Private Yacht Tour With Whale and Dolphin Watching 42 Foot Boat

The Atlantic puts on the show. This private yacht trip from Playa de las Américas gives you a boat for your own group, not a crowded deck, and takes you toward waters known for year-round pilot whales. I especially like the private setting for up to 11 people and the mix of wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, snacks, and drinks included in the price.

The main consideration is the wildlife itself. Whales, dolphins, and turtles live in these waters, but they are wild animals, not scheduled performers. The three-hour cruise also leaves limited time for both sightings and a long swim, so groups wanting a slower day on the water may prefer the six-hour option.

• Pilot whales are present year-round, with dolphins and sea turtles also possible.
• The entire yacht is private, making this a strong choice for families, couples, or a group of friends.
• A skipper uses sonar equipment so you can listen for whales and dolphins below the surface.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included, with equipment supplied onboard.
• Drinks and light food are part of the deal, including Champagne, beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks.
• The boat returns to Puerto Colón, with the cruise beginning and ending at the same marina jetty.

Setting Out From Puerto Colón

You begin at Puerto Colón, pier 2, in Costa Adeje. The exact meeting point is Puerto Colon, pantalan 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Get there ready for a short introduction, a safety briefing, and an explanation of the day from your skipper.

The first stop is not really a sightseeing stop. It is the boarding point, and the initial ten minutes are used to meet the captain, settle aboard, and hear the basic instructions. That short briefing matters on a sailing yacht, especially when you plan to move between the deck, cabin, swim area, and equipment storage.

The cruise begins with views of Playa de las Américas from the water. This gives you a different angle on Tenerife’s busy resort coast before the yacht heads toward the open Atlantic and the main wildlife area.

The boat is described as a 40-foot, or 12.19-meter, sailing yacht, while the experience title refers to a 42-foot boat. Either way, this is a substantial private yacht rather than a small open boat. It carries a maximum of 11 people and has outdoor deck space, a saloon cabin, kitchenette, and other onboard facilities.

That capacity is important. Eleven people is the maximum, not the required number. A smaller party gets more room to spread out, while a full group can still use the whole vessel without sharing it with strangers. For a birthday, family outing, or relaxed afternoon with friends, private use is the real selling point.

Watching for Pilot Whales and Dolphins

Tenerife’s southwest coast is known for marine life, and this trip takes you toward areas where sightings are possible. Pilot whales are found locally throughout the year. Dolphins and sea turtles may also appear, and the supplied reports include sightings of whales, dolphins, two turtles, fish, and even flying fish.

That variety is part of the appeal. You are not signing up only for a whale count. You might spend one stretch scanning the water for a dorsal fin, then hear something through the sonar, then spot dolphins or turtles near the boat. The skipper helps direct your attention, which is useful when wildlife appears briefly and not always close to the yacht.

The sonar equipment adds a different layer. You do not simply watch the surface. You can listen for whales and dolphins beneath the boat, giving you a better sense of the water below even when an animal is not immediately visible.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. The trip does not promise a sighting, and no responsible whale-watching operator can control wild animals. The strongest reason to book is the full experience: a private boat, Atlantic views, time on the water, and the chance to see marine life. If you need a guaranteed whale encounter, this is not the right kind of activity.

The skipper is central to the experience. Specific crew names appearing with the tour include Guy, Juan Angel, and Maxi, depending on the departure. Guy is praised for creating a relaxed trip and explaining the wildlife. Juan Angel is described as a friendly host, and Maxi is noted for keeping a sharp eye out and pointing people toward the action.

That personal guidance can make a big difference. A skipper who knows where to look helps you avoid spending three hours staring at every patch of open sea. Just remember that the captain’s skill improves your chances, but it cannot turn nature into a timetable.

Swimming and Snorkeling From the Yacht

At some point during the cruise, the skipper drops anchor so you can swim. This break changes the rhythm of the outing. After watching the sea and scanning for animals, you get a chance to enter the water and cool off.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring a full kit. You can use the gear to look below the surface for fish, turtles, and other marine life. The supplied information does not promise a particular reef, underwater site, or turtle encounter, so treat snorkeling as an added activity rather than the main purpose of the cruise.

The reviews describe families swimming and people seeing turtles and fish. That makes the stop especially appealing to a mixed group. Someone can stay on deck with a drink while others swim, and the private setup means your party does not have to follow the preferences of a large shared boat.

The practical catch is that the swim stop takes time away from wildlife watching. On a three-hour cruise, the skipper has to balance the route, animal sightings, anchoring, swimming, food, and the return to Puerto Colón. If your group wants a more leisurely swim and longer time aboard, ask about the six-hour option when booking.

No water conditions are provided, so you should be comfortable with the fact that swimming depends on the day and the conditions. The activity also requires good weather, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Champagne, Open Bar, and Light Food

Food and drink are included, which makes the price easier to understand. You receive a glass of Champagne, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water, along with light refreshments.

