Costa Adeje: Respectful Whale-Watching Sailboat Tour & swim

Whales make a good day at sea better. This two-hour trip from Puerto Colón combines pilot-whale and dolphin watching with a swim stop aboard the Shogun, an unusual teak sailing boat built for an Arabian sheikh. I like the friendly, attentive crew and the chance to watch wildlife without turning the trip into a loud party cruise. I also like the open decks, free soft drinks, and views of Tenerife’s southern coast.

The $20 price is especially appealing if you want a short sea outing rather than a full-day cruise. The main caution is that wildlife sightings depend on sea conditions and nature, not a timetable. The boat also has mixed accessibility information, so anyone with mobility needs should confirm details before booking.

Five things worth knowing before you sail

• The Shogun is the attraction as well as the transport: This teak-built oriental sailboat gives the trip a more distinctive setting than a standard motorboat.
• Pilot whales are the main wildlife target: Dolphins may appear too, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• You get a real swim stop: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat if you want to leave the deck and enter the sea.
• The best views come from moving around: The large central table, spacious main deck, and upper deck each offer a different way to enjoy the ride.
• The price includes more than the cruise: Water and soft drinks are available throughout, and food plus beer and wine are listed for lunchtime, depending on the selected option.
• The trip returns to Puerto Colón: You do not need to arrange a separate ride back from the coast.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

Your meeting point is the Shogun Boat at Puerto Colón, pier number 14, next to the petrol station. That landmark matters because a harbor can have several piers, and arriving with the pier number in hand saves time.

Depending on the option you choose, a bus transfer may be available from selected areas. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included as a standard feature, so check your booking carefully if you are staying away from Costa Adeje. The tour finishes at the same harbor where you board.

Once aboard, you can settle around the large central table on the main deck. This is the social heart of the boat and a practical place to sit if you want shade, easy access to drinks, or a stable spot while the boat is moving. You can also head upstairs for broader views of the coast and open water.

The Shogun has two bathrooms below deck and another on the same level as the upper deck. That is a useful touch on a two-hour trip, especially when the boat also includes a swim stop and refreshments.

A sailboat with a story

The Shogun is built entirely from teak hardwood and was made for the private use of an Arabian sheikh. Its design is intended to recall the age of sea exploration, while the experience also presents the boat as an authentic Portuguese Goleta.

You do not need to be a sailing enthusiast to appreciate the setting. The wooden construction, upper deck, and central seating area give the cruise a character that a basic sightseeing vessel may not have. You can watch the crew at work, take in the harbor views, and enjoy the feeling of being on a proper sailing boat rather than simply riding from one wildlife spot to another.

The boat’s layout is also good for different moods. I would use the upper deck when I wanted a wider view and the main deck when I wanted easier access to the table, bar, and crew. Since the tour lasts only two hours, moving around the boat helps keep the outing varied.

Watching pilot whales off Tenerife’s west coast

The main wildlife search takes place along the southern west coast of Tenerife. Pilot whales are the star of the trip, with dolphins as a possible bonus. The crew explains why pilot whales are drawn to the waters around Tenerife, giving the outing a useful local angle rather than treating the animals as scenery alone.

Pilot whales can be a particularly rewarding sight because the experience is not just about spotting a quick fin. You may have time to watch their movement and behavior from the boat, though the exact encounter depends entirely on where the animals are and how the sea is behaving that day.

The company presents the trip as a respectful whale-watching experience. That matters. You are there to observe local marine life, not feed it, fish, or chase it. Feeding animals and fishing are not allowed, and the rules also ban alcohol and drugs outside the permitted drink service.

Dolphins may add a lively moment to the trip, but I would book this for the chance to see pilot whales rather than promise myself a dolphin show. Nature sets the schedule. The supplied rating of 4.8 from 17 reviews reflects a very positive response, and the most praised elements are clear: sightings of pilot whales, a warm crew, and good explanations during the trip.

One especially memorable account describes seeing a newborn whale. That is not something you can expect on every sailing, but it shows why a short wildlife outing can become the most memorable part of a Tenerife holiday.

The swim stop and open-water break

The stop for swimming changes the pace. After watching the sea, you get a chance to enjoy it directly, provided conditions are suitable and you feel comfortable in the water.

Bring a swimsuit and towel from the start. You should also pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The boat offers space to sit and sunbathe, but the Canarian sun can be strong even when the breeze makes the air feel mild.

I like that the swim stop is included in a short two-hour format. You do not have to commit to a full day at sea to get both wildlife watching and time in the water. The drawback is simple: the stop may be affected by sea conditions. The activity can change when the water is rough, and the listed schedule should be treated as a plan rather than a guarantee.

If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain on deck and enjoy the coastline. The spacious deck and upper level give you alternatives to swimming, which makes the trip suitable for mixed groups where some people want the water and others do not.

