Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

Pilot whales are the star of this small-group sailing trip from Costa Adeje. You may also spot dolphins, turtles, or even sharks, but wildlife never follows a script. The captain searches respectfully, often cutting the engine so you can watch quietly when whales come close.

I like the personal scale, with no more than 11 people aboard, and the easygoing mix of wildlife, swimming, and lunch. I also like the captains’ care, especially Guy, Alex, Dani, and Maximilian, who are praised for explaining the sea and checking on anyone feeling unwell. The main caution is value: at $78.44, the experience feels premium, but the included food is usually one sandwich and the swimming stop can be brief.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the most reliable sighting: Dolphins and turtles appear sometimes, but no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.
• A genuinely small boat: The maximum group size is 11, giving you more room and a quieter feel than the large catamarans.
• Captain Guy gets especially high marks: He is described as warm, attentive, multilingual, and deeply respectful of marine life.
• Swimming and snorkeling depend on conditions: Bring swimwear and a towel, but do not book this solely for a long snorkel session.
• Drinks are generous, food is modest: Beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are available, while lunch is generally a freshly made sandwich.
• Allow time at Puerto Colón: Meet at gate 2 at least 15 minutes early, or arrange pickup within the 10-kilometre area at least 24 hours ahead.

Leaving Puerto Colón on a small sailing boat

The trip begins at Puerto Colón, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje. You need to arrive 15 minutes before departure. That sounds minor, but the marina can be busy, and a late arrival is a poor way to begin a boat trip.

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometre radius if you request it at least 24 hours ahead. Otherwise, make your own way to the marina. The activity returns to the same meeting point after roughly three hours.

The boat holds up to 11 people. That limit is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. You are not packed into a large sightseeing boat with dozens of other people, and the captain can keep an eye on how everyone is doing. Several accounts describe groups of six to ten people having plenty of room.

The word sailing needs a little context. The boat may sail at times, but it can also motor out to the whale area. One account specifically notes that the boat did not sail during that outing. If the pleasure of catching the wind is your main goal, keep expectations modest. The real focus is wildlife watching, not a full day under sail.

Searching for pilot whales off Tenerife

The boat heads out from the south coast of Tenerife in search of whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are the sighting most often described, sometimes in family groups and sometimes with young animals. The boat may also encounter dolphins, sea turtles, or other marine life, but sightings depend on the day, sea conditions, and animal movements.

This is not a show with trained animals or a fixed viewing point. The captain has to look, wait, and adjust course. That uncertainty is part of the deal. You could see several pilot whales traveling near the boat, or you could have a quieter outing with only a short wildlife encounter.

The best captains make that uncertainty worthwhile. Guy is repeatedly praised for his calm manner, care for the animals, and clear explanations. Alex is described as attentive and enthusiastic, while Dani is praised for making a birthday outing feel safe and personal. Maximilian also receives credit for sharing useful information and keeping a respectful distance from wildlife.

That distance matters. The better approach is to let the whales choose how close they come. Captains have sometimes stopped the engine so everyone can watch without the constant noise of the boat. This creates a peaceful moment, rather than a rushed chase.

You may see the captain scanning the water for long stretches. That can feel slow if you expect nonstop action, but it is normal for marine wildlife trips. I would bring sunglasses and sunscreen, then settle in for the search rather than treating every quiet minute as lost time.

What the wildlife sightings are really worth

Pilot whales are not a guaranteed sighting, but the odds appear promising based on the many outings that report them. Several people describe pods swimming alongside the boat, with some encounters lasting long enough to watch the animals closely. A family group with babies is an especially memorable possibility.

Dolphins are less predictable. Some outings see them come close to the boat, while others see none. The same goes for turtles. One group spotted a mother and baby turtle, while another found a sea turtle floating nearby. These are welcome extras, not promises.

This is also why the price deserves a careful look. At $78.44, you are paying for a limited-capacity boat, a captain-led wildlife search, drinks, food, and a swimming stop. If you see a large pod of pilot whales and enjoy a relaxed boat setting, that can feel fair. If the wildlife appears briefly and the rest of the trip becomes a coastal cruise, you may find it expensive.

I would book this for the small boat and the chance to see whales in their own setting. I would not book it simply because the description mentions dolphins and snorkeling. Those parts are possible, but they are not assured.

Swimming near the Tenerife coast

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for swimming. Snorkel gear is supplied, and the water gives you a chance to cool off after sitting in the sun.

The swimming stop is not the same on every outing. Some people describe it as a highlight, while others had only about ten minutes in the water. Sea conditions can also make the stop less inviting. One outing found the water cold and the sea choppy, and another person chose not to swim because of the temperature.

The snorkeling element is the least dependable part of the experience. Some people used the equipment, while others said no gear was offered or that the stop was too close to a beach to reveal much underwater life. One account says the captain advised that there was little to see below the surface at that location.

So bring your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen, but keep the right frame of mind. You are getting a chance to swim from the boat, not a dedicated reef-snorkeling excursion. If you mainly want a good swim with a view of the coast, it may suit you. If you want colorful marine life and a long period in the water, this is not the strongest choice.

