Whales, dolphins, and lunch all on one trip. This 3-hour luxury RIB outing from Puerto Colón is built for big wildlife odds without swallowing your whole day. You get a quick Atlantic cruise for spotting whales and dolphins, a swim/snorkel break, and a sit-down-style lunch with drinks.

Two things I really like: the small group size (max 8 people on a sailing) and the fact that you’re fed and watered while you’re out there. One thing to keep in mind is that a RIB is fast, but it’s not a nonstop full-throttle ride; local rules and wildlife protection mean speed can vary.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Max 8 people per sailing (more personal attention on board)
• Whale and dolphin watching from Puerto Colón on the Atlantic side
• Swim and snorkel time with snorkeling equipment included
• Lunch plus free-flowing drinks: cava, beer, and soft drinks
• Roomy for a small boat with restrooms and showers on board

Why this 3-hour Tenerife RIB tour fits real vacation time

Tenerife whale watching is one of those activities where timing matters. You want enough time on the water to increase your odds, but not so much time that the rest of your day collapses. This tour hits that sweet spot: about 3 hours total, and it’s structured so you’re not just watching from the rail.

The other reason it works is the format. A high-speed RIB means you cover more water in less time than a slower boat. The flip side: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Your route and timing are designed to improve chances, but you’re still at the mercy of the ocean and the animals.

Boarding at Puerto Colón: Gate 13, dock access, and a quick start

You’ll meet at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje at Gate 13 in the port area, then board from the dock. The exact dock number is listed as dock 0, so it’s smart to arrive early enough to find the right spot without stress.

This is a mobile-ticket experience, and the tour provides confirmation at booking time. It’s offered in English, which matters if you want clear explanations on what you’re seeing out on the water.

What I like about this setup is the practical flow: you get on board, you head out, and the day stays simple. You’re not doing a complicated transfer circuit or hunting for your group across multiple platforms in a busy harbor.

The Atlantic cruise: more chance to spot whales and dolphins

Once you’re out, you’re looking for cetaceans: whales and dolphins. The experience is designed around increases in your spotting chances, and the crew tends to keep an eye on the water constantly rather than treating it like a passive cruise.

From the feedback, pilot whales are a common highlight, with dolphins also showing up during many outings. A sea turtle also comes up as a bonus sighting for some trips. When that happens, it’s a reminder of why the ride is done the way it is: you want to be in the right area and also keep a respectful distance.

Here’s the reality check. One review complained the boat didn’t go as fast as the photos suggest. The tour itself is clear that there are legal speed limits in the waters. So expect bursts of faster movement, not a full-send, constant-race vibe for the entire time. If your dream is a nonstop thrill ride, this may feel more “smooth and controlled” than “rollercoaster.”

Swim and snorkel stop: short, fun water time with real gear

A big part of the value here is that you’re not only watching wildlife. You also get to get in the water for a swim break and snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment is included, and there are also restrooms and showers on board, which makes a big difference when you’re wet and salty.

The water stop is described as in a cove or quiet bay style location in the feedback, which is usually what you want: calmer water makes snorkeling easier and keeps the mood relaxed. Time on the water also means you can cool down after the cruise and reset before lunch.

Practical note: since the tour depends on weather, conditions can change. If it’s choppy, swimming and snorkeling may feel less comfortable than on a glassy day. The upside is that the crew generally builds the day around safety and the sea conditions.

Lunch on the water: food, cava, beer, and soft drinks included

Let’s talk about the part people remember: lunch and drinks. You’ll get lunch during the outing, plus bottled water. Alcoholic beverages included are listed as cava and beer, along with soft drinks.

From the feedback, the lunch is often described as chicken with rice and salad, served in a convenient way since there’s no onboard cooking setup. That makes it steady and predictable, which I actually like when you’re at sea. You’re not waiting around for a meal to appear; it’s part of the schedule.

Two notes that can help you set expectations:

• Lunch timing can feel early for some people, since the tour runs only 3 hours. You may be eating while the cruise is still underway.
• Drinks are included, and most people describe them as chilled and enjoyable. A minority mentioned quality concerns, but the overall theme is that drinks are part of the fun, not a separate upsell.

