Luxury Opera 60 Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

A two-in-one outing that pairs whale and dolphin watching with snorkeling and a proper swim stop is one of the easiest ways to get real wildlife time in Tenerife without feeling rushed. Opera 60 is built for comfort, with a big 60-foot luxury RIB setup that includes sunbeds, multiple seating areas, two large tables, and even onboard showers after you get wet.

I also love that your basic needs are handled for you: snorkeling equipment and on-board snacks and drinks are part of the package, so you can spend your energy on spotting dolphins, sea turtles, and whales. One possible drawback to keep in mind is that the sea can change fast, and like any wildlife boat trip, the experience depends on weather and sea conditions.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Opera 60 is a 60-foot, 740 HP luxury RIB, powered by two Volvo Penta engines, with inflatable side defenses for extra safety.
• Small group size (max 15) means you’re more likely to get comfortable viewing spots and not feel packed in.
• Snorkeling gear is provided, and there’s a dedicated swim and snorkeling bay stop.
• Food and drinks are onboard, with many guests praising the generous pours (including Prosecco/champagne).
• You get a reset after swimming, thanks to onboard showers, not just a wet goodbye.
• Wildlife viewing stays respectful, with crews focused on keeping distance while still putting you in the best possible position.

Opera 60 Luxury RIB: The Big Boat Advantage in Tenerife

Opera 60 is not your average speedboat. It’s a giant rigid inflatable boat built to feel more like a floating lounge than a bumpy commuter. The boat’s design includes an extra safe rigid hull plus inflatable side defenses along the sides, which is exactly the kind of practical engineering you want when you’re heading out for wildlife.

You’ll notice the setup fast once you’re onboard. There are multiple sitting areas, sunbeds, and room to move without constantly stepping on someone’s foot. Reviews also mention quality onboard speakers for music, plus the small comfort details that matter when you’re out for a few hours, like a toilet and showers after swimming.

The best part is how the boat supports the main goal. Whale and dolphin watching is about patience and positioning. When you’re not crowded, you can shift your view as animals surface, and you can do it without giving up your seat every time the captain calls out a sighting.

From Puerto Colón Out on the Water: Timing and First Sightings

You start and end at Puerto Colón, in the Playa de las Américas area of Tenerife. The meeting spot is also described as near public transportation, which is handy if you’re staying somewhere in the south and want an easy, low-stress start.

The departure timing seems to be taken seriously. One family noted the boat left the harbor bang on time, and then wildlife appeared quickly, within about 20 minutes. That early momentum helps a lot, because once you see dolphins or whales, the whole trip stops feeling like waiting and starts feeling like watching.

As you cruise, your crew will point out what to look for. The consistent theme across positive feedback is that the crew knows the game: where to look, what movements usually mean, and how to get everyone a good view while keeping a respectful distance from the animals.

Also, think of this as a boat ride with a job. It’s designed to get you out to the right waters, not just circle slowly for the sake of it. If the sea is a bit choppy, expect some bounce, even on a luxury RIB. The good news is that the boat’s spacious layout gives you somewhere stable to sit and watch.

The Whale and Dolphin Watching Style: Close Enough to Feel It

Wildlife viewing works best when the approach is steady and thoughtful. Multiple accounts praise that the crew maintains proper distance from whales and dolphins while still getting people close to the action. In other words, you’re not chasing animals, you’re watching from a respectful vantage point.

You might see dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles, depending on the day. Many people report dolphins and whales, and some mention seeing turtles during or after the whale watch portion. One review even described a school-like dolphin moment, with the guide able to identify the kind of marine life they were seeing.

One thing to set your expectations: not every outing guarantees every species. A less positive report said dolphins were not seen on that day, while whales came close and sightings still happened overall. That’s normal for the ocean. What you can control is choosing a boat and crew setup that makes it easier to spot wildlife when it’s there.

If you’re traveling with kids, this part matters even more. People describe the experience as exciting without feeling chaotic. You get time to watch, not constant turning and scrambling. And because you’re on a large, comfortable boat with limited headcount, it’s easier for everyone to keep their eyes on the water.

The Swim and Snorkel Bay Stop: Showers, Lunch, and Gear Included

The two-in-one magic is the swim and snorkeling segment. After the whale and dolphin watching portion, the boat moves to a bay stop where you can snorkel and swim. This is one of the main reasons the trip often feels like more than a typical wildlife cruise.

Your snorkeling gear is provided onboard, so you’re not hunting down equipment at the last minute. Reviews specifically call out that snorkeling equipment is included and that the swim stop is a real highlight, not a token dip. You’ll also find there’s a toilet and showers, which makes a big difference once you’re done in the water. It turns the afternoon from wet and cold into, okay, we’re back onboard and comfortable again.

Food and drink are served during this phase, which means you’re not waiting until you dock to eat. Several positive comments describe a lunch setup with chicken and rice, plus bread. People also mention drinks during the bay stop, including fizz and other options.

