SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

Tenerife’s southern coast is at its best from the water, and this small speedboat trip gives you a lively three-hour look at it. The main goal is to find wild dolphins and pilot whales, but the outing also includes cliffs, swimming, snorkeling, turtles when luck allows, and a quick ride with a BladeFish underwater scooter.

I like the maximum of 11 people, which keeps the boat more personal than a large sightseeing vessel. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling equipment, drinks, and sandwiches are included, so you can travel light.

The main drawback is that wildlife is never guaranteed. The boat needs good weather and a minimum number of bookings, so the trip can be changed or canceled. Three hours also goes quickly if you want plenty of time for both animal watching and swimming.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main prize: The route heads to areas where these animals have been seen before.
• Small group, maximum 11 people: You get a better chance of seeing the water from different parts of the boat.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built in: Masks and other snorkeling equipment are provided.
• Try a BladeFish: This underwater personal propulsion device adds a playful extra to the swim stop.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect sandwiches and drinks during the trip.
• The boat returns to Puerto Colón: You finish at the same meeting point in Playa de las Américas.

Leaving Puerto Colón on a Fast, Small Boat

The trip begins at Sea Safari Tenerife on Avenida de Colón in Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas. This is also where you return, which keeps the day simple. You do not need to arrange a separate ride back from another harbor.

The boat carries no more than 11 people. That number matters here. Wildlife watching is more enjoyable when you are not trying to look past a packed crowd, and a small boat makes it easier to move your attention from one side to the other.

The speedboat is not just a gimmick. In three hours, you need to cover enough water to search for animals, reach the swimming area, watch the cliffs, and follow the coast back. One family described the speed as useful because it allowed the boat to cover plenty of ground while still leaving time for fun on the water.

The trip is offered in English. Captain Eric is named in several accounts, and Tines is also mentioned in connection with arranging a family outing when only one person had booked. The exact crew may depend on the departure, but Eric is clearly one of the people associated with this experience.

Searching for Dolphins and Pilot Whales

The first major part of the outing is the search for wildlife. The captain takes you toward places where dolphins and whales have been spotted before, but these are wild animals, not a scheduled show. That distinction is important. You might see several species, or you might spend more time watching open water and waiting for a fin to appear.

When sightings work out, the list can be impressive. The recorded encounters include dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, and many smaller fish. One outing also produced two dolphin species, several groups of pilot whales, and a young turtle feeding on a jellyfish. Another account describes a hammerhead shark, though unusual sightings like this should not be treated as part of the standard promise.

Pilot whales are the species most often associated with the trip. They are not technically whales in the same way as the largest baleen whales, but they are large members of the dolphin family. Seeing groups of them from a small boat can be a memorable part of the morning or afternoon.

I would set your expectations correctly: the captain can search well, but no boat operator can order wildlife to appear. If you want a guaranteed animal encounter, this is not that kind of attraction. If you like the uncertainty of looking for wild marine life, the format is much more rewarding.

The approach to animals also matters. One account specifically praises the captain for getting close while treating the animals carefully. That is the right standard. You want a good view, but not at the cost of chasing or crowding wildlife.

Following Tenerife’s Cliffs and Southern Coast

The boat does more than search for marine animals. The route includes views of the cliffs, then follows the southern coastline back toward Puerto Colón. This gives the outing a second identity as a coastal sightseeing ride.

From the water, the coast takes on a different shape. You see the shore as a continuous line rather than as a series of roads, hotels, and beaches. The cliffs become part of the experience instead of a distant backdrop.

The return route is especially useful for people who want more than a wildlife excursion. You get the excitement of the speedboat, the chance to look for marine life, and a moving view of southern Tenerife. It is a compact way to add a sea outing to a Playa de las Américas stay without giving up a full day.

The tradeoff is time. Three hours is long enough for a satisfying trip, but not long enough for an extended coastal cruise and a slow swim stop. The captain has to keep the outing moving, which is one reason the speedboat format works.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and the BladeFish Stop

At a suitable spot, you can swim and snorkel. Masks and snorkeling equipment are included, with different mask options available. That saves you from packing or renting gear elsewhere, though you should still bring whatever personal items you need for the water.

