Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise

On South Tenerife, this trip feels exciting because you are cruising along a dramatic coastline in a fast speedboat, then turning it into a real sea experience with a swim stop. I like the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment, and I also like that you get time in the water with snorkel gear. The main drawback is simple: sightings depend on the sea and weather, so you have to be flexible.

You meet at Puerto Colón, power up for a back and forth run, and let the captain’s sea talk guide your eyes. In past trips, Captain Nico is praised for marine knowledge and for watching respectfully, often letting the animals come to the boat instead of forcing closeness. If you get seasick easily, go prepared, because this is a speedboat day and there is wind and spray.

Key takeaways

• Fast, small-feeling boat time: 3 hours spent moving and searching, not sitting.
• Animal spotting with a respectful approach: the goal is to watch, not chase.
• Swim and snorkeling included: you stop in a bay, get a drink and sandwich, and can gear up.
• South coast scenery loop: you see ports, beaches, and natural swimming areas as you return.
• Clear-day views can be stellar: Teide and La Gomera may appear if skies cooperate.

South Tenerife by speedboat, a 3-hour animal hunt with a swim stop

This is the kind of whale and dolphin tour that makes sense when you want motion, not a slow cruise. You are out of Puerto Colón, running the coastline in a speedboat for about 3 hours total, and you are actively looking for marine life as you go. It is not just a sightseeing ride, it has that added payoff of time in the water.

What I like most is the mix. You get the excitement of spotting dolphins and whales, then you get a break with a bay stop where you can swim or snorkel. The tour also includes a sandwich and drink, so you are not rationing energy during the sea part.

One thing to keep in mind: you are on the water in real conditions. This trip is subject to weather, so if it is rough, your guide may adjust and sightings can be harder.

Getting there: Puerto Colón Gate 3, no hotel pickup, show up early

Logistics are pretty straightforward, and that matters on a time-sensitive boat tour. You meet at PUERTO COLON GATE 3, and you should arrive 15 minutes before departure. A staff member from Sea Safari Tenerife waits in front of gate 3, checks your ticket (printed or digital), and then escorts you to the boat once everyone is in.

There is no hotel pickup and drop-off, so you are on your own for getting to the marina area. This actually makes the tour easy to slot into your day, as long as you give yourself buffer time for finding the exact gate.

What to bring is simple and practical: towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Since you will be in and out of the water, plan to wear something you can get wet right away.

The 3-hour routing: back and forth cruising along the south coast

The heart of the experience is the speedboat time. You sail back and forth along South Tenerife’s coastline, and the captain keeps an eye on the sea while sharing information about Atlantic marine life. On a clear day, you can also see Teide and the nearby island of La Gomera, which turns the boat ride into more than just scanning the water.

Expect to notice details you might miss from shore. This area is full of little ports and beaches, plus natural swimming spots where the water looks calm from the land. As you return, those same points slide by again, giving you a second look after your brain has already switched into spotting mode.

Because the tour is built around movement and search, the timing matters. It is about 3 hours overall, so you do not get that slow, all-day cruising vibe. You get a focused sprint, then time at the bay for real water time.

Whale and dolphin spotting: what you may see and how to stay focused

You go out with a clear purpose: whale and dolphin spotting while you cruise. Along the way, you might also spot turtles and flying fish, and the captain will help you understand what you are looking at. On days when conditions are right, you may see multiple species rather than just one lucky moment.

In real trips, people report seeing spotted dolphins and even pilot whales and whales of the calderón type. There are also mentions of a manowar jellyfish and a turtle, plus sightings connected to squid life like a sack of squid eggs. Those are not guaranteed, but they show the kind of variety that can show up when the sea is active.

A big part of making this work for you is your mindset. Scan the water where the captain tells you to look, watch for surface movement, and stay patient when nothing happens for a minute. The most satisfying spotting moments often come when you trust the captain’s call and let the boat slow down or wait at the right time.

Another plus from past experiences is the nature-respectful approach. Instead of driving aggressively toward animals, the pattern is to wait and observe. When marine life is curious, it comes closer on its own.

The bay swim stop: drinks, sandwich, snorkeling gear, and real break time

After all the scanning, you get a well-timed reset: a stop in a bay for a drink and a snack. Then you can jump in and swim, and you can also use the provided snorkeling equipment if you want to look at fish underwater.

