A wooden schooner trip for whales is already a win. This one runs out of Puerto Los Cristianos, aiming specifically for pilot whales and dolphins, and it does it on a classic Portuguese sailing boat with an onboard setup built for comfort and photos. I like that the day is planned around the sea itself, not around rushing from place to place on land.

Two things I really like: first, you get an old-school boat experience—Portuguese wooden schooner style—plus an upper deck that’s made for relaxing and sunbathing. Second, the cruise is organized so you have unobstructed photo opportunities from the boat while the crew looks for cetaceans.

One possible drawback to consider: the experience description says lunch and drink are included, but there’s at least one unhappy report where lunch didn’t happen as expected and the focus shifted toward paid cocktails. If food is a deal-breaker for you, I’d treat the lunch portion as something to confirm clearly when you book.

Key things to know before you go

• Portuguese wooden schooner boat that feels like a throwback to sail-era cruising
• Pilot whales + dolphins are the target, not just general sightseeing
• Open bar and an upper deck for hanging out between wildlife sightings
• Lunch + time to swim after the observation portion, anchored on open Atlantic waters
• Small-to-medium scale with a maximum of 60 people

Where You Board in Los Cristianos (and how not to waste time)

The tour starts at Muelle de Pescadores, Puerto de Los Cristianos (38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The official start time is 10:00 am, so give yourself extra buffer time to find the exact pier and get settled before departure.

This kind of whale-watching trip runs on sea conditions. The better your timing on land, the less you’ll have to rush the moment the boat is ready.

The Portuguese schooner vibe: open bar, central table, and the upper deck

This is not a modern speedboat setup. You’ll ride in an authentic Portuguese wooden schooner that’s meant to feel old-school, with a fun sailing atmosphere and stories that match the pirate-era mood.

Onboard, there are two service-style areas: an open bar plus a large central table where people can mingle. If you’ve ever done a boat tour where everyone hides behind doors, this layout is more social and easier—especially if you’re traveling with family or you just don’t want to stare at the sea like it’s homework.

The upper deck is a big deal here. It gives you a place to sit, relax, and catch sun while the crew works on finding whales and dolphins. Also, being higher helps with the classic whale-watching problem: getting a good view without constantly shifting seats.

What you’re actually looking for: pilot whales and dolphins off Tenerife

The point of the cruise is straightforward: go out to watch pilot whales and dolphins. The plan includes visiting a pilot whales colony area, then continuing the hunt for dolphin sightings.

Now, I’ll be honest about sea-life watching. Wildlife doesn’t come when a schedule says it should. That’s why this tour’s value is partly in the hunt itself: you’re on the water with a crew focused on cetaceans, not on a generic cruise where animals might be a bonus.

Still, the experience seems designed to maximize chances. You’re out long enough to try multiple angles and positions, and the boat’s setup helps with visibility for spotting and photography.

The sailing rhythm: observation first, then anchoring for lunch and swimming

The day has a clear sequence. You start from Los Cristianos, head out to look for pilot whales and dolphins, and once the observation part is done, the boat sails to the coast/area where it will anchor.

After anchoring, you get lunch and time to swim in open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. That swim stop is one of the main reasons I think this cruise works well for people who don’t just want animals—they want a proper break at sea.

One practical note: the cruise duration is listed as about 2 hours. That means the time for whale spotting and the time for lunch/swimming are both “real” but not super long. If you’re hoping for a long, slow meander, this isn’t that type of trip. It’s more of an efficient sea outing with a clear target.

Photo-friendly viewing: how to get the shots without fighting the crowd

The tour description emphasizes unobstructed photo opportunities from the boat, and that matters. In many boat trips, you end up with awkward angles behind railings, or everyone is standing in the same spot until you can’t see anything. Here, the design and layout seem aimed at keeping sightlines open while you watch.

My advice: once you see where people naturally gather (often the upper deck), choose your spot early and stick with it. On a short cruise, you don’t want to spend your best whale minutes sprinting around the deck.

