Whales in Tenerife, on a small yacht. This 3-hour sailing cruise mixes wildlife searching with real comfort, plus time in the water when conditions allow. I like the fact that the boat is small (max 11), so you get breathing room and a calmer feel than the big-deck tourist boats.

I also like the mix of on-board treats and gear. You get a glass of Champagne, unlimited beer/wine/soft drinks, and light snacks (including a freshly made sandwich) along with snorkeling equipment for your stop.

One thing to consider: the snorkeling/swim moment can be hit-or-miss depending on the day. Even though snorkeling gear is included, you may not always find easy-to-see underwater spots if the water or stop location isn’t ideal.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Small-group sailing (max 11) for a more personal, less chaotic experience
• Wildlife-first cruising around Tenerife with a captain who looks for whales and dolphins
• Snorkel equipment included, plus a dedicated swim break when conditions work
• Food and drinks that are part of the plan: Champagne, sandwiches, snacks, and unlimited beer/wine/soft drinks
• A flexible captain style where the crew watches quietly when animals come close (motor-off moments happen)
• Multiple guide/captain personalities including Captain Guy, Captain Maximilian, Captain Alex, and Captain Dani (same overall vibe: marine focus)

Tenerife’s small-yacht whale watch with swim time

If your idea of a good whale trip is not getting herded, this cruise is built for that. You’re out on a luxury sailing boat, not a floating parking lot. The route keeps you in the right general area around Tenerife, and the crew spends time looking for whales and dolphins in their natural environment.

You’re on the water for about 3 hours, which is long enough to have actual wildlife time but not so long that you feel stuck on the deck. It also helps that the boat holds up to 11 travelers, so the day doesn’t feel like one big waiting game.

The other thing I like is how the trip balances “see wildlife” with “have a good time.” You’re not just scanning a horizon for hours with an empty stomach and warm drinks. You get snacks, a glass of Champagne, and snorkeling gear so the stop isn’t only about looking.

Getting to Puerto Colón: gate 2, 10 km pickup, and real-world timing

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje (38660), Tenerife. Plan to arrive early. They ask you to show up at least 15 minutes before departure, which matters because small boats leave promptly.

Pickup is available only if you contact them in advance. If you want pickup within a 10 km radius, you must reach out at least 24 hours before the tour. If you don’t need pickup, just go straight to Puerto Colón and find the correct gate.

This is also close to public transportation, and you’ll get a mobile ticket after booking. That makes it easier if you’re staying around Adeje or Los Cristianos and don’t want to deal with long transfers.

What’s actually included: Champagne, unlimited drinks, snacks, and snorkel gear

This cruise comes with a clear “comfort package,” and it’s not just a token bite. Included items are:

• Glass of Champagne
• Light refreshments/snacks, including a freshly made sandwich for lunch
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment (so you don’t have to rent gear)

You’ll also want to treat the food as part of the fun, not a full restaurant meal. Expect snacks and a sandwich style setup. On some days, the drink service can include extra touches like strawberries and sparkling wine options, but the baseline promise is Champagne plus unlimited beverages.

For dietary needs, there’s a vegetarian option available if you request it at booking. If you need gluten-free or something stricter, vegetarian is explicitly supported in the tour info, so you should communicate your needs clearly when booking. Don’t assume specialty diets are guaranteed unless you’ve asked.

The 3-hour itinerary: sailing around Tenerife, then a stop for water time

The cruise is designed around time on the water with wildlife searching as the priority. You’ll depart from Puerto Colón, cruise around Tenerife, and return to the same meeting point at the end.

The tour includes Stop 1: Tenerife Sailing Charters, which is basically the “on-the-boat operations” point for boarding and then cruising, followed by a dedicated swimming/snorkeling window. In practice, that water time is the part that changes most from day to day.

Here’s what the schedule means for you:

• Early in the cruise, the crew typically spends time scanning for wildlife and positioning for the best viewing.
• The swimming/snorkeling stop is meant to be the break where you actually get in the ocean, not just wave at it.
• The overall pace stays relaxed since the group size is small.

One good hint for planning: don’t treat the wildlife sightings as guaranteed. The whole point is that whales and dolphins are wild. When conditions and animal behavior line up, you can get close viewing time. When they don’t, you still get sailing and the sea-air experience, plus snacks and drinks.

Finding pilot whales and dolphins: what viewing time feels like

The headline is whales and dolphins, and the trip is run by a captain who actually looks for them. You’re cruising in the right areas, then adjusting based on what’s happening on the water.

I love that this is not a “blink and you miss it” style. When pilot whales show up, the crew aims for good viewing time. People have described seeing pod activity and even whale families, and the calmer moments can be the best part of the whole day.

Captains also seem to share the day’s story, too. Captain Guy comes up repeatedly for his animal respect and for practical care on board (including checking in if someone feels seasick). Other captains and guides you might encounter include Captain Maximilian, Captain Alex, and Captain Dani, and the common thread is a marine-focused approach and a friendly, hands-on host style.

A subtle but important detail: wildlife ethics matter here. You may see the crew go quiet or turn off the engine at times so you can watch without extra noise.

Swimming and snorkeling time: how to make it work on the day

Your snorkel gear is included, and you do get time to swim. Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. If you show up unprepared, you’ll feel it fast.

