Wildlife close-up in Tenerife is the whole point of this 3-hour speedboat safari. You meet in Puerto Colón, head out with a small group (max 11), and spend the day looking for dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles in the waters off southern Tenerife. What I like most is the mix of “spot them first” watching and an optional swim/snorkel stop—plus the chance to try a BladeFish underwater propulsion device. One thing to consider: this experience depends on weather, so if conditions are poor, you may be offered a different date or a refund.

The vibe is easygoing. There’s no big hard sell to get off the boat right away, and even on a busy wildlife day you keep moving at a pace that still feels fun. For many people, the biggest win is that the trip is designed to cover ground quickly, so you spend less time just idling and more time actually looking for marine life.

Key Things That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

• Small-group speedboat (up to 11 people) keeps the experience personal
• Close-range wildlife time focused on dolphins and pilot whales, plus turtles when luck is good
• Snorkeling gear included, so you don’t have to rent or pack anything extra
• BladeFish underwater propulsion try-out adds a hands-on, techy twist
• Drinks and sandwiches provided, which makes it an easy half-day out

A 3-Hour Speedboat Safari Starting at Puerto Colón

This is a short day on purpose. The trip runs about 3 hours, and you’re back at the same meeting point in Puerto Colón when it’s done. The departure spot is Sea Safari Tenerife on Av. de Colón in Playa de las Américas, right in the heart of the action—convenient for anyone staying in the south.

The group size matters. With a maximum of 11 travelers, you’re less likely to feel like you’re just another number in a mass operation. You also get a better chance to hear what the captain and guide are tracking as you go out.

The tour is offered in English, and you’ll receive a confirmation at booking. You’ll also use a mobile ticket, which is the kind of small modern convenience that makes a day like this smoother—especially when you’re juggling swim gear and sunscreen.

Finding Dolphins and Pilot Whales Close to the Waterline

The core of this tour is classic Tenerife marine-life searching: you go where whales and dolphins have been spotted before, then you watch from the water with the boat positioned for good viewing. You’re not just cruising past; the whole plan is built around finding sightings and staying present when life appears.

From the experience details, you should expect whale and dolphin watching from very close, plus chances to see turtles and other sea life around the area. The reviews back up that range. People report seeing pilot whales and multiple dolphin sightings, along with sea turtles—and some even mention extra surprises like crabs, flying fish, and a hammerhead shark. That doesn’t mean every trip guarantees every species, but it does suggest the route and search approach can pay off.

There’s also something visually satisfying beyond the animals: you’ll watch the cliffs while heading along the southern coastline on the way back. That means even if the wildlife timing is a little slow at first, you still get a scenic return rather than a flat, repetitive ride.

One more practical point: the boat is a speedboat, so the day feels efficient. You cover more water in fewer hours than a slower cruise, which is a big deal when you’re trying to squeeze in a wildlife outing without losing half your holiday to transport.

Snorkeling Gear Included: What the Water Time Really Looks Like

This is not one of those tours where snorkeling is a forced leap into the unknown. You’ll have a snorkeling equipment rental included, and the plan includes swimming and snorkeling during the trip, with a calm break for a water session. Importantly, you don’t have to feel trapped into getting wet right away—one review specifically noted there’s no pressure to leave the boat to swim.

So what should you do if you’re interested in the water stop? Bring the basics: sunscreen, a hat, and a quick-dry attitude. Then let the crew guide you on what’s safest and easiest based on conditions. The big advantage here is that you don’t need to worry about renting gear elsewhere on the island or packing extra kit.

Also, because this tour blends wildlife watching and water time, it tends to fit both swimmers and non-swimmers. If you’d rather stay on the boat, you still get your main value from the sightings and the short scenic route.

The BladeFish Underwater Propulsion Try-Out (And Why It’s Fun)

Here’s the unique part: you get to try an underwater personal propulsion jet device called a BladeFish. This isn’t just snorkeling “with a gadget.” It’s a different sensation—more like you’re controlling your movement underwater rather than relying on slow kicks alone.

From a value standpoint, this adds a memorable activity on top of the usual dolphin-and-whale checklist. Reviews describe the overall tour as very complete, and the BladeFish piece is likely a major reason it doesn’t feel like you’re paying only for a boat ride.

What should you keep in mind? You’ll want to pay attention to instructions on how it works and how to use it safely. If you’re new to snorkeling or basic gear, this can still be fun—but do take it slow at first so you don’t waste your best water time figuring things out.

