Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Tour

Off Tenerife’s south coast, pilot whales and dolphins are often the main event, but this small speedboat can also bring you close to turtles, flying fish, and the occasional surprise such as a sunfish or rare orca sighting. Captain Nico is praised for his calm handling, sharp eye, and respectful approach to wildlife. He does not chase animals, giving them room to come near the boat.

I especially like the maximum group size of 11, which keeps the outing personal and makes it easier to hear the guide. I also like that the trip is not only a wildlife search: you get a swim and snorkel stop, plus drinks and snacks. The main thing to consider is that wildlife is never guaranteed, and rough weather can limit sightings or make the ride less comfortable.

Key points to know before booking

• Small boat, small group: A maximum of 11 people gives you more room and a better view than a large excursion boat.
• Captain Nico’s approach: He explains the marine life and keeps a respectful distance instead of chasing animals.
• Wildlife variety: Pilot whales and dolphins are common targets, with turtles, flying fish, sunfish, and other sightings possible.
• Two-part outing: Expect time searching offshore, followed by swimming or snorkeling near Palm-Mar or La Caleta.
• Good value at $53: The price includes the speedboat, guide, snorkeling gear, drinks, and snacks.
• Plan for the ocean: Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Pickup and drop-off are not included.

Leaving Puerto Colón on a licensed Barco Azul boat

The trip begins at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, on Tenerife’s south coast. This is a busy harbor used for many water activities, but this excursion uses a much smaller boat than the large whale-watching catamarans common in the area.

That difference matters. With no more than 11 people, you can look in several directions without fighting for a place at the rail. You also get a better chance to ask questions directly and hear Captain Nico’s explanations. If you choose a private option, the boat becomes an even more personal outing for your group.

The boat carries the government-issued Barco Azul license, which allows it to operate whale and dolphin watching in the area. That license is important because marine wildlife trips need rules about how boats approach animals. The best part of the experience is not simply getting close. It is seeing the captain slow down, hold position, and let the animals decide how near they want to come.

You should not expect a race across the Atlantic. The boat can move quickly when covering distance, but it slows around wildlife. One account specifically noted that the speed was moderate rather than thrillingly fast, which makes sense if the goal is to protect the animals and keep the boat under control.

The first two hours: searching for whales and dolphins

The main portion of the trip takes place offshore, with about two hours on the Atlantic. The crew searches for marine life rather than following a fixed parade of stops. This makes the outing feel more like a real wildlife trip, but it also means conditions and luck shape the day.

Pilot whales are a major target in these waters. You might see a group surfacing together, or a smaller family group moving near the boat. One particularly memorable sighting involved a pilot whale and its calf. Other outings produced large numbers of whales, including a reported group of around 20, though numbers will naturally change from day to day.

Dolphins are another likely highlight. They may appear near the boat, move alongside it, or vanish as quickly as they arrived. You could also spot flying fish, turtles, and other marine life. A loggerhead turtle, baby hammerhead shark, sunfish, and several turtles have all been seen on different trips.

That variety is one reason I would choose this outing over a basic boat ride. You are not only waiting for one named species. You are watching the surface, learning what to look for, and staying alert for unexpected movement.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. The ocean does not run on a schedule. On a day with wind and waves, you may see less wildlife. One outing in changeable weather produced only a short encounter with a pilot whale and its calf, along with a brief turtle sighting. The experience was still worthwhile, but it was not a guaranteed parade of animals.

A respectful way to watch marine life

The strongest feature here is the captain’s attitude toward the sea. Captain Nico is repeatedly praised for explaining the animals clearly and giving them space. He has been described as patient, careful, and able to sense where wildlife might appear.

That does not mean the boat will always sit motionless. A speedboat is useful because it can cover more water than a slower craft and may reach a sighting before other boats. Once wildlife appears, though, the pace becomes more measured.

This balance is important. The boat’s speed helps you search a wider area, while the captain’s restraint keeps the encounter calmer. You may get close enough for a good look without the boat cutting across the animals’ path.

There is also a small conservation-minded detail worth noting. During one trip, Captain Nico picked up plastic waste spotted in the ocean. That does not turn the outing into a formal conservation program, but it shows the practical side of caring for the water you are visiting.

An especially rare report involved orcas, which are not a normal expectation for this trip. That kind of sighting is a bonus, not a promise. You should book for a well-run wildlife search, not for one specific species.

The swim and snorkel stop near Palm-Mar or La Caleta

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward Palm-Mar or La Caleta, depending on weather conditions. These locations provide the second half of the outing: a chance to get into the water, swim, and use the included snorkeling equipment.

This break changes the mood nicely. The whale-watching portion asks you to stay alert and patient. The swim stop lets you relax, cool off, and see the coast from water level. The underwater setting is described as a colorful marine world, though the precise conditions and visibility will vary.

