Premium All Inclusive Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

What makes this experience stand out in Tenerife is that it is built around real search skills. You cruise the island’s southern coast with qualified skippers, and you also get a water moment with a snorkel option and a swim stop. In other words, it is not just sitting on a boat and hoping for the best.

What I like most is the small group setup (max 10 passengers), which keeps the vibe friendly and gives you a better chance to hear what is going on. I also like that it feels truly all inclusive, with alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and snacks included, plus snorkeling equipment provided when you want to get in the water.

One consideration before you book: this is ocean time, so conditions matter. On rough days, the boat ride can feel unpleasant for some people, and the snorkeling stop may not work as easily as you hoped.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Max 10 passengers makes it feel more personal and easier to manage onboard.
• Expert skippers help you focus on where whales and dolphins have been spotted before.
• All inclusive drinks and snacks mean you are not hunting for food once you are out at sea.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, with a scheduled opportunity to get in the water and a swim stop.
• Tenerife offers year-round possibilities, since residents live nearby, so you are not limited to a short season.
• Weather is part of the deal, and the operator says the trip requires good weather.

Tenerife Whale Watching From Puerto Colón, Built for Real Sightings

The starting point for this tour is Puerto Colón, in Playa de la Américas, Tenerife. That location is convenient because you are close to public transportation, so you are not stuck planning complicated transfers.

Then there is the boat size. Capped at 10 passengers (and listed with a maximum of 11 travelers), it is small enough that you feel included rather than shuffled into a crowd. That matters for whale and dolphin watching because the skipper’s instructions and spotting tips land better when everyone is paying attention, not yelling over each other.

You also benefit from the fact that Tenerife has resident whales living here year-round. That means the tour is not acting like every sighting is a miracle happening by luck alone. It is still nature out there, but the underlying odds are better than many places that rely on seasonal visitors.

How the 3 Hours Typically Feel on the Water

The duration is about 3 hours. In that time, you are focused on one big goal: finding whales and dolphins along the southern coast and learning what you are looking at.

Here is the practical rhythm you can expect from a trip like this:

You start by getting oriented onboard and hearing how the skipper searches for marine life. Then the boat heads out along the coastline, where the crew can move based on conditions and sightings. The goal is to position the boat where animals have been spotted before, not just pass by at random.

About halfway through, you get the fun extra that makes this tour feel more than a typical cruise: a swim stop. In addition, there is an opportunity to snorkel, and the tour provides snorkeling equipment. The swim stop is the part where you go from watcher to participant, which is why this experience can feel extra memorable even when you are not seeing something in every single moment.

One more detail to keep in mind: this experience ends back at the meeting point. So you avoid the stress of figuring out how you get back after a boat ride.

Why Expert Skippers Change Everything for Whale and Dolphin Watching

Whales and dolphins can be hard to spot, even when you are in the right region. The difference here is that the crew is not just steering and waiting. You are traveling with qualified skippers who know where sightings have been happening.

That shows up in the way the boat is used. Instead of treating the ocean like a static landscape, the skipper can adjust the route based on what is known, what is visible, and what the sea is doing that day. In practice, that is what turns a potentially quiet outing into one where you actually get real close looks.

The small-group format helps too. When you are one of fewer passengers, it is easier for the skipper to point out details and for you to find the right spot to watch. One review highlighted the experience as personalized with a calm sea and lots of sightings, and another praised the skipper by name, including Juan and Marie. That fits the general pattern of this tour, which is: the people running the boat make the difference.

There is also a learning angle. The tour is designed to teach you about marine life you encounter, so you leave with more than just photos.

All Inclusive Drinks and Snacks, and What That Actually Means for Value

At $21 for about 3 hours, this is positioned as budget-friendly relative to what many whale watching cruises cost, especially when you factor in what is included.

Here is what you should count as actual value:

• Snacks are provided, so you are not paying extra or going hungry while out at sea.
• Alcoholic drinks are included, plus soft drinks.
• You are not doing a separate meal plan before or after, because this tour is structured to feed you onboard.

Some people have described the snack as simple, like a homemade sandwich. That is not a deal-breaker for most, but it is worth mentally filing under: expect “included and convenient,” not “gourmet dining.”

Still, for the price, the combination of boat time plus drinks plus snacks is the main reason this tour often feels like a win. You are paying for the boat experience, and the food and drinks remove the extra expenses and timing hassles that can pop up on similar tours.

Snorkeling Equipment and the Swim Stop: Great When Conditions Behave

This tour includes snorkeling equipment and gives you an opportunity to get out and go snorkeling. It also includes a swim stop so you can enjoy the Atlantic water.

Now for the practical side. Snorkeling is weather and sea dependent. If the water is choppy or wind is strong, a swim stop can be less comfortable, and snorkeling can become difficult or even not workable as you expected. One review pointed out that snorkeling was impossible on a rougher day, and another said the snorkeling gear was not visible.

So here is how you can set yourself up for a smoother experience:

• Bring a swimsuit under your clothes so you are ready fast when the boat stops.
• Pack a towel and a spare layer in a dry bag.
• Expect that the skipper may prioritize safety over perfect conditions.
• If you are hoping to snorkel, be flexible and ready for a “swim stop only” outcome if the sea is not cooperating.

