Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

Pilot whales and turtles, right from the deck. I love how this small-group sail limits you to 10 passengers, so you get real viewing time instead of screen-time envy, and I also love the snorkeling pause with gear included. One downside to plan around: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to Puerto Colón dock No 5.

The vibe here is calm, hands-on, and practical. You sail along Tenerife’s south coast, with a professional crew focused on marine life sightings, then cool off with swimming and snorkeling in warm water while sipping cava, beer, wine, or soft drinks from the onboard setup of the Roulette.

Key things about this Tenerife sail that really matter

• Small group of 10 passengers means you can move for the best side of the boat without crowd pressure.
• Real wildlife time with pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds, watched without the circus feeling.
• Snorkeling is included and the gear is provided, so you can pack lighter.
• Onboard snacks and desserts plus drinks keep the mood easy for the full 3 hours.
• A professional captain and crew handle sailing, spotting, and guest comfort, including help if the sea gets choppy.

Why the 12-meter Roulette feels better than the big-boat version

This tour runs on a 12-meter sailboat that holds 10 passengers and 2 crew, with deck mats for comfort and a layout that stays civilized. Even if you’re not thinking about cabins, it matters because a smaller boat also means fewer bodies to squeeze past when you’re trying to get a clean look at wildlife.

You’ll feel the difference in how the crew manages the experience. On trips like this, wildlife watching can turn into a fast stampede on crowded decks. Here, the crew can focus on positioning the boat, keeping eyes on cetaceans, and giving you proper time during sightings. That’s a big deal for whales and dolphins, because the animals are the timetable, not the itinerary.

One detail I really like: on windier outings, the sailing is not just a transfer. You can end up sailing on the sails for long stretches while you watch the coastline and listen to the ocean do its thing.

Puerto Colón meeting point: get to dock No 5 early and you’ll be relaxed

This is not a door-to-door tour. You meet at the door of dock No 5 in Puerto Colón, ten minutes before departure. It’s the first jetty past the port parking barrier, and the ship is the Roulette.

If you’ve never navigated Puerto Colón docks before, give yourself extra breathing room. A few minutes early helps you avoid the classic travel moment of sprinting in flip-flops while trying to spot a boat name.

Also, plan to handle your own transfer to the port. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so factor in bus, taxi, or your existing plans in Costa Adeje or nearby areas.

South coast whale watching: what you can actually spot, and how the crew works

The heart of the trip is wildlife watching along Tenerife’s south coast. The crew is specialized in spotting cetaceans, and they bring lots of practical context about marine life and how the area works.

What you’re hoping for most:

• Pilot whales (often the big highlight, sometimes with calves)
• Bottlenose dolphins and other dolphin sightings
• Sea turtles
• Seabirds flying overhead or feeding along the waters

The best part is that the crew’s style is about watching, not chasing. When the animals show up, you usually get real, sustained viewing time. People describe pods coming right by the boat, including pilot whales that interacted closely with passengers. Another plus: the captain and crew try to give good views to both sides of the boat, so you’re not stuck craning your neck in the least scenic direction.

If you’re the kind of person who likes facts as much as photos, this tour leans into that. The captain and host typically share island geography and marine explanations in Spanish and English, with Italian also available. It’s the kind of commentary that helps you understand what you’re seeing, not just recite a species list.

A note for sensitive stomachs

Water can get choppy sometimes. If you know you’re prone to seasickness, this is worth taking seriously. The crew is attentive and has experience helping guests who feel unwell, including making sure people are cared for quickly and without embarrassment.

The snorkeling and swim stop: warm water, short enough to fit, long enough to matter

After the wildlife time, you get a chance to swim and snorkel. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll use it in warm Atlantic water during a stop in a secluded area.

A few things make this segment feel worthwhile:

• It’s not rushed into a photo op. You get a real swim window, and many trips include around 30 minutes for snorkeling.
• The setting is calm and scenic. People consistently describe the snorkeling spot as beautiful, often in a secluded bay.
• Some stops can include extras like a cave you can explore while you’re in the water.

If you’re new to snorkeling, don’t overthink it. The gear is provided, and being in a small-group boat helps because the crew can keep an eye on everyone in the water. If you’re experienced, you’ll appreciate that the stop is long enough to actually look around instead of just testing your mask for 60 seconds.

Practical tip: bring a quick plan for your photos. In the first minutes, focus on breathing and buoyancy. After that, then grab the shots.

Food and drinks on deck: why this is better than snacks-as-an-afterthought

You don’t just get drinks here. You get snacks, dessert, and multiple options at the bar-level table. Expect drinks such as:

• Mineral water
• Wine
• Cava
• Beer
• Soft drinks

Many departures also include things like sandwiches and cake during the sail. One of the consistent themes is that food is served in a casual, comfortable way: chips and baguette-style snacks, plus dessert slices, with drinks offered throughout the trip.

This matters for value. A lot of tours sell a wildlife experience and then hand you a granola bar. Here, the onboard setup helps you stay relaxed during the full 3 hours, so you’re not feeling hungry and irritable while you search for whales.

Dietary needs also come up in real-life operations. On at least some trips, the crew accommodates dietary requirements. If you have a specific allergy, I’d still message ahead, but the pattern suggests they’re willing to work with you.

