A sailing trip in Tenerife sounds simple. Then you add pilot whales, snorkeling, and a small yacht, and it turns into a very watchable couple of hours. The best part is the setup: you’re out on the water with drinks and bite-sized food, while your captain searches for marine life nearby.

I really like that this is a small group max 11. Fewer people means less chaos on board and more time actually looking for animals when the captain finds a good spot. The other big win is the onboard mix of snacks, drinks, and a real sandwich, not just something thrown at you.

One thing to consider is that the wildlife and water activities are weather and timing dependent. That’s normal in nature, but a few people noted the snorkeling and swim window can be short or not amazing if conditions aren’t great.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Small yacht, max 11 travelers for a calmer wildlife search
• One glass of champagne plus unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment included for the underwater stop
• Pilot whales are commonly spotted, with dolphins and turtles sometimes showing up
• Cabin-friendly feel thanks to hosts who check on the crew, including for sea sickness

From Puerto Colón, you’ll move fast onto the water

This tour starts in Puerto Colón at Pantalan 2, right by Costa Adeje. The meeting point is Gate number 2, and you should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early so you’re not sprinting in flip-flops while the boat’s getting ready.

You can also arrange pickup if you’re within a 10 km radius, but you must contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance. If you’re not using pickup, you just head to the gate and wait for your group to be called.

The cruise runs about 3 hours. That time frame matters because whale-and-dolphin watching is not a theme park script. You’re paying for time on the water and a captain willing to look for animals rather than just a quick “drive past and leave.”

How the whale and dolphin search really works

Marine life isn’t scheduled, so the captain’s job is pattern-reading plus location-finding. On this trip, the most consistently mentioned sighting is pilot whales. Many people describe pods close enough that you get real viewing time, not just a distant dot-and-hope moment.

Dolphins show up often enough to be part of the experience, but they can be elusive. A couple of guests said dolphins were unlikely when conditions weren’t favorable, which is useful to know if dolphins are your top priority. Sea turtles show up sometimes too, including one person who spotted one floating by.

What I like about the way this cruise is run is the animal respect vibe. Several comments mention the captain keeping distance and even turning off the engine at moments so you can watch with less noise and less disturbance. That’s not just “nice.” It also helps the watching experience, because the boat isn’t blasting through the same spot again and again.

Expect a mix of viewing and waiting

You’re not always “on” the whales every minute. There’s usually a pattern: cruise out, search, find, then settle into watching for a stretch. If the sea is choppy, you may spend less time in the water, but whale viewing can still work well because the animals surface and move on their own schedule.

Snacks and drinks on a sailing boat: what you actually get

You’re not just thirsty and salty out there. You get one glass of champagne, and then unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. That’s a strong value combo because it covers both the celebratory first sip and the “keep it going” phase for the rest of the cruise.

Food is included as light refreshments plus a freshly made sandwich. People mention fresh baguette-style sandwiches specifically, and some mention fruit like strawberries served alongside the bubbly. Vegetarian options are available, but you need to request that when booking.

Here’s the honest part: “snacks” doesn’t mean a full spread. A few guests felt the food portion was limited for the premium price. Others were happy with the sandwich and the drink flow.

So I suggest you treat the sandwich as your main onboard meal, not as a buffet. If you’re the kind of person who gets hungry easily on a 3-hour outing, you might want to eat a solid breakfast or early lunch before you go.

Snorkel gear and the swim stop: best-case and worst-case

This is a sailing cruise with a swim and snorkel opportunity, and snorkeling equipment is included. That’s great if you want an easy add-on without renting gear.

In practice, how good it is depends on the day. Some guests loved the water time, calling it amazing. Others said the swim stop was chilly or choppy, and a few felt snorkeling wasn’t worth the effort because the water visibility or the underwater life wasn’t good at that stop.

Also, the snorkeling stop can feel “farther out than expected” if you were hoping for clear shore-adjacent viewing. One person said it wasn’t close to the coastline enough to see much. Another said snorkel gear wasn’t offered during the stop in one specific instance, so it’s smart to double-check what you’re being given when you board.

Bring the right gear and expectations

Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. Have your swim stuff ready so you’re not rummaging while everyone else is sliding into the water. If you hate cold water, consider that the sea can feel brisk even when the air is pleasant.

If snorkeling is a must-do, my advice is simple: focus on the fact that gear is included and you’ll get an opportunity. Don’t treat it as a guaranteed “see amazing coral and fish” stop, because conditions and location change.

The captains make or break the vibe

This tour is small enough that the captain and host matter more than they do on bigger boats. The standout name in comments is Captain Guy. People describe him as respectful toward wildlife and well tuned to sea conditions. Several guests also mention he checks in on passengers if someone is feeling seasick.

