SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

A fast boat can cover more of Tenerife’s southern waters in three hours than a slow cruise, giving you a good chance to look for dolphins and pilot whales before returning along the coast. The wildlife is free to move where it likes, of course, so sightings are never guaranteed.

I like the small group of up to 11 and the mix of wildlife watching with time to swim or snorkel. I also like that the price includes gear, drinks, sandwiches, and a chance to try a BladeFish, rather than leaving you to arrange those extras yourself.

One consideration: this is a sea trip, not a guaranteed animal show. Weather can cancel departures, and the company requires a minimum number of participants, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

• Look for dolphins and pilot whales in waters where they have been spotted before.
• Follow the south coast back to Puerto Colón, with time to watch Tenerife’s cliffs from the sea.
• Swim or snorkel at a sheltered cove, with no pressure to leave the boat.
• Try a BladeFish, an underwater personal propulsion device.
• Travel light, since snorkeling equipment, drinks, and sandwiches are included.
• Keep the group small, with a maximum of 11 participants.

A three-hour search in Tenerife’s whale waters

This trip combines two kinds of boat outing: a search for marine life and a stop to get into the water. You leave Puerto Colón by speedboat, head toward places where whales and dolphins have been spotted, then return along Tenerife’s south coast. The plan also includes a swim and snorkel, plus a chance to see the cliffs from offshore.

The speedboat matters because the outing is short. In three hours, a quicker boat can cover more water than a slower vessel, which gives the captain more room to search. It also makes the ride part of the fun, though a fast boat may not suit everyone as well as a larger, steadier craft.

The group limit of 11 people keeps the outing smaller than a crowded excursion boat. That can make it easier to hear the guide and move around, though space is still limited on a small vessel. If you prefer a quiet, slow cruise with lots of room to spread out, this may not be your ideal trip.

The experience is offered in English, and booking includes a mobile ticket. Sea Safari is the provider, and the meeting point is at its base on Avenida de Colón in Playa de las Américas. The trip ends back there, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride from another port.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The first main activity is looking for dolphins and whales in waters where they have been seen before. Your captain guides the boat toward likely areas, but these are wild animals, not performers on a fixed schedule. The trip can put you in good viewing territory, but no operator can promise what will appear on a particular day.

Pilot whales are a common highlight in the accounts of this trip, along with dolphins. Some outings have also seen turtles, and less common sightings have included flying fish, crabs, and a hammerhead shark. Treat those extra encounters as luck, not as part of the standard itinerary. The dependable expectation is a search for marine life, with the possibility of a memorable surprise.

The boat is described as approaching animals carefully. That matters: you want a close view, but not at the cost of crowding wildlife. Keep your eyes on the water, listen to the captain’s instructions, and bring patience. Animals can surface briefly or appear on either side of the boat, so there is no single perfect seat.

Captain Eric is named by people who have taken the trip, and is praised for explaining marine animals and the island. Guides can vary, so do not assume he will lead your departure. Still, the value of an informed captain is clear: identifying what you are seeing and sharing context can make a brief sighting feel more meaningful than simply snapping a photo.

If you are traveling with children, the wildlife search can hold their attention without requiring them to swim. One family brought a four-year-old and a baby, while another passenger joined with her 71-year-old mother. Those examples show that some mixed-age families have enjoyed the trip, but they do not replace checking whether the boat and sea conditions suit your own group.

A swim stop with gear already on board

After time searching for animals, the tour includes a stop for swimming and snorkeling. The cove is described as a highlight, and masks are available in different styles. Since rental equipment is included, you can pack less and avoid arranging gear separately.

You do not have to get in the water. That is a useful detail if you are with someone who wants to snorkel while you would rather stay aboard, or if conditions make you change your mind. The outing is not built around a compulsory swim, so you can enjoy the boat ride and wildlife search without treating the water stop as a test.

The BladeFish adds a more unusual option. It is an underwater personal propulsion device, and you can try it during the trip. The details of how long it is available or who can use it are not specified, so ask the crew if that feature is a deciding factor for you.

Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to get in, though the supplied information does not specify what personal items are provided. Sunscreen and a hat are sensible on an open-water outing, but do not overload yourself: the advertised advantage here is that the main snorkeling kit is available on board.

