Premium All Inclusive Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

Whales are closer than you think. This three-hour cruise from Puerto Colón follows Tenerife’s southern coast, where resident whales live year-round and dolphins often pass through. I like the small boat capped at 10 passengers, which gives you more room and makes it easier to hear the skipper. I also like that drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear are included rather than added later.

The main caution is the sea itself. Wind and waves can make the trip rough, and snorkeling may not be possible on every departure. The advertised price of $21 is excellent value if you get calm water, good sightings, and a swim stop, but you should arrive ready for nature to set the schedule.

Key points at a glance

• Resident whales near Tenerife: The southern coast is home to whales throughout the year, so sightings are a regular possibility rather than a seasonal promise.
• Small-group boat: The boat carries 10 passengers, although the stated maximum for the activity is 11, so confirm the exact capacity when booking.
• Three hours on the Atlantic: You get time for wildlife watching, coastal views, explanations from the skipper, and a possible swim or snorkeling stop.
• Food and drinks included: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and a snack are part of the fare.
• Skippers with local knowledge: The crew knows where whales and dolphins have been seen and explains the marine life along the way.
• Weather matters: Rough conditions can cause seasickness, limit snorkeling, or lead to a rescheduled departure or full refund.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

The trip begins at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, on Tenerife’s southwest coast. This is a handy starting point if you are staying in the resort area, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

From the marina, the boat heads along the southern coast. The route is not simply a quick ride out and back. The purpose is to search for marine life in waters known for resident whales and passing dolphins. Your skipper watches the sea, listens for reports of sightings, and adjusts the route when useful.

That local knowledge matters. Wildlife does not perform on a timetable, and no responsible operator can promise a particular species. Still, a skipper who knows where animals have recently appeared gives you a better chance than setting out alone and hoping for luck.

The boat is described as a yacht, and several passengers have praised its cleanliness, appearance, and open space. With a group of around seven to ten people, the experience should feel far less crowded than a large whale-watching vessel. You can listen to the explanations without fighting for a place at the rail.

One detail deserves clarification: the tour information gives a boat capacity of 10, while the activity details list a maximum of 11 passengers. I would ask about the number for your chosen departure if personal space is important to you.

Searching for whales and dolphins

The first part of the cruise is about patience. You may spend time scanning the water for a fin, a blow, or a moving group of dolphins. The southern coast is known for resident whales, and several departures have produced sightings of multiple whale pods. Dolphins are also possible, but they are less certain.

That distinction is important. You may see whales but not dolphins, or dolphins only briefly. One account described seeing four or five dolphins during a rough outing, while another departure included whales, dolphins, and a sea turtle. These examples show both the appeal and the limits of wildlife watching: the animals decide what appears.

I like that the experience includes explanations from the skipper rather than treating the boat ride as a silent photo hunt. You learn where animals have been spotted and get some context for what you are seeing. A small group also makes it easier to ask questions, which is useful if you want help identifying a whale or dolphin in the distance.

Juan has received especially warm praise for being friendly, welcoming, and interesting. Juan and Marie have also been credited with making the trip feel special. Another skipper, Paco, received a sharply negative personal comment, so the tone may depend on the crew member working your departure. That is a fair reason to keep expectations flexible, even though most of the feedback is strongly positive.

The calm-water departures sound particularly pleasant. One family described a relaxed trip in which the youngest child slept through much of the boat ride, while older children enjoyed the chance to enter the water. A calm sea makes it easier to watch animals, move around the boat, and enjoy the views without worrying about your stomach.

The boat ride and coastal views

A three-hour outing gives you enough time to settle into the rhythm of the sea. You are not being rushed through a short photo stop. The boat can pause when wildlife appears, and the skipper has time to look for animals before returning to the marina.

The coast around Playa de las Américas provides a different view of Tenerife. From the water, the resort shoreline recedes, and the focus shifts to open Atlantic space, cliffs, bays, and the movement of the boat. The experience is less about sightseeing landmarks and more about seeing the island from its natural setting.

The small group is one of the strongest features. A boat with seven people plus the skipper leaves space for everyone, according to one particularly enthusiastic account. That matters when whales appear on one side of the boat and you need to move quickly for a better view.

The trade-off is that a small boat usually offers less protection from wind and waves than a large vessel. On a calm day, that creates an intimate and pleasant trip. In rough weather, it can make the ride uncomfortable. One departure became so choppy that more than half the passengers suffered nausea or worse. If you are prone to seasickness, consider the forecast carefully and bring any medication you normally use.

The swim and snorkeling stop

At some point, the skipper may stop for a swim in the Atlantic. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel for the advertised activity.

The swim stop adds a welcome change of pace. After watching the sea from the deck, you can get into the water and experience Tenerife from another angle. One family found the children especially excited by this part, and several accounts describe a pleasant swim in calm conditions.

Still, snorkeling is not guaranteed in a practical sense. Strong wind and waves can make entering the water unsafe or unpleasant. One passenger reported that snorkeling was impossible, and another said the equipment was not even seen during the trip. That suggests you should treat the swim as a possible bonus, not the central reason for booking.

