Watching whales and dolphins off Tenerife is a rush.

This private sea safari keeps the group small, and you get onboard snorkeling gear plus snacks and drinks while you look for whales and dolphins. I also love the way the local captains and guides, like Nico (and other captains such as Eric), focus on calm, animal-first watching rather than loud chase-and-curve cruising. One thing to weigh: with wildlife involved, sightings are never 100% guaranteed, and you’ll want to be comfortable with a short open-water swim.

You meet at Sea Safari Tenerife in Playa de las Américas near Puerto Colón, then head out for about 3 hours of whale and dolphin spotting, swimming, and snorkeling—everything you need is on board. It’s offered in English, with a mobile ticket, and it’s geared for most people who can handle a boat trip and some time in the water. If you’re going solo and expecting a bargain price per person, this one can feel pricey; it tends to shine when shared among a small group.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Private boat, max 11 people so you’re not stuck in the middle of a crowd.
• Snorkeling gear is included, which means less packing and fewer “did we bring the right stuff?” worries.
• Sandwiches and soft drinks onboard keep you fueled during the ride and swim.
• Animal-first guidance: guides like Nico look for wildlife early and aim for undisturbed behavior, with calmer encounters.
• Fast speedboat-style watching: you can get closer to whales, dolphins, turtles, and more marine life.
• Route flexibility: you can fill the excursion your way, including a South Tenerife safari option.

Private Sea Safari vs. Big Cruises: Why This One Feels Better

In Tenerife, lots of boat trips promise dolphins and whales. This one stands out in the way it’s built: it’s private, with a small group (up to 11), and you spend your time on the water instead of getting shuffled around with a long queue of strangers.

That smaller setup matters more than you’d think. When the group is tighter, the captain and guide can adjust positioning based on where animals are moving, and you can drift more quietly at the right moments. In the accounts I’ve read, the wildlife often seemed calm around the boat, and even close enough that families of animals would swim nearer while the boat slowed down.

The “private” part also changes the mood on board. You’re more likely to get hands-on guidance—where to look, what behavior to watch for, and how to stay respectful so animals aren’t spooked. The crew includes locals who bring real island knowledge, including guides like Nico who are focused on both marine life and environmental care.

Possible drawback to keep in mind: with whales and dolphins, you’re trusting the ocean and the timing. Even with strong spotting skills, you’re choosing an encounter, not buying a guarantee.

From Puerto Colón (Playa de las Américas) to Open Water in About 3 Hours

Your start point is Sea Safari Tenerife on Av. de Colón in Playa de las Américas, close to the Puerto Colón harbor area. The tour loops back to the same meeting point at the end, which makes planning your day easier—you’re not scrambling to get back across the island afterward.

The whole experience is about 3 hours. That’s a sweet spot for a lot of people: long enough for a proper wildlife search and a swim/snorkel window, but short enough that you don’t spend your entire holiday day tied up on a boat. If you’re trying to fit this around beach time, lunch, or a late-afternoon plan, the timing works well.

The boat trip is described as a speedboat style ride. That usually means you’ll get moving quickly to where wildlife is active, and you’ll feel more of the sea than the slower, bigger cruise ships. One review described a fun, faster return to the harbor when everyone was up for it, which is a nice reminder that the crew isn’t just scientific—there’s also a social, upbeat vibe when conditions allow.

Practical tip: if you’re sensitive to wind spray, bring a light layer you can pull on during faster stretches. The tour includes snacks and drinks, but your comfort still depends on what you wear.

Spotting Dolphins and Whales: The Local Guide Factor (Nico and Captains Like Eric)

Where a whale-and-dolphin trip often wins or loses is the search skill. Here, the guidance is a major part of the value.

Nico is specifically mentioned for being passionate and highly focused on finding animals early. In one account, the spotting ability was so strong that Nico identified pilot whales long before the group could see them. That kind of lead time changes everything: you’re not straining your eyes for minutes while the animals pass, you’re given a chance to watch behavior unfold.

Just as important, Nico’s approach (and the overall animal-first attitude described) emphasizes undisturbed nature. The experience includes moments where the boat slows down or even goes quiet, letting you drift while watching. That matters because many marine animals react to noise and sudden movement. Reviews describe calmer whale behavior and a sense that animals felt safe enough to approach or swim closer.

You can also expect more than dolphins and whales. Several accounts mention sea turtles, flying fish, and even tuna. Those extras are not promised, but when the captain is actively reading the water, your odds of seeing a wider range increase.

One more detail I like: the crew isn’t just pointing. They explain what you’re looking at and why. When you understand what kind of behavior signals feeding or resting, your “spotting game” becomes more fun and less luck-dependent.

Snorkeling Gear Included: What You’ll Do in the Water

A lot of boat trips say snorkeling is included. The difference here is that snorkeling gear is on board, and the tour description is clear about it. You don’t need to pack your own mask or fins, which can save space in your bag and reduce the chance of arriving with the wrong size gear.

The day is built around swimming and snorkeling after the main wildlife watching phase. In reviews, the swim window is described as meaningful—one person mentioned about 20 minutes to swim in a bay area called Masca (sometimes spelled Mesca), with the feeling of being surrounded by dramatic rock scenery. That’s the kind of stop that makes the whole outing feel like more than just “look out at sea.”

