Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

Pilot whales are the most likely wildlife encounter on this three-hour trip from Costa Adeje. You head out on a small sailing boat to look for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, then pause for a swim or snorkel if conditions allow. The animals set the schedule, not the clockwork of a show.

I like two things in particular: the maximum of 11 people, which makes this feel more personal than a big catamaran outing, and the captains’ care for the wildlife and the people onboard. Guy is often praised for sharing what he knows and checking on anyone who feels seasick. A sandwich, drinks, and snorkel gear add useful comforts.

One caveat: this is a wildlife trip, not a guaranteed dolphin encounter or a dedicated snorkeling excursion. Some outings see whales and turtles; others offer a brief swim in water that may be cold or choppy, with little to see beneath the surface.

Key points

• Small group: The boat takes no more than 11 travelers, so you have more room and a closer view than on a large excursion boat.
• Pilot whales are a common sighting: Dolphins and turtles are possible, but wildlife is unpredictable.
• Captain makes a difference: Guy is a familiar name, though captains may vary. Expect a personal approach and explanations about the sea and its animals.
• Food and drinks are included: The package includes a freshly made sandwich, light refreshments, a glass of champagne, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.
• Swim and snorkel time depends on conditions: Gear is provided, but visibility and water temperature can shape whether getting in is worthwhile.
• Plan for a three-hour outing: Be at Puerto Colón gate 2 at least 15 minutes before departure.

From Puerto Colón into whale country

The trip starts at Puerto Colón, in Costa Adeje. Meet at gate number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure. If you want a pickup within the stated 10-kilometer radius, contact the company at least 24 hours ahead. Otherwise, make your own way to the marina.

Once aboard, settle in and take in the coastline as the boat heads out. The group limit of 11 is one of the trip’s strongest practical advantages. You are not jostling for a rail spot among a crowd, and the captain can speak with people more directly. The trade-off is that this is still a small boat on open water, not a stable, spacious ferry. If you are prone to seasickness, prepare accordingly.

Despite the name, sailing does not necessarily mean the boat will travel under sail the whole time. Some outings have motored out to sea. That is a useful expectation to set: the point is to search for marine life, not to guarantee a long stretch of silent sailing.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins

The captain searches for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Pilot whales are the sighting most often described on this trip, sometimes in family groups, with calves. Dolphins and sea turtles have also been spotted, but there is no way to promise a particular animal or how long it will stay nearby.

When a whale appears, the boat may slow or stop so you can watch without pressing close. That approach matters. Seeing a wild animal at sea is special precisely because it is not staged, and giving it space makes for a calmer encounter for both animal and people. Captains such as Guy have been noted for taking a respectful approach and sharing details about the local marine life and sea conditions.

The quality of the commentary can vary with the captain and the outing. Guy is a frequently mentioned name, while Alex, Dani, and Maximilian have also led trips. Some captains explain the animals and the ocean throughout; others may offer less commentary. If learning about marine life is a big part of why you are booking, it is worth knowing that the person at the helm shapes the experience.

Sightings can also be brief. One trip might find several pods, while another may spot a few whales and spend more time cruising along the coast. Keep your expectations flexible. This is not a show with a fixed cast, and a good encounter can be only a short part of the full three hours.

A captain-led trip, not a wildlife lecture

The best version of this outing pairs wildlife watching with a captain who can make the sea easier to read. Captains have explained what the group is seeing, shared information about the animals and local waters, and checked in with people who feel unwell. That personal attention is valuable on a small boat, where a wave or a bout of seasickness can quickly change your afternoon.

But do not assume you will get a detailed talk from start to finish. The trip’s central activity is looking for marine life, and the level of narration may differ. If you mainly want a relaxing boat ride, views, and a chance to spot whales, this may suit you even with lighter commentary. If you want a structured naturalist talk, the information available does not promise one.

There are also different captains and boats. The maximum group size is 11, but if you are meeting another party, make one booking for everyone. The company advises against separate bookings for people who want to sail together, since it has several boats.

Swimming and snorkeling, with a weather check

At some point, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, and be ready for the captain to adjust the plan to the sea conditions.

The stop is a pleasant change of pace after time spent watching the horizon. Still, keep the snorkeling promise in proportion. Some people have found the water too cold or choppy to swim, and others have found little to see underwater. The location may be better for a refreshing dip than for a rewarding look at marine life. On some trips, the swimming window has been short or skipped.

