REVIEW · TENERIFE
Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time
Book on Viator →Operated by Tenerife Sailing Charters S.L · Bookable on Viator
Whales and cava on the same trip. I love the small-group yacht vibe and the snorkel gear plus unlimited drinks setup, and the main drawback to weigh is that marine sightings and snorkeling quality are never 100% guaranteed.
This cruise is all about calm, wildlife-first time at sea. Several captains are praised for respecting animals (and even turning things quieter for viewing), while sharing what they see with guests who want real nature talk, not a scripted slideshow.
Plan for the practical stuff too: you’ll meet at Puerto Colón at Gate 2, and you should bring towel, swimwear, and sunscreen because there’s a swimming and snorkeling window. If you want pickup, you must arrange it ahead of time for the 10 km radius.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Puerto Colón to the open water: why this departure works
- The small yacht feel: comfort, space, and a calmer kind of watching
- Spotting pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles around Tenerife
- The swimming and snorkeling stop: what’s included and what to expect
- Drinks, snacks, and lunch: where the value really shows
- Timing and sea conditions: the part that can change everything
- The captain makes it: names you’ll hear and the service style
- What I’d pack and how to prepare
- Who this cruise is best for (and who should reconsider)
- Should you book this Tenerife whales and dolphins cruise?
- One smart move
- FAQ
- How long is the whale and dolphin watching cruise?
- Where does the tour start?
- Is pickup available from nearby hotels?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is there time to swim and snorkel?
- Can children join, and are vegetarian options available?
- What happens if the weather is bad or I want to cancel?
Key things to know before you go
- Max 11 people makes it feel relaxed instead of chaotic
- Unlimited drinks plus a glass of champagne set the tone early
- Snorkel equipment included for the underwater stop
- Pilot whales are common sightings, with dolphins and turtles possible
- Swimming time happens, but distance and conditions can affect what you see
- Captains often focus on respectful viewing, including slowing down or turning off the engine
Puerto Colón to the open water: why this departure works
You start in Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, at pantalan 2, and you’ll want to be at Gate 2 at least 15 minutes early. That matters more than you think: boarding a small vessel goes faster than big-fleet tours, and you don’t want to be the person speed-walking with sunscreen still in their hands.
From this side of Tenerife, the cruise format is simple: you leave the harbour, head out along the coast, and your captain looks for whales and dolphins in the natural flow of the water. If sea conditions aren’t ideal, you may still get plenty of viewing time, but you could also spend more time cruising/searching rather than “sailing” in a classic wind-driven way.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife
The small yacht feel: comfort, space, and a calmer kind of watching
This is a luxury sailing boat, but what really makes it special is scale. With a maximum of 11 travelers, you get space to move, a gentler pace, and less time waiting around for people to reposition in tight areas.
That small-group setup shows up in the feedback: people consistently mention the boat feels comfy and not crowded like larger catamarans. It’s also easier to enjoy the marine moment without the “everybody run for the best camera angle” circus.
One more thing I’d call out: respect for wildlife is part of the vibe. More than one guest highlights captains who won’t crowd the animals and who adjust behavior—like turning off the engine—to keep the experience peaceful. If you’re sensitive to noise and speed around animals, this style is a big plus.
Spotting pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles around Tenerife
The whole pitch is whale and dolphin watching, and the realistic expectation is: your captain will search hard, but the ocean decides what shows up. In practice, pilot whales come up repeatedly as a great sighting, including reports of pods close to the boat for stretches of time.
Dolphins are often seen too, sometimes swimming near the vessel. But there’s no promise, and a couple reports mention that dolphins weren’t found on that outing. Turtles are another possible bonus—some trips include seeing one floating by or more than one during the cruise window.
So how do you get the most from this part? Choose your mindset. If you treat it like a “search expedition” rather than a guaranteed animal parade, you’ll be happier. The best scenario is when the captain finds a pod and then slows down the experience into long, calm observation time.
The swimming and snorkeling stop: what’s included and what to expect
You get complimentary snorkeling equipment, plus a scheduled swim time during the cruise. That’s the practical reason this tour can feel like more than a sightseeing trip: you’re not just watching life from above water.
That said, the snorkeling outcome can vary. Some guests feel the snorkel setup worked well and describe seeing underwater life, while others say the swim was short or that visibility/position meant there wasn’t much to see. One person even felt snorkeling wasn’t worth it because the stop location didn’t offer the underwater view they expected.
My advice: treat snorkeling as a bonus, not the core guarantee. Bring what you need—towel, swimwear, sunscreen—and be ready for a quick swim with gear if conditions cooperate. Also, if the sea is choppy or the water is cooler than you expect, you may choose to enjoy it from the surface with the rest of the group.
Drinks, snacks, and lunch: where the value really shows
Let’s talk food and drinks, because this is a standout part of the experience for many people.