The swim stop adds variety after the wildlife search. You are not sitting in one position for the entire three hours. You can get into the water, look for fish, and enjoy the setting from sea level.

The BladeFish is the more unusual extra. It is an underwater personal propulsion device that pulls you through the water, giving the swim a playful motorized twist. This is a short activity within the trip, not the whole point of the excursion, but it can be especially appealing to children and anyone who likes trying new water equipment.

You do not have to swim. A particularly useful detail is that there is no pressure to leave the boat. This makes the trip workable for mixed groups, including someone who wants wildlife watching and coastal views but does not want to snorkel.

A family outing included a four-year-old child and a baby, while another person joined with a 71-year-old mother who enjoyed the three-hour trip. Those examples suggest that the activity can suit a broad age range, but you should make your own decision about swimming and boat travel based on your group’s comfort.

Sandwiches, Drinks, and What the Price Buys

The listed price is $78.10 per person. For three hours, that is a fair midrange price if you plan to use the boat ride, wildlife search, swimming, and included equipment. You are paying for more than a short animal-spotting cruise.

The value improves because snorkeling equipment, drinks, and sandwiches are included. You do not need to add a separate gear rental or plan food for the outing. The food is best viewed as a useful snack rather than a full meal, so schedule the trip around breakfast or lunch if you need something substantial.

The small group also adds value. A larger boat may offer a lower per-person price, but it can feel less personal and give you less room to watch the water. Here, the maximum of 11 keeps the experience closer to a guided boat outing than a mass excursion.

The price is less attractive if your main aim is a long swim. The tour has several jobs to do: find animals, travel the coast, stop for snorkeling, offer the BladeFish, and return to the harbor. You will get a taste of each rather than a full afternoon dedicated to any single activity.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most

I would recommend this for families, couples, and small groups who want an active half-day on the water. It works particularly well if you want wildlife watching but also need a clear endpoint and a return to the same harbor.

It is a good match for you if:

• You enjoy looking for wild animals without a guaranteed schedule.
• You want a small boat rather than a large group cruise.
• You like having swimming and snorkeling as optional parts of the day.
• You want a fast ride and coastal views in the same outing.
• You prefer included snacks, drinks, and equipment.
• Your group includes swimmers and non-swimmers.

It may be less suitable if you want a quiet, slow boat trip with no speed or if your whole day depends on seeing a particular species. It is also worth thinking carefully before booking if a weather-related change would cause problems, since the trip requires suitable conditions.

Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation. The departure point is in Puerto Colón, making it practical for anyone staying around Playa de las Américas. The booking confirmation is issued at the time of booking, and the mobile ticket makes arrival straightforward.

How to Handle Weather and Booking Changes

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

Weather and minimum numbers are the two conditions to keep in mind. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of people is not reached, you are offered another date or experience, or your money back.

I would avoid placing this trip on the final morning of your Tenerife stay. A weather change or minimum-number issue could force a last-minute adjustment. Booking around 25 days ahead is common, so reserving early is sensible if your dates are fixed, but leave some room in your schedule if possible.

Is the 3-Hour Sea Safari Worth Booking?

I would book this if you want a compact, active sea outing with a real chance of seeing dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles. The combination of a small group, a quick boat, included snorkeling gear, snacks, and an optional swim gives the trip more range than a basic wildlife cruise.

The strongest reason to choose it is the balance. You can spend part of the trip searching for animals, part watching Tenerife’s cliffs, and part swimming or trying the BladeFish. You can also stay aboard if the water is not for you.

Just remember what you are buying: a wild-animal search, not a guaranteed show, and a three-hour sampler, not a full-day cruise. If that suits your plans, $78.10 is a reasonable price for a small-group experience that covers several activities without extra rental or food costs.

FAQ

How long is the Sea Safari trip?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, at Puerto Colón.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Puerto Colón.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 11 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment rental is included, and different snorkeling masks are available.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. Drinks and sandwiches are provided during the trip.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time.

What happens if the weather is poor or the minimum number is not met?

If poor weather or insufficient bookings causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.