Private 2 hour Whale Watching Tour

Tenerife’s south coast is one of Europe’s better places to look for whales and dolphins, and this private trip keeps the experience small, calm, and focused on the animals. You head out from Puerto Colón in an 8-meter boat, usually no more than 3 miles offshore, with a marine biologist explaining what you see.

I especially like the hydrophone, which lets you hear whales and dolphins below the boat, and the fact that the crew takes photos for you. That means you can watch instead of fumbling with a phone. I also like the careful approach: engines may be cut, and animals are given room to come closer on their own.

The main thing to consider is the boat itself. A small vessel gives you a good view and a private setting, but it can move more than a larger boat. If you suffer from seasickness, prepare before departure. At $617.02 for up to 10 people, this makes the most sense for families or groups who value privacy and a specialist guide.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main prize: Encounters can include resident pilot whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and other marine life.
• A hydrophone adds another sense: You may hear whale sounds as animals pass beneath or near the boat.
• Your group gets the boat to itself: The private booking covers up to 10 people, with no unrelated passengers joining you.
• Biologists lead the experience: Guides including Ion, John, and Carlota explain animal behavior, biology, and the local marine ecosystem.
• Photos arrive after the trip: The guide photographs the wildlife and emails the images later.
• The small boat has trade-offs: It offers a close, clear view, but the motion can be harder on anyone prone to seasickness.

Why this private Tenerife trip feels different

Many boat outings turn whale watching into a simple hunt for a sighting. This one puts more weight on how you watch. The crew follows local whale watching rules, approaches slowly, and gives the animals space. That matters in a marine reserve, where the quality of an encounter is not measured only by how close the boat gets.

The private format helps too. Your family or friends can ask questions without competing with a full boatload of people. Children can look at the teaching materials, adults can ask about animal behavior, and the guide can shape the discussion around what appears in front of you.

That does not guarantee a dramatic encounter. Wild animals do not follow a timetable, and a two-hour trip may produce different sightings from one day to the next. But the crew’s approach gives you a better chance of understanding what you see rather than simply pointing at a fin and moving on.

The five-star feedback is especially consistent about the guides. Ion is praised for his strong command of marine biology, warm manner, and humor. John is noted for his passion and calm handling of the boat. Carlota is described as enthusiastic and clear in her explanations. The guide on your departure may vary, but the format is built around having a biologist on board.

From Puerto Colón to the open water

You meet the staff at Pantalán, Number 3, inside Puerto Colón Marina, 15 minutes before departure. The marina has parking at about €1 per hour, along with bathrooms and restaurants. That makes the meeting point easy to manage, especially if you are traveling with children or need a quick snack before setting out.

After boarding, you meet the captain and receive a short safety briefing. The boat is custom-built and measures about 8 meters, large enough for the private group but still small enough to feel connected to the water.

The marine biologist then explains Tenerife’s local marine ecosystem and the cetaceans you may encounter. Didactic materials are provided, which is useful if children are joining you or if you want a quick visual introduction before the boat reaches the viewing area.

The trip to the wildlife zone is usually short, with the captain heading toward a current hot spot no more than about 3 miles from shore. This is one advantage of the location. You do not spend most of your two hours traveling to distant waters.

Watching pilot whales on their terms

Pilot whales are among the most memorable possible sightings on this outing. Several trips have included separate pods, mothers with calves, and groups that came close to the boat without being chased.

That distinction is important. The best encounters described from this trip happened after the boat slowed or stopped, with the animals deciding how near to come. On one outing, the engines were cut while a pod was given plenty of room. The whales approached by choice, which made the moment feel calm rather than staged.

You may see pilot whales traveling in groups, surfacing near the boat, or meeting and interacting with another group. Breaching is rare, so a jump would be a lucky bonus, not something to expect. The better reason to book is the chance to observe normal behavior in a respectful setting.

The guide explains what the animals are doing as you watch. Instead of a quick sighting followed by silence, you get context about social behavior, movement, and the biology of the species.

Dolphins, turtles, and the smaller surprises

Dolphins are another possible highlight. One particularly memorable encounter included 20 to 30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, with several calves. Some approached the bow and rode the pressure wave in front of the boat.

That kind of behavior can be exciting, but the guide’s role is to keep the encounter responsible. The crew observes the animals and avoids turning their interest into a chase. The boat’s small size can help you see clearly, though it also means the motion of the sea may be more noticeable.

The water around Tenerife can also produce unexpected sightings. Trips have included loggerhead sea turtles and flying fish. A turtle was spotted near a large piece of clear plastic, a reminder that floating rubbish can resemble food to marine animals. The crew stopped to collect the plastic, a small action that fits the wider conservation message of the trip.

None of these animals is guaranteed. You should book with the mindset that the sea decides the schedule. The reward is not only a checklist of species, but the chance to notice whatever appears during the journey.

Hearing whales through the hydrophone

The hydrophone is one of the strongest features here. The guide lowers it into the water so you can hear sounds from whales and dolphins below the surface.

Seeing a whale surface is one thing. Hearing its calls while it passes under the boat gives you a clearer sense that you are sharing space with an active animal, not viewing a prop. The sound can also hold children’s attention when the animals are briefly out of sight.

This is where the biologist-led format earns its keep. The guide can connect the sounds to the animals you are watching and answer questions as the encounter unfolds. You are not left to guess whether a splash, blow, or movement has meaning.

The hydrophone will not turn every moment into a dramatic concert. Its value is educational and atmospheric. It helps you pay attention to the water below, where much of the action is hidden.

A boat made for clear views, with one comfort warning

The 8-meter boat is a good size for a private party. You are not looking over a large crowd, and the guide can keep the group together when an animal appears. A smaller boat also makes it easier to notice subtle movements and hear the commentary.

The trade-off is motion. One family found that a child became seasick for a short time when the boat stopped to watch whales and began bobbing on the water. The crew offered practical help, but this is a basic limitation of small-boat wildlife watching, not something the captain can remove entirely.

If you know you are sensitive to boats, ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable motion sickness medicine before the outing. Eat sensibly beforehand and arrive ready for open water. The tour welcomes all ages, but comfort levels can vary, particularly when the vessel is stationary.

The boat itself has been described as clean, with newer-looking infrastructure. Food and drinks are not included, though you may bring food and non-alcoholic drinks on board.

What the private price really buys you

The total price is $617.02 per group of up to 10 people. At full capacity, that works out to about $62 per person. For two people, it becomes roughly $309 each, so the value depends heavily on your group size.

For a family, two families traveling together, or a group of friends, the price is easier to justify. You receive a private boat, a captain, a biologist, commentary, hydrophone use, and wildlife photos sent by email afterward. You also avoid sharing the experience with strangers.

For a couple, the price is a serious splurge. A shared excursion may cost less, though it may not offer the same privacy or room for questions. I would choose this private tour when personal attention, a quiet group, and responsible wildlife viewing matter more than finding the lowest fare.

The emailed photos add practical value. You can leave your camera down and watch the animals properly. The guide handles the wildlife photography during the tour, then sends the images afterward.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This is a strong choice for families with children, especially those who want more than a fast boat ride. The hydrophone, teaching materials, flying fish, turtles, and whales give young participants several ways to stay interested.

It also suits adults who care about marine biology or conservation. The guides explain the ecosystem, not just the names of the animals. If you have detailed questions, the private format gives you time to ask them.

I would also recommend it for anyone who wants a quieter alternative to a large sightseeing boat. A private group can set its own tone, and the crew can focus on your questions and comfort.

I would hesitate if you are very prone to seasickness, have a recent surgery, or have serious neck, back, or mobility problems. Pregnant participants are restricted, and participants over 120 kilograms with back problems may not be accepted. Most people can take part, but these limits should be checked before booking.

Timing, language, and simple planning

The trip lasts about two hours and returns to Puerto Colón Marina. Guides speak English and Spanish. A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early at Pantalán, Number 3. The marina has nearby parking, bathrooms, and restaurants, so you do not need to build a complicated plan around the departure.

Bring any food or non-alcoholic drink you want, since refreshments are not included. You may also want sun protection and a light layer, but the supplied information does not specify equipment provided on board, so check directly if you have special needs.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book this whale watching trip?

Book it if you are traveling with a group, want a private boat, and care about watching wildlife without crowding or chasing it. The strongest reasons are the marine biologist, the hydrophone, the thoughtful approach to pilot whales and dolphins, and the photos sent after the trip.

Think twice if you are booking only for a guaranteed close-up sighting or if small boats make you ill. Nature sets the terms, and the sea can be quiet. But if you value patient observation, useful explanations, and a personal two-hour outing from Puerto Colón, this is one of the better uses of a group holiday budget in southern Tenerife.

FAQ

How long does the whale watching tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours and ends back at Puerto Colón Marina.

Where does the tour depart from?

Meet the staff at Pantalán, Number 3, at Puerto Colón Marina in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates, with a maximum of 10 people.

What languages are available?

The guides speak English and Spanish.

Is a marine biologist on board?

Yes. Marine biologist staff provide live commentary about the marine ecosystem, whales, dolphins, and other animals you may see.

Can I hear the whales underwater?

Yes. The crew uses a hydrophone so you can listen to whales and dolphins beneath or near the boat.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you may bring food and non-alcoholic drinks on board.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours before the experience begins.