You’re doing whales, then you’re in the water. The Luxury Opera 60 tour mixes whale-and-dolphin watching with swimming and snorkeling on a roomy luxury RIB. What makes it interesting is the sheer comfort of the boat plus the fact that you get the whole day’s rhythm in just about 3 hours.

I especially like the boat setup: sunbeds, multiple sitting areas, big tables, music speakers, and practical touches like a toilet and showers after swimming. I also like that drinks and snacks are included on board, along with snorkeling equipment and a stop designed for swimming time. One thing to consider is that this experience depends on conditions at sea, and the quality of onboard service can be inconsistent, so it’s smart to speak up early if you want drinks or anything specific.

Key things to know before you go

• Opera 60 is a 60-foot luxury RIB with a 740 HP twin-engine setup for fast, smooth access to wildlife areas.
• Max 15 travelers keeps it from feeling packed, so you can actually move around for photos and views.
• Snorkeling gear, drinks, and snacks are provided on board, plus you’ll get time in a swimming bay.
• Onboard showers and a toilet make it easier to go from salty swim to back to normal fast.
• You’ll likely see dolphins, whales (including pilot whales), and sea turtles, with the crew guiding you on what to look for.
• Music is part of the vibe, with speakers set up so the ride doesn’t feel dead quiet.

Opera 60: the luxury RIB that actually feels like luxury

Tenerife has a lot of boat options, but Opera 60 is built to feel like a proper outing, not a cattle-call speedboat. It’s a 60-foot, almost 20-meter rigid inflatable boat with a safety-minded hull design, including inflatable side defenses. Translation: it’s made for comfort on the water and not just for speed.

The engines are serious too: 740 HP across two VOLVO PENTA engines. That matters for you because it helps the crew get you out into better positions for wildlife sightings without turning the whole trip into one long, slow crawl.

Inside, the boat’s layout is what sells it. You’ve got sunbeds, multiple seating zones, and two big tables that make it easy to eat and drink without balancing everything on your knees. Even the music has its place, with quality speakers so the ride feels social instead of awkward.

One detail I appreciate: there are practical, not-fancy-toilet-and-shower features. Getting saltwater off before you head back to shore can make the experience feel smoother, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

From Puerto Colón to open water: how the timing usually plays out

The tour starts in Puerto Colón (Playa de las Américas area) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out transport afterward.

The total time is listed as about 3 hours. In practice, this type of outing tends to move fast: leave the harbor, look for wildlife quickly, then head to a swimming/snorkeling bay. One guest experience described spotting whales within about 20 minutes of leaving the harbor, which is exactly how you want it when you’re paying for a wildlife-focused trip.

There can be small timing variations. Some people reported returning earlier than the full window. That’s not automatically a problem, but it’s worth knowing you’re not guaranteed a clock-perfect 3 hours on the dot—what matters is that the crew balances time for wildlife and time for the bay.

If sea conditions are rough, you might feel the ride more. Still, the boat’s size and stability are part of why people keep praising this one as comfortable, especially compared with smaller RIBs.

Whale and dolphin watching: spotting, patience, and the distance rule

This is the main hook: you’re looking for marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, and whales as you head out. The crew’s job is to help you see it clearly, and multiple experiences describe them pointing out what to look for and sharing the kind of info that makes sightings feel more real.

What I’d count on most is this: the crew will keep the boat at a respectful distance. In one account, the sightings came close enough to feel exciting, but still within a distance that felt careful and considered. That approach tends to lead to better wildlife encounters and a calmer ride overall.

You should also know the exact species isn’t guaranteed. In accounts of this trip, people have mentioned whales such as pilot whales and dolphins showing up in the mix. Sometimes you might see more dolphins than whales, or the other way around. It’s wildlife, so the “best day” scenario is never promised.

The upside of seeing wildlife from a larger, more stable boat is that you can actually stay comfortable while scanning the horizon. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who doesn’t love long periods on a small deck, this setup helps.

The swimming and snorkeling bay: where the trip turns from watching to doing

Half the fun here is that you don’t just watch from the boat—you also get time in the water. The tour includes swimming and snorkeling, and snorkeling equipment is provided on board. So you can travel lighter and spend your energy on being in the water, not unpacking gear.

After wildlife time, you’ll head to a bay stop designed for snorkeling and swimming. People have described this as a proper break: lunch or a warm meal on board, then swim time, then snorkeling with equipment ready.

The bay stop is also where the small comforts matter. People specifically mention the presence of showers for after swimming. If you’ve done boat trips where you return to shore smelling like saltwater forever, you’ll get why this is a big deal.

A smart practical tip: bring your swimsuit and basic swimming gear. Even though snorkeling gear is included, you still need to be ready to get in. One review basically flags this directly—don’t show up expecting to borrow everything.

One note from a less happy experience: the onboard food and drinks weren’t offered the way others described, and the return timing felt rushed. You can’t control conditions, but you can control your attitude and what you ask for—more on that below.

