Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks and Snacks

Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks and Snacks — A Full Review

Taking a boat tour around Tenerife’s southern coast offers more than just a scenic cruise. It’s an opportunity to get close to dolphins, whales, and turtles in their natural environment, all while relaxing aboard a comfortable luxury yacht. This specific trip, offered by Tenerife Sailing Charters, has earned a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars from thousands of travelers, thanks to its combination of wildlife sightings, intimate group size, and thoughtful amenities.

What we find particularly appealing is the small-group experience, often with just 9 to 11 passengers, making it far more personal than the big commercial tours. Plus, the inclusion of snacks, drinks, and snorkeling adds a layer of value that keeps guests satisfied and entertained. But, as with any sea-based adventure, potential travelers should consider their tolerance for seasickness, especially if they’re prone to motion sickness.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, authentic encounter with marine life, without the crowds of larger, more commercial excursions. It’s also well-suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a more intimate and informative experience at sea. Keep reading for an in-depth look at what to expect, the itinerary’s highlights, and honest insights to help you decide if this is your ideal Tenerife adventure.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small groups with a maximum of 11 passengers foster a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
• Wildlife Encounters: Seen regularly are dolphins, pilot whales, and sometimes turtles, with guides providing detailed commentary.
• Comfort & Amenities: Luxurious yacht with onboard snacks, unlimited drinks, and snorkeling gear included.
• Flexible Options: Available as a shared or private tour, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• Duration & Flexibility: The 3-hour trip offers a good balance between adventure and relaxation; check live availability for specific times.
• Authentic & Respectful Wildlife Viewing: The guides emphasize minimizing disturbance to animals, ensuring responsible wildlife watching.

An Honest Breakdown of the Experience

From Booking to Meeting

Booking this tour is straightforward, with options for reserve now, pay later and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. The meeting point in Puerto Colon is easy to find—just head to the dock near “Pantalan Nº4,” arriving at least 15 minutes early. Some travelers report that the pickup service is available if booked in advance within a 10km radius; otherwise, arriving directly at the dock works well.

The Itinerary and What Makes Each Stop Special

Start Point: Whether you’re getting picked up or arriving on your own, the experience kicks off at the dock, where the crew provides a safety briefing and a quick intro about the day’s plan. This sets a relaxed tone, especially as you see the small, sleek yacht waiting for you.

Sea Voyage: The cruise lasts around three hours, with approximately 20 minutes en route to the open waters. During this time, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the coast, and the chance to soak up the sun and sea breeze. Many reviews highlight how the personalized attention from guides like Dani or Guy makes a difference, with some describing them as extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about marine life.

Wildlife Watching: This is the main event. The waters around Tenerife are famous for dolphin and whale sightings, especially dolphins and pilot whales. Reviewers frequently mention how quickly the guides spot these animals—some within 20 minutes—making the trip feel rewarding right from the start. One reviewer noted that their guide, Guy, “found whales very fast,” which is key to a satisfying wildlife experience.

Snorkeling & Swimming: After spotting the wildlife, the boat anchors in a secluded bay. Here, you can snorkel with turtles, a highlight for many travelers. The included gear makes spontaneous swimming sessions easy and accessible. Some reviews mention that the waters are “beautifully blue,” and the chance to swim in such pristine surroundings is often cited as a magical part of the trip.

Relaxation & Refreshments: The crew thoughtfully provides ham, cheese, and salad baguettes, along with fruits, chips, and nuts. Unlimited drinks include champagne, beer, soft drinks, and water, which many reviewers say noticeably enhances the relaxed, festive vibe. Several reviews mention how attentive the crew is—helping those who feel unwell or need extra assistance—and how much they appreciated the casual, friendly atmosphere.

What Travelers Are Loving

From the reviews, common points of praise include the knowledgeable guides (like Dani, Guy, or Kevin), who clearly love sharing their passion for marine life. Many reviewers mentioned how close-up sightings of whales and dolphins left a lasting impression—some describe it as “incredible” to see animals so nearby and active.

