Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise

South Tenerife’s best scenery is often viewed from the water, and this three-hour speedboat cruise gives you a lively way to see it. You may spot dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, or even the less common spotted dolphin, then stop in a bay for swimming and snorkeling.

I like the smaller-boat feel and the respectful approach to wildlife. Guides such as Nico explain what you are seeing instead of treating the animals like a staged show. I also like the simple extras: a drink, sandwich, and snorkel gear are included. The tradeoff is a bumpy ride, changeable weather, and no guarantee of animal sightings.

Key points to know before booking

• Wildlife comes first: The boat waits for animals to approach rather than chasing them closely.
• Captain Nico adds local detail: He explains Atlantic sea life, Tenerife, and the nearby waters in English or Spanish.
• The speedboat keeps the outing lively: You cruise along the south coast rather than spending three hours on a large, slow vessel.
• The swim stop is near Los Cristianos: You can swim or snorkel among fish, with equipment supplied.
• Clear skies bring extra views: You might see Mount Teide and La Gomera from the water.
• Plan for a wet, active trip: Bring beachwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The boat is not suitable for non-folding wheelchairs or strollers.

A fast start from Puerto Colon

Your meeting point is Puerto Colon Gate 3, where you should arrive 15 minutes before departure. A Sea Safari Tenerife staff member checks your printed or digital ticket and escorts the group to the boat once everyone is present.

There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to Puerto Colon. This matters if you are staying elsewhere in Tenerife. Allow enough time to reach the marina, find Gate 3, and arrive without rushing.

Once aboard, the mood changes quickly from marina routine to open-water speed. The boat heads along the south coast, and the wind, salt air, and quick turns make this more energetic than a standard sightseeing cruise. If you prefer a quiet, steady ride, this may not be your ideal boat trip. If you enjoy motion and open views, the speedboat adds real character.

The exact departure time depends on availability when you book. The full outing lasts three hours, giving the crew time to search for marine life, cruise past the coast, and make the swimming stop without turning every minute into a race.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The main reason to book is the chance to see marine life in its natural setting. The waters off south Tenerife can bring dolphins and pilot whales close to the boat, but sightings are never guaranteed. That uncertainty is part of a genuine wildlife outing, so you should come ready to enjoy the sea even if the animals keep their distance.

The crew may also spot turtles and flying fish. One particularly lucky outing included spotted dolphins, a turtle, a man-of-war jellyfish, pilot whales, and a sac of squid eggs. Those sightings are not promises, but they show how varied the water can be.

The most important detail is the boat’s attitude toward wildlife. The crew does not treat animals as props. The boat can wait at a respectful distance while dolphins approach on their own, which gives you a better chance to see natural behavior without the uncomfortable feeling of a chase.

Your guide explains more about Atlantic marine life as you go. This turns the search into more than a series of excited shouts when a fin appears. You get context for what you are seeing and a clearer idea of why the animals behave as they do.

Captain Nico has received especially strong praise for his explanations of the waters and the island. His approach is useful for anyone who wants more than a quick photo. The tour is available in English and Spanish, and a private group can be arranged if you want a more personal outing.

Keep your expectations sensible. A wildlife boat trip is not an aquarium visit. You may see several species in one morning, or you may spend time scanning the water before anything appears. The crew’s respect for the animals is a major strength, but it also means the boat does not force an encounter.

Coastal views from Puerto Colon to Los Cristianos

The route gives you a different view of south Tenerife. From the water, you pass small ports, beaches, and natural swimming pools that are easy to miss from the road. The cliffs are especially striking when the boat pauses in a bay.

On a clear day, you may see Mount Teide rising inland and the nearby island of La Gomera offshore. These views depend on weather and visibility, but the possibility adds another layer to the trip. Have your camera ready, though sea spray and boat movement can make careful photography difficult.

The speedboat itself shapes the experience. You are not sitting high above the water on a large excursion vessel. You are closer to the sea, closer to the cliffs, and more exposed to the wind. That makes the coastline feel immediate, but it also means you should protect your skin and belongings.

A three-hour route is long enough to give you variety without taking up the entire day. You can combine it with other plans in south Tenerife, though it is wise to leave space around the departure time in case boarding or weather changes affect the schedule.

The bay stop for swimming and snorkeling

At a bay near Los Cristianos, the boat stops for a break. You can get into the sea for a swim or use the provided snorkeling equipment to look for fish. This is a welcome change after the speed and wildlife search.

The stop is not only a refreshment break. It lets you experience Tenerife’s coast from within the water, rather than only looking at it from the boat. For many people, this will be the most hands-on part of the outing.

