Tenerife: Sailboat Tour with Food and Snorkeling

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main event on this three-hour sail from Puerto Colón, but the small boat makes the outing feel personal rather than factory-made. You may watch a pod from close range, then swim in a quiet bay before lunch is served on deck.

I like the 10-passenger limit, which gives you room to move and lets the crew give both sides of the boat a fair view. I also like the thoughtful food and drink service, from fresh baguettes and cake to cava, beer, wine, and soft drinks. The main caution is simple: the Atlantic can be choppy, and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

Key points to know before booking

• A small 12-meter sailboat: The Roulette carries up to 10 passengers and two crew, with deck mats, three double cabins, and two bathrooms.
• Wildlife with a purpose: The crew specializes in finding cetaceans and explaining local marine life without treating the animals like a staged show.
• A real sailing experience: When wind conditions allow, the boat sails under canvas for part of the outward and return journey.
• Swim and snorkel stop: You get time in the water, often around a sheltered bay, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• Food and drinks included: Expect sandwiches or baguettes, crisps, cake, snacks, water, and alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks.
• Simple meeting point: Arrive 10 minutes early at dock door number 5 in Puerto Colón, where you will find the Roulette.

Why this small Tenerife sailing trip works so well

The south coast of Tenerife is lined with dark volcanic cliffs, beaches, and open Atlantic views. From the water, Costa Adeje feels less built up than it does from shore. You see the coast as a long sweep of rock and surf, with the island of La Gomera often visible offshore when conditions are clear.

The boat is a major part of the appeal. A 12-meter yacht with only 10 passengers gives you a much quieter setting than the larger whale-watching vessels leaving the same port. You are not packed shoulder to shoulder, and you can shift from the bow to the side deck without fighting for space.

The two crew members divide their attention between sailing, wildlife spotting, serving food, and checking that everyone is comfortable. Salvador is praised for his explanations of the animals and the island. Rafa is known for friendly hosting and generous sandwiches. Yani has also been singled out for attentive food and drink service. Crew members named Silvio and Jenny have helped make departures feel warm and relaxed.

That personal service matters on a boat. If the sea gets rough, you want crew who notice quickly. If a pod appears on one side, you want the skipper to position the boat so everyone gets a look. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose a small sailing trip instead of a large, crowded cruise.

Meeting the Roulette at Puerto Colón

The tour begins at Puerto Colón, a busy marina on Tenerife’s south coast. The meeting point is at door number 5 of the dock, 10 minutes before departure. It is the first jetty after passing the port parking barrier, and the boat is named Roulette.

Give yourself enough time to find the correct entrance. The marina has several piers and boats, and the meeting point is not simply a general port office. A little early arrival saves you from walking around with your phone out while the crew waits.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Puerto Colón. The outing ends at the same place, which makes planning easy if you are staying near Costa Adeje or arranging your own transport.

The tour runs for three hours, but the exact start time depends on availability. A morning departure gives you a cooler start and leaves much of the day open. An afternoon sailing can bring softer light and a calmer holiday pace. The important thing is to check the departure time carefully when booking.

Sailing south from Costa Adeje

Once you leave the marina, the crew settles into the route along Tenerife’s south coast. This is not just a fast ride to a snorkeling site. When the wind is up, the skipper uses the sails on the outbound and return legs, sometimes for around 90 minutes in total.

That detail changes the feel of the experience. You hear less engine noise, feel the boat lean gently with the wind, and have time to watch the sea rather than simply pass through it. On calm or windless days, the engine may be needed, so do not book this expecting a full sailing course.

The crew also points out coastal features, local geography, and views toward La Gomera. The scenery is best enjoyed from the open deck, where you can stretch out on the mats or sit near the bow. Bring a light layer even on a warm day. The boat is exposed, and conditions on the water can feel different from those at the marina.

This part of the trip is also when the crew begins scanning for wildlife. Keep your eyes moving across the water rather than staring at one fixed point. Pilot whales and dolphins may surface briefly, and seabirds can be easier to spot farther out from the harbor.

Watching pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

Tenerife’s south coast is well known for regular cetacean sightings, and this crew has extensive experience looking for them. Pilot whales are a common highlight, with pods sometimes including calves. Dolphins may travel close to the boat, play near the bow, or appear in groups alongside the yacht.

The best encounters depend on the animals, the sea, and the skipper’s judgment. You might see several species, including pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and occasionally tuna. You might also have a quieter wildlife period. No responsible operator can promise a whale or dolphin appearance, and the crew’s focus on respectful viewing is more important than forcing a close approach.

The small boat gives you a good chance to observe without the roar and crowds of a large vessel. On some trips, the Roulette has been able to sit near a pod for about 15 minutes, allowing people on both sides to see the animals. The crew may adjust the boat’s position so the viewing is shared rather than reserved for the people who happen to be standing in the right spot.

You can expect explanations in Spanish, English, French, or German. The useful part is not simply naming a species. The crew explains what you are seeing and gives context about the animals’ environment. That makes a brief fin or distant blow more meaningful.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole outing looking through a screen. A whale surfacing beside a small boat can be over in seconds. The view is usually better with your own eyes.

