Whales and luxury comfort in one smooth ride. The Opera 60 cruise is a two-in-one day at sea in Tenerife, mixing whale-watching with a proper swim-and-snorkel break on a big, stylish RIB.

I love the roomy deck and safety-minded hull design, because you don’t feel squeezed or bounced around like on smaller boats. I also like that you get snorkeling equipment, snacks, and drinks on board, so you can focus on the ocean and not on logistics.

One possible drawback: like any wildlife boat, the experience depends on sea conditions and sightings, and service/timing quality can vary on a small number of departures.

Key things to know before you book Opera 60

• 60-foot luxury RIB power (two 740 HP Volvo Penta engines) for a steady, quick ride along Tenerife’s coast
• Max 15 travelers for easier viewing and breathing room on deck
• Snorkeling equipment, snacks, and drinks provided on board so you’re ready when the boat anchors
• A dedicated swimming and snorkeling bay stop, plus showers on the boat after getting wet
• Marine spotting with crew guidance, including chances to see dolphins, sea turtles, and whales
• English mobile ticket and an easy starting point at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas

Opera 60: A 60-Foot Luxury RIB Built for Comfort

If you’re picturing a cramped speedboat tour, this isn’t that. Opera 60 is the biggest and most spacious luxury RIB on Tenerife, built with extra safety in mind: it has a rigid hull and inflatable side defenses. That combination matters when you’re scanning the sea for movement and trying to keep your balance in open water.

The boat is nearly 20 meters long (about 60 feet) and runs on two Volvo Penta engines rated at 740 HP. Translation for you: strong power, fast access to good spotting zones, and plenty of room to relax between sightings and the swim stop. It’s also designed with comfort features you can actually feel—sunbeds, multiple sitting areas, and two large tables for eating and drink breaks.

Then there’s the practical stuff: toilet access and showers for after swimming. That’s not a flashy detail; it’s the difference between leaving the water feeling fresh instead of salty and sticky for the rest of your day.

Getting to Puerto Colón and What the 3-Hour Timing Really Means

This experience departs from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas (Tenerife) and returns to the same meeting point. The total time on the water is about 3 hours, so it’s built for people who want a full, memorable sea outing without losing an entire day.

You’ll also want to time it around your energy level. Because the day includes both wildlife watching and active snorkeling, you’ll get more enjoyment if you treat this like a planned “activity block,” not a quick add-on. In practice, that means arriving with a little slack in your schedule and being ready to move when they call for the swim bay.

It’s booked fairly ahead of time (on average around 26 days in advance), which tells me it’s a popular slot in Playa de las Américas—so I’d plan to reserve early rather than waiting until the last week. The tour uses a mobile ticket, which makes day-of life easier once you’re in the area.

Finally, it runs in English and has a maximum of 15 travelers, which helps keep the vibe calmer and the experience more personal.

Whale and Dolphin Watching: Spotting by Sightlines, Not Guesswork

Whale and dolphin watching sounds simple until you’re actually on the water. The key is how the boat positions you and how quickly you can get out to where animals might be feeding or traveling. Opera 60’s size and engine power help here: you’re not stuck crawling from one point to another.

As you cruise Tenerife’s striking coastline, you’re meant to watch for dolphins and whales, with sea turtles also on the lookout list. Real talk: wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed. Your best strategy is to arrive flexible—go in expecting the crew to look, explain, and adjust when something is spotted.

The crew is also a major part of the value. When you have staff who know what to look for, you get more than a random glance out at the horizon. On this boat, the marine spotting guidance is repeatedly praised, including the way they describe what you might be seeing and how to approach sightings responsibly.

And there’s an important comfort benefit: because the boat is large and spacious, you can shift positions to get a clear view without constantly bumping into people.

The Swim and Snorkel Bay Stop: When the Day Becomes Real

The “two-in-one” part of this tour isn’t just marketing. The best part for many people is the swimming and snorkeling break in a protected bay area. You’ll get in, explore, and then come back to warm meals and drink service on board.

This is where you’ll feel the practical design choices. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the boat has the onboard setup to make it smooth: you can stow gear, eat and drink, then rinse off after you swim thanks to the showers. That matters because snorkeling can turn into an uncomfortable mess if there’s no way to get clean before leaving.

What you should expect during the bay time is a relaxed rhythm: you’re not rushing every few minutes. The crew sets you up with gear and then gives you space to enjoy the water and see what’s around you. If you’re traveling with kids, this stop is often the part that makes the entire trip feel worthwhile, because it turns sea views into a hands-on ocean experience.

Possible downside to keep in mind: the condition of the sea can affect how long you spend in the bay. I’d assume your swim time may shift based on weather and safety, even though the overall trip is about 3 hours.

Food and Drinks on Board: Snacks, Wine, Beer, and the Big Drink Push

Let’s talk about what’s actually included. On board, you get drinks and snacks, and the selection commonly includes cool beverages, plus options like wine and beer. Many people specifically mention the onboard fizzy drinks and a strong effort to keep guests refreshed.

It’s also worth calling out that the crew can influence this part a lot. There’s a recurring highlight tied to hosts who stay on top of drink service—one name that shows up in praise is Fabrizio, noted for a warm welcome and for keeping champagne flowing. Even if you don’t land on the same host, the overall pattern is that drink service is treated as part of the experience, not an afterthought.

