Whale and Dolphin Small Group Sailing from Tenerife South

Pilot whales are the main event on this small sailing trip from Tenerife South. With a maximum of seven people, the boat can get you away from the big-cruise crowds and out to the offshore waters where pilot whales are often seen. Dolphins and, on occasion, turtles may join the show.

I like two things in particular: the small group makes for a more personal few hours on the water, and the trip pairs wildlife watching with time to swim or snorkel near shore. Snacks are included, and the captain may offer drinks and simple sandwiches, too.

One thing to keep in mind: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the sea can be rough. Snorkeling is a chance to cool off, not a promise of a colorful reef or clear water. The equipment may also be basic, so set your expectations accordingly.

• Small by design: The boat takes no more than seven paying participants, which keeps the outing intimate.
• Pilot whales are a strong possibility: The route heads offshore to waters where they are often spotted.
• Dolphins and turtles are possible extras: Sightings depend on the day, and no species is guaranteed.
• A swim stop rounds out the trip: Snorkeling gear is included, though underwater conditions can vary.
• Captain Patrick is often at the helm: He is known for a warm manner, humor and local sea knowledge.
• Three hours, snacks included: At $60.49 per person, the trip offers wildlife watching and a boat outing in one.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

The trip starts at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas and returns to the same meeting point. You spend about three hours on the water, a manageable half-day plan that leaves room for other Tenerife activities. The tour is offered in English, and the crew is described as speaking Spanish, Italian and Irish as well.

The boat’s size is central to the experience. With a limit of seven participants, you are not jostling for a view among a large crowd, and it is easier to hear the captain and move around. The trade-off is that a smaller boat can feel more exposed when the sea is choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, check the forecast and consider how you usually handle open water before booking.

The crew brings more than 20 years of navigation experience in the Canary Islands, Africa and the Mediterranean. Captain Patrick is often named as the person at the helm. He is described as funny and attentive, and as someone who can share information about the island and sea life. The exact captain may vary, so do not book on the assumption that one person is guaranteed.

Heading offshore for pilot whales

The first part of the outing is usually the run offshore, where pilot whales are often found in deeper water. This is the stretch that gives the trip its best chance of a close wildlife encounter. People have spotted groups of pilot whales, sometimes several at once, as well as dolphins. Turtles have appeared on some outings, but they are a bonus rather than a dependable sighting.

The captain’s experience matters here. Knowing where sightings are more likely can save time and make the outing feel purposeful, rather than simply cruising in hope. The sea and wildlife still set the rules: the crew can take you to promising areas, but no captain can guarantee an encounter. You may see several animals close to the boat, or only a few fins at a distance.

Other boats may be in the same area, especially when wildlife is nearby. Still, the small-vessel format avoids the scale and crowding of a large cruise boat. You have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to watch, take photos and listen to the captain. Keep your camera ready, but give yourself time to look up from the screen. A brief sighting can be over before you have framed the perfect picture.

A closer look at the boat experience

This is sold as a sailing trip, but the ride may not be under sail the whole time. One account describes sailing out and returning under motor power, so think of it as a small-boat outing rather than a guaranteed sail-powered journey. The appeal is the combination of open-water travel and wildlife watching, not a promise that the sails will stay up from start to finish.

Space is another point in its favor. Even though the boat is small, people have found it roomy enough for a handful of passengers. That gives you a more relaxed place to sit and watch than a packed excursion boat, while keeping the group small enough for conversation with the captain.

The mood can be casual. Drinks, including beer, wine and soft drinks, have been offered on some trips, along with snacks and simple sandwiches. The formal inclusions list names snacks and breakfast, so treat particular drinks or sandwich choices as variable rather than guaranteed. You can bring your own snacks, according to one account, but check the booking details if you want to rely on that.

Swimming and snorkeling near shore

After the offshore wildlife search, the boat may head back toward a quieter bay for a swim. This stop gives you a chance to cool down and enjoy the coast from the water, and families have appreciated the chance for children to jump in. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately for the outing.

Set your expectations carefully. The stop is not necessarily at a reef, and some people have found the water opaque, with only a few fish to see. The focus is more on a refreshing swim and a change of pace than on a full underwater adventure. If snorkeling is the main reason you are considering the trip, this may not be the best fit.

Equipment condition is also worth considering. Some people have found the masks scratched or not as clean as they would like. If you have your own well-fitting mask, bringing it may make the swim more comfortable, though the tour includes equipment. There is no guarantee that snorkeling will happen in every condition, so think of it as an added option, not the core attraction.

What the $60.49 price buys you

At $60.49 per person, the value is strongest if you want both a wildlife trip and a relaxed few hours on the water. The price covers a three-hour outing, a small group, the captain and crew, snacks, breakfast and use of snorkeling gear. You are not paying only for a wildlife sighting. You are also getting the boat ride, a chance to swim and a more personal scale than a large cruise.

The value depends on what you expect. If you see pilot whales and dolphins, the trip can feel like a standout part of a Tenerife stay. If wildlife is scarce, the boat ride and swim still make up the experience, but may not feel worth the price to someone who wants guaranteed close encounters. Tips are not included.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 342 ratings, with 96 percent recommending the outing. That is a strong record, but the less positive experiences point to real variables: rough seas, limited snorkeling visibility, basic snacks and occasional disappointment with the captain or equipment. Take those as reminders that this is a nature trip, not a polished indoor attraction with a fixed result.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This outing suits couples, families and small groups who like being on the water and are happy to let the day unfold. Families have brought young children, including children as young as two, and older children have enjoyed the whales, swim stop and boat ride. Still, the sea can be rough, so consider your child’s comfort on a small boat before booking.

It is a good choice if you prefer a small group to a large sightseeing cruise and want a chance to see whales without giving up the relaxed feel of a boat day. People who enjoy talking with a lively captain may especially appreciate Patrick’s humor and local knowledge when he is leading the trip.

It is less suited to anyone who needs calm water, a guaranteed wildlife sighting or a high-quality snorkel site. If you are sensitive to motion, windy or rough conditions can make a three-hour outing uncomfortable. The experience requires good weather; if poor weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Before you book from Tenerife South

The start and finish are at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Confirm the exact meeting instructions before the day. One person had trouble receiving final directions, so do not rely only on scattered booking links if the location is unclear. Contact the provider or booking service and make sure you know where to meet.

The activity is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but the small boat and possible rough water are worth weighing if you have mobility or motion concerns. The experience is capped at seven participants, so it is a genuinely small outing, not a large boat sold under a small-group label.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book this Tenerife boat trip?

Book it if the idea of watching for pilot whales from a small boat sounds better than joining a large cruise, and you would enjoy a swim even if the snorkeling is modest. Its best features are the limited group size, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, and a captain who can make the ride feel personal.

Skip it if you need guaranteed sightings, pristine snorkeling or a smooth ride. For most people who enjoy the sea and understand that wildlife is unpredictable, this is a good-value way to spend three hours off Tenerife’s south coast.

FAQ

How long is the trip?

The outing lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join?

The maximum is seven participants.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included. The swim and snorkeling conditions can vary, and the stop may not offer much underwater visibility.

What is included in the price?

Snacks, breakfast and use of snorkeling equipment are included. Tips are not included. Drinks and simple sandwiches have also been offered on some trips, but the specific selection may vary.

What happens if bad weather cancels the outing?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund.