Private Yacht Tour With Whale and Dolphin Watching 42 Foot Boat

The best part of this private yacht cruise is having the Atlantic all to yourself, or at least to your own group of up to 11 people. From Puerto Colón, you head toward Tenerife’s whale and dolphin waters, with sonar equipment, snacks, an open bar, and time to swim from the boat.

I like the relaxed setup: you get a proper sailing yacht with a saloon, kitchenette, and plenty of deck space, not a crowded sightseeing vessel. I also like the combination of wildlife watching and a swim stop. The main catch is that sightings are never guaranteed, and the price makes the most sense when you fill much of the boat.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 11 people: Your group gets the yacht rather than sharing it with strangers.
• Pilot whales are present year-round: Dolphins and sea turtles are also possible, but wildlife sightings depend on conditions.
• Sonar adds another way to search: You can listen for whales and dolphins below the surface.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: The skipper anchors so you can use the supplied equipment.
• Drinks and snacks are part of the fare: Champagne, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and light food are included.
• Three or six hours are available: You can choose a shorter outing or give yourself more time on the water.

Setting out from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas

You meet at Puerto Colón, pier 2, in Costa Adeje. The marina sits by Playa de las Américas, so the first few minutes give you a pleasant change of view as the resort slips behind you and the yacht heads toward open Atlantic water.

The first stop is really the boarding and safety briefing. Allow about 10 minutes to meet the skipper, settle aboard, and hear the basic instructions. It is a small but useful start, especially if some members of your group are not used to boats.

The yacht is described as a 40-foot vessel, while the experience title refers to a 42-foot boat. In practical terms, expect a medium-sized private sailing yacht around 12.19 meters long. It carries a maximum of 11 people and has open deck space, a covered saloon cabin, a kitchenette, and onboard amenities.

That size matters. You have room to move around, find a sunny or shaded place to sit, and gather at the rail when the skipper spots something. It is still a boat, not a floating hotel, so the experience works best when your group is comfortable spending several hours close together.

Searching for pilot whales with sonar

Once clear of the marina, the skipper takes you to local waters used by pilot whales and other marine life. Pilot whales are present in the area year-round, which gives this trip a stronger wildlife focus than a simple coastal cruise.

You will need patience. The skipper may point out a fin, a back, or a distant group of animals, but the Atlantic does not run on a schedule. Dolphins may appear, and sea turtles are also possible. One outing recorded whales, dolphins, and two turtles, while another included flying fish and smaller marine life.

The sonar equipment is a useful feature because it gives you another way to search. Instead of relying only on what you can see from the deck, you can listen for whales and dolphins beneath the surface. That adds interest during quiet stretches, though sonar cannot promise a sighting.

I would bring a little flexibility to your expectations. This is wildlife watching, not a guaranteed animal show. The crew can take you to known areas and help you know where to look, but wind, sea conditions, animal movement, and luck still control the day.

The captains are also part of the appeal. Past trips have been hosted by skippers including Guy, Juan Angel, and Maxi. Their role goes beyond steering the boat. They explain what you are seeing, watch the water carefully, and help keep the trip easygoing. Maxi, in particular, has been praised for spotting wildlife and alerting everyone when it was time to look.

A yacht built for a small private group

A private booking changes the mood of the outing. You can spend a little longer watching wildlife, ask the skipper questions, or decide how your group wants to use the time. You are not trying to hear instructions over a large crowd or compete for a place along the rail.

The capacity limit is 11 people, but the best value comes when you bring a sizeable group. At $716.45 per group, the price is not cheap for two people. Split among 10 or 11, it becomes a much more reasonable cost for a private three-hour boat outing, especially since drinks, food, equipment, and the skipper are included.

For a family, a group of friends, or a small celebration, the private format can be worth paying for. You control the social atmosphere, and children or less confident swimmers can take part without being lost in a big crowd. If you are traveling as a couple, a shared boat would normally be easier on the budget, but this experience is specifically aimed at people who value privacy.

The boat has a saloon cabin, which gives you somewhere to sit if the sun becomes too strong or the sea feels cool. The open deck remains the main attraction, though. This is where you will watch for animals, enjoy the coastline from the water, and take in the breeze.

Swimming and snorkeling from the anchored yacht

At some point, the skipper drops anchor and gives you the chance to swim. This is a welcome change after sitting and watching the horizon. You can jump into the sea, use the provided snorkeling equipment, and look for turtles, fish, and other marine life close to the boat.

The snorkeling is a bonus rather than the main purpose of the trip. The available details do not promise a particular reef, cove, or underwater site, so you should not book this as a dedicated snorkeling excursion. Think of it as a refreshing sea stop added to a wildlife cruise.

The water can feel cool, and not everyone in your group has to swim. You can remain aboard and enjoy the break from the deck. If swimming is important to you, ask about conditions on the day and follow the skipper’s instructions.

The combination works well for mixed groups. One person can watch for whales, another can snorkel, and someone else can stay in the saloon with a drink. You get choices without splitting up the party.

Champagne, an open bar, and simple food

The onboard service is generous for a three-hour cruise. You receive a glass of Champagne, plus unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water. Light refreshments are included, with snacks and baguettes available on the trip.

