Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

Pilot whales often make the first impression here. Tenerife’s southern waters are known for regular sightings, and this three-hour yacht trip gives you time to watch them without the feel of a large sightseeing boat. Dolphins and turtles are possible too, though wild animals set the schedule.

I like the small, calm feel reported on many departures, and I like the crew’s respectful approach: captains have stopped the engine and allowed the animals to choose how close to come. The swim stop, sandwiches, fruit, and drinks also make this more than a quick wildlife outing.

The main caution is the sea. A December departure had unusually tall waves, and another group found the ride bumpy. If you get motion sickness, sit where you can see the horizon, bring any usual remedy, and keep your expectations flexible about the swim and the wildlife.

At a glance

• Pilot whales are the main prize: Sightings can include adults, mothers, and young whales close to the boat.
• A 52-foot yacht keeps the outing personal: Departures described in the supplied details had as few as seven people and around ten passengers, excluding crew, though numbers can vary.
• The southern coast gets two views: You see it from the water while motoring and, when wind allows, under sail.
• The bay stop adds a proper break: Swim, use the basic snorkeling gear, or stay aboard with a drink and a snack.
• The crew has a strong reputation: Alex, Jesus, Mauricio, Marta, Monica, and others are praised for friendly service and clear explanations.
• Plan for bare feet and no large bags: Bring sun gear, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, but leave oversize luggage behind.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

You meet the boat at Pantalán, or dock, number zero in Puerto Colón. Search for Miishi Restaurant if you need a landmark, and arrive 15 minutes before departure. The port has two parking areas, with a stated cost of about €1 per hour, but hotel pickup is not provided, so arrange your own way there.

That detail matters more than it may seem. Puerto Colón is in Tenerife’s busy southern resort area, and arriving early gives you time to find the correct dock rather than rushing along the waterfront. Someone meets the group at the dock before boarding, which helps at a marina where several boats may be preparing to leave.

The boat is a 52-foot sailing yacht, not a high-capacity whale-watching vessel. The smaller setting lets you move around the deck and stay near the guide when wildlife appears. Exact group size is not fixed in the information provided, but several departures had only seven to ten people plus crew. One passenger described it as close to a private charter for less than €200 per person, though that comparison came from a particular departure and should not be treated as a guarantee.

There is a barefoot policy on board, except for health reasons. Wear footwear to reach the marina, then expect to remove it once aboard. This is worth knowing if you prefer firm shoes on a moving deck or need special support for your feet.

Finding pilot whales along Tenerife’s south coast

After a short briefing, the crew heads toward the area where whales and dolphins are most often seen. The guide explains local sea life and points out likely spots rather than simply driving in a straight line with no context. The supplied language options are English, Spanish, French, and Italian, so you can choose a departure that suits your group when availability allows.

Pilot whales are the most consistent feature of this outing. People have seen groups with small whales, mothers and young, and animals close to the yacht. One especially appealing practice is to stop the motor near the whales, giving them space to decide whether to approach. That is better wildlife watching than chasing an animal from one angle to the next.

You may also see bottlenose dolphins, other dolphins, or turtles. Some departures recorded plenty of dolphins, while another saw only one dolphin but many small whales. That variation is normal for a trip involving wild animals. The boat can bring you to a productive area, but it cannot promise a particular species or number of sightings.

This is not presented as a race toward the animals. The best moments may be quiet ones, with the engine off and the group waiting. You will want a camera, but keep your attention on the water. A pilot whale surfacing beside the yacht can last only a few seconds.

The crew’s attitude toward the sea is a major part of the experience. Alex and Marta have been praised for their care for the ocean, whales, and turtles, while captains including Jesus and Mauricio have been singled out for friendly, attentive service. Names and crew assignments may change, but the pattern is clear: the human side of the outing is as important as the sightings.

Sailing instead of simply motoring

The boat is a sailing yacht, but wind controls how much actual sailing you get. One departure had little wind, so the sails could not do much. Others put the sails up and described that stretch as one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

That is an important distinction when you book. You are guaranteed a sailing excursion on a sailing yacht, but not a full three hours under sail. The crew needs to balance wind, wildlife, and the return time. If whales are active, the schedule may favor watching them over a long, leisurely sail.

When the sails do go up, the mood changes. The motor quiets, the boat glides, and Tenerife’s southern shore feels less like a resort frontage and more like a broad coastal view. It is a simple pleasure, but a good one. You can sit on deck, watch the water, and enjoy the boat itself instead of treating it only as transport to a wildlife area.

The yacht’s comfort also helps. Passengers have described plenty of room even with about ten people aboard. The bow can be a good place to sit if you are prone to motion sickness, although the bow may feel more exposed when the water is rough. On a calm day, it offers a fine forward view.

The sheltered bay swim stop

Before returning to Puerto Colón, the captain anchors in a secluded bay. This is the most relaxed section of the trip. You can swim, use the basic snorkeling equipment, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The stop is not always a fixed-length beach break. Wildlife viewing can take longer than expected, leaving less time at anchor. One departure had only about ten minutes for a quick swim after spending extra time with whales. Another had enough time for a proper swim in clear, calm water.