Returning by Tenerife’s southern cliffs

The route back follows the south coast toward Puerto Colón, with views of the cliffs from the water. This gives the ride a second focus beyond spotting animals. From offshore, the coastline becomes part of the outing rather than just a backdrop on the way to the harbor.

The return leg also helps round out the three hours. You have time on the water, a wildlife search, and a swim or snorkel stop, rather than spending the whole trip circling in one area. The exact route and time spent at each part can depend on conditions and wildlife sightings, so do not expect a clockwork sequence.

Drinks and sandwiches are included. That is a modest but useful perk on a three-hour trip, especially if you would otherwise need to carry snacks. It is not a meal replacement for everyone, so eat beforehand if you know you will need more than a light snack.

What the $78.10 fare includes

At $78.10 per person, the price buys more than a short ride. You get roughly three hours on the water, a small group capped at 11, wildlife searching, snorkeling equipment, a swim stop, a chance to try the BladeFish, and drinks and sandwiches. If you are comparing it with a basic boat cruise, those inclusions make this a more active outing.

The best value comes if you plan to use several parts of the trip. If you want to see marine life, swim, and try the propulsion device, the fare bundles those interests into one excursion. If you only want a brief whale-watching ride and would not use the swim stop or included gear, you may find a simpler cruise better suited to you.

The trip is booked about 25 days ahead on average. That is a useful signal to plan early if you have a particular date in mind, especially during a short Tenerife stay. It is not a rule or a guarantee of availability, and you should leave room for weather or minimum-participant changes.

Practical details before you book

Meet at Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas. The activity starts and ends at the same point, which keeps the return simple. The location is near public transportation, though the exact route or service you should take depends on where you are staying.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the mobile ticket means you can keep the ticket on your phone. The tour is listed as suitable for most participants, but the supplied details do not give specific age, health, or mobility rules. If you have concerns about getting on or off a speedboat, or about sea conditions, contact the operator before paying.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. A late cancellation is not refunded, and changes inside that 24-hour window are not accepted. If bad weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you are offered another date or activity, or a full refund.

That minimum is worth keeping in mind. One family described a departure that nearly fell through when only one person had booked, before the company worked out a solution with them. It is not enough to predict a problem on your date, but if the trip is central to a birthday or a tightly planned day, have a backup plan and confirm details with the operator.

Who will enjoy this speedboat trip

I would choose this outing if I wanted an active half-day on the water rather than a long, leisurely cruise. The mix works well for people who are excited by dolphins and whales but also want a swim stop and a coastal ride. Families may appreciate that swimming is optional and that different ages have taken part, though the boat’s suitability is a personal call.

It is also a good fit if you value a small group and an engaged captain. A guide who can explain marine life and point out features of the island adds something useful to a wildlife search, especially when sightings are brief. Captain Eric is specifically praised for this, but the guide for your own trip may differ.

Think twice if you dislike speedboats, want a guaranteed sighting, or need a firm departure with no chance of weather or minimum-number disruption. This is a compact outing shaped by sea conditions and wildlife. Its strengths are the range of activities, included equipment and snacks, and a small passenger cap, not certainty.

Should you book Sea Safari?

Book it if you want three varied hours at sea, are comfortable with the uncertainty of wildlife watching, and like the idea of adding snorkeling to the search for dolphins and pilot whales. At $78.10, the included gear, BladeFish tryout, drinks, and sandwiches help justify the price for an active outing.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed close encounter or a slower, roomier boat ride. If you do book, leave breathing room in your schedule, confirm the departure with Sea Safari, and go ready to enjoy the coastline even if the animals keep their distance.

FAQ

How long is the Sea Safari tour?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Sea Safari Tenerife on Avenida de Colón in Playa de las Américas and ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the price?

The listed price is $78.10 per person.

What wildlife might I see?

The trip is designed to look for dolphins and whales, including pilot whales. Turtles and other marine life have also been seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment rental is included.

Can I try the BladeFish?

Yes. The tour includes the chance to try a BladeFish underwater propulsion device.

Are food and drinks provided?

Drinks and sandwiches are included during the trip.

Do I have to swim or snorkel?

No. Swimming is optional, so you can stay on the boat.

How many people can join?

The maximum group size is 11 participants.

What happens if the trip is canceled because of weather?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you are offered another date or a full refund.