Drinks, lunch, and what the $20 covers

At $20 per person, this is a low-cost way to add a sea excursion to a Costa Adeje stay. The value is strongest if you want a compact activity with wildlife watching, a swim stop, and a distinctive boat without paying for a longer cruise.

Water and soft drinks are included throughout the trip. There is also an onboard bar where you can purchase drinks. Alcoholic drinks are not included outside the stated lunchtime service.

Food is listed as rice with vegetables, meatballs, cabbage salad, bread, and fruit. Beer and wine are also listed as included at lunchtime. Because the experience is described as a two-hour cruise and the food details may depend on the option selected, I would check the exact departure and meal arrangement when booking. Do not assume every departure includes the same meal service.

The food sounds practical rather than fancy. That is fine for a short boat trip. It gives you something filling after time in the sun and water, while the free soft drinks help keep the total cost down. If you have dietary needs, the supplied details do not explain substitutions, so ask before paying.

Crew, languages, and the feel on board

The professional crew includes the captain and sailors. The strongest praise is aimed at their friendly, attentive manner and their ability to explain what you are seeing. That makes a real difference on a wildlife trip, where good guidance helps you understand the animals and the coast instead of simply waiting for a fin to appear.

The tour is offered with live guidance in English, French, German, and Spanish. That gives you a better chance of following the safety instructions and wildlife information in a language you understand.

The atmosphere is intended to be calm and respectful. Party groups are not allowed, and feeding animals is prohibited. If you want a loud booze cruise, this is the wrong choice. If you want a relaxed sail with a crew that pays attention, the tone should suit you better.

The prohibition on pets does not apply to assistance dogs. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed under the activity rules, even though drinks may be available through the bar and specific lunchtime arrangements.

Timing, transfers, and practical planning

The cruise lasts two hours, but you should allow extra time to reach Puerto Colón and locate pier 14. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want instead of assuming a morning or afternoon departure.

A bus transfer may be included if you select an option that covers certain pickup areas. Standard hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. If you arrange your own transport, remember that the tour returns to the Shogun Boat at the end.

The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which is useful when your Tenerife plans may shift.

Accessibility information needs care. The activity is marked wheelchair accessible in one place, but it is also described as unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments elsewhere. That is a clear contradiction. I would contact the operator before booking and ask about boarding, deck access, the swim stop, and bathroom access rather than relying on the general label.

Who will enjoy this Costa Adeje cruise?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want:

• A short wildlife trip rather than a full-day boat excursion
• A chance to see pilot whales along Tenerife’s west coast
• A swim stop without booking a separate beach activity
• A boat with character and open deck space
• A good-value activity with drinks included
• A calm setting instead of a party atmosphere
• Guidance in English, French, German, or Spanish

Families may like the mix of wildlife, views, and swimming, though adults should keep close watch during the water stop. Couples can enjoy the upper deck and sunset or daytime sea views, depending on the departure. Solo visitors can use the central table as an easy place to settle in and meet the rhythm of the boat.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is a guaranteed dolphin encounter, a long sailing day, or a luxury meal. This is a compact excursion, and the animals remain wild. You should also reconsider it if rough water is likely to make you uncomfortable.

Should you book the Shogun?

I would book this tour if you want an affordable two-hour outing that combines pilot-whale watching, a swim stop, and a distinctive wooden boat. The price is hard to ignore, especially with water and soft drinks included and food listed for the lunchtime option.

Go in with sensible expectations. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, or both, but no wildlife company can promise a sighting. Sea conditions may also change the swim stop. Confirm the meal details, transfer option, and accessibility arrangements before you pay.

For most visitors based around Costa Adeje, this is a practical way to get out on the water without giving up half a day. The friendly crew, unusual Shogun boat, and chance of seeing a newborn whale or a pod of pilot whales give the trip more personality than its low price suggests.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching boat leave from?

The boat leaves from Puerto Colón, at pier number 14 next to the petrol station. Look for the Shogun Boat.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts two hours. Check availability for the departure times offered on your chosen date.

What animals might I see?

The main wildlife targets are pilot whales and dolphins. Sightings depend on nature and sea conditions.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a stop for swimming, although the stop is subject to sea conditions.

Are drinks included?

Water and soft drinks are free throughout the trip. Beer and wine are listed as included at lunchtime, while alcoholic drinks outside lunchtime are available for purchase.

Is food included?

Food is listed as rice with vegetables, meatballs, cabbage salad, bread, and fruit. Check the selected option for the exact meal arrangement.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included as standard. Some options include bus transfer from selected areas.

Can wheelchair users join the tour?

The information is conflicting. The activity is marked wheelchair accessible in one place but also described as unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments. Contact the operator before booking to confirm the arrangements.