You should bring beachwear and a towel. Sunscreen is also essential, since the open boat offers little relief from the sun. If you do not want to swim, you can stay aboard and enjoy the bay, cliffs, and coastal views.

The snorkeling should be treated as a pleasant addition, not a full guided snorkeling excursion. Equipment is supplied, but the information provided does not promise a long reef session, special underwater sites, or an instructor-led lesson. Conditions, water clarity, and marine life can change from one departure to another.

The swimming stop can also be affected by weather. The entire tour is subject to sea conditions, so the crew may adjust the plan when needed. That is a sensible safety measure, not a flaw, but it is worth understanding before you book a water-based activity.

Sandwich, drink, and the practical value

After swimming, you receive a sandwich and one drink. This is a modest meal rather than a full lunch, but it is useful after several hours in the sun and wind. One person felt the food could be left out to lower the price, while others appreciated having snacks included.

I see it as a convenience rather than a major selling point. You do not need to leave the boat hungry or bring a full meal for a three-hour outing. If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not specify available alternatives, so ask the provider before booking rather than assuming the sandwich will suit you.

The drink is also simple but welcome. Salt air, sun, and swimming can leave you thirsty, and having something provided means one less item to organize. Still, bringing personal water may be sensible if you need more than one drink, though the exact onboard rules for extra supplies are not stated.

At $77 per person, the value depends on what you want from a boat trip. The price includes the speedboat ride, guide, wildlife search, swim stop, snorkel gear, sandwich, and one drink. That is a fair package for three hours if you value a smaller, active outing and the chance to see several kinds of marine life.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a guaranteed whale sighting, a long snorkeling session, or a full meal. No responsible wildlife operator can promise the animals will appear on schedule. You are paying for the boat, crew, time on the water, and the chance to observe nature properly.

How the ride suits different types of visitors

This tour suits you if you like small-boat energy, open water, and a flexible wildlife search. It is a good choice for couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a fast boat and a swim stop.

It also fits anyone who has already seen Tenerife from the road and wants another angle on the island. The coastal cliffs, ports, beaches, and natural pools look different from the sea, especially when combined with views toward Teide and La Gomera.

You may want a different option if you dislike motion, need a very stable platform, or want a polished large-boat cruise. The speedboat can be lively and wet, and the information provided does not give a specific group size. A private group is available, which may be useful if you want more control over the pace and company.

Accessibility needs careful attention. Baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, non-folding strollers, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. The provider does not give enough detail to confirm suitability for every mobility need, so contact them directly if you require specific assistance.

Language should be straightforward for most visitors. The live guide speaks Spanish and English. Captain Nico is specifically associated with clear explanations of local waters and island life, though the guide on your particular departure may vary.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack lightly, but bring the basics:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear
• A printed or digital ticket
• Personal medication if needed

Wear clothing that can handle spray and wind. Keep phones and cameras secure, since a fast boat and sea water are a poor combination for loose electronics.

Arrive at Gate 3 fifteen minutes before departure. The staff member checks that all passengers are present before escorting the group aboard. A late arrival could disrupt the departure, so do not treat the meeting time as optional.

Check the forecast before you go. The tour depends on weather and sea conditions, and the route or swim stop may change when conditions are unsuitable. The activity has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is still moving around.

Is this Puerto Colon cruise worth booking?

I would book this tour if I wanted a lively half-day on the water, especially if seeing dolphins and pilot whales mattered more to me than having a guaranteed itinerary. The combination of wildlife watching, cliffs, a swim stop, snorkeling, and coastal views gives the three hours a good rhythm.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the respectful wildlife approach, the small speedboat setting, and the quality of the guiding associated with Captain Nico. The main cautions are the possible bumpiness, weather dependence, simple sandwich, and the fact that nature does not follow a timetable.

Book it if you are comfortable with those limits and want an active look at Tenerife’s south coast. Skip it if you need guaranteed sightings, full accessibility, or a calm, highly structured boat ride.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour meet?

Meet at Puerto Colon Gate 3, 15 minutes before departure. A Sea Safari Tenerife staff member will check your printed or digital ticket and escort you to the boat.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts three hours.

What marine life might I see?

You might see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and flying fish. Spotted dolphins, a man-of-war jellyfish, and squid eggs have also been seen, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes a swim stop in a bay, and you may also use the provided snorkeling equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. One sandwich and one drink are included.

Which languages are available?

The live guide speaks Spanish and English.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Puerto Colon.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The tour is subject to weather conditions, and baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, non-folding strollers, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.