Reviewed · WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING
3h Whale watching Share Tour Costa Adeje Lina7 Mizendoha
What makes this outing interesting is the mix of authorized whale watching and a real 12-meter sailing boat cruising the south coast of Tenerife. You’re set up in the Puerto Colon area of Costa Adeje, with a route built around spotting pilot whales that live in these waters.
I like the simple, practical comforts: a shaded roof on board, plus snacks and cold drinks included during the cruise. I also like that your time isn’t only about wildlife, you also get a swim and snorkeling break near Costa Adeje.
One thing to consider: it’s a sailing boat, but you may not always see the sails up if wind is limited or the crew prioritizes timing. If you want the full sailing show, plan to treat this as a wildlife and cruising trip first, sailing second.
Key points to know before you go

- Pilot whales in the south of Tenerife: The activity is specifically authorized here, with chances to see the resident species.
- A shaded, comfortable 12-meter boat: You’re not baking in the sun for 3 hours.
- Snacks, cold drinks, and snorkeling equipment: This is one of those trips that covers the “small stuff.”
- Toilets and shower access on board: The boat setup includes bathrooms with hot water and showers.
- A real water break at Costa Adeje: You get time to swim and snorkel in the scheduled stop.
- Captain knowledge can make the trip better: When the skipper shares what they know, spotting gets easier.
12-Meter Sailing Boat Whale Watching in Costa Adeje

This is a 3-hour whale watching trip that runs out of Puerto Colon on the Costa Adeje side of Tenerife. The big draw is that the boat is authorized for whale watching in the south, and the target animals are pilot whales.
The experience has a calm feel because it’s on a sailing boat, not a big party vessel. You’re also close to the coast, so you spend your time scanning the water, not staring at nothing from too far out.
One more detail I appreciate: the boat is built for comfort and time at sea, with a proper covered area and a layout designed for longer navigation. That matters when you’re out there for a few hours, even if conditions change.
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Where You Board and What the Boat Is Like Once You’re In

You meet at Gate 5, Puerto Colon, Costa Adeje. From there, you’ll board either Lina7 or Mizendoha, both described as 12-meter sailing boats used for this authorized whale watching route.
On a practical level, this boat sounds like it’s designed to make the trip feel easy. There’s shading under a roof so you’re not stuck in direct sun the whole time. Inside, the cabins are described as spacious, with storage space, and the aft cabins have direct access to bathrooms with showers and hot water.
There’s also a kitchen area with cooking burners, sinks, an oven, and refrigerators. That’s not just a fun-to-read detail, it’s a sign the operator can handle onboard preparation without it feeling improvised.
I also like the sustainability and “we’re ready to run” touches: the boat has solar panels and a water autonomy described as 900 liters. Translation for you: it’s equipped for longer stretches without feeling like a rushed, fragile setup.
And if you plan to get in the water, the info says snorkeling equipment is available, plus there’s an outboard raft and the boat is well equipped for deep water navigation.
Your 3-Hour Route, Stop by Stop

The itinerary is paced so you get movement, wildlife time, and then a break that adds variety. Here’s what your schedule looks like in real life terms, with what each segment is doing for the overall trip.
Leaving Lina Yacht, then the coastal sailing time
The tour starts at Lina Yacht and then sails from Puerto Colon toward Costa Adeje for about 1 hour. This first sailing stretch is a “get settled” phase. It’s when you’ll likely be acclimating to the boat, spotting coastline changes, and getting eyes tuned to what wildlife will look like on open water.
If the day is calm, this part can feel almost scenic and slow. If it’s choppier, you’ll still get shelter from the roof and the boat’s comfort setup.
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Dolphin watching, then the main whale watching window
After that, you hit the key wildlife section. There’s a short dolphin watching period and then a 15-minute whale watching window.
Fifteen minutes sounds short on paper, but it’s exactly the kind of timing operators use when sightings are unpredictable. Your best strategy is to treat this window as the moment you earn your best spotting, not the moment you relax.
Keep your attention wide, not just centered. Pilot whales can show up with breathing and movement patterns that are easy to miss if you’re scanning only one tiny patch of water.
Sailing again, then arriving for the swim and snorkeling break
Next, there’s about 30 minutes of sailing, then you transition into the Costa Adeje portion with brunch, swimming, and snorkeling for 30 minutes. This is your reset and reward portion of the trip, and it breaks up the wildlife focus with a hands-on experience.
The water break is timed, so it doesn’t swallow the whole day. It gives you a chance to cool off and see the underwater world while the boat is still in the right area.
Final sail, then back to Lina Yacht
After the swim and snorkeling, there’s another sailing stretch of about 45 minutes, and then you return to Lina Yacht to wrap up.
This last sailing leg is also where the trip tends to feel like a journey again. Even if the whale watching was the headline, this final segment can be the moment you realize how smoothly the boat handled the day.
Pilot Whales and Dolphins: How to Make the Most of Short Sightings

The heart of this tour is the chance to spot pilot whales in the south of Tenerife, in an area where they’re described as resident. That’s not just marketing language here. The authorization is specifically for whale watching in the region, which usually means the route and timing are set with wildlife opportunities in mind.
In practice, your viewing success depends on conditions and how quickly whales surface. That’s why the schedule includes a dedicated whale window, plus extra cruising time before and after.
What helps your chances, even without a special background:
- Look for surfacing patterns, small bursts of activity, and changes in how the water moves.
- Don’t stare at only one point, sweep your gaze across a wider band.
- When someone on board points something out, shift attention quickly rather than waiting for it to be obvious.
One more thing that can noticeably change your experience is the captain’s knowledge and how they communicate what they’re seeing. The operator provides a live tour guide in English, Italian, and Spanish, and the captain experience can make whale watching more informative. If the skipper is talkative and specific, spotting often feels easier and more satisfying.
Snorkeling and the On-Board Comfort Details You Actually Care About