Bottom line: this is one of those tours where you don’t have to plan your own meal or bar stop. You pay once, then the day stays moving.

The crew vibe: small-group attention and confident handling

The tour’s real secret weapon is how they run the boat for a smaller group. The boat can take up to 15 people, but the tour notes a limit for online reservations and that the tour will have a maximum of 8 travelers. That’s a big deal. Fewer people means you’re more likely to get guidance and explanations without tuning out someone else’s conversation.

In the feedback, crew members are repeatedly described as friendly and attentive, with an effort to keep everyone informed about what’s happening on the water. One name that comes up is Julian, who’s described as prompt, charming, and part of what made the day feel welcoming.

Also, safety and comfort show up in comments. People mention feeling safe, and the boat’s setup is described as roomy enough to spread out. That matters on a small RIB where wind and spray can make cramped boats feel even tighter.

Price and value: what $84.66 buys you in the real world

At $84.66 per person for about 3 hours, this is not the cheapest way to chase whales. But it does include several things that add up fast if you plan them separately.

Your money covers:

• The boat outing on the Atlantic
• Lunch
• Bottled water
• Soft drinks
• Cava and beer
• Snorkeling equipment
• Restroom and shower access

If you tried to piece this together on your own, you’d likely pay for boat time plus a separate meal plus a place to buy drinks plus snorkeling gear rental. Here, you’re bundled.

Is it always perfect? No tour is. One person reported a boat feeling old and dirty, while another complained about a slower pace. Those are worth taking seriously because they’re about comfort and expectation. Still, the overall rating is extremely high, and many notes point to a smooth, relaxed vibe and attentive hosts.

My take on value: this is best when you want a compact day on the water that includes food and gear, and you care more about the wildlife moments than about speed records.

Weather and speed expectations: what changes on the day

This experience is weather dependent, which makes sense. The tour is designed for good weather, and if conditions are poor, it will be adjusted or refunded per the tour’s rules. In practice, you should plan for the sea to be different each day.

Speed is also a variable. A RIB can travel quickly, and the tour description leans into that. But wildlife protection and local regulations mean there are limits, and one complaint about not going fast enough lines up with that reality. So think of the ride as energetic and efficient, not as a stunt show.

Wind and waves also affect comfort and snorkeling. Some feedback notes it can be windy, yet the crew still finds opportunities and tries to make the most of conditions. If you tend to get motion sickness easily, bring what works for you and keep an eye on the sky before you go.

Who should book this Tenerife luxury RIB outing

I’d put this on your shortlist if you match one (or more) of these:

• You want whale and dolphin watching but in a time-efficient format
• You’re traveling with family and want a structured day with lunch included
• You care about snorkeling and want gear provided
• You like a smaller group for better attention and easier boat flow
• You want a fun, relaxed vibe rather than a strict, lecture-heavy tour

I’d think twice if your top priority is pure speed thrills, because legal speed limits mean the ride is controlled. Also, if you’re extremely picky about boat condition, read carefully and understand that while most descriptions are positive, there are occasional negative comments about cleanliness and boat feel.

Should you book this Tenerife whale and dolphin luxury RIB tour?

Yes, I think it’s a strong booking for most people who want a smart, rewarding water day. The combination of wildlife time + swim/snorkel break + lunch and drinks is the real advantage, and the small-group limit helps it feel less like a cattle-call.

Book it if you’re flexible about conditions and you’d rather maximize experiences in a few hours than spend a whole day on one long schedule. If you want nonstop speed or perfection every time, you may prefer a different style of tour. But for a practical luxury RIB day out from Puerto Colón, this is well worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin RIB tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Puerto Colón port at Gate 13, then board from the dock area (dock number 0 is listed).

What’s included with the ticket?

Lunch is included, along with bottled water and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks listed include cava and beer. Snorkeling equipment is also included, and the boat has restrooms and showers.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment and includes time for swimming and snorkeling.

What group size should I expect?

The boat can take up to 15 people, but the tour limits this outing to a maximum of 8 travelers per sailing.

Is it suitable for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to plan with the tour’s weather-dependent nature and the time on the boat in mind.