Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Tour

Whales and dolphins, up close, in a speedboat. This tour from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje is built for close wildlife watching without the big-boat crowd, and it pairs the ocean hunt with a real snorkeling stop using included gear. I love how the day is compact and active, so you spend less time sitting and more time looking out over the Atlantic.

Two things I especially like: the small group cap of 11 (it feels personal fast), and the chance to see more than dolphins and whales, including turtles when conditions line up. The one drawback to plan around is weather and sea state, since your route and the swim timing can shift depending on what the day gives you.

If you do this, pay attention to the captain’s approach. Reviews repeatedly highlight skipper Nico and a respectful way of working around animals, backed by the tour boat’s official government license (Barco Azul). It is a short trip, but it is not casual about safety or animal care.

Quick hit points (what makes this one worth your time)

• Small-group energy with a maximum of 11 people onboard
• Official marine-spotting license (Barco Azul) for dolphins and whales
• Snorkeling gear included, plus a swim stop at Palm-Mar or La Caleta (La Caletta)
• Snacks and drinks onboard, so you are not hungry out on the water
• Captain Nico often draws big sightings, from pilot whales and turtles to rare moments like orcas

Setting Sail From Puerto Colón, then letting the Atlantic decide

This starts at the harbor in Puerto Colón, in the south of Tenerife (Costa Adeje). You head out on a speedboat for about 2 hours of wildlife searching. You are not getting picked up, so I recommend you build a little extra buffer to get to the meeting point on time, especially if you are staying elsewhere on the island.

Once you are onboard, the vibe is simple: get comfortable, get your eyes working, and trust the captain to scan for blows, movement, and the kinds of splashes that usually mean something is out there. The route is not fixed in stone, because the ocean is not a theme park. If sea conditions are rough, the captain can adapt, and that affects where you swim too.

In practice, this format is great if you want real time on the water. Big-boat tours can mean longer travel time just to reach a viewing area. Here, the day is designed so you are actually doing the watching, then you get to cool off with water time.

The Wildlife Hunt: dolphins, whales, turtles, and the species surprises

You are looking for dolphins, whales, and possibly turtles. That sounds straightforward, but the fun is that you never know which flavor of “whale day” you’ll get. Some trips focus on dolphins first, others line up whales early, and sometimes you get both.

From the sightings described, you might see:

• Pilot whales (including family groups, depending on what’s around)
• Bottlenose dolphins
• Loggerhead and other turtle sightings
• Rare “wow” moments like orcas in the right conditions
• Extra sea-life surprises like flying fish (one of the most common crowd-pleasers)
• Less common mentions such as a baby hammerhead shark and a sun fish

The key is how close you get. Multiple reviews mention seeing animals quite near, and the captain’s behavior is a big part of why that feels special. You are not watching from far away, and you are also not getting that frantic, chasing energy. The official Barco Azul licensing matters here because it signals they operate within the rules set for approaching marine life.

A note on expectations

This is a speedboat, but it is not a redline roller coaster. One reviewer specifically noted they expected it to be faster and felt it was more respectful of the wildlife. That is a good sign for you, because it usually means you get better animal behavior and steadier viewing time.

Palm-Mar or La Caleta: the swim and snorkeling part that makes it feel complete

After the wildlife spotting, the tour heads to Palm-Mar or La Caletta depending on the weather. This is the second big “why” of the trip. Wildlife watching is exciting, but snorkeling is what turns it into a full water experience.

You get snorkeling gear included, and there is typically a swim opportunity in a cove or calm area. Reviewers describe it as fun and easy to do during the trip, not a separate activity you have to plan. The water break also balances out the sun exposure from the speedboat ride.

What to expect during the water time

You’ll likely be able to:

• Put on the snorkeling gear and look around underwater
• Swim in the sea if conditions allow
• Take a breath and reset after the open-ocean watching

Some reviews mention an underwater scooter as an added fun element. That is not something I would count on for every departure, but it suggests there can be extra gear or options available during the swim time.

If the day is windy

The tour does not promise perfect calm seas. If the Atlantic is acting up, your swim spot can change, and your time in the water can be shorter. The good news is the tour duration stays compact, so even if wildlife is quieter, you still get the water stop and included snack and drink.

Captain Nico and the Barco Azul license: why the experience feels safe and respectful

A recurring name in the reviews is Nico. People describe him as a captain and guide who takes his time with animal interactions and communicates well about what you’re seeing.

