Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

This experience is interesting because it mixes two things Tenerife does well, big ocean wildlife and an easy sail. You’ll spend about 3 hours on a 52-feet yacht cruising the south coast, with crew members like Alex and Jesus scanning the water for pilot whales and dolphins.

I really like how the crew manages the vibe. The boat feels friendly and comfortable, and the captain and guides take time to explain what you’re looking at in the moment, in English, Spanish, French, or Italian.

My second favorite part is the onboard comfort for what you pay. You get fresh fruit and sandwiches, plus drinks, and basic snorkeling gear. The one drawback to plan around is motion, on rougher days the ride can get bouncy, and some kids in particular have felt seasick.

Key things to know before you go

• Pilot whales and dolphins search on the spot, with the crew watching closely and adjusting to what they find
• A 52-feet sailing yacht gives you more room than many crowded tours
• Swim and snorkel at anchor in a calmer bay when the captain drops anchor
• Food and drinks included, from fruit and sandwiches to beer, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water
• Basic snorkeling equipment is provided so you do not need to pack gear
• Barefoot on board policy, unless you have a health reason to wear shoes

A 3-hour sailing wildlife hunt on Tenerife’s south coast

If you like the idea of seeing marine life without spending a full day at sea, this trip is built for you. It’s short enough that it feels low-pressure, but long enough to cover the typical “search and watch” time before stopping for a swim.

The yacht itself matters. A 52-feet sailboat is stable and has deck space where you can actually change positions to look around. In small groups, you get a more natural feel, like you’re out with a crew and not squeezed into a floating crowd.

And the wildlife focus is real. You’re not just doing a sightseeing cruise with a vague chance of spotting something. The plan is to head toward the whales and dolphins area, then spend time watching, often with the boat’s engine managed carefully so the animals are not being bullied by noise.

Where the tour starts in Puerto Colón (and what to do when you arrive)

This trip starts at the marina in Puerto Colón, at the dock called Pantalán number zero. The easiest way to find it is to look for the Miishi Restaurant nearby. You’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes early so you can get settled before departure.

Hotel pickup is not included. If you’re staying somewhere else on Tenerife, you’ll need your own way to get to Puerto Colón. For cars, there are two parking areas at the port, and one review notes it is roughly 1€ per hour, so factor that into your plan if you drive.

Once you’re onboard, there’s a clear expectation that you’ll be barefoot on the boat’s deck, except in case of health issues. If you’re used to wearing sandals on vacation, this is one of those small rules that can surprise you, so bring shoes for outside the boat, but plan on going barefoot once you’re sailing.

Cruising the Tenerife south coast while the crew searches for whales and dolphins

After a short briefing, the yacht heads out to the whales and dolphins area along Tenerife’s southern coastline. This is where the trip earns its reputation, because the crew doesn’t treat the wildlife spotting as a gamble.

You’ll get commentary as you sail, and the crew tends to point out where dolphin and whale sightings are more likely. On many departures, you’ll also feel the difference between “watching from a moving boat” and “actually being patient.” When pilot whales are around, the captain and crew often adjust the plan to give you time to observe them.

What you might see is broad, but the common targets are pilot whales and dolphins, and the tour also includes turtles in the mix. Several trips mention a turtle sighting, and others mention lots of pilot whales, sometimes including mothers and calves close to the boat when conditions allowed.

The engine-management moment that makes wildlife watching feel respectful

One of the most praised details is how the captain handles proximity. On calmer days, you may even notice the crew turning off the motor so the yacht does not interrupt the animals as much. That’s not just a nice gesture. It changes the whole feel of the encounter.

When the engine is off, you get a quieter, more natural moment. You can hear the water, feel the boat settle, and watch the animals without the constant vibration. People also describe some close, exciting encounters, with the important part being that the captain keeps decisions controlled instead of chasing the animals.

This does come with a small tradeoff: when you’re waiting for the animals to move into view, the schedule is less “rushed by a checklist.” If you want a strict timetable with photo stops at specific landmarks, this style may feel slower. For wildlife lovers, it’s exactly the right pace.

What the swim and snorkel stop looks like once the captain drops anchor

The tour includes time to swim and snorkel in a bay chosen by the captain. This is not a busy beach stop with strangers walking in and out. You’re anchoring briefly in a calmer spot, then getting a window to jump in.

The water can be clear and bright, and you’ll have basic snorkeling equipment provided. That matters because it reduces what you have to pack and it keeps the focus on the experience, not the logistics of finding gear once you’re on the island.

The swim break is usually quick, but it is also part of the fun because you get a second “mode” on the trip. First you’re watching wildlife from above, then you’re in the water looking out into a different world. Bring your swimwear and towel in your day bag, and keep sunscreen handy because this is sun-forward time at sea.

