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

Pilot whales are the star of this small-group boat trip from Costa Adeje. The three-hour outing searches Tenerife’s southwest waters for whales and dolphins, then pauses for swimming and snorkeling. Pilot whales are seen often, and dolphins, turtles, and even sharks have appeared, but wildlife keeps its own timetable.

I like the intimate size, with a maximum of 11 people, and I like the thoughtful crews, especially Captain Guy, who is praised for explaining marine life, watching for seasickness, and keeping a respectful distance from the animals. The sandwiches and open drinks are useful touches. My main caution is value: the swim and snorkel stop can be brief, the boat may motor more than sail, and the wildlife portion can vary sharply.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the most likely big sighting, while dolphins and turtles are possible but never promised.
• The boat carries no more than 11 people, a much calmer setup than the large catamarans leaving Puerto Colón.
• Captain Guy is especially praised for his care, wildlife knowledge, and attention to seasickness, although other captains may operate your departure.
• Food is simple but useful, usually a freshly made sandwich with light snacks, rather than a full meal.
• Drinks are plentiful, including beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and a glass of champagne or other sparkling wine depending on the departure.
• The swim stop is not a major snorkeling excursion, and some departures have offered little time or limited equipment.

A quiet search for whales off Costa Adeje

This tour begins at Puerto Colón, one of the main boating harbors in Costa Adeje. You meet at gate number 2, at pontoon 2, at least 15 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters. The harbor has several boats and operators, so arriving at the last minute can turn a relaxed start into a hunt for the right gate.

Once aboard, you settle into a compact sailing boat rather than a large sightseeing vessel. The maximum group size is 11, though several departures have had fewer people. That changes the feel of the trip. You have a better chance of hearing the captain, moving around the boat, and watching the sea without a crowd pressing along the rail.

The boat is described as a luxury yacht, but keep your expectations sensible. This is a comfortable wildlife boat with drinks and lunch, not a private yacht charter. Some departures have sailed, while others have motored for much of the route. If the sails stay furled, the trip is still worthwhile for the whale search, but sailing purists may feel the description promises more than the actual outing delivers.

Searching for pilot whales in Tenerife’s marine waters

The boat heads out along Tenerife’s southwest coast, where the main goal is finding marine life in open water. Pilot whales are the most consistent sighting in the available experience reports. You may see several animals, a family group, or a pod with young whales. On good outings, they come close enough for clear views from the boat.

The best part of a whale encounter is often the pause. A considerate captain may cut the engine and let you watch quietly rather than chasing the animals. Captain Guy receives particular praise for keeping a respectful distance and giving the whales room. That approach is good for the animals and makes the sighting feel less like a rushed photo stop.

Dolphins are also part of the search, and some have swum close to the boat. Turtles have appeared too, including sightings of a mother and young turtle. One departure even produced reports of sharks. These are welcome extras, not fixed parts of the schedule. You should book this as a wildlife search, not as a guaranteed dolphin show.

The crew’s role can make a big difference. Guy is frequently singled out for his friendly manner, clear explanations, and habit of checking on anyone feeling unwell. Alex has also been praised for sharing information and helping a seasick passenger. Dani and Maximilian have led other departures. The captain assigned to your boat can affect how much interpretation you receive, so ask questions if you want to learn more about the sea and its animals.

A few experiences have been less informative. One captain gave only a short explanation, while another spent too much time on a phone. That seems to be the exception, but it is worth knowing that the level of commentary is not perfectly uniform.

What the three-hour route actually feels like

The advertised duration is about three hours. The outing normally combines a period searching for whales and dolphins, coastal cruising, a swim stop, and the return to Puerto Colón. The balance is not fixed. Wildlife may be found quickly, or the boat may spend a longer period looking.

Some of the strongest outings found pilot whales within the first part of the cruise and then spent time watching them. Others had a shorter wildlife encounter followed by more time cruising near the coast. One account described about 30 minutes near the port toward the end, which felt like time being filled. If you want nonstop animal sightings, this tour cannot promise that.

The coastline views are part of the experience. You see Tenerife from the water and get a quieter look back at the resort coast. An evening departure can add sunset views. The sea can also feel much rougher than it appears from land, especially when the boat meets larger waves.

If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. One person felt ill despite calm-looking conditions, and another captain offered practical help and checked in often. The boat is small, which keeps the group personal but gives you less room to move around than a large catamaran. Sit where you feel most comfortable, and bring any medication you normally use. The operator does not state that seasickness medicine is provided.