And yes, cava can taste extra good when the sea is calm and you’re sitting in a sailboat that feels like it belongs on postcards.

The crew and the sailing: safety, humor, and real sea talk

What keeps this tour consistently high rated is the crew energy. Captains and hosts bring enthusiasm, humor, and practical marine insight, and they treat the trip like a shared experience rather than a scripted bus ride.

You may meet different crew members, but the types of service are very consistent:

• A captain who handles the sailing and spotting
• A host or steward who keeps snacks and drinks moving
• Clear help if someone feels sea sick
• Helpful guidance so you know when to look up for birds, or when to get ready for a swim

Trip styles also vary with conditions. Some days include noticeable wind that lets the boat sail longer stretches. Other days might be more engine-assisted, but the goal stays the same: make it feel like a real time on the water, not a constant rush.

Language support is a plus too. The live guide can speak Spanish, English, and Italian, which makes it easier for mixed groups to follow along and ask questions.

Itinerary flow, stop by stop, and what to expect during each phase

This is a tight 3-hour arc: port, open water spotting, then swim time, then back to port.

1) Departing from Roulette at Puerto Colón

You’ll gather at dock No 5 ten minutes early. Once you’re aboard, the tone is set fast: drinks and snacks are on the menu, and the crew starts scanning for wildlife while you’re still getting settled.

Good to know: because it’s a small boat, you can spread out a bit. Grab a comfortable spot on deck, keep your eyes moving, and get ready for the first wildlife signals.

2) Time on the water: whale and dolphin watching, plus seabirds and turtles

This is where the sightings can become the highlight of your Tenerife trip. You’ll cruise along the south coast, and the crew’s goal is to locate cetaceans in their natural environment.

When the animals show up, the boat stays focused. Many trips include pilot whale pods and dolphins swimming nearby, with turtles appearing sometimes during the watch.

The crew also explains what you’re seeing as you go, which makes the experience feel less like waiting and more like learning while you watch.

3) The swim and snorkeling window

After the sighting time, you switch from watching to doing. You get the warm-water swim and snorkel break with equipment provided.

The best way to think about this segment is that it’s your reset button. It breaks up the boat time, gives you a feel for the water up close, and turns the trip into more than just sightings from above the surface.

4) Heading back to Puerto Colón

As you return, you continue enjoying the easy onboard rhythm: drinks, snacks, and a final look at the coast. Because you’re on a sailboat and not a loud motor-powered platform, the return often feels quieter and more relaxed.

Value check: is $70 for 3 hours actually fair?

At about $70 per person, this is one of the stronger deals for a Tenerife water experience that includes multiple big-ticket items at once: a small-group sailboat ride, a guide, whale watching time, snorkeling gear, and a drinks-and-snacks setup.

Here’s what you’re really buying for your money:

• Access to wildlife without a crowd fight
• Time at sea that feels like a real cruise, not a quick stop
• Snorkeling included, so you’re not paying extra for equipment or a separate activity
• Food and drinks included, which keeps the trip comfortable in real-world conditions

If you compare it to bigger boat tours where you might be one of 40 people and the wildlife viewing is squeezed into a short window, the smaller capacity is part of the value equation. You’re paying for a format that helps you see more and feel less rushed.

Who should book this sailboat tour, and who might think twice

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a smaller, calmer boat experience
• Love wildlife watching and appreciate when the crew respects the animals
• Want snorkeling without extra planning
• Prefer a tour with a real onboard host vibe, including food and drink service

It’s a cautious pick if:

• You need hotel pickup and don’t want to manage your own transport to Puerto Colón
• You’re extremely sensitive to rough water and can’t tolerate any boat movement, since the sea can be choppy at times

Best matches from the feel of the trip

This also suits couples, families with older kids who enjoy marine life, and anyone who wants a break from heat and traffic while still doing something memorable.

Should you book this Tenerife whale watching sail?

Yes, I’d book it if you want the most practical mix of wildlife watching plus a real swim-and-snorkel break, all on a 10-person sailboat with onboard drinks and snacks that actually make the 3 hours enjoyable. Choose this over crowded options if you care about close viewing and a crew that focuses on marine life respectfully.

If you can reach Puerto Colón dock No 5 on your own and you’re excited to spend a few hours scanning the Atlantic for pilot whales and dolphins, this is the kind of tour that can easily become your Tenerife standout.

FAQ

How long is the sailboat tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $70 per person.

Where do I meet the crew?

Meet at the door of dock No 5 of Puerto Colón ten minutes before departure. It is the first jetty past the port parking barrier, and the ship is the Roulette.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour is limited to 10 participants, and the sailboat capacity is 10 passengers with 2 crew.

What wildlife can you see?

You can look for cetaceans such as pilot whales and dolphins, plus sea turtles and seabirds.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour includes time to swim and snorkel.

What food and drinks are provided?

You get drinks (mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks) plus snacks and desserts. Snorkeling time is followed by onboard food service as part of the trip.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide speaks Spanish, English, and Italian.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if someone gets seasick?

The crew is attentive to guest comfort and has helped passengers who felt unwell during choppy conditions.