Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

Pilot whales often come close to the 12-meter Roulette sailboat, and the small group makes it easier to see the action without a crowd pressing along the rail. The crew knows the waters south of Tenerife well, and guides such as Salvador share useful facts about cetaceans, seabirds, island geography, and the sea.

I like the calm pace and the proper sailing time, especially when the wind allows the crew to use the sails instead of the engine. I also like the simple but generous food service: baguette sandwiches, crisps, cake, and drinks including cava, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. The main consideration is the Atlantic itself. The water can be choppy, so anyone prone to seasickness should prepare carefully.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: You may also see dolphins, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life.
• Only 10 passengers join the two-person crew: This gives the trip a much more personal feel than a large sightseeing boat.
• The boat can genuinely sail: When the wind is right, you may spend much of the outward and return journey under sail.
• Snorkeling is built into the three-hour outing: The crew stops in a scenic bay for swimming and snorkeling, usually for around 30 minutes.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect sandwiches, snacks, cake or another dessert, and a useful range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
• Meet at Puerto Colón Dock 5: Arrive 10 minutes early at the first jetty beyond the port parking barrier and look for the boat named Roulette.

A quiet whale-watching trip from Puerto Colón

This is not a loud party cruise or a packed catamaran outing. Roulette Charters takes up to 10 passengers on a 12-meter sailboat, with a captain and one crew member looking after you. That capacity matters. You can move around the deck, take a seat at the front, and usually get a clear view when whales or dolphins appear.

The trip leaves from Puerto Colón on Tenerife’s south coast. From the marina, the boat heads along the coast and out toward the waters where pilot whales and dolphins are regularly sought. The exact wildlife sightings can never be promised, but the crew’s work is not limited to pointing at the horizon. They actively look for cetaceans while respecting their space.

Pilot whales are the species most often seen on this trip. Sightings have included pods with calves, sometimes close to the boat. Dolphins may play near the bow, and turtles, flying fish, red-fin tuna, and seabirds have also appeared during outings.

I like the fact that the experience is built around watching wild animals in their own setting, not a staged encounter. The captain may spend time with a group of whales or dolphins, but the boat is operated with clear respect for the animals. That makes the experience feel more responsible and less like a chase.

What the three-hour route feels like

The schedule is simple. You meet at Roulette Charters, sail from Puerto Colón, spend time looking for marine life, stop for swimming and snorkeling, and return to the same dock. The three-hour length is enough for a proper outing, but it is still short enough to fit neatly into a day at the beach or a wider Tenerife sightseeing plan.

The first part is usually devoted to sailing and wildlife watching. The crew may use the engine when needed, but several outings have included long stretches under sail. When the wind is up, the quiet movement of the boat is a real pleasure. You hear the water and the wind instead of spending the whole trip beside a running motor.

The south coast gives you broad views back toward Tenerife and, on clear days, across toward La Gomera. From the water, the island’s volcanic shore has a different character than it does from the road. You see cliffs, beaches, coves, and the shape of the coast without traffic or buildings blocking the view.

The crew divides attention around the boat so passengers on both sides have a chance to see wildlife. That is especially useful when a pod surfaces suddenly or dolphins move quickly across the bow. You will need to stay alert. This is wildlife watching, not a display with animals appearing on a fixed schedule.

Seeing whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds

Pilot whales are the regular star of the trip. They often travel in family groups, and seeing calves beside adults can be the emotional high point of the morning or afternoon. At times, a pod may surface close to the sailboat, giving you a much better view than you would get from a large vessel surrounded by dozens of other people.

Dolphins are less predictable but can be wonderfully active. Some outings have included dolphins alongside the boat and groups playing near the bow. You might also spot a turtle at the surface, flying fish skimming over the water, or seabirds such as Cory’s shearwaters.

The crew’s local marine knowledge adds real value here. Salvador has been praised for explaining the animals, their habits, and the wider sea environment in a way that is easy to follow. Guides can speak Spanish, English, and Italian, so you should be able to ask questions and understand the main safety and wildlife information.

I particularly like the attitude toward the animals. The crew does not treat a close approach as permission to crowd them. If the boat slows down or keeps a respectful distance, that is a good sign. It may mean fewer dramatic photographs, but it gives you a more honest encounter with wild marine life.

The snorkeling stop in a sheltered bay

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. The exact cove can vary, but the trip includes time in a scenic bay, often near volcanic cliffs or a rocky coastal setting. Some outings have included a cave to explore from the water.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The water is warm enough for swimming during much of the year, though conditions and personal comfort will vary. The stop has commonly lasted around 30 minutes, giving you time to swim, look for fish, or simply cool off beside the boat.

This is a useful balance to the whale watching. Sitting and scanning the sea requires patience, while the swim gives you a clear change of pace. Families and couples often appreciate having both activities in one short cruise.

Do not book this expecting a full snorkeling excursion. Wildlife watching is the main purpose, and the stop is one part of the route. If you want hours in the water, choose a dedicated snorkeling trip instead. If you want a refreshing swim after sailing and animal watching, this arrangement works well.

What you eat and drink on board

The food is practical rather than elaborate. You can expect baguette sandwiches, often with ham and tomato or Iberian ham, along with crisps and a slice of cake or another dessert. One outing included sandwiches, carrot cake, and plenty of drinks, while another included gingerbread cake.

