Whales and snacks on a small sail. On Tenerife’s south coast, Captain Salvador runs a tight 10-person cruise from Puerto Colón, and you spend the 3 hours searching for cetaceans before a swim-and-snorkel stop.

Two things I like a lot: the small-group size keeps the experience personal, and the onboard food-and-drinks are built for real relaxing, with cava, beer, and snacks served on deck.

One heads-up: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to make your own way to the dock meeting point and arrive a bit early.

Key highlights worth planning around

• A 12-meter sailboat for only 10 passengers means better sightlines and less noise on the water
• Whale, dolphin, turtle, and seabird spotting is the core focus, with a crew tuned to marine life
• Snorkeling time in warm water with provided equipment, plus a proper swim stop
• Drinks and snacks included (water, wine, cava, beer, soft drinks; snacks and desserts)
• Meet at Puerto Colón Dock Nº5 on the ship Roulette for the smoothest boarding

Tenerife whale watching from a real sailing boat (not a cattle boat)

If you’re picturing whale watching as engines roaring and everyone yelling over the noise—this trip is the opposite vibe. You’re on a 12-meter sailboat with room to spread out, and the day is paced for seeing wildlife first.

What makes it feel “special” fast is the small headcount: up to 10 passengers with 2 crew. That ratio matters when you’re trying to spot animals at sea and when you want the crew to actually explain what you’re seeing.

You’ll also be sailing off Puerto Colón with the south coast views working as your backdrop—volcanic shores, rocky coastlines, and that Atlantic light that always looks good in photos and in real life.

Price and value: what $70 buys you for 3 hours

At around $70 per person for a 3-hour outing, the value is mostly about what’s included. This isn’t just a boat ride with a vague chance to see dolphins.

You’re getting:

• a sailboat cruise with a guide/crew
• drinks (mineral water, wine, cava, beer, soft drinks)
• snacks and desserts
• snorkeling equipment for the swim stop

That combination is exactly why this works well for a short visit. You can pay one price, then spend the whole time on the fun parts—wildlife spotting and swimming—without needing to figure out food stops or rentals.

The “Dock Nº5 on the first jetty past the barrier” meeting point trick

The meeting point is at the door of dock Nº5 of Puerto Colón, about 10 minutes before departure. It’s the first jetty past the port parking barrier, and the boat’s name is Roulette.

This detail matters because Puerto Colón’s docks can feel like a maze when you’re arriving for the first time. I’d rather you show up a little early and feel calm than arrive rushing and miss the last bit of orientation.

Also, hotel pickup isn’t included, so plan to handle getting to Puerto Colón yourself. If you’re staying away from the port, check your timing in advance so you don’t stress right before you board.

South-coast wildlife time: whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds

The heart of the tour is the wildlife search along Tenerife’s south coast. The crew you’re with is focused on sighting cetaceans, and that shows in how often you get eyes-on opportunities during the 3 hours.

When conditions line up, you’re likely to see things like:

• pilot whales (often reported close to the boat)
• dolphins, including pods that may swim near the sailing line
• sea turtles
• seabirds riding wind over the water

A big plus here is the crew’s marine knowledge. Hosts like Captain Salvador and crew members such as Ramone, Rafa, and Dani are described as warm and focused on explaining the animals and what’s happening in the sea around Tenerife.

And there’s a practical reason this matters: when you know what you’re looking at—pod behavior, breathing patterns, or how sea conditions affect sightings—you enjoy the moment more. It stops being luck-only and turns into an experience you can follow.

How the sailing adds comfort for spotting

Sailing (when wind allows) tends to feel steadier and quieter than constant engine use. Some departures even use sails for long stretches when the weather cooperates, which makes for a more relaxed sea experience and an easier environment to watch closely.

Puerto Colón swim and snorkel: warm water, short stop, real gear

Between wildlife sightings, you’ll get a swim and snorkel stop in warm water. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t have to pack or rent fins/masks at the last minute.

The snorkel spot is typically the kind of sheltered bay where you can actually enjoy floating and looking at fish, not just struggling against open-water swell. In the water, you might see colorful fish and sometimes even hints of underwater structure nearby, with some spots described as having a cave-like feature you can explore safely.

