Pilot whales beat the crowds every time. This Puerto Colón sailing trip turns Tenerife into a moving wildlife classroom, with hydrophone listening for whale and dolphin calls and a Canarian lunch served at a secluded beach.

I particularly like how calm the day feels: you’re on a small group boat, cruising for marine life, then anchored where you can swim or snorkel while the crew looks after food and drinks. The one main consideration is seasickness if you’re prone, because the operator gives specific prep tips for the day on the water.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Hydrophones that turn spotting into real listening for whale and dolphin calls
• High odds in the pilot whale season area around Tenerife’s Teno-Rasca conservation zone
• Dolphins and sea turtles on the cruise route plus occasional other species you can hope to see
• Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach), accessible only by boat or foot, making it feel removed from the usual tourist stops
• 3-hour vs 6-hour timing where the longer option can add Los Gigantes views and extra water time
• Small group size (up to 10) with an English and Spanish live guide plus captain Q&A

Tenerife whale watching from Puerto Colón: what you’re really buying

This isn’t a rushed drive-by boat tour. You’re paying for time on Tenerife’s water with two goals happening at once: watching marine animals in their natural habitat and understanding what you’re seeing. The trip runs 3 to 6 hours, which is long enough to get out past the busy coastline, but not so long that you feel stuck on a boat all day.

The value jumps out when you look at what’s included. You get the cruise, hydrophone listening, lunch with Canarian cuisine, drinks, and fruit. That means the cost is less about buying food and more about buying access to a conservation-zone route and a captain who can answer your questions.

You also get that small-boat feel. With a group capped at 10 participants, you’re more likely to have the captain’s attention when animals show up close. That matters on whale-watching days, when timing is everything and the best moments can be short.

Sailing in the Teno–Rasca Special Conservation Zone with hydrophones

The core of the experience is the sailing around Tenerife, specifically in the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone. You’ll be looking out for marine life while the boat stays positioned for sightings. And then there’s the hydrophone part, which is one of the smartest ways to make wildlife watching more than sightseeing.

Instead of relying only on eyes, you can listen to the calls of whales and dolphins through the hydrophone equipment. Even if you only catch a few minutes of sound, it changes how you experience the sea. You start noticing that the ocean has a soundtrack, not just scenery.

It also helps you interpret what you’re seeing. When the captain talks through behavior and species, the hydrophone gives you a context that visual spotting alone can’t always provide. If you want a whale-watching day that feels educational without being dull, this setup is a major plus.

Which animals you’re most likely to spot

The operator is aiming at the largest population of pilot whales in Europe, and that sets expectations for what you’re hunting. In plain terms, you’re not just hoping for a random whale sighting. The route and conservation zone coverage are chosen for the chances of pilot whales and dolphins.

Here’s what you should keep an eye out for during the cruise:

• Pilot whales (a main target)
• Dolphins splashing and moving around the boat area
• Loggerhead turtles, plus turtles you might spot near the surface
• Fin whales are also listed as possible sightings

A helpful note: marine watching is never a guaranteed checklist. What the tour can offer is a focused search route, time on the water, and equipment that makes your experience richer even when visibility or animal behavior limits what you see.

One more environmental detail you’ll appreciate: the experience is careful about not disturbing animals. That shows up in how the crew handles wildlife awareness, and it’s part of why the day feels respectful rather than chaotic.

Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach): the boat-only stop for swimming

After the wildlife portion, the tour sails to Diego Hernández Beach, sometimes called Hippie Beach. This is the kind of stop that turns a boat outing into a true change of pace. You drop anchor and then spend time at a beach that’s only accessible on foot or by boat. That restriction matters because it helps keep the location feeling quieter and more “you found it” than “you queued for it.”

Once anchored, you can swim or snorkel in the sea while the crew prepares lunch and drinks. The water here is described as clear and inviting, and it’s also a great reset after hours of scanning the horizon for movement.

Practical reality: this stop is the one where you’ll feel the weather most. If sea conditions are rough, you’ll likely want to keep your expectations flexible about how long you’ll stay in the water. But when conditions are calm, it’s exactly the mix of wildlife and beach time that makes the whole trip feel like a full outing rather than a long search.

Canarian lunch, drinks, fruit, and the food rhythm

The food is not an afterthought on this tour. You’ll get lunch with food typical of the Canary Islands, along with drinks and fruit. Serving it at anchor on the beach stop is a smart move. It keeps the day from turning into one long stretch of boat snack-only life.

What I like about this kind of meal arrangement is the pacing. Wildlife viewing usually makes you hungry in that focused, slightly tense way. Then you get a real meal while you’re not actively scanning for whales. It’s a mental break, not just calories.