This is the part of the day most dependent on conditions. A calm, warm afternoon can make a swim feel like a bonus; rougher water can make getting in unappealing. You can bring your swimsuit and still decide to stay aboard. There is no need to treat the stop as a test of enthusiasm.

A simple lunch and drinks on board

The included food is light, not a full meal. Expect a freshly made sandwich, described as a baguette in some accounts, plus other light refreshments. The portion may feel modest if you arrive hungry, so eat beforehand if you need a proper lunch. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

Drinks are part of the appeal: the package lists a glass of champagne, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. The exact celebratory pour may vary; some outings have served prosecco rather than champagne. Think of it as a welcome extra, not a reason to book the trip on its own. Pack water only if you want a particular option beyond the listed drinks.

There is no need to bring a picnic, but this is not a restaurant lunch at sea. The sandwich and snacks are convenient, especially on a three-hour outing, while the drinks give the trip a relaxed, social feel. If you have a dietary requirement beyond vegetarian food, contact the operator in advance rather than assuming it can be accommodated.

What the $78.44 price buys

At about $78.44 per person, this costs more than a basic boat ride, but it bundles several things: a three-hour trip, a small group, the captain’s search for whales and dolphins, a swim stop when possible, snorkel equipment, a sandwich, and drinks. If you value a quieter boat and a more personal outing, the price can make sense.

Value depends heavily on what you want from the day. If the boat finds a family of pilot whales and you enjoy the captain’s explanations, the combination of wildlife, coastline, food, and swimming can feel well worth it. If you expect guaranteed dolphins, a long snorkel session, or a generous lunch, the experience may feel costly. Wildlife sightings and the quality of the swim stop are not things the operator can fully control.

This is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife, and it does not promise luxury in every detail just because it is described as a luxury yacht. The small passenger count and included drinks help make the outing comfortable, but the boat experience remains weather-dependent and simple.

Who will enjoy this boat trip

I would consider it for a couple, a family, or a small group that wants a half-day at sea without joining a large crowd. Children can come, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The boat’s small size is a plus for people who prefer a quieter outing, though it may not suit anyone who strongly dislikes the motion of the sea.

It is a good fit if you are curious about pilot whales, happy to watch wildlife patiently, and content with a swim as an optional extra. Families may especially value the mix of boat time, animals, and a simple lunch. A 10-year-old has enjoyed the trip, though each child’s tolerance for boat motion and waiting will differ.

I would think twice if you are very prone to seasickness, need a guaranteed swim, or want an in-depth naturalist program. The sea can feel choppy even when conditions look manageable from shore, and the boat may not have room for everyone to spread out. If you are sensitive to motion, consider your own needs before booking and bring whatever remedies you normally rely on.

Before you book from Costa Adeje

The tour lasts about three hours and returns to the same meeting point at Puerto Colón. Confirmation is provided at booking. Vegetarian food can be requested in advance, and pickup within 10 kilometers must be arranged at least 24 hours before the trip.

The operator requires good weather for the outing. If poor weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Arrive at gate 2 15 minutes early, and avoid booking separate tickets if you want to travel with another party. Souvenir photos are not included and may be available to buy.

Should you book this whale-watching trip?

Book it if you want a small-boat search for pilot whales, a captain-led outing, and the option to swim, with food and drinks included. Its best qualities are the group size and the chance to watch marine life at a respectful distance. Go in with flexible expectations: sightings are not guaranteed, and snorkeling may be brief or limited by conditions.

If you mainly want a dependable swim or a substantial meal, choose another plan for those priorities. If you are happy to spend three hours at sea and let the wildlife decide the highlights, this is a personable way to see Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Puerto Colón, gate number 2, in Costa Adeje, and returns to the same meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at gate number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure.

How long is the trip?

The experience lasts about three hours.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 11 travelers.

What wildlife might I see?

The captain searches for whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are a common sighting, and sea turtles have also been seen, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

The trip includes a stop for swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes light refreshments, a freshly made sandwich, a glass of champagne, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you should request it when booking.

Can I arrange pickup?

Pickup may be available within a 10-kilometer radius. Contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance to arrange it.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.