There are few better ways to see Tenerife’s marine life than this small-group whale sanctuary trip with snorkeling and lunch. You head out from Playa San Juan, search the waters south of La Gomera for resident pilot whales and dolphins, then swing by a quiet cove for swimming.

I especially love how the crew looks for animals by moving through different depths, not just drifting in one spot. I also like the snorkel-and-sandwich break at Agua Dulce, where you get food and drinks while learning what you’re actually seeing. One thing to keep in mind: the schedule depends on good weather, so you should be flexible if conditions are rough.

Key details at a glance

• Small group: max 11 travelers
• Duration: about 3 hours
• Language: English
• Start time: 2:30 pm (afternoon outing)
• Includes: whale guide, lunch, and alcoholic beverages
• Mobile ticket accepted; service animals allowed

What makes this whale watching trip stand out

• A real sanctuary-style search around a known deep-water stretch south of La Gomera
• Pilot whales + dolphins are the focus, and you may also spot other species like grind whales
• Agua Dulce cove snorkel stop with a chance to snorkel on your own
• Captain-led talk tying together cetacean science, plus volcanology and local history
• Comfort-focused small boat time (reviewers highlight the comfortable ride)
• Lunch and typical drinks after the wildlife watching, so you’re not stuck hungry

Setting out from Playa San Juan at 2:30 pm

This trip starts in the afternoon from the fishing port area of Playa San Juan, at Sea Passion Charter & Fishing (Puerto Pesquero de, 38687 Playa San Juan, Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The departure is at 2:30 pm, and you’re back at the meeting point when the tour ends, so it’s easy to plan the rest of your day.

The timing matters. Late afternoon water can feel calmer for many travelers, and you’re not burning an entire day just for a wildlife outing. It’s also long enough to do proper searching and still have a meaningful swim/snorkel break.

The route: south of La Gomera, then toward Isorana and Agua Dulce

The crew heads out about 5 km south of the island of La Gomera. That area matters because you’re looking for wildlife along a deeper zone—about a kilometer of depth—where marine life tends to show up and feed.

From there, the boat shifts toward the cliffs of Isorana, then skirts along that coastline until the group reaches Agua Dulce cove. This isn’t just scenic travel time. The coast-hugging approach helps set up the snorkel stop and breaks up your experience so it doesn’t feel like nonstop boat watching.

Then, after the swim and lunch, you cruise along the coast again toward the fishing port of Playa San Juan to wrap things up.

How they find whales: depth-hunting, not random cruising

What I like about this tour is the “search between depth levels” approach. Instead of staying fixed in one place and hoping for the best, the captain and guide look across different parts of the water column. That gives you a better shot at encountering the resident pilot whale and other marine life.

In a real-world sense, this also means you’ll spend your time with the crew actually working the area. You’ll see people paying attention—spotting, checking conditions, and adjusting the route. Review feedback strongly points to respectful observation and a relaxed pace, which is exactly what you want in a whale-focused experience.

You can also set your expectations smartly: sightings are not guaranteed, but this is clearly designed around specific habitat and behavior patterns—deep-water searching with coastal positioning for the next stop.

Whale watching with respectful distance and a calm rhythm

The best whale encounters feel unforced. The tour’s structure is built for that: you watch from the boat while the captain looks for whales and dolphins, then you move on when the moment passes. Reviews mention being able to observe animals with respectful distance and without chaos—important for both wildlife and your enjoyment.

If you’re hoping for a specific species, here’s the honest focus: the itinerary emphasizes pilot whales, and you may also see dolphins. One review specifically mentions grind whales. So, while you’re not promised every species under the sun, the trip is at least aimed at the right kind of waters for cetaceans.

Pro tip: if the sea is moving, keep your body loose and just let the boat do its thing. You’ll see more when you’re not fighting the waves.

The Agua Dulce cove stop: where snorkeling becomes the main event

This is the part many people remember. Once you reach Agua Dulce cove, you get time to swim and snorkel. The tour info notes that you can practice a “nice snorkel,” and one review calls out the chance to snorkel on your own during the stop.

That means you should expect a self-guided feel for the water time, not a long lesson. If you’re comfortable in open water and you know how to use a mask and snorkel, you’ll likely enjoy this more. If you’re new to snorkeling, you may still like it—but you’ll want to take it slow and stick to what feels safe.

Also, remember you’re doing this after time on the water. Wear what you can rinse off, and be ready for the transition from boat motion to calm-ish cove water.

