Whales and dolphins on a small sailboat feel special. This Puerto Colón excursion around Tenerife pairs real marine-life viewing with hydrophones, plus time on a secluded beach and a proper Canarian lunch. It’s the kind of half-day trip where you’re learning as you’re watching, not just passing time.

I especially like the focus on the sea itself. You head through the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone with an expert captain who explains what you’re seeing, and you can ask questions along the way. The small group size (up to 10 people) also makes it easier to spot animals without shoulder-to-shoulder stress.

One drawback to plan for: the trip is on open water. If you’re sensitive to motion, you’ll want to follow the seasickness advice closely and come prepared, because things can get choppy.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Hydrophone listening: you can hear whale and dolphin calls through onboard equipment.
• Pilot whales and more: the route targets Tenerife’s best chances, including pilot whales plus dolphins and turtles.
• Small group: limited to 10 participants, which keeps the experience calmer on deck.
• Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach): a secluded stop where you swim or snorkel in clear water.
• Canarian food onboard: local lunch with drinks (and often sweet pastries) instead of a bland snack.
• Captain Q&A: live guide in English/Spanish, with extra knowledge from the crew.

Puerto Colón sailing: why this Tenerife whale trip feels different

Most whale-watching trips in Tenerife revolve around spotting from a bigger deck and hoping for the best. This one starts in Puerto Colón and keeps things more personal from the start. You’re on a sailboat style setup, so the day feels closer to a calm ocean outing than a factory tour.

The route is built around the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone, which matters because it’s where marine life concentrates. When the crew is actively scanning and explaining behavior, you stop thinking only about sightings and start understanding patterns—where animals are likely to surface and why. That context makes every sighting feel more meaningful.

You’re also not stuck in “sit and wait” mode. The schedule includes a swim/snorkel stop and a real meal. That’s a big value point for a trip that’s already working on an animal-watching core.

What you might see off Tenerife: pilot whales, dolphins, turtles

The star is the pilot whale. This area is known for having the largest population of pilot whales in Europe, and the trip is aimed right at that strength of the region.

Beyond pilot whales, your chances include dolphins and turtles. The excursion is also set up with the possibility of spotting fin whales while you cruise the coast. In practice, whale-watching always depends on conditions, but the itinerary isn’t random driving—it’s a targeted search with a conservation zone route.

The best part is how the day is structured around “seeing the whole picture.” Dolphins aren’t just a distant dot on the horizon; you’re set up to watch them splashing near the boat when they show up. Turtles show as quiet, floaty surprises once you learn what to look for.

Hydrophones on board: hearing whales and dolphins, not just watching

This is one of the most memorable touches. You use hydrophone equipment while sailing, so you can listen to whale and dolphin calls as you search. Even if you’re not a marine-science person, it changes the experience immediately.

When you hear vocalizations while you’re also watching movement on the water, it turns spotting into a two-sense event. Instead of only relying on timing and eyesight, you’re getting extra clues from the soundscape. It’s especially helpful when animals are farther out or when the water is calm enough that you can pick up calls.

The crew frames it in plain language too—what the signals might mean and how that behavior ties to where the animals are moving. That’s a big reason this trip earns such high satisfaction.

Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach): the swim stop that makes the day

The excursion includes a beach break at Diego Hernández Beach, also called Hippie Beach. The key detail: you anchor there, and the beach is only accessible on foot or by boat. That limited access is exactly why this feels like a quiet pause instead of a crowded marina stop.

Once you drop anchor, you can swim or snorkel while the crew gets lunch and drinks ready. You’ll want to think of this as a built-in reward after time scanning the open sea. It also means the day doesn’t hinge entirely on whether animals show at your exact moment.

If you’re choosing between trip lengths, this stop is a reason to consider the longer option. More time in the water usually means more chances to find the right comfort zone—longer swim window, less rushing, and more relaxing between sightings.

Practical note: bring your swim setup and towel. You’ll be happier if you treat it like a real swim session, not a quick dip.

Canarian lunch onboard: local flavors with drinks and sweet extras

A good whale trip feeds you like a person, not like a concession stand. Here, lunch is Canarian cuisine, plus drinks and fruit. That’s not just nice—on a 3–6 hour sailing day, it helps keep energy steady while you’re out in the sun and salt air.

In addition, you might find pastries included as part of the food spread. That shows up as part of the overall vibe people love: the crew doesn’t act like lunch is an afterthought. It’s more like a hosted stop between ocean watching and ocean play.

You should expect a local-style meal that fits the setting. The best time to eat is usually after your first wildlife scanning session—when you’ve earned it, but you’re not yet thinking about heading back.

Captain Daniel and the small-group advantage

The experience is guided in English and Spanish, and the captain’s role is more than just navigation. The crew is there to help you understand what you’re seeing—whales, dolphins, turtles, and the “why” behind the route.

One name that stands out is Captain Daniel. People highlight his focus on safety, his welcoming style, and how much knowledge he brings to the deck talk. He also seems to tailor the day toward making sure everyone has the best possible experience, not just a checklist of stops.