A swim and snorkeling stop in a sheltered bay

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward a place suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The stop generally lasts around 30 minutes, giving you enough time for a proper dip rather than a quick toe test.

Snorkeling equipment is included. You can look for fish in the clear water, swim from the boat, or simply stay on deck if the sea feels too cool or unsettled. Some departures have stopped near a secluded bay with a cave to explore, though the exact place depends on conditions and the skipper’s decision.

This is a good balance to the wildlife watching. Three hours of standing or sitting in one position can feel long, especially for children, while a swim breaks up the journey. It also gives you a chance to cool off after sitting in the sun.

Be realistic about the water stop. It is not a dedicated snorkeling expedition, and the main focus is the combination of sailing and wildlife. If you want long guided snorkeling sessions or extensive underwater time, choose a specialist snorkeling trip instead.

Sandwiches, cake, cava, and easygoing service

Food is included, and it is more substantial than a handful of packaged snacks. The usual offering includes baguette sandwiches, sometimes with ham and tomato or Iberian ham, along with crisps and cake. The exact menu can vary, but the food is intended to make a three-hour outing comfortable rather than serve as a formal lunch.

Drinks include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. Crew members regularly offer refreshments, and the supply has been described as generous. A cold drink after swimming is a small thing, but it makes the whole trip feel better organized.

If you have dietary requirements, tell the operator ahead of time. The crew has accommodated special food requests, but you should not assume every preference can be handled without notice.

The service is attentive without needing to be formal. Crew members check whether people feel well, keep drinks moving, and help anyone affected by the motion of the sea. One especially practical detail: if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking your usual precautions before boarding. Even a calm-looking day at the marina can become bumpy offshore.

What the $68 price includes

At $68 per person, the tour offers good value if you want several activities in one outing. The price includes the sailboat cruise, guide, wildlife watching, snorkeling gear, food, snacks, and drinks. You are paying for the boat, crew time, marine-life experience, and a small-group setting, not just transportation on the water.

Compare that with booking separate whale watching, snorkeling, and lunch activities, and the price looks sensible. The 10-person capacity is particularly important. A cheaper large boat may give you more room overall, but you will share the experience with many more people and may spend more time waiting for a clear view.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed half-day activity. It is also useful for a birthday or special occasion. The crew has helped mark birthdays with cake and candles, though lighting candles on a moving deck is not always easy.

The price is less compelling if you want only a pure sailing lesson, a long snorkeling session, or guaranteed whale sightings. This is a mixed experience: part sail, part wildlife watch, part swim, and part lunch cruise.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want to see Tenerife from the sea without spending a full day on a large cruise boat. It suits adults looking for a peaceful morning or afternoon, families with children, and anyone who values personal service.

Children can enjoy the wildlife, swimming, and snacks, but parents should consider the three-hour duration and open-water motion. The limited group size helps, since children are not lost in a crowd and the crew can keep an eye on general comfort.

It is also a strong choice for people who have already taken a standard dolphin-watching cruise and want something quieter. The sailing, food, and small boat create a more intimate outing. You still get the famous wildlife experience, but with less engine noise and fewer passengers around you.

I would be cautious if you regularly suffer from seasickness, dislike open water, or want a rigidly timed sightseeing program. Conditions can affect the sailing, wildlife search, and swim stop. The crew does its best to adapt, but the ocean sets the schedule.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring a towel. A hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket are sensible because the deck offers little shelter from sun or wind.

Arrive at dock door number 5 at least 10 minutes early. Look for the first jetty after the port parking barrier and check that you are boarding the Roulette. Since hotel transfers are not included, allow time to reach Puerto Colón independently.

The tour accepts a maximum of 10 participants, with two crew members aboard. The boat has three double cabins and two bathrooms, though these are part of the yacht’s layout rather than a promise of private cabin use during the excursion.

The activity is available with live guidance in Spanish, English, French, and German. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility while finalizing your Tenerife plans.

Should you book the Roulette?

Book it if you want a small, friendly sailing trip with real wildlife watching, a swim, and food included. The strongest features are the 10-person limit, the crew’s care with animal encounters, and the relaxed mix of sailing and snorkeling.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed whale show or a long, technical snorkeling session. The sea may be choppy, and the wind may not cooperate. For most people, though, the combination of pilot whales, dolphins, open-coast views, fresh sandwiches, and a quiet swim stop makes the $68 price fair.

FAQ

Where does the sailboat tour begin?

The tour begins at door number 5 of the dock at Puerto Colón. It is the first jetty after the port parking barrier.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure.

Where does the tour finish?

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

How long is the experience?

The sailboat tour lasts three hours.

How many people can join?

The boat carries a maximum of 10 participants and two crew members.

What is the name of the boat?

The sailboat is named the Roulette.

Are whale and dolphin sightings included?

Whale watching is included, and the crew looks for cetaceans, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes snacks, sandwiches or baguettes, desserts such as cake, mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach Puerto Colón on your own.