Tenerife: Teide National Park and Dolphins Sailboat Tour

Exploring Tenerife: A Perfect Mix of Land and Sea Adventure

If you’re eyeing a full day of unforgettable scenery and marine marvels, the Tenerife: Teide National Park and Dolphins Sailboat Tour promises exactly that. This 7-hour experience offers a finely balanced combo of exploring the island’s volcanic heart and sailing along its coastline in a small, intimate group. The fact that it’s operated by Gloma Travel and includes hotel pick-up makes it convenient and stress-free from the start.

What really appeals to us about this tour is its focus on authentic, visually stunning experiences—nothing overly commercialized here. Plus, with a maximum of just 11 guests on the sailboat, you’re guaranteed a personal touch and the chance to truly connect with nature. The only caveat? The tour’s length means you’ll want to be prepared for a full day out and about, which might be a bit much for those with limited mobility or tight schedules.

This experience works best for travelers who crave a mix of scenic landscapes, wildlife spotting, and nautical fun. If you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone eager to see Tenerife from both land and sea, this trip will hit the spot.

Key Points

• Small Group Sailing: With only 11 people on the boat, expect a cozy, personalized experience with ample opportunity for close-up wildlife sightings.
• Diverse Landscapes: The tour showcases Tenerife’s volcanic terrain from multiple viewpoints, highlighting its otherworldly beauty.
• Wildlife Encounters: Possibility of seeing dolphins and pilot whales in their natural habitat adds an exciting element to the maritime part of the tour.
• Flexible Itinerary: The route in Teide National Park can be adapted to your hotel location, or you can tailor it to your preferences.
• Inclusive Experience: Snacks and drinks are included onboard the sailboat, plus a knowledgeable guide who’s fluent in both English and Spanish.
• Value for Money: At $210, this combined land and sea adventure offers a comprehensive look at Tenerife’s best features, especially considering the small-group sailing and guided tours.

Diving Into the Land: Exploring Teide National Park

Your day begins with a hotel pickup, as the tour conveniently handles transportation. Depending on your accommodation, the route through Tenerife’s heart will be tailored, but the main goal is to showcase the park’s mesmerizing volcanic landscape.

What makes Teide so special? It’s one of the most outstanding examples of volcanic activity on the planet, with landscapes that feel almost alien. The tour includes stops at various viewpoints where you’ll get sweeping vistas of craters, lava fields, and the majestic Mount Teide itself. The experience is somewhat flexible—you can opt for a personalized route if you wish—making it ideal for those who like to explore at their own pace.

Travelers who have previously enjoyed this part of the tour often mention how impressive the scenery is. One review shares that the guide, Jonny from Gloma Travel, found the most scenic routes down from the harbor, leading through clouds and lava landscapes that revealed the island’s volcanic origins. Another highlights how these stops allow visitors to take in overwhelming landscapes that look like they’re from another planet.

Transport and Comfort: The tour provides transportation throughout, which means no stress about navigating or parking. Expect a comfortable bus ride, with a guide who is eager to answer questions and share insights about the island’s geology and culture.

The Marine Adventure: Sailing and Wildlife Watching

After soaking in the land sights, the focus shifts southward to the coast, where the real magic happens. Setting out on a luxurious sailboat with a maximum of 11 people ensures a relaxed atmosphere where you can truly enjoy the ocean.

The maritime excursion lasts around three hours, giving ample time to enjoy the stunning coastline and spot marine life. Many travelers mention the thrill of seeing dolphins and pilot whales in their natural environment—something that’s often listed as a key highlight. The reviews reflect this enthusiasm: one traveler exclaimed, “Countless whale sightings to the delight of all,” and another appreciated how the crew, including the captain Diego, were attentive and knowledgeable.

What’s included? You’ll enjoy a free snack and drinks bar onboard, perfect for unwinding as you scan the waters for playful dolphins or curious pilot whales. The boat’s smaller size provides a more intimate experience, with the chance to snorkel if you’re interested, although that’s not explicitly part of the package.

Authentic Experiences: As one reviewer pointed out, the crew was very concerned about everyone’s well-being, offering the finest snacks and ensuring all guests had a great time. The water around Tenerife is known for its clarity, and anchoring in the bathing bay offers easy access for swimming and relaxing.

Practical Details and What to Expect

This tour is presented as a private group experience, which means you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers—ideal for a more personalized adventure or family outing. The price of $210 per person reflects the small-group setting, the guide’s expertise, and the inclusive snacks and transportation.

What should you bring? Comfortable shoes for the land portion, swimwear for the sea, sunscreen, and light clothing are recommended. Since smoking isn’t allowed in the vehicle, plan accordingly.

Scheduling and Cancellation: You can check available starting times, which vary, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The flexibility allows you to plan around other activities or flights.

Language and Guides: Guides speak both English and Spanish, which helps create a friendly atmosphere and makes sure questions are well answered.

What the Reviews Say: Authentic Insights

The only review that really stood out was by Oswin, who called the sailing trip “fantastic,” praising the luxurious catamaran, the culinary delights, and the excellent crew. He appreciated the opportunity to see whales up close and the detailed explanations provided by the guide, Jonny.

Another reviewer noted that the driver, Diego, was “spectacular,” despite missing a chance to go up Mount Teide due to fire restrictions. This highlights that sometimes, factors outside the tour provider’s control can affect the experience but overall, the tour’s highlights shine through.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This combination tour packs a lot into a single day, making it appealing for travelers who want a comprehensive Tenerife experience. The land segment offers breathtaking views and insight into the island’s volcanic history, while the sailing part adds a fun and potentially wildlife-rich element.

Perfect for nature lovers, families, or groups wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation, this tour is especially valuable because of its small-group setting, knowledgeable guides, and inclusive snacks. If you enjoy discovering new landscapes from different perspectives and value authentic wildlife encounters, this experience will meet your expectations.

It’s worth noting that the cost reflects a premium experience—small-group sailing, expert guides, and flexible land routes all add value. However, those looking for a quick, less involved tour might find the full 7 hours a bit long.

All in all, this tour offers a balanced, immersive glimpse into Tenerife’s stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life—perfect for making memorable island memories.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 7 hours, including transportation, land exploration, and the maritime excursion.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, hotel pickup, a guide, the land tour of Teide National Park, the sailboat trip for marine wildlife viewing, and snacks and drinks onboard.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the route in Teide National Park can be tailored depending on your hotel’s location or your preferences.

Is the tour suitable for children or limited mobility?
While it’s a great experience overall, it’s not explicitly noted as suitable for wheelchair users, and the full day might be tiring for very young children.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes for land, swimwear for the sea, sunscreen, and light clothing are recommended.

What wildlife might I see?
You may see dolphins and pilot whales, with sightings often described as frequent and exciting.

Is there a cancelation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Tenerife combo tour balances adventure with comfort, offering a genuine look at the island’s volcanic grandeur and marine life in a small, personalized setting. An excellent choice for travelers wanting a full, authentic day on the island.