Luxury Opera 60 Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

See Tenerife from the water. The Opera 60 combines whale and dolphin watching with a swim stop, a proper meal, drinks, and enough room to avoid feeling packed aboard. I especially like the small group limit of 15 and the boat’s two tables, sunbeds, toilet, and showers. The main drawback is that wildlife sightings cannot be promised, and one poor experience reported slow drink service and an early return.

At $96.79 per person for about three hours, this is not Tenerife’s cheapest boat trip. Still, I think it can offer good value if you want more than a quick wildlife run: the price includes snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, lunch, and time in a sheltered bay. Book at least a few weeks ahead, since it is commonly reserved around 26 days before departure.

Key points before you book

• A 60-foot luxury RIB gives you the speed of a rigid inflatable boat with wide inflatable side defenses and several places to sit.
• The group limit is 15 people, so you get more space than on many standard whale-watching boats.
• Wildlife sightings can include pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, though no sighting is guaranteed.
• Swimming and snorkeling follow the wildlife search, usually in a small bay with equipment supplied on board.
• Food and drinks are included, with reports of warm meals, local dishes, wine, beer, soft drinks, and prosecco.
• The boat returns to Puerto Colón, making this an easy half-day activity from Playa de las Américas.

Boarding the Opera 60 at Puerto Colón

Your trip begins at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, one of Tenerife’s main boating centers. The activity finishes at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. Opera 60 measures about 60 feet, or nearly 20 meters, and uses two Volvo Penta engines producing 740 horsepower. It is described as Tenerife’s largest and most spacious luxury RIB. That means you get a rigid hull for speed and stability, along with inflatable side sections that act as extra protection.

Inside, it feels more like a small private yacht than a basic inflatable boat. You have several seating areas, sunbeds, two large tables, a toilet, showers, speakers for music, and room to move around. The large size matters because whale watching can involve waiting, turning, and moving from one side of the boat to the other. A crowded deck makes that tiring. Here, the maximum of 15 people should give you a much better chance of finding a comfortable viewing spot.

A small warning is worth keeping in mind. One unhappy account described the outside of the boat as worn and the service as poor on that particular outing. That experience also ended about 20 minutes early. Most of the available feedback is strongly positive, but I would still confirm the departure time and ask the crew about the planned return if your schedule is tight.

The first hour: searching for whales and dolphins

Once you leave the harbor, the boat heads along Tenerife’s southwest coast in search of marine life. The fast engines help it cover ground, but the aim is not simply to race offshore and tick an animal off a list. The crew watches the water and points out what appears nearby.

Pilot whales are among the possible highlights. Dolphins and sea turtles can also appear, and some outings have included more than one type of animal. One particularly successful trip included dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and a swim stop. Another saw a large family group of whales and a school of dolphins. These sightings make the first part of the trip exciting, but you should treat them as possibilities, not guarantees.

The crew keeps a respectful distance from the whales and dolphins. That is important. A good wildlife trip should give you a clear view without chasing animals hard or crowding them with the boat. The guide may also identify the species and share facts about what you are seeing. Fabrizio is one host praised for creating a warm atmosphere and keeping drinks flowing.

The boat’s spacious design helps here. You can sit at a table, stretch out on a sunbed, or move to the edge for a better view. You may want to bring a light layer even on a sunny day, since a fast RIB can feel breezy when underway. Bring sunscreen too, as much of the boat is open to the sky.

The biggest uncertainty is the wildlife itself. You might see whales quickly, as happened on one afternoon when sightings came within about 20 minutes of leaving the harbor. You might also see only some of the expected animals. One outing produced whales but no dolphins, while another came close to a whale and saw dolphins. That is normal for wild animals, and the experience is better approached as time on the Atlantic rather than a guaranteed wildlife show.

A sheltered bay for lunch and swimming

After the wildlife search, the boat heads to a small bay for food, swimming, and snorkeling. This change of pace is one of the strongest reasons to choose Opera 60 instead of a basic whale-watching cruise.

The bay gives you time to relax after the faster part of the trip. You can eat at one of the large tables, take a swim, or use the supplied snorkeling equipment to look for fish. Several outings describe snorkeling as a highlight, with different fish species visible in the water. Sea turtles are possible during the wildlife portion, but their appearance at the swimming stop is not promised.

The swimming break also makes the trip more suitable for families and mixed groups. Someone who loves marine life can focus on watching the water, while someone else can swim or simply sit in the sun. A family group described having plenty of room, and another outing with children included ample snorkeling, food, and drinks.

You should bring your own swimwear and towel. The boat has showers for rinsing off after swimming, which is a thoughtful feature on a three-hour trip. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack a mask and fins unless you prefer to use your own.