This stop is where the tour turns from animal spotting into a full sea day. Even if you do not snorkel, the simple swim option is a big value add, especially on Tenerife when you want to feel the warmth of the water and break up the wind and sun exposure on the boat.

A detail I really appreciate is the included food and drink. You are out for 3 hours total, and without a snack it is easy to feel drained by sun, wind, and excitement. With a sandwich and a drink waiting at the bay stop, you can recharge and stay comfortable during the return leg.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to hunt for an extra rental. If you want a smooth experience, pack your towel and keep beachwear accessible, because you will likely get wet and then dry off in short bursts.

Returning views: ports, beaches, and calm water areas by waterline perspective

The return journey matters, because it is not just repetition. By the time you head back along the south coast, you already understand the coastline better and you are more able to spot the natural features the captain mentions.

You pass little ports, beaches, and natural swimming pools, which are often the “hidden in plain sight” parts of South Tenerife. From the water, those areas look different than from a viewpoint. You see the way the coastline shapes wind and waves, and you start to understand why certain bays are calmer for swimming.

If the day is clear, the return can also bring scenic payoffs. Teide and La Gomera show up on clear days, so keep your phone ready, but also keep your eyes on the sea. The tour is always a balance between views and spotting.

Price and value: $77 for a 3-hour speedboat plus swim time

At about $77 per person for a 3-hour speedboat cruise, the value comes from what is included, not just the ticket price. You are paying for several things bundled together:

• Speedboat tour and live guidance
• Sandwich and 1 drink
• A swim stop
• Snorkel gear

If you were to piece this out separately, you would likely spend similar or more once you factor in water activity costs and the kind of guided marine spotting you want. The speedboat portion also keeps the experience energetic, which is part of why this tour stands out versus bigger, slower boats.

So the real question for you is not just if it costs $77, but if you want a day that includes both wildlife and water time. If you want one or the other, a different tour might fit better. If you want both, this is priced in a way that feels fair.

Who this fits best, and who should think twice

This tour is ideal if you:

• Want active wildlife time without spending the day stuck on a slow boat
• Enjoy snorkeling or at least want the option to swim during a stop
• Like guided marine explanations while you watch
• Prefer short, focused trips over full-day cruises

It may not be your best match if you:

• Have strong motion sickness concerns, because speedboats create wind and spray and the ride can feel lively
• Need full hotel pickup convenience, since there is no hotel pickup here
• Are traveling with items not allowed on board, including baby strollers and non-folding wheelchairs or strollers

Practical tips for a comfy, confident sea day

A little prep makes the trip smoother.

• Wear beachwear you are comfortable getting wet, and bring a towel you can dry off with quickly after the bay swim stop.
• Bring sunscreen, because the wind does not block sun, and you are outside for most of the 3 hours.
• Arrive on time at PUERTO COLON GATE 3 and aim to be there early enough to avoid stress at the marina.
• If you plan to snorkel, use the included gear at the bay stop and focus on good, calm breath timing. You do not need special training, but you do want to feel comfortable in open water before you put your face in.
• Keep expectations flexible about animal sightings. This is subject to weather conditions, and the sea controls what is visible and what marine life chooses to do that day.

Should you book the Puerto Colón dolphin and whale speedboat cruise?

I think you should book this tour if you want a lively 3-hour outing that mixes whale and dolphin spotting with an actual time-in-the-water bay stop. The included sandwich, drink, and snorkeling gear make it feel complete, not like a half-day that only delivers on paper.

Skip it or consider alternatives if you cannot be flexible about weather or you are very prone to motion sickness, since speedboat days can feel intense. Also, if you need hotel pickup, plan your own marina transfer ahead of time.

If you like guided marine time, respect for wildlife, and a quick chance to swap boat wind for bay water, this is a strong match for South Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón dolphin and whale watching speedboat cruise?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $77 per person.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes a speedboat tour, a guide, a sandwich, 1 drink, a swim stop, and snorkel gear.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at PUERTO COLON GATE 3, and arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks Spanish and English.

What animals might I see on the tour?

You go whale and dolphin spotting. You might also see turtles and flying fish.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now & pay later.