Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

Pilot whales can come remarkably close. This three-hour sailing trip from Costa Adeje combines small-group wildlife watching with swimming, snorkeling, sandwiches, and drinks. I like the intimate boat, limited to 11 people, and the care shown by captains such as Guy, Alex, Dani, and Maximilian. The main thing to weigh is the price: at $78.44 per person, it costs more than a basic boat outing, and wildlife sightings, swimming conditions, and food portions can vary.

I also like the relaxed pace. You are not packed onto a huge catamaran, and the crew usually leaves time to watch the animals without chasing them. The free beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks, and glass of sparkling wine add comfort, especially on a warm afternoon. Still, snorkeling may be brief or unexciting, and a few departures have included only a small sandwich rather than a full lunch.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: Sightings are common in the reports, with some close encounters involving adults, babies, and whole family groups.
• Only up to 11 people: The smaller boat feels quieter and more personal than Tenerife’s large group cruises.
• Captains make a big difference: Guy receives especially warm praise for his wildlife knowledge, humor, multilingual hosting, and attention to seasick passengers.
• Swimming is part of the plan: A stop is scheduled for swimming and snorkeling, but the sea can be chilly, choppy, or short on underwater sights.
• Food is simple, drinks are generous: Expect a freshly made sandwich or baguette, light snacks, sparkling wine, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
• Meet at Puerto Colón gate 2: Arrive at least 15 minutes early, and request pickup at least 24 hours ahead if you are within the 10-kilometer pickup area.

Leaving Puerto Colón on a small sailing boat

The trip begins at Puerto Colón, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure. That matters here because the boat is small, and a late arrival can cause a scramble at the marina.

The listed end point is the same meeting point. Pickup may be available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must contact the company at least 24 hours before departure. If you are staying nearby and do not need pickup, going directly to Puerto Colón is the simpler choice.

The boat carries a maximum of 11 people. That limit is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. You get more room to sit, watch the water, and talk with the captain than you would on a large shared cruise. A small boat also makes the outing feel less like a floating party and more like a personal coastal excursion.

One detail to keep in mind: the boat may motor much of the way rather than sail continuously. The word sailing appears in the tour name, but one account specifically noted that the boat did not sail at all during that outing. If your main aim is the sensation of gliding under sail, this may not meet that expectation every time.

Searching Tenerife’s waters for pilot whales

The first main part of the trip is the search for whales and dolphins in their natural setting. The captain uses local knowledge and sea conditions to look for wildlife, but no one can promise a sighting. Animals move, weather changes, and the sea does not run on a schedule.

Pilot whales are the most reliable highlight in the available accounts. Some outings have found several groups, including a large pod with mothers and young. Other trips have seen whales for about 15 minutes before continuing along the coast. Dolphins have also appeared close to the boat, and sea turtles have been spotted, but these are less predictable.

When whales are nearby, the captain may slow or stop the boat so you can watch quietly. That approach matters. The best moments are not always dramatic jumps or long displays. A pilot whale surfacing beside the boat, then slipping away through calm water, can be far more memorable than a rushed chase.

Captain Guy receives repeated praise for respecting the animals and explaining what you are seeing. He is also described as attentive to the people onboard, checking how everyone feels and offering help if seasickness begins. Alex, Dani, and Maximilian are also praised in individual accounts for their care and wildlife guidance.

Your experience may depend partly on which captain operates your boat. Guy is described as speaking five languages, which can help mixed-language groups feel included. Another captain may provide more or less commentary, so do not book this as a formal natural history lesson. The focus is a pleasant wildlife outing, with interpretation that can range from detailed to brief.

Coast views between wildlife sightings

The route also gives you views of Tenerife’s southwest coast. When animals are not nearby, you will spend time moving along the coast or waiting in likely areas. This creates a peaceful rhythm, but it can also feel slow if whale watching is your only goal.

One three-hour outing reportedly spent part of the later journey near the port. Another ended about 20 minutes early. These are not universal features of the trip, but they show why expectations matter. A three-hour booking does not mean three hours of close wildlife action.

I would choose a morning or afternoon departure based on your wider plans. An evening trip can offer sunset views, according to one account, which adds a pleasant visual finish. You should still remember that conditions can affect the route and the length of the swimming stop.

The boat can feel comfortable with six adults and two children, and one outing had only four people onboard. At full capacity, however, the space will feel more limited, especially if the sea is rough and you want to move around to reduce motion sickness.

The swimming and snorkeling stop

At some point, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. Masks and other snorkeling equipment are included, so you do not need to rent your own gear. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

This part is best seen as a chance to cool off rather than a dedicated reef excursion. The stop may be short, the water may be cold, and the underwater view can be limited. One account said the snorkel equipment was not offered during a brief swim stop, while another reported that the swimming area had little to see. Experiences clearly vary.

Some people may prefer to stay onboard. That is especially sensible if you are uncomfortable in open water, prone to seasickness, or visiting when the sea is choppy. Others found the swim excellent and considered it one of the best parts of the outing.

The timing also matters. If whales have taken longer to find, the swim may feel rushed. One trip offered about 10 minutes in the water, while other accounts describe a more satisfying stop. Ask the captain about the plan once onboard if swimming is important to you.

What you actually get to eat and drink

The refreshment service is a pleasant extra, but I would not book this as a lunch cruise. The food generally consists of a freshly made sandwich or small baguette, along with light snacks. Some people found the sandwich tasty, while others felt that one small baguette did not match the word snacks or the price of the trip.

Drinks are a stronger part of the offer. The package includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus a glass of champagne. Several accounts describe sparkling wine served with fruit, including strawberries. At least one person described the drink as prosecco rather than champagne, so expect sparkling wine rather than a guaranteed premium Champagne bottle.

A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking. A gluten-free request was not fulfilled on one outing, so you should contact the company before departure and confirm any special food need. Do not assume that mentioning it casually at the marina will be enough.

The drinks make the trip feel more relaxed, particularly during the whale search and coastal ride. They also add value for adults who plan to enjoy wine or beer. Children and non-drinkers have soft drinks, but the food remains modest for everyone.

Seasickness, safety, and comfort

Open water can be rougher than it looks from the beach. Even when the wind seems light at the marina, waves farther out can affect a small boat. One person found the motion strong and uncomfortable, while another felt seasick despite otherwise calm conditions.

If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare carefully. Eat lightly before departure, choose a seat where you feel comfortable, and tell the captain early if you feel unwell. Several captains are praised for checking on passengers and offering practical help, but the boat’s size means you cannot avoid movement completely.

There is one useful point to clarify before you leave the dock: safety information. One account raised concern that no clear safety briefing or life jackets were offered. The supplied information does not describe a formal safety talk, so ask where the life jackets are and what to do in an emergency. That is a reasonable question on any small-boat trip.

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Near the marina, public transportation is available, which helps if you do not use the optional pickup.

Is $78.44 a fair price?

At $78.44 per person, this is a premium-priced half-day boat outing rather than a cheap wildlife ride. The price makes more sense if you value the small group, personal captain, drinks, and a quieter setting than a large catamaran provides.

The value is strongest when the boat finds a good pod of pilot whales and you receive warm, informative hosting. Seeing a mother and young whale near the boat, then enjoying a swim and a drink on the way back, can make the cost feel justified.

The value is weaker if you want a full meal, a long snorkeling session, or guaranteed dolphins. The sandwich is small, the swimming may last only a few minutes, and dolphins or turtles may not appear. Some accounts also felt that the overall service did not feel as premium as the price suggested.

I would compare this with your priorities rather than simply counting inclusions. If you want space, a small group, wildlife respect, and a personable captain, the price is reasonable. If you mainly want swimming or a low-cost whale sighting, a cheaper boat may suit you better.

Who should book this Tenerife boat trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want a calm outing with a personal feel. Children can enjoy the excitement of seeing whales, while adults get a comfortable coastal ride with drinks and light food.

It also suits anyone who prefers an animal-focused trip that does not treat wildlife like a stage show. The most praised captains keep a respectful distance and may switch off the engine so you can watch in peace.

I would be cautious if you are very sensitive to boat motion, need a substantial meal, or expect a long guided snorkeling session. You should also avoid making dolphins your sole reason for booking. Pilot whales are the more realistic target.

Practical details before you book

The experience lasts about three hours and is offered in English. Confirmation is provided at booking, and mobile tickets are accepted.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. The trip depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or move to another date.

Book both parties together if you are traveling with another group and want to be on the same boat. Separate bookings may be assigned to different boats.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Any medication or preparation you normally use for seasickness
• Confirmation details on your phone
• Advance notice for vegetarian or other food needs

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a small boat, close wildlife watching, and friendly hosting rather than a guaranteed dolphin show. The best outings sound genuinely special, with pilot whales close to the boat, careful captains, sparkling wine, and enough time to enjoy the water.

Skip it if your top priorities are a large lunch, certain dolphins, or extensive snorkeling. At $78.44, this is not the cheapest way to get on the sea. For many people, though, the limited group size and the chance to watch pilot whales in a quiet setting make it a worthwhile splurge.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin tour start?

It starts at Puerto Colón, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

Where does the tour finish?

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

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at gate number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is available within a 10-kilometer radius, but you must contact the company at least 24 hours in advance to request it.

How long does the boat trip last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 11 people.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus a glass of champagne. Some departures have served sparkling wine such as prosecco.

Is food included?

Yes. Light refreshments are included, including a freshly made sandwich or baguette. Vegetarian food is available if requested when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the itinerary includes time for swimming and snorkeling. The length and quality of the stop can vary with sea conditions and timing.

Can children take part?

Yes. Children may participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the company cancels because of poor weather.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.