3-hour excursion to Puerto Colón Adeje to see whales

An honest look at Tenerife’s popular whale-watching boat tour — a 3-hour adventure aboard the Xixarron, offering glimpses of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat. With a friendly, knowledgeable crew and the chance to snorkel in turquoise waters, this tour promises a fun, family-friendly escape for ocean lovers.

One of the standout features is the expert guides who provide detailed insights into the marine life you’re observing — a rarity that elevates the entire experience. The value for money is also noteworthy, especially considering the inclusions like free snorkeling gear and snacks. A potential consideration: the tour lasts around three hours, which is perfect for a half-day excursion but might be a bit rushed for those wanting a longer marine adventure. This tour seems ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a relaxed, engaging way to explore Tenerife’s waters.

Key Points

• Wildlife sightings are the highlight — expect to see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural environment.
• Expert guides enrich the experience with detailed explanations about marine species and local coastline features.
• Snorkeling stop offers a chance to swim in clear waters with provided masks and snorkels, adding a fun, interactive element.
• Group size is limited to 20 travelers, creating a more intimate and personalized experience.
• Price point presents good value, considering the inclusions and the quality of the experience.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled 24 hours prior, making it a low-risk option.

Introduction

If you’re seeking a memorable maritime experience in Tenerife, this 3-hour whale-watching tour could be just what you’re after. The trip, operated by OCEAN BLUE TENERIFE, takes you aboard the Xixarron, a boat equipped for both sightseeing and snorkeling. From the moment you step onto the boat at Puerto Colón, you’re set for a fun-filled, educational adventure that combines wildlife viewing, scenic coastlines, and a splash of aquatic fun.

What we love about this tour is the combination of wildlife encounters and relaxing scenery. Seeing whales and dolphins in their natural environment is always a thrill, especially when guided by experts who give you plenty of insight along the way. The snorkeling stop in a turquoise cove is a nice bonus, allowing you to cool off and explore under the surface.

A possible consideration is the duration—three hours is perfect for a half-day outing, but those craving a longer or more in-depth marine experience might find it a touch brief. Still, the intimate group size and friendly crew make this a great option for families, solo travelers, or couples. If you love wildlife, the ocean, or simply want a relaxed way to enjoy Tenerife’s beauty, this tour has a lot going for it.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Puerto Colón Base

The adventure begins at the lively Puerto Colón, a popular departure point for boat trips. The meeting point is easy to find, right in the heart of Costa Adeje, and the tour is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and engaging.

First Stop: 30-Minute Sail Towards Gomera

After boarding, the boat sets sail towards the island of Gomera, usually taking around 30 minutes. This initial leg is all about soaking up the views of the coastline and getting comfortably seated. The crew, including guides like those praised in reviews, shares lively commentary about the local landscape and marine life.

Marine Life Spotting

The main highlight is the opportunity to see pilot whales and dolphins in their natural environment. According to reviews, the crew does a fantastic job explaining the different species you’re likely to see, such as pilot whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles. One reviewer shared, “We saw pilot whales just to the side of the boat — it was incredible.” The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience both educational and engaging.

Snorkeling in a Cove

Next, the boat anchors in a small, pristine cove with turquoise waters. Here, you can put on free masks and snorkels to explore the seabed, which is reported to be teeming with fish. Reviewers mention that the snorkeling stop is both fun and refreshing, especially on warm days. A traveler shared, “We stopped in a bay to snorkel and have a snack. My children’s faces (13, 17, 18, and 20) were priceless — they loved it!”

Scenic Return

On the way back, the crew points out beaches, coves, and natural scenery along the coast. This leg is a relaxed way to wind down, with plenty of opportunities for photos and enjoying the ocean breeze. The guides continue to share interesting facts about the local coastlines, which adds educational value to the trip.

The Value of the Experience

While the price is $49.29 per person, the tangible value lies in the quality of the wildlife encounters, the expert guidance, and the inclusions like snorkeling gear and snacks. Several reviewers mention that the guides are welcoming, knowledgeable, and attentive, which enhances the overall experience.

The small group size (max 20 participants) is definitely a plus. It means fewer crowds, more personalized attention, and more chances for close-up views of marine life. For families, this intimacy and the engaging guides make it easier for children and teenagers to ask questions and stay involved.

The snorkeling stop is especially appreciated by travelers who enjoy interactive experiences. It’s a chance to extend the fun beyond just sightseeing and get a bit closer to marine life in the water. Plus, the provided masks and snorkels are of good quality, making it accessible even for beginners.

Insights from the Reviews

One reviewer from Vosges praised the small group and attentive crew, noting how the guides provided detailed explanations and made the experience highly satisfying. Several travelers highlighted how seeing whales and dolphins up close was “unreal,” with some describing the encounter as “incredible.”

The snorkel and snack stop also receive glowing reviews; one said, “It was super refreshing to swim with fish,” while another appreciated the welcoming crew that made everyone feel comfortable in the water.

In addition, many reviews emphasize how the guides take the time to explain the different species, conditions of life for the animals, and local coastline features, making the trip both fun and educational.

Practical Details

The tour departs from Av. de Colón, 4, in Costa Adeje, a convenient and easily accessible location. The activity is booked on average 7 days in advance, indicating its popularity. The duration of around 3 hours makes it suitable for a half-day activity, fitting well into a day of sightseeing or relaxation.

The excursion includes free snorkeling gear, and snacks are available during the trip, adding to the overall value. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is accessible near public transportation.

The cancellation policy is flexible — full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start, which offers peace of mind for travelers with uncertain plans or weather concerns.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This whale-watching and snorkeling trip will appeal most to families, wildlife enthusiasts, and casual ocean lovers. Its small-group format ensures a more personal experience, especially for those who appreciate an educational element delivered by guides who are both friendly and knowledgeable. For travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic, half-day adventure with chances to see marine animals in their natural habitat, this tour ticks many boxes.

However, those looking for a longer or more adventurous marine experience might want to explore other options. But for a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and light water activity, this tour offers excellent value and genuine insight into Tenerife’s marine ecosystem.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, making it perfect for a half-day activity.

What wildlife will I likely see?
You can expect to see pilot whales, dolphins, and possibly sea turtles, as these are the species highlighted in reviews and the tour description.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided at no extra cost, and you can swim in a turquoise cove during the trip.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Av. de Colón, 4, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a full refund available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

To sum it up, this 3-hour whale-watching excursion with OCEAN BLUE TENERIFE offers a delightful taste of Tenerife’s marine world. It combines the thrill of spotting whales and dolphins with the relaxation of scenic coastlines and snorkeling in pristine waters. The guides’ expertise, small group size, and inclusions like snacks and gear make it a solid choice for those wanting a memorable, value-packed experience. Perfect for families and wildlife lovers alike, it’s a great way to connect with the ocean in a fun, educational setting.