Puerto Colon : Whale & Dolphins Sailing Excursion

Whale watching in Tenerife is fun, but this one has a calmer, more hands-on feel because you’re on a sailboat and you can listen to marine life with a hydrophone. You’ll head out from Puerto Colón, scan the waters for pilot whales and other sea animals, then swim and snorkel from a secluded beach.

I love two things most: the small group setup (just up to 10 people), which makes it easier to hear the captain and ask questions, and the Diego Hernández Beach stop, where you get real water time instead of just doing a quick photo stop.

One consideration: you’re on the water, so if you’re prone to seasickness, plan for it. The operator even has specific guidance on what to do before boarding.

Key things that make this trip worth your time

• Hydrophone whale and dolphin listening while you’re out in the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone
• Pilot whales in the Tenerife area, including the chance to see Europe’s largest pilot whale population
• Small group of up to 10 people, so spotting, questions, and pacing feel more personal
• Diego Hernández Beach (also called Hippie Beach) with anchoring and time to snorkel or swim
• Canarian cuisine onboard, plus drinks, fruit, and pastries mentioned in verified experiences
• 6 hour option that gives you extra time for Los Gigantes and more chances to spot dolphins

Tenerife whale watching starts with Puerto Colón and a sailboat day

Puerto Colón is a practical place to begin because it’s set up for marine excursions, and you’re not wasting the day getting to a far-off dock. From there, you board and head out along Tenerife’s coast in the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone, which matters because it’s part of where these animals spend time.

This tour is built around a simple idea: if you’re going to watch whales and dolphins, you want time on the water and the right style of boat. A sailboat keeps the day feeling relaxed, and the small-group limit helps you stay engaged instead of getting swallowed by a big crowd.

If Captain Daniel (Big Smile Luxury Charters Tenerife) is on board, you can expect a safety-first tone and a lot of focused attention on marine life. Several verified experiences highlighted how he went out of his way to make people feel welcome and informed, not just transported.

What you’re actually looking for offshore (pilot whales, dolphins, turtles)

The star of the day is whale watching around Tenerife, with an emphasis on pilot whales. The description calls out that Tenerife has the largest population of pilot whales in Europe, so you’re not just hoping. You’re going where these animals are known to show up.

Your captain will be scanning the water for several types of sea life, including:

• dolphins splashing in the sea
• loggerhead turtles (listed as turtles to spot)
• fin whales (also listed as a possible sighting)
• pilot whales as the main target

Now, here’s the real-world part you should plan for: wildlife sightings are never a guarantee. The operator is clearly set up to maximize your chances with the right zone, time, and search approach. But if you’re booking only for one perfect outcome, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. If you go for the experience itself, you’ll be happier.

Even when the animals are not right at the surface, the way the trip is paced helps. You’re not stuck watching from a distance the entire time. You get to be out there, learn what to look for, and use tools designed for marine life spotting.

The hydrophone: why this tour feels different even on a quiet day

One of the most unique parts is the included hydrophone equipment. While you’re out on the water, you can listen to the calls of whales and dolphins through the hydrophone setup.

That changes the feel of the day. You’re not only searching with your eyes. You’re also getting an audio layer that can make the ocean feel alive, even when you’re still waiting for the sighting. For people who love marine life, it adds meaning, not just spectacle.

It also supports the tour’s conservation-minded approach. You’re learning about animals in their environment without needing to touch anything. And touching animals is explicitly not allowed, which is exactly what you want on a responsible wildlife trip.

The sailing route: Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone, then back for beach time

The itinerary follows the coast and includes sailing around Tenerife in the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone. That’s where your chances come from. This region isn’t random coastline scenery, it’s tied to where marine animals are expected.

Then, when the whale and dolphin search is done, you sail to your swim and snorkel stop: Diego Hernández Beach, also known as Hippie Beach.

That shift is important for your day. Many whale tours turn into “hunt, hunt, return.” Here, the time on the water is followed by a proper pause, swim, and lunch. You get a complete rhythm: spot wildlife, enjoy the marine experience, then actually enjoy the sea as a guest instead of just an observer.

Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach) is the payoff for your swim and snorkel time

This is where you can stop thinking like a watcher and start thinking like a swimmer.

At Diego Hernández Beach, the boat drops anchor. The beach can only be accessed on foot or by boat, so you get that secluded feeling that makes snorkeling and swimming more fun. When the crew prepares lunch, you also get time in the water, with the option to snorkel or swim depending on your comfort level.

The water conditions can change by day, so don’t treat snorkeling like a guaranteed show. But the clear-water potential is part of the appeal, and the trip is designed to make this a real segment of the day, not a hurried dip.

Two practical tips:

1. Bring your towel, since you’ll likely want to dry off before eating.
2. Sunscreen and a hat matter here. You’re in open sun after time at sea, and you’ll want to stay comfortable for lunch.

Also note the anchoring detail. You are not stepping onto a busy pier with constant foot traffic. You’re anchored, then the beach and swim time are integrated into the flow of the tour.

Canarian lunch onboard: simple, local, and actually part of the experience

Food is often an afterthought on boat trips. This one treats lunch as part of the plan.

You’ll eat Canarian cuisine onboard, with drinks and fruit included. Multiple experiences also praised the pastries provided, which is a nice upgrade from the typical sandwich scenario.

Why this matters: a local lunch keeps the day from feeling like a drive-through attraction. You’re already in Tenerife’s marine world, so eating local specialties makes the whole outing feel more grounded.

