Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

Pilot whales are a regular sight off Tenerife’s south coast, and this small-yacht trip gives you a chance to watch them from the water rather than from a crowded shoreline. Dolphins and turtles may also appear, though wildlife has its own schedule and sightings are never something to count on.

I like two things in particular: the 52-foot yacht offers a more intimate setting than a large excursion boat, and the itinerary pairs wildlife watching with time to swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay. The crew also share information about local marine life, and past trips have been led by skippers including Alex, Jesus, and Mauricio.

The main caveat is the sea. Waves can make the ride bumpy, and the boat may not sail under windless conditions. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead; if you are hoping for a long swim, remember that time in the bay depends on how the wildlife watching goes.

• Pilot whales are a leading attraction: Trips have spotted groups that include mothers and calves, along with dolphins and, at times, turtles.
• A yacht, not a large tour boat: Past departures have had around seven to ten passengers, but group size can vary.
• The swim stop is part of the three-hour outing: Bring a towel and swimwear, and expect the available swim time to depend on the schedule.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect fresh fruit, sandwiches, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Bare feet are the onboard rule: Wear shoes to the dock, then leave them off aboard unless you have a health reason not to.
• Meet at Puerto Colón: Find Pantalán number zero near Miishi Restaurant, and arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Out from Puerto Colón toward the whale grounds

The trip starts at Puerto Colón, on Tenerife’s southern coast. Look for Pantalán, or dock, number zero near Miishi Restaurant, and arrive 15 minutes before the stated start time. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the marina. Two car parks are at the port, at about €1 per hour.

After a short briefing, the crew sets out along the coast toward areas where whales and dolphins are often seen. The captain and guide point out marine life and share useful information about the animals and the local sea. The mood is informal: you can watch from the deck, ask questions, and settle into the rhythm of the boat.

The yacht is 52 feet long, a good size for a three-hour outing that includes both wildlife watching and a swim stop. Some past trips had only seven passengers, while another had ten, leaving room to move about. That is not a promised group limit, so check with the operator if the number of people aboard is central to your decision.

Watching pilot whales without a chase

Pilot whales are the main draw. Trips have seen them in groups, sometimes with mothers and young, and dolphins have also been spotted. Turtles are possible too. Wildlife sightings vary from trip to trip: some outings see many whales, while others have only a brief dolphin encounter or no dolphins at all.

One detail that matters is how the boat approaches the animals. Captains have been described as stopping the engine and giving whales room to decide how close to come. That makes for a quieter, more respectful encounter, and it is a better way to watch wild animals than expecting a boat to pursue them for a close-up.

Your guide can help you notice what is happening on the water, but this is not a performance with guaranteed appearances. Keep your eyes on the sea and your expectations flexible. Some passengers have had close encounters with pilot whales; others have enjoyed the sailing and scenery even when sightings were fewer than hoped.

If you are sensitive to motion, take the sea seriously. One trip had unusually high waves, and another was bumpy enough to prompt a warning for people prone to seasickness. Conditions differ, but sitting toward the front helped one passenger who usually gets travel sick. That is a useful tip, not a guarantee of a smooth ride.

Sailing the southern coast, wind permitting

The yacht is the setting as much as the transport. When the wind allows, the crew may put the sails up, and passengers have described that as a special part of the outing. But wind is not assured: on one trip, there was too little to sail. You still go out on the yacht, but do not book solely for the promise of sailing under canvas.

The coast gives you a different view of Tenerife than you get from the road or a beach resort. The point is not a list of landmarks or a trip to Los Gigantes; this outing focuses on the southern coastline, marine life, and a stop in a bay. One passenger specifically noted that the trip did not reach Los Gigantes, so do not assume that dramatic cliffs are included.

The pace can feel calm between sightings, with time to sit on deck and watch the water. On the other hand, the sea can be rough, and the boat’s route and timing depend on conditions and wildlife. If you want a fast-paced sightseeing cruise with a fixed sequence of stops, this may feel too relaxed and flexible.