Snacks, Drinks, and Not Having to Pack a Food Plan

One of the most underrated parts of a short tour is this: you don’t need to bring food. During the trip, you get drinks and sandwiches provided. For a 3-hour outing, that’s a big convenience—especially if you’re doing it on a day when you don’t want to plan a full meal around your schedule.

It also makes it easier to move through the day without thinking about timing. You’re more likely to stay relaxed during the wildlife searching and not rush because your stomach is growling.

In practical terms, I’d still show up with the normal sun-day habits: water on your person (if you like), sunscreen, and maybe a light layer if you run cold. But you won’t need a full picnic backpack.

Price and What You’re Actually Getting for $78.10

At $78.10 per person, this tour lands in the mid-range for Tenerife marine wildlife experiences. Where it makes sense is the bundle: the boat trip itself, close-range watching time, snorkeling equipment rental, and the BladeFish try-out. Add the provided drinks and sandwiches, and you’re not juggling extra costs on the day.

You’re also buying time efficiency. Three hours is short enough to fit into most itineraries, yet long enough to do the searching and still include an on-water session. For people who want wildlife without spending an entire day commuting or waiting, that balance is the real value.

One more detail that helps the math: the group size is kept small (max 11). Small-group wildlife tours tend to cost more than mass boats, so this is one of those cases where the price feels more justified than it would if it were a bigger crowd.

How to Think About Comfort and Weather

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important because it’s an open-water activity, and even good swimmers feel more comfortable when the sea is calmer.

You’ll also be on a speedboat, which can be a thrill—or a rougher ride if the conditions are choppy. The good news from the reviews is that people mention the boat doesn’t cause sea sickness, which suggests the vessel and operation are set up with comfort in mind. Still, if you’re very sensitive to motion, pack accordingly and be realistic on windy days.

And because the experience has a minimum number of travelers, double-check your booking confirmation and be ready for rescheduling if the minimum isn’t met. Small operations keep things intimate, but they can be more sensitive to last-minute changes.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• Close wildlife viewing rather than “point and wave” cruising
• A mix of on-boat watching and optional swim/snorkel
• A fun extra activity beyond snorkeling, thanks to BladeFish
• A manageable 3-hour commitment

It also works well for people who bring mixed ages and abilities. One review mentioned an outing with a 71-year-old mother, with the trip described as enjoyable for all ages and with no pressure to swim. If you’re traveling with kids, the energy can be great too—one parent said their 4-year-old couldn’t stop talking about the day afterward.

If you’re the type who needs guaranteed sightings, no wildlife tour can promise everything. But the pattern of reported species—pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea life—suggests this operator is consistently finding wildlife.

Not Just Wildlife: The Crew Makes the Difference

A great boat day depends on who’s at the helm. Reviews consistently highlight the captain’s ability to find animals, and at least one person named Captain Eric as a standout—credited with knowing where to spot dolphins and pilot whales. Another person thanked Tines alongside Captain Eric for helping turn a potentially canceled situation into a family-friendly birthday outing.

That kind of responsiveness matters. It’s the difference between a random ride and an actual search mission. When the captain knows what to look for and where to go next, you feel it quickly—especially in a short 3-hour window.

Should You Book Sea Safari’s Dolphin and Whale Speedboat Tour?

If you’re in Tenerife’s south and you want a short, high-action marine-life outing with snorkeling gear included and a BladeFish trial, I think this is a smart pick. The pricing feels fair when you add up the included snorkeling equipment, the activity add-on, and the food and drinks.

I’d book it if you’re comfortable with open-water conditions and you’ll be happy even if the water time is more optional than guaranteed. If weather is on the fence, keep a flexible attitude—this is exactly the type of tour that runs best when the sea cooperates.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you plan to snorkel. I can help you decide if this is the right order for your Tenerife days and what to prioritize for the best chance at calmer water.

FAQ

How long is the Sea Safari Dolphins, Whales Discovery Tour?

It runs for about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start in Tenerife?

The meeting point is Sea Safari Tenerife, Av. de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment rental is included, and the tour includes swimming and snorkeling time.

Is food included?

Yes. Drinks and sandwiches are provided during the trip, so you don’t need to bring food.

What marine life can you expect to see?

The tour is focused on whale and dolphin watching, and you may also see turtles and other sea life depending on the day.

Can you participate if you’re not a strong swimmer?

You can take part even if you don’t want to swim right away. One review noted there is no pressure to leave the boat to swim.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.