Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

Pilot whales in Tenerife, without the crowds. This 3-hour cruise from Puerto Colón makes whale and dolphin spotting feel personal, with snorkel gear and onboard snacks ready when you jump in. The one thing to keep in mind is that wildlife sightings and swim time depend on conditions, so dolphins and snorkeling can vary.

I like how the vibe stays calm and animal-respectful, with many departures praised for hosts such as Captain Guy, plus mentions of captains Alex, Maximilian, and Dani. You also get a small-group setup, up to 11 travelers, which usually means easier conversation and more time looking, not rushing.

Key reasons this cruise is worth your attention

• Small group, up to 11 people, so you do not feel like a seat on a schedule
• Pilot-whale country is the focus, with dolphins, sea turtles, and even sharks sometimes spotted
• Snorkel equipment included, plus a stop that lets you actually get in the water
• Unlimited drinks plus a champagne glass, not just one quick toast and done
• Fresh lunch-style food onboard, often described as baguettes and sandwiches, not just packet snacks

Luxury sailing and wildlife watching, minus the big-boat chaos

This is not the kind of whale tour where you spend most of the trip staring at the horizon through someone else’s head. It is built around a small yacht feel, with a calmer layout and a crew that can focus on what matters, finding wildlife and getting you into the moment.

What really makes it click is the combo: whales and dolphins, then a swim and snorkel window, then drinks and snacks while you’re still in cruise mode. That means the day works even if the sightings are brief, because you still get the water-time and the onboard comforts.

The tour runs around Tenerife from the south-coast base of Puerto Colón near Costa Adeje. If you want a nature outing that also feels like a treat, this matches that mood well.

Puerto Colón departure, and why 15 minutes early is not a suggestion

Boarding starts at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2 (gate number 2). The key practical tip is simple: show up 15 minutes before departure. Small boats run on time. If you miss that buffer, you risk scrambling when the group is already boarding.

If you want pickup, it’s offered within a 10 km radius, but you must contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance. Without pickup, you come straight to the meeting point at Puerto Colón gate 2.

The whole thing is about a 3-hour cruise, so you feel the efficiency. There is not much dead time. When you’re paying for a wildlife search, that matters.

What you can realistically see: pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and the occasional surprise

The tour is designed for whale and dolphin watching in their natural habitat. In this part of Tenerife, one species shows up again and again in people’s stories: pilot whales. You may also see dolphins swimming close to the boat at times.

Some people also report sea turtles, and a few mention other wildlife like sharks. None of that is a guarantee, because the ocean decides. But the structure of the trip, scanning carefully and staying out long enough to re-check areas, gives you a better shot than a fast in-and-out run.

Here is what I take from the practical side of all that: treat dolphins as a bonus, not a promise. If you go with that mindset, you are much less likely to feel let down if the day turns up pilot whales instead.

The onboard food and drink setup, from champagne glass to lunch sandwiches

This is where the tour starts to feel like a premium upgrade. Included onboard are:

• A glass of champagne
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Light refreshments/snacks, including a freshly made sandwich
• Fresh baguettes are mentioned as part of the onboard snack feel

That is a big deal for a half-day ocean trip. You are not just watching, you are also eating and hydrating comfortably. On a warm Tenerife day, that changes the vibe from worklike spotting to an actually relaxing outing.

A heads-up based on real-world variance: a couple of people noted that what they received did not fully match what they expected, for example champagne presentation and the overall snack amount. So if you are very strict about specific drink details or portion size, it’s smart to ask the operator what is included in practice before you go.

Still, most accounts describe the drinks as genuinely plentiful and the food as more than a token snack.

Snorkeling equipment is included, but conditions decide how good it feels

You get snorkeling equipment included. That means you can bring your towel, swimwear, and sunscreen, then go straight into the water without hunting for gear.

The important part is that snorkeling quality comes down to:

• water temperature and wind
• visibility on the day
• how close the swim/snorkel stop is to where marine life is active

One thing to note: you might not swim right next to a perfect coastline view. Depending on where the captain finds the best conditions, the swim stop can be farther off than you expect. Some people found it amazing anyway. Others felt the underwater time was limited or not as rewarding as they hoped.

So plan your expectations like this: the snorkel gear is included, and you should get a genuine chance to use it, but you are not buying a curated aquarium visit. You are buying a real ocean experience, and oceans can be moody.

