Puerto Colon : Whale & Dolphins Sailing Excursion

Tenerife’s best wildlife encounters happen offshore, where pilot whales and dolphins live freely in the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone. This small-group sailing trip combines animal watching with a swim stop, a hydrophone session, and lunch on the boat.

I like the chance to hear whale and dolphin calls underwater, not just spot fins at the surface. I also like the calm pace at Diego Hernández Beach, where you can swim while lunch is prepared. The main consideration is the sea itself: sightings are never guaranteed, and anyone prone to seasickness should prepare carefully.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the main event: Tenerife’s south coast has one of Europe’s largest populations.
• Captain Daniel, also called Dani, leads the trip: Expect explanations about whales, dolphins, turtles, and the local coast.
• The hydrophone adds something special: You can listen to marine animals beneath the boat.
• Diego Hernández Beach is boat-access only: Swim or snorkel at this quiet stop, also known as Hippie Beach.
• The six-hour option reaches Los Gigantes: You get more time in the water and more time to look for dolphins.
• The group is limited to 10 people: That makes it easier to ask questions and move around the sailboat.

Sailing out from Puerto Colón

Your excursion begins at Puerto Colón, a busy marina on Tenerife’s southwest coast. The exact meeting point can vary by booking option, so check your confirmation closely before setting off. One booking message reportedly gave the wrong pontoon, causing a delay, so it is sensible to allow extra time at the marina and confirm the berth if anything looks unclear.

Once aboard, the trip heads along the coast toward the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone. This protected stretch of sea is the reason the outing feels like more than a standard coastal cruise. You are not simply looking at Tenerife from offshore. You are entering an area used by whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life.

The boat carries up to 10 participants, a useful size for wildlife watching. You will not have the feel of a large excursion vessel packed shoulder to shoulder. A small group also makes it easier to hear the captain, ask about an animal you have just seen, and get help when preparing to snorkel.

The ride is part of the experience. You can take in Tenerife’s coastline while keeping watch for movement on the water. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. The sun can feel strong even when the breeze makes the air seem mild.

Looking for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

The main wildlife target is the pilot whale. Tenerife is known for having one of Europe’s largest populations, and these animals are a major reason to choose this trip over a simple coastal sail. You may also see dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales.

That wording matters: marine wildlife is wild. The crew can take you to a productive area and explain what to watch for, but no boat operator can promise a particular species on a particular morning. You should book this for the chance to observe animals in their natural setting, not for a guaranteed close-up encounter.

Captain Daniel, also called Dani, is a key part of the experience. He explains the animals and the area, answers questions, and helps the group get the best possible view without disturbing the wildlife. The captain’s care for the animals is especially important here. You are told not to touch them, and the trip is designed around watching rather than chasing or handling marine life.

Dolphins can be thrilling because they may appear suddenly, splash near the boat, or travel alongside it for a short time. Pilot whales are often less showy, but the sight of them moving through open water has its own quiet power. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole trip looking through a screen. A fin or blow can appear and disappear in seconds.

Hearing the sea through a hydrophone

The hydrophone is one of the most distinctive parts of this trip. Instead of relying only on your eyes, you can listen to whale and dolphin calls beneath the boat.

That changes the mood. The sea may look calm and empty from above, yet the hydrophone can reveal activity below the surface. It gives you a better sense that these animals are communicating and moving through a living environment, even when you cannot see them clearly.

This is also a good feature for children and curious adults who want more than a quick wildlife sighting. Ask questions as the equipment is used. The captain can explain what you are hearing and connect the sounds with the animals in the area.

You should still expect some waiting. Wildlife watching is not a timed stage show. The strongest part of the experience may be a mix of listening, scanning the water, and learning how the crew reads the sea.

Diego Hernández Beach and the swimming stop

After the wildlife search, the boat sails to Diego Hernández Beach, often called Hippie Beach. The beach can be reached on foot or by boat, but this excursion gives you the easier and more scenic arrival by sea.

The boat drops anchor, and you can swim or snorkel in the clear water. This is a welcome change after spending time watching the horizon. You can cool off, look below the surface, or simply enjoy a quiet break from Tenerife’s busier resort areas.

The stop is not only a photo opportunity. It gives the outing a useful rhythm: wildlife watching first, then time to relax, get wet, and eat. If you are not a confident swimmer, you can stay aboard and enjoy the beach setting. The supplied information does not specify particular flotation equipment, so ask the crew if you need help before entering the water.

The six-hour option gives you more time for this part of the day. It also includes the chance to enjoy Los Gigantes, with additional time for swimming and more opportunities to look for dolphins. If you dislike rushing from one activity to the next, the longer option is likely the better fit.