That flexibility is part of the tradeoff. If your top goal is swimming, choose a dedicated swim cruise. If whales are your priority, accept that the bay stop may be shorter when the sea life is active. The experience works best when you see the swim as a welcome extra rather than the central event.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A short stop can feel rushed if you have to change or search through a bag. There is no need to pack large luggage, and oversize bags are not allowed.

Snorkeling equipment is basic, not a full rental setup. It is enough for a quick look in the water, but you should not book this as a serious snorkeling session. The value lies in combining a brief swim with whale watching and sailing in one outing.

Sandwiches, fruit, and drinks on deck

Food is simple but useful. You receive fresh fruit and sandwiches, along with drinks such as water, juices, soft drinks, beer, cava, and wine. The crew has prepared sandwiches while passengers swam or while the yacht was under sail, and some departures included sandwiches made to order.

This is the right amount of catering for a three-hour trip. You are not paying for a restaurant meal, but you do not need to stop your afternoon to find lunch. A cold drink after time in the sun, or a sandwich after watching wildlife, makes the outing feel complete.

One person specifically advised bringing extra water, despite the listed drinks. I would do the same, especially on a sunny day. The supplied refreshments are included, but personal hydration needs vary, and you may not want to wait for service while the boat is moving.

Alcohol is available, including beer, wine, and cava. Drink sensibly, particularly if the sea is rough. Motion and alcohol are not an ideal mix, and the boat’s friendly social mood does not remove the need to look after yourself.

How rough can the water be?

Sea conditions are the one real weakness to consider. Several departures were calm and comfortable, while others encountered large waves. Children on one rough outing became seasick, although they still enjoyed seeing the whales.

No short coastal cruise can promise smooth water. Tenerife’s south can be pleasant, but wind and swell change. If you are sensitive to motion, eat lightly before boarding, stay where you can see the horizon, and ask the crew for the best place to sit. The front of the boat helped one passenger who normally gets seasick, but conditions differ from day to day.

The open deck is part of the appeal, yet you should be ready for sun, wind, spray, and movement. A hat with a secure fit is more useful than a loose one. Apply sunscreen before boarding, since standing around on deck can expose you to more sun than expected.

The yacht is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is useful information when comparing boats. Still, the barefoot policy, moving deck, swim stop, and occasional rough water mean you should confirm your specific mobility needs before booking.

What the $88 price gets you

At $88 per person, this sits above a basic large-boat coastal ride but below the price of a private charter. You are paying for the yacht setting, a small-group atmosphere on many departures, a live multilingual guide, wildlife watching, the swim stop, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

The value is strongest if you want several experiences in one morning or afternoon. You see the south coast, look for whales and dolphins, possibly sail under canvas, swim in a quieter bay, and eat aboard. Booking separate activities for each of those elements would usually take more time and planning.

The value is weaker if you want certainty. You cannot guarantee dolphins, turtles, a long sailing period, calm seas, or a long swim. You also need to reach Puerto Colón yourself. Think of the price as paying for access to a well-run wildlife outing, not for a fixed checklist of animal sightings.

The rating of 4.7 from 226 reviews suggests a strong record, and the repeated praise centers on the same practical points: friendly crews, a beautiful yacht, small groups, close but respectful whale encounters, and good food and drinks. That consistency is more useful than a single dramatic wildlife story.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a more personal boat ride. It also suits anyone who prefers a quiet deck and direct contact with the crew over a crowded party boat.

It is a good choice for first-time whale watchers because the guide explains what you are seeing and the itinerary does not require a full day. A three-hour trip fits well into a southern Tenerife holiday, leaving time for lunch or another activity.

Families should think about motion sickness. Children may love the whales, but a rough day can be hard on them. The crew’s attentiveness helps, yet no crew can smooth out a large swell.

I would hesitate if you need a guaranteed swim of a certain length, want a full snorkeling session, or dislike removing shoes on a moving boat. I would also reconsider if you need hotel transport, since pickup and drop-off are not included.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date rather than assuming a morning departure.

The meeting point is Pantalán dock zero at Puerto Colón, near Miishi Restaurant. Arrive 15 minutes early, allow time to park or reach the marina by other transport, and do not bring oversize luggage.

The activity is offered in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. It is wheelchair accessible, but I would still contact the provider if you have specific requirements related to the deck, footwear policy, or sea conditions.

Should you book it?

Book this yacht trip if you want respectful whale watching with a personal feel, and you like the idea of adding a swim, snacks, and a little sailing without giving up a whole day. The crew’s care, the 52-foot yacht, and the chance to watch pilot whales with the engine off give it real character.

Skip it if your priorities are guaranteed dolphins, calm water, a long snorkeling session, or hotel pickup. For most people who accept the uncertainty of the sea, $88 is a fair price for a compact Tenerife outing that combines wildlife, coastline, and time on the water without the feel of a crowded boat.

FAQ

Where does the Tenerife sailing excursion leave from?

It leaves from Pantalán dock number zero at Puerto Colón in Tenerife. Miishi Restaurant is given as a useful landmark.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to Puerto Colón. Two parking areas are available at the port, at an approximate cost of €1 per hour.

How long is the boat trip?

The excursion lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

What animals might I see?

The trip looks for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Sightings depend on wild animals and are not guaranteed.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and there is a barefoot policy on board except for health reasons.