One practical thing to know: if you’re excited about snorkeling, you’ll want to move efficiently. Some trips spend a lot of time with whales and then have less time left for a long swim, so the best results come from being ready when the boat is ready.

What’s included on board (and how to judge the value)

You get food and drinks, and that is a big part of why this trip can feel like good value.

Included basics:

• Fresh fruits and sandwiches
• Drinks including beers, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water
• Basic snorkeling equipment

At around $88 per person for a 3-hour outing, the math makes more sense when you remember you’re paying for a yacht, a guide, wildlife searching time, and a swim stop, not just a short boat ride. The included food also helps you avoid the expensive “tour snacks” problem that can pop up elsewhere.

Several people mention that sandwiches are prepared on board and served when conditions allow, sometimes with extra care when the sails are up. Either way, you’re not arriving hungry, and you’re not forced to buy drinks mid-tour.

If you’re a water person, I’d still suggest you keep an eye on your personal hydration. Water is included, but on sunny Tenerife days, you may want more than you think.

Group size and comfort, why this trip feels different when it is not packed

A theme in the feedback is how the experience feels intimate when the boat is not full. Small groups of around 7 to 10 people show up in descriptions, and that has real consequences for how you enjoy the trip.

With fewer passengers:

• You can move around without fighting for deck space
• It’s easier to get a good view when whales surface
• The crew can talk to people without shouting over everyone

And it can help with comfort if you’re motion-sensitive. You may not solve motion completely, but the chance to pick where you sit can matter. If you tend to feel queasy, it’s smart to choose a spot where the ride feels smoother for you, rather than locking into the first seat you see.

Weather, wind, and what happens if there is not enough sail

This is a sailing yacht, but sailing depends on wind. On some days, there may not be enough wind to set the sails much, so you might get more motor time than expected. That is still part of operating a boat safely and effectively.

The bright side is that even on less windy days, you still get the main experience: wildlife searching, educational commentary, and the bay swim stop. A few notes also mention sails being raised when conditions allowed, which makes the whole trip feel even more like what you imagined when you booked a sail.

So plan mentally for either outcome. You’re booking for the wildlife and the bay swim, and you’re getting the sailboat experience as conditions allow.

Who should book this and who might want to think twice

This tour is a great fit for:

• People who want a short, focused wildlife outing instead of a full-day marathon
• Families who like activities with a swim at the end of the boat portion
• Couples and friends who want a more relaxed, small-group atmosphere
• Snorkelers who want basic gear provided and a calmer bay stop

It may be a less perfect fit if:

• You know you get seasick easily and cannot handle choppy water
• You expect a rigid “sightseeing checklist” with fixed landmark photo stops
• You need hotel pickup, since this one starts at Puerto Colón dock zero

Also remember the barefoot deck rule. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it is a comfort issue for some people, especially if you prefer footwear even indoors.

Tips to make the most of your time in the sun and at sea

You’ll get the best results if you come prepared for both sun and water.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

And keep in mind that you’re likely to be barefoot on board. If you want to protect your feet from deck heat or for comfort while boarding, think about how you’ll transition from shoes outside to barefoot inside.

If you’re sensitive to motion, the safest move is to plan where you’ll sit once onboard. People describe some rougher moments on certain days, with bouncy waves. In those conditions, your comfort depends a lot on your chosen position.

Finally, wear sunscreen early. Tenerife sun is not shy, and you’ll have a few hours where the deck time adds up.

Should you book this Tenerife whale and dolphin sailing trip?

If you want pilot whales, dolphins, and a chance at turtles in a relaxed 3-hour window, I think this is an easy yes. The best versions of the trip include lots of whale time, often a respectful approach like turning off the engine, and a real swim stop with snorkeling gear already covered.

It’s also good value for the money when you price it as yacht time plus included food and drinks. For around $88, you’re not just paying for “maybe we’ll see something,” you’re paying for the effort of searching plus the comfort of snacks, drinks, and a bay swim.

Just be honest with yourself about seasickness. If you know choppy water affects you, choose your seat carefully, and come with the right expectations. If you can handle that one risk, this is a strong way to spend a Tenerife afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the sailing excursion?

The trip runs for about 3 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the Pantalán (dock) number zero in Puerto Colón. You can search for Miishi Restaurant to help you find the dock.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What is included for food and drinks?

You’ll get fresh fruits and sandwiches, plus a selection of beverages such as beers, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Basic snorkeling equipment is included.

Should I bring swimwear and a towel?

Yes. Swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are recommended so you can swim and snorkel during the stop.

What animals are you likely to see?

The tour focuses on pilot whales and dolphins, and turtles are also part of what you may spot.

Are there any rules about footwear onboard?

There is a barefoot on board policy, except in case of health issues.

What languages are available for the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English, Spanish, French, and Italian.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.