A whale sighting can happen fast. This luxury Opera 60 boat is built for a relaxed day on the water in Tenerife, pairing whale and dolphin watching with time to swim and snorkel along the coast.

I love the feel of the big, spacious 60-foot RIB—you’re not stuck in a cramped corner, and you can actually move around for the best views.

The second thing I love is that they take care of the essentials onboard: snorkeling equipment, drinks, snacks, and a meal, plus showers after you’re done in the water. One possible drawback to keep in mind: wildlife sightings are still nature stuff, and the trip requires good conditions to run smoothly.

Key things to know before you go

• Opera 60 is big on purpose: a 60-foot (almost 20-meter) luxury RIB with extra safety, including inflatable side defenses.
• Power that matters for timing: 740 HP across two Volvo Penta engines to get you out on the water quickly.
• Limited group size: a maximum of 15 travelers, so spotting and comfort feel better than on larger boats.
• Snorkeling is not an afterthought: gear is provided, and you get a real stop in a swimming/snorkeling bay.
• Onboard comfort beats the usual boat-trip vibe: seating zones, sunbeds, tables, toilet, and showers after swimming.
• They keep an eye on marine life: look for dolphins, sea turtles, and whales, with respect for distance.

Stepping onto Opera 60: luxury RIB energy, not a cattle call

If you’ve done boat tours where you’re packed shoulder-to-shoulder, this is the opposite feeling. Opera 60 is designed as a luxury RIB in Tenerife, and it shows right away. The boat is about 60 feet long (nearly 20 meters), with a rigid hull and inflatable side defenses meant to add a safety buffer while you’re out in open water.

It also runs with serious muscle: 740 HP across two Volvo Penta engines. Translation for you: the ride is built to cover distance efficiently, and that helps when you’re aiming for fast wildlife sightings. And because the boat is spacious, you’re not forced to pick between good views and basic comfort. You can wander to the sunny spots, then move again when you want shade or a better angle on the sea.

Whale and dolphin watching from the best kind of platform

This is a two-in-one day: you go looking for whales and dolphins first, then you shift gears to snorkeling and swimming. On the whale-watching portion, the boat’s size really helps. You’ve got multiple sitting areas and sunbeds, plus big tables—so you can stay settled without feeling glued in place.

You’ll be watching for sea creatures like dolphins, sea turtles, and whales as you move along the coast. What I like here is that the crew’s role is not just driving. They’re focused on spotting and pointing things out—so you spend your time looking at the right areas instead of scanning blindly.

And they keep a respectful distance from wildlife. That matters because it helps you experience animals naturally while also reducing stress to the creatures. Plus, it makes the sightings feel more authentic than a frantic chase.

A practical note: you can’t control what the ocean gives you. On some days you’ll get a great mix; on others you might see whales without dolphins. That’s normal for wildlife tours, and it’s not a reason to skip the experience—just a reason to go with flexible expectations.

The swimming and snorkeling stop: where the day becomes yours

After wildlife time, the tour heads to a swimming and snorkeling bay. This is the part you’ll remember because it’s active and grounded in the real water—no glass tank, no shoreline viewing only.

A few things make this stop genuinely better than the usual quick dip:

• Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you don’t have to haul gear or hunt for rentals.
• You’ve got time to swim at a natural pace, not just the “jump in for 30 seconds” version.
• The boat includes showers, so you don’t have to deal with salty hair and sand-covered clothes all day.

The onboard setup also supports this transition. You’ve got the toilet onboard, plus multiple seating areas and space to store yourself comfortably while you change and get ready. When you’re done swimming, you can freshen up before heading back.

If you’re coming with kids, or you want a mix of action and comfort, this structure works well. You get wildlife without losing the fun of being in the water yourself.

Food, drinks, and music: the onboard vibe you’ll feel in your shoulders

For a lot of boat tours, “snacks and a drink” can mean a sad biscuit situation. Not here. They provide drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment on board, plus a meal during the day.

From what I’ve learned about the experience from past outings, the crew keeps the mood going and makes sure people don’t feel forgotten. Some guests highlight the range of cool drinks, including beer and wine, and the day often feels like a relaxed outing rather than a tight schedule. There’s also music through onboard speakers, plus open space—so it doesn’t feel like background noise is competing with the sea.