Food and drinks onboard: value you can taste

This is where Opera 60 earns its money for a lot of people. Drinks, snacks, and a meal are part of the package, and the food is described as warm and plentiful in many accounts.

What you might see offered includes cool drinks plus alcoholic options like wines and beers. Several experiences also mention sparkling drinks such as champagne or prosecco, and one guest described enough fizz and pours that it felt like a real day out rather than a quick excursion.

The meal is reported as something like chicken and rice on at least one occasion. Another account praises the quality of the warm meal and the idea that you get actual food during the stop, not just snacks.

That’s why this tour can feel like good value even if you compare it to “just a whale watch.” You’re paying not only for the wildlife search and boat time, but also for the onboard catering and the snorkeling stop. When those parts land well, the trip feels like more than the sum of its parts.

If you’re traveling as a family or a group of friends, included drinks and food also reduce the stress of finding somewhere to eat later. Your day is simply planned: get out, see wildlife, eat, swim, return.

The boat vibe: space, music, and how the crew keeps things moving

One reason people keep calling this boat spacious is the layout. With a max group size of 15 travelers, you’re not fighting for a spot at the railing. You can shift position when the crew calls out a sighting, and you’re not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers.

Multiple experiences also mention the boat feels elegant and comfortable, with quality speakers so music adds to the mood without turning the ride into a noisy party. It’s a nice balance when you want excitement (wildlife) and relaxation (a smooth ride and places to sit).

The crew seems to be a major factor in satisfaction. Positive experiences describe hosts who are friendly, attentive, and active in explaining what to look for. One name that came up clearly is Fabrizio, praised for welcoming guests warmly and keeping drinks coming.

That said, one unhappy experience described issues like drinks not being offered for the first hour, food arriving lukewarm, and a sense that a crew member wasn’t helping. I’m not saying that’s typical, but it’s enough to treat this as a hands-on experience: if you want drinks or you have a need, speak up early and clearly.

Service standards: what to watch for so you don’t get stuck waiting

If I’m advising you as a practical traveler, here’s the most useful angle: onboard service should feel proactive. When it doesn’t, it can spoil a trip that otherwise sounds great.

Here’s how to protect your experience:

• Ask early about drinks if you don’t get attention in the first stretch after departure.
• If you want snorkeling-related help, ask before you head to the bay stop. You’ll get better results when everyone’s not rushing.
• Keep expectations realistic about wildlife. The crew can position the boat carefully, but sightings depend on how animals move.

The boat itself is designed for comfort and safety, and that’s clearly reflected in the majority of good experiences. Still, service can vary. You’re paying for a luxury experience, so you should be treated like the paying customer you are.

Price and value: is $96.79 a good deal here?

At about $96.79 per person, this isn’t the cheapest boat option around. But value isn’t about base price—it’s about what you get for that price.

You’re paying for:

• A luxury, larger RIB experience (comfort and easier wildlife viewing)
• Whale and dolphin watching
• A stop that includes swimming and snorkeling
• Snorkeling equipment provided
• Drinks and snacks on board
• A meal as part of the bay stop experience

When those parts align, the price starts to make sense fast. You don’t have to pay separately for a snorkeling setup, and you also don’t have to plan a meal before or after. For many travelers, the included onboard food and drinks are the difference between a half-day activity and a real outing.

If you’re comparing against “cheap whale watch” boats, you’re also comparing comfort and time in the water. Opera 60 is built to feel spacious and to support the whole two-part experience: wildlife plus swim time.

If you’re the type who wants maximum wildlife time only, you might question the swim component. But if you want variety—something to watch and something to do—this format is strong.

Who should book Opera 60 (and who might want a different style of day)

This tour is a good fit if you want:

• A single trip that combines wildlife spotting with snorkeling time
• Comfortable boat space, especially with groups or families
• Included food and drinks so your day doesn’t require extra planning
• A smaller group size that makes it easier to move for views

It’s also described as suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. That’s helpful if you’re traveling with someone who needs a companion animal.

If you’re the sort of traveler who hates any chance of sea motion, you might want to choose your day carefully and be aware that good weather is required. The tour operator also notes it depends on weather, which is normal for this kind of outing.

Should you book the Luxury Opera 60 experience?

Book this if you want a comfortable, spacious boat day that doesn’t stop at watching wildlife. The big reason I’d recommend it is the pairing: you get whale and dolphin watching and a proper swim and snorkeling bay stop, with onboard drinks, snacks, and a meal.

Don’t book it blindly if you’re very sensitive to timing or service details. While many experiences praise the crew and hospitality, one negative experience shows that service quality can fail in real-world ways. If that would stress you out, treat it as a pay-attention trip: ask early, get what you need, and go with a flexible attitude about wildlife.

If you want whales one moment and snorkeling gear the next, Opera 60 is a smart match for Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Opera 60 whale and dolphin watching experience?

It’s listed as about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at Puerto Colón (in the Playa de las Américas area) and returns to the same meeting point.

What’s included during the trip?

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and drinks plus snacks are available onboard. There is also food served during the experience.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

Does the tour depend on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. It’s free cancellation, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.