3h Whale Watching Share Tour Beneteau Oceanis 440

What I like about this 3 hour share trip is the mix of proper sailing and real marine life time, all on a comfortable Beneteau Oceanis 440. The boat, named Madoudou, runs whale watching in the south of Tenerife and targets the resident pilot whales that cruise these waters.

Two things I really appreciate here are the small group size (max 11 people) and the calm, sit-back-and-enjoy setup on board. The one consideration is that your experience can feel more checklist than talk, especially if you are expecting lots of narration in English, since the captain style can be quiet and practical.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Max 11 passengers, so you do not feel like you are on a floating cattle truck
• Beneteau Oceanis 440 comfort, including shade options with outdoor seating and awning
• Pilot whale focus with marine life viewing time built into the route
• Snorkeling stop with equipment provided, plus a short brunch-style break
• Snacks and cold drinks included, so you are not hunting for food mid-trip
• Live guide in Spanish, English, Italian to match your comfort level

Step Aboard Madoudou in Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje)

Your trip starts in Puerto Colón, in the south of Tenerife, with the meeting point at Gate 5. If you arrive a little early, you will have time to get oriented, use the facilities, and settle in before you leave the harbor.

The boat is Madoudou, a Beneteau Oceanis 440, about 13.76 meters long. That size matters. Big enough to feel stable and comfortable on open water, but small enough that the crew can handle a relaxed pace. This is a share trip, so you should expect a social but not crowded vibe.

Inside, the layout feels designed for real time at sea, not just a quick tour. There is a spacious main living area with seating and storage, and cabins that include wardrobes, drawers, and storage space. The aft cabins have direct access to bathrooms with showers and hot water, which is a nice comfort detail if you want to freshen up during the trip or if the weather turns cool.

What Sailing Time Actually Means on This 3-Hour Schedule

This is not a nonstop wildlife chase. You get a mix of sailing and observation time, which I find is often the sweet spot for animal watching trips. The itinerary includes sailing from the start out into the Canary Islands area, then time dedicated to dolphin and whale viewing.

On calm sailing moments, you can slow down your own pace too. Look for surf lines and changes in water color. Watch for movement from multiple angles. On a boat like this, with space to shift your view, you get a better chance to spot activity without everyone being pressed to one side.

Also, sailing on this boat includes real onboard comfort. There is outdoor seating with shade from the awning, so you are not stuck sweating the whole time, and the salon area gives you a place to step out of the sun when you need a break.

Dolphin Viewing and Whale Watching on Tenerife’s South Coast

After you sail out, your marine life segment kicks in. The trip includes dolphin watching and marine life viewing, and then transitions into whale watching with a dedicated 1 hour whale viewing window.

The operator states that you will be able to spot the pilot whales that live in Canarian waters. In common Spanish usage, you may also hear references to calderones, which are often used to describe pilot whales in the region. Either way, the key point for you is focus: this trip is designed specifically for cetaceans, not just a general sightseeing cruise that happens to pass by animals.

One thing to manage is expectation about narration. The trip includes a live tour guide in Spanish, English, and Italian, and on paper that sounds like a lively commentary. But based on how the captain can run the boat, you should go in expecting practical guidance rather than a long, story-heavy lecture. You may get quick direction about where to look, more than a constant stream of explanations.

If you want more interpretation, choose the language you feel most comfortable with, so you can catch small details when they are shared. And if you prefer silence, that can be a plus on the water too.

The “Secret Stop” Break, Brunch, and Snorkeling Moment

Half the fun of a good sea day is the rhythm, not just the animal spotting. This itinerary builds in a break at a “secret stop,” where you get time to relax and reset.

At this stop, you can expect:

• a break time
• brunch
• snorkeling for about 30 minutes
• snorkeling equipment provided

That 30 minutes can feel short, but it is often exactly right. Enough time to put on gear, float, and look around, without turning your day into a long gear-stress event. And because this is a share trip, the crew likely keeps things moving so everyone gets a fair turn.

Snorkeling gear is available, which matters. You do not have to pack your own setup, and you can keep your luggage lighter for the rest of your Tenerife stay. The only missing items are simple and easy to plan for: the trip does not include a sun hat or a towel. If you forget those, you will feel it right away after you get out of the water.

Snacks, Cold Drinks, and Why That Changes the Feel of a Tour

For many coastal tours, the big stress is food. Either you pay extra or you end up hungry at the exact moment you want to focus. Here, snacks and cold drinks are included, and brunch is part of the snorkeling stop.

For value, this is one of the biggest wins. It turns the trip into a smoother experience. You spend less time thinking about meals and more time watching the sea. And on sailing boats, where you can get sun and wind exposure, having something in your stomach helps you enjoy the whole ride instead of feeling drained.

Also, the trip is designed around a relaxed pace. The small group size and calm onboard layout make it easier to actually sit with the experience. You can talk quietly with the people nearby, or just enjoy the view without loud background chaos.

