Premium All Inclusive Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is the small group size. With space for around 10 people, you get a better chance of hearing the skipper’s explanations, moving around the boat for a clear view, and enjoying the sea without the packed-deck feeling of a large cruise.

I like two things right away: whales live around Tenerife all year, and the price includes alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment. The main caution is the Atlantic itself. Strong wind and waves have made some departures uncomfortable, and snorkeling may not be practical on every trip.

Key points to know before you book

• Resident whales make sightings realistic: The southern coast is home to whales year-round, although no wildlife trip can promise a particular animal.
• A genuinely small boat: The stated capacity is 10 people, while the booking information gives a maximum of 11 travelers.
• Juan and Marie receive warm praise: Their friendly, welcoming approach has helped make several trips feel personal and relaxed.
• A swim stop is included: You can get into the Atlantic when conditions allow, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: Expect snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks rather than a separate bar bill.
• Weather matters: Rough water can cause seasickness, limit snorkeling, and take some of the shine off an otherwise good outing.

Setting out from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas

You meet the boat at Puerto Colón, the marina in Playa de las Américas on Tenerife’s southern coast. The activity returns to the same point, which makes the day easy to plan around. The marina is near public transportation, so you do not need to arrange a separate transfer if you are staying in the resort area.

The advertised price is about $21, which is unusually low for a three-hour marine excursion that includes drinks, snacks, and a swim stop. I would treat that price as good value, especially if you want a short outing rather than a full-day cruise. Just keep your expectations in line with the cost: this is a focused boat trip, not a formal yacht charter with a full meal or private guide.

The group size is one of the strongest reasons to choose it. The tour is described as capped at 10 passengers, although the additional booking information lists a maximum of 11. Either way, this is far smaller than the large catamarans that operate from Tenerife’s southern ports.

That smaller format gives you a better chance to ask questions and hear what is happening. It also means less competition when whales surface or dolphins appear. On the other hand, a small boat usually reacts more noticeably to wind and waves than a large vessel, so the intimate setting comes with a little more motion.

One practical point deserves attention: one departure was scheduled for 12:30 but did not leave until about 1:20. A delay in the sun can be unpleasant, so I would avoid arriving without water, sunscreen, and a hat, even though drinks are supplied during the trip.

Following Tenerife’s southern coast

Once the boat leaves Puerto Colón, the route follows Tenerife’s southern coast and heads into the waters where whales and dolphins are commonly seen. The skipper uses local knowledge to search for recent sightings, while explaining the marine life around the island.

Tenerife has resident whales that remain in the area throughout the year. That makes this a stronger choice than a wildlife trip built around a short seasonal visit, but it does not turn sightings into a guarantee. Wildlife moves, sea conditions change, and a good skipper still needs patience.

You might see whales traveling in pods or dolphins moving near the boat. One outing produced sightings of several whale pods, dolphins, and even a sea turtle. Another saw four or five dolphins despite difficult conditions. These examples show both the potential and the limits of the trip: the animals can be there, but their appearance and distance are beyond the crew’s control.

I would choose a seat where you can look in several directions rather than staying fixed on one side. The boat’s small size should help, but wildlife can appear quickly and vanish just as fast. Keep your phone or camera ready, yet do not spend the whole ride staring at a screen. The best part is often the sudden shift in attention when everyone spots movement on the water.

The scenery is part of the appeal. You see Tenerife from offshore, with the southern coast opening into a wider Atlantic view. The water can be calm and gentle, as it was on one highly praised outing, but conditions are not always so kind.

Whale and dolphin watching with Juan, Marie, and the crew

The quality of the skipper matters more on a wildlife trip than a polished script. Juan receives repeated praise for being interesting, friendly, and welcoming, while Juan and Marie are credited with making one trip feel especially enjoyable. Their role is not only to steer the boat, but also to explain what you are seeing and help you understand why the area attracts marine life.

A good skipper also knows when not to rush. If whales are nearby, the boat needs to approach responsibly and give everyone a fair chance to watch. The supplied information does not set out a detailed wildlife code, so I would listen closely to the crew’s instructions and keep your movements calm around the animals.

The small group helps here. With seven people plus the skipper on one departure, there was room for everyone and no scramble for a viewing position. Another trip carried nine people and still allowed plenty of explanation. That personal feel is a major part of the value.

The overall feedback is not uniformly perfect, and that is useful to know. One report describes a guide named Paco as rude, while other outings praise the crew warmly. I would not assume every departure will feel identical, since the skipper and sea conditions can shape the day. If the people leading your trip are friendly and communicative, the compact format works very well. If not, there is less distance between you and the crew than on a large boat.

