Tenerife Motor Boat Whale Watching & Snorkeling Experience

If you want a Tenerife outing that feels both wild and practical, this small-boat whale watching trip hits the sweet spot. I love the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, and I also love that it is not just watching from the deck, there is a real swim and snorkel break at a South Tenerife bay.

The one thing to think about: this is a compact 10.8m motor boat with room for about 11 people, so spots fill up quickly. If you want the front sunbeds, be ready for a narrow climb that is easy for some bodies and a little awkward for others.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 11 travelers keeps the experience feeling personal, not crowded
• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main goal, with wildlife spotting built into the route
• Playa del Puertito swim stop is your built-in break, with a chance to see turtles
• Shaded seating plus front sunbeds lets you pick your comfort style
• Puerto Colon as the start and finish makes it easy to tack on beach time before or after
• Mobile ticket makes check-in simpler than hauling paper

Why This South Tenerife Boat Trip Is Worth Your Time

Tenerife has no shortage of tours, but this one stands out because it is a straightforward plan that actually matches what you want from a whale day: wildlife first, then water time. You get a mix of open-water searching and a proper stop to get in and snorkel.

I like that it is built around wild animal watching without overpromising. Pilot whales and dolphins are the focus, and the captain keeps things moving along the South coastline where you can spot activity. It feels less like a checklist and more like a real day out at sea.

Then there is the second half that makes the trip feel complete. That bay stop at Playa del Puertito is not just a quick pause. You get enough time to swim, snorkel, and reset with snacks and drinks.

Small group energy is another big reason this works. With a maximum of 11 travelers on board, the crew can be attentive, and you are not stuck behind a wall of elbows.

The Boat, the Seating, and Where You’ll Want to Stand or Sit

This experience runs on a 10.8m motor boat designed to seat 11 people comfortably. That matters because you are not competing for space the way you do on bigger boats. You will still want to pick your spot early, especially if you know you want shade or you plan to be up front.

You effectively get two comfort zones:

• A large shaded seating area for people who prefer to stay cool
• Sunbeds at the front if you want sun and a higher viewing angle

One caution from real-world use: the front sunbeds involve a narrow climb. If you are traveling with mobility considerations or you just do not love scrambling, stay in the main seating area. If you are steady on your feet, the front can be great for spotting fins and spouts faster, because you are closer to the action and the sightlines can be better.

Also, since the group is small, it is easier to adjust. If you see something off to one side, you can shift without turning your whole body sideways like you would on a packed ferry.

Puerto Colon: The Easy Start and Finish Base

You start and finish at Puerto Colon, and the meeting point is listed as Av. de Colón, 128, 38660 Costa Adeje. That is useful because Puerto Colon is one of the big tourist ports in Tenerife.

Before the tour, you can walk around and get your bearings in a place that is already built for visitors. There are also shopping options and you can enjoy watching the water in the crystal-clean harbor area. If you like a pre-boat ritual, this is a good spot to do it.

After the tour, going back to the same area keeps your logistics simple. You can extend the day with beach time nearby or just hang out around the port with a drink and a snack.

The Morning Flow: Scenic South Coast Views

Once you leave Puerto Colon, part of the enjoyment is simply being out there. You travel along the Tenerife southern coastline, and that means the views are part of the experience even between whale or dolphin sightings.

When you are on a small boat, the coast feels closer. The water movement is also different from being on a large tour vessel, and you tend to notice changes fast. This is one of those trips where paying attention to what the captain is scanning for makes the time go quicker.

If you are the type who likes natural sights beyond the main event, you will appreciate this in-between time. It turns the trip into more than just a hunt, it feels like a short cruise with goals.

Playa del Puertito Swim and Snorkel Stop (Plus a Turtle Chance)

The highlight break on the water is the stop at Playa del Puertito, about 30 minutes. This is where the tour shifts from viewing to participating.

You can swim and snorkel in the bay, and there is a chance to see turtles. Even if you do not get a turtle sighting, you still get a practical, refreshing break from sitting in the boat shade.

This is also your window for snacks and drinks. I like that the plan gives time for real breaks, not just a quick splash. If you pack something small, you will have a moment to enjoy it without rushing.

A quick planning tip: snorkel time is short, so do not wait until the end to put your gear on. If you want to be efficient, get set early, then enjoy calmer water time. And if you prefer swimming only, you can still get a lot out of the stop without needing to focus on snorkeling.

Potential drawback here: thirty minutes goes fast. If you are a slower swimmer or you want to explore a lot underwater, you might wish you had more time. The tradeoff is that the rest of the trip stays focused on the whale and dolphin watching.

The Main Event: Pilot Whale and Dolphin Watching for About 2 Hours

The core experience is the wildlife section for about 2 hours. This is where you are looking for pilot whales and dolphins in the wild, and where the captain’s guiding matters.