The available information does not promise a particular snorkeling site, underwater wildlife, or length of time in the water. You might enjoy a simple Atlantic swim rather than a full snorkeling session. If you want a dedicated reef or marine-life snorkeling tour, this experience may not match those expectations.

Bring a swimsuit under your clothes, plus a towel if the operator has not specifically confirmed that one is supplied. Since this is a boat outing, a light cover-up can also make the ride home more comfortable. Those are practical precautions rather than advertised inclusions.

Snacks, drinks, and the meaning of premium

The fare includes alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and food. That is useful on a three-hour trip, especially when you are spending time in the sun and sea air. You do not need to plan a separate meal during the cruise.

Expect the food to be simple rather than luxurious. One passenger described the premium snack as a homemade half sandwich. That may be enough to take the edge off your hunger, but it is not a full lunch or a lavish spread.

This is where the $21 price becomes attractive. If you receive a boat trip, wildlife search, drinks, a snack, and a possible swim for that amount, you are getting a lot for your money. The value is strongest for couples, families, or small groups who want a relaxed sea outing without paying for a full-day charter.

The word premium should not lead you to expect a private yacht charter or restaurant-quality catering. The premium feel comes mainly from the small number of passengers, the yacht-style boat, and the included refreshments. I would book it for the intimate setting and wildlife search, with the food treated as a useful extra.

Families, accessibility, and special occasions

The trip can work well for families. A family with children aged 7, 5, and 1 found the boat suitable, and the youngest child slept for much of the journey. Older children may enjoy both the wildlife search and the swim stop, though you should judge your own children’s comfort with open water and boat movement.

The activity also offers access for disabled passengers. You should contact the provider before booking to discuss your specific needs, since the supplied information does not explain the boat’s exact boarding arrangements or onboard facilities.

The operator can arrange engagement specials for people planning to propose. That makes the boat a possible setting for a private-feeling moment, especially with a small group. If you are planning something important, contact Tenerife First Excursions ahead of time so the crew can confirm what can be arranged.

Most people can participate, but the sea conditions remain the key limitation. This is not an indoor attraction where bad weather has little effect. Wind, waves, and swell can change the comfort level and the water activities.

Timing, meeting point, and cancellation rules

The activity begins and ends at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas. Since it is near public transportation, you may be able to reach it without arranging a private transfer, depending on where you are staying.

Allow extra time to find the marina and meeting point. One poor experience involved a long wait in the heat because the boat left much later than the stated start time. That appears to have been an operational problem rather than the standard plan, but it is a useful reminder to avoid arriving without water, sun protection, or patience.

The tour lasts about three hours. That makes it easy to fit into a day that also includes time at the beach, lunch, or another southern Tenerife activity. You return to the same meeting point, which keeps the logistics simple.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The tour requires good weather, and if the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you are offered another date or a full refund.

What the $21 price really buys

At $21, this is one of the better-value ways to get onto the water around Tenerife. You are paying for a three-hour marine-life search with a small group, skipper commentary, refreshments, and the possibility of swimming.

The price is especially good if your main goal is a casual whale-watching outing rather than a formal scientific expedition. You get expert help locating animals without committing to a costly private charter.

The value drops if the sea is rough, the boat leaves late, or you expect a substantial meal and a guaranteed snorkeling session. The wildlife sightings are also never guaranteed. You are buying a well-priced chance to see animals in their natural environment, not a scheduled show.

I would compare this with large catamaran excursions if you prefer a steadier ride, more onboard facilities, or a party atmosphere. Choose this smaller experience if you care more about personal attention, space, and a quieter search for wildlife.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to:

• Couples wanting a small-scale boat trip with a chance to see whales and dolphins.
• Families whose children can handle a three-hour outing on the sea.
• Anyone who values included drinks and snacks.
• People interested in a possible swim without booking a separate snorkeling excursion.
• Visitors staying near Playa de las Américas who want simple transport and a half-day activity.
• Couples considering a proposal arranged with help from the crew.

I would think twice if you are highly sensitive to motion, need guaranteed snorkeling, or expect a substantial meal. You should also be cautious about booking it immediately before another fixed appointment, since wildlife tours can be affected by weather and occasional delays.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour start?

It starts at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts approximately three hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and snacks are provided during the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the boat includes a possible swim stop. Rough conditions may make snorkeling impossible.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat is described as carrying 10 passengers, while the activity information gives a maximum of 11 travelers. Confirm the exact number for your departure if this matters to you.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a fairly priced, small-group whale-watching trip with drinks, snacks, and a possible swim. The best parts are the intimate boat, local skipper knowledge, and genuine chance of seeing resident whales, dolphins, or even a sea turtle.

Book with realistic expectations. The sea can be rough, snorkeling may not happen, and the food is a simple snack rather than a full meal. For $21, though, this is a strong choice for a relaxed three-hour outing from Tenerife’s south coast, especially on a calm-weather day.