Sea conditions may affect this part of the trip. If the water is rough, the crew may delay drinks or adjust the timing of the stop. The excursion requires good weather, and a cancellation caused by poor conditions comes with a choice of another date or a full refund.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks on board

Food is included, which makes the $96.79 price easier to assess. This is not just a short boat ride with a cup of water. The trip includes snacks and drinks, and the meal is served on board during the stop in the bay.

Food quality appears to vary by outing, or at least by personal expectation. Descriptions include warm chicken and rice with bread, tasty home-cooked local food, and a simple but good meal. One account called the food lukewarm and the bread stale, while several others praised the lunch and said it was plentiful. I would expect a practical boat meal rather than restaurant dining.

Drinks are a major part of the experience. Wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and prosecco have all been served, and several outings describe generous or unlimited supplies. The exact selection and service may depend on the day and the crew. If you are traveling with children, ask early for water and soft drinks rather than waiting until the bay stop.

Service appears to be strongest when the crew is actively looking after the group. Several outings praised the hosts for being friendly, attentive, and entertaining. Fabrizio received particular praise for welcoming people and making sure the champagne did not run out. Still, one account described a long wait for drinks and a crew member who was not attentive. That is an unusual criticism beside the many positive accounts, but it is useful to know before paying a premium.

If lunch and drinks are important to you, I would check what is being served at boarding. That simple question can set expectations and help you decide how much extra food to bring.

How luxurious is the experience?

Opera 60 is luxurious in space and fittings, not necessarily in the formal yacht-charter sense. You get sunbeds, tables, music, a toilet, showers, and a high-powered boat with room to spread out. Those details make a real difference on the water.

The boat’s style is described as elegant, and most accounts praise how comfortable it feels. The group size is perhaps the best luxury feature. With no more than 15 people, you are unlikely to spend the entire trip shoulder to shoulder or fighting for a view.

The trade-off is that a RIB remains an open boat. It is designed for movement and sea views, not for a quiet indoor lounge. You may feel spray or wind, and the ride can become bumpy. If you are sensitive to motion, sit near the center of the boat and avoid drinking too much before the ride settles. The crew may limit drink service while the boat is moving in rough water, as safety should come first.

Music and the social setting give the trip a relaxed, celebratory feel. That suits a family celebration, a couples outing, or a day with friends. If you want silent nature watching, the music and conversation may feel less appealing.

Is $96.79 a fair price?

I think the price is fair for the right kind of day. You are paying for a small-group boat with powerful engines, a large amount of deck space, wildlife watching, a swim and snorkel stop, food, drinks, and return transport by sea to Puerto Colón.

A cheaper excursion may offer whale watching alone, often with a larger group and fewer comforts. Opera 60 is better value if you plan to use the full package. Eat the included meal, take the swim, use the snorkeling gear, and enjoy the drinks. If you only want a quick look at whales and intend to stay dry, you may not get as much from the fare.

The price also makes more sense for a group that values space. A family or group of friends can spread out around the tables and sunbeds instead of spending three hours on a crowded deck. Solo visitors and couples still benefit, but the cost is easier to justify if you want the full food and swimming experience.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend Opera 60 to you if you want a well-rounded half-day at sea rather than a single-purpose wildlife cruise. It suits families, groups of friends, couples, and anyone who prefers a smaller boat with room to move.

It is especially good for people who want:

• Wildlife watching followed by swimming and snorkeling
• A meal and drinks included in the fare
• A more spacious boat with a maximum of 15 people
• A relaxed social atmosphere with music
• A convenient departure and return at Puerto Colón

I would think twice if your main goal is a guaranteed whale sighting, a silent nature trip, or a polished fine-dining meal. Wild animals follow their own timetable, and the food is best viewed as a pleasant part of the outing rather than the main reason to book.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point is near public transportation. The activity is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. If the minimum number of people is not met, the operator offers another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Opera 60?

I would book this trip if I wanted to combine whale watching, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks without squeezing onto a crowded boat. The large RIB, limited group size, showers, and several seating areas give it a clear advantage over a basic excursion.

Go with realistic expectations. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or several of them, but the ocean makes no promises. Food and service seem generally well received, though one poor outing shows that the quality of a particular departure can vary.

For the best value, reserve ahead, bring swimwear and sunscreen, arrive ready for wind and spray, and plan to spend the whole three hours enjoying the sea rather than measuring success by the number of animals spotted. If that sounds like your kind of Tenerife afternoon, Opera 60 is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the Opera 60 tour start?

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

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to Puerto Colón, the same place where the activity begins.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $96.79 per person.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include dolphins, pilot whales, whales, and sea turtles. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, along with time for swimming and snorkeling.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The experience includes snacks, drinks, and a meal served on board. Reported drinks include soft drinks, wine, beer, and prosecco, although the exact service may vary.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum of 15 people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.