If you’re bringing a phone for photos, keep it protected from salt spray. If you bring a camera, bring what you can comfortably hold steady from a moving platform. You’ll thank yourself when the spout or fin appears for a quick moment.

Crew energy and explanations: fun that feels family-friendly

The onboard atmosphere is described as a fun family experience, and the crew approach seems to match that. One review specifically praised the crew members for being nice and for giving very good explanations during the excursion.

There’s also a memorable moment reported: the crew went that extra mile by jumping in to save a turtle. That kind of story is more than entertainment—it hints at a crew that pays attention to what’s happening in the water, not just to the calendar.

If you like tours where someone explains what you’re seeing in plain language, you’ll probably enjoy this format. And because the trip is short, the crew explanations are likely focused and useful rather than turning into a long lecture.

Food, drink, and the value question: is $57.96 a fair deal?

At $57.96 per person, value depends on whether you care about the included onboard pieces.

Here’s what the experience information says you get:

• Food and drink included
• Lunch during the anchored swim portion

That’s a strong baseline for value. Boat tours in popular coastal areas often charge extra for refreshments and meals, so having it included can turn a pricey “look and leave” trip into something more like a half-day activity in just a couple hours.

But balance matters. One review complained that the trip was promoted as lunch included but no lunch was provided, and that the crew kept pushing different cocktails. That’s the kind of mismatch that can make a good deal feel like a rip-off.

My practical takeaway: if lunch is a key part of why you’re buying this, verify the inclusions at booking and be realistic about how onboard bar service works. Even when some drinks are included, you may still encounter temptation toward extras—so go in knowing you might pay for additional cocktails beyond what’s covered.

Weather and timing: why “about 2 hours” matters

This is a sea-based experience and it requires good weather. That matters because marine wildlife viewing is sensitive to conditions, and your time on the water may be adjusted if conditions aren’t right.

Because the cruise is about 2 hours, you’ll feel the impact more quickly than on longer tours. If the boat spends more time near one area, you’ll notice. If wildlife comes earlier, you’ll feel lucky and relaxed. Either way, keep your expectations flexible: this is nature, not a theme park.

Who should book this cruise (and who might want a different option)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A short, focused whale-and-dolphin outing from Tenerife
• A more character-rich boat ride than a plain motorboat
• A mix of sea watching plus a lunch-and-swim stop
• An experience that seems to work well for families and first-time boat people

It might be less ideal if:

• You expect guaranteed whale sightings every minute
• You’re very sensitive to meal inconsistencies and want zero chance of disappointment
• You prefer long cruises with lots of time for photography in one location

If you’re the type who enjoys a lively crew, a social onboard setup, and getting on the water quickly, this is a strong candidate.

Should you book Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching from Los Cristianos?

I think it’s a book-worthy option for most people who want a genuine Tenerife sea adventure with the added charm of a Portuguese schooner. The combination of pilot whales/dolphins as the target, an onboard setup that supports photos and relaxation, plus lunch and a swim makes the price make sense—when things go as described.

My decision rule is simple: book it if you’re excited about the sea experience and you’d be happy even if sightings are quick. Consider your priorities carefully if lunch certainty is your main reason to go, because at least one past experience didn’t match the promised inclusions.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does this tour start?

It starts at Puerto Los Cristianos, specifically at Muelle de Pescadores, puerto de Los Cristianos, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the cruise begin?

The start time is 10:00 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is approximately 2 hours.

What’s the main goal of the trip?

The tour is designed for watching for pilot whales and dolphins.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. Food and drink are included, and the boat anchors to offer lunch during the outing.

Do you need to bring supplies?

No need to bring supplies for the meal part since food and drink are included.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

What kind of boat is used?

You ride aboard a Portuguese wooden schooner, with an open bar setup and an upper deck for relaxing and sunbathing.

How many people are on the tour?

There is a maximum of 60 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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