Lunch, champagne, and the drinks on board

The food is simple. You can expect a freshly made sandwich or baguette, described in several accounts as tasty but small. Light snacks may also be available, though the word snacks can sound more generous than the actual offering. One person felt disappointed to receive what amounted to one sandwich.

Drinks are a stronger part of the package. The advertised inclusions are unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, along with water and a glass of champagne. Some accounts mention chilled prosecco, strawberries, or a glass of fizz. There is a slight inconsistency in how the sparkling wine is described, so do not arrive expecting a particular label or style.

Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking. A gluten-free request was not fulfilled in one case, so I would confirm dietary needs directly and early rather than assume every special request will be handled automatically.

The captain may serve the food and drinks himself. That personal touch is part of the relaxed feel, but it also means this is not a formal lunch cruise. Think of it as a picnic on the water, with a sandwich, drinks, and time to enjoy the coast.

If you have a hearty appetite, eat something before departure. The lunch is a pleasant extra, not a large meal.

Captains who shape the experience

The captain makes a big difference here. Guy receives the strongest praise for being warm, funny, attentive, and well informed about marine life. He is also described as speaking five languages and making an effort to include everyone in conversation.

Several accounts say he checks on people who feel seasick and keeps an eye on the group throughout the trip. That matters on a small boat, where the captain’s attitude can shape the whole outing. A friendly captain can turn a quiet wildlife search into an enjoyable few hours. A less communicative one may leave you wondering what is happening.

Alex is praised for his enthusiasm and for helping a passenger who became seasick. Dani is described as attentive and reassuring, while Maximilian is credited with useful wildlife information and consideration for the animals.

The experience is not always equally informative. One outing received only a few minutes of explanation, and another person felt the captain spent too much time on a phone. Those comments are not the dominant pattern, but they are worth noting if marine education is your main reason for booking.

I would choose this trip for the chance of a personable captain-led outing, while understanding that the level of commentary may vary by crew member and by day.

Seasickness, safety, and comfort

Small boats offer a quieter atmosphere, but they can also move more noticeably in open water. One person who normally struggles with seasickness found the motion strong even when the weather did not look especially rough. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual precautions before departure and choose a seat where you feel most comfortable.

The boat has limited space compared with a large catamaran. Several groups found it comfortable, but one person felt there was not enough room to move toward the front when the water became rough.

There was also a concern about the lack of a clear safety briefing and the fact that life jackets were not proactively offered on one outing. The supplied information says most people can participate, children must be accompanied by an adult, and service animals are allowed. Still, I would ask about safety procedures at the start if the briefing is not obvious.

Weather matters. The trip can be canceled in poor conditions, with the option of another date or a full refund. That is sensible for a boat activity, but it means you should avoid placing it on the final few hours of your holiday if the wildlife cruise is important to you.

Who will enjoy these three hours most

This outing fits you best if you want a small, social boat trip with a reasonable chance of seeing pilot whales. Families can enjoy it, provided children stay with an adult. It also suits couples and small groups who prefer a calm boat over a crowded excursion.

You will probably enjoy it if you value:

• A limited group of no more than 11 people
• Whale watching with a captain who can explain local marine life
• A swimming stop without having to arrange a separate activity
• Drinks served during the cruise
• A casual picnic lunch
• A slower, more personal outing

I would think twice if you need guaranteed dolphins, a long snorkel session, a large lunch, or a polished luxury service at every stage. The boat is described as comfortable and luxurious, but the food is basic, the sailing may involve motoring, and the swimming time can be short.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation is provided at booking, and most people can take part. You should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, and mention a vegetarian meal when booking.

Is $78.44 fair for this boat trip?

The price sits above some basic whale-watching outings in Tenerife, so the small group is important to the value. You are not only paying for time on the water. You are paying for fewer people, a more personal captain, included drinks, lunch, equipment, and the chance to watch pilot whales from a quieter boat.

The value is strongest when the full package comes together: a good wildlife encounter, a considerate captain, enough time on the water, and a pleasant swim. It feels weaker when the whale sighting is brief, the swim lasts only a few minutes, or the food falls short of what you expected from a luxury yacht trip.

For me, the small capacity and respectful wildlife approach justify paying more than the cheapest coastal cruise. I would still compare the price with your own priorities. If you mainly want a swim and a drink at sea, less expensive options may do the job. If you want a personal whale search with a chance of seeing a pod close to the boat, this one is more appealing.

Should you book Tenerife Sailing Charters?

Book it if the idea of watching pilot whales from a small boat sounds better than joining a crowded cruise. The best outings combine close wildlife encounters, a warm captain such as Guy, a simple lunch, generous drinks, and a peaceful swim.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed dolphin sighting, serious snorkeling, a substantial meal, or a carefully scripted natural history talk. The wildlife is unpredictable, the underwater stop varies, and the premium price may feel high on a quiet day.

My practical advice is to book it early if you want a particular date, arrive at gate 2 15 minutes ahead, and treat the wildlife as a gift rather than a promise. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund if your plans change. If bad weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a refund.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching boat leave from?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, gate number 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Tenerife. The trip ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the activity?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 11 people.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. The inclusions are a glass of champagne, light refreshments, a freshly made sandwich for lunch, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time for swimming. The length and quality of the snorkeling stop can vary with conditions.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.