If you do get in, the payoff is real. This is the part that turns a whale watching cruise into a full marine outing where you experience the ocean directly.

Seeing Whales, Dolphins, and Even More

Tenerife’s resident population is a big reason you are not gambling entirely. The tour is designed around the idea that finding marine life is usually achievable.

What sightings can look like depends on the day:

• Many outings include whales and dolphins.
• Some outings may lean whale-forward if dolphins are farther away.
• You might also see other marine life, such as a sea turtle. That came up in a top-rated experience where the group saw whales, dolphins, and even a turtle.

One more point: because it is a moving boat, the quality of your viewing depends on where you are positioned at the time. With a small group, it is easier to shift your viewpoint when the skipper calls attention to a spot.

And remember, the most impressive sightings often come with patience. These animals can surface, move, and disappear quickly. If you keep scanning with the skipper’s guidance, you get the best odds.

Motion Sickness and Rough Seas, a Real Factor to Plan For

Even on a “good weather required” tour, the ocean can be unpredictable. The operator says the experience requires good weather, and the tour should be canceled and rescheduled or refunded if poor weather forces a change.

Still, it is smart to plan for how the ride might feel. One review described a day with strong wind and waves that made the trip unpleasant for more than half of the guests, including nausea and vomiting.

If you are sensitive to boat motion, do not ignore that. You can reduce the risk by:

• choosing the most stable seating when you board (ask the skipper or crew where they recommend)
• eating lightly before the trip
• bringing motion sickness support if you normally need it

Also, if you are traveling with kids, consider their comfort. One family review described very young kids handling the ride well, with the baby sleeping the whole time. Kids can be fine, but it depends heavily on sea conditions.

Small-Group Comfort, Staff Styles, and What to Expect Onboard

For many people, the biggest win is the onboard feel. A small group of seven or nine passengers often means you get more personal interaction and more room to move around.

The crew quality seems to vary day-to-day and person-to-person, which is normal in any service job. Most of the experience feedback leans positive, including warm, friendly service from Juan, described as interesting, welcoming, and skilled. But at least one review criticized a staff interaction and mentioned that snorkeling gear was not handled as expected.

If you want the smoothest experience, keep one mindset: communicate early and clearly. If you want to snorkel, say so right away. If you feel sea sick, mention it early so the crew can help you adjust. That kind of quick, respectful communication usually turns small issues into nothing.

Timing and What to Do With Departure Uncertainty

The tour is listed with a duration of about 3 hours, and the meeting point is Puerto Colón. But there is one timing reality to watch for: a few reports mentioned departure running later than expected, including standing in heat.

So I recommend you do two simple things:

• Arrive a bit early and use the time to get shade and water.
• Stay flexible. Even in good systems, departure timing can shift with sea conditions and boarding.

You will have a mobile ticket, which helps you avoid printing and speeds up check-in. Keep your phone charged, because you will want the ticket handy at the start.

Accessibility and Special Moments

This tour includes notes about easy access for disabled passengers, which is a strong plus if you need that kind of support.

It also mentions engagement specials for anyone looking to propose. If you are planning a proposal, ask about the timing with the operator, because your best moment will depend on when you get the sightings and when the swim stop happens. The “boat moment” can be beautiful, especially when the crew is attentive and the sea is calm.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This experience fits best if you want:

• a smaller group and a less chaotic vibe
• a serious attempt at sightings with expert steering
• an outing that includes more than just watching, thanks to snorkeling equipment and a swim stop
• included refreshments, especially if you do not want to spend time thinking about food

It can be a great option for families too. One review described a family with children aged 7, 5, and 1, where the baby slept through most of the trip and the kids were excited. If your family does well on boats, you will probably enjoy the mix of animals and water play.

If you are extremely seasick prone, you might want to think twice, or choose a plan that is more protected. Even with weather checks, a windy day can still make the ride rough.

Should You Book This Tenerife Whale and Dolphin Tour?

Yes, I think it is worth booking if you match the vibe. The price is low, the group size is small, and the all inclusive approach means you get real value without juggling extra costs. The expert skippers and year-round resident possibility also give it a stronger foundation than tours that rely on pure luck.

But book with eyes open:

• Take sea conditions seriously, especially if you get motion sickness.
• Bring basic swim readiness gear even though snorkeling depends on the sea.
• Plan for the possibility of departure timing changes, and arrive a little early.

If your ideal day in Tenerife is mixing marine life with time in the water, this is one of those tours that can feel like a full marine adventure in a short window.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching experience?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start in Tenerife?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón in Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is this a small group tour?

Yes. It is capped at a maximum of 10 passengers, and the activity lists a maximum of 11 travelers.

Are whales and dolphins likely year-round in Tenerife?

The tour information notes that Tenerife has resident whales that live there all year round, so finding them is usually not difficult.

Is snorkeling included or optional?

There is an opportunity to go snorkeling, and snorkeling equipment is provided. The tour also includes a swim stop.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour provides alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, plus snacks during the trip.

Is the tour accessible for disabled passengers?

The tour states that it offers easy access for disabled passengers.

What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.