Private Yacht Tour With Whale and Dolphin Watching 42 Foot Boat

Whales make this boat trip memorable. From Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, you get a private 42-foot yacht for your own group, then head into Atlantic waters where pilot whales live year-round. I like the privacy and the relaxed pace, plus the chance to swim, snorkel, and listen for marine life with onboard sonar. The main drawback is simple: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and three hours can pass quickly if you want a long swim as well as whale watching.

I also like the generous drinks service, with Champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water included. Past outings have praised skippers Guy, Juan Angel, and Maxi for keeping the mood easy while pointing out whales, dolphins, turtles, and even flying fish. The price is $716.45 per group, so it makes best financial sense for a larger family or group of friends rather than a couple traveling alone.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to 11 people: You do not share the yacht with another booking, which gives your group more space and control.
• Pilot whales live locally year-round: The cruise heads toward known whale and dolphin areas, with sonar equipment used to listen for marine life.
• Swimming and snorkeling are part of the outing: The skipper drops anchor so you can get into the Atlantic and use the supplied snorkel gear.
• Drinks and snacks are included: Expect Champagne, unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and light food.
• Choose three or six hours: Morning and afternoon departures are available, giving you a useful choice of timing.
• You return to Puerto Colón: The trip begins and ends at the same marina jetty in Costa Adeje.

Setting off from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas

You begin at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, in Costa Adeje. The meeting point is practical if you are staying around Playa de las Américas or nearby, and the activity ends at the same jetty, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point after the cruise.

The first ten minutes are given to boarding, meeting the skipper, getting settled, and hearing the safety briefing. That short introduction matters on a yacht. You will want to know where to sit, how to move around safely, and what to expect before the boat leaves the marina.

Hotel pickup is not included. Pickup may be available if you contact the operator at least 24 hours before departure, but you should arrange it as soon as you book. Do not assume a hotel transfer is part of the quoted price.

Once aboard, you have access to a 40-foot, or 12.19-meter, sailing yacht with open deck space, a saloon cabin, kitchenette, and other onboard facilities. The boat is built for up to 11 people. That is a reasonable capacity for its size, though the feel will depend on how many people are in your group and how much time everyone wants to spend on deck.

What a private yacht changes

A private booking makes this experience feel different from a standard shared whale-watching cruise. You are not assigned to a large crowd of unrelated passengers, and the skipper can keep the outing focused on your group’s interests.

If some people want to watch for whales while others prefer to swim, that is easier to manage on a private boat. Families also gain a little breathing room, and a group of friends can enjoy the drinks service without worrying about disturbing strangers.

The private format comes with a catch: the full price is charged per group, not per person. At $716.45, the cost works out to about $65 per person if all 11 places are filled. For six people, it is about $119 per person, and for two people it becomes a costly private excursion.

That calculation is important. A large family, birthday group, or gathering of friends may find the price fair, especially with drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and a dedicated skipper included. A couple may prefer a shared cruise if keeping costs down is the priority.

Watching pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

The main purpose of the cruise is to reach Atlantic waters used by whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are present in the local waters throughout the year, which gives this outing a stronger wildlife basis than a trip built around a narrow seasonal window.

Still, present year-round does not mean guaranteed on every departure. Animals move freely, and the sea has its own timetable. You should book this for the chance to see marine life, not for a promised performance.

The skipper helps by knowing the local waters and by using sonar equipment to listen for whales and dolphins. Sonar adds an interesting layer to the trip. You are not relying only on scanning the horizon, since the crew can also use sound to help locate marine life beneath the surface.

Past outings have included sightings of several whales, dolphins, two turtles, and flying fish. Those are encouraging possibilities, but they remain possibilities. The crew’s role is to give you the best chance of seeing animals and to help you understand where to look.

Bring patience. The boat ride itself is part of the experience, and wildlife watching works best when you accept that some stretches may be quiet. Keep your eyes on the water and listen to the skipper’s directions. A whale may surface only briefly, so the useful advice is to look where the crew points rather than scanning randomly.

Swimming and snorkeling from the anchored yacht

At some point, the skipper drops anchor and gives you the chance to swim in the sea. This is a welcome change from sitting on deck and watching the horizon, especially on a warm afternoon.

Snorkel equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins for the activity. You might see turtles, fish, or other marine life close to the boat, though the exact underwater sights will depend on conditions and location.

The snorkel stop also gives you a chance to judge your own comfort level. You can swim if you want, or remain on deck if you would rather keep watching the sea. The supplied equipment is useful, but the tour details do not specify a full instruction session, so this is best suited to people who are already comfortable in the water.

The swimming stop may be the strongest part of the trip for some groups, but it can also create a time tradeoff. A three-hour outing has to fit in boat travel, wildlife watching, anchoring, swimming, and the return to port. If your group wants more time in the water and less pressure from the clock, the six-hour option deserves serious thought.

Champagne, snacks, and the open bar

Food and drink are handled generously for a short cruise. You receive a glass of Champagne, unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water, along with light refreshments.