A balanced note: one negative review complained the food was lukewarm and that bread felt stale. That’s not the overall pattern, but it is a data point you should take seriously if you’re the type of person who plans a whole day around quality food. If food is your top priority, go in knowing this is an onboard meal as part of a boat outing, not a gourmet restaurant.

How to get the best experience at the bay stop:

• Wear your swimwear under your clothes so you can change fast.
• Bring water-resistant footwear if you have it, because getting in and out of a boat can be slick.
• Plan to snorkel even if you’re not a hardcore ocean person. The bay stop is set up for it, and the gear is ready.

Food, Drinks, and Music Onboard: The Comfort Factor

This is where Opera 60 really earns its luxury label. The trip is not just about the animals, it’s also about how the afternoon feels. Reviews repeatedly praise snacks and drinks, with many mentioning a wide mix like wines and beers, along with fizzy drinks such as Prosecco. Some accounts describe the drinks as generous and even highlight unlimited pours, with crew keeping champagne or Prosecco flowing.

You’ll also find that music and onboard sound systems create a relaxed vibe. That matters more than you might think. Whale watching can be quiet and intense, then you jump into swimming and snorkeling. A good onboard atmosphere keeps the whole day from turning into a series of awkward pauses.

One practical takeaway: if you’re sensitive to strong sun and heat, plan to use the sunbeds and shaded seating when you’re not in the water. The comfort on a large boat makes it easier to stay relaxed instead of constantly shifting to avoid wind, glare, or uneven movement.

And about service: most feedback is very positive about friendliness and knowing what marine life signals to watch. One negative review did mention a rougher service experience on a specific trip, including delays in drinks and issues with staff attentiveness during time spent at the bay. That seems to be the exception, but it’s still worth using as a reminder to ask early for what you want. If you want water, ask promptly. If you’re traveling with kids, confirm drink timing during the first hour.

Value in Tenerife: Is This Worth $96.79?

At around $96.79 per person for roughly a 3-hour experience, the value comes from what’s included, not from the boat ride alone. You’re paying for a premium vessel, wildlife time, and the add-ons that typically cost extra on other tours: snorkeling equipment, food and drinks, and the onboard facilities that make it pleasant after you swim.

Let’s translate that into real traveler math:

• If you had to rent snorkeling gear separately, that’s another expense.
• If you bought drinks and a meal separately, you’d likely pay more than the whole difference.
• If the boat didn’t include showers, you’d end up with a wet, uncomfortable finish, especially in a coastal outing.

So the price feels most fair when you use the full package. If you want whales and dolphins and you also plan to get in the water, this tends to make sense. If you only want the wildlife and you skip snorkeling completely, the value drops, because you’re not using the main included benefits.

The small group size also influences value. A max of 15 keeps the experience less chaotic and more enjoyable. You’re more likely to have space and better viewing, which is part of why the boat feels “luxury,” not just expensive.

Who Should Book Opera 60 and Who Might Not Love It

This is a great fit for people who want a full half-day experience in Tenerife that mixes wildlife and water time. It’s also a strong option for families, with positive comments mentioning it works well even with kids and that crew members handle the day smoothly.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• Want whale and dolphin watching with a crew that helps you spot marine life and keeps distance appropriately.
• Like the idea of snorkeling without organizing gear yourself.
• Care about comfort, with sunbeds, roomy layout, and onboard showers.
• Prefer a smaller max group size so you’re not squeezed.

Consider thinking twice if:

• You’re extremely sensitive to choppy water. Even with a stable boat, it’s still open ocean.
• You expect restaurant-level food quality. The meal is part of the boat experience, and while most feedback is positive, there is at least one complaint about food temperature and freshness.
• You are counting on a specific species every time. Wildlife sightings vary by day, and no operator can promise whales or dolphins for every departure.

Booking Choice: My Practical Take on Opera 60

If your goal is an afternoon that feels comfortable and complete, Opera 60 is a smart book in Tenerife. The combination of a spacious, well-equipped RIB with snorkeling and a swim bay stop is exactly how I like wildlife trips to work, because you get both the animal excitement and the fun water segment in one go.

I’d book this when you:

• Want included snorkeling gear and want to actually use it.
• Like generous onboard drinks and a relaxed vibe.
• Appreciate small group experiences, not crowded cattle-boat energy.

I might choose another option if your priority is only whale watching and you would never snorkel. In that case, you might find a more direct wildlife-only outing fits your style better.

Bottom line: for most people who want a luxury-feeling Tenerife sea day, this one is worth the money, especially because it pairs real wildlife time with the kind of onboard comfort that makes the whole trip easier to enjoy.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Opera 60 whale and dolphin watching experience?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What’s included onboard?

Snacks and drinks are provided, along with snorkeling equipment. There is also time for swimming and snorkeling, plus onboard facilities like a toilet and showers.

Where does the tour start?

It starts in Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and it returns to the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.