Included are:
- A glass of champagne
- Light refreshments/snacks, including a freshly made sandwich
- Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
- Snorkel equipment for the water stop
On top of that, multiple reviews mention small details that make it feel more festive: strawberries with the champagne, and a “picnic lunch” style feel. One guest described Prosecco being served as the celebratory drink, so the exact fizz you’ll receive can feel like a bit of a surprise—but the included concept is consistent: you’re not paying extra for drinks while you’re out there.
Where it can fall short is portion expectations. A few people felt there weren’t many snacks beyond the sandwich, or that the drink didn’t match what they expected. If you’re a big snacker, plan to eat a solid meal before you go. If you enjoy a light lunch at sea paired with drinks, this is a very enjoyable setup.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Tenerife
Timing and sea conditions: the part that can change everything
The cruise runs about 3 hours. Most of that time is spent finding wildlife and then enjoying the water stop, so you’ll want to show up fresh and rested.
Sea conditions matter. One guest mentioned they felt the effects of waves even when it wasn’t described as extremely choppy, and another noted that the crew checked on someone who felt seasick. If you know you get motion sickness, bring your personal kit (whatever works for you at home) and sit where you feel most stable. And yes, ask for support early if you’re starting to feel off—captains here seem to take guest comfort seriously.
Also, timing can shift slightly. A couple reviews reference a trip that ended around 20 minutes early or with a shorter swim window. That’s usually water and weather related, not a “you lost time” issue—but it’s worth remembering if your schedule is tight.
The captain makes it: names you’ll hear and the service style
A theme across the experience is that the captain is the heart of the trip. Names that appear in the feedback include Captain Guy, plus other captains like Maximilian, Dani, and Alex. Even with different personalities, the service tone is similar: friendly, attentive, and focused on marine life.
If animal respect is your priority, pay attention to how your captain conducts viewing. More than one review praises keeping distance and even turning the engine off to watch quietly. That approach helps you feel like you’re sharing the ocean rather than treating it like a show.
In terms of onboard flow, the captain often acts as host and sometimes waiter, serving chilled drinks and handing out food. With only a small number of people onboard, it’s more personal, and you’re more likely to get real conversation instead of one-way announcements.
What I’d pack and how to prepare
Bring:
- Towel
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
If you’re prone to seasickness, also bring your usual prevention method. The tour itself doesn’t list medication or anti-nausea support, but crew members are reported to check on passengers and share tips when someone feels unwell.
For comfort, wear something you can swim in and slip into easily after the water stop. If you plan to snorkel, confirm the fit of the gear right away so you don’t waste the short underwater window.
Who this cruise is best for (and who should reconsider)
This whale and dolphin sailing experience is a strong pick if you want:
- A small-group boat rather than a big crowd
- A mix of wildlife viewing and water time
- Included snacks and drinks, so the day feels like a proper outing
- A captain who talks about marine life and keeps it respectful
It may be less ideal if:
- You need guaranteed snorkeling results. The included gear is there, but underwater visibility and stop position can limit what you see.
- You’re very sensitive to motion. Some people reported feeling seasick, and there were mentions about lack of safety info in at least one instance. If you’re unsure, ask staff about life jackets and safety guidance before leaving the harbour.
- You’re expecting a full meal. The sandwich is part of the package, but a few guests felt snacks were light for the price.
Should you book this Tenerife whales and dolphins cruise?
If your top goal is seeing pilot whales (and you’re happy if dolphins and turtles join the party), this is a very good-value experience because so much is included: champagne, unlimited drinks, a freshly made sandwich, and snorkeling equipment on a small luxury boat.
I’d book it if you like the idea of a relaxed trip where the captain can spend real time searching and then letting you watch in peace. And I’d skip it if snorkeling is your main requirement and you’re the type who gets disappointed when the underwater stop doesn’t deliver.
One smart move
Check your expectations: treat it as wildlife searching with a swim/snorkel bonus, not as a guaranteed aquatic buffet. That mindset matches how the sea works—and it helps you enjoy the day even when the ocean does its own thing.
FAQ
How long is the whale and dolphin watching cruise?
The experience lasts about 3 hours.
Where does the tour start?
It starts at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, gate 2, in 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Is pickup available from nearby hotels?
Pickup is offered within a 10 km radius if you contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance. If you don’t need pickup, you should go directly to Puerto Colón gate 2 about 15 minutes before departure.
What’s included in the price?
Included are a glass of champagne, light refreshments/snacks including a freshly made sandwich, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and snorkeling equipment.
Is there time to swim and snorkel?
Yes. The tour includes a swimming and snorkeling time, and you’ll have complimentary snorkeling equipment for that stop.
Can children join, and are vegetarian options available?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at booking.
What happens if the weather is bad or I want to cancel?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