The small group size (limited to 10 participants) is a quiet superpower. You don’t feel like you’re competing for railing space. You also get better chances of noticing small surfacing patterns and staying oriented to the action.

It’s also worth noting the trip rules: touching animals isn’t allowed. This isn’t a hands-on experience, and that’s a good thing. It supports respectful viewing and keeps the wildlife at the center of the day.

Timing choices: 3 hours vs 6 hours and the Los Gigantes bonus

The tour runs from 3 to 6 hours, and the longer option is the one to pick if you want breathing room.

The 6-hour excursion is designed to help you enjoy Los Gigantes and to get more time for swimming. It also comes with more chances to spot dolphins, which makes sense because more time at sea usually improves the odds when the crew is actively scanning.

If you’re on a tight schedule or you know you’ll get seasick, the shorter time window can feel easier. You still get whale-watching, hydrophone listening, and the beach swim stop, just with less total time to let the ocean do its thing.

For most people, the deciding factor is simple:

• Want more water time and a stronger chance at dolphins? Choose the 6-hour option.
• Want the experience without committing to the longest schedule? Choose the shorter option.

Practical stuff that keeps the day smooth: what to bring

You’ll be outside for hours. Plan like it’s a sunny sea day, because the sun doesn’t care about your schedule.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A sun hat (wind can grab lighter hats)
• Swimwear and a towel
• Swim gear you’re comfortable with for snorkel time

Also consider your comfort mindset. If you pack like you’re heading to the beach plus an outdoor classroom, you’ll have a better time. The crew provides the cruise, meal, drinks, fruit, and hydrophone listening, but you bring the basics that keep you happy on deck.

If you get seasick: follow the tour’s prevention tips

Motion sensitivity is real. The trip has a recommendation if you think you might become seasick: reduce excessive liquid intake the night before and the morning of your boat trip. Eat a solid breakfast, but keep morning liquids measured.

They also suggest avoiding mixing drinks like orange juice, coffee with milk, tea, water, or very watery fruits. Timing matters too. About 30 minutes before boarding, adults may take two Biodraminas with caffeine, while children may take one Biodramina without caffeine.

I’m not a doctor, so treat this as guidance to discuss with your own pharmacist or medical provider if you’re unsure. Still, it’s a concrete plan, not vague advice. If you’re prone to nausea, follow the prevention steps early. It’s easier to prevent than to recover on open water.

Price and value: is $88 worth it?

At about $88 per person, this is priced like a true guided experience, not just a boat ride. The value comes from the combination of what’s included and what you get time-wise:

• Cruise out along Tenerife’s conservation-zone waters
• Hydrophone listening (a unique “experience layer”)
• A secluded swim/snorkel beach stop
• Canarian cuisine for lunch plus drinks and fruit
• Small-group format (up to 10 participants)

You’re paying for more than time on the water. You’re paying for expert interpretation, a structured route, and a second half of the day that doesn’t feel like waiting for the animals forever. In whale-watching, that matters because animal sightings can vary. The beach swim and the meal help keep the day satisfying even when the sea plays coy.

Who should book this Tenerife sailing excursion

This trip is a great fit if you want:

• Real marine-life viewing with an educational captain
• A calm, small-group sailing feel
• A beach + snorkeling stop, not just “watch from the boat”
• A lunch that tastes local, with drinks and fruit

It’s also solid for couples and friends because the small group makes conversation easy and the deck less chaotic. If you’re traveling with kids, the rules and the guided approach can make it feel manageable, though seasickness prevention still matters.

Who might hesitate? If you dislike boats or know you get motion sick even with precautions, you may want to think twice. Also, if you’re expecting hands-on animal interaction, you won’t get that—touching animals is not allowed.

Should you book Puerto Colón Whale & Dolphins Sailing?

I think you should book this if you want the best mix of whale watching, hydrophone listening, and a real beach break. The hydrophones are the standout tech touch, the small group keeps it human, and the Diego Hernández Beach swim stop turns the day into something you’ll remember even if sightings aren’t constant.

Choose the 6-hour option if dolphins and Los Gigantes are priorities for you. Pick the shorter window if you want the core experience with less time at sea.

If you’re prone to seasickness, read the prevention guidance twice and pack smart. Do that, and you’ll set yourself up for a smooth day of Tenerife marine wonders.

FAQ

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

It runs for 3 to 6 hours, depending on the option you book. Check availability to see the specific starting times.

Where does the tour go for whale watching?

You sail around the coast of Tenerife within the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone, looking for whales, dolphins, and turtles.

Is snorkeling or swimming included?

Yes. After you anchor at Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach), you can swim or snorkel while the crew prepares lunch and drinks.

What animals might you spot during the trip?

You may see pilot whales, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and possibly fin whales, depending on conditions during the sailing.

What should I bring, and what’s not allowed?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Touching animals is not allowed.

What do the seasickness instructions include?

If you think you may become seasick, the guidance is to avoid excessive liquids the night before and morning of the trip, eat a solid breakfast, and limit certain drink combinations. It also suggests Biodramina timing before boarding (with different directions for adults and children).