Specific food can vary, but one outing included baguettes and tasty snacks, enough to make the onboard service feel more substantial than a token packet of crisps. If you are vegetarian, tell the operator when booking so the food can be arranged appropriately.

The drinks service is one of the experience’s strongest practical features. You can settle on deck with a glass of wine, have a soft drink after swimming, or keep bottled water nearby in the sun. Beer and wine are included, but you should still pace yourself. A moving boat, warm weather, and alcohol are not a clever combination.

The Champagne is a pleasant welcome touch, while the snacks help prevent the cruise from feeling like a three-hour wait between meals. This is not a restaurant at sea, and you should not expect a full lunch unless your particular arrangement confirms it. Think of the food as light catering that makes the outing more comfortable.

Three hours or six hours, morning or afternoon

The three-hour cruise works well if you want a compact boat outing alongside other plans in Tenerife. It gives you time to leave the marina, search for marine life, stop for a swim, enjoy refreshments, and return without using most of your day.

The six-hour version suits a group that wants a slower pace. Extra time can matter on a wildlife cruise because you are less rushed if the first search area is quiet. It also leaves more room for swimming, snacks, and sitting on deck without constantly checking the clock.

Morning and afternoon departures are offered. Your best choice depends on your wider schedule and your group’s habits. An afternoon trip may feel especially sociable with drinks and snacks, while a morning departure leaves the rest of the day open. The supplied information does not specify which time has the calmest sea or the best wildlife record, so I would choose based on convenience rather than assuming one is superior.

The advertised duration is approximately three hours. Build in a little flexibility around that, since the sea and wildlife do not operate on a strict timetable.

The skipper makes the difference

The skipper is more than the person steering the yacht. On this trip, the crew decides where to search, explains what you are seeing, handles the anchor stop, and helps you spot animals that might otherwise pass unnoticed.

The names Guy, Juan Angel, and Maxi are associated with especially warm outings. Guy has been praised for making the trip relaxed while explaining the wildlife. Juan Angel has been described as a friendly host, and Maxi has been credited with watching carefully and telling the group where to look.

That last point is useful. Whale and dolphin watching is not just about reaching open water. It is also about having someone who can read the conditions, keep the group alert, and explain the local animals without turning the trip into a lecture.

The skipper’s personality can shape the whole day, particularly on a private boat where you spend several hours with the same small crew. Expect a friendly, informal atmosphere rather than a large commercial production.

Who will get the most from this cruise

This tour is a strong match for:

• Families who want privacy and room to spread out
• Groups of friends celebrating a special occasion
• Couples who value a private boat more than a low per-person price
• People who want whale watching combined with swimming
• Anyone who prefers a small, personal outing to a crowded vessel
• Visitors who appreciate having drinks and snacks included

It may be less suitable if you want a guaranteed whale sighting, a very cheap boat trip, or a tightly scripted schedule. It is also not the best choice for someone who dislikes open-water movement or does not feel comfortable swimming, since the appeal centers partly on the Atlantic setting.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, which helps if you are not arranging a private transfer.

Practical value and what to bring

At the full capacity of 11 people, the price is easier to justify. You are paying for exclusive use of the yacht, a skipper, drinks, snacks, sonar, and snorkeling equipment rather than simply buying a seat on a boat.

The value is weaker for a very small group, unless privacy is the main reason for booking. You should compare the total cost with shared whale-watching options in Tenerife before committing, especially if your group has only two or three people.

Bring sun protection and clothes that can handle sea spray. The supplied details do not list specific clothing requirements, but an open-deck boat naturally means exposure to sun and wind. Keep valuables secure, and follow the skipper’s instructions around the deck and during the swim stop.

Mobile tickets are accepted, and confirmation is provided at booking. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and there is no refund for a late cancellation. If bad weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Tenerife private yacht cruise?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want more than a basic whale-watching ride. The combination of a private yacht, pilot whales, dolphins, snorkeling, sonar, Champagne, and an open bar gives the outing a pleasant mix of wildlife and leisure.

I would especially recommend it for families and friend groups that want their own space. If you are booking for only two people, calculate the per-person price carefully. And if seeing whales is the only reason you are going, remember that nature makes the final decision.

For the best value, fill as many of the 11 places as possible, choose the six-hour option if you want a relaxed swim and wildlife search, and contact the operator early about pickup or vegetarian food. That approach gives you the strongest chance of enjoying what this private cruise does best: a comfortable, personal day on the water with room for both animal watching and simple holiday fun.

FAQ

Where does the yacht tour begin?

The tour begins at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts approximately three hours. A six-hour option is also available.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The yacht can carry a maximum of 11 people per booking, and only your group participates.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included. Pickup may be available if you contact the operator at least 24 hours before the trip.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes bottled water, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and one glass of Champagne.

Is food included?

Light refreshments are included. Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the skipper anchors so you can swim and snorkel.

Can I see whales and dolphins?

The cruise visits areas known for whale and dolphin sightings, and pilot whales are present in the local waters year-round. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.