Whales can show up fast. This 3-hour sail along Tenerife is built around finding whales and dolphins, then kicking back with onboard snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear. One thing to think about: it’s time on the water, so if you’re prone to sea sickness, plan for that.

I like that this is a small group cruise (max 11 people), which usually means more time actually watching marine life instead of just passing by. Expect a relaxed pace with a captain-led search, plus a stop for swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel on This Sail

• Small boat, calmer vibe: up to 11 travelers for a more personal watch for whales and dolphins
• Onboard drinks and food: champagne plus unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, with snacks and fresh sandwiches
• Snorkel gear included: take advantage of the complimentary equipment during the water stop
• Wildlife-focused captain time: multiple chances to spot pilot whales, dolphins, and sometimes sea turtles
• Real time in the water: a swim break is part of the schedule, not just a quick photo stop

From Puerto Colón to Open Water: The 3-Hour Flow

This is a Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje–area sailing outing that runs about 3 hours. You’ll meet at Puerto Colón (Pantalan 2), gate number 2 and you’re asked to arrive 15 minutes early so the boat can leave on time. You can also choose pickup within a 10 km radius, but you must contact the company at least 24 hours in advance.

What I find practical is the rhythm: you’re not doing a full-day itinerary with constant hauling of gear. Instead, it’s one chunk of time on the water focused on wildlife watching, then a swim/snorkel stop, then back to the harbor.

The “luxury yacht” description is also worth taking seriously in your expectations. Several details point to a comfortable ride: limited headcount, serving snacks onboard, and a captain who keeps the group comfortable while searching for marine life.

How the Captain Turns a Cruise into Whale-and-Dolphin Time

The entire point is simple: you go out to look for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Tenerife is a strong place for this kind of outing, and the captain’s experience matters because you’re not just sailing in a straight line. You’re actively searching, then settling in when you spot something worth watching.

From what you’ll hear on these boats, captains like Guy, Maximilian, Alex, and Dani often set the tone. Many are described as animal-respect focused, including turning off the engine for quieter viewing so you can watch with less noise. That matters because calmer watching tends to help you actually see behavior, not just grab a quick glance and move on.

Also, don’t be surprised if your “headline” animal changes in real time. Pilot whales and sea turtles show up in multiple accounts, while dolphins can be present one trip and harder to find on another. Dolphins are often spotted close to the boat, but wildlife is wildlife.

The Real Value: Drinks, Champagne, and the Snack Setup

One reason this cruise costs more than a basic boat ride is what’s included onboard. You get a glass of champagne, and you’ll also have unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Reviews also mention bubbly like cava and prosecco at times, so treat champagne as part of the experience, but keep a flexible attitude about the exact style of sparkling drink you’ll receive.

Food is also included, and you should know what that usually means here. Expect light refreshments/snacks, including a freshly made sandwich for lunch. People describe the sandwich as a highlight, but some mention that the overall snack amount can feel lighter than expected for the price.

So how do you judge value? For me, the best fit is when you want a hosted experience with drinks flowing and a real snack at sea, not a bare-bones ticket. If you’re hungry-hungry, plan to manage expectations and consider topping up with food before or after.

Vegetarian options are available if you ask when booking, so you won’t have to improvise mid-cruise.

Swimming and Snorkeling: What You Can Expect at the Water Stop

This trip includes time to swim, and snorkeling equipment is part of the package. You’re also told to bring towel, swimwear, and sunscreen, which is a clear hint that the water stop is meant to be used, not just looked at.

In practice, the swim/snorkel experience can vary with where the boat stops and what conditions are doing at the moment. Some people felt the swim break was great and that snorkeling was worth trying. Others said the snorkeling opportunity wasn’t as productive as they hoped, or that it felt far enough from shore that visibility or interest wasn’t there.

Here’s the practical takeaway: bring your gear readiness mindset. If you want to snorkel, show up with your swim confidence and give it a real attempt during the stop. Also, if you’re comparing to trips that promise guaranteed top-tier visibility, this is more of a “try it when conditions work” style outing.

One more note: you should be prepared to get in the water with minimal hassle. No special booking for snorkeling is needed because the equipment is included.