What to bring (so you enjoy it more):

• a swim layer you’re comfortable getting wet (even if you mainly wear swimwear)
• reef-friendly sunscreen
• a towel you can manage easily before boarding again

And if you’re even mildly prone to motion sickness, it’s smart to plan for it. Sea conditions can change in the Atlantic, and one passenger described getting quite sick during choppy moments—while the crew still handled the situation carefully. The earlier you come prepared, the more you’ll enjoy the day.

Food and drinks on deck: snacks, desserts, and cava moments

This is one of those tours where the food feels like part of the trip, not an afterthought. You’ll have drinks throughout—mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks—and you’ll also get snacks and delightful desserts during the sailing.

You should expect simple, satisfying onboard food rather than a full restaurant-style meal. Many meals described by passengers are practical: sandwiches and cake, plus crisps or snacks, all served so you can keep your seat and your view.

Two things I’d pay attention to:

• You’re not stuck waiting for lunch somewhere else. Food is worked into the flow of the trip.
• The crew seems to handle different needs when possible; one passenger specifically noted the guide accommodating dietary requirements.

If you want an easy holiday rhythm—watch wildlife, sip something cold, then hop into the water—that’s exactly what this schedule supports.

Comfort aboard the Roulette: room for 10, crew that keeps things running

The boat is set up for a small group: capacity for 10 passengers plus 2 crew, with 3 double cabins and 2 bathrooms. You also get deck mats, which helps when you’re moving around and when the boat rocks.

On this kind of sail, comfort isn’t about luxury. It’s about being able to stay outside and watch without constantly fighting for space or dealing with loud crowds. The small size gives you that “everyone’s doing the same thing” feeling—looking out, then watching the crew point out activity.

There’s also a big difference in how you feel about the water when you’re not shoulder-to-shoulder. You can shift sides to get better views when wildlife appears.

Is it worth it for your travel style? Who this tour fits best

This is a great fit if you want:

• a short, high-impact experience (3 hours)
• a small group vibe
• a trip that combines wildlife spotting with a real swim/snorkel stop
• onboard comfort with drinks and snacks included

It’s not a great match if you’re chasing a long, multi-stop day on multiple beaches. This is focused time on the water and then back—ideal for “I want to do something memorable today” rather than “I want an all-day itinerary.”

Best travel partners for this one

• couples who want a quieter, more intimate day on the sea
• families with kids old enough to enjoy watching dolphins and whales (you’ll spend a lot of time looking out, not doing complicated tours on land)
• solo travelers who don’t want to be alone but also don’t want a massive group

Quick practical tips before you go

• Arrive early enough to find Dock Nº5 confidently; the port layout can be confusing.
• Bring sunscreen and something you can rinse off after snorkeling.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, consider packing motion sickness support before boarding.
• Dress for warm sea air, but plan for wind. Even in pleasant weather, you’ll feel it on deck.

Should you book this Tenerife sail and snorkel combo?

I think this is an easy “yes” for most people visiting Tenerife who care about wildlife and want a relaxed format. The big selling points are real: a small sailboat, a crew tuned to marine life, and a day that includes snorkeling equipment plus drinks and snacks—all in just 3 hours.

If you can’t get to Puerto Colón easily on your own, or if you hate any chance of rough water, then you’ll want to weigh that logistics factor and your comfort level first. Otherwise, this is a solid value way to spend a half-day on the Atlantic with whales, dolphins, and turtles as the main storyline.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife sailboat whale watching tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the door of dock Nº5 of Puerto Colón, about ten minutes before departure. The meeting point is the first jetty past the port parking barrier, and the ship is named Roulette.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many people are on board?

It’s a small group limited to 10 participants, with 2 crew.

What wildlife might I see?

The tour focuses on spotting cetaceans, plus turtles and seabirds in their natural environment.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The tour includes time for swimming and snorkeling, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

What drinks and food are included?

You get drinks such as mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks, plus snacks and desserts.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide speaks Spanish, English, and Italian.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes, reserve now & pay later is available.