Do not treat this as a long snorkeling expedition. The stop is part of a two to three hour boat trip, and the wildlife search takes up much of the time. Think of it as a short, refreshing swim with some time to look underwater, rather than a dedicated snorkeling tour.

Bring your own towel and swimwear. Sunscreen is essential, too, since you will spend several hours exposed to the sun. The operator supplies the snorkeling gear, so you do not need to pack your own mask and equipment.

The stop may be changed by weather, which is a sensible safety measure. If conditions are not right at one location, the captain may use the other option. That flexibility is useful, although it means you should not book with one exact cove in mind.

Drinks, snacks, and the small touches

A drink and snack are included. This is a modest addition, but it matters after time in the sun and salt water. You do not need to plan a full meal around the activity, though the included food should be viewed as a light refreshment rather than lunch.

The trip also benefits from the small group atmosphere. Families and mixed-age groups have found the format workable, including one group ranging from age seven to 70. Children who like boats and animals should have plenty to keep them interested, although the open sea and boat movement may not suit every child.

The crew’s communication is another practical strength. Meeting details may vary depending on the option booked, and clear contact with the organizer is useful when weather conditions change. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, you need to make your own way to the correct meeting point at Puerto Colón or the location given with your booking.

How the $53 price holds up

At $53 per person, the tour offers a fair package for a two to three hour outing. The price covers the boat, captain-guide, wildlife search, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and snacks. It also gives you access to a small-group format rather than placing you on a much larger vessel.

The value is strongest if you care about the guide and the quality of the encounter. A cheap boat trip that spends little time searching or crowds everyone along one side can be frustrating. Here, the smaller boat gives you more direct contact with the captain and more freedom to watch the water.

A private option will cost more than the shared version, although the supplied price is listed as $53 per person for the experience generally. Check the exact amount for your chosen option before paying. A private group makes the most sense for a family or group that wants the boat to itself, while a shared trip should suit most people who want to keep costs down.

The main value risk is simple: wildlife cannot be guaranteed. The captain may do everything right and still face poor visibility, waves, or animals that stay away. If you need a certain species or a guaranteed close encounter, no ocean tour can honestly promise that.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this trip if you want three things in one outing: a serious attempt to see marine life, a faster and smaller boat, and time for a swim.

It suits couples, families, and small groups who prefer a personal outing over a large catamaran. It is also a good fit for people who want to ask questions and learn about whales, dolphins, and turtles rather than simply take photos from a boat.

The speedboat may appeal to you if you are concerned about spending the entire trip on a slow vessel. It can cover more ground while searching. At the same time, you should not expect constant high speed. The captain slows down around wildlife, and that is part of responsible viewing.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should also think carefully about sea conditions if you are prone to motion sickness. One person took tablets before the trip as a precaution and found the speedboat comfortable, but that is personal experience rather than a guarantee for every passenger.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack light, but bring the basics:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Wear something comfortable for sitting on a boat and protect yourself from strong sun. Drinks and snacks are supplied, but you should not assume a full meal is included.

Arrive with enough time to find the correct meeting point. Pickup and drop-off are not part of the tour, and the meeting location can vary with the option you choose. Confirm those details before you leave your accommodation.

Keep your schedule flexible if possible. The trip normally lasts two to three hours, but weather affects the swim location and can influence how the outing runs. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Tenerife plans are still moving around.

Should you book the Puerto Colón speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a small, respectful wildlife trip with a real captain-guide rather than a standard harbor cruise. Captain Nico’s careful approach, the Barco Azul license, and the chance to see pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles give the tour a strong foundation.

The swim stop, snorkeling gear, drinks, and snacks make the $53 price sensible. I also like the fact that the boat can cover ground quickly, then settle down when animals appear.

Skip it if you need guaranteed sightings, dislike open-water movement, require wheelchair access, or want a long dedicated snorkeling session. For everyone else, this is a well-balanced way to spend a few hours off Costa Adeje, with enough speed for fun and enough restraint to keep the wildlife encounter respectful.

FAQ

Where does the tour leave from?

The tour starts from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, in the south of Tenerife. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, so check your booking details.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about two to three hours. The main boat trip on the Atlantic is described as lasting around two hours, followed by a swim or snorkeling stop.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $53 per person. A private option may have a different price, so check the amount for the option you select.

What animals might I see?

You may see dolphins, whales, and turtles. Sightings have also included pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, flying fish, loggerhead turtles, sunfish, a baby hammerhead shark, and, on one rare occasion, orcas.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Marine animals are wild, and sightings depend on weather, sea conditions, and luck. The captain searches for wildlife, but no specific animal can be promised.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour stops near Palm-Mar or La Caleta for swimming and snorkeling, depending on the weather.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the stated meeting point.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.