Whales, dolphins, and a snorkel stop. This Puerto Colón sailing excursion turns Tenerife’s coast into a moving wildlife classroom, with hydrophone equipment that lets you hear whale and dolphin calls. You also get a real break from the boat: a secluded beach stop for swimming or snorkeling.

I love how the trip mixes wonder with structure. You cruise in a protected area looking for pilot whales and other marine life, then you anchor at Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach) for downtime, lunch, and a swim. It’s the kind of day where you can ask questions and actually get answers.

One thing to plan for: you’ll be on open water. If you get seasick easily, the tour’s guidance is pretty specific about what to do the night before and morning of, and it even mentions Biodramina timing and dosage.

Key things you’ll remember from this Tenerife whale & dolphin sail

• Hydrophone listening so you can hear whale and dolphin calls, not just watch
• Teno-Rasca conservation-zone route along the coast of Tenerife, built around real wildlife sightings
• Pilot whales in Europe’s largest population spotlighted on this itinerary
• Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach) stop for swimming or snorkeling and a beach-day lunch
• Canarian cuisine onboard, plus drinks, fruit, and even pastries mentioned in reviews
• Small group limit of 10 so the boat stays calm and the captain can talk to you

Puerto Colón to Tenerife’s coast: what the sailing day is really like

You start at Puerto Colón and board the sailboat for a coastal cruise around Tenerife. The route runs through the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone, which is a big part of why this trip is so focused on marine life. The day is paced like: look for wildlife, then enjoy a proper swim-and-eat stretch.

This isn’t a loud, party-style outing. With the group limited to 10 participants, it feels more like a guided day on the water than a cattle-call experience. That matters because the captain’s job is to help you spot animals and interpret behavior, and it’s easier when the boat isn’t packed.

Using the hydrophone: hearing whales and dolphins, not just seeing them

Here’s the coolest extra on this tour: the whale-watching includes hydrophone equipment so you can listen while you search. Instead of only relying on sight, you get a second layer of the experience—the sounds animals make while they swim and communicate.

Even if you’re not a marine-nerd, this changes the mood. You’ll often find that once you hear a call, you start looking with more patience, and you notice smaller signs—direction changes, surfacing moments, and groups moving together. It’s also a nice way to keep the excitement going during quieter stretches when wildlife is farther out.

The tour also comes with a live guide/captain who can talk through what you’re hearing and seeing. Reviews highlight how Captain Daniel (Dani) was focused on safety, welcome, and sharing what he knew about whales, dolphins, and turtles.

Wildlife viewing goals: pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and fin whales

This excursion is built around real targets. The trip aims to show you the largest population of pilot whales in Europe, plus chances to spot dolphins and loggerhead turtles. Fin whales are also mentioned as part of the search.

You should treat this as wildlife viewing with nature in charge, not a guaranteed animal checklist. Still, the itinerary is tuned for the right conditions: you’re out in the right area, with equipment to help, and you’re not just cruising randomly.

When you do get a sighting, it tends to feel personal because of the boat’s setup and the small group size. Dolphins splashing near the sailboat is one of the things people love most, and the calm format makes those moments easier to enjoy without rushing or competing for attention.

Also, touching animals is not allowed. That rule is simple, but it’s important: it helps you enjoy marine life while keeping distance and not disturbing them.

Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach): the swim-and-snorkel payoff

After the whale-spotting portion, you sail to Diego Hernández Beach, which is also called Hippie Beach. The tour drops anchor there, and the key detail is access: it can be reached on foot or by boat. That usually means you’re getting a quieter, less “tour-bus” feeling moment than a typical big-deck beach stop.

While the crew gets things ready, you have time to swim or snorkel in clear water. If snorkeling is your plan, it’s smart to have your gear ready quickly so you don’t spend your best water time fiddling with towels and straps. The tour includes a practical rhythm here: you anchor, you gear up, then lunch follows.

One more reason this beach stop works: it’s a change of pace. After time scanning the ocean, it’s grounding to be in the water yourself, not just watching from above.

Canarian lunch onboard: what you get and why it tastes better on the water

Lunch is a serious part of the value here. You’ll eat Canarian cuisine plus drinks and fruit. Reviews mention that the food spread is more than just an afterthought, with embutidos and snack-style bites, and even pastries.

It helps that the lunch happens during the beach or swim downtime, so you’re not eating quickly before you get back out. You’re already in that vacation mode—salt air, sun, and water time—so food lands better.

