Tenerife:Respectful Whale Watching, Pirate Ship, & Swim

Tenerife’s Peter Pan schooner brings a bit of old-fashioned sea travel to a two-hour cruise off the island’s southern west coast. The main event is spotting pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, with a swimming stop if conditions allow.

I like two things in particular: the large deck, which gives you room to watch from different spots, and the crew’s wildlife focus. The crew may switch off the engines when approaching whales, and the guide explains why pilot whales are common here.

One thing to weigh is the sea. Even a well-run boat trip can feel rough in big waves, and this tour is not suitable for people with motion sickness. Bring seasickness tablets if you may need them, and remember that snorkel gear and drinks are extra.

• Pilot whales are the likely headline sighting: dolphins and sea turtles are possible too, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
• The Peter Pan is a real sailing vessel: its Portuguese Goleta design gives the trip a different feel from a standard motorboat excursion.
• There is room to spread out: find a place around the central table, on the main deck, or upstairs for a better view.
• Swimming is part of the plan: floats are provided for children, but bring your own snorkel gear and towel if you want them.
• The fare starts at $17 per person: a strong price for a two-hour cruise, though drinks and transport depend on your choices.
• Pickup is optional: you can meet at Los Cristianos harbor or select an authorized pickup point near your hotel.

Setting Sail from Los Cristianos on the Peter Pan

The boat departs from Puerto Los Cristianos, on Tenerife’s southern coast. You can make your own way to the harbor or book the optional pickup service, which collects passengers from authorized points near places such as La Caleta, Playa de las Américas, and Los Cristianos.

The boat is called the Peter Pan, and it is a Portuguese Goleta, a schooner-style vessel that gives the outing more character than a basic sightseeing launch. The name and pirate-ship look set a playful tone, but the main reason to come is the time spent out on the water.

Once aboard, you can settle around the large central table on the main deck or head to the upper deck for open views. There are two toilets below deck, a useful detail on a boat trip that lasts two hours. The spacious deck also makes it easier to move around and find a spot where you can see the water.

If you book pickup, leave extra time in your day. The transport itinerary includes coach legs before and after the cruise, with multiple drop-off points around the resort area. The exact pickup point and time are sent with your reservation, and you should arrive five minutes early. If your hotel is not listed, you can ask the provider whether pickup near it is possible.

Looking for Pilot Whales and Dolphins

The cruise follows Tenerife’s southern west coast, an area known for local populations of pilot whales and dolphins. The guide explains why pilot whales are attracted to this stretch of coast and shares information about the animals you may see. Some crew members speak English, French, Italian, and Spanish, so the commentary can reach a mixed-language group.

Pilot whales are the most commonly reported sighting on this trip, including families and young whales. Dolphins may also appear near the boat, and sea turtles are a possible bonus. But wildlife is unpredictable. You may see several kinds of animals, or have a quieter trip with fewer sightings. The sensible reason to book is the chance to observe marine life from the water, not a promise of a particular animal or close encounter.

The crew’s approach matters here. On some sailings, the engines are switched off when the boat gets close to whales, helping keep the encounter quieter and reducing disturbance. You can also listen for explanations about local wildlife, including the giant squid that pilot whales eat. It adds context to the sighting without turning the cruise into a lecture.

Bring sunglasses and a hat, and use sunscreen before you board. You will be out in the open, and the upper deck can be sunny. A warm layer is also on the suggested packing list, since the breeze on the water can feel cooler than the shore.

Finding Your Spot on the Schooner

There is no single best place to sit for the whole trip. The upper deck is a good choice when you want a clear view and fresh air, while the main deck’s central table gives you a place to settle in. Moving around can help when wildlife appears on one side of the boat, though take care on deck if the sea is choppy.

The Peter Pan has enough space to feel comfortable even when full, but it is still a boat, not a wide promenade. If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking. Some people find the motion manageable with medication and the crew’s advice; others can spend much of the outing feeling unwell. Take any medication you know works for you before boarding, rather than waiting until you feel sick.

