whale and dolphin watching tour operates from the Puerto Colón marina in Costa Adeje, and it’s worth your attention if you’re tired of the massive tour boats packed with dozens of travelers. The experience runs about three hours, costs just $71.35 per person, and comes with round-trip hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks already factored into the price. What really sets this apart is the small group size – you’ll have no more than 11 people on board, which makes a genuine difference when you’re trying to spot wildlife and actually hear what your guide is saying.

I love that this outfit respects both the animals and your comfort. The skippers know the local waters and the behavior of pilot whales and dolphins genuinely well, and they maintain respectful distances from the creatures rather than chasing them for photos. You get actual sailing experience here too, not just a motorized shuttle pretending to be a boat. The crew takes care of you – offering drinks (including wine and beer), sandwiches, and snacks while you’re on the water.

The one thing worth knowing upfront: this is a wild animal experience, so sightings aren’t guaranteed. The sea can get choppy on certain days, and sometimes the whales decide not to show themselves. You’re also paying extra if you want a towel, and the snorkeling gear comes free but only if you ask for it.

Small Groups That Actually Feel Intimate

The maximum of 11 passengers isn’t just a number – it fundamentally changes how this tour feels. You’re not jostling for position at the rail or competing with fifty other people for a clear photo. Guests consistently mention feeling like they’ve booked a semi-private experience, and that matters more than you might think when you’re trying to enjoy seabirds and marine life.

This size also means the crew can actually pay attention to everyone. If someone’s feeling seasick (which happens on choppier days), the team has time to help them find the best spot on the boat to feel better. If you have mobility issues or are traveling with elderly family members, the crew genuinely has the bandwidth to assist you in ways larger tours simply can’t manage.

Skippers Who Know Their Stuff

The guides here have real knowledge about what you’re seeing. Captains like Slava, Álvaro, Raul, Victor, and Federico show up repeatedly in guest feedback, and people specifically praise them by name – that’s unusual and it matters. These aren’t script-readers; they’re knowledgeable about pilot whale behavior, local sea life, and the history of the waters you’re sailing through.

You’ll learn about the animals as you watch them. The guides point out whether you’re seeing males, females, mothers with calves, and explain their feeding patterns and social structures. This transforms the experience from just oh, look, whales into something genuinely educational.

What Happens During Your Three Hours

You’ll meet at Pantalán 8 in Marina Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje – it’s near public transportation and has parking available (though you’ll pay for parking separately). The boat departs with your small group and heads out into the crystal-clear waters off Tenerife’s coast where pilot whales and dolphins live year-round.

The crew watches for signs of activity and moves toward promising areas. When they spot whales or dolphins, you get time to observe and photograph them, but the skipper is careful not to linger too long or approach too closely – these are wild animals in a protected marine sanctuary, not a petting zoo. You might see a pod of pilot whales, individual dolphins, or if you’re lucky, mothers with calves.

After wildlife viewing, the boat typically stops in a quiet cove where the water is calm enough for swimming and snorkeling. This is where you get in the water yourself and see the underwater world. The crew provides snorkeling equipment at no extra cost (you just need to mention you want it), and they serve lunch – typically a cheese and ham sandwich, fruit, and your choice of soft drinks, beer, or wine.

The Practical Side: Price and What’s Included

At $71.35 per person, you’re getting decent value. That covers the skipper’s expertise, fuel, taxes, a full meal with drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Round-trip hotel pickup is included if you’re staying in a hotel in the area, which saves you the hassle of arranging your own transportation.

What’s not included: towels (available for a fee if you ask), parking at the marina, and technically the snorkeling gear is listed separately though guests confirm it’s provided free. You pay for parking separately if you drive, which might add $5-10 depending on where you park.

Comparing this to other whale watching tours in Tenerife, the price is competitive, and the small group size commands a premium for good reason. You’re not getting the budget basement tour, but you’re also not overpaying for unnecessary luxury.

The Sailing Experience (Sometimes)

Here’s an honest note: this is billed as a sailboat tour, and it mostly is, but some guests have mentioned that on certain days the boat runs on engine power rather than sail. This isn’t deceptive marketing exactly – the boat is absolutely a sailboat – but if you’re specifically hoping for that full sailing experience with wind in your hair and canvas billowing, you might want to ask about conditions when you book. Some days the wind cooperates beautifully; other days the motor does more work.

Swimming in Clear Water

The snorkeling stop is genuinely nice. The water around Tenerife’s southern coast is remarkably clear, and you’ll have time to get in and explore while the crew watches the boat. You’re not racing through this portion – it’s built into the three-hour experience as a proper swimming break, not a rushed five-minute dip.

