SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

Reviewed · WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

5.0 · 51 reviews 3 hours (approx.) From $78 Operated by Sea Safari · Bookable on Viator
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Wildlife hunting with a speedboat beats waiting on shore. This 3-hour Sea Safari in Tenerife mixes close-range whale and dolphin watching with calm swim time, plus an included trial of the BladeFish underwater propulsion device. If you want an active day that still feels relaxed, this one hits the sweet spot.

What I like most is the mix of on-water animal time and hands-on fun like snorkeling gear rental and the BladeFish try-out. The other big plus: you don’t have to plan food—drinks and sandwiches are provided. One thing to keep in mind is that the trip depends on conditions, so you may need flexibility if the sea and weather aren’t right.

Captain Eric is often named for finding marine life, and the boat outing is kept small (up to 11 people). It’s also set up so you can travel light, since snorkeling equipment is included and you’re not expected to pack your own meal.

Key things to know before you go

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Key things to know before you go

  • Small group (max 11): more personal pace, less crowding at swim and viewing moments
  • Close spotting from the water: whale and dolphin watching happens from very near the action
  • Snorkeling included, gear included: you can swim without bringing equipment
  • BladeFish trial underwater: you get to try a personal propulsion jet device during the trip
  • Food taken care of: drinks plus sandwiches keep you fueled between swims and sightings

Speedboat wildlife time: what the 3 hours is really like

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Speedboat wildlife time: what the 3 hours is really like
This is a fast, focused outing. Instead of a long day that drags between sightings, you’re on the water long enough to cover ground, then stop for swimming and snorkeling when the conditions and timing line up. The route is designed around finding places where whales and dolphins have been spotted before, which matters because marine animals don’t follow a schedule you can print on a brochure.

The tone of the experience also matters: you’re not pressured to get in the water the moment you arrive. You’ll have the choice to watch from the boat and then decide if you want to swim and snorkel. That sounds like a small detail, but it makes a big difference for families and for anyone who just wants the best wildlife views without turning the day into a workout.

And because you’re returning along the south Tenerife coastline, the trip doesn’t feel like a one-track mission. You get the animal time, then you also get a scenic coast ride back, including views of cliffs from the water.

Puerto Colón start and the flow back to the dock

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Puerto Colón start and the flow back to the dock
The tour starts and ends in Puerto Colón, with the meeting point at Sea Safari Tenerife, Av. de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas. The company keeps it simple: you begin there, you’re out on the water for about 3 hours, and you come back to the same place.

That matters for two reasons. First, it reduces stress. You’re not figuring out transportation at the end of a potentially wet and salty day. Second, it helps you plan the rest of your schedule around a clear window.

Also note the practical size of the group: with a maximum of 11 travelers, the experience feels more manageable than the big-deck cruises that can feel like a shuffle. In a small group, you tend to spend more time looking out together and less time waiting around.

Close-up whales and dolphins: how the route makes sightings more likely

The core of this tour is close-range whale and dolphin watching. The key detail is that you’re taken to spots where these animals have been spotted before, rather than just cruising blindly. In real life, that kind of strategy is what turns an excursion into a memory.

One strong theme in the experiences you can expect here is variety. On calm days, this kind of route can bring you more than one species—so you might see dolphins and whales in the same outing, and it’s also possible to spot other sea life during the overall search. Even when you’re only going for the headline animals, it’s the bonus sightings that make people remember the trip later.

There’s also something quietly important about being on the water for sightings rather than watching from land. From a boat, you’re positioned to notice surface behavior: breathing, surfacing patterns, and the movement that gives away where an animal might appear next. If you like wildlife moments that feel immediate rather than distant, this is built for you.

Snorkeling with included gear: what you’re getting (and what to expect)

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Snorkeling with included gear: what you’re getting (and what to expect)
Snorkeling is part of the plan, and the equipment rental is included. That’s a real convenience win in Tenerife, where it’s easy to show up thinking you can rent everything last-minute. Here, you can treat snorkeling like a built-in add-on rather than a separate mini-expedition.

You’ll also be swimming in a cove/cala-style stop area, with time set aside for getting in the water after the viewing portion. This is where the speedboat trip becomes more than wildlife watching. You’re not just observing from above; you’re switching perspectives.

A detail to appreciate: the tour is described as having no pressure to jump in right away. So if you’re traveling with mixed comfort levels—kids, elders, or people who only want to do one part of the day—this tends to work better than strict, “everyone must snorkel” formats.

Trying the BladeFish underwater propulsion jet device

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Trying the BladeFish underwater propulsion jet device
One of the most unique parts of this tour is the chance to try a BladeFish personal underwater propulsion jet device. This is the kind of activity that adds a modern twist to a marine day: instead of only watching from the surface, you get to experience how it feels to move differently in the water.

Here’s the practical way to think about it. BladeFish changes snorkeling from “floating and looking” into “powered glide and controlled movement.” If you’re the type who likes hands-on activities and wants one standout moment beyond typical photos, this is likely the highlight for you.

That said, you should consider your own comfort level in the water. The tour includes swimming and snorkeling, so BladeFish is best enjoyed if you’re at ease with being in the water and following the guide’s lead.

Comfort on the water: pace, calm choices, and small-group energy

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Comfort on the water: pace, calm choices, and small-group energy
The trip is run with a speedy boat, which usually means more time spent in the right places rather than drifting. You’ll feel the speed on the transfer between stops, but the whole experience is still structured around keeping you ready for the wildlife and swim parts.

Comfort is a frequent concern on boat trips, especially in choppy weather. The good news here is that some families have described the boat as not causing sea sickness for them, and the overall pacing is built around breaks and viewing windows. Still, this is a sea day, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring whatever strategy you normally use for boats (without overthinking it).

The best part of the small group format is the energy shift. With up to 11 travelers, you get a more personal “find and watch” rhythm. It feels less like a mass attraction and more like a team effort to spot animals, then enjoy the water time when it’s safe and comfortable.

Food and drinks onboard: less planning, more time enjoying

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Food and drinks onboard: less planning, more time enjoying
This tour handles the food piece, which makes it easier to commit to a short outing without packing supplies. Drinks and sandwiches are included, so you can focus on the experience rather than hunting for lunch afterward.

For many people, that’s the hidden value of this trip. Three hours doesn’t leave you much buffer. If you’ve got to stop for food mid-day, you lose time and energy. Here, you get fuel onboard and keep the day flowing.

Price and value: is $78.10 a good deal?

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Price and value: is $78.10 a good deal?
At $78.10 per person for about three hours, the question is whether you’re paying for transportation and animals—or for a true all-in activity mix. This tour is closer to the second.

You’re paying for:

  • whale and dolphin spotting from a boat at close range
  • time for swimming and snorkeling
  • snorkeling equipment rental included
  • an included BladeFish try-out
  • drinks and sandwiches provided
  • a small-group cap (max 11)

So the value comes from combining multiple paid activities into one outing. If you were to piece together a similar day on your own—boat time, snorkeling gear, plus an underwater device trial—you’d likely spend more or spend more time organizing it.

If your goal is only wildlife viewing and you don’t want any water time, you might find a simpler viewing-only option better. But if you want animals plus a hands-on day, this price is easier to justify.

Weather and sea conditions: the one real downside

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

That weather dependency is the main trade-off for tours like this. Wildlife spotting is never guaranteed, and water conditions can affect how comfortably and safely you can swim. The smart move is to book it when you have at least a bit of flexibility in your Tenerife schedule, not on the only day you can’t adjust anything.

Who should book this Sea Safari?

You’ll likely love this tour if you want:

  • close wildlife encounters on a short timeline
  • a mix of viewing plus swim/snorkel time
  • a small-group boat ride
  • an extra activity beyond snorkeling (the BladeFish trial)
  • fewer logistics, since drinks and sandwiches are included

It also has a track record of working for a wide age range, including older travelers and families with young children. The key is that the tour includes water activities, so it’s best for people who are willing to get in the water at least part of the time.

If you hate boats, want zero water involvement, or have strict mobility limits, you might feel constrained. The tour notes that most travelers can participate, but it’s still an active marine excursion with swimming and snorkeling options.

Should you book Sea Safari Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat discovery-tour?

If you’re in Tenerife and you want one outing that covers animals, water time, and a memorable add-on, I’d say yes. The small group size, close-up whale/dolphin focus, snorkeling gear included, and onboard drinks/sandwiches make it a practical choice rather than just a “nice idea.”

Book it when you can be flexible with weather, and go in with the right mindset: this is about maximizing chances by moving to likely spots and keeping the day efficient. If you want a short, active, and fun sea day that doesn’t require planning a meal or packing snorkeling gear, this is a strong match.

FAQ

How long is the Sea Safari tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Sea Safari Tenerife (Av. de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included for snorkeling?

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

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. Drinks and sandwiches are provided during the trip.

Is there an activity besides whale and dolphin watching?

Yes. You can try an underwater personal propulsion jet device called BladeFish.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

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.

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