The boat has two bathrooms below deck. They are handy to have, but stairs and movement on a boat may be challenging for some passengers. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Taking the Swimming Stop

The cruise includes a stop for swimming, giving you a chance to get into the sea rather than watch it only from the deck. Swimming floats are available for children. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes if you want to be ready, along with a towel, because towels are not provided.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. If you want to look beneath the surface, pack your own mask and snorkel. The tour description promises a swimming stop, not a guided snorkeling session, so set expectations accordingly. The water stop is a welcome change of pace, but its length and feel can depend on sea conditions and the timing of the sailing.

You may also want a change of clothes. The packing advice specifically allows for clothes that can get dirty, a practical reminder that sea spray and wet decks are part of a boat outing. Keep phones and other valuables protected from water.

Drinks, Crew, and the Onboard Mood

There is a bar onboard, but drinks are not included in the fare. You can buy soft drinks, water, beer, coffee, and cocktails during the trip. The price of drinks has been described as reasonable, but bring some cash if you expect to buy something, since that is the payment tip given for the bar.

Music adds a relaxed, social feel to the cruise. The focus remains on wildlife, but this is not a silent nature tour. Expect a friendly boat atmosphere, conversation, and music between sightings. If you prefer a quiet, strictly educational outing, that mix may not suit you as well.

Crew members Christophe and Javi have been named among the team, with Christophe noted for helping a child onboard. Crew members are also described as multilingual, friendly, and keen to explain what you are seeing. The exact crew can vary by sailing, but an attentive team is an important part of the appeal, especially if you are traveling with children or have questions about the whales.

Is $17 Good Value for Two Hours?

At the stated starting price of $17 per person, this is an inexpensive way to spend time at sea. The fare includes the cruise, captain and crew, multilingual guide, toilets, and the swimming stop. That combination makes the trip a good value if you mainly want a boat ride, wildlife spotting, and time for a swim.

Keep the extras in mind when comparing prices. Drinks and snorkel equipment cost extra, as do towels if you need to buy one elsewhere. Hotel-area pickup is included only when you select that option, so the lowest fare may not cover your transport to and from the harbor.

The value also depends on what you want from whale watching. This is a lively, accessible cruise on a distinctive vessel, not a private charter or a guarantee of close wildlife encounters. If you want a low-cost outing with a chance to see pilot whales, the price is appealing. If you would rather have a quieter trip or have a low tolerance for rough water, consider your priorities before paying.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

Families can find plenty to enjoy: a distinctive boat, a chance to see whales and dolphins, a swimming stop, and floats for children. The crew’s multilingual commentary and hands-on help can also make the outing easier for families. Adults who enjoy a social boat atmosphere, sea views, and a drink from the bar should find the format appealing.

It is also a sensible choice if you are staying in southern Tenerife and want a short excursion rather than a full-day trip. The cruise itself lasts two hours, although optional bus transfers can add considerably to the time away from your hotel. Check the pickup details before setting plans for the rest of the day.

I would look elsewhere if you use a wheelchair or are prone to motion sickness, since the activity is specifically unsuitable for those groups. And if your main goal is snorkeling, this is not the strongest match: swimming is included, but snorkel equipment is not.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. Those options are useful if your plans are still shifting, but the biggest decision is simpler: are you comfortable spending two hours on the sea in exchange for the chance to see wildlife?

Should You Book the Peter Pan?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced cruise with character, an engaged crew, and a real chance of seeing pilot whales or dolphins. The swimming stop and open deck add variety, and the boat gives the outing more personality than a standard harbor excursion.

Skip it if choppy water could ruin your day, or if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings, included snorkel gear, or a quiet sailing. For most people who are comfortable at sea, the mix of wildlife watching, sailing, and swimming makes this a worthwhile short outing from Los Cristianos.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The cruise lasts two hours. If you select hotel-area pickup, the bus transfers add time before and after the sailing.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Puerto Los Cristianos. You can meet there or select an optional pickup from an authorized point near your hotel.

Which animals might I see?

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main wildlife to look for. Sea turtles may also be seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. The cruise includes a swimming stop, and floats are available for children.

Is snorkel equipment included?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Coffee, soft drinks, beer, and water are available to purchase onboard. There is also an onboard bar.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for people who get seasick?

The activity is not suitable for people with motion sickness. If you may be prone to seasickness, plan accordingly before boarding.

Can wheelchair users take this tour?

No. The tour is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users.