Reviewed · SNORKELING TOURS

SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private

5.0 · 7 reviews 3 hours (approx.) From $600 Operated by Sea Safari · Bookable on Viator
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A private sea safari in Tenerife is interesting because it trades the big-boat chaos for a smaller boat and more control over how you approach wildlife. You’re out on the water for about 3 hours, hunting for dolphins and whales while still getting time to swim and snorkel.

What I like most is the mix of animal spotting and actual water time. Snorkeling gear is included, so you can show up with just swim clothes and not a suitcase full of kit. The second thing I like is the small-but-real comfort factor, sandwiches and soft drinks on board keep you from turning into a grumpy sea-salt statue.

One drawback to consider: because this is a speedboat-style experience, it may not feel great if you’re very sensitive to wind or choppy conditions. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring what helps you, because you will be moving.

Key things to know before you go

SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private - Key things to know before you go

  • Private by design: You go with only your group, up to a maximum of 11 people.
  • Gear included: Snorkeling and swim time happen with equipment supplied on board.
  • Food and drink included: Sandwiches and soft drinks are part of the experience.
  • Wildlife focus: Dolphins and whales are the main goal, with other marine life sometimes seen too.
  • English-speaking staff: The experience is offered in English.
  • Local guidance feel: Reviews highlight captains who look for animals early and explain what you’re seeing.

Why a private Sea Safari from Playa de las Américas feels different

SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private - Why a private Sea Safari from Playa de las Américas feels different
If you’ve ever done a whale-watching trip that felt like a moving traffic jam, this kind of outing is a breath of fresh air. The whole point here is a smaller, private setup. Instead of sharing attention with a crowd, you can get closer and stay calmer while the boat searches for wildlife.

You also get the practical side right away. This is not just sighting photos from a deck. You can swim and snorkel, and the gear is handled for you. That matters because most people waste time on vacation hunting for rentals, then they still end up stressed trying to fit everything in.

And yes, there’s food. It’s sandwiches and soft drinks on board, not a fancy meal, but it’s enough to reset your energy. After time on the water, that little bit of routine helps you enjoy the wildlife moment instead of counting the minutes until you can eat.

More whale and dolphin trips in Tenerife:

Meeting at Sea Safari Tenerife and setting out from Puerto Colón

SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private - Meeting at Sea Safari Tenerife and setting out from Puerto Colón
Your starting point is the Sea Safari Tenerife location at Av. de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas. The experience includes a stop at Puerto Colón, which is where the sea portion begins in a straightforward, no-nonsense way. You also return to the same meeting area to wrap up.

What you should picture is a smooth transition from harbor to open water. This is a speedboat-style safari, and reviews emphasize that the boat can get close to dolphins and whales when conditions allow. The captain’s goal is simple: find animals early, then spend time with them in a way that doesn’t feel rushed.

Timing is roughly 3 hours total, so you don’t need to treat this like an all-day production. It works well as a half-day plan that still feels like a real activity, not a short photo stop.

Dolphin and whale spotting, plus how the crew helps you actually see them

SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private - Dolphin and whale spotting, plus how the crew helps you actually see them
The headline here is dolphins and whales, and the best part is how the crew looks for them. Reviews mention captains and guides who scan ahead and spot animals before everyone else. That skill changes the experience, because whale watching is often about patience plus timing, not just luck.

You’ll likely do a first stretch of cruising to reach the area where wildlife is active. Once you’re there, the boat slows down and you spend time watching. One review even mentions drifting with the motor off at times, which sounds like a key part of why animals felt comfortable and came closer.

Don’t go in only thinking about whales. Dolphins can be the easier highlight, and the boat can follow schools so you get more than one quick look. Reviews also mention possible bonus wildlife like sea turtles, flying fish, and even tuna. Those are not guaranteed, but they show the kind of marine life this route can produce.

Snorkeling and swim time without packing gear

SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private - Snorkeling and swim time without packing gear
Here’s the practical win: you do not need to bring snorkeling equipment. It’s included on board, and that removes a big barrier for first-timers. You can focus on what matters, getting comfortable in the water and enjoying the moment when marine life is nearby.

The water time also makes the trip feel more complete. This isn’t just watching from a distance while you stay dry and stuck in sunburn prevention mode. You get to swim, and you get to snorkel, with the timing built into the 3-hour structure.

One thing to keep in mind: water time depends on conditions and what the captain is seeing. In some recent trips, the swim window has been around 20 minutes, which is enough to cool off and snorkel without burning the whole schedule.

If you’re going with kids or non-swimmers, you’ll still want to be realistic. Most people can participate, but actual comfort in open water varies. Bring a calm attitude and follow the captain’s lead, because they’re balancing safety, wildlife activity, and the sea state.

