Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is the chance to watch pilot whales in the wild from a 52-foot sailing yacht, with the engine shut off when possible so the animals set the pace. You may also see dolphins or turtles, then stop in a quiet bay for a swim.

I like the small-group feel, which leaves room to sit near the bow or stretch out on deck. I also like that food and drinks are included: fresh fruit, sandwiches, water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava. The main caution is the sea. Large waves have made some trips bumpy, and swimming time can be shorter when the crew spends longer with whales.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales are the main wildlife sighting: Dolphins and turtles are possible, but whale sightings are the strongest feature of this route.
• A small yacht makes the outing feel personal: Groups have ranged from about seven to ten people, plus crew, with plenty of room on board.
• The swim stop is in a sheltered bay: You can swim, snorkel, or simply relax, though the time in the water may vary.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: Expect sandwiches, fresh fruit, water, juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava.
• Sailing depends on the wind: The crew may raise the sails, but some departures run mostly under power.
• The meeting point is Puerto Colón: Find Pantalán, or dock, number zero near Miishi Restaurant, and arrive 15 minutes early.

Why the whales make this three-hour trip special

Southern Tenerife is one of the better places in the Canary Islands to look for cetaceans close to shore. This trip focuses on the waters where pilot whales and dolphins are often seen, rather than treating wildlife as a quick extra between unrelated stops.

Pilot whales are the star of the outing. They are often seen in family groups, and sightings may include smaller whales and young animals. On a good day, you can see several groups, sometimes close to the yacht. The crew’s approach is important here. The captain may cut the engine and allow the animals to decide how near they come, instead of chasing them.

That quieter approach gives the experience a calmer feel. You are not simply racing from one sighting to the next. You can listen to the guide explain the local marine life, watch the water, and enjoy the boat itself. Captains and guides named in past trips include Alex, Jesus, Mauricio, Marta, Monica, and Yuri, and the strongest praise has gone to crew members who explain what you are seeing while keeping everyone comfortable.

You should keep your expectations sensible. Wild animals follow their own schedule. Dolphins have been seen, but one well-liked outing found whales and no dolphins. Turtles have also appeared close to the boat, though they are an occasional bonus rather than a promised part of the route.

Leaving Puerto Colón on a 52-foot yacht

Your meeting point is at Pantalán number zero in Puerto Colón. The easiest landmark is Miishi Restaurant. Two port car parks are available, with parking listed at about €1 per hour, although you should still allow time to find a space and walk to the dock.

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because the boat leaves on schedule, and the marina can take a few minutes to figure out if you are arriving by bus or car. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Puerto Colón.

Once aboard, the crew gives a short briefing about the plan. The order can change depending on sea conditions and wildlife activity, but the usual flow is simple: head out along Tenerife’s southern coast, search for whales and dolphins, then anchor in a sheltered bay before returning.

The yacht is 52 feet long, large enough to feel stable but still small enough for a personal outing. Past groups have included only seven people, while another had ten people besides the crew. That is a useful middle ground. You get more space than on a packed sightseeing boat, without paying for a private charter.

There is one unusual rule: you go barefoot on board, except for health reasons. Wear easy-to-remove footwear and expect to leave shoes aside once you step aboard. Oversize luggage is not allowed, so bring only what you need for the afternoon.

Watching pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles responsibly

The wildlife portion is the heart of the trip, and it usually takes place offshore from the southern coast. The crew points out areas where dolphins and whales are commonly found and shares information about the animals and their habits.

The best moments can be quiet ones. When the motor is turned off, you may hear little more than water against the hull and the sounds of the people on deck. Pilot whales sometimes approach on their own, and the crew’s willingness to give them space is a real plus.

Several captains have been praised for their care around the animals. Alex, in particular, has been described as attentive to the ocean and marine life, while Jesus has been singled out for friendly service. Mauricio has also been praised for running a polished trip with a small group. These details matter because a good wildlife outing depends as much on the crew’s judgment as on luck.

Bring sunglasses and a hat, since the deck offers limited shade. Sunscreen is essential, even on a cooler day, because the sun reflects off the sea. Keep your eyes moving. A whale may surface several times in the same area, while dolphins can appear and vanish quickly.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take the warning seriously. The sea can be calm and clear, but some departures have met large waves. One person who usually feels sick did well by sitting near the front, while another family found the motion difficult. The front of the yacht may offer a better view and more fresh air, but no position can remove rough conditions completely.

The southern coastline from the water

The coastline looks different from a sailing yacht than it does from the road or a resort promenade. You get a broad view of the southern shore, with the boat moving at a slower pace than a standard speedboat.

The route is focused on wildlife and swimming, not on reaching every famous coastal landmark. One past departure did not pass Los Gigantes, so do not book this trip if your main goal is to see those cliffs. This is a whale-watching and sailing outing, not a full coastal sightseeing cruise.

When the wind cooperates, the crew may raise the sails. That can be one of the most peaceful parts of the trip, with the boat gliding quietly instead of running under motor. Still, sailing is not guaranteed. A departure with little wind may use the engine for most of the route.

