Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

The ocean is the star of this three-hour trip. From Puerto Colón, you sail Tenerife’s southern coast aboard a 52-foot yacht, watching for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles in open water. The setting feels calmer and more personal than a large sightseeing boat, with time to stretch out on deck, listen to the crew, and enjoy the sea.

I especially like the small-group feel and the crew’s respectful approach to wildlife. Captains such as Alex, Jesus, Mauricio, and Yuri are praised for explaining the marine life and giving whales plenty of space. I also like the simple finish: a stop in a sheltered bay for swimming or snorkeling, with sandwiches, fresh fruit, and drinks served on board.

The main drawback is the sea itself. Large waves can make the ride bumpy, and one family reported seasickness, while another had only about 10 minutes to swim because the whale watching took longer. You should also know that seeing dolphins is not guaranteed, even though pilot whale sightings are a frequent highlight.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the main attraction: Sightings are often close and plentiful, with some boats seeing mothers, calves, and small whales.
• The yacht holds a small group: Around 7 to 10 people has been reported on some departures, leaving plenty of room without the feel of a packed excursion boat.
• Wildlife comes first: The captain may stop the engine and wait for the animals rather than chase them.
• A sheltered bay adds variety: You can swim, snorkel, or simply sit back with a drink before returning to Puerto Colón.
• Bring very little onboard: Oversize luggage is not allowed, and the yacht follows a barefoot policy except for health reasons.
• Plan your own way to the marina: Hotel pickup is not included, but parking is available at Puerto Colón for about €1 per hour.

Starting at Puerto Colón in southern Tenerife

Your meeting point is Pantalán, or dock, number zero, inside Puerto Colón. Look for Miishi Restaurant if you need a landmark, and arrive 15 minutes before departure so you have time to find the dock without rushing.

The marina has two parking areas, with parking costing approximately €1 per hour. If you are staying elsewhere in southern Tenerife, you need to arrange your own transport because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. One party reached the marina by bus and found the meeting point easy enough to locate.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, but the practical details of boarding and moving around a sailing yacht may still matter to you. If accessibility is important, confirm the arrangements before booking. Once aboard, expect to remove your shoes. The barefoot rule helps protect the boat and gives the deck a relaxed, informal feel.

The crew gives a short briefing before leaving. You learn the general plan, hear about the local marine life, and get a sense of how the captain approaches the animals. The guide languages are English, Spanish, French, and Italian.

A 52-foot yacht with room to look around

The boat is one of the strongest parts of this excursion. It is a 52-foot sailing yacht, and the repeated praise for its comfort is easy to understand from the format: you are not simply sitting in rows facing a guide. You can move around the deck, look out across the water, and choose a spot that suits you.

The group size can vary, but several outings had only seven to ten people besides the crew. That is small enough to feel nearly private without paying private-charter prices. At $88 per person, the trip costs more than a basic harbor cruise, but the smaller setting, food, drinks, swimming stop, and wildlife watching make the price reasonable for a three-hour outing.

The yacht may sail under wind power when conditions allow. One party had the pleasure of putting up the sails, while another reported that there was not enough wind to sail properly. This is worth understanding before you book: the experience is sold as a sailing excursion, but wind determines how much actual sailing you get. The boat still travels along the coast when the engine is needed.

If you are prone to motion sickness, choose your position with care. One passenger who usually gets seasick felt comfortable sitting near the front, while another group found the waves quite large and the ride bumpy. Conditions vary, so take the possibility seriously. Eat lightly before departure, bring water, and consider whatever motion-sickness remedy you normally use.

Watching pilot whales in their natural setting

After leaving the marina, the crew heads toward the area where pilot whales and dolphins are commonly found. The guide points out places with frequent sightings and explains the sea life around Tenerife. This turns the ride into more than a simple search for a fin on the horizon.

Pilot whales are the most consistent highlight. Several outings saw many of them, including mothers with babies and smaller young whales. One captain stopped the motor while the animals approached, allowing them to decide how close to come. That is a good sign for anyone who cares about responsible wildlife watching. You get a better look without the boat rushing after the pod.

Close encounters can happen, but you should keep realistic expectations. These are wild animals, not a staged show. One outing saw plenty of whales but no dolphins, while another saw a single dolphin and several small whales. Other trips included dolphins, pilot whales, and even a turtle near the boat.

The crew’s attitude matters here. Captains Alex, Marta, Jesus, Mauricio, and Yuri are praised for treating the ocean with care and for explaining what you are seeing. The crew may also adjust the timing of the rest of the outing if the animals keep the group watching longer. That can mean less time in the bay, but it also means you are not being pulled away from an excellent wildlife encounter just to follow a rigid clock.

The southern coastline from the water

The coastal views are a quiet bonus. From the yacht, you see Tenerife’s southern shoreline from a lower, open-water angle rather than from a road or resort promenade. The trip is not presented as a major coastal sightseeing cruise, and it does not appear to include Los Gigantes, so do not book it specifically for those cliffs.

