Puerto Colon: Whale and Dolphin Watching Yacht Trip

This is one of the calmer ways to do whale watching in Tenerife. You get a small sailboat feel out on the Atlantic, then you finish with a real swim stop in a secluded cove. If you care about seeing wildlife and getting wet, this trip fits.

I especially like two things about it: the chance to spot pilot whales alongside dolphins, and the fact that you also get time for an Atlantic swim with snorkel gear provided. It is not just a lookout from above.

One thing to keep in mind: it is not suitable for wheelchair users and there is an upper age limit of 95. So plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.

Key things that make this trip worth your time

• Pilot whale focus in southern Tenerife waters, with other marine life in the mix
• Small group of up to 10 for a more comfortable, less chaotic boat day
• Captain-to-captain communication to improve the chances of finding whales
• Secluded cove swim stop after the wildlife spotting
• Food and drinks on board, plus snorkel equipment included
• English and Spanish live guide on the boat

A 3-hour sail from Puerto Colón that actually feels like an outing

Puerto Colón is a nice starting point because it keeps the day simple. You meet outside the supplier office, then you head out and you stay on the water for about three hours. It is not a full-day production, and that matters if you want to balance whale watching with beach time or other plans in Tenerife.

The ride itself is what makes this special for me. A small sailboat keeps you close to the action. You are not marooned behind huge crowds or stuck staring through layers of people. You are also more likely to feel the shift when the boat finds wildlife, because you can actually hear the guide and the captain coordinate.

Where you go: Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, and the southern Tenerife coastline

This trip centers on the southern Tenerife seascape around Costa Adeje. You cruise out from Puerto Colón and spend your time moving through the coastal waters where pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles are known to show up.

Along the way, you get that classic Canary Islands mix of dramatic coastline and coastal towns. The effect is that you are watching wildlife, but you are also watching the geography. Even if you are not the sort of person who reads cliffs like a map, the scenery keeps the trip feeling active.

Also, the itinerary keeps you from doing a lot of back-and-forth. You start at Puerto Colón, you cruise around Costa Adeje for the main part of the trip, and then you end back at Puerto Colón. No complicated transfers, no mystery timetable loops.

Wildlife spotting: pilot whales, dolphins, and the turtle bonus

The headline here is pilot whales. When they are around, they tend to be a memorable sight, and this trip is built for that outcome. You also keep an eye out for dolphins and turtles, since all three show up in the region.

What I find smart is how the operation handles spotting. The captain team communicates with other captains to help locate where the animals are. That is one of those small, practical details that can raise your odds without turning the experience into a frantic chase.

In real terms, what you should expect is a guided, watchful cruise where you pause when something appears. You do not just rush past areas and hope for the best. The best moments on this kind of trip come when the boat slows down, everyone refocuses, and you get a chance to see behavior, not just a brief flicker on the surface.

A note on what makes sightings enjoyable

You will likely feel the difference between seeing wildlife from a distance and seeing it close enough to notice movement and timing. The most praised moments on this trip are exactly that: whales showing up close to the boat, with dolphins also in view, and even the occasional turtle sighting.

The swim stop: a secluded cove after the wildlife cruising

After the viewing, the yacht heads to a secluded cove for food, refreshments, and then a swim. This is not an optional add-on. The swim is part of the core experience, and it is why the trip feels more like a day at sea than a quick tour.

The water is described as crystal clear, and you get snorkel equipment as part of the trip. That combo matters. If you are comfortable snorkeling, you can make the swim stop do double duty, from cooling off to getting a closer look underwater.

How to make the swim stop feel easy

Plan to treat this like a beach swim, even though you are on a boat. You will want to be ready to change from dry clothes to swimwear without fuss. Bring a towel and wear biodegradable sunscreen to protect both you and the water.

If you are not a confident swimmer, stick to snorkeling only where you feel comfortable. This is an Atlantic swim, not a pool. The best move is to go in calm, stay close to the area you were given, and keep your focus on the guide’s instructions.