The swim and snorkel stop

At some point, the boat stops for swimming. Snorkel equipment is included, and the crew presents this as a chance to see the underwater world. Bring your own towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen, since those are not listed as supplied.

The swimming can be refreshing and is one of the nicer parts of the trip, especially on a warm Tenerife day. Still, you should not picture a long reef excursion. Several accounts describe a quick swim, and one person had only about 10 minutes. Another departure stopped close to Los Cristianos beach, where the water offered little to see below the surface.

There is also some variation in how the equipment is handled. Snorkel gear was available on many outings, but one account says no gear was offered, and another passenger was advised not to take a snorkel because there was little to see at that location. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, this is a weakness.

The sea can be cold or choppy. You may decide to stay aboard, and that is perfectly reasonable. The wildlife search remains the central feature, while swimming is a bonus. If the water is your priority, look for a dedicated snorkeling excursion instead.

Sandwiches, snacks, and drinks on board

The food is practical rather than elaborate. You receive a freshly made sandwich or baguette, along with light snacks. Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking. A gluten-free request was not fulfilled on one departure, so you should confirm dietary needs before you go rather than assume the standard meal can be changed.

Descriptions of the refreshments vary slightly. The inclusions list a glass of champagne, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, while some accounts describe sparkling wine or Prosecco with strawberries. The safest expectation is a glass of sparkling wine at the start, plus a selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks during the trip.

The open drinks are a real advantage on a warm afternoon. You can have water, soft drinks, beer, or wine without buying each item separately. The sandwich is enough to take the edge off hunger, but it is not a picnic spread. One person felt the food amounted to one small sandwich, while another found the refreshments plentiful. I would eat a light meal beforehand if you need a substantial lunch.

Is the $78.44 price fair?

At $78.44 per person, this sits above the cheapest whale and dolphin outings in Tenerife. The price makes more sense if you value the limited group size, the quieter boat, the open drinks, and the chance to spend time with a captain who treats the wildlife carefully.

You are paying for a more personal setting, not a guaranteed number of whales. A successful trip with pilot whales nearby, a good captain, a sandwich, sparkling wine, and a swim can feel like solid value. A slow outing with little wildlife, a short swim, and minimal commentary can feel expensive.

The group limit is the strongest reason to choose this option over a large catamaran. Eight or ten people on board leaves room to hear the captain and watch without a crowd. On the other hand, a small boat also has less space when the sea gets choppy. The premium only works if you prefer personal service over the lowest possible price.

Pickup may be available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance. If you arrange no pickup, go directly to Puerto Colón gate number 2. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would choose this for couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed ocean outing rather than a high-speed wildlife chase. Children can join when accompanied by an adult, and one 10-year-old reportedly enjoyed the experience. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

It suits you particularly well if you enjoy watching animals quietly and appreciate a captain who explains what you are seeing. The personal attention can be valuable for families or anyone nervous about the sea. A captain who checks on passengers and speaks several languages, as Guy has done, helps make the boat feel welcoming.

I would be more cautious if you need a full meal, guaranteed snorkeling, a long swim, or constant wildlife action. You should also think twice if you are very sensitive to motion. The sea does not need to look stormy for a small boat to move around.

Booking details worth remembering

You receive confirmation when you book, and mobile tickets are accepted. The experience is offered in English, although Guy has been praised for speaking five languages and including everyone in the conversation.

Book everyone in your group together. The operator uses several boats, so separate bookings may not place you on the same vessel. The tour requires suitable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can move to another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff follows local Tenerife time.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a small boat, a real chance to see pilot whales, and a friendly captain-led outing with drinks included. The strongest departures combine close wildlife encounters, respectful boat handling, good commentary, and enough room to relax.

Do not book it expecting a luxury lunch, guaranteed dolphins, or a serious snorkeling session. The experience depends on the sea, the wildlife, the captain, and the length of the swim stop. For me, the best reason to choose it is the small group and the chance to watch pilot whales without the feel of a crowded excursion boat. At $78.44, that is worthwhile when personal service matters more to you than the lowest fare.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin trip start?

It starts at Puerto Colón, pontoon 2, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

How early should I arrive?

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

Where does the tour finish?

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

How long is the boat trip?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 11 people.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus a glass of champagne or sparkling wine.

Is food included?

Yes. You receive light refreshments and a freshly made sandwich for lunch. Vegetarian food is available if requested at booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included, although the amount of equipment offered and the usefulness of the stop can vary by departure.

Should I bring anything with me?

Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor-weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.