On small boats like this, the experience is more hands-on in terms of your attention. You will be watching for movement patterns, quick surface breaks, and the subtle cues that tell you something is happening before the animals fully show themselves.

From what I’ve seen with trips like this in the Canary Islands, the biggest difference between a good day and an amazing one is how you react when you spot activity. Don’t freeze. Keep your eyes working, and be ready to shift position on the boat.

You should also be prepared for the reality of wildlife. There is no guarantee of exact sightings, but the plan is built to spend time looking. That is exactly why the two-hour window matters. It gives the captain time to search and reposition rather than rushing.

And when you do catch a pod, it tends to feel extra special on a small vessel because you are closer to the waterline and the animals’ behavior comes across more clearly.

What the Crew Style Feels Like On a Small Group Boat

One of the best parts of this trip is the way the boat team runs it. The tone is friendly and professional, and the captain pays attention to everyone on board.

Because the group is so small, you do not get the vibe of a strict factory process. Instead, it feels like a small team taking care of a few people at a time. That shows up in the small moments: where you sit, when you look, and how they handle the transition between watching and swimming.

A subtle value here is comfort and confidence. If you feel unsure about what to do when you get to the swim stop, a good crew makes it simple. You show up, follow instructions, and you can focus on enjoying the sea and the animals.

If you love trips where you feel cared for without being fussed over, this boat size helps.

How Much You’ll Actually Get for $69

At $69, you are paying for a short, focused outing that combines:

• A small motor boat ride
• About two hours dedicated to pilot whale and dolphin watching
• A 30-minute swim and snorkeling stop at Playa del Puertito
• Time on the day either side, since Puerto Colon is an active port area

What makes the value feel good is the structure. You are not paying just for a boat transfer. You are paying for two distinct parts: wildlife watching plus time in the water. The day is built so you are not wasting the time between sightings.

You also do not have to overthink ticket costs for the main water moments, since the admission tickets are listed as free at the Playa del Puertito stop and during the main Tenerife wildlife segment.

Could it be cheaper? Sure, but then you usually lose either boat size, quality of the experience, or the balance between viewing and swimming. Here, the price feels in line with getting a complete half-day-style experience in about three hours.

If your priority is whales and you also want a real swim break, you will likely feel like you got your money’s worth.

What to Pack and How to Prep for a 3-Hour Sea Day

This tour is about 3 hours approx., so you do not need a long packing list. Still, a couple of items can make a big difference.

Bring:

• Sunscreen (you will have sun time, and the front sunbeds are popular)
• A light layer or rash guard if you burn easily
• Swimwear that dries fast
• Your snorkel mask or gear if you have it already (the tour does not specify rentals, so plan as if you’ll want to bring what you prefer)
• Snacks and drinks if you like, since the Playa del Puertito stop is timed for that

Plan for water movement. Even on a calm day, the boat ride and the change between sitting and swimming can be a little different for your body. If you get motion-sensitive, consider taking that seriously before you go out.

Also, decide in advance where you want to spend time. If you want shade, plan to sit in the covered area. If you want sun and possible better sightlines, aim for the front, but remember the narrow climb.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a great fit if you want a compact, high-focus day in Tenerife. You like wildlife watching, you want a small group, and you want to actually get in the water instead of just looking at it.

It also works well for people who want easy logistics. The meeting point is near public transportation, and Puerto Colon is a familiar port area where you can make your day flow.

Consider this less if:

• You strongly dislike stepping up or down uneven surfaces, because the front sunbeds involve that narrow climb
• You need long time in the water, because Playa del Puertito is about 30 minutes
• You expect a large party atmosphere, because this stays intentionally small with a max of 11 travelers

On balance, if you are the type who enjoys calm competence, small-group sightseeing, and a realistic wildlife day, this boat trip matches your style.

Should You Book This Tenerife Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trip?

I would book it if your top goals are pilot whales and dolphins, plus a genuine swim and snorkel stop. The small group size and the mix of wildlife watching with a bay break makes the half-day feel complete.

Book it especially if you enjoy flexibility, because you can spend time in shade or on the sunbeds, and you will get a reset moment at Playa del Puertito.

If weather looks iffy, plan to be flexible. The experience notes it depends on good weather, and if it cannot run due to conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this is a strong choice for South Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife Motor Boat Whale Watching and Snorkeling Experience?

It is approximately 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Av. de Colón, 128, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, in the Puerto Colon area.

Do I need a paper ticket?

No. You’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What animals are you hoping to see during the tour?

The main goal is seeing pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Is there time to swim or snorkel?

Yes. There is a stop at Playa del Puertito for swimming and snorkeling for about 30 minutes.

Is there any chance to see sea turtles?

There is a chance to see turtles at the Playa del Puertito stop.

How many people are on the boat?

The boat has capacity for about 11 people comfortably, and the tour has a maximum of 11 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy if the weather is bad?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are service animals allowed on the tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.