How this plays for you:

• If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll likely enjoy the quick ocean reset and the chance to snorkel right after seeing marine life.
• If you’re more cautious, you can still enjoy the water element without pushing your limits—just go slow and follow the crew’s lead on where it’s safe.

What I’d bring (simple, not fussy): swimwear, water shoes if you have them, and a towel if you’re the kind of person who likes to be fully prepared. The tour provides the snorkeling equipment, snack, and drinks, so your packing list can stay short.

Also note: the tour says most travelers can participate. That’s a good sign, but it still means it’s not a special medical tour. If you have mobility issues or strong seasickness, you should consider whether a speedboat ride and open water swim are a good fit.

Snacks and Soft Drinks on Board: Small Things That Keep the Mood Right

At sea, hunger can turn a fun trip into a cranky one. This tour includes food and drinks, including sandwiches and soft drinks, so you’re not stuck doing the mental math of I hope we find something soon before I get hungry.

And it’s not just about calories. A snack break lets you reset your energy after wildlife watching, and it keeps the day feeling complete rather than rushed. Reviews repeatedly mention that the snack and drinks are part of what makes the trip feel generous and well-paced.

I also like that the crew keeps the experience moving. After spotting animals and then hitting the swim, you’re not left hanging. There’s a clear arc: watch, swim/snorkel, eat/drink, then return.

If you’re the type who likes photos, you’ll also appreciate that the snack timing typically happens when the boat is positioned so you can rest a bit and look out again afterward.

What Else You Might See Around Tenerife (Beyond Whales and Dolphins)

This experience is built around whales and dolphins, but it seems to come with a higher-than-average chance of other marine life.

From the accounts shared:

• Dolphins often come in schools and sometimes get very close.
• Whales may include pilot whales specifically, with the captain/guide helping you spot them early.
• Sea turtles show up quietly in the water, described as calm and easy to overlook if you’re not watching carefully.
• Flying fish are spotted near the boat, with reports of them streaking over the surface.
• Tuna is also mentioned as something they saw while out.

Even views can play a role in the payoff. One account described seeing the beach and the Teide area from the return journey. That’s not something you should plan your day around, but it’s a nice bonus when conditions and routes line up.

The best way to enjoy the “maybe” part of wildlife trips is to treat it like active sightseeing. When you’re given tips on where to look and what behavior matters, your odds improve—and your experience becomes more satisfying even if the ocean gives fewer surprises on a particular day.

Price and Value: Is $600.79 for a Private 3-Hour Safari Smart?

The price is listed as $600.79 per group (up to 1), which suggests a private booking is being sold as a group deal. That can be either great value or expensive value depending on who’s sharing.

Here’s how I’d think about it:

• If you’re booking solo, you’re paying for the private experience without splitting the cost. In that case, it can feel like a splurge.
• If you’re traveling as a couple or a small group and can fill the private boat space, the cost becomes easier to justify, because you’re paying for a real “tailored” ride rather than a standard large-tour ticket.

Where the money seems to go: small-group control, onboard snorkeling gear, and food/drinks. Add in the local guide attention and the speedboat-style ability to get closer and adjust quickly, and the value proposition starts to make sense.

Also, this tour is on the popular side: it’s described as booked on average 24 days in advance. That’s a hint to plan ahead if you’re going during peak season, especially if your dates are fixed.

My practical recommendation: if you want a wildlife-focused boat trip that doesn’t feel crowded and includes the basics (gear, snack, drinks), this is the kind of private option that can be worth it.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This sea safari fits best if you want:

• A small, private boat and a more personal wildlife experience
• Onboard snorkeling gear so you travel light
• An easy, built-in day rhythm: watch, swim, snack, return
• A crew that cares about animal behavior and calm viewing

You might not love it if:

• You’re hoping for a guaranteed sighting of whales every time (no whale trip can promise that)
• You don’t enjoy speedboat rides or open-water swimming time
• You’re traveling with no one to share a private cost

On a positive note, it’s offered in English, and it says most people can participate. The overall tone from the experiences described is that the captain and guide adjust to the group’s pace and interest, not the other way around.

Quick Checklist Before You Go

To make your 3 hours on the water smoother, I’d prep for the basics:

• Wear swim-ready clothing and bring a light layer for wind
• Pack water shoes if you like traction
• Bring sunscreen and a hat if you burn easily
• If you have motion sensitivity, consider whether a speedboat is your thing

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, plus a sandwich and soft drinks, so you don’t need to bring food or your own gear.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Sea Safari Dolphins, Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

You meet at Sea Safari Tenerife, Av. de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling gear is included onboard.

What food and drinks are provided?

You get sandwiches and soft drinks during the tour.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund.

Should you book Sea Safari Tenerife?

If you’re choosing between a crowded cruise and something with more personal attention, this private sea safari makes the decision easier. I’d book it when you want small-group whale and dolphin watching, included snorkeling gear, and real onboard comfort (sandwiches and soft drinks) without turning the day into logistics homework. Just be honest about one thing: the ocean is in charge of sightings, so go for the experience and the search—not for a guaranteed lineup of whales.