Also, the lunch stop is timed when you’ve already spent time on the water, which makes the swim feel earned. You’re not forcing yourself into the sea on an empty stomach. You can recover, eat, and then decide whether you want more water time afterward.

If you care about local flavor, this is a straightforward way to try the Canaries without trying to coordinate a restaurant reservation on your own.

3-hour vs 6-hour option: Los Gigantes and extra water time

This is one of the easiest decisions to make if you know what you want.

The shorter option gives you a strong half-day structure: whale watching cruise, hydrophone listening, then anchored beach time at Diego Hernández. It’s a good pick if your priority is the marine life and you’d like to keep the rest of your day free.

The 6-hour option is best when you want more breathing room. It’s specifically noted that it can include Los Gigantes, plus more time to swim and more chances to see dolphins. That extra hour or two matters because dolphins and whale behavior don’t follow a strict schedule. More time on the water gives the crew more opportunities to reposition and watch.

If you’re on a tight itinerary, choose the shorter sailing. If you’re visiting Tenerife with flexibility and want a more relaxed rhythm, go for the 6-hour option.

Captain Daniel and the onboard vibe: safe, calm, question-friendly

A big part of why this trip earns high marks is the human touch from the captain and crew. In particular, Captain Daniel is described as going above and beyond to make everyone feel safe and welcome, with a real focus on marine animal expertise. That kind of attitude does two things for you: it reduces stress on a boat day and it turns spotting into learning.

You’ll have a chance to ask questions about dolphins, whales, and sea animals. And when the crew talks through what you’re seeing, it helps you notice details you might otherwise miss, like behavior patterns and the general rhythm of marine life in the area.

Small group size also supports this vibe. When there are fewer people onboard, it’s easier for the captain to keep communication clear and for you to hear what’s being pointed out without craning your neck nonstop.

What to pack and how to handle seasickness

This is a practical tour, so come prepared like you’re going to spend a chunk of time on the water and then get wet at anchor.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Also consider: if you’re out in the sun for hours, wear sunscreen early, not after you’ve already started feeling warm.

Now, the real “don’t wing it” topic: seasickness. The operator’s guidance is clear. If you’re prone, they recommend avoiding excessive liquid intake the night before and the morning of your boat trip. Have a solid breakfast, but keep morning liquids limited. They also mention avoiding certain drink mixes and fruits with high water content.

They even provide medication advice: adults may take two Biodramina with caffeine about half an hour before boarding, and children may take one Biodramina without caffeine. If you’re thinking about medication, follow the directions and consider asking a pharmacist if you have questions.

One more rule to note: touching animals is not allowed. That’s part of the respectful wildlife approach and it keeps both you and the animals safe.

Should you book this Puerto Colón whale and dolphins sailing trip?

I think you should book if you want a Tenerife experience that mixes wildlife watching, hands-on listening (hydrophones), and a real beach stop for swimming. The included lunch with Canarian cuisine, drinks, and fruit make it feel like a complete half-day plan, not a pay-for-transport-only activity.

Choose the 6-hour option if Los Gigantes views and extra water time matter to you, or if you want more chances at dolphin sightings. Choose the shorter trip if you’re balancing this with other Tenerife plans and want a focused outing.

Skip or be cautious if you know you react strongly to boat motion and you don’t want to deal with seasickness prep. Otherwise, this is exactly the kind of tour that turns a trip into a story: the sea around Tenerife has signals, wildlife, and a beach stop that feels special because it isn’t easily reached.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón whale and dolphins sailing excursion?

The tour duration is 3 to 6 hours, depending on the option you choose. Starting times vary by availability.

Where does the tour start?

You begin in Puerto Colón, and the meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

How big is the group?

This is a small group experience with up to 10 participants.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes the cruise, listening to whales with hydrophone equipment, Canarian cuisine lunch, drinks, and fruit.

Is snorkeling included?

You’ll have time at Diego Hernández Beach to swim or snorkel in the sea while the crew prepares lunch.

Does the tour include Los Gigantes?

Los Gigantes is associated with the 6-hour option, which also provides more time to swim and better chances to see dolphins.

What languages are offered during the tour?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Are there rules about animals?

Yes. Touching animals is not allowed.

What’s the seasickness advice?

The operator recommends avoiding excessive liquids the night before and morning of the trip, sticking to a solid breakfast, and limiting certain drink and fruit combinations. They also provide advice about Biodramina (with caffeine for adults and without caffeine for children) taken about half an hour before boarding.