Lunch plus typical drinks: fuel without killing the vibe

Right at the snorkel/swim stop, the tour includes lunch plus typical drinks. It’s not just a token snack, either. One review highlights an “imbiss” stop with drinks, and it sounds like this is the moment the crew turns from searching to taking care of people.

Alcoholic beverages are included, which is a nice touch for adults who want a relaxed end-of-trip meal. Still, you’ll enjoy it more if you treat the alcohol like a bonus, not a plan. You’ll be in and out of the water, and you want your balance and attention when you’re swimming.

From a value perspective, this inclusion matters. Many whale tours charge extra for any kind of food, especially when they run a shorter length. Here, your time out at sea has built-in sustenance.

Captain talk: volcanology, meteorology, and real cetacean science

One reason this tour feels more like an experience than a checklist is the captain’s commentary. At the cove stop, the captain explains volcanology, meteorology, scientific information on cetaceans, and local history.

I like this mix because it connects the dots. Tenerife is volcanic, and the sea conditions change with weather—both of those influence what you see offshore. When you understand the why behind the movement of water, it stops feeling random.

And since the group is small, you’re more likely to get your questions answered. Reviews specifically praise the ability to ask questions and learn about the local underwater world. That’s the sweet spot: you leave not only with photos, but with context.

Boat comfort and a small group that actually feels personal

The tour caps at 11 travelers, which is exactly the kind of small number that changes the whole mood. On a boat, too many people can mean cramped space, more noise, and less attention from the crew. Here, you should get a more relaxed flow: listen to the guide, watch the water, then look down for snorkeling time.

Reviewers also mention the boat as super comfortable. That matters because even a great itinerary can feel miserable if the ride is rough or the seating is bad. Comfortable transport makes it easier to stay focused on spotting marine life.

If you hate crowded tours or you want a whale experience that feels calmer and more respectful, this group size is a big advantage.

Price and value: what $78.19 buys you (and why it makes sense)

At $78.19 per person for roughly 3 hours, this isn’t a cheap impulse activity—but it also isn’t overpriced for what’s included. You’re paying for several things at once:

• A guided whale watching outing with a dedicated crew focused on cetaceans
• Lunch and typical drinks (and alcoholic beverages are included)
• A stop at Agua Dulce where swimming and snorkelling time is part of the plan

For me, the “value” comes from avoiding the usual add-ons. Many tours keep the wildlife experience moving and charge separately for food, drinks, and any real water time. Here, those pieces are bundled, and your time stays balanced: watch, learn, eat, swim.

Also note this tour is booked about 11 days in advance on average. That can be a clue that popular sailing days fill up. If you’re traveling in a busier stretch, it’s worth reserving earlier rather than playing the waiting game.

Weather and conditions: the one real drawback to plan around

The tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the activity may be rescheduled or you’ll receive a full refund. That’s not a “gotcha”—it’s how you avoid a miserable experience at sea.

What you should do: check the day’s forecast and keep some flexibility in your schedule. If you only have one single afternoon available, consider booking with a backup option in mind.

The other consideration is snorkeling comfort. Because the snorkeling time is described as something you can do during the cove stop (including doing it on your own), you’ll enjoy it more if you’re comfortable with basic snorkeling or at least willing to take it slow.

Who this is best for (and who might skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A small-group whale watching experience
• Real time on the water that’s built around finding marine life in deeper areas
• A mixed program: watching + learning + snorkel time + lunch
• English-speaking guidance

You might consider another option if you:

• Want a long, coached snorkeling session (this focuses more on time in the cove than a formal lesson)
• Hate any possibility of weather-related changes (it’s required to operate in good conditions)

Overall, it’s a strong match for couples, solo travelers, and families who prefer calm pacing over loud crowds.

Should you book this whale watching and snorkelling trip?

If your goal is a respectful, small-group whale outing in Tenerife that also gives you a meaningful break to swim and snorkel, I’d book it. The combination of pilot whales/dolphins searching, the planned Agua Dulce cove swim stop, and the included lunch with drinks makes it feel like one smooth experience instead of separate add-ons.

My final advice: book it if you can be flexible with weather and you’re excited to spend a few hours outdoors—watching, learning, then getting in the water. If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, this is a really good value for what you get.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching and snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 2:30 pm.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Sea Passion Charter & Fishing at the Puerto Pesquero de in Playa San Juan, Tenerife.

What animals are the crew looking for?

The focus is on a resident pilot whale, plus dolphins and other marine life the safari allows you to see.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. At the Agua Dulce cove stop, you can swim and snorkel.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Lunch is included, along with typical drinks. Alcoholic beverages are also included.

What’s the maximum group size?

The maximum group size is 11 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.