Food, drinks, and the small-boat vibe you will actually feel

This trip includes food and drinks on board, plus snorkel equipment. In whale watching tours, food can be an afterthought. Here it is timed around the cove stop, so it feels like a proper break instead of a token snack.

I also like the small group size. Limited to 10 participants, the boat stays more relaxed, and conversations with the guide are easier. That sounds like marketing until you experience it. When there are fewer people, the captain can communicate calmly, and you are less likely to spend the whole trip craning your neck.

From the experiences shared about the trip, the on-board setup tends to be comfortable, and the food and drinks get positive mentions. Some folks even describe a sunset feeling on the way back, which can add a memorable finish if timing lines up during your sailing.

Languages and guiding: English and Spanish on the boat

You will have a live tour guide in English and Spanish. That is a practical detail, because whale spotting works better when you understand what to look for and when to look for it. You do not want to be guessing while the captain is calling out activity.

A good guide also helps you interpret what you are seeing. With pilot whales and dolphins, behavior matters, not just silhouettes. The guide can help you focus your attention at the right moments so you see more than random spray.

Price and value: is $56 for 3 hours a fair deal?

At about $56 per person for a 3-hour outing, this falls into the mid-range of whale watching. But value comes from what is included, not just the headline cost.

Here is where the value comes from:

• Wildlife-focused sailing with a captain spotting strategy that includes coordination with other captains
• Snorkel equipment included, so the swim stop does not require extra rental costs
• Food and drinks included, turning the cove stop into a real break
• Small group up to 10, which can make the experience more comfortable and less crowded

So if you want a whale and dolphin trip that also gives you a swim and does not nickel-and-dime you at the end, this is a strong fit. If all you want is a quick, no-frills boat ride and you are indifferent about water time, you might find cheaper options. But for most people, the built-in swim and inclusions make this price easier to justify.

Who this trip is best for in Tenerife

This is ideal if you:

• Want a short 3-hour marine trip instead of a full day
• Care about pilot whales, not just generic sea life sightings
• Like small-group tours and prefer a more personal vibe
• Plan to swim and want snorkel gear provided
• Want a guide who speaks English or Spanish

It may not be your best choice if you:

• Need wheelchair accessibility, because it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• Have mobility limitations that make boat boarding and swimming tough
• Are over 95, since the trip is not suitable for people over that age limit

Also, it is worth saying plainly: you should dress for sun, wind, and getting wet. This trip is about being outside, and it rewards people who come prepared.

What to bring and how to prep so the day feels smooth

You do not need a lot of gear, but you do need the right essentials. Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen

A few practical tips that make a difference:

• Wear sunscreen before you settle in, not after you are already in the sun.
• Keep your towel accessible so the swim stop does not become an awkward rummaging session.
• If you have your own snorkel or fins, you can bring them, but the trip already includes snorkel equipment, so you may not need extra gear.
• Since there is no hotel pickup, plan to get to the meeting point area in Puerto Colón on time. Meeting outside the supplier office about 15 minutes before departure is your cue to avoid stress.

Should you book the Puerto Colón whale and dolphin watching yacht trip?

If you want pilot whales and dolphins, plus a real chance to swim in the Atlantic with gear and refreshments included, I would book this. The small group size, the coordinated spotting approach, and the included snorkel setup make it a strong value for people who want more than a passive boat cruise.

Skip it if wheelchair access or age limits are an issue for your group, or if you prefer long excursions where you might spend more time searching. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded, three-hour Tenerife plan that gets you out on the water, gives you wildlife time, and ends with a swim instead of just heading back empty-handed.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón whale and dolphin yacht trip?

The duration is 3 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the departure schedule.

Where does the trip start and end?

You meet outside the supplier’s office 15 minutes before departure, and the activity ends back at the meeting point in Puerto Colón.

What marine animals are you likely to see?

You can look out for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles in the Tenerife waters where the boat cruises.

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

Snorkel equipment is included. You should bring swimwear and a towel.

What food and drinks are provided?

Food and drinks are included on board, and there are refreshments during the cove stop.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What languages are the live guides available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Who should avoid booking?

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users and it is not suitable for people over 95 years.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.