This matters for two reasons. First, it affects the quality of the sightings. When you are allowed to approach properly and the captain works with animal behavior, you often get closer and more sustained views. Second, it affects your comfort. Reviews mention feeling safe onboard and enjoying the ride without the sense that anyone is rushing the animals.

The tour boat’s official license, Barco Azul, is part of the credibility here. It is not just a marketing label. A government-issued license for dolphin and whale activities implies an official framework for how operators conduct these encounters.

One review even noted the captain picking up plastic trash during the trip. That might not happen every day, but it matches the broader theme: attention to the marine environment, not just “find an animal at any cost.”

How the 2 to 3 hours actually plays out day to day

The official duration is 2 to 3 hours. That’s short enough to fit into a busy Tenerife itinerary, especially if you want an early-day activity without losing your whole afternoon.

Here’s the rhythm you should expect:

1. Meet at Puerto Colón harbor (meeting point can vary by option)
2. Set sail for open-ocean spotting (about 2 hours is a common timeframe)
3. Look for dolphins, whales, and maybe turtles
4. Head to Palm-Mar or La Caletta for a swim or snorkeling stop
5. Enjoy included drinks and snacks after or around the water break
6. Back to finish within the booked duration

A small group helps this timeline feel smoother. When the boat holds up to 11 people, it is easier to hear guidance, keep track of what the captain is pointing out, and avoid the feel of a giant herd.

Shared vs private options

You can book private or shared. Either way, the core experience stays the same: speedboat watching, then a swim/snorkel stop. Private just changes how crowded you feel and how your group dynamics work.

Drinks, snacks, and the value behind the $53 price

Price is $53 per person, which is not pocket-change. So I look for what you get that justifies it.

You are paying for:

• A licensed speedboat cruise
• A captain who guides the search
• Snorkeling gear included
• Drinks and snacks onboard
• A tight 2 to 3 hour outing that packs in both wildlife and water time

The best value part is the small group size. When you pay similar amounts for larger boats, you often get less personal attention and more waiting. Here, with a max of 11 onboard and reviews praising the captain’s animal approach, the experience feels like you are actually part of the hunt, not just watching other boats pass by.

Also, no pickup is the one thing that can quietly affect your total cost. If you have to take a taxi to the harbor, factor that in. But once you’re there, you do not need to buy food or snorkeling gear. That makes the $53 feel more grounded.

What to bring (and what to do so the day stays pleasant)

This tour is straightforward, but the water and sun can be real. Here’s what you should bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen

I’d add two practical thoughts based on how these sea days feel:

• Wear sunscreen early, before you’re out on the boat.
• If you are sensitive to motion, you might consider bringing your own plan (some people mention seasickness prevention even on speedboats).

One more tip: keep your essentials simple. This is not a long hike day. You want easy access for your mask and snorkel, plus a place to put towels and wet gear after.

Who this tour is perfect for, and who should skip it

This is a great pick if you:

• Want dolphins and whales in a more personal setting than big boats
• Like active days with open-ocean time plus a real swim
• Prefer a small group atmosphere where you can hear guidance and ask questions in English or Spanish

It is also a solid family-friendly option in the sense that people of very different ages described enjoying it. The ride is fun, and the snorkeling stop gives kids and adults a second activity that is not only spotting from the surface.

Skip it if:

• You need wheelchair access. This is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• You hate being in the water. You can stay onboard, but the best part of the package is the swim/snorkel time.

If you are traveling with limited time in Tenerife, the 2 to 3 hour format is a bonus. It is easy to fit into a day without wrecking your plans for the evening.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts from the harbor of Puerto Colón in the south of Tenerife (Costa Adeje).

How long is the speedboat tour?

The duration is 2 to 3 hours.

Is it private or shared?

You can choose either a private group or a shared tour, depending on the option you select.

What is the group size limit?

The maximum group size is 11 persons.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Drinks and snacks are included.

Do I need to arrange pickup?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages are available for the guide?

The live guide speaks English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should you book Puerto Colón dolphin and whale watching by speedboat?

If your priority is seeing marine life up close in a small-group speedboat setting, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of wildlife time plus an actual Palm-Mar or La Caletta swim stop, with snorkeling gear and onboard snacks and drinks, gives you more than just a drive-by viewing experience.

Book it especially if you value respectful animal behavior. The captain’s approach and the Barco Azul licensing show up in how people describe their day, and it also helps you feel safer and calmer onboard.

The only real reason to hesitate is if you’re unwilling to deal with weather changes. Route and swim conditions can shift based on the sea. If you’re flexible, though, this is one of those Tenerife activities that feels both exciting and practical for the time it takes.