What you should expect is straightforward: you swim and snorkel while the crew prepares lunch, then you sit down and eat. The pacing keeps you from getting hungry at the worst possible moment, which is a small thing until you’re actually hungry on a boat.

How the 3-hour vs 6-hour options change your odds

Your time on the water depends on which option you book: 3 to 6 hours.

If you choose the 6 hour option, the description specifically calls out extra time to enjoy Los Gigantes and more chances to see dolphins. It also gives you more time to swim.

Here’s how I’d think about choosing:

• Choose the shorter option if you want the core whale and dolphin experience plus beach time without feeling like the day is long.
• Choose the 6 hour option if seeing dolphins is a top priority, and if you want more water time around Los Gigantes.

Both can be great. The key is matching your expectations to the time you actually have.

Small group, big atmosphere: up to 10 people and lots of questions

A major value point is the small group size, limited to 10 participants. That number may not sound huge, but on a boat it changes everything. You move more easily, you can hear instructions, and you’re not waiting for people to shift so the group can function.

The live tour guide is listed in English and Spanish, which helps you get the full story even if your Spanish is rusty. And on experiences with Captain Daniel, people specifically praised his attention to safety and his ability to explain whales, dolphins, and turtles in a way that made the trip feel more than just spotting.

If you like asking questions, this style of tour is built for it. When the group is small, answers land better and you get real interaction.

What to bring for a smooth day at sea

You’ll be happier if you pack for sun, water, and comfort. The operator recommends:

• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• (general) a sense of not overloading your bag, since you’re on a boat

Also bring your basics: a dry layer if you tend to get cold on water, and anything you need for personal comfort. But keep it simple, since the main action is outside.

And remember the rule: touching animals is not allowed. I’m glad it’s spelled out, because it keeps the day respectful and safer for everyone.

Seasickness prep, straight from the tour guidance

If you think you might get seasick, the operator gives very specific advice you can follow. It includes planning around food and drinks before boarding:

• avoid excessive liquid intake the night before and the morning of the trip
• have a solid breakfast but limit liquids
• avoid mixing drinks like orange juice, coffee with milk, tea, water, or fruits with high water content

They also recommend medication timing if you’re using Biodramina:

• about half an hour before boarding, adults may take two Biodramina with caffeine
• children may take one Biodramina without caffeine

Only follow this if it fits your medical situation. But it’s helpful that the guidance is concrete, not vague.

The best mindset: prepare early, stay hydrated in a controlled way, and don’t overload yourself right before you board.

Captain Daniel and the care factor that people consistently mention

In the verified experiences, Captain Daniel is repeatedly praised for hospitality, safety, and marine knowledge. People noted he was attentive to the group and made them feel comfortable aboard.

There’s also a clear theme around environmental care. One experience specifically praised the way the crew was careful not to disturb the animals. That matches the overall structure of the trip: observe from the boat, listen with hydrophones, avoid touching, and keep the day respectful.

If you want a whale watching trip that feels thoughtful instead of chaotic, this kind of captain-led approach is a big reason to book.

Price and value: what $88 buys you in real terms

At about $88 per person for a 3 to 6 hour sailing excursion, this is not bargain-basement cheap. But you are paying for a bundle that costs money in the real world:

• a sailboat cruise
• hydrophone equipment
• Canarian lunch plus drinks and fruit
• time at a secluded beach with snorkel or swim options
• a live guide in English and Spanish
• a small group limit

When I judge value, I look at how much of your day becomes “time well spent.” Here, you’re not just watching from a distant seat. You’re on the water, you’re learning with hydrophones, you’re eating local food, and you’re getting actual swimming time.

Also, the 6 hour option can add additional targets around Los Gigantes and improve dolphin odds. If dolphins are high on your list, that extra time can be worth the jump.

Who should book this Tenerife whale and dolphin sailing trip

This tour fits best if you:

• want Tenerife whale watching with a marine-life focus, not just a boat ride
• enjoy snorkeling and want the day to include real water time
• like small group experiences where you can ask questions
• care about responsible wildlife viewing (no touching animals is a good sign)
• would enjoy local Canarian food as part of the outing

It might be less ideal if you want an action-packed, nonstop schedule. This is paced for wildlife and enjoyment, not thrill-ride intensity.

Should you book Puerto Colón Whale and Dolphins Sailing Excursion?

I’d book it if you want a balanced day: whale and dolphin searching with hydrophone listening, followed by secluded beach time and lunch that feels local. The small group setup and the inclusion of hydrophone equipment make it more than a basic “see something if lucky” trip.

If you are very sensitive to motion, take the seasickness guidance seriously. And if you only care about the shortest possible outing, compare the 3 hour and 6 hour options based on whether dolphins and Los Gigantes are priorities for you.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón Whale and Dolphins Sailing Excursion?

The duration is listed as 3 to 6 hours, depending on the option you book.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at Puerto Colón. The meeting point may vary depending on the option you booked.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group experience limited to 10 participants.

What marine animals might I see?

The trip is designed for whale watching around Tenerife, with chances to spot pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and possibly fin whales.

Is whale and dolphin audio included?

Yes. The excursion includes listening to whales with hydrophone equipment.

Do I get time to swim or snorkel?

Yes. At Diego Hernández Beach, you can swim or snorkel in the sea while the crew prepares lunch and drinks.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and it’s described as Canarian cuisine. Drinks, and fruit are also included.

What should I bring?

The tour recommends bringing sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I touch the animals?

No. Touching animals is not allowed.

Is there free cancellation or reserve-and-pay-later?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.