SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

Southern Tenerife is best seen from the water, and this three-hour speedboat trip gives you a lively mix of wildlife, cliffs, swimming, and coastal views. The boat heads toward places where dolphins and whales have been seen before, then returns along the coast to Puerto Colón.

I like the small maximum group of 11, which makes the boat feel more personal than a large sightseeing cruise. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling gear, drinks, sandwiches, and a chance to try a BladeFish underwater propulsion device are included. The main consideration is that wildlife sightings and swimming depend on conditions, and one serious booking problem has been reported, so confirm the meeting details before setting out.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles: Sightings can include several kinds of marine life, with pilot whales and dolphins receiving especially strong praise.
• Puerto Colón departure: You meet at Sea Safari Tenerife on Avenida de Colón in Playa de las Américas and return to the same place.
• Small speedboat group: The boat accepts no more than 11 people, useful if you prefer a closer, less crowded outing.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: Equipment rental is part of the price, so you can travel light.
• BladeFish experience: You may get to try an underwater personal propulsion device, a memorable extra beyond ordinary snorkeling.
• Food and drinks provided: Sandwiches and refreshments are included during the three-hour trip.

Why this Tenerife boat trip is different

Many boat outings around Tenerife focus on one thing, usually whale watching or a short coastal cruise. This Sea Safari excursion tries to pack several activities into one morning or afternoon: marine wildlife, a fast ride, cliff views, snorkeling, swimming, and a snack stop.

That mix works well if you want more than a boat ride but do not want to spend a full day at sea. You get the chance to watch animals from close range, then change pace with a swim or snorkel. If the sea is calm and the wildlife cooperates, the three hours can feel full without becoming an exhausting day trip.

The published rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 51 ratings, with 98 percent of customers recommending the experience. That is a strong record, though you should still keep expectations sensible. No wildlife trip can promise a particular animal on a particular day.

Captain Eric receives especially warm praise for finding dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and other marine life while approaching carefully. Tines is also mentioned in connection with organizing a family outing when only one person had initially booked. The names matter because the quality of a small boat trip often depends heavily on the captain and guide.

Meeting the boat at Puerto Colón

The trip begins at Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas. Puerto Colón is one of the main boating areas in southern Tenerife, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

You should allow enough time to locate the operator before departure. The information provided does not give a precise check-in time, so use the booking confirmation for that detail. Public transportation is nearby, which helps if you are staying in Playa de las Américas or another resort in the south.

The group limit of 11 is one of the best practical features here. A smaller boat lets you move around more easily and gives you a better chance of seeing what the guide points out. It also means the outing can feel more like a shared expedition than a standard sightseeing cruise.

Still, a speedboat is not the best choice for everyone. If you are highly sensitive to motion, the boat’s speed and open-water conditions may be tiring. One family specifically praised the boat for not causing seasickness, but that experience will not apply equally to every person or every sea state.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The first major part of the trip is the search for marine life near the southern coast. The crew heads toward areas where dolphins and whales have been spotted before, using local knowledge rather than following a fixed sightseeing route.

Pilot whales are a major attraction in this part of Tenerife, and they are among the animals most often seen on this outing. Dolphin sightings can add plenty of movement and energy, while turtles offer a slower, more surprising encounter. The reported sightings include several groups of pilot whales, two species of dolphins, turtles, and even flying fish.

One family also saw a young turtle feeding on a jellyfish, along with another large turtle. A separate outing included a hammerhead shark and many fish. These are memorable possibilities, but you should treat them as examples, not promises.

The approach to wildlife is another important point. The guide is described as moving carefully around the animals and respecting their space. That matters to me. A good wildlife trip is not simply about getting as close as possible. It is about seeing animals without turning the encounter into a chase.

The captain’s role is central. Reviews repeatedly single out Eric’s ability to find wildlife and explain marine animals and the island. If he is leading your trip, you can expect the guiding to be part of the experience, not just transportation between stops.

Seeing Tenerife from the water

After the wildlife search, the route includes views of the cliffs and a return along the southern coast to Puerto Colón. This gives you a different view of Tenerife’s shoreline than you get from the road or resort promenade.

The speedboat makes it possible to cover more ground in three hours than a slower vessel. That is useful when the crew is searching for wildlife and then fitting in time for swimming. You get movement, changing coastal views, and the thrill of speed between the quieter stops.

The boat ride itself is part of the appeal, but it also shapes the experience. You are not signing up for a silent, slow cruise. You should expect a lively outing with open-water motion and a fast return along the coast. If you want a calm boat ride with little activity, this may feel too energetic.

The cliffs are best understood as one piece of the trip rather than a separate sightseeing stop. The supplied details do not identify a particular cliff or give a set viewing time. Think of them as part of the coastal scenery while the boat moves between wildlife and swimming areas.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the BladeFish

The water activity gives this excursion its extra edge. You can swim and snorkel during the trip, with equipment rental included. That means you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel, and you can decide on the day how active you want to be.

