Whales feel close on a small yacht. This 12-person yacht outing from Puerto Colón gets you out on the water for whale and dolphin watching, guided by an experienced captain with live commentary who steers you toward the best chances. You’ll also have drinks and simple snacks aboard while you scan the sea for movement, birds, and anything that looks like it might become a great sighting.

My favorite part is how the small group keeps the experience feeling personal, not rushed, and how the captain’s guidance helps you look in the right places at the right time. The only real catch is that the snorkeling and swim are weather dependent, and the 19:00 sunset option is shorter—so you may do either the whale search or the swim stop, not both.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Max 12 travelers on board, so it’s easier to move, see, and hear what the captain is saying
• Live captain commentary that helps you spot whales and dolphins faster
• Daily departures plus time options to fit the rest of your Tenerife day
• Drinks and snacks included: beer, wine, soft drinks, water, plus ham and cheese baguettes
• Life vests included, and snorkeling gear is provided
• Swimming/snorkeling only if conditions cooperate

Where this yacht trip starts in Puerto Colón

The trip begins and ends back at Puerto Colón (Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife). It’s a simple setup: you meet, board the yacht, head out on the water for about 3 hours, then return to the same spot.

If you’re staying around the south coast, you’ll probably find it convenient because the meeting point is near public transportation. If you’re coming from elsewhere on the island, give yourself a buffer. Yacht trips depend on timing, and you don’t want to be late while everyone else is already casting lines of attention out to sea.

Also, a heads-up if you’re booking separately: for this experience, they may use multiple boats. If you want to be on the same boat as your group, you need to request that at booking time (otherwise it may be too late).

Timing options: 3 hours by day, plus a 19:00 sunset slot

Most departures run for about 3 hours, and the big reason to like that is flexibility. You can pick a time that matches your energy level and still leave room for lunch, a beach break, or dinner back on land.

There’s also a sunset option: 19:00 departures are available until the end of August, and those run for 2 hours. Here’s the practical part: the 2-hour sunset run will either focus on whales and dolphins or go to the swim stop, and it won’t do both. The price stays the same as the longer option, so your best strategy is to choose the time that matches what you care about most—wildlife first or water time first.

If you’re trying to maximize both, go with the standard 3-hour sailing. If you’re chasing a specific vibe—golden hour at sea—pick the sunset run and accept the trade-off.

What you actually do on the water (and why it works)

Once you’re out, the tour is essentially a three-part rhythm: search, watch, then (sometimes) swim.

1) The captain hunts for the right spots

Your captain uses experience to go after the best areas for sightings, and you get live commentary while you travel. That matters more than people think. When you’re on a boat, it’s easy to stare at the horizon and see nothing. With guidance, you start looking for the right signals—movement patterns, surfacing behavior, and the kind of water activity that can hint at what’s below.

On smaller boats like this, the process feels more “tuned in.” You’re not constantly fighting for space or craning your neck. You can actually pay attention.

2) Wildlife time: whales, dolphins, and sea birds

The core of the experience is whale and dolphin watching. In the real world, sightings can vary by day, and that’s true everywhere in marine wildlife tourism. What helps here is that the captain is actively taking you to promising spots rather than just cruising randomly.

People also report standout moments like pilot whales and even a sea turtle, plus plenty of birdlife overhead. Even if you don’t see something every minute, the hour-by-hour scanning with a guide makes the time feel productive.

3) Snorkeling and swimming, only if conditions allow

You may also get a swim/snorkel stop, and snorkeling equipment is included, along with life vests. But the tour is clear that swimming depends on the weather.

On choppy days, plan to stay flexible. One of the more helpful comfort details: blankets may be provided when conditions feel rough. That’s a big deal in open water, because being damp or cold can sap your enjoyment fast.

Food and drinks: simple, included, and made for people who are hungry

This isn’t a gourmet meal. It’s better than that: it’s food and drinks that match the day at sea.

You’ll be served:

• Beer, wine, soft drinks, and water
• Ham and cheese baguettes
• Vegetarian options available on request

Why this is good value: at sea, you don’t want to spend time hunting for snacks or paying premium prices for basic drinks. The included drinks keep the vibe easy, and the baguettes are enough to stop the “I’m starving” spiral so you can keep watching instead of thinking about food.

One important note for veg and vegetarian travelers: if you want a vegetarian/vegan request handled correctly, make it clear during booking and double-check by message after you book. There have been cases where the request didn’t translate into what someone received, and the fix is to get it confirmed in writing ahead of time.