More snorkeling spots around Tenerife:

The sandwiches and soft drinks that make the sea safari easier

SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private - The sandwiches and soft drinks that make the sea safari easier
On a boat, hunger doesn’t wait. This tour’s snack plan is simple: sandwiches and soft drinks included. It’s the kind of food that doesn’t require utensils, doesn’t get messy, and keeps you from feeling drained right when you want energy for spotting and swimming.

Think of it like this. Wildlife watching is visually intense. Snorkeling takes physical energy. If you start the day hungry, you end up tired, distracted, and less likely to enjoy the scenery and animal behavior.

In reviews, the snack-and-drink stop is also described as part of the natural rhythm. You watch for animals, head toward a swim area, take a break to eat and drink, then cruise back for more sightings and views along the way. That flow helps the whole trip feel cohesive.

Private group size up to 11 and what that changes on the water

SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private - Private group size up to 11 and what that changes on the water
This is private and built for a smaller group. The tour runs for a maximum of 11 people, and only your group participates. That matters because wildlife watching is a lot easier when you’re not trying to see through elbows and camera arms.

A smaller group also tends to make the captain’s job easier. When fewer people need guidance at once, the crew can spend more time positioning the boat where animals are, instead of constantly adjusting to crowd movement.

There’s also a social angle. If you’re traveling with friends or family, you can treat this like a shared adventure rather than a join-the-line excursion. If you’re solo, private trips can feel surprisingly personal if the captain explains what you’re seeing and you get to ask questions without shouting over noise.

One caution: private doesn’t automatically mean quiet. Speedboats can be loud, and everyone will want to look at the same spot. If noise bothers you, bring what helps you tolerate onboard sound, and just mentally prepare for a lively boat vibe.

Captain-led local knowledge, from Nico to Captain Eric

SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private - Captain-led local knowledge, from Nico to Captain Eric
What makes this experience stand out in reviews is the feel of hands-on, local leadership. People mention guides such as Nico and captains such as Captain Eric, with a focus on animals, environment, and respectful viewing.

The best part of that style is not just facts, it’s timing and attention. When the guide has a strong eye for where marine life is likely to show up, you spend more of your 3 hours watching and less time waiting. Reviews also describe guides finding pilot whales early and spotting animals before the group catches on.

You’ll also notice the emphasis on animal well-being. That shows up in how the crew approaches and how the boat behaves around the animals. Instead of feeling like wildlife is a show that needs to be forced, it feels more like you’re guests in their space, with the captain doing the work to keep things smooth.

At the end, reviews describe a fun wrap-up as well, sometimes a lively return cruise back to harbor. That’s not the main point of whale watching, but it’s a nice way to end the trip with a smile rather than exhaustion.

Value and price, and why the included extras matter

SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private - Value and price, and why the included extras matter
The price is listed at $600.79 per group (up to 1), and the experience lasts about 3 hours. That sounds high in a vacuum, but the value changes when you count what’s included.

Here’s what you’re getting that many “cheap” boat trips quietly charge you for:

  • Snorkeling gear provided on board
  • Sandwiches and soft drinks included
  • Private format with only your group
  • A speedboat setup designed to get you closer when animals are around

If you’re comparing against group cruises, the math often favors private when you have even a small party. You pay for fewer people sharing the experience, plus you avoid the rental hassle and expense of bringing gear.

Also, the trip is short enough to feel like a good use of time. In 3 hours, you can realistically leave with both memories and photos, plus the satisfaction of swimming and snorkeling, not just looking.

Who should book this Sea Safari, and who should think twice

This trip fits best if you want:

  • A wildlife-first outing without the stress of crowded boats
  • Included snorkel gear and a real swim break
  • A private group feel, up to 11 people
  • English-speaking guidance

It might be less ideal if:

  • You get motion sick easily and haven’t found a remedy that works for you
  • You’re expecting long, shore-based sightseeing or a slow, nature-walk style day. This is an on-water experience with action, not a museum tour with views.

One more practical note: it’s near public transportation and most people can participate, so it’s not hard to reach. But once you’re on the boat, you’ll want to follow the captain’s safety lead and dress for wind.

Should you book Sea Safari Tenerife?

Yes, if you want a private 3-hour trip that actually mixes wildlife spotting with snorkeling and swimming, and you like the idea of not packing gear. The included sandwiches and soft drinks are a real convenience, and reviews highlight strong captain and guide support, including names like Nico and Captain Eric.

If you’re extremely sensitive to boat conditions, you should plan carefully and bring your motion-sickness solution. Otherwise, this is a strong choice for a half-day in Tenerife when you want dolphins and whales to be the main event.

FAQ

How long is the Sea Safari Tenerife tour?

The tour is approximately 3 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour is for a maximum of 11 persons.

Are snorkeling and swim activities included?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are part of the experience, and the gear is on board.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. You do not need to bring snorkeling gear because it is included.

What food and drinks are provided?

Sandwiches and soft drinks are included.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Av. de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Is mobile ticketing available?

Yes. A mobile ticket is provided.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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