Tenerife: Sailboat Tour with Food and Snorkeling

The most memorable part of this Tenerife outing may be the quiet moment when the engine gives way to the sails and pilot whales surface nearby. For three hours, you’re out on the Atlantic aboard Roulette, a small yacht with room for just 10 passengers and two crew.

I like two things in particular: the small-group setting, which makes the boat feel calm and personal, and the mix of wildlife watching with a swim and snorkel stop. The crew also serves sandwiches, snacks, desserts, and drinks, so you don’t have to bring a picnic.

One consideration: this is an open-water trip, and the sea can be choppy. Wildlife sightings are a highlight, not a promise, so book for the sailing and sea time as well as the chance to see whales or dolphins.

• A 12-meter sailboat, not a crowded excursion boat: Roulette takes up to 10 passengers, plus two crew.
• Wildlife is the main attraction: The crew looks for cetaceans, including whales and dolphins, as well as turtles and seabirds.
• You get time in the water: The trip includes a swim and snorkel stop, with equipment provided.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect simple onboard fare, snacks, dessert, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava.
• The crew can make the trip: Captains and crew members named on past trips include Salvador, Rafa, Silvio, Jenny, and Yani.
• Plan your arrival: Meet at dock 5 at Puerto Colón, 10 minutes before departure.

Sailing the Costa Adeje coast on a small boat

This trip is built around a different pace from Tenerife’s larger whale-watching boats. Roulette is a 12-meter sailboat with three double cabins, two bathrooms, and mats on deck for relaxing. The passenger limit is 10, with two crew members to look after the group.

That smaller scale matters. You have more room to settle in, and it’s easier to hear the crew and ask questions than it would be on a boat carrying a much larger crowd. It can also make wildlife watching feel more intimate, though the captain still needs to keep an appropriate distance from the animals.

The route follows Tenerife’s southern coast from Puerto Colón. You’ll see the island from the water, with views of the volcanic shoreline and, when conditions allow, nearby La Gomera. The coastline is part of the appeal, but this is not a sightseeing cruise with a long list of landmarks. The focus is sailing, wildlife, and a chance to swim.

Roulette has sails, and trips may use them when the wind allows. If you’re lucky, you’ll spend part of the journey moving under sail rather than listening to the engine. That’s a simple pleasure, but it changes the feel of the outing: less noise, more wind, and more time to watch the sea.

Looking for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds

The crew’s job is to look for marine life and tell you what you’re seeing. Pilot whales and dolphins are among the animals spotted on these trips, and sightings may also include turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and other marine life. Some outings have seen several groups of pilot whales or dolphins, including calves.

There’s no way to guarantee what will appear on your particular trip. The animals are wild, and conditions and sightings change from day to day. I’d treat a whale or dolphin encounter as a wonderful possibility, not the sole measure of whether the outing succeeds. Even without a close encounter, you’ll have the open-water views and time on the coast.

The crew’s knowledge of local marine life adds value here. Captains such as Salvador and Rafa have been praised for explaining the animals and the area, and for keeping both sides of the boat in view when wildlife appears. Crew members vary, but expect the guides to help identify what you see and answer questions in Spanish, English, French, or German.

The small group is especially useful when something surfaces. You aren’t competing with a crowd for a view over the rail, and the crew can share information in a more personal way. Still, remember that the boat is not a private charter: you’ll share it with up to nine other passengers.

A swim and snorkel stop breaks up the cruise

The tour includes time to swim and snorkel in warm water, with snorkeling equipment provided. The stop is a welcome change of pace after watching the coast and scanning the sea. You can get in the water, look for fish, and enjoy a break from the boat before heading back.

Past trips have included around 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, though the exact timing may depend on the day. Some crews have stopped in a sheltered or secluded bay, and one account described a cave nearby. Don’t count on a particular cove or cave, since the route and stop can vary.

You don’t need to be an expert snorkeler to make use of the stop, but you should be comfortable with the idea of getting into the sea. Bring swimwear and a towel, and consider how you feel on boats before booking. One passenger described becoming seasick in choppy water, while the crew helped them and looked after the group. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead rather than assuming the water will be calm.

Simple onboard food, with drinks included

Food is part of the outing, not a separate meal stop. Expect sandwiches or baguettes, often with ham and tomato, along with snacks such as crisps and a slice of cake. The menu is straightforward and suited to a three-hour sail: enough to take the edge off hunger, but not a full restaurant lunch.