This is not a restaurant meal, so you should keep your expectations sensible. It is enough to make the outing feel cared for and to prevent everyone from getting hungry during the time at sea. The food has been described as particularly good, and the drinks are available from arrival and throughout the cruise.

Vegetarian food can be arranged, but you need to request it when booking. If anyone in your group has dietary needs, contact the operator early rather than assuming the standard snacks will suit everyone.

The drinks also make the boat feel more like a private occasion than a basic wildlife run. A glass of Champagne on deck after a whale sighting, or a cold soft drink during the swim stop, fits the setting nicely. Just remember that the boat is moving at sea, so sensible drinking is still the order of the day.

Choosing three hours or six hours

The shorter cruise lasts about three hours and is the practical choice for most groups. It gives you time to leave the marina, search for wildlife, enjoy refreshments, and stop for a swim without taking over your entire day.

The six-hour option suits you if the boat itself is the main event. A longer cruise allows more time to search for whales and dolphins, relax aboard, and enjoy the water at an unhurried pace. It also gives the skipper more time to work around changing conditions.

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. Morning trips may suit you if you want a fresh start and other plans later. An afternoon cruise can work well if you prefer a slower morning or want to spend part of the day on the coast first.

The provided price is listed for the private group experience, but confirm the exact cost for your chosen duration before paying. The three-hour trip is the clearest match for the advertised approximate duration.

Pickup, meeting point, and practical planning

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, pier 2, 38660 Costa Adeje. The trip returns to the same jetty, which keeps the day simple and avoids arranging transport from a different harbor.

Pickup may be available, but hotel pickup is not included in the standard inclusions. Contact the operator at least 24 hours before departure if you want to ask about pickup arrangements. I would do this as soon as you book, particularly if you are staying away from Playa de las Américas or Costa Adeje.

Confirmation is provided when you book, and mobile tickets are accepted. The experience is offered in English. It is near public transport, and service animals are allowed.

Most people can take part, but you should consider the basic realities of a boat trip. You will be outside for part of the time, the sea may move under you, and swimming is optional but forms part of the plan. Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a way to protect your phone are sensible choices, even though those items are not specifically supplied.

The yacht returns to the original meeting point after the cruise. That makes it easier to plan lunch, an afternoon at the beach, or an evening in the resort without needing to track a separate return transfer.

What the five-star feedback tells you about the experience

The strongest praise centers on the skipper and the relaxed service. Juan Angel has been singled out as a warm host, while Guy and Maxi have also been associated with friendly, attentive outings. The repeated theme is that the crew watches carefully for animals and helps everyone enjoy the boat rather than rushing through a fixed script.

Wildlife sightings have also been a major highlight. Whales and dolphins appeared on several outings, with turtles seen as well. One group even saw flying fish. Those details show the range of marine life you might encounter, but they should not be treated as a promise for your particular date.

The food and drinks have earned strong approval too. Baguettes, snacks, Champagne, and free-flowing drinks make the price easier to justify for a full group. The private setting and generous deck space are especially useful when the boat is full.

The overall rating is five out of five from 11 ratings, with 100 percent recommending the experience. That is an encouraging result, though the sample is small. I would take it as evidence of consistently happy group outings, not proof that every day will bring perfect weather or a close whale encounter.

Weather, cancellation, and the best type of group

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

The 24-hour rule matters. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and cut-off times follow local Tenerife time.

I think this outing suits you best if:

• You have a family or friend group that can share the private cost.
• You want wildlife watching without joining a large boat.
• You like having swimming and snorkeling as part of the day.
• You value drinks, food, and a host who stays involved.
• You can accept that wildlife sightings depend on nature.

It is less suitable if you want a guaranteed close encounter, a specialist snorkeling site, or the lowest possible per-person price for a small party. It is also not the right pick if you dislike being on open water for several hours.

Should you book this Tenerife yacht cruise?

Book it if your group can fill much of the 11-person capacity and you want a relaxed private day on the Atlantic. The strongest reasons are the small-group setting, year-round pilot whale presence, sonar equipment, included refreshments, and the chance to swim directly from the yacht.

I would choose the three-hour option for a first visit or a busy holiday schedule. Pick six hours if you want the boat to be the main event and are happy to spend much of the day at sea.

The price looks high for a couple, but it becomes fair when divided among a family or group of friends. Go in expecting a well-run search for marine life rather than a guaranteed show, and this private cruise offers a pleasant mix of wildlife, food, swimming, and time on the water.

FAQ

Where does the yacht tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón, pier 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour finish?

The cruise returns to the original meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long does the cruise last?

You can choose a cruise of approximately three or six hours. The advertised experience duration is about three hours.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The yacht accepts a maximum of 11 people per booking, and only your own group participates.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Pilot whales are present in the local waters year-round, and dolphins and sea turtles may also be seen, but sightings depend on sea conditions and wildlife activity.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the skipper anchors so you can swim and snorkel from the boat.

What drinks and food are included?

The cruise includes a glass of Champagne, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, and light refreshments. Vegetarian food is available if requested when booking.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.