The swim time: how to get the most out of the water window

The tour includes a stop for swimming and snorkeling. Bring a towel and wear your swimwear under your clothes if you want to save time. The sea can also be a bit chilly on Tenerife even when the sun is hot, especially if the wind picks up. One practical move: pack a light layer or rash guard if you run cold.

Also pay attention to timing. Several people mentioned that the swim or snorkel window can feel short if the schedule tightens due to weather or sea conditions. If swimming is a top priority, arrive early to maximize setup time and listen closely during the captain briefing so you don’t miss the water moment.

If the captain turns the engine down or reduces noise to watch wildlife quietly, you may feel like the trip becomes more peaceful. That calm approach is often part of what people loved most, especially when whales are nearby.

Seasickness, safety briefings, and keeping yourself comfortable

A sailing boat can be a joy, or a challenge, depending on the day. Even if conditions look mild from shore, you can still feel motion after a while. Some people reported feeling sea sick and appreciated that the captain checked in and helped.

My advice: if you know you get queasy, mention it early so you’re not trying to deal with it alone. Bring what usually works for you, and consider sitting where the motion feels least, usually closer to the middle of the boat.

Safety is also worth a quick check in your mind. One person said they wanted more safety information, like what to do in an incident and whether life jackets are offered. That does not mean something is wrong, but it’s a good reminder to do a quick onboard scan when you board:

• ask where safety gear is stored
• ask if life jackets are provided or available
• get the simple do this in case guidance before you get excited about whales

Value for $78.44: what you are paying for, and what can change the feel

At $78.44 per person for about 3 hours, this sits in the premium range for Tenerife boat trips. The value makes sense if you care about three things:

1. Small group time on the water, up to 11 travelers
2. Onboard service, drinks plus lunch-style food plus a champagne glass
3. A real swim and snorkel stop, with equipment included

The tradeoff is that you are paying for experience structure, not for a guaranteed animal encounter. If the day only gives you pilot whales briefly and dolphins do not show up, it can feel pricey. If whales and dolphins are active and the captain spends meaningful time in the area, it feels like a win.

Also keep in mind that some people found snacks lighter than expected, like mainly one sandwich plus drinks. If you are the type who needs a hearty meal to be happy, eat a good lunch beforehand or plan on the included sandwich being your main food.

With a 4.5 average rating from 500-plus bookings, the overall direction is positive. The key is to match your expectations to what the ocean can control.

Who this tour is best for in Tenerife

This cruise is a strong fit for:

• Couples and small groups who want a calmer boat and more space
• Animal lovers who appreciate wildlife-respectful behavior, like avoiding getting too close
• Families with kids who can handle a few hours on the water, since children must be with an adult
• People who want a mix of sightseeing and fun, not just sitting on a boat staring

It may be less ideal if:

• You are extremely sensitive to motion and cannot handle any movement at all
• You need long, guaranteed snorkeling time in perfect conditions
• You expect a big show on every departure, because whales and dolphins are wildlife, not a theme park

One nice detail: the tour is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. It also runs near public transportation, which helps if you do not want to over-plan your day around parking.

Book it, or keep shopping? My practical call

I think this is a smart booking if you want a small-yacht whale watching trip that treats you well onboard. The best-case day is the classic Tenerife combo: pilot whales appear, dolphins join in, then you get a proper water stop with snorkel gear and a drink-and-lunch vibe.

I would pause before booking if you are very focused on dolphins specifically, or if snorkeling is the whole point for you. Even with included equipment, conditions and timing decide whether the water stop feels spectacular or merely okay.

If you do book, do it with the right mindset: go for wildlife time plus comfort, not a guaranteed checklist. And pack the basics, towel, swimwear, and sunscreen, then let the captain do the searching.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching cruise?

The tour is about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start in Tenerife?

It starts at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, in Costa Adeje (Santa Cruz de Tenerife).

Is pickup offered?

Pickup is available within a 10 km radius, but you need to contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you meet at Puerto Colón gate number 2.

What time should I arrive at the meeting point?

You should arrive at gate number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure.

What wildlife might you see on this trip?

The experience focuses on whales and dolphins. Some departures also mention sightings such as pilot whales, sea turtles, and occasional other marine life.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and there is time for swimming and snorkeling.

What food and drinks are included onboard?

You get a glass of champagne, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and light refreshments/snacks including a freshly made sandwich.

Can I request a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at the time of booking.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, it is not refunded.