This trip isn’t just wildlife. It includes snacks and cold drinks and offers snorkeling equipment. In addition, there’s a scheduled break with swimming and snorkeling plus brunch.
That food and drinks part matters more than you’d think on a sea day. You’re out for hours, and being able to snack and sip without hunting for a store keeps the trip from feeling stressful.
The snorkeling setup is another practical win. Not everyone is confident bringing their own gear and using it in unfamiliar conditions. Having equipment provided lowers the friction, and it makes it more likely you’ll actually go in.
Also, there are bathroom and shower facilities onboard. The boat is described as having bathrooms with hot water and showers, and there’s mention of being able to change and use a toilet. If you’re worried about getting wet and then trying to reset, this is a real comfort.
Bring what’s not included. The info specifically notes sun hat and towel are not included, so plan on packing both. If you forget a towel, you’ll feel it after the swim.
A small word on getting in and out
One caution from real boat conditions: boarding and exiting the water can involve a ladder that shifts with the sea. If you’re cautious about foot placement, go slowly and hold on where you can. Your goal is simple, get in safely, not fast.
Price and Value for a 3-Hour Wildlife Cruise at $65

At $65 per person for 3 hours, the value hinges on what’s included and how it’s paced. You’re paying for an authorized whale watching operation, time at sea on a comfortable 12-meter vessel, plus snacks and cold drinks.
On top of that, you’re not just watching from deck. You get snorkeling equipment and a scheduled swim and snorkeling stop with brunch. That mix is usually the sweet spot for good value, because you’re collecting multiple types of experiences in one block of time.
This is also a smaller scale experience compared to massive catamarans, which typically helps your viewing focus. I can’t promise your exact group size, but the boat size and included comforts suggest it’s trying to feel intimate rather than industrial.
So, if you want a straightforward wildlife outing with real downtime built in, the price feels reasonable. If you’re expecting a guaranteed long whale encounter or a constant sailing spectacle, you’ll want to manage expectations.
Weather, Sails, and What Might Change During Your Trip

The biggest variable on any marine tour is the day itself. Even on a sailing boat, you might not see sails set if winds aren’t right or the crew adjusts timing to protect the wildlife window.
In other words, treat this as whale watching with sailing-boat comfort, not as a guaranteed “see the sails catch the wind” show. When wind is weak, many operators prioritize staying on the right track and maintaining safe, efficient movement.
Another variable is how the whale and dolphin spotting plays out. The schedule includes a whale watching window and dolphin watching, but marine wildlife doesn’t follow a calendar. If you keep your focus flexible, you’ll get the best experience even when wildlife activity is brief.
Languages, Guide Style, and How to Interact On Board

A live guide is part of the package, offered in English, Italian, and Spanish. That’s a big plus because whale watching works better when you understand what you’re looking for.
If the guide shares tips like what a surfacing pattern looks like or where to scan, you’ll likely enjoy the experience more than if you simply wait for luck. And if the captain is especially communicative, you can learn extra context about what the boat is seeing in the area.
So my advice is simple: listen when the guide calls attention to the water. Quick focus changes make a real difference in a short whale window.
Who This Trip Is Best For, and Who Should Skip It

You’ll probably love this tour if:
- You want a 3-hour whale watching outing from Costa Adeje that includes comfort and food.
- You’re interested in pilot whales specifically and want an operator authorized for whale watching in the south.
- You like sea days but also want a swim and snorkeling break rather than only standing on deck.
You might consider a different option if:
- You’re mainly interested in a classic sailing performance with sails always up.
- You strongly prefer a very deep wildlife lecture. This trip is structured around time on the water and spotting, so the level of detail can depend on the captain and guide on your day.
Should You Book This Whale Watching Tour from Puerto Colon?
Yes, I’d book it if your top priorities are pilot whale chances, comfortable time on a 12-meter sailing boat, and a trip that includes more than just watching. The included snacks, cold drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a scheduled swim and brunch make it feel like a complete half-day in the south of Tenerife.
Before you go, pack a sun hat and towel, and go in knowing the whale watching window is short by design. If you stay flexible, you’ll end up with the kind of day Tenerife does well, ocean, wildlife, and a swim break in one smooth plan.
FAQ
Where does the whale watching tour depart from?
You meet at Gate 5, Puerto Colon, Costa Adeje.
How long is the tour?
The total duration is 3 hours.
Which boat is used for the excursion?
The tour is operated on 12-meter sailing boats, listed as Lina7 or Mizendoha.
Are pilot whales included in the whale watching plan?
Yes. The tour is authorized for whale watching in the south of Tenerife, and you can spot pilot whales resident in this area.
Is snorkeling included?
Snorkeling equipment is available, and there is a scheduled swimming and snorkeling time during the Costa Adeje stop.
What food and drinks are included?
Snacks and cold drinks are included, and there is also brunch during the swim and snorkeling segment.
What languages are available for the live guide?
The live tour guide is offered in English, Italian, and Spanish.
What should I bring since it is not included?
A sun hat and a towel are not included, so you’ll want to bring both.
Is cancellation possible close to departure?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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