The crew also serves mineral water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava. Drinks are included, and the crew may offer them during the trip. That helps make the price easier to assess: you’re paying for the boat, crew, wildlife search, snorkel gear, snacks, and drinks in one booking.

If you have dietary needs, tell the operator ahead of time. One trip’s crew accommodated dietary requirements, but that does not guarantee every request can be met on every departure. The included food is best understood as simple onboard fare, not a made-to-order meal.

What the three-hour route feels like

The trip begins and ends at Roulette Charters in Puerto Colón. After boarding, you’ll head out along the south coast and spend time watching for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. The crew may share information about local geography and wildlife as you sail.

The wildlife search is the part you can’t schedule to the minute. The captain may adjust the boat’s course to look for animals, and the boat may pause when a sighting appears. If a pod of whales or dolphins turns up, you’ll have time to watch, but the crew should avoid crowding the animals. A respectful approach is better for the wildlife and usually makes for a more peaceful encounter.

Later, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. After your time in the water, you can dry off, have some food, and enjoy the return sail. If the wind is right, the sails may be used on the way back as well. The full experience lasts three hours, so it fits neatly into a morning or afternoon without taking over the day.

Is $68 good value for this sail?

At $68 per person, this is a fair price for a small-group boat trip that includes a professional crew, wildlife watching, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and a range of drinks. You’re not paying just to get from the harbor to a swim stop. The boat itself is the setting, and the smaller passenger limit gives the trip a more personal feel than a high-capacity excursion.

Value depends on what you want. If your priority is a guaranteed wildlife sighting or a long snorkeling session, this may not be the right fit: nature is unpredictable, and the swim is only one part of the three-hour trip. But if you like the idea of sailing, learning about local marine life, and having food and drinks included, the package is well balanced.

The reviews average 4.8 from 621 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the crew, the small group, and wildlife encounters. Named crew members include Salvador, Rafa, Silvio, Jenny, and Yani, but staff may vary on your departure. The repeated practical point is that an attentive crew can make a real difference, especially when someone feels unwell or wants help understanding what they’re seeing.

Getting to dock 5 and preparing for the trip

The meeting point is at the door of dock 5 at Puerto Colón, 10 minutes before departure. It’s the first jetty past the port parking barrier, and the ship is called Roulette. Give yourself time to find the dock rather than arriving at the last minute.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so arrange your own way to Puerto Colón. The tour ends at the same meeting point. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, French, and German. The activity is limited to 10 passengers, and the two crew members are there to manage the boat and look after the group. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the booking option allows you to reserve without paying immediately.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I’d recommend this tour if you want a relaxed sea outing with more character than a large-boat cruise. It suits couples, friends, and families who are happy to share a compact boat and spend time outdoors. A parent and toddler have taken the trip together, and children who are excited by boats and wildlife may find plenty to enjoy, though the tour details do not specify a minimum age.

It’s also a good choice if you care about the crew’s approach to wildlife. The trip is led by a team that searches for marine life and explains the local environment, rather than treating the animals as a quick photo stop. For a birthday or a special half-day out, the small group and onboard food can make the outing feel personal without the cost of booking a private boat.

Think twice if you dislike open water, are very sensitive to motion, or would be disappointed without a whale or dolphin sighting. Sea conditions can be choppy, and no wildlife encounter is guaranteed. You’ll get the most from it if you enjoy the boat ride itself, with sightings and snorkeling as welcome extras.

Should you book the Roulette sailboat tour?

Book it if you want a small-group sail along Tenerife’s southern coast, a crew-led search for marine life, and a swim stop with food and drinks included. At $68, the combination is good value, especially if you prefer a quieter boat and a more personal experience.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed animal sighting, want hotel transport included, or would rather spend most of your time snorkeling. Otherwise, arrive early at dock 5, bring swimwear and a towel, and treat the wildlife as a bonus rather than a promise.

FAQ

How long is the sailboat tour?

The tour lasts three hours. Check availability for the departure times on your chosen date.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Roulette Charters in Puerto Colón. Meet at the door of dock 5, the first jetty past the port parking barrier.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 10 minutes before departure at the meeting point.

How many people can join the trip?

The small-group tour is limited to 10 passengers, with two crew members onboard.

What wildlife might I see?

The crew looks for cetaceans, including whales and dolphins, as well as turtles and seabirds. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the trip makes time for swimming and snorkeling.

What food and drinks are included?

Snacks and desserts are included, along with mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.