Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip in Tenerife On a Sailing Boat (3 Hr)

A closer look at the Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip in Tenerife on a Sailing Boat

If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife and want to witness the island’s incredible marine life, this 3-hour sailing boat trip offers a promising way to do just that. Led by a skipper with years of local knowledge, this tour give you a relaxed, intimate experience—limited to just 12 travelers—that combines wildlife spotting, swimming in scenic bays, and enjoying drinks from an open bar.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances the thrill of spotting whales and dolphins with the comfort of a smaller group and the chance to unwind with food and drinks onboard. However, it’s worth considering that the overall rating sits at 3.5 out of 5 based on 10 reviews, which reflects some mixed experiences.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a friendly, less crowded alternative to bigger tourist boats, and are comfortable with a modest price point for a half-day adventure. If you’re eager for a relaxed, authentic maritime experience with knowledgeable guides, this could be your ideal choice.

Key Points

• Small group size for a more personal experience and better wildlife viewing
• Expert local skipper enhances the chances of sightings and offers insightful commentary
• Swim stop in a secluded bay provides a refreshing break from wildlife watching
• Open bar with drinks and snacks adds a fun, casual vibe to the trip
• Flexible departure times fit into most Tenerife vacation plans
• Price point around $52.35 per person offers decent value for a half-day tour

What to Expect from the Tenerife Sailing Boat Trip

This tour promises a 3-hour adventure on a sailing boat, with departures available three times daily from Puerto Colón, in Playa de las Américas. The main focus? Spotting whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, with the added bonus of a swim stop and onboard refreshments.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The journey begins at the Puerto Colón marina, where you’ll hop aboard a cozy, environmentally friendly sailing vessel capped at 12 travelers. The smaller group size is a key feature—it reduces the noise and disruption often associated with larger boats, giving you a better chance to see marine life and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.

Wildlife Watching: The highlight of the tour is, of course, the chance to see whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are common between Tenerife and La Gomera, which makes sightings fairly likely, especially with a local skipper who knows where to look. The reviews mention that dolphins are often present during the trip — but keep in mind, nature can be unpredictable, and sightings are not guaranteed. One reviewer noted, “Seeing the pilot whales was great,” which suggests that the chances are quite good if the timing aligns with their migration patterns.

The Swim Stop: After searching for marine life, the boat anchors in a secluded bay where you’ll have time to take a dip. The bay is described as scenic and safe, making it suitable for a refreshing swim. Many guests find this part of the trip a highlight, especially on warm days when a quick cooling-off is appreciated.

Onboard Experience: The boat is well-equipped to serve drinks from an open bar, including alcoholic beverages and snacks. This adds a laid-back feel to the trip, perfect for relaxing and socializing. It’s a good touch, especially considering the modest price point of around $52 — which is quite reasonable for the experience.

The Guides and Their Role

The success of wildlife tours often hinges on the expertise of the guides. In this case, the tour is led by a local skipper with years of experience, which is a significant advantage. You can expect background information about the whales and dolphins of Tenerife, enriching the experience beyond just taking photos. One reviewer mentioned that the guides provided good commentary, making the trip both educational and engaging.

The Realities Behind the Reviews

While the majority express satisfaction, there are some notable dissenting voices. One reviewer rated it a 1 out of 5, citing a canceled trip due to weather conditions after they had traveled specifically for the experience. The tour provider responded by noting that they offered alternative dates, but the negative review stemmed from a last-minute cancellation or rescheduling. This highlights the importance of flexible expectations in outdoor, weather-dependent tours.

Another review pointed out that the trip felt “monotonous,” with little commentary from the captain and no additional educational content. That suggests if you’re seeking a highly informative, in-depth experience, this might be more of a casual wildlife sighting than a detailed marine biology lesson.

However, a positive review praised this trip as “excellent fun and value for money,” emphasizing the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, which they found highly enjoyable. The smaller group size and the friendly atmosphere seemed to contribute to a memorable trip.

Pricing and Value for Money

At approximately $52.35 per person, this tour offers a decent balance of cost versus experience. Given the inclusion of food, drinks, a swim stop, and a knowledgeable guide, many travelers consider this good value. It’s less expensive than some larger, more commercial excursions, which can sometimes feel crowded and less personal.

The open bar adds a fun element; you can sip on drinks while spotting marine mammals or relaxing in the bay. Plus, the swim stop is a bonus, giving a tangible reward after a couple of hours of wildlife searching.

Practical Tips for Booking & Enjoying Your Trip

• Book in advance – the tour is often booked around 10 days ahead, indicating it’s popular but not oversubscribed.
• Pick a suitable departure time — with three options daily, choose a time that fits your plans and the weather forecast.
• Bring sun protection — sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses will keep you comfortable during the day.
• Dress for the weather — a light jacket might be helpful if the breeze is cool.
• Arrive early at the marina to avoid last-minute stress and ensure your spot.
• Consider your sea legs — if you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions, as the boat can sway.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits travelers looking for a casual, intimate outing with a focus on wildlife viewing and a bit of relaxation. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate a smaller group setting. The inclusion of food and drinks makes it perfect for those wanting a laid-back vibe, rather than a high-energy or highly detailed tour.

If you’re after a more educational, in-depth marine biology experience, this might fall a little short. But for those seeking a straightforward, enjoyable wildlife encounter with a scenic swim, this trip hits the mark.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The trip includes whale and dolphin watching, a swim stop in a secluded bay, food, and drinks from an open bar. The guides also provide background information on local marine life.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours.

What is the group size?
The tour caps at 12 travelers, making it more personal and less crowded than larger boats.

When does the tour depart?
There are three departures daily from the marina, giving you flexible options to fit your schedule.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring sun protection, a hat, and perhaps a towel for swimming. No mention of specific gear, but comfortable clothing is advised.

Is there an age limit?
The minimum drinking age is 18, but most travelers can participate, so check if children are permitted (not explicitly stated).

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip.

Are meals or snacks included?
Yes, snacks and an open bar are part of the experience.

Final Thoughts

This Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip in Tenerife offers a relaxed, friendly way to explore the island’s marine wildlife. The small group size and knowledgeable local skipper make it a more authentic experience, with the added perks of a swim stop and onboard refreshments.

While the experience may not be packed with educational commentary, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in their natural environment is a definite highlight. The value is solid, especially considering the food, drinks, and scenic bay stop included in the price.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a straightforward, enjoyable wildlife cruise with a personal touch. If you’re happy to go with the flow and value intimacy and comfort over detailed marine education, this trip could be a perfect addition to your Tenerife itinerary.

In summary, this tour combines wildlife encounters with leisure, making it ideal for those seeking a memorable, relaxed day at sea. Keep an eye on weather conditions, book early, and arrive prepared for a fun, authentic sailing adventure in Tenerife’s beautiful waters.