The reports describe drinks available on arrival and continuing afterward, plus snacks, baguettes, and food considered very good. The exact menu is not specified, so I would treat this as light catering rather than a full meal. If you need a vegetarian option, request it when booking. Vegetarian food is available if advised in advance.

This is one of the better features for a private group. You are not paying extra each time someone wants water or a soft drink, and the open bar removes some of the small costs that often add up on a boat trip. A glass of Champagne at the start also gives the outing a festive feel without making the whole activity formal.

Do not choose this trip mainly for the food. The core value comes from the yacht, crew, wildlife search, and private use. The snacks support the outing rather than replace lunch. If you book an afternoon departure, consider how much food your party needs before setting out.

Three Hours or Six Hours on the Atlantic

The standard experience lasts about three hours, with morning and afternoon departures available. A three-hour trip is a practical choice if you want wildlife watching and swimming without giving up most of a day in Tenerife.

I would choose the shorter cruise for a first look at the coast, a family with mixed energy levels, or a group fitting the yacht around other plans. It gives you time to leave the marina, reach the wildlife area, stop for a swim, enjoy refreshments, and return to the same jetty.

The six-hour cruise makes more sense if the boat itself is the main event. More time gives the skipper greater flexibility to search for wildlife, linger during a swim, and let the day unfold at a slower pace. It may also suit a group that wants a full half-day private celebration rather than a short excursion.

The provided price is $716.45 per group of up to 11 people. If 11 people share the cost, that works out to about $65 per person. For a smaller group, the individual cost rises, but you still receive exclusive use of the yacht, drinks, snacks, equipment, and a private skipper.

That is a fair value for a full private boat, especially compared with paying separate fares for a large group on a shared cruise. It is less compelling if your party has only one or two people and mainly wants a cheap whale-watching ride. In that case, a shared excursion may cost less, although it will not give you the same control or privacy.

The listed price relates to the group booking and the trip details provided do not specify a separate six-hour rate. Ask for the current price for the longer cruise before paying.

Who Will Enjoy This Private Yacht Best

This experience suits people who want a relaxed outing rather than a tightly scripted attraction. Families can split their time between wildlife watching and swimming. Friends can use the yacht as a private social space. Couples may like the Champagne, open sea, and smaller setting, though the price is easiest to justify when shared among several people.

It is also a good match for visitors who dislike crowded excursion boats. The whole yacht belongs to your party, and a maximum of 11 people keeps the group manageable. You can enjoy the deck, use the saloon cabin, and decide together how much time to give to swimming or watching.

The trip is less suitable if you want a guaranteed animal encounter, a full meal, or a dedicated snorkeling tour. It is also not the best fit for someone who prefers to stay on land or dislikes changing sea conditions.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The marina is near public transportation. Hotel pickup is not included, but pickup may be offered if you contact the operator at least 24 hours before departure. The safest approach is to ask about pickup as soon as you book rather than assume it is automatic.

The activity is offered in English. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the cruise returns to the original meeting point at Puerto Colón.

What to Bring and How to Plan

Wear clothing that works for both sun and sea spray. Bring anything you personally need for swimming, even though snorkeling equipment is supplied. Bottled water is included, but you may still want sun protection and a light extra layer for time on deck.

Arrive with enough time to find pier 2 and board without rushing. The opening briefing is part of the experience, not wasted time. It covers safety and helps you understand how to move around the yacht.

Morning and afternoon departures give you useful flexibility. Pick the time that fits your wider Tenerife plans, but remember that the best wildlife moments cannot be ordered by the clock. The most important choice is not morning versus afternoon. It is whether you want three hours or six.

The cancellation terms are generous if your plans change. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should You Book This Tenerife Yacht Cruise?

Book it if you value privacy, want swimming included, and can share the $716.45 group price with several people. The strongest features are the private 40-foot yacht, the relaxed crew, the sonar equipment, year-round pilot whale sightings, and the included drinks and snacks.

I would be especially happy recommending it to a group of six to 11 people. At that size, the cost becomes easier to justify, and everyone gets room to enjoy the boat without paying for separate extras. Choose the six-hour option if you want the yacht to be the centerpiece of your day.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed whale sighting, want a full meal, or are traveling alone on a tight budget. This is a nature outing with a comfortable private boat, not a performance with guaranteed animal appearances. For the right group, though, it offers a pleasant balance of sea time, wildlife, swimming, and simple onboard hospitality.

FAQ

Where does the private yacht tour begin?

The tour begins at Puerto Colon, pantalan 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise is available as a three-hour or six-hour option. The described experience lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

A maximum of 11 people can be included in one booking, and only your group participates.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The experience includes bottled water, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, a glass of Champagne, and light refreshments.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the skipper may anchor so you can swim and explore the water.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.