The boat-size advantage: why 12 people changes the experience

A max of 12 travelers sounds like a small number, but on wildlife trips it’s huge. Smaller boats mean:

• Less crowding around the best viewing spots
• Fewer distractions so you can actually follow the captain’s guidance
• A more relaxed feel during both cruising and any swim stop

Many people specifically highlight that the smaller group made it more enjoyable than big catamaran-style days. I’d treat that as a key selling point, not a side note.

There’s also a realistic side: sailboats can feel a bit snug depending on the boat design. Some passengers mention the deck can feel tight or harder to move around. If you’re the type who needs lots of personal space, know that this is a small yacht experience, not a luxury cruise ship.

What you’ll hear: English and Spanish on every tour day

The tour runs in English and Spanish each day. If you need a certain language on a certain day, you’ll want to message ahead of booking so the operator can try to match it.

This matters because wildlife watching is visual and fast-moving. When you can follow the commentary easily, you’ll catch more of the “why we’re here” and “what to look for next.”

Seasickness, choppiness, and comfort tips that actually help

Marine wildlife is nature. Weather changes fast around Tenerife, and open water can get windy and choppy. That doesn’t mean the trip is canceled—it often means you dress for it.

Here’s what I’d do:

• Bring a light jacket even if it looks warm on shore
• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet
• If you’re sensitive to motion, consider motion-sickness basics before boarding (and ask a pharmacist what’s appropriate for you)
• Use the life vest as instructed and keep your hands free for rail-side watching

And if the day feels rough, remember that some passengers report comfort items like blankets being provided. Ask what’s available when you board, and don’t be shy about requesting it early if you’re cold.

Price and value: is $62.56 reasonable for 3 hours?

At $62.56 per person, this is not a budget street-corner activity, but it also isn’t priced like a private charter. What makes the value feel fair is that you’re getting:

• A small-group yacht (max 12)
• Captain-led wildlife searching with live commentary
• Snorkeling gear and life vests
• Drinks (including wine and beer)
• Food (ham and cheese baguettes, plus vegetarian options on request)

If you compare it to typical “seat on a big boat” experiences, the included snacks and drinks are a big chunk of what you’d otherwise pay for separately—especially if you end up hungry halfway through your Tenerife day.

When the swim/snorkel stop happens, you’re also adding a full extra activity without extra cost. If you go on a rough day and swimming doesn’t happen, it’s still a structured 3-hour wildlife outing. So the value comes from the combination of guidance, group size, and inclusions—not just the chance of a perfect wildlife sighting.

Who should book this yacht trip?

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want whales and dolphins but prefer a smaller, calmer group
• Like the idea of food and drinks included while you watch
• Enjoy being active enough to snorkel when conditions allow
• Want an easy morning/afternoon plan with a clear start and return

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re expecting a spacious, move-around-anywhere deck like on a cruise ship
• You need guaranteed snorkeling/swimming, no matter the weather
• You’re planning your day around both whales and the swim, but you’re considering the 19:00 sunset option (shorter runs won’t do both)

Also, if you’re traveling as a group and care about sitting together on the same boat, handle the “same boat” request at booking time. That’s the one logistics detail that can affect the whole vibe for a party.

Should you book the Puerto Colón whale and dolphin yacht trip?

Yes, I’d book it if your priority is quality time on the water with a small-group yacht, live captain commentary, and included drinks and snacks. The 12-person cap is the kind of detail that quietly upgrades everything: you see more, hear more, and feel less like you’re part of a human traffic jam.

If your top priority is snorkeling and you’re picky about water time, lean toward the standard 3-hour departures rather than the 19:00 sunset run, since the sunset slot is only 2 hours and only covers one of the two goals. And if you’re vegetarian/vegan, confirm your request carefully in advance so the food matches what you need.

If you want a wildlife outing that feels personal, relaxed, and practical—this is one of the smarter ways to do Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin yacht trip?

The main departures are about 3 hours. There is also a 19:00 sunset time option that runs for 2 hours.

Is snorkeling and swimming included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and swimming is possible, but it depends on the weather.

What’s included with the ticket?

You get snorkeling equipment, beer/soft drinks/water, and ham and cheese baguettes. Vegetarian options are available on request. Life vests are also provided.

What languages are spoken on the tour?

Every tour day includes English and Spanish. If you need a specific language on a specific day, you should message before booking.

Where does the tour meet?

The tour starts and ends back at Puerto Colón (Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain).

Is a photo service included?

No. Photo service is optional and not included.

What if the weather is poor?

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 Might Also Enjoy

From Lanzarote: Sailing Day Trip Around La GraciosaSailboat tour from PALAU to the Maddalena Archipelago.Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria : ParasailingLos Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas