Pilot whales beat the internet every time. This 3-hour sailboat tour from Puerto Colón pairs cetacean spotting with real time on the water, then tops it off with snorkeling and snacks as you cruise along Tenerife’s south coast.

You get an intimate ride on a 12-meter sailboat built for small groups, with a live guide and a crew that really leans into marine life. You’ll also enjoy food and drinks onboard, so the day feels like more than just a short trip out and back.

What I like most is the mix of small size and good atmosphere. With room for just 10 passengers plus 2 crew, you’re not shouting over music or squeezed into a crowd. Another big plus is the onboard care: drinks stay coming, and the food is the kind that actually works on a boat (sandwiches, crisps, and cake). Possible drawback: if the sea gets choppy, you may feel it—one rider even mentioned being quite sick—so pack motion-sickness basics and plan to take it easy if you’re sensitive.

Key things you’ll remember from this Tenerife sail

• Small-group setup (10 passengers) on the 12-meter Roulette keeps wildlife viewing personal
• Wildlife focus: you’re actively looking for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds in their habitat
• Sailing feel: wind time can mean low-engine “float” time, not just motor-and-moan cruising
• Snorkeling included with provided gear in warm water during the swim stop
• Food and drinks onboard: cava/beer/soft drinks plus snack-and-dessert timing that doesn’t feel rushed

From Puerto Colón to the Open Atlantic in 3 Hours

This tour is short on paper—3 hours total—but it doesn’t feel skimpy. The schedule is built around doing three things well: cruise the coast, hunt for marine life, and get you in the water for snorkeling.

The main action centers on the Puerto Colón portion, where the crew spends time spotting cetaceans and seabirds and then transitions into a swim/snorkel stop. You’re not stuck for long stretches with nothing to do, and the boat stays active enough that the time passes fast.

A big part of the appeal is the setting. You’re sailing off Tenerife’s south coast near Costa Adeje, where you can often see wildlife and enjoy dramatic Atlantic views without a full-day commitment. It’s a sweet spot if you want an experience that feels special, but you still want dinner plans back on land.

Finding the Roulette Charters Dock Without Guesswork

Meeting point details matter on this one. You’ll meet at the door of dock No. 5 in Puerto Colón, about ten minutes before departure. It’s described as the first jetty past the port parking barrier, and the ship is named Roulette.

My practical advice: get there a little early. Some people find the pier layout confusing once they’re standing there, and you don’t want to be the last person searching for the correct gate with everyone else already boarding.

Also note what’s not included: there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to get yourself to Puerto Colón on your own, then return to the same meeting point at the end.

Onboard Comfort on a 12-Meter Sailboat (Not a Party Barge)

This is not a big sightseeing catamaran. The sailboat is about 12 meters and designed to carry just 10 passengers plus 2 crew—plus it has three double cabins and two bathrooms.

For you, that translates into a calmer feel on deck. You’ll likely have more space to reposition for wildlife viewing, and it’s easier to talk with the guide while you’re sailing or waiting for a sighting.

You’ll also have deck mats, which sounds small until you’re balancing between sun, shade, and moving water. If you’re prone to getting uncomfortable on boats, the matting and the generally uncrowded layout are worth paying attention to.

One detail I love in how riders describe the sailing: when conditions allow, the boat can use sails on the outbound and inbound routes for long stretches (people mention around 90 minutes when wind is up). That means more of a smooth sail feel and less of that constant engine soundtrack.

Wildlife Watching Off Tenerife: What to Expect and What to Bring

The heart of the tour is cetacean spotting. The crew is specialized in finding whales and dolphins, and they’ll talk about marine life and the environment as you cruise.

Here’s what you should be ready to look for:

• Pilot whales (including families with calves in some sightings)
• Dolphins (bottlenose dolphins show up, and riders have reported seeing groups close to the bow area)
• Sea turtles (not guaranteed, but it’s been spotted)
• Seabirds flying overhead as the boat moves along the coast

One thing the best trips do is manage your expectations. Wildlife isn’t a theme-park show. Your success depends on the day, sea conditions, and where the crew can position the boat. The good news: this tour is built around the search, not a rushed “look once and go.”

As for what you should bring mentally: plan to stay flexible. You’ll be on deck while the crew tracks, and you may move a bit to watch from different angles. If you’re taking photos, aim to keep your phone/camera secured. Boats move, even when sailing feels smooth.

If you get seasick easily, this is where you should prepare the most. One person reported being very sick in choppy water, and the crew handled it with care and didn’t make it a big production. Still, prevention is better than recovery—bring what works for you (ginger, wristbands, or motion-sickness medication) and choose a stable spot on deck.

The Puerto Colón Snorkel Stop: Swim Time in Warm Water

After the whale-and-dolphin watching time, you get a swim and snorkeling window. Warm water helps a lot, and the tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you don’t have to pack your own mask or fins.

What’s included is practical: you’ll have gear provided and time set aside for getting in the water. People also describe snorkeling as happening in a more sheltered bay feel, which tends to mean calmer water and better visibility.

A few pointers so you get more from the water time:

• Bring a towel and something dry for after (even if it’s small)
• If you’re new to snorkeling, take a slow first breath and keep your mask properly sealed
• Don’t rush the first minutes—on a boat, you’re already dealing with movement and sun

The snorkeling stop is one of the reasons this tour feels like an actual ocean day rather than just animal spotting from the deck. You get to see fish up close and then climb back aboard for the next snack and conversation.

Food and Drinks: Simple, Boat-Smart, and Plenty

This is the part that surprised me in the best way: the food isn’t fancy, but it’s timed well and keeps things comfortable on a moving boat.

You’ll get:

• Snacks and delightful desserts
• Drinks including mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks
• A lunch-style snack that riders describe as baguette sandwiches (often ham and tomato), plus cake and crisps

People also mention different flavors or variations—some describe Iberico ham sandwiches, others mention carrot cake or gingerbread cake. The consistent theme is that you’re fed without waiting forever, and you’re not left with only dry crackers.

If you’re traveling with someone who drinks (or just wants the non-alcohol options), this is a good setup. Drinks are repeatedly offered during the cruise, so you’re not doing a complicated “cash bar” dance.

One more small detail: the crew checks in and keeps the tone relaxed. That matters on short tours—when the vibe is calm, the whole trip feels smoother.

Guides and Crew: The Difference Between Watching and Understanding

The tour is led by a live guide with language options including Spanish, English, French, and German. That matters because wildlife spotting turns into a better experience when you know what you’re looking at.

Riders specifically highlight guides by name, including Rafa, Salvador, Silvio, and crew member Yani (and other staff are mentioned too). The common thread is that the crew:

• shares facts about species and local marine life
• works hard to give both sides of the boat good viewing angles
• provides friendly, attentive service throughout the trip

There’s also a tone of respect in how the sightings are handled. One recurring theme in feedback is that the crew focuses on watching animals in their environment and keeps the experience pleasant rather than chaotic.

Price and Value: Why $68 Can Feel Like a Bargain

At around $68 per person for a 3-hour small-group sail with snorkeling gear and onboard food/drinks, the value is strong—especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, a guided activity, and lunch.

The math that works for most people:

• You’re paying for wildlife time and an actual swim/snorkel stop
• Snorkeling equipment is included, which cuts down on rental hassle
• Drinks and snacks aren’t a small add-on; they’re a real part of the experience
• The small group size means you’re not competing for space

Could it be expensive if you only care about snorkeling? Maybe. If you’re purely a beach person, you might feel like the wildlife search is just background. But if you like nature and want a guided, human-scale trip on the sea, this pricing often lands in the sweet spot.

Who Should Book This Sail Tour (and Who Might Not)

This tour is ideal for you if:

• you want wildlife watching with a crew that actively looks
• you like small-group boat experiences where you can actually hear the guide
• you want a real snack-and-drink plan plus a swim stop
• you’re traveling as a couple, small group, or family with kids who can sit on deck and be excited by sightings

It might not be the best fit if:

• you’re extremely sensitive to motion and you can’t handle choppy water
• you need a long itinerary with multiple stops and lots of downtime on land
• you want a full-day deep snorkeling program (this is time on the sea, not an all-day water mission)

One more note: it’s easy to make this your “one big water experience” during your Tenerife trip. You’ll still be back in time for dinner.

Quick Practical Tips Before You Go

These small moves help a lot:

• Dress for sun and salt spray: light layers, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Bring a cover-up for after snorkeling
• If you get seasick, prepare in advance. The crew will help if you’re feeling rough, but prevention is kinder
• Arrive early enough to find the correct dock door. The pier layout can be confusing at first
• Bring a water-friendly bag for your phone/camera if you plan to photograph underwater sights

Should You Book Roulette Charters?

If you’re aiming for a short Tenerife experience that feels genuinely ocean-focused, I’d book it. The combination of small-group sailing, active wildlife searching, included snorkeling equipment, and onboard food/drinks makes this feel like a complete half-day rather than a simple ride.

Book it with confidence if you want pilot whales, dolphins, and the thrill of seeing marine life in their natural environment. If you’re worried about seasickness, plan ahead and pick your spot wisely—but don’t let that stop you from trying something that many people describe as a highlight of their trip.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the sailboat tour?

You meet at the door of dock No. 5 in Puerto Colón, about ten minutes before departure.

What is the name of the boat?

The ship is named Roulette.

Is there hotel pickup or drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll go to Puerto Colón on your own and return to the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 3 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for your preferred departure.

What wildlife might you see?

The tour focuses on spotting whales, dolphins, and turtles, and you may also see seabirds while sailing.

Is snorkeling included, and do you provide equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have time to swim and snorkel during the trip.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You’ll get drinks such as mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks, plus snacks and desserts.

How many people are on the boat?

The sailboat is described as holding up to 10 passengers, with 2 crew members.

What languages are offered by the guide?

The live guide is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.

Can I cancel, and can I reserve without paying right away?

There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour offers a reserve & pay later option.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you’re more interested in snorkeling or whales and dolphins—I can help you decide if this timing and tour style fits your plan.