You can feel the Atlantic in your face on this trip. This 3-hour speedboat ride from Puerto Colón is built for wildlife spotting, with a knowledgeable guide and a real chance to see dolphins and whales in their own space. I especially like the small-boat feel, which makes the time at sea feel more personal than the big-coach-style excursions.

What also hooks me is the stop in a bay for a refreshing swim (and snorkeling gear if you want it). Your main consideration is that the whole experience is weather-dependent, so the sea state can change what the captain feels comfortable doing.

Quick hits you should know

• Puerto Colón Gate 3 is your starting line, with staff checking tickets before boarding
• Whale, dolphin, and possible turtle sightings are part of the game plan out on open water
• A bay swim stop breaks up the cruise with drinks, a snack, and snorkeling gear
• Coastal views back toward the south shore, including little ports, beaches, and natural swimming pools
• Captain Nico and the crew’s nature-first approach are a big reason this tour scores so highly

Puerto Colón speedboat setup: why this route feels more real

From the moment you start moving, this is a different pace than slow sightseeing boats. You leave Puerto Colón and head out for 3 hours of back-and-forth cruising, which matters because marine life can show up fast, then move on just as quickly.

I also like that this doesn’t feel like a checklist tour. The guide talks about the Atlantic’s maritime life as you go, so you’re not just hoping for a sighting—you’re learning what you’re actually looking at when it happens.

Finally, you’ll be on a smaller, faster-style craft than the huge tourist boats. That usually means you get a more direct experience of the sea, while the crew can still keep a respectful distance when animals appear.

The 3-hour plan along South Tenerife: what you’ll actually see

Expect a full half-day vibe without dragging it out. The timing is straightforward: you’re on the water for about 3 hours, sailing out, spotting, and then working your way back along the south coast.

As you cruise, you’ll get repeated glimpses of the Tenerife shoreline: small ports, beaches, and those natural swimming pools the coast is known for. It’s the kind of scenery you miss when you’re only driving along the road from resort to resort.

On a clear day, the view can reach farther than you’d expect. You might be able to see Mount Teide and the nearby island of La Gomera from the water, which is one of those bonuses that makes the whole day feel special even if wildlife sightings take a little luck.

Dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish: how to think about sightings

This tour is clearly designed around living, moving wildlife, not staged photo ops. You’ll go whale and dolphin spotting, and depending on what the sea is doing that day, you might also spot things like turtles and flying fish.

Here’s the practical mindset I recommend: you’re not just waiting for an animal—you’re watching conditions. When the captain is actively searching, it helps to look where the guide indicates and listen for quick explanations. The guide’s job is to point you toward patterns in what you’re seeing (surface activity, movement direction, and where sea life tends to show up).

Based on what the crew tends to encounter, it’s also possible to see surprises beyond the headline species. On some outings, people report sightings like pilot whales, spotted dolphins that don’t always show up in every area, and even smaller marine life like man-o-war jellyfish. You might also spot evidence of marine life in the water, like an egg mass from squid, if conditions line up.

And one more thing: the goal is to watch animals in their natural behavior. Reviews highlight a respectful approach, and that’s exactly what you want to look for in a wildlife-focused cruise. When the crew keeps distance and doesn’t force the encounter, the viewing tends to be more authentic—and less stressful for the animals.

The bay swim stop: where snorkeling gear actually matters

The break from cruising happens in a bay stop. You get a drink and a snack there, and you can also jump in to swim. If you want more than just a quick swim, snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can head under the surface without hauling your own gear.

This stop is more than a comfort break. The bay environment gives you a chance to experience marine life at a different scale—smaller, calmer, and often easier to observe than open-water spotting. Even if you don’t snorkel for long, simply being able to cool off in the sea is a big part of why this tour works as a true outing, not just a boat ride.

You’ll also notice the cliffs and coastline from the water during the stop. It’s scenic in a practical way: you’re not stuck looking at the same deck view for hours. The bay location gives you a change of perspective and a chance to appreciate how rugged South Tenerife’s coastline can be.

Quick tips for the water portion:

• Bring a towel and beachwear so you can get comfortable right after the swim stop
• Use sunscreen before you get moving, since you’ll be out under sun for a while
• If you plan to snorkel, keep an eye out for what the guide suggests so you’re in the right spot at the right time

Food and drinks on board: simple, helpful, and included

This cruise includes a sandwich, plus one drink, served at the bay stop. It’s not trying to be a gourmet meal, and I wouldn’t expect that. But for a 3-hour boat day with a swim break, having food and a drink included is genuinely useful.

The value here is timing. You’re not forced to hunt for snacks before or after the trip, and you’re not stuck hungry while you’re doing the fun part. The snack-and-sip setup also keeps the pace smooth, so you don’t waste time waiting around.

One point to consider: the included lunch-style item is basic. That can be totally fine if you’re mainly after wildlife watching and the water break, but if you’re the type who wants a full meal, you might prefer to eat before you go or plan a proper post-tour meal.

Meeting at Puerto Colón: logistics that keep the day calm

If you want the day to feel easy, show up early. Your meeting point is Puerto Colón Gate 3, and you should arrive 15 minutes before departure.

A staff member from Sea Safari Tenerife SL waits at gate 3 for that 15-minute window, checks your ticket (printed or digital), and then escorts you to the boat if everyone is present. That’s the practical part: this tour runs on boat time, not leisurely vacation time.

Also note that there’s no hotel pickup. So you’ll be responsible for getting to Puerto Colón on your own. If you’re staying in the south, this is often a straightforward trip. If you’re further away, plan extra buffer so you’re not stressed about traffic and parking.

What to bring (and what not to bring) for this speedboat day

A speedboat and a sea swim have a few basic needs. Pack light, and think about getting wet.

Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

Not allowed:

• Baby strollers
• Non-folding wheelchairs
• Non-folding strollers
• Electric wheelchairs

If you’re traveling with a stroller or mobility gear that doesn’t match these rules, it’s worth checking alternatives before you book, since the tour doesn’t support those types of equipment.

Is the price worth it at $77 per person?

At $77 per person for a 3-hour speedboat cruise with a guide, sandwich, a drink, a swim stop, and snorkeling gear, you’re paying for three things at once: movement, time on the water, and the water break.

Boat wildlife tours often cost what they cost because the real product is access—getting out to where you might find dolphins and whales, then having a guide who knows how to spot and interpret what’s happening. The swim/snorkel stop is the second value driver. It turns this from a “stand and look” experience into an experience where you actually get in the water and cool off.

So the value works best if you want:

• a faster, more direct time on the sea
• the chance for wildlife spotting
• the built-in swim/snorkel break

If you only want scenery and you hate the idea of being out on open water, then the price may feel steep. But if you want action plus the water stop, this is a pretty clear deal for the included extras.

Who should book this Puerto Colón dolphin and whale speedboat cruise?

This tour fits best if you:

• enjoy wildlife watching and like learning while you look
• want a more active boat experience than slow sightseeing vessels
• are comfortable swimming and potentially snorkeling during the bay stop
• want a guided trip with live explanation in Spanish and English

It may be less ideal if:

• you get seasick easily and haven’t handled open-water trips well
• you’re expecting a long, full-day excursion with multiple stops
• you need hotel pickup, since this tour requires you to get to the meeting point

If you like having a group experience but prefer something quieter, note that private group options are available.

Should you book? My practical take

Book it if you want a lively 3-hour plan that mixes real ocean time, wildlife spotting, and an included chance to swim and snorkel in a bay. The biggest strengths here are the speedboat-style experience, the guide’s commentary during the search, and the fact that you get more than just an “on the boat” view.

Skip it or swap plans if you’re not a fan of open-water conditions or if weather on your travel day is looking rough. Since the tour is subject to weather, you’ll want flexibility in your schedule.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón dolphin and whale watching speedboat cruise?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at PUERTO COLON GATE 3, and plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure.

What’s included in the price?

It includes the speedboat tour, a guide, a sandwich, 1 drink, the swim stop, and snorkeling gear.

Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?

Yes. There is a bay stop where you can swim, and snorkeling equipment is provided if you want to snorkel.

What wildlife might we see?

The tour focuses on whale and dolphin spotting. You might also see turtles and flying fish, depending on conditions.

Are there any weather limitations?

Yes. The tour is subject to weather conditions.

Are there any drinks or food provided?

You’ll get a sandwich and 1 drink during the bay stop.