Onboard Comfort: A Beneteau Oceanis 440 Practical Guide

Even if you plan to spend most of the time outside, you will still appreciate the details once you need shade, fresh air, or a dry moment.

Here are the comfort features that stand out:

• Large living area with seating and a table that accommodates up to eight people
• Outside table and awning, so you can eat or chill outdoors
• Cabins with storage (wardrobes, drawers, and places for your things)
• Showers with hot water in the aft bathrooms
• Kitchen setup with multiple burners and refrigeration (not that you will cook, but it hints at longer comfort at sea)
• The boat is described as having solar panels and energy independence, plus water autonomy of about 900 liters

The last two points may sound technical, but you feel them as a passenger. A boat that is set up for independence tends to run more smoothly, and it generally signals a vessel built for real travel days, not just short hopping.

Practical Tips to Get the Most From 3 Hours at Sea

This is a short trip, so little decisions matter. Here is how I would prepare to maximize your chances of a satisfying day.

1) Pack light but do not forget the basics

The tour does not include a sun hat or a towel. Bring both. If you hate carrying extra items, at least bring a compact towel and a hat you can wear on deck.

2) Bring water-aware sunscreen and plan for wind

On the south coast, sun and wind can hit differently. You might feel cool while sailing, then realize you still got sun. Choose water-resistant sunscreen and consider a light layer for shade moments.

3) Use the outdoor awning, not just the deck

There is an awning and outdoor seating, so you can stay comfortable while still keeping eyes on the water. If you get too hot, you miss spotting signals.

4) When you snorkel, time your breathing

You have about 30 minutes. Do not rush to swim far right away. Look, breathe calmly, then drift and observe. Calm snorkels often lead to better sightings.

5) If you want more talk, be ready to adjust

Since commentary can be limited in some languages depending on the captain’s style, do not plan your trip around constant narration. Treat it like a relaxed watch-and-learn experience, guided more by where to look than by lengthy explanations.

Is the Price Good? My Take on Value at About $63

At around $63 per person for a 3 hour share trip, the value comes down to what you get baked in. Here, you are paying for:

• a sailing boat experience (Beneteau Oceanis 440)
• whale watching authorization in the south of Tenerife
• dolphin and marine life viewing time
• snorkeling equipment
• snacks, cold drinks, and brunch at the stop

So you are not just buying access to a deck and a vague itinerary. You are paying for a structured half-day feel, including food and gear. If you have to rent snorkeling equipment and buy snacks separately elsewhere, the math can quickly tip in favor of booking a trip like this.

That said, if your personal priority is nonstop, high-energy narration or a huge amount of snorkeling time, this format may feel modest. But for most people who want a calm, comfortable sea outing with cetacean time and an included water break, it is priced like a sensible day plan.

Who This Trip Suits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This experience works especially well if you:

• want a small group and a relaxed tone
• like sailing over speedboat chaos
• care about whale and dolphin viewing in the south of Tenerife
• want snorkeling without bringing equipment

It might not fit perfectly if you:

• need constant, detailed commentary throughout
• want long snorkeling time beyond a short stop
• dislike any waiting time that comes with watching wildlife at sea

Most people fall somewhere in the middle. That balance is exactly why these sailing share trips are popular.

Quick Logistics You Should Know Before You Book

Meet at Gate 5 in Puerto Colón. The trip ends back at the same meeting point. Duration is 3 hours, and the schedule includes a whale viewing segment of about 1 hour plus a 30 minute snorkeling break.

Onboard guide language is offered in Spanish, English, and Italian. So if you know what language you want, pick the departure that best matches your comfort.

Should You Book This 3-Hour Whale Watching Share Tour?

I would recommend booking if you want a calm, comfortable Tenerife marine life day, with sailing, snacks, and an included snorkeling stop. The small group size and the Beneteau Oceanis 440 comfort details add real quality, not just window dressing.

I would hesitate only if you are the kind of traveler who expects nonstop storytelling and constant guidance in your language. This trip can be more quiet and practical, especially from the captain’s side. If that sounds like your preference, great. If you want a lot of spoken interpretation, plan to bring your own curiosity and be okay with short, direct cues.

If your goal is a smooth half-day out on the water from Costa Adeje’s Puerto Colón area, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching share trip?

The trip lasts about 3 hours total, with whale watching time included during the excursion.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Gate 5 in Puerto Colón and ends back at the same meeting point.

What boat is used for this experience?

The tour is on the Beneteau Oceanis 440 sailing boat named Madoudou.

What marine wildlife might you see?

The trip is authorized for whale watching in the south of Tenerife and focuses on pilot whales, with dolphin watching and other marine life viewing time also included.

Is snorkeling included, and do I need to bring equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is available, and snorkeling is included during a stop, with about 30 minutes of snorkeling time.

What food and drinks are included?

Snacks and cold drinks are included, and there is brunch during the break stop. A sun hat and towel are not included.