If you’re not confident in the water or prefer not to swim, you can stay on board. The crew doesn’t pressure anyone into the water, and the boat stays anchored in a protected spot where conditions are as calm as they get.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This experience works particularly well for couples seeking something quieter, families with kids (children must be accompanied by an adult), and older travelers who want activity without the chaos of massive group tours. If you travel with someone who has mobility challenges, the small group size and attentive crew make this more manageable than typical boat tours.

It’s also ideal if you’re genuinely interested in marine life rather than just checking a box. The educational component and respectful approach to wildlife mean you’ll actually learn something and feel good about how the animals are treated.

Booking and Cancellation Flexibility

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your tour time, which gives you reasonable flexibility if your plans shift. Mobile tickets mean no printed confirmations cluttering your hotel room. Most people book about 8 days in advance, so you have some lead time without needing to plan weeks ahead.

The tour requires a minimum number of participants, and if that minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund – that’s fair policy and you won’t be left in the lurch.

The Rating and Consistency

This tour holds a 4.9-star rating across 461 reviews, which is genuinely impressive. That’s not inflated nonsense – those reviews span multiple languages (English, Spanish, Dutch, French, German, Italian) and cover specific details like guide names and what was served for lunch. The consistency of praise across different nationalities and age groups suggests the experience delivers what it promises.

Ninety-nine percent of travelers recommend it, and that number holds up when you read the actual reviews rather than just seeing the percentage.

What Guests Consistently Praise

The attentive crew shows up in nearly every positive review. Guides remember your name, check on your comfort regularly, and make space for you to move around the boat freely. They’re genuinely helpful rather than distant. The skippers’ knowledge about the animals and respect for the marine environment comes through repeatedly – people notice when a captain refuses to chase or crowd the whales.

The small group atmosphere is another constant. Guests specifically mention relief at avoiding the crowded boats they saw in the harbor. There’s room to move, space to breathe, and you can actually hear your guide.

The food and drink quality gets mentioned often. A proper cheese and ham sandwich with fruit, free snorkeling gear, and a choice of wine, beer, or soft drinks is solid. It’s not gourmet, but it’s genuinely thoughtful.

Should You Book This Tour?

Yes, if you’re in Tenerife for a few days and want to see pilot whales and dolphins without the tourist assembly line. The price is fair, the experience is well-executed, and the crew genuinely cares about both your comfort and the animals’ wellbeing. Go with realistic expectations about wildlife – you might see dozens of whales or you might see a few dolphins – but either way you’ll spend three hours on beautiful water with knowledgeable people.

Skip it if you absolutely must see whales and can’t handle disappointment, or if you strongly prefer larger group energy and don’t mind crowds. It’s also worth considering if you get seriously seasick and the weather forecast shows choppy conditions – the crew will help, but you might be uncomfortable.

For most people visiting Tenerife who want an authentic, small-group experience that doesn’t trash the environment or treat wildlife like a theme park, this is solid.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge. Just let the crew know you want to snorkel when you arrive, and they’ll set you up. You’ll want to bring a towel if you plan to swim, though towels are available for a fee if you need one.

What if I don’t see any whales or dolphins?

Sightings aren’t guaranteed since these are wild animals. However, pilot whales are year-round residents in these waters, so your chances are quite good. The crew knows where to look and will do their best to find them. If conditions are poor or animals aren’t visible, you still get a beautiful sailing experience with swimming and snorkeling included.

Is round-trip transportation really included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off is included if you’re staying at a hotel in the area. You’ll need to arrange the specific pickup location and time when you book. If you drive to the marina instead, parking is available but costs extra.

How rough does the sea get, and could I get seasick?

The tour operates in waters off southern Tenerife, which are generally calmer than the open ocean. Some days are choppier than others. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before you go, sitting amidships on the boat rather than at the bow or stern, and looking at the horizon. The crew is experienced with seasickness and will offer advice and help you find the most comfortable spot.

What’s the age policy for children?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The small group size and attentive crew make this manageable for families with kids. There’s no stated minimum age, so you’d want to confirm with the operator if you’re bringing very young children.

What’s the weather like, and what should I bring?

Tenerife’s southern coast enjoys year-round sunshine, but ocean breezes can be cool. Bring sunscreen (essential), sunglasses, a light layer or windbreaker for the boat, and comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet. The water temperature is pleasant for swimming year-round. Check the weather forecast a day or two before your tour – if conditions look rough, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours ahead.