Guests also appreciate the quiet, small-group setting, which makes wildlife viewing more personal. One reviewer said, “it felt super private, love that,” highlighting how less crowded trips enable better animal encounters and more relaxed sightseeing.

The Realities & Considerations

While most reviews speak positively, it’s worth noting that seasickness can be an issue for some. The tour’s description mentions that it’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness, so if you’re sensitive to choppy waters, prepare with medication or consider whether a longer or rougher boat trip might not be ideal.

Another point is that towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim. The trip doesn’t offer extensive onboard facilities, so it’s best to come prepared for sun exposure and physical activity.

The Overall Value

At $74 per person, the tour offers considerable value, especially considering the included snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear. Compared to larger, more commercial options, the small-group setup and high likelihood of animal sightings make this a strong choice for those seeking quality over quantity.

The Ride & Wildlife in Detail

Comfort & Safety

The yacht itself is described as luxurious yet intimate, with plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the scenery. The safety briefing ensures everyone is prepared, and guides like Dani or Guy not only keep a watchful eye on the wildlife but also ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Wildlife Encounters

Guests typically see dolphins and pilot whales, with some lucky travelers mentioning seals or turtles as additional sightings. Many reviews emphasize the speed with which the guides locate marine animals. For instance, one visitor exclaimed, “we saw whales within 20 minutes,” which is quite fast given the unpredictability of wildlife.

The guides are praised for their expertise and respectful approach, maintaining enough distance so as not to disturb the animals. One reviewer appreciated that the guide “gave us a lot of information about the whole coast, making sure the animals weren’t stressed,” highlighting how the tour balances excitement with conservation.

Snorkeling & Swimming

Anchoring in a secluded bay gives guests a chance to swim alongside turtles, a highlight that many reviewers say is worth the trip alone. The included gear makes it easy for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. The waters are described as “beautifully blue,” adding to the appeal of a quick dip.

Food & Drink

The food options—ham, cheese, salad baguettes, fresh fruits, chips, and nuts—are well-regarded for their quality and freshness. Guests rave about the unlimited drinks, including champagne and beer, which turn the trip into more of a floating social gathering. One reviewer mentioned that the drinks made the experience more enjoyable, especially during relaxed moments on the sea.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for families, couples, and wildlife lovers looking for a balanced, authentic marine experience. The small-group setting ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the knowledgeable guides make the trip informative without being overwhelming. The inclusion of snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear adds great value, making it suitable for those who appreciate a bit of luxury without the hefty price tag.

It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, enjoy some snorkeling with turtles, and relax in a friendly, respectful environment. Keep in mind, if seasickness is a concern, you might want to consider this carefully. Also, for those who enjoy having a more private and personal experience with nature, this tour consistently delivers.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the package if your accommodation falls within the specified radius. Otherwise, you’ll meet directly at the dock in Puerto Colon.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, with about 20 minutes traveling to and from the open waters. Exact times depend on availability.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, jacket, and motion sickness prevention if needed.

Are snacks and drinks included?
Yes, you’ll be served ham, cheese, and salad baguettes, as well as fruit, chips, and nuts. Drinks include unlimited champagne, beer, soft drinks, and water.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Absolutely. The tour stops in a secluded bay where you can swim or snorkel with the gear provided, often to see turtles and marine life.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for most ages, but those prone to seasickness should be cautious. The trip’s relaxed pace and small group make it family-friendly.

Final Words

For anyone dreaming of a personalized, wildlife-focused adventure in Tenerife, this tour offers a winning mix of comfort, authenticity, and fun. The guides’ expertise and the small-group environment create a memorable experience that emphasizes respect for marine life. The combination of whale and dolphin sightings, snorkeling, and top-notch amenities makes this tour a standout choice—especially if you value quality, intimacy, and responsible wildlife watching.

While seasickness can be a concern, most travelers find the trip’s pace and atmosphere to be just right for a memorable day at sea. At a reasonable price, this experience is well worth considering for your Tenerife itinerary. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a relaxing day on the water, this cruise promises genuine moments to cherish.

Remember: Always check the availability in advance, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring all essentials for a day outdoors. Happy sailing!