One more comfort detail I appreciate: there are two big tables and plenty of seating, which makes the meal and drink breaks feel easier. You’re not balancing plates while stepping over bodies to find a spot.

That said, if the sea is bumpy (weather and ocean conditions vary), you might find that the ride feels lively. It’s still a fast RIB. Bring patience, and consider motion-sickness basics if you’re prone.

Timing and how the 3 hours usually feels

This experience runs about 3 hours total. That’s long enough to do both parts—wildlife spotting and a swimming/snorkeling stop—without turning the day into a half-day marathon.

A good mental model for your expectations:

1) You meet and board at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas.

2) You head out and spend time searching for whales/dolphins.

3) You reach a swimming/snorkeling bay, eat, and use the provided gear.

4) You return to the same meeting point.

A short tour like this tends to feel best when you go with a “do this, then that” attitude. You’re not spending all day waiting for the one perfect moment. You’re doing the best parts of the ocean day, close together.

Meet-up at Puerto Colón: easy start, no end-of-day mystery

You’ll start at Puerto Colón (Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain), and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. That’s a relief if you’re staying in the area and don’t want the hassle of another transfer at the end.

It’s also listed as near public transportation, which helps if you’re not planning to hire a taxi just for the meetup. You’ll also receive confirmation at booking, and you’ll use a mobile ticket—so you’re not dealing with last-minute paper problems.

Who this tour fits best (and who should rethink it)

This experience is a strong match for:

• Families who want whale viewing plus real snorkeling time
• Couples who want a comfortable boat without feeling crowded
• Groups of friends who like the idea of drinks, food, and a hands-on ocean stop

It’s also worth considering if you care about comfort details: showers after swimming, spacious deck areas, and enough room to shift positions during wildlife viewing.

Who might rethink it:

• Anyone who gets very motion-sick on fast boats may want to plan carefully, since it’s still a speed-style RIB.
• People who want only guaranteed dolphins on every outing should adjust expectations. Wildlife is never a promise.

Price and value: why $96.79 can make sense here

At $96.79 per person for about 3 hours, this isn’t the cheapest way to see the ocean around Tenerife. But the value comes from what’s built into the day.

You’re not just paying for a ride. You’re paying for:

• A large, spacious luxury boat experience (Opera 60 is the focal point)
• Drinks and snacks on board
• A meal during the day
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Showers for after swimming

When those pieces are packaged together, the price becomes easier to justify, especially if you’d otherwise spend on food, drinks, and rentals. And because the group is capped at 15 travelers, you’re buying less crowding and more comfort—often the hidden cost in budget boat trips.

Booking tips that help your day go smoother

A few practical moves that can make your experience better:

• Bring your own swim basics even though snorkeling gear is provided. (In particular, you’ll want the right comfort for your own fit.)
• If you like shade, plan to move early to a spot that suits you for the whale-watching portion, since deck space is the whole point.
• If you’re traveling with kids, keep the order of events in your head: wildlife first, then bay time and water play.
• Pack with the assumption that you’ll get wet. The showers help, but you’ll still be doing ocean time.

Should you book the Luxury Opera 60 Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience?

If you want a Tenerife boat day that feels comfortable, includes real snorkeling, and has enough space to enjoy the view without stress, I’d book Opera 60. The combo of whale/dolphin watching plus an actual swimming bay is what makes it more than a simple wildlife cruise.

The only reason to hesitate is if you’re expecting guaranteed sightings or if sea conditions usually wreck your stomach. Otherwise, this is exactly the kind of outing that delivers the “day out on the water” feeling, with the practical extras handled for you—food, drinks, gear, and showers.

FAQ

Where does the Opera 60 tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón (Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain), and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 3 hours.

How many people are on board?

This activity has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English, and do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, it’s offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What’s included for the swimming and snorkeling part?

The tour includes swimming and snorkeling, and snorkeling equipment is provided on board. It also includes showers for after swimming.

What food and drinks are provided?

Drinks and snacks are provided on board, and a meal is served during the experience.

What if the weather is poor, or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.