The swim stop and snorkeling equipment

A swim stop gives the outing a welcome change of pace. After spending time watching the sea, you can get into the Atlantic for a short swim when conditions permit. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins.

For families, this can be the highlight. A family with children aged 7, 5, and 1 found the boat trip workable, and one child was excited to jump into the ocean. That said, a swim stop is not the same as a supervised water-park activity. You need to judge your own comfort in the sea and follow the crew’s instructions.

The snorkeling element needs a realistic explanation. On calm water, the equipment and swim stop can add real value to the $21 price. On a rough day, the crew may have to shorten or skip the water time. One outing reported that snorkeling was impossible, while another person said the equipment was never seen. Those problems may not define every trip, but they show why you should book this mainly for the wildlife cruise, not as a dedicated snorkeling tour.

If you are hoping for a long session with clear underwater viewing, choose an excursion marketed specifically around snorkeling instead. Here, the swim is an extra activity attached to a whale and dolphin outing. Think of it as a chance to cool off, not the central event.

Snacks, drinks, and the meaning of premium

The fare includes food and drink, which is useful on a three-hour trip. You can expect soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, and a snack, so you do not need to plan a separate refreshment stop during the boat ride.

The word premium deserves a little caution. One disappointed person described the snack as a homemade half sandwich, rather than the substantial spread they expected. That does not make the food useless, but it does mean you should not book this expecting a full lunch.

I see the included refreshments as a convenience and a modest bonus. A cold drink after time in the sun is welcome, and an alcoholic drink can make a calm cruise feel festive. If you have a large appetite, eat beforehand or bring any permitted essentials, since the food offering may be light.

The drinks also add value for anyone comparing this with a basic boat ride. At $21, you are paying for the boat, crew, wildlife search, explanations, refreshments, and swim opportunity in one compact package. The strongest value comes when the sea is calm, the animals cooperate, and you use several of those inclusions.

When the sea changes the whole outing

The biggest risk is not the wildlife. It is the weather. One trip on April 17 was affected by strong wind and waves, with more than half the people becoming ill. Dolphins were seen, but the rough ride made the outing unpleasant.

That experience is a useful warning for anyone prone to seasickness. A small boat can pitch and roll more noticeably than a large vessel, especially along an open stretch of coast. I would consider taking your usual motion-sickness precautions and choosing a calm-weather date if you have flexibility.

The operator requires good weather and may cancel if conditions are poor. In that case, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, the booking is not refundable and changes are not accepted.

A calm day can produce a very different experience. One outing had smooth water, plenty of room, and many whale sightings, with the kind of relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to stay on board and enjoy the ride. The contrast between calm and rough conditions is unusually important here, so check the forecast before you go.

Who will get the most from this three-hour trip

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a short, affordable introduction to Tenerife’s marine life. The small group suits couples, families, and anyone who dislikes crowded catamarans. It also works well if you have only part of a day available.

Families should note that most people can participate, and the operator says it offers easy access for disabled passengers. The available information does not explain the precise boat layout or assistance arrangements, so contact the provider before booking if you need specific accessibility support.

The trip may also suit couples planning a proposal. Engagement specials are available, giving you a more personal setting than a busy public cruise. Ask for the details before you pay, since the information supplied does not describe what the special includes.

I would be more cautious if you mainly want snorkeling, a large meal, or a guaranteed dolphin encounter. The snorkeling may be limited by the sea, the snack may be modest, and wildlife sightings can never be promised. The trip is best understood as whale and dolphin watching with refreshments and a possible swim, not as a full luxury cruise.

Is this Tenerife whale watching trip worth booking?

For about $21, I think this is a strong-value choice when the weather is settled. The small boat, resident whales, included drinks, swim stop, and personal attention from skippers such as Juan and Marie give it more character than a basic sightseeing ride.

Book it if you value a compact group and want several experiences in one morning or afternoon. Go in expecting a light snack, variable snorkeling, and a genuine wildlife search rather than a guaranteed show.

My final advice is simple: check the forecast, allow for a possible delay, eat something before departure, and make seasickness a serious consideration. If calm conditions line up, this can be a memorable and friendly way to meet Tenerife’s Atlantic side.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long does the excursion last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat is described as having a capacity of 10 people. The additional booking information lists a maximum of 11 travelers.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and snacks are provided during the trip.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the trip includes a swim stop. The ability to snorkel depends on sea and weather conditions.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund.