private charter 3 Hours Whale Encounter puerto colon adeje

Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, swimming, music, and a private boat make this more than a quick wildlife sighting. From Puerto Colón, Ocean Blue Tenerife takes your group along Costa Adeje for three hours, with the crew explaining the cetaceans you meet and adjusting the outing to the sea conditions. Some groups have even seen whale families with young calves.

I like the private format, especially for families or groups of friends who want room to talk, move around, and set their own mood. I also like the friendly, hands-on crew. Chris and Micki have let children steer under supervision, while guides such as Jessica and Alex have kept the explanations lively and included younger children.

The main caution is food. A simple ham-and-cheese roll and drinks may be included, but one large group found the portions too small and the sandwich dry. Weather also matters, so you need to accept that wildlife sightings and the swimming stop depend on the day at sea.

Key points before you book

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife draw: You may also see dolphins, turtles, and whale calves, but no marine encounter can promise a particular animal.
• A genuinely private outing: The price covers your group, up to 15 people, rather than a shared boat with strangers.
• Three hours gives the trip a good shape: There is time for wildlife watching, explanations, a possible swim, and the return along the coast.
• The crew is especially good with families: Children have been included in steering demonstrations and the general activity, always with supervision.
• Swimming may be part of the plan: Several outings stopped in a sheltered cove or turtle area for snorkeling and a sea swim.
• Bring realistic food expectations: Lunch is basic, and a group of 12 found there was not enough for everyone.

Setting out from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje

You meet at Tenerife Yacht Lina and Kailanipier, at pontoon number 5 in San Eugenio, within Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. The activity returns to this same meeting point, which keeps the day simple. You do not need to arrange a second pickup point at the end.

Once the boat leaves the port, the guide explains the outing and gives you background on the cetaceans you may encounter. That opening talk matters. It sets the right expectations: you are going to sea in search of wild animals, not visiting an aquarium with a guaranteed timetable.

The coast around Costa Adeje gives the first part of the trip plenty to look at even before the wildlife appears. Several outings have included views of the beaches and coastline, particularly when returning toward the port. On a clear day, the combination of open water, volcanic shore, and resort-side beaches gives the cruise a pleasant sense of place.

The boat size suits a private gathering. The advertised arrangement is for up to 15 people, while one group of 11 described having a boat with room for 25. The important point for you is privacy, not the exact maximum capacity of the vessel. Your group can share the outing without being mixed with a large public crowd.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The central part of the cruise is the search for cetaceans. Pilot whales are the most consistent feature in the available accounts, with several outings finding groups and even family groups with newborn calves. Dolphins have also appeared, sometimes alongside the whales.

Pilot whales are not small dolphins, despite their name. They are large members of the dolphin family, known for traveling in close social groups. Seeing a family together gives the encounter more meaning than simply spotting a fin. The guide’s explanations help you understand what you are looking at instead of treating each sighting as a quick photo opportunity.

You should keep your expectations sensible. This is a wildlife trip, so sea conditions and animal movements control the day. A cloudy outing still produced several families of pilot whales, but no one can promise whales, dolphins, turtles, or any particular number of sightings.

The crew’s approach is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Chris has been praised for explaining the whales and finding a good viewing position, while Chris and Micki have made children feel involved rather than parked on the sidelines. Jessica has also been singled out for her guidance, and Alex has helped shape outings that combined wildlife viewing with swimming and snorkeling.

The boat’s private setup helps here. If someone in your group wants to ask questions, take photos, or simply watch in silence, you are not competing with a packed deck. For a family celebration or a group of friends, that freedom is worth more than a small difference in the headline price.

A swim near turtle habitat

After the wildlife search, the boat may stop at a cove or turtle area for swimming and snorkeling. The exact place and conditions can vary, but the outings described include clear water, mask-and-snorkel time, and the chance to look for turtles near the boat.

This is a useful break in a three-hour trip. Wildlife watching asks you to stay alert and patient, while a sea swim changes the pace. One family had a one-year-old in the water, and another group especially enjoyed snorkeling in turtle bay. Those details suggest that the crew can make the stop welcoming for mixed-age groups, though each family must judge its own comfort in the sea.

Do not book this solely for a guaranteed turtle encounter. Turtles were seen on some outings, but the written information does not promise them. Think of the swim as an appealing second act after the whale search, with turtles as a possible bonus.

The swimming stop also makes the trip feel less like a sightseeing circuit. You get time to use the water instead of only looking at it. Clear water, drinks, and a coastal setting can turn the middle of the outing into a relaxed family memory.

The crew makes the difference

A private charter can be ordinary if the crew simply drives the boat and points at animals. This one has earned its strongest praise for the people running it. Chris and Micki are described as warm hosts who made groups feel at home, while Jessica and Alex have also been praised for their care and explanations.