Now for the realistic part. The snorkeling experience depends on the sea conditions and where the crew can anchor or stop. Some people are happy with what they see underwater. Others say the snorkel moment wasn’t as productive as hoped, or that the swim stop felt far from the coastline or offered limited visibility.

So here’s how I’d plan your expectations:

• Treat snorkeling as a bonus, not the only win.
• If you’re sensitive to cold water, remember the Atlantic can feel chilly even when the sun is out.
• If seasickness is a concern, come prepared. The crew does check in, and people have shared that tips can help, but you still want to protect yourself in advance.

If you want the best chance for real underwater viewing, wear your suit ready to go, keep your sunscreen reapplied for the deck time, and stay flexible. When the captain decides the water stop is good, you’ll be ready.

Drinks and snacks at sea: small touches that change the mood

On a boat, food is never just about calories. It’s about keeping the day fun when you’re standing in sea wind and waiting for the next sighting.

You get:

• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• A glass of Champagne
• Light snacks and a freshly made sandwich

In the real world, that turns the cruise into something like: watch, snack, sip, listen, then water time. People also mention chilled servings and a friendly, attentive service setup, often with the captain acting like both host and waiter.

A common complaint is that the “snacks” might feel smaller than expected for the price. One sandwich is included, and the trip emphasizes beverages as much as food. So if you’re a big eater, eat a proper meal before you go.

Comfort on a luxury sailing boat: why the small group matters

This isn’t a huge catamaran-style party. With a maximum of 11 travelers, you’re more likely to:

• find a comfortable spot to watch
• hear the captain’s explanations
• avoid the crush of people moving around the boat

That small size also helps with the vibe. You can focus on the sea instead of the crowd. People have described the experience as relaxed and not rushed, with enough space to handle small waves and shifting positions.

Even when the sea gets rough, a smaller group can feel better because crew attention is more personal. Captain Guy and others are frequently praised for checking on guests who might feel sea sick and for keeping the mood steady.

Price and value: is $78.44 fair for this Tenerife cruise?

At $78.44 per person for about 3 hours, this lands in the “premium” category compared with the cheapest Tenerife tours. The value comes from three places:

1. The boat experience: small, comfortable, and aimed at actual wildlife viewing.
2. The inclusions: Champagne plus unlimited beer/wine/soft drinks, and snorkeling gear, plus a sandwich-style lunch.
3. The wildlife effort: the captain isn’t just driving in a straight line. You’ll spend real time looking.

But balance matters. A few people felt it didn’t fully match the premium pricing when the snorkel stop was underwhelming, when dolphin sightings didn’t happen, or when time on the water felt less than expected due to conditions or short stops. That’s the risk with any wildlife-focused trip. You’re paying for a shot at whales, a guided day on the sea, and included comforts, not a guaranteed animal checklist.

If whales are your main goal, and you’re okay with the idea that sightings are never perfect, the pricing can feel fair. If you want a guaranteed dolphin-and-snorkel highlight reel every time, you might be happier choosing a different type of cruise.

Who should book this whale and dolphin sailing trip

This tour is a great fit if you:

• want a small-group sailing experience
• care about marine wildlife and respect for animals
• like the idea of snacks and drinks included, not something you scramble for later
• want the option to swim and snorkel when conditions allow

It can also work well for families since the tour notes that children must be accompanied by an adult. For kids, the boat itself plus the whale/dolphin search can be the main entertainment.

I’d be cautious if:

• you’re highly prone to seasickness (the trip is out at sea for several hours)
• you’re counting on snorkeling for the main highlight
• you have special dietary needs beyond vegetarian and you can’t confirm options in advance

Practical tips so your day goes smoothly

Here are the things that make a real difference on a 3-hour sailing trip in Tenerife:

• Arrive early at Puerto Colón gate 2 so you don’t feel rushed.
• Bring towel, swimwear, and sunscreen (the trip provides snorkel gear, not your beach setup).
• If you get seasick, take precautions before you board. The crew may check in and offer tips, but prevention beats recovery.
• Wear shoes you’re okay with getting wet or sandy. Deck surfaces can get slippery.
• Bring your own lightweight layer if you get chilly on the water. Sea wind is honest.

If you want sunset vibes, you may find evening departures offered by this type of operator. Sunsets are often the best part of being on a sailboat, but availability depends on the schedule you book.

Should you book this Tenerife whale and dolphin cruise?

Book it if you want a small, calmer sailing day with a real chance at pilot whales and dolphins, plus snorkeling gear and included drinks. The setup makes it feel like a complete outing: you’re not just paying for a boat ride.

Think twice if snorkeling and guaranteed dolphin sightings are your top priorities. The crew hunts for wildlife, but nature decides the schedule. Also, the food is solid for a snack/lunch stop, but it’s not trying to be a full feast.

My take: this is a strong pick for value when you match it to what it actually offers—time on a well-run boat, animal-respect viewing, and included comfort—while keeping expectations flexible for the water time.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching sailing boat tour in Tenerife?

It runs for about 3 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $78.44 per person.

Where do I meet the boat in Tenerife?

You meet at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, gate number 2 (38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain).

Is pickup available?

Pickup is available if you contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance for locations within a 10 km radius. If you don’t need pickup, you should go directly to gate number 2.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are a glass of Champagne, light refreshments/snacks with a freshly made sandwich, unlimited beer/wine/soft drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included with the tour.

Are there options for vegetarians?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at the time of booking.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 11 travelers.

What happens if weather is bad?

The 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.