A sheltered bay for a swim and snorkel

Before returning to Puerto Colón, the captain anchors in a secluded bay for a swim, snorkel, or a rest on board. The bay is a welcome change of pace after time spent watching the open water. Some passengers have described clear water and a beautiful setting, but the amount of time available can vary.

That variation is worth keeping in mind. When a group spent a long time with whales, the swim stop was cut to about ten minutes. The swim is part of the plan, but it is not a guaranteed long beach break. If swimming is your main priority, bring your gear and enjoy whatever time the schedule allows; if whale watching is your priority, a shorter stop may feel like a fair trade.

Basic snorkeling equipment is included. Bring your own swimsuit and towel, as well as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The information provided does not promise particular underwater wildlife, so treat snorkeling as a chance to enjoy the bay rather than a separate wildlife tour.

Snacks, drinks, and the barefoot rule

Fresh fruit and sandwiches are included, along with drinks such as beer, cava, wine, soft drinks, juice, and water. Food may be served while the yacht is under sail or when the crew have time to prepare it. The sandwiches have been made to order on some trips, and the crew may offer drinks during the outing.

The refreshments make the $88 per-person price easier to assess. You are paying for three hours on a yacht, a guided wildlife outing, basic snorkeling equipment, and food and drinks, not just a ride out and back. For someone comparing it with a larger boat trip, the smaller-boat feel and combined swim stop can be worth the price. It is less compelling if you mainly want a guaranteed sighting or a long swim.

There is a barefoot policy aboard, except for health-related needs. Wear comfortable shoes for reaching the dock, then expect to take them off on the boat. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and there is little reason to bring anything beyond your swim things and the sun protection you need.

Who will get the most from this trip

This outing suits you if you want wildlife watching without spending the whole day at sea, and if you like the idea of combining it with a swim stop. It can work well for families and mixed-age groups: children have been excited by seeing young whales, and the crew’s attentive approach has helped make the trip comfortable. Still, the sea can be choppy, so consider motion sickness before bringing anyone who struggles on boats.

It is also a good fit if you value a personal atmosphere. Past trips have included friendly, attentive skippers such as Alex, Jesus, Mauricio, Marta, Monica, and Yuri. The guides speak English, Spanish, French, and Italian. Names and crew may vary by departure, but the role is the same: to run the trip, explain local marine life, and help passengers feel at ease.

The trip is wheelchair accessible, according to the activity information. If you have specific access needs, it is sensible to confirm details with the operator before booking, since the information provided does not describe boarding arrangements.

Practical details before you book

The excursion lasts three hours, with starting times depending on availability. Meet at Pantalán number zero in Puerto Colón, near Miishi Restaurant, 15 minutes before departure. There is no hotel transfer. The port has two parking areas, at approximately €1 per hour.

The booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. That flexibility helps if your plans are still taking shape, but it does not change the need to check the departure time and reach the dock on your own.

Take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Leave oversize luggage behind. You can bring a relaxed attitude, too: this is a wildlife trip, and the sea, wind, and animals set the pace.

Should you book the Tenerife yacht trip?

I would choose this trip if you want a manageable, three-hour outing that blends whale watching, time along Tenerife’s southern coast, and a swim in a secluded bay. The yacht, crew attention, included refreshments, and respectful approach to wildlife add real value to the $88 price.

I would look elsewhere if you need a smooth ride, a guaranteed dolphin sighting, a long swim, or a visit to Los Gigantes. If you can accept a little uncertainty, and are prepared for possible waves, this is a thoughtful way to spend part of a Tenerife day at sea.

FAQ

How long is the sailing excursion?

The excursion lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability before booking.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Pantalán number zero at Puerto Colón. Miishi Restaurant is a nearby landmark.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach Puerto Colón yourself.

What food and drinks are included?

Fresh fruit and sandwiches are included, along with a selection of drinks such as beer, cava, wine, soft drinks, juice, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Basic snorkeling equipment is included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Are shoes allowed aboard?

The boat has a barefoot policy, except for health-related needs.

What languages are available?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

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