That warmth shows in the small details. Children have been allowed to try steering under close supervision. Young passengers have been included in the explanations. One group with ages from five to 77 found the outing easy to enjoy together, which is a useful clue if your party includes grandparents, children, or people with different energy levels.

The mood can become lively on the way back. Music, dancing, and singing have been part of some outings, while other groups may prefer a quieter return. Because the charter is private, your own group can help set the tone. That is a clear advantage over a shared cruise with a fixed public program.

You should still remember that the names and exact crew lineup can vary. Chris, Micki, Jessica, and Alex are all associated with the experience, but you should not assume every person will be aboard your departure. The consistent promise is the Ocean Blue Tenerife team and the private format.

Food, drinks, and the practical value of the charter

The outing may include drinks and a simple lunch, sometimes served during a stop near the coast. Sandwiches, beer, and champagne have been part of the experience described by different groups. The food is best treated as a light picnic, not a full meal.

This is where you need to plan carefully. A group of 12 found there was not enough food for everyone, and another person described the ham-and-cheese roll as dry. Those are specific weaknesses, not reasons to reject the entire trip, but they matter if you are booking for a large group or expect a substantial lunch.

I would bring extra snacks if your booking allows it, especially for children. The supplied information does not spell out what food or drinks are included on every departure, so ask when booking if lunch is important to you. The sea and wildlife are the main event, while the food is a useful extra with modest expectations.

The price is $481.17 per group of up to 15. Split between a full group, that is about $32 per person, before any personal spending. A smaller group pays more per head, but you are buying privacy, a dedicated boat, and a crew focused only on your party for about three hours.

That makes the value strongest for families, birthday groups, and groups of friends. For one or two people, a shared whale cruise may be cheaper if available. For a large group, the private rate can compare well with buying separate places on a public boat, especially when you value personal space and flexible attention.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for a family group that wants one shared activity without leaving grandparents or small children behind. The ages reported on one outing ranged from five to 77, and another included a two-year-old. The crew’s willingness to involve children is a real advantage.

It also suits a celebration. Birthday groups have used the charter for a special day, adding swimming, drinks, music, and coastal views to the wildlife search. A private boat gives you a setting that feels more personal than a standard group excursion.

It is a good match for anyone who wants more than a short whale-spotting run. The three-hour duration leaves room for explanations, a possible swim, and a relaxed ride back. If your only aim is the cheapest possible chance of seeing a whale, you may not need a private charter.

You should also consider the sea. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. Even in workable weather, the water may affect how much time you want to spend swimming, so keep your plans for the rest of the day flexible.

The activity is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transportation, and most people can take part. The supplied details do not provide a full mobility-access statement, so contact the operator if anyone in your group needs specific boarding assistance.

Timing, cancellation, and what to bring

The cruise lasts about three hours and starts and ends at Puerto Colón. It is sensible to arrive ready for a boat outing, with sun protection, water, and a layer for changing conditions. If you plan to swim, bring the items you need for that part of the day.

Keep your schedule loose after the cruise. Wildlife viewing cannot run like a museum visit, and sea conditions may affect the pace. The operator requires good weather and offers another date or a full refund if bad weather cancels the trip.

You can cancel without charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours beforehand are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off follows local time.

Booking around a month ahead is sensible for a private boat, particularly if you need a certain date for a birthday or family gathering. The experience is often reserved about 29 days in advance, so last-minute availability may be limited.

Should you book the Ocean Blue private charter?

I would book it if your group values privacy, personal attention, and a full coastal outing rather than a basic whale sighting. The strongest reasons are the chance to see pilot whale families and dolphins, the possible turtle swim, and a crew that has made children feel part of the trip.

I would pause if you need a guaranteed animal sighting, a substantial catered lunch, or the lowest price for a small party. The food is basic, the sea controls the wildlife, and the swimming stop depends on conditions.

For a group of friends or family up to 15, the $481.17 group price can be good value. Ask about the day’s food and planned swimming stop, bring snacks, and book early if your dates matter. If those limits suit you, this is a warm, flexible way to meet Tenerife’s offshore wildlife without sharing your boat with strangers.

FAQ

Where does the private whale charter start and finish?

It starts at Tenerife Yacht Lina and Kailanipier, pontoon number 5, in San Eugenio at Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts about three hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The advertised private arrangement allows up to 15 people in your group. Only your group takes part in the activity.

What animals might I see?

The outing focuses on cetaceans, with pilot whales and dolphins among the animals seen. Turtles have also been seen during some swimming and snorkeling stops, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Swimming and snorkeling may be included during a stop near a cove or turtle area. The exact stop depends on the conditions and the plan for the day.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.