Instead, the focus is the sea and the changing relationship between coast, boat, and wildlife. You might spend part of the ride under sail, part motoring toward the whale area, and part waiting with the engine off. The pace can feel peaceful, especially when the water is calm.

You also get time to talk with the crew. Several captains are praised for being friendly and attentive, and one guide chatted with everyone while keeping the trip moving. That personal contact is useful if you want suggestions for food or activities after the cruise. The crew has even offered local recommendations at the end of the outing.

A swim stop in a secluded bay

Before returning to Puerto Colón, the captain drops anchor in a sheltered bay. This is the change of pace that keeps the excursion from becoming three straight hours of scanning the water.

You can swim, use the basic snorkeling equipment, or stay aboard with a drink and enjoy the view. The water has been described as clear and blue on calm days, and several people considered the bay one of the best parts of the outing. If you would rather not swim, there is no need to force it. You can relax on deck while the others take a dip.

The length of this stop is not fixed. If the whale watching is especially good, you may have only a short swim, perhaps around 10 minutes. On another trip, the bay offered enough time for a proper break. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Basic snorkeling gear is provided, but bringing your own mask may be worthwhile if you prefer a better fit.

Sandwiches, fruit, and drinks on the way back

Food is simple but useful after time in the sun and wind. The crew provides fresh fruit and sandwiches, sometimes preparing the sandwiches while the sails are up or while the boat is traveling back. Drinks include water, juices, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine.

This is not a full meal, so I would not arrive expecting a restaurant lunch. It is a pleasant onboard spread that makes the $88 price feel more complete. You can have a sandwich, fruit, or a drink while sitting on deck and watching the coastline slip past.

One person recommended bringing extra water, despite water being included. That is sensible advice for a sunny three-hour outing, especially if you plan to swim. Keep alcohol consumption modest until you are back on land, since waves and sun can turn a pleasant drink into an unpleasant ride.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most

This excursion suits you if you want wildlife watching without a large crowd. Couples, families, and small groups can all fit comfortably, though children or anyone sensitive to motion should be prepared for waves.

It is also a good match if you care about the way animals are approached. The crew has been praised for turning off the engine and letting the whales control the encounter. You will need patience, though. Wildlife watching involves waiting, scanning, and accepting that nature sets the schedule.

You may prefer another type of boat trip if you want guaranteed dolphin sightings, a long snorkeling session, or a tour focused on dramatic cliffs. You should also think twice if motion sickness is a serious problem. The yacht is comfortable, but comfort cannot remove the movement of the Atlantic.

The multilingual guiding is useful for mixed-language groups. Tours are offered in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. The live guide also adds value for anyone who wants more than a quiet ride and a few photographs.

What the $88 price really buys

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. The value comes from the combination of a sailing yacht, a relatively small group, wildlife viewing, a swimming stop, snacks, and a broad drink selection.

A large boat may offer a lower price, but you could have less personal space and less direct contact with the captain. Here, the small-group format can feel close to a private charter for a fraction of private-boat rates. One group compared the experience favorably with options costing more than $200 per person.

The price is strongest when the yacht is not crowded and the crew gives you time with the animals. It is less compelling if rough water limits your comfort or if you expect a long snorkeling session. The trip offers good value, but its success depends partly on sea conditions and wildlife behavior.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife plans are still moving around. Check available starting times when booking.

Should you book this Tenerife sailing excursion?

I would book it if you want a small, friendly boat trip built around pilot whales, with a chance of dolphins and turtles, plus a short swim in a quiet bay. The crew’s care around wildlife and the yacht’s comfortable size are the biggest reasons to choose it.

Book with realistic expectations. Dolphins may not appear, the wind may not be strong enough for much sailing, and waves can make the ride rough. Bring sun protection, swim gear, a towel, and extra water, arrive early at dock zero, and leave bulky luggage behind.

For $88, this is a strong choice for a personal three-hour outing on Tenerife’s southern coast. It is especially appealing if you value good crew interaction and responsible wildlife watching more than a guaranteed checklist of animals.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife sailing excursion?

The excursion lasts three hours.

Where does the boat depart?

The boat departs from Pantalán, dock number zero, at Puerto Colón in southern Tenerife.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts.

How can I find the meeting point?

You can search for Miishi Restaurant at Puerto Colón. The entry is at dock number zero.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina.

What animals might I see?

The excursion looks for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Sightings are not guaranteed, and one outing saw whales but no dolphins.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The captain anchors in a secluded bay where you can swim, snorkel, or relax. Basic snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are provided?

Fresh fruit, sandwiches, water, juices, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine are provided.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Extra water may also be useful.

Can I bring a large bag?

No. Oversize luggage is not allowed. The yacht also follows a barefoot policy unless you have a health reason requiring footwear.