Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

Pilot whales show up faster when you’re not stuck in a crowd. This 3-hour Tenerife sailing excursion takes you out on a 52-foot yacht, then slows down for wildlife spotting along the island’s southern coastline. I like the mix of real sailing time with an easy, guided rhythm that helps you focus on what matters out on the water.

My other favorite part is the onboard setup for the moments you want most, snacks and drinks plus basic snorkeling gear when the captain drops anchor. One thing to think about first, the sea can get choppy during the trip, and motion sickness is a real possibility for some people.

Key highlights you should care about

• A 52-foot sailing yacht makes this feel more like a boat day than a cattle-call tour
• Pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles are the main targets, with many sightings focused on pilot whales
• Crew-first, not animal-first behavior gets praised, including turning off the motor to reduce disruption
• A secluded bay stop gives you a real chance to swim and snorkel, not just a quick dip
• Food and drinks onboard are part of the experience, fresh fruit, sandwiches, and a drinks selection

From Puerto Colón dock zero onto a 52-foot yacht

This tour is built around a simple idea: get you out to sea from Puerto Colón, then let the day unfold at a human pace. You’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes early and head to the Pantalán number zero dock in Puerto Colón. If you’re navigating by foot or bus, searching for Miishi Restaurant is a helpful reference point.

The yacht itself is a big part of the appeal. At 52 feet, you’re not cramped, and you can move around on deck to get your sea legs and your best viewing angles. That matters for whale watching because the animals can surface quickly, and standing in one spot for hours gets old fast.

Also, plan your basics before you go. There’s a barefoot on board policy (except for health-related issues), so bring sandals or flip-flops for walking to and from the dock, then expect to go barefoot once you’re settled. And because there’s no hotel pickup, you’ll be in charge of getting yourself to Puerto Colón.

If you can’t do big swings of the day, you’ll like that it’s only 3 hours end-to-end. It’s long enough to see wildlife and enjoy a swim stop, but not so long that you lose track of time.

Whale and dolphin watching off Tenerife’s south coast

The wildlife focus here is clear: pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Tenerife’s south is a good place to look because conditions often support marine activity near the coast, and the route is designed to keep you in the right general zones while you’re out sailing.

On the water, you’re not just watching randomly. The crew handles the hard part by giving a short briefing about the agenda, then guiding you toward the areas where whales and dolphins are most likely to show. You’ll get explanations of sea life along the way, plus pointing out where you’re standing relative to the best spotting areas.

One theme that comes up again and again is the closeness and quantity of pilot whales when conditions line up. Many experiences mention multiple sightings and the kind of whale behavior you don’t get when boats rush in and out too fast. You may also see dolphins, though sightings vary from day to day.

A practical note: these animals surface on their own schedule. So when you spot blow or movement, expect a waiting period, then a burst of excitement. Bring patience, not just a camera.

How the crew helps you watch without interrupting

Here’s where this trip earns its high marks. The best moments are not just about seeing whales, it’s about how you’re treated while you’re watching them.

Captains and crew members are praised for keeping a respectful distance and reducing disturbance. A few people specifically mention the captain turning off the motor so the boat doesn’t intrude as much during whale moments. That change is small for the crew, big for the animals, and it shows in the calmness of the experience when the whales come up.

You’ll also notice a welcoming vibe on deck. Names you might hear in the onboard storytelling and guiding style include Jesus, Alex, Yuri, and Mauricio, along with crew highlights like Marta and Monica. The point for you is not celebrity. It’s that the guides are clearly comfortable explaining what you’re seeing and making sure everyone is positioned well.

If you’ve done big whale watching tours before, you’ll probably appreciate the way this one manages pace. It’s not a race. The captain prioritizes letting the whales decide how close they come, and that’s when you get those unforgettable surface moments without the sense of pressure.

The swim and snorkel stop in a secluded bay

Half the fun on this trip is the fact that it isn’t only about wildlife. Before you head back toward the docks, the captain drops anchor in a secluded bay. This is where the day shifts from watching to doing.

You’ll get time to swim and snorkel. Basic snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not scrambling at the dock with random gear. The waters in these bays can be calm, which makes a snorkel stop feel relaxed, even if you’re not a confident swimmer. If the sea state is favorable, this is also one of the easiest ways to appreciate the coastline from the water, not just from the deck.

Time matters here. In many boat trips, the swim stop feels like a checkbox. On this one, the anchor bay break is long enough that you can actually enjoy it. Some people even mention cabin-to-cabin “hang out” vibes on deck while others snorkel or just relax.

