Most Tenerife boat trips are loud and crowded. This one stays small, sails when the wind cooperates, and sends you out to look for whales and turtles. I really like the 10-person limit (it feels personal, not packed) and the way the crew works hard to help you see wildlife in their own waters. One thing to consider: there’s no hotel pickup, and you’ll need to get yourself to Puerto Colón’s Dock #5 to meet the Roulette.

The food and drinks are part of the experience too: you’re not just “snacking while you wait.” Expect snacks, desserts, and drinks onboard, plus time in the sea with included snorkeling gear. If seas are a bit rough, the crew can help you through it, but you’ll want to think about motion sensitivity before you go.

Key Things I’d Note Before You Book

• Small-group sailing on a 12m boat meant for just 10 passengers (plus 2 crew), with comfortable deck mats
• Wildlife focus for spotting cetaceans, turtles, and seabirds in the Costa Adeje / Atlantic waters
• Snorkeling with equipment included, plus time to swim in warm water once you reach a good spot
• Food and drinks onboard like cava, beer, soft drinks, snacks, and desserts between wildlife stops
• Friendly, hands-on crew service, with real attention to comfort if the water gets choppy
• Meeting at Dock #5, Puerto Colón—the exact spot matters, so get there a little early

Why This Tenerife Sailboat Tour Feels Different

If you’ve ever done a big catamaran tour, you know the rhythm: engines hum, cameras come out, and everyone gets in each other’s way. On this 12-meter sailboat, the vibe is calmer. With only 10 passengers onboard, you actually get space to stand near the best viewing spots and relax between sightings.

I also like that you’re not just doing a cruise. You’re sailing with a crew that’s tuned to marine life—so the whole outing has purpose. The goal is to help you spot cetaceans, turtles, and seabirds, then get you in the water for snorkeling when conditions allow.

Price and Value: What $68 Really Includes

At around $68 per person for a 3-hour outing, the value comes from what’s bundled. You’re getting the sailboat cruise, a guide, whale/dolphin-focused watching, drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and a small-group format.

That matters because the added costs on many island tours are the extras: gear rentals, water time, and food. Here, the food and drinks are part of the half-day flow—so you don’t feel like you’re paying for transportation only. For me, it’s the mix of small boat + wildlife focus + snorkeling gear included that justifies the price.

Getting to Roulette: Dock #5 at Puerto Colón

The meeting point is specific, and it’s worth planning for. You meet at the door of Dock No. 5 in Puerto Colón, about 10 minutes before departure. It’s described as the first jetty past the port parking barrier, and the boat name is Roulette.

Here’s the practical tip: don’t arrive at the last second. Dock layouts can be confusing, and you’ll want time to find the right pier entrance and settle in before the crew lines everyone up.

Also note the simple logistics: there’s no hotel pickup. You’ll need to make your own way to Puerto Colón.

The 3-Hour Flow: What Happens From Departure to Return

The total tour time is 3 hours, so the schedule is tight—but not rushed. You start at the Roulette meeting point, then the crew works the coast for the best wildlife opportunities. You spend the main chunk around the Puerto Colón area for viewing and sea time.

Because this is a small sailing boat, you feel the pace shift faster than on larger tours. When you’re moving to a new spot, you’ll often notice the change in wind and swell. When you’re waiting, it’s quiet enough to actually watch birds and scan the water surface for surfacing blows.

Stop by Stop: Wildlife Watching and Sea Life Viewing

This trip is built around searching for marine animals in their natural habitat. You keep your eyes up for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds while the crew uses local knowledge to help you find activity.

In terms of what you might spot, the most common highlights from the experience include pilot whales and dolphins, plus turtles. There are also mentions of flying fish and other marine life when snorkeling starts or when the boat is cruising near active waters.

A key detail is how the crew positions the boat for viewing. On a smaller vessel, you’re more likely to get a direct look, not just a distant dot on the horizon. When wind is working, you may also get stretches where sailing feels smoother and quieter than engine-driven travel.

