SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

Wild animals make this boat trip special. The Sea Safari from Puerto Colón combines close-up whale and dolphin watching with a fast ride along southern Tenerife’s coast, a swim stop, and time to look at the cliffs from the water. With a maximum of 11 people, it feels more personal than a large sightseeing boat.

I like the small group and useful inclusions: snorkeling gear, drinks, sandwiches, and even a BladeFish underwater propulsion device are covered in the price. I also like the flexible pace for families, since you can stay aboard if swimming is not for you. The main thing to consider is that wildlife is wild. The boat visits places where animals have been seen before, but no tour can promise every species or a guaranteed sighting.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main draw: You may also see turtles, flying fish, sea birds, and other marine life.
• A maximum of 11 people keeps the boat small: That matters when you want a clear view or need help from the guide.
• The 3-hour route does more than watch wildlife: You also cruise past Tenerife’s southern cliffs, stop for swimming and snorkeling, and return by the coast.
• BladeFish rides add a playful extra: The personal underwater propulsion device gives you another way to move through the water.
• Food and equipment are included: Drinks, sandwiches, and snorkeling gear mean less to pack.
• Captain Eric receives especially warm praise: He is described as attentive, flexible, and good at explaining marine animals and the island.

Leaving Puerto Colón for the open water

The trip begins at Sea Safari Tenerife on Avenida de Colón in Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas. This is the only listed stop, and the boat returns to the same meeting point after roughly three hours. Since the tour is near public transportation, you can reach the marina without arranging a separate transfer.

The short format works well in a south Tenerife schedule. You do not lose a full day to a marine excursion, yet three hours gives the captain time to cover a useful stretch of coast. A speedboat also makes sense here. It can move between likely wildlife areas faster than a slow sightseeing boat, leaving time for the scenic return and water activities.

The boat takes no more than 11 people. That small capacity is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a larger whale-watching outing. You should have a better chance of seeing around the boat, asking questions, and getting direct help with masks or the BladeFish.

There is one practical caution. The tour requires a minimum number of bookings, so it can be canceled if that number is not reached. The company also reserves the right to cancel for poor weather. In either case, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The first major part of the trip is wildlife watching. The crew heads toward places where whales and dolphins have been seen before, which gives the outing a clear purpose rather than simply taking a scenic boat ride.

Pilot whales are a regular highlight in the accounts of this experience. You may also see more than one dolphin species, turtles, flying fish, and plenty of smaller fish. One particularly unusual sighting included a hammerhead shark, though that should be treated as a lucky bonus, not a normal expectation.

The best part is the range of possible sightings. A family reported seeing several groups of pilot whales, dolphins, a large turtle, and a young turtle feeding on a jellyfish. Another outing included dolphins, pilot whales, a turtle, and crabs. Those details show why you should keep watching the water even after the first animals appear.

The captain’s skill matters here. Captain Eric is praised for finding animals and for explaining marine life and Tenerife in a friendly way. He is also credited with approaching animals carefully. That is important. A good wildlife trip should give you a close view without turning the animals into a performance.

You should keep your expectations sensible. The experience is built around searching, not visiting an aquarium with guaranteed displays. Sea conditions, animal movements, and weather can change the day’s sightings. Still, the combination of a small boat, a captain familiar with local waters, and a fast route gives you a strong chance of an exciting morning or afternoon.

What the speedboat adds to the trip

The speedboat is not just transportation between points. It is part of the fun. The quicker ride lets you cover more of southern Tenerife during the three-hour window, and the return leg follows the coast rather than simply retracing the outward route.

This format suits you if you enjoy a lively ride and want several activities in one outing. You get wildlife watching, coastal views, a swimming stop, and a little adventure without spending most of the day at sea.

The trade-off is comfort. A speedboat can feel more active than a large, steady catamaran, especially when the sea is moving. One family found this boat comfortable and said it did not cause seasickness, but that is a personal experience, not a promise. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew recommends and consider the weather before booking.

The trip is also a better fit for people who like variety than for those wanting a slow, quiet cruise. You may spend part of the ride moving quickly between areas, then pause when wildlife appears or when the boat reaches a suitable swimming spot.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the BladeFish stop

The swimming and snorkeling portion gives the trip a welcome change of pace. After looking for animals from the boat, you can get into the water at a coastal cove and see what is below the surface. The supplied snorkeling equipment means you do not need to bring your own mask or snorkel.

The equipment comes in different mask choices, which is useful when a poor fit can ruin an otherwise good water stop. You should still expect a simple boat-trip setup rather than a full professional snorkeling center. The attraction is the chance to cool off and see marine life in the water, not a long guided reef session.

The BladeFish is the most unusual feature. This underwater personal propulsion device pulls you through the water, adding a bit of amusement to the snorkeling stop. It is a good extra for families and anyone who has already seen the usual mask-and-fins routine.

