Private Yacht Tour With Whale and Dolphin Watching 42 Foot Boat

A private yacht cruise in Tenerife is interesting because you get the open Atlantic as your classroom. You start from Playa de las Américas, then head out to areas where pilot whales hang around year-round, plus dolphins and sea turtles. It is wildlife watching with room to move, not shoulder to shoulder.

I love two things about this trip. First, you’re on a private boat with up to 11 passengers, so the vibe stays easy and relaxed. Second, you get sonar and snorkeling gear, plus an open bar, so the trip has more than one way to connect with marine life.

One possible drawback: wildlife depends on conditions. The cruise needs good weather, and if it’s poor, you may be offered a different date or a full refund. Also, even with sonar, you are still “out looking,” not guaranteed a whale photo every time.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Private yacht for up to 11, so you can spread out on deck and enjoy the ride without crowds
• Pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles are all on the wildlife lookout list in local waters
• Sonar equipment is included, giving your skipper an extra tool while scanning the sea
• Snorkeling gear + a swim stop, with time to anchor and jump in
• Champagne on arrival + unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water
• Vegetarian option available, if you tell them when booking

Where you board, what happens first, and why the timing feels good

Your day starts at Puerto Colon, pantalan 2 in Costa Adeje. This is where the yacht is waiting, and you meet the skipper for a safety briefing and a quick orientation before you head out. It’s not a long lecture. It is more like the “get your bearings fast” moment that makes the rest of the trip feel smooth.

Once you step aboard, you’ll see why this style of cruise works. The yacht is a 40-foot sailing boat with deck space for moving around, and a comfortable saloon cabin for when you want to sit and take in the coast from the water. There’s even a kitchenette onboard, which hints at the comfort level you get once everyone settles.

Then you’re off from the water toward Playa de las Américas and the open Atlantic. Even before you spot anything, there’s a payoff: Tenerife’s coastline looks different from offshore, and that first cruise stretch gives you time to relax before wildlife scouting gets serious.

The sonar-and-skipper approach to whale and dolphin watching

The core of this experience is wildlife watching in Tenerife waters. Your skipper takes you to areas known for whale and dolphin sightings, and pilot whales are specifically mentioned as present year-round.

What I like here is the setup. You are not just staring at the horizon and guessing. You’ll have sonar equipment, which your skipper can use while listening for whales and dolphins. It’s a practical advantage for wildlife spotting because it adds another layer of information beyond eyesight alone, especially on choppier days when scanning can be harder.

And the human factor matters. Reviews highlight skippers like Guy, Juan Angel, and Maxi for being relaxed hosts and clearly focused on wildlife. That shows up in how the trip feels in real time: when someone knows where to look, the whole cruise becomes less frantic and more fun.

What should you expect if you’re lucky? The best-case outcomes in this experience include seeing pilot whales and dolphins, and sometimes sea turtles too. The trip is designed so that if wildlife shows up, you can switch from cruising to watching without losing the rhythm of the day.

Snorkeling gear, a swim stop, and how to actually use the time

Here’s what makes the experience more than a sightseeing loop: there’s a scheduled moment where the yacht drops anchor and you can swim. This is one of those “use it or regret it” parts. The water time breaks up the cruise, and it turns the trip into a full water day instead of just a boat ride.

If you want to go a step further, snorkeling equipment is included. You can use it while anchored to explore underwater life close up. The trip description specifically points to the chance of viewing sea turtles and other marine life.

My practical advice: don’t treat snorkeling like a performance. Keep it simple. If you’re new, practice calm kicks and steady breathing right after you get in. If you see something, give it a moment before you chase it. And if you’re with kids or mixed-skill swimmers, the anchored swim is a great way to keep everyone together.

Even if you don’t snorkel, that swim anchor is still a huge win. You’ll feel how quiet the sea is when you’re not just passing through it.

The onboard experience: drinks, snacks, and comfort that doesn’t feel staged

Food and drinks are part of the value here, and they are not an afterthought. Champagne arrives first, then the bar stays open with unlimited wine, beer, sodas, and bottled water. That’s the kind of open bar where you can relax and actually enjoy the sea air without constantly checking what’s included.

There are also light snacks served during the cruise, plus assorted nibbles. The reviews mention tasty snacks and baguettes, and that tracks with the “light refreshments” setup. This is not a full restaurant meal, but it is enough to keep you comfortable, especially because you’ll be in and out of sun and water.