What to do to make the most of it:

• Get into the water early in the break if you can, since conditions can change as wind shifts
• If visibility is good, spend a minute looking slowly instead of rushing past the first thing you see
• Keep your towel and sunscreen accessible, not buried in a bag

Food, drinks, and what 3 hours feels like in real life

This is a short tour, so everything is timed to pack in value without dragging. The flow is usually: dock check-in, a quick briefing, sailing out along the southern coastline while scouting for whales and dolphins, then anchor and swim, then return.

While you’re out there, you’ll have complimentary fresh fruits and sandwiches, plus a selection of beverages. The drink list includes beer, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water. That’s a solid onboard spread for a 3-hour outing, especially since you don’t have to pay extra mid-tour.

There’s also a practical comfort factor. Several people mention calm atmosphere, plenty of space, and a friendly crew who check in so you feel settled. If you’re traveling with kids, you may find this style works better than rigid tours where everyone has to sit and stay still for hours.

One detail to plan around: depending on the day, you may get sailing time with sails up when winds cooperate. On windless days, you’ll still be on the yacht and out in the right areas, but the sailing part can feel quieter. Either way, the main goal stays the same, spotting marine life.

Price and value: why $88 can make sense

At $88 per person for a 3-hour outing with a 52-foot yacht, onboard snacks and drinks, and basic snorkeling equipment, the value is mostly about one thing: you’re buying time on the water with a focused wildlife route.

You’re not getting a 20-minute wildlife look. You’re getting a full water experience: searching for pilot whales and dolphins, plus a real swim stop. And the included food and drink package helps you avoid the usual “we’ll just eat later” problem that ruins boat-day spending plans.

Could it be expensive compared to a basic sightseeing cruise? Yes. But a whale and dolphin tour should not feel like a generic scenic ride. This one is designed so the time adds up, and the crew’s handling of wildlife viewing is a big part of that.

If you’re trying to maximize your Tenerife time with one clear activity, this often hits the sweet spot: exciting enough for first-timers, not so long that you feel trapped on a boat, and flexible enough that you still get the swim moment even if the animal sightings vary.

Comfort tips if seas get lively

The main drawback people bring up is not the boat, it’s the waves. Some experiences mention taller-than-usual waves and kids getting seasick. If you’re even slightly prone to motion sickness, don’t ignore it.

My best advice:

• Bring motion sickness medication if you usually need it, and take it before you leave the dock
• Sit where the ride feels smoother. Many people find being closer to the front helps, but choose what feels stable for you
• Eat lightly beforehand so you’re not dealing with a heavy stomach on the water

Also remember the barefoot policy. It’s manageable, but if you’re not comfortable barefoot, plan for footwear during walking only, then go with the flow on board.

And pack the essentials: sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You don’t want to be searching for these after the anchor drops, when everyone’s already moving toward the water.

Who should book this sailing whale trip

This is a great match if you want:

• Real wildlife watching with pilot whales and dolphins as the target
• A sailing vibe rather than a strictly motorized tour
• A day that includes a swim and snorkel stop
• A smaller, friendlier onboard feel, since many people describe an intimate atmosphere and good crew attention

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re very sensitive to motion and can’t take medication
• You need hotel pickup, because this one starts at the dock in Puerto Colón
• You plan to bring large luggage, since oversize luggage isn’t allowed

If you’re pairing this with land plans, it works well as a half-day anchor. You can still eat well afterward and keep your Tenerife schedule flexible.

Should you book this Tenerife whale and dolphin sailing trip?

If you’re excited by the idea of pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles plus a genuine snorkel stop, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of a 52-foot sailing yacht, onboard food and drinks, and a captain and crew who focus on respectful viewing is exactly the recipe for a boat day you’ll remember.

My only hesitation is the sea state. If you’re prone to seasickness, plan carefully. Otherwise, this trip is strong value and a practical way to experience Tenerife’s marine side without turning your day into a long, complicated itinerary.

If you want one activity that feels both fun and meaningful, book the sailing tour, pack smart, and give your camera a rest until you actually spot movement.

FAQ

How long is the sailing excursion?

It runs for 3 hours.

Where do I meet the tour in Puerto Colón?

Meet at the Pantalán (dock) number zero in Puerto Colón. You can search for Miishi Restaurant to find the area.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

What wildlife can you see on the trip?

The tour is designed for whale and dolphin watching, with lookout for pilot whales and dolphins, plus turtles.

What snorkeling and food are included?

Basic snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll get fresh fruits and sandwiches along with beverages such as beers, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water.

What should I bring, and is there a barefoot rule?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sun protection like sunglasses and a sun hat. Barefoot on board is the policy, except for health-related issues.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.