Snorkeling in Warm Water: What You’re Actually Doing

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to pick this tour, not just the bonus photo stop. You’ll get snorkeling equipment included, and you’ll have time to swim and snorkel in warm water once the crew finds a suitable bay.

In real-world terms, this is ideal if you want a taste of island snorkeling without committing to a full day in the water. The experience is timed to fit the tour length, so you’re not left exhausted—or waiting forever.

And because it’s a small boat, you’re not swimming like a tourist crowd. You can focus on what matters: fish, rock edges, and the underwater life near the bay area.

The Food and Drinks: More Than a Snack Break

Onboard, you’re treated to snacks and desserts during the sail, along with drinks like cava, beer, and soft drinks (plus mineral water and wine). It’s not fancy fine-dining, but it’s practical and timed well—right when you want something in your hands after time in the sea.

What I like is that the food supports the flow of the outing. You’ll likely get things like sandwiches (and other simple bites), plus cake or dessert-style treats. The overall feel is “fuel for the adventure,” not “one sad cookie and a goodbye.”

You also get the comfort factor: with deck mats and a small passenger count, it’s easier to settle in, eat without chaos, and keep your gear organized.

The Boat Itself: Comfort on a 12m Sailboat

The Roulette is a 12-meter sailboat with capacity for 10 passengers and 2 crew. It includes 3 double cabins and 2 bathrooms, plus deck mats to make time onboard more comfortable.

For most people, that translates to a simple truth: you’ll feel less like you’re wedged into a floating bus. You can choose where you stand, adjust your view for wildlife, and have a calmer environment for listening and watching.

One more note: smaller boats can mean more motion on rough water. Some people can get seasick, and the crew is prepared to help if it happens. If you know you’re sensitive to waves, it’s smart to plan accordingly.

The Crew Factor: Names You’ll Hear and Why It Matters

A big reason this tour scores highly is the crew’s energy. You’ll hear guidance in Spanish, English, French, and German, depending on the language group and staffing.

Several crew members come up again and again in the experience, including guides and captains like Rafa, Salvador, and onboard hosts such as Silvio and Yani. What stands out is not just facts, but the way they respond to the group—making sure people can see from the right side of the boat, checking in with comfort, and keeping the mood friendly.

That matters on a wildlife tour, because spotting depends on focus. A good crew doesn’t just announce sightings—they help you position yourself, scan the right direction, and stick with the moment long enough for it to count.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• Close-to-the-action wildlife viewing on a smaller sailboat
• Snorkeling time without managing gear rentals
• A calmer, more personal tour style than large boats

It also works well for couples and families who like the idea of a half-day that blends sea life, swimming, and a simple onboard meal. If you’re traveling with kids, the small-group feel tends to make it easier to keep everyone engaged and comfortable.

A Few Things to Watch Out For

Two practical considerations can shape your experience.

First, there’s no hotel pickup, so your day depends on getting yourself to Puerto Colón on time. If you’re staying far away, factor in travel and buffer time.

Second, sea conditions can change. Even when the crew does everything right, the ocean can be choppy. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead so you can actually enjoy the snorkeling and sightseeing parts.

Should You Book This Tenerife Sailboat Tour?

I’d book it if you want a half-day with three core ingredients: wildlife searching, snorkeling, and food/drinks onboard, all on a small sailboat with real human attention. At about $68 and for 3 hours, it’s priced like a serious activity, not a casual sunset cruise.

Skip it if you need a long, deep snorkeling session or if you strongly prefer a tour with hotel pickup and larger-boat stability. In that case, you may feel constrained by the timing and the logistics.

If your priority is Costa Adeje sea life—whales, dolphins, turtles—and you’d rather be on a boat where you can actually see and hear what’s going on, this one makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

How long is the sailboat tour?

The duration is 3 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the schedule you want.

How many people are on the boat?

It’s a small group limited to 10 participants, with 2 crew onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to rent gear.

What drinks and food are included?

The tour includes drinks such as mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks, plus snacks and desserts onboard.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at the door of Dock No. 5 of Puerto Colón, about 10 minutes before departure. The boat is named Roulette.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live guide operates in Spanish, English, French, and German.

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