Food is served as part of the sea-day meal plan, and it’s generally described as a good choice with something warm to eat while you’re anchored. That said, food quality can vary. On a rare occasion, someone described the meal as lukewarm and not great, along with a slower service rhythm in the bay. If you care a lot about meals, I’d go into the day expecting decent onboard food, and keep your expectations realistic for a boat kitchen—still, this is one of the better options in Tenerife for people who don’t want to skip lunch.

The overall vibe is: get fed, sip something cold, and then get back to the water.

Why the Max 15 Group Size Changes Everything

A lot of whale cruises look good online, but the real difference is what it feels like on deck. With a maximum of 15 travelers, you avoid the annoying bottlenecks that happen when people are constantly moving for photos or to get a better view.

This smaller group size supports two good outcomes:

• You can spread out, especially on a boat with sunbeds and multiple sitting areas.
• The crew can actually manage people comfortably during the wildlife portion and the swim portion.

Also, when animals show up, the “camera scramble” can become stressful on crowded boats. Here, the space helps you stay calm and do the simple things right—watch the water, look for spouts or fin cuts, and keep enough distance for safe, respectful viewing.

If you’re traveling with family, this matters even more. You’re not stuck fighting for a spot while kids are restless. Instead, there’s room for different ages to enjoy the ride and still get a look when something appears.

What to Bring (So You’re Not Rushed After the Swim)

Since snorkeling equipment is provided, you don’t need to pack fins and a mask for this one. But you should still show up prepared for a wet, sun-and-wind day on open water.

Here’s what I’d bring:

• Your own swimwear (you’ll want it ready before boarding)
• A towel or quick-dry option
• Sun protection (the boat is out in the sun when you’re spotting)
• Anything you need for comfort in the water, like anti-chafe if you’re prone to it
• A dry layer for the return ride if you get cold easily after snorkeling

And yes, remember that showers are on board. That’s a huge help, but it won’t replace the need to bring a way to manage your own toiletries and fresh clothes.

If you’re a service-animal traveling with support needs, this tour states that service animals are allowed.

Price and Value for a 3-Hour Luxury Sea Day

At $96.79 per person for about 3 hours, Opera 60 isn’t a bargain. But it also isn’t a bare-bones whale boat. You’re paying for a package: a spacious luxury vessel, onboard snacks and drinks, snorkeling gear, and a swim bay stop with showers after.

The value equation is pretty clear for the kind of traveler this suits:

• If you only want wildlife, you may find cheaper options, but you’d likely give up the comfort and the onboard inclusions.
• If you want snorkeling plus whales/dolphins, this price becomes more sensible, because the swim break is part of the same ticket rather than you paying separately for another activity.

The boat’s scale also factors into value. On a smaller craft, you might spend more of your attention bracing yourself. Here, the bigger hull and the overall comfort design reduce that friction, which makes it easier to actually enjoy the scenery and the wildlife search.

If you’re on a tight schedule in Playa de las Américas, this is also a practical fit. You get a standout sea experience without committing to a full day tour.

Possible Downsides to Know Before You Go

I like Opera 60’s concept a lot, but I don’t want you surprised by the parts that can go wrong.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. You’re looking for dolphins, sea turtles, and whales, but nature sets the final agenda. If you want the best odds, go with patience and good sea-state awareness.

Service can vary. The vast majority of experiences are praised for friendly, knowledgeable crew members and good onboard pacing. Still, there is at least one strongly negative outlier describing a slow start for drinks, an older crew member not actively helping, and a meal that wasn’t up to standard. Another issue noted in that account: returning about 20 minutes early, so the full time felt short.

So my practical advice is simple: if the first stretch feels quiet, ask early about drinks and settle in. Don’t wait until you’re already frustrated—on a boat, a small communication problem becomes a big annoyance fast.

Finally, the experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the tour can be canceled or rescheduled, which is standard for sea trips.

Who Should Book Opera 60 (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour fits best if you want a “comfort-first” sea day. You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You care about whale and dolphin watching and want a crew that helps you spot what’s out there
• You also want swimming and snorkeling in the same trip
• You value a calmer boat experience with a smaller group size

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re mainly hunting for certainty of specific animal sightings
• You’re extremely sensitive to service consistency and meal standards on a boat setting
• You feel uncomfortable in windy, open-water conditions (even though the boat is designed for stability)

Should You Book Opera 60 Whale and Dolphin Watching?

I’d book it if you’re the type who wants one ticket to handle the whole sea-day story: wildlife scouting, a real swim-and-snorkel stop, and comfort extras like showers and generous onboard provisions.

The strongest reasons to choose Opera 60 are the combination of space (max 15), a genuine onboard swim plan, and the repeated emphasis on friendly crew hosting and marine spotting guidance—plus the big-picture fact that it’s built to feel like a luxury afternoon, not a crowded cattle-call.

If you’re on the fence because you’re worried about variability, plan smart: book early, bring your swim gear readiness, and go in with a flexible mindset. Nature runs the show. On Opera 60, you still get a comfortable, well-equipped ride even when the animals take their time.

FAQ

How long is the Opera 60 whale and dolphin watching experience?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start from?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What’s included for swimming and snorkeling?

You’ll have snorkeling equipment provided on board, and drinks and snacks are also included while you’re out.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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