Comfort details matter too. With deck space, a saloon cabin, and a kitchenette, the yacht gives you options. If you want shade, you can get it. If you want views, you can move. This is one reason private boat time feels better than group tours that force everyone into one zone.

Cruise length and the smartest way to choose 3 vs 6 hours

You can pick either a 3-hour or a 6-hour cruise, and you can choose morning or afternoon. Even if the “ideal” wildlife window is a mystery to you, longer time usually translates into more chances to meet marine life.

A 3-hour cruise is a great fit when you want the big highlights without building a whole half-day plan around it. You’ll still get the cruise out to wildlife areas, drinks and snacks, and the chance to swim and snorkel.

The 6-hour option is for people who want breathing room. More time means you can enjoy the sea at a slower pace, spend longer watching for whales and dolphins, and take advantage of the water time without feeling rushed.

My rule of thumb: if it’s your first trip to Tenerife and you’re juggling other plans, choose 3 hours. If you’re a wildlife-first traveler or you hate feeling like the boat is constantly moving, choose 6 hours.

Price, group size, and whether it feels like a deal

The price is $716.45 per group, with a maximum of 11 people. That means the real cost per person depends on how full your private booking becomes.

If you fill all 11 spots, you’re looking at about $65 per person. If you have fewer people, the per-person rate rises, but you still keep the big advantage: private yacht time. In other words, you are paying for privacy, space, and a skipper-led wildlife hunt with included drinks and snorkeling gear.

I think this is good value if you can travel as a group of friends or a family. It’s also a strong option if you want to avoid the “watching wildlife from the edge of a crowd” feeling. A full boat on a private charter is simply a nicer way to do it, and the included sonar, snorkeling equipment, and drinks make the total package feel complete rather than nickel-and-dimed.

Who this trip suits best (and who might want to adjust expectations)

This is ideal for people who want a hands-on water day in Tenerife. If you like whales and dolphins, but you also want the option to swim and snorkel, this format fits both moods.

It’s also a good call for families. One of the review highlights mentions that a family had time to swim, and the private setting makes it easier to manage kids, gear, and energy levels without worrying about strangers pressing in.

If you’re planning a romantic day, it can work well too. Private yacht time plus champagne and the open bar gives you the “special occasion” feel without being overly formal.

One note on expectations: you’re going out to look for wildlife in local waters, not checking off a guaranteed ticketed event. Sonar helps, the skipper knows where to search, and the area is known for sightings. But the sea still controls the final outcome.

Practical heads-up: pickup, tickets, and what to confirm

This tour offers pickup, but hotel pick-ups are not included. You’ll need to contact the provider at least 24 hours before the trip starts to arrange pickup details. Best practice is to contact them as soon as you book, so there’s no last-minute scramble.

You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation comes at booking time. If you have dietary needs, there’s a vegetarian option available. Just tell them when you book.

Finally, remember the meeting point is Puerto Colon, pantalan 2. Being on time matters because the whole trip is built around departures and the time you spend out on the water.

Should you book this private whale-and-dolphin yacht tour?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a private small-group way to do Tenerife wildlife, with real added extras. The sonar equipment and included snorkeling gear turn it from a simple boat ride into an active ocean experience. Add the champagne, unlimited drinks, and a proper deck-and-cabin setup, and it’s easy to see why this gets a strong 5-star score across multiple recent bookings.

I’d think twice if you have limited flexibility with weather. The experience requires good weather, and if conditions are poor you may be offered another date or a full refund. Also, if you prefer big-group tours for cheaper prices, this private format is built for comfort and control, not budget mass transport.

If your group size can be near the full 11, you get the best math. If you’re traveling with fewer people, it still makes sense if privacy, included drinks, and a swim-and-snorkel option are high on your list.

FAQ

How long is the yacht tour?

You can choose a 3-hour or a 6-hour cruise. Duration is listed as approximately 3 hours, with options to match your schedule.

Where do you meet for the tour?

You start at Puerto Colon, pantalan 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but hotel pick-ups are not included. You need to contact the provider at least 24 hours before the trip starts for pickup details.

What wildlife equipment is included?

You get sonar equipment for listening for whales and dolphins, and snorkeling equipment is included as well.

What food and drinks are provided?

You’ll have a glass of Champagne, plus unlimited beer, wine, sodas, and bottled water. Light refreshments and snacks are also included.

Do you have to pay extra for a vegetarian meal?

A vegetarian option is available. You need to advise the provider at the time of booking if you want it.

What’s the maximum group size?

The booking can include a maximum of 11 people per group, since it’s a private tour.