If you’re picky, focus less on expecting one fancy restaurant meal and more on enjoying local flavors with a relaxed setting. This tour is basically: wildlife morning/afternoon, then a very real lunch break, then back to cruising to finish.

3 hours vs 6 hours: when the longer option pays off

The tour runs 3 to 6 hours, and you can choose the length based on how you want the day to feel.

If you pick the 6-hour option, the extra time is meant to give you more opportunities in two ways:

• more time around the water for swimming and dolphin chances
• time to include Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes matters if you like dramatic coastlines—those steep cliffs are one of Tenerife’s big visual signatures. Even if you’re here mainly for whales and dolphins, the extra hour-or-two buffer helps the day feel less rushed and gives you more room to enjoy the beach stop.

Practical tips that make or break a boat day

Before you go, bring what the tour requests: sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You’ll also want to keep your plan simple: water-first clothing, then dry off after.

Seasickness planning is the one “don’t wing it” item. The guidance is to avoid excessive liquid the night before and the morning of your trip, stick to a solid breakfast, and limit liquids during boarding. It also suggests avoiding mixing drinks like orange juice, coffee with milk, tea, water, or high-water fruit. And if you use it, the tour recommends that adults may take two Biodramina with caffeine about 30 minutes before boarding, while children may take one Biodramina without caffeine.

That’s a lot of details, but it’s there for a reason: boat motion can hit you differently day to day, and it’s easier when you prepare early. If you’re sensitive, the best investment is being proactive rather than powering through.

Finally, if you’re thinking of grabbing your own vessel: there is a private option where you can have your own boat, available for up to 10 people. That can be a nice way to control your comfort level and schedule.

Value check: is the $88 price fair for what you get?

At $88 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. But when I look at what’s included, the pricing feels more reasonable than you might expect for a small-group marine tour on Tenerife.

You’re getting:

• the cruise
• listening to whales with hydrophone equipment
• Canarian cuisine lunch, plus drinks and fruit
• a small group format (max 10)
• a live English/Spanish guide/captain

Most “boat tours” can be light on food, or they skip the hydrophone component, or they pack people in. Here, the mix of wildlife tech, a real lunch, and a group size that keeps the experience personal is what makes the day feel like value instead of just transportation.

Also, reviews consistently stress that the captain’s teaching and care for safety and the marine environment is a big part of what you’re paying for. In other words: you’re buying access, time on the water, and interpretation—not just a ride.

Who should book this Tenerife whale-watching sail

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a guided whale and dolphin experience, not self-guided spotting
• hydrophone listening plus traditional visual watching
• a day that includes both wildlife and a swim/snorkel beach stop
• local food with your sea time, not a snack-only approach

It’s especially good for couples, small groups of friends, and anyone who wants a calmer boat day. The small group limit helps it feel relaxed, and reviews highlight a welcoming tone from the crew.

If you hate boats, get motion sick easily despite precautions, or won’t swim at all, you might be happier with a land-based nature activity. But if you’re okay with being on the water and you like the idea of snorkel time at Diego Hernández Beach, this is a very “Tenerife” way to spend a half-to-full day.

Should you book Puerto Colón whale & dolphins sailing?

I’d book it if you’re coming to Tenerife for real marine-life time and you like the idea of mixing wildlife sightings with a proper beach and lunch. The combination of pilot whale focus, hydrophone listening, and a quiet snorkeling-friendly stop makes it more than a one-track tour.

I’d think twice if you know you’re very sensitive to boat motion and you don’t plan ahead. In that case, the tour’s own seasickness advice is a clue that you should take it seriously.

If you want the best shot at dolphins and a scenery add-on, lean toward the 6-hour option for the Los Gigantes time and extra water time.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón whale and dolphins sailing excursion?

It runs from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the option you book.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins in Puerto Colón, and the exact meeting point can vary depending on the option booked.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the cruise, listening to whales with hydrophone equipment, Canarian cuisine for lunch, drinks, and fruit.

Will we swim or snorkel?

Yes. At Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach) you can choose to snorkel or swim in the sea.

What animals can this tour help you spot?

You can look for pilot whales, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales as the captain searches in the conservation zone.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group, limited to 10 participants.

What languages are offered?

The live tour guide/captain offers English and Spanish.

What should I bring, and is touching animals allowed?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Touching animals is not allowed.

Is there a private option?

Yes. A private option is available for up to 10 people if you want your own boat.

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