There are other names too, which suggests different captains may run different departures: Captain Maximilian, Captain Dani, and Captain Alex. Across the board, the common thread is personal attention and a friendly, hosted feel on a yacht that stays comfortable rather than cramped.

One detail I really appreciate from the descriptions: the captain and crew seem to manage the whole experience like a human job, not a checklist. That’s why you hear about “waiter” style service, chilled drinks, and a captain who keeps the group informed when marine life appears.

A quick safety note (ask early)

One review raised concern about the lack of safety information and life jacket availability. The fix is easy: before you head out, ask the crew where life jackets are kept and whether there will be a brief safety talk. Most likely you’ll get what you need. But if you don’t, you’ll feel better knowing you checked.

The group size and boat feel: calm beats crowds

With a maximum of 11 travelers, this is built for comfort. Multiple guests mention that it didn’t feel like a crowded big-boat scene, and that the smaller group helped everyone stay engaged during whale spotting.

That matters in whale watching. When a pilot whale surfaces, you want everyone looking. On big tours, people get spread out, phones get raised by the dozen, and you lose focus fast. Here, the smaller setup makes it easier to stay together when the captain points out where to watch.

People also mention the boat feeling comfortable and not super hectic, even with wind. That can be a big deal in Tenerife, where weather can change during the day.

Price and value: is $78.44 a deal or premium pricing?

At $78.44 per person for about 3 hours, you’re paying for three things at once:

1. Time on the water with a captain actively searching
2. Onboard drinks and an included sandwich
3. Snorkeling gear included

If whales are your goal, the value rises fast when you get a pod close to the boat and spend real time watching. Many people say they saw pilot whales and felt the experience was worth it, especially because the captain keeps the vibe respectful and not overly aggressive.

If you’re going for a guaranteed all-day buffet or a major snorkeling showcase, the value may feel weaker. A few guests thought the food/snacks were light for the money. Others said snorkeling didn’t deliver as expected on the specific stop, or that the trip ended early in one case.

My practical take

You’re not buying certainty. You’re buying a quality small-boat outing with food, drinks, and the chance to see marine life. If that’s your mindset going in, it usually feels like good value. If you need guaranteed dolphins and guaranteed top-tier snorkeling, you’ll have a harder time being satisfied because the ocean decides the schedule.

Weather, sea sickness, and timing: make it smooth

This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, it can be canceled, and you’ll typically be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important because Tenerife cruises can go from calm to choppy in a hurry.

Sea sickness is a real factor. One guest mentioned feeling effects even if the seas didn’t look extremely wild, and another said the captain provided tips and checked on them. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your usual remedy and consider eating light before departure.

You also get the best experience if you show up early. Arriving late can mean you’re rushing on board, and then you miss the calm settling phase when everyone else is stowing gear and getting ready.

Who this whale cruise suits best (and who should think twice)

This tour fits you if you want:

• A small-group boat experience from Puerto Colón
• A wildlife-focused trip where the captain looks for pilot whales and more
• Included snorkeling gear and a real chance to swim
• Onboard comfort with unlimited drinks and a included sandwich

It might not fit you if:

• Sea motion makes you miserable fast
• You expect a long, instruction-heavy snorkeling program
• You’re chasing guaranteed dolphins every trip, no exceptions

It’s also family-friendly in the sense that many people mention children enjoyed it, including a 10-year-old in one comment. Just remember children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed too, which helps if you travel with a companion animal.

Should you book this Tenerife whale and dolphin sailing trip?

I’d book it if your priorities are clear: you want a calm small-boat outing, you like marine wildlife more than “checklist attractions,” and you’re happy with snorkeling as an extra rather than the whole reason for the trip. The strongest reason to choose it is the way it’s run: small group, active searching for pilot whales, and a captain style that sounds respectful and attentive.

If you’re sensitive to motion, I’d still consider it, but pack your sea-sickness plan and be ready for the water portion to be limited. And if you’re very picky about food portions or champagne consistency, read the room carefully in your expectations: you get a glass of champagne and a sandwich, but the exact “snack amount” can feel different depending on the day and the boat.

If you want whales and dolphins with a human, low-crowd feel and included drinks and gear, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the sailing boat whale and dolphin watching tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Tenerife?

You meet at Puerto Colón, Pantalan 2, Gate number 2, in Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is available if you’re within a 10 km radius, but you must contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you should go directly to the meeting point.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

The experience focuses on seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, with pilot whales commonly mentioned. Sea turtles are also reported by some guests. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What food and drinks are included?

You get one glass of champagne, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and light refreshments that include a freshly made sandwich. Souvenir photos are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and there is time to swim and snorkel during the cruise.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available. You need to advise the operator at booking.

How many people are on the boat?

The group has a maximum of 11 travelers.

Is the tour weather dependent, and what happens if I cancel?

Yes, it requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.