Canarian lunch aboard the sailboat

While you swim or snorkel, the crew prepares lunch and drinks. The meal includes Canarian cuisine, fruit, and drinks, with food served aboard the boat.

The exact menu is not specified, so do not book based on one particular dish. You can expect local-style food rather than a formal restaurant meal. The setting is the real advantage: you eat on the water, near a quiet beach, after spending the morning or afternoon in search of whales and dolphins.

The food service has received strong praise, including mention of pastries, embutidos, and assorted snacks. That suggests the meal may include more than a basic sandwich, though the exact offering can vary. If you have dietary restrictions, ask before booking because no special dietary arrangements are listed.

This is also where the small group helps. A boat with no more than 10 people allows the meal to feel relaxed and personal. Captain Daniel’s hospitality is frequently highlighted, along with the care he takes to make people feel safe and welcome.

Choosing three hours or six

The trip lasts between three and six hours, depending on the option you choose. Both versions include sailing, wildlife watching, hydrophone listening, food, drinks, and the beach stop, but the six-hour outing gives you more time at sea.

Choose the shorter option if you want a half-day activity that fits neatly around other plans in southern Tenerife. It is a practical choice for families, first-time boat passengers, or anyone unsure how much time they want to spend offshore.

Choose six hours if you want Los Gigantes, a longer swim stop, and more time searching for dolphins. The extra hours do not guarantee more sightings, but they give the crew more time to work with changing conditions and give you more time to enjoy the boat without feeling hurried.

At $88 per person, the price is fair if you value the small group, lunch, drinks, wildlife interpretation, and time in the water. You are paying for more than transportation to a lookout point. The hydrophone, local meal, beach stop, and captain-led explanations add substance.

Still, this is not the cheapest way to see the Tenerife coast. If you only want a quick boat ride or a guaranteed swim, a shorter and simpler cruise may cost less. The value improves when you want the full combination of wildlife, sailing, food, and snorkeling in one outing.

Handling seasickness before departure

The open sea can be rough, even on a pleasant day. If you know you are prone to seasickness, take the warning seriously.

The recommended approach is to eat a solid breakfast but avoid excessive liquids the night before and on the morning of the trip. The guidance also advises against mixing drinks such as orange juice, coffee with milk, tea, and water, along with fruits that contain a lot of water.

Adults are advised that they may take two Biodraminas with caffeine around 30 minutes before boarding, while children may take one Biodramina without caffeine. Medication decisions are personal, so follow the product instructions and seek medical advice if you are unsure.

Do not forget a towel, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. You will be exposed to sun and wind on the boat, and you will want dry clothing after the swim stop.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a small, personal boat outing rather than a large group cruise. It suits couples, families, and friends who enjoy wildlife but also want time to swim and eat.

It is especially good for people who ask questions. Captain Daniel’s explanations are part of the value, so you should make use of the chance to ask about pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and the conservation zone.

The six-hour version suits anyone who wants a fuller day on the water, especially if Los Gigantes is a priority. The three-hour version makes more sense if your schedule is tight or you are uncertain about spending a long period at sea.

This may not suit you if you need guaranteed sightings, dislike open-water travel, or want a completely land-based activity. You also need to accept that wildlife watching involves patience and luck.

The tour operates in English and Spanish. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Tenerife plans are still changing. A private boat option is available for up to 10 people if you want the vessel reserved for your own group.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want Tenerife wildlife, a real swim stop, and a meal in one carefully paced outing. The strongest reasons are the small group, the hydrophone, Captain Daniel’s personal attention, and the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins without leaving the island.

I would choose the six-hour option for a relaxed day that includes Los Gigantes and extra time in the water. Choose three hours if you want the same basic idea in a shorter format.

The only real caution is the normal uncertainty of the sea. Sightings can vary, the water may affect you, and the meeting pontoon should be checked carefully. If you accept those points, this is a well-priced and unusually complete way to experience Tenerife from offshore.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin excursion begin?

The excursion begins at Puerto Colón in Tenerife. The exact meeting point can vary by the option booked, so check your booking details carefully.

How long does the experience last?

The available options last between three and six hours. The six-hour option includes time to enjoy Los Gigantes, a longer swimming stop, and more chances to see dolphins.

What animals might I see?

You may see pilot whales, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed because the animals live freely in the sea.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The boat stops at Diego Hernández Beach, also called Hippie Beach, where you can swim or snorkel in the sea.

What food and drinks are provided?

The excursion includes a Canarian lunch, drinks, and fruit. The exact menu is not specified, though food may include local snacks and pastries.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish. Captain Daniel, also called Dani, leads the excursion.