That uncertainty is normal for a sailing trip, but it is worth knowing before you book. You are paying for time on a sailing yacht, not a promise that the sails will be up for all three hours.

Anchoring in a sheltered bay for swimming

Before heading back to Puerto Colón, the captain drops anchor in a secluded bay. This is your chance to swim, use the basic snorkeling equipment, or stay on deck with a drink and enjoy the view.

The bay is a welcome change after time spent watching the open sea. The water has been described as clear and blue on calm days, and the stop can feel wonderfully removed from the marina. If you do not want to swim, you can relax and watch others from the boat.

The length of the swim stop is not fixed. If the crew finds a busy area of whales or spends extra time observing them, the water stop may be brief. One outing allowed only about ten minutes for a quick dip after an especially good whale encounter. On another, the swimming bay was a major highlight.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. Basic snorkeling gear is supplied, but bring modest expectations about marine life in the bay. The main wildlife focus is the open-water whale and dolphin search, not a formal reef snorkeling session.

Sandwiches, fruit, and drinks on board

The included food makes the $88 price easier to justify. You receive fresh fruit and sandwiches, along with water, juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava. The crew may prepare sandwiches while the yacht is sailing, and the relaxed meal fits the easygoing mood of the trip.

This is not a full restaurant meal, but it is more useful than a token snack. You can have something to eat after time in the sun and sea, and you do not need to organize a separate lunch for a three-hour outing.

Bring your own water if you prefer to drink often. One person specifically wished for more personal water, even though drinks were included. A refillable bottle is a sensible addition, provided it is not oversized and can be kept secure on deck.

Alcohol is available, but remember that the boat may be moving in rough water and you may want to swim later. Take it slowly. The sea, sun, and motion can catch up with you.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this sits above the cheapest large-boat whale trips but offers more than a simple wildlife ride. You are paying for a three-hour outing on a 52-foot yacht, a small group, crew attention, a swimming stop, snorkeling equipment, and food and drinks.

The group size is the key value point. A small group gives you more room to move around and makes it easier to ask the guide questions. It also means less crowding when a whale surfaces near the boat. Some people have described the experience as close to a private charter, without the cost of hiring the whole yacht.

The price is strongest for couples, families, and small groups who care about comfort and personal service. It is less compelling if you only want a quick whale sighting and do not care about swimming, sailing, or a quieter boat.

The fare also includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms help if your plans are still shifting, but you should check the exact booking conditions at the time you reserve.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would choose this excursion if you want several things in one morning or afternoon: wildlife, a pleasant yacht, a swim, and a light meal. It suits couples looking for a calmer boat outing, families who want more space than a large cruise boat, and small groups who enjoy being out on the water without committing to a full-day charter.

It is also a good fit if you care about responsible wildlife viewing. The best captains stop the motor and avoid pressing animals for a closer look. That makes the trip feel less like a chase and more like an observation.

Families should think about sea conditions. Children may love seeing young pilot whales and dolphins, but tall waves can make the ride uncomfortable. If anyone in your group gets motion sick, sit near the front, watch the horizon, and consider bringing whatever remedy you normally use. The supplied information does not list motion-sickness medication, so plan that part yourself.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, but the listing does not explain the exact boarding setup or facilities aboard the yacht. If you use a wheelchair, contact the provider before booking to confirm that the dock and boat arrangements suit your needs.

Practical packing advice for Puerto Colón

Keep your packing simple. You need:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• A small personal water bottle if desired

Do not bring oversize luggage. You will also follow the barefoot policy once aboard, unless a health issue prevents it.

A light layer may be useful if the wind picks up, though no specific clothing recommendation is provided beyond sun and swim items. Keep phones and cameras secure around spray and while moving between the deck and swimming area.

The activity is offered with live guidance in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. That makes it easier to follow the wildlife explanation and safety briefing if your group speaks one of those languages.

Should you book this Tenerife sailing excursion?

Book it if you want a small-group whale-watching trip with a real yacht feel, not a crowded boat ride. The combination of pilot whales, a possible dolphin or turtle sighting, a sheltered-bay swim, and included food gives you plenty for three hours.

Skip it if you need guaranteed dolphins, a guaranteed sailing experience, or a long swimming session. Wildlife sightings vary, the sails depend on wind, and the swim stop may shrink when the whales are active.

For most people who can handle some motion and enjoy being on the sea, this is a strong-value choice at $88. Arrive early at dock zero, pack lightly, bring sun protection, and leave room in your plans for the sea to set the schedule.

FAQ

How long is the sailing excursion?

The trip lasts three hours, with starting times available according to the date you choose.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Pantalán, or dock, number zero at Puerto Colón. Use Miishi Restaurant as a nearby landmark and arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. You need to arrange your own transport to and from Puerto Colón.

What marine life might I see?

The trip focuses on pilot whales and dolphins, with turtles also possible. Wildlife sightings depend on conditions and animal activity.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The captain stops in a secluded bay where you can swim, snorkel, or relax. Basic snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are provided?

The crew provides fresh fruit, sandwiches, water, juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava.