Tenerife Whale Watching and Snorkeling Yacht Trip

Wild whales meet warm island water. This three-hour yacht trip from Puerto Colon combines pilot whale and dolphin watching with a swim and snorkel stop near Playa del Puertito, plus views of Tenerife’s coast. I especially like the small maximum group of 11 and the friendly crew, with guides such as Vladka, Salvatore, Marco, and Dani earning repeated praise for their care and good humor.

The price is about $62.68 per person, which is fair for a small boat, refreshments, and two very different parts of the outing. I also like that the trip can feel personal, with one morning group reportedly numbering only three people. The main caution is simple: whale watching comes first, and the time available for snorkeling can shrink if it takes longer to find animals or if the sea is rough.

The wildlife is never guaranteed, and the swim stop depends on the captain’s judgment. If you book mainly for snorkeling, keep your expectations flexible. If your priority is a relaxed boat ride with a good chance of seeing pilot whales, dolphins, or turtles, this outing makes much more sense.

Key points before you book

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: The yacht heads out from Tenerife’s south coast in search of whales and dolphins in open water.
• Swimming gets about 30 minutes: Playa del Puertito provides the planned stop for swimming, snorkeling, snacks, and drinks.
• Small groups matter: The boat accepts no more than 11 people, so you avoid the feel of a large excursion boat.
• The captain controls the schedule: Wildlife sightings take priority, and ocean conditions may shorten the time in the water.
• Food and drinks are part of the outing: Past trips have included sandwiches, beer, soft drinks, and potato chips.
• Puerto Colon is easy to pair with other plans: The port has shops, nearby beach time, and clear water for a walk before or after the cruise.

Setting out from Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje

The meeting point is at Av. de Colón, 128, in Costa Adeje, at Puerto Colon. This is one of Tenerife’s main tourist ports, so you can make a little time around the departure instead of treating it as a place to rush through.

Before or after your trip, you can walk by the harbor, browse the shops, look into the clear water, or sunbathe at the nearby beach. That makes the location useful if your sailing time does not fill the whole morning or afternoon.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation arrives when you book. The location is near public transportation, though the supplied information does not specify a particular bus route or parking arrangement.

The boat carries up to 11 people. That number is important here. Whale watching is more enjoyable when you can hear the captain, move your eyes across the water, and ask a question without competing with a crowd. It also explains why some departures may feel almost private, though the actual group size can vary.

What the three-hour schedule really feels like

The outing lasts about three hours, but it is not split into two equal halves. The wildlife search is the main part, listed at roughly two hours and 30 minutes. The stop at Playa del Puertito is listed at about 30 minutes.

That balance tells you how to plan your expectations. This is a whale watching trip with snorkeling added, not a snorkeling cruise that happens to pass whales. The captain may spend more time looking for dolphins and pilot whales, especially when animals are nearby or sightings are taking longer than hoped.

That choice is sensible. You cannot schedule wild animals, and searching carefully gives you a better chance of a meaningful sighting. Still, it can be frustrating if you brought your swimsuit mainly for a long snorkel. One person had only about 10 minutes in the water, while other departures managed the full stop.

The experience also changes with the time of day. Daytime departures focus on sunshine, swimming, and views. Sunset trips offer a quieter ride with the Tenerife coastline changing color around you, though the information provided does not promise a specific sunset departure time or particular wildlife conditions.

Playa del Puertito: a short swim with a chance of turtles

The stop at Playa del Puertito is the active break in the middle of the trip. You can swim, use the available snorkeling equipment, and look for fish in the cove. Turtles are possible, but not guaranteed.

Some outings have produced turtle sightings alongside whales or rays. That makes the stop more than a quick jump overboard, especially for families who want a little variety. You can also use this time to eat snacks and have a drink.

The snorkeling equipment appears to be basic. One person found the mask and snorkel usable but not especially good. If you care strongly about seeing underwater life, bring your own mask if you have one and are able to pack it. The supplied information does not promise fins or a full range of equipment, so do not assume a professional snorkeling setup.

The captain decides how long the boat remains at the stop. Ocean conditions may make a longer swim unsafe, and the crew may shorten it if the wildlife search has taken extra time. I would treat swimming as a welcome extra rather than the central reason to book.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins off Tenerife

The main outing takes place off Tenerife’s coast, where the crew searches for wild dolphins and pilot whales. These are not animals in a show or a tank. You are watching the water, waiting for a fin, a back, or a group surfacing together.

Pilot whale sightings have been a highlight on many departures. Some outings have seen a group of five, while others have found several animals or a pod alongside dolphins. There have also been reports of rays and three whales on a single trip.

That range is the honest picture. You might see several animals close to the yacht, or you might spend more time searching. The crew cannot control the sea or the animals, but the captain’s skill matters. Salvatore, Marco, and Dani have all been praised for spotting wildlife and explaining what was happening.

The experience is strongest when the crew keeps you informed. A good captain sets realistic expectations, points out movement on the water, and avoids promising a sighting before it happens. One captain was specifically praised for explaining the chances clearly and doing everything possible to find the animals.

Do not expect a guaranteed close approach. The supplied information promises the chance to observe animals in their natural setting, not a fixed viewing distance or a certain number of whales. Bring patience. Whale watching is partly about the wait, and the quiet moments make the sudden appearance of a pilot whale feel earned.

The crew can make or break the outing

The human side of this trip receives unusually warm praise. Vladka is singled out for looking after children, while Salvatore, Marco, and Dani are praised for captaining, spotting animals, and keeping the mood light.

That matters on a small boat. A friendly guide can help a nervous swimmer, keep children engaged, and explain why the yacht is changing direction. The crew has also helped with practical family needs. On one departure with a nine-month-old baby, the stroller could not go aboard, but an office staff member kept it safely until the group returned.

English ability may vary among captains. The operator has acknowledged that not every captain speaks fluent English, though the crew makes an effort. If precise commentary in English is essential to you, this is worth keeping in mind.

The atmosphere is generally informal and family-friendly. Refreshments have included sandwiches, drinks, beer, and potato chips. One family particularly enjoyed the food and the crew’s humor, while another praised the attentive service during a birthday outing.

There is one less pleasant possibility on any small boat: an ill or intoxicated passenger can affect everyone. One departure lost much of its swimming time because a group spent the ride vomiting after drinking earlier in the day. The operator says people who are clearly unsafe from excessive alcohol use will not be allowed aboard, but a company cannot always predict how someone will react to the ocean.

That is not a reason to avoid the trip, but it is a reason to choose a sensible departure and avoid drinking heavily beforehand. On a small yacht, one sick passenger is not easily ignored.

Is $62.68 good value?

At about $62.68 per person, the price is attractive for a three-hour outing with a maximum of 11 people. You are paying for the boat, the captain and crew, the wildlife search, the coastal views, the swim stop, equipment for snorkeling, and refreshments.

The value improves if you see pilot whales or dolphins and enjoy the boat ride even when the animals are not close. Several people have described the trip as worthwhile even when the wildlife outcome was not the only reason they enjoyed it.

The price is less compelling if you expect a long, dedicated snorkeling session or guaranteed whale sightings. The snorkeling stop can be short, and the equipment may be ordinary. You are buying a chance to see wild animals, not a fixed program with guaranteed results.

Compared with a large boat, the small capacity is the key benefit. You get more space, a quieter setting, and a better chance to interact with the captain. One couple felt that being on a small boat with only a few other families made the trip feel almost private.

The trip is booked around 10 days ahead on average. That is a useful planning clue. You do not necessarily need to reserve months ahead, but I would not leave it until the last day if your Tenerife schedule is tight. The small capacity means departures can fill faster than larger cruises.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and small groups who want a gentle mix of nature and sea time. Children have been welcomed warmly, and the crew has helped make the trip comfortable for families with young kids.

It also suits you if you want a more personal boat experience without paying for a private charter. The maximum of 11 people keeps the outing compact, though you should not assume every departure will be nearly empty.

You will probably enjoy it if you like:

• Watching wild animals without a staged performance
• Short boat trips rather than a full-day cruise
• Swimming in a sheltered coastal spot
• Simple food and drinks included during the outing
• A friendly crew that may remember your family or special occasion
• A sunset ride with coastline views

I would hesitate if snorkeling is your top priority. The water stop is short by design, and its length can change. I would also think twice if you need a guaranteed accessible boat setup, though service animals are allowed and most people can participate according to the supplied information.

The trip requires good weather. If poor weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Book with the wildlife goal in mind, then treat swimming as a bonus. That one change in expectation will help you enjoy the trip even if the boat spends extra time searching.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel if those are practical for you. The supplied details confirm swimming and snorkeling, but do not provide a full packing list, so you should not assume every personal comfort item is supplied.

If you own a well-fitting mask and snorkel, consider bringing them. The available equipment has been described as serviceable rather than excellent.

Arrive at Puerto Colon with enough time to find Av. de Colón, 128 and check in without rushing. The port is also worth a stroll, so you can enjoy the harbor before departure or after returning.

Families should speak with the crew if a child is nervous about swimming or the boat. Vladka has been praised for caring for children, and the small group makes it easier to ask for help.

Finally, be respectful of the sea and the people sharing the boat. Skip heavy drinking before departure. A calm, comfortable group gives everyone a better chance to enjoy the whales, dolphins, and swimming stop.

Should you book the Tenerife whale watching trip?

Yes, if you want a small-group wildlife cruise with a short swim stop and a fair price. The strongest reasons are the compact boat, warm crew, refreshments, coastal views, and repeated sightings of pilot whales and dolphins.

Book it with realistic expectations. The animals are wild, the water stop may be shortened, and the snorkeling gear is not described as high-end. If that sounds acceptable, this is a well-balanced way to spend three hours on Tenerife’s south coast.

FAQ

Where does the Tenerife whale watching trip start?

It starts at Puerto Colon, at Av. de Colón, 128, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the trip finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Colon.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

What animals might I see?

The main wildlife is dolphins and pilot whales. You might also see turtles or rays, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The trip includes a stop at Playa del Puertito for swimming and snorkeling, with the chance to see turtles.

How long is the swimming stop?

The planned stop at Playa del Puertito lasts about 30 minutes, although the captain may shorten it because of wildlife timing or ocean conditions.

How many people can join the trip?

The activity has a maximum of 11 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded, and weather or minimum-participant cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.