Drinks include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. The crew regularly checks on passengers and offers refreshments during the cruise. A glass of cava after the snorkeling stop is a pleasant touch, while water and soft drinks make the setup suitable for children and people avoiding alcohol.

The food is enough for a three-hour trip, especially after swimming, but it is not a restaurant meal. Think of a good onboard lunch rather than a gourmet tasting menu. If you have dietary needs, mention them when booking or before departure. The crew has accommodated dietary requests, but advance notice is still the sensible approach.

Celebrations can also be handled with some care. A birthday outing once included a cake with candles. That is not a standard feature to assume, but it shows the crew may help with a special request if you arrange it ahead of time.

The boat, space, and comfort

Roulette is a 12-meter sailboat with room for up to 10 passengers and two crew members. It has three double cabins, two bathrooms, and deck mats for sitting or lying down. The cabins are part of the boat’s layout, not private accommodation for this short trip.

The small capacity is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. On a large boat, you may spend the whole wildlife search trying to find an open rail position. Here, the group is small enough for the crew to speak with everyone, answer questions, and help passengers move safely around the deck.

You can sit at the front when conditions allow, which gives you a pleasant view and a stronger sense of motion. The boat has enough room for a full group, but comfort depends partly on the day’s numbers. A six-person departure will feel especially spacious; a full 10-passenger trip will still be intimate, but you will have less room to spread out.

Bring sun protection and a light layer. The deck can feel warm in the sun, while wind and spray may make the return trip cooler. Wear swimwear beneath quick-drying clothes if you plan to snorkel, and use footwear that is suitable for a boat deck.

Sea conditions and seasickness

The main drawback is not the boat or the crew. It is the Atlantic. Several outings have had slightly choppy or rough water, even when the weather looked pleasant from shore. Sailing conditions can change, and a three-hour trip is long enough for seasickness to become a real problem.

If you know you are sensitive, take your usual precautions before departure and eat lightly. Sit where the crew suggests, focus on the horizon, and tell the captain early if you feel unwell. The crew has helped sick passengers with patience and care, but it is better to prevent the problem when possible.

The return journey may feel smoother than the outward leg, but there are no guarantees. This is still a small sailboat on open water, not a sheltered harbor ride. Families with young children can enjoy it, but parents should consider how their children handle boats and a full three-hour outing.

Price and what you receive for $70

At $70 per person, this is a strong value if you want a small-group boat trip rather than the lowest-cost whale-watching ticket. The price includes the sailboat cruise, guide, wildlife search, snorkeling equipment, food, snacks, and drinks. You are paying for the limited capacity as much as for the sailing itself.

A cheaper large-boat cruise may give you more deck space in total, but far less personal space and attention. Here, you share the boat with no more than nine other passengers, and two crew members are available for questions, safety, refreshments, and wildlife spotting.

The food is not the main reason to book, but it adds useful value. You do not need to budget separately for lunch, water, or a celebratory glass of cava. The inclusion of snorkeling gear also keeps the overall cost easy to understand.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to Puerto Colón. The meeting point is at Dock 5, 10 minutes before departure, at the first jetty after the port parking barrier. Look for the boat named Roulette. Arriving early is wise because the marina has several piers and the meeting point is not the sort of place to find at the last second.

Who will enjoy this sailboat tour most

I would choose this for someone who wants three different experiences in one outing: real sailing, wildlife watching, and a swim. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who prefer conversation and personal attention over music and crowds.

It is also a good choice if you care about how wildlife encounters are handled. The crew’s respect for the animals is a major part of the appeal, and the explanations about Tenerife’s marine environment give the trip more substance than a simple boat ride.

You may prefer another activity if you want guaranteed whale sightings, a long snorkeling session, or a high-energy party atmosphere. No responsible wildlife operator can promise exactly what you will see. The experience is strongest when you value the whole outing, including the sailing, coastal views, crew, and chance encounters.

Booking is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Should you book the Roulette Charters trip?

I would book it if the small group, quiet sailing, and respectful wildlife watching appeal to you. Pilot whales and dolphins are the likely highlights, but the best part may be how the pieces fit together: a knowledgeable captain such as Salvador, a helpful second crew member, a calm sail when the wind cooperates, a swim in a pretty bay, and a simple lunch on deck.

At $70, you receive more than a basic whale-watching ride. You get three hours on a well-equipped sailboat with food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a crew that takes time with passengers. Prepare for possible choppy water, arrive early at Dock 5, and keep your expectations realistic about wildlife.

For a personal, easygoing half-day on Tenerife’s south coast, this is a very good choice.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife sailboat tour?

The tour lasts three hours, including sailing, wildlife watching, swimming, and snorkeling.

Where does the boat depart from?

It departs from Puerto Colón. Meet at the door of Dock 5, at the first jetty past the port parking barrier.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 10 minutes before departure. Look for the sailboat named Roulette.

How many people can join the cruise?

The sailboat carries up to 10 passengers and two crew members. It has a 12-meter hull, three double cabins, two bathrooms, and deck mats.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and red-fin tuna. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time to swim and snorkel during the cruise.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes snacks, sandwiches, desserts, mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.