Several kinds of masks are available, according to one account, which is useful if fit matters to you. The information does not specify how long the swim stop lasts or exactly where it takes place, so you should not book this expecting a long, structured snorkeling session.

The swimming section may be especially appealing after the speedboat ride and wildlife watching. You can cool off, look for fish, and enjoy a change from sitting on the boat. Some people may prefer to stay aboard, and there is no pressure to enter the water. That makes the outing suitable for mixed groups, including someone who wants wildlife watching but not snorkeling.

The BladeFish is a personal underwater propulsion device. Trying it gives you a fun novelty that ordinary snorkeling does not offer. It is not the reason to book the tour on its own, but it adds variety and may be a highlight for children and adults who enjoy gadgets.

A family with a four-year-old and a baby had a positive experience, but you should still judge swimming and boat activities according to your own group. The operator says most people can participate, yet the information does not provide a detailed age policy or medical guidance.

Snacks, drinks, and what the price covers

The listed price is $78.10 per person. For a three-hour trip, that is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but the value improves because several extras are included.

You receive:

• Wildlife watching by speedboat
• Swimming and snorkeling
• Snorkeling equipment rental
• A chance to try the BladeFish
• Drinks
• Sandwiches
• Coastal and cliff views
• A small group capped at 11 people

If you booked only a basic boat ride, you might pay less, but you would not necessarily receive the same mix of equipment, food, and activities. The value is strongest for people who plan to use the snorkeling gear, swim, and try the BladeFish. If you intend to remain seated and watch the coast, the price may feel less attractive.

The included sandwich and drinks are simple but useful. You do not need to carry food for a three-hour outing, and the snack breaks up the time on the boat. The supplied information does not identify the sandwich type or drink choices, so bring any special food you require rather than assuming the included snack will suit every diet.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this excursion to people who want a compact, active introduction to Tenerife’s southern waters. It suits couples, families, and mixed-age groups because you can enjoy the wildlife from the boat without being forced to swim.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a small group. With no more than 11 people, you should have a more direct connection with the captain and guide than on a large vessel. That is valuable when the main goal is spotting animals, since you can hear explanations and react quickly when something appears.

Families may find the range of activities useful. A child might enjoy the speed, dolphins, and BladeFish, while an older relative can remain on the boat and take in the coast. One 71-year-old participant enjoyed the trip without pressure to leave the boat, which shows how flexible the format can be.

You should think twice if you want a guaranteed swim, a long snorkeling session, or a completely predictable route. The wildlife search comes first, and the exact balance between animals, coast, and water activities can change with sea and weather conditions.

Booking, weather, and one important caution

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.

The trip requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The activity also requires a minimum number of bookings, and if that minimum is not reached, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

There is one negative account of a confirmed booking where nobody arrived and the customer could not reach the provided phone number. It is the only serious complaint in the supplied material, but it should not be ignored. I would save the confirmation, check the meeting point carefully, and contact Sea Safari before the day if anything about the departure details is unclear.

The excursion is offered in English. Confirmation is received at booking, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but detailed accessibility information is not provided.

How this compares with a large whale-watching cruise

A large cruise boat may offer more room and a steadier ride. This Sea Safari option gives you a smaller group, faster movement, and more chances to shift from wildlife watching to swimming or snorkeling.

The smaller format is especially helpful when the guide spots a dolphin or whale. You are not one person among a large crowd spread across several decks. At the same time, the speedboat offers less shelter and may feel more exposed to wind and motion.

You are also paying for a package of activities rather than only a wildlife viewing seat. The included equipment, BladeFish, sandwiches, and drinks make the price easier to justify if you want an active outing. If you care only about seeing whales and prefer a slower ride, compare this with a dedicated whale-watching cruise before booking.

Should you book the Sea Safari speedboat tour?

I would book it if you want a small-group wildlife trip with plenty of variety. The strongest reasons are the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, Captain Eric’s careful guiding, the included snorkeling equipment, and the option to swim or try the BladeFish.

I would be more cautious if you dislike fast boats, need a guaranteed schedule, or are booking only for a particular animal. Wildlife remains unpredictable, and the exact water conditions will shape the day.

For most people staying in southern Tenerife, the combination of marine animals, cliffs, swimming, snacks, and a three-hour time commitment offers good value at $78.10. Confirm the meeting details, keep your cancellation deadline in mind, and choose this outing for its range of experiences rather than for a promise of one specific sighting.

FAQ

How long is the Sea Safari Tenerife tour?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum of 11 participants.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment rental is included in the tour price.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. Drinks and sandwiches are provided during the trip.

What happens if the weather is poor or the minimum group size is not reached?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.