You are not required to swim. This point matters for mixed-age groups. A 71-year-old mother enjoyed the outing without pressure to leave the boat, and a family brought both a young child and a baby. The crew’s flexible attitude makes this easier for a group with different comfort levels.

Conditions at the swimming spot can vary. The water may feel inviting, but you should decide based on your own confidence and the instructions given on the day. If you prefer to remain aboard, you can still enjoy the views, the cliffs, and the boat ride.

Seeing Tenerife from the coastal side

The route back to Puerto Colón follows the southern coast of Tenerife. From the water, the cliffs take on a different scale than they do from land. You can watch the shoreline pass without dealing with roads, traffic, or viewpoints crowded with parked cars.

This coastal section is a useful part of the trip because it keeps the outing from becoming a single-purpose animal search. Even if the wildlife is quiet for a stretch, you still have open-water views and the island’s rocky edge to enjoy.

The boat’s size should help here. A group of 11 or fewer means the view is less likely to feel blocked by rows of people. You can also ask about the coast as you go, especially if Captain Eric is leading your trip.

The route does not promise a particular cliff, beach, or named landmark. That is worth knowing if you are seeking a structured sightseeing cruise with a long commentary at every point. This is more active and flexible, with scenery woven into a wildlife and swimming trip.

Snacks, drinks, and the $78.10 price

At $78.10 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but the price includes several items that can add up elsewhere. You receive a three-hour boat trip, wildlife searching, snorkeling equipment, drinks, sandwiches, and use of the BladeFish.

The food is simple, but that is exactly what you need on a short excursion. A sandwich and drinks save you from carrying a packed meal or rushing to eat before departure. They also make the price easier to justify for families, since you are not paying for the boat and then adding equipment rental and refreshments.

Value depends on what you want from the outing. If your goal is only a short boat ride, $78.10 may feel high. If you want wildlife watching plus swimming, snorkeling, a fast coastal ride, and a small group, the package is more convincing.

The strongest value comes from the range of activities. You could spend the whole three hours searching for dolphins and whales, but this trip gives you other things to enjoy if animals take time to appear. That makes it less risky than a bare wildlife transfer, though sightings are still never guaranteed.

Is this a good family trip?

The experience suits a wide range of ages. A four-year-old was still talking about the trip afterward, and a baby was able to come along with the family. Another older family member enjoyed staying aboard rather than swimming. Those details point to a useful strength: you can participate at different levels.

Families should discuss the speedboat ride before booking. The tour is short, but it is still an active outing on the sea. Children who enjoy boats, wildlife, and water play are likely to get the most from it.

It also works for couples and small groups who want more than a standard coast cruise. The chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, then stop for a swim, gives the day a clear sense of occasion. The birthday group whose booking nearly disappeared was eventually able to turn it into a family outing, thanks to flexibility from the company and captain.

You should not choose it if you need a guaranteed animal encounter, a fully dry sightseeing tour, or a long, formal nature lecture. It is best for people who like a little speed, open water, and a flexible mix of activities.

What to know about booking and cancellations

Your confirmation is sent at booking, and the experience is offered in English. It is booked, on average, 25 days ahead, so reserving early is sensible if your Tenerife dates are fixed.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. The local time in Tenerife controls the cutoff.

The company has a very strong overall approval rate of 98 percent and a 4.8 rating from 51 reviews, but one serious complaint described a missed departure and difficulty reaching the listed phone number. That appears to be an isolated warning against assuming every booking will run without checking. I would save the confirmation, arrive at the stated meeting point with time to spare, and contact the operator promptly if anything changes.

Should you book the Sea Safari?

I would choose this tour if you want a small-group wildlife trip with several activities packed into three hours. The best reasons are the maximum of 11 people, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, the included snorkeling gear and food, and Captain Eric’s strong reputation for finding animals and treating them carefully.

I would hesitate only if you dislike speedboats, get uneasy in open water, or need a guaranteed sighting. For everyone else, the mix is appealing: search for marine life, look at Tenerife’s cliffs, swim or snorkel if you wish, try the BladeFish, and return to Puerto Colón by the coast.

At $78.10, you are paying for more than a seat on a boat. You are paying for time, equipment, refreshments, a small group, and the chance to see Tenerife’s marine world at close range. That is a fair deal when the sea and wildlife cooperate.

FAQ

Where does the Sea Safari tour start?

The tour starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, in Puerto Colón.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Colón.

How long does the tour last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $78.10 per person.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, crabs, fish, and, less commonly, other marine animals such as a hammerhead shark.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment rental is included.

Is food provided?

Yes. Drinks and sandwiches are provided during the trip.

Can I use a BladeFish?

Yes. The experience includes the opportunity to try an underwater personal propulsion device called a BladeFish.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 11 participants.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.