Comfort on a Maxi-Not-Massive Boat (Max 11 Travelers)

A big part of why I’d choose this kind of wildlife sailing is the group size. With a maximum of 11 travelers, you’re more likely to get personal attention, and the boat won’t feel like a crowded cattle pen. Several accounts describe a relaxed setup where there’s space to move, sit comfortably, and actually watch without constantly stepping around strangers.

If you’re traveling with family, this also helps. Children are welcome, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. And the crew attention shows up in details like checking on guests if someone feels sea sick, which is a comfort feature you’ll appreciate if conditions get choppier.

On the flip side, remember that it is still an ocean ride. One caution from accounts: safety info and life jacket details weren’t consistent in people’s descriptions. That doesn’t mean you won’t be fine, but it’s smart to ask what’s available and where life jackets are before you leave the dock, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Sea Conditions Matter: Weather, Sea Sickness, and Timing

This experience is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the company will offer a different date or a full refund. That’s important because wildlife watching and snorkeling both rely on you being able to get out comfortably.

But even when weather is “good enough,” motion is motion. If you’re sensitive to the sea, consider taking your precautions before you board. One of the most repeated pieces of “real life” advice from accounts is that the crew often checks on guests who feel unwell, but your best move is to protect yourself early.

Also, don’t treat the experience like a fixed movie with a perfect schedule. A couple of accounts mention a shorter swim window or less time than expected, even though the outing is generally described as around 3 hours. The boat has to work with wildlife movement and sea conditions.

Price and Value: Is $78.44 Worth It?

At $78.44 per person, this isn’t a budget ticket. Whether it’s a great deal comes down to what you’re buying.

You’re paying for:

• a small group (max 11),
• a hosted onboard food/drink setup,
• champagne (plus unlimited alcohol-free options),
• and snorkeling equipment plus a water stop.

If you want a wildlife experience that feels more like an outing with a captain than a bus ride at sea, the value can be strong. People also highlight that seeing pilot whales closely, sometimes with sea turtles in the mix, makes the afternoon feel special.

Where value gets questioned is mostly about expectations. A few accounts say the food/snacks felt modest, and some say the sparkling drink wasn’t exactly what was advertised (or the “snacks” didn’t match what they hoped for). Others felt the snorkeling stop didn’t deliver enough underwater viewing for the money.

My practical advice: treat this as a premium-hosted cruise where the real prize is the wildlife encounter and the relaxed, drink-and-snack comfort. If your #1 goal is guaranteed snorkeling conditions or a huge meal, you may feel underwhelmed.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Day)

This is a strong fit for you if you:

• want wildlife watching on a smaller boat,
• enjoy the hosted “sit back” style with drinks and snacks included,
• and are comfortable doing a swim attempt with supplied snorkel gear.

It’s also a good option for couples and groups who want a more personal experience. Multiple accounts mention that the vibe stays calm and not rushed.

Consider thinking twice if:

• you’re very prone to sea sickness and don’t like unpredictable boat motion,
• you need lots of snorkeling time or specific underwater viewing targets,
• or you expect a big, multiple-item lunch instead of a light snack setup.

If you’re traveling with kids, it can work well because the experience is simple and time-efficient. Just be ready for ocean conditions and ask about any safety items before you step aboard.

Should You Book This Tenerife Whale Watch Sailing Cruise?

My take: I’d book this if your main goal is a small-group wildlife cruise with drinks, snacks, and a chance to swim and snorkel during the stop. The combination of guided searching, calm boat time, and onboard hosting is what makes the ticket feel worthwhile when sightings happen.

Skip or look for a different option if you’re expecting a guaranteed dolphin show or you care more about snorkeling visibility than the wildlife encounter. One or two accounts describe snorkeling as limited or not as productive as hoped, so set your expectations as “try it during the stop,” not “come for a perfect reef day.”

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching cruise?

It runs for about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, gate number 2 in Costa Adeje (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain).

Is there pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered within a 10 km radius, but you must contact the provider minimum 24 hours in advance. If you don’t need pickup, you should go directly to the meeting point.

What drinks and food are included?

You get a glass of champagne, light refreshments/snacks (including a freshly made sandwich), and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What should I bring for the swim stop?

Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the provider at booking.

How many people are on the boat?

This tour has a maximum of 11 travelers.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.