A yacht trip can turn whale watching into a whole afternoon. This one pairs wildlife watching with a calm sail along Tenerife’s south coast, plus a real chance to swim and snorkel.

I especially like the small-boat feel—more room to move than the huge catamaran vibe—and the way the crew shares what they’re seeing, naming where to look and why. One thing to plan for: the water can get choppy, and a few kids (and adults) felt it when waves rose, so pack motion-sickness help if you’re prone.

Key things I’d watch for on this Tenerife yacht trip

• Pilot whales + dolphins are the main targets, with turtles possible too
• A 52-foot sailing yacht means more deck time and less crowding than big tours
• Motor-off behavior around animals is practiced to reduce disturbance when wildlife is nearby
• Snorkeling gear is included, plus fruit, sandwiches, and drinks on board
• A secluded-bay stop is where you get your swim and quick snorkeling session
• Meeting at Pantalán zero (Puerto Colón) saves time once you find the dock

Why this Tenerife sailing trip feels different than big whale tours

This isn’t just about spotting whales. It’s about how you’re treated while you’re out there. On a 52-foot yacht, the pace is gentler, the deck feels less crowded, and the crew can actually talk to everyone instead of shouting over engines and crowds.

The second reason I like it is the mix of wildlife and water time. You’re not stuck in a hard-to-see “watch from the rail” loop. You sail, you search, you pause when the animals show up, and then you drop anchor in a secluded bay for swimming and basic snorkeling.

One more practical detail: because it’s a sailing yacht, you may feel calmer at times when conditions are right. But when the sea gets lively, you’ll want to be ready for motion—more on that later.

Getting to Puerto Colón: finding Pantalán zero without stress

You meet at the dock (Pantalán) number zero in Puerto Colón. Arrive about 15 minutes early so you can get oriented before the boat departs.

If you’re driving, there are two parkings at the port, and the cost is about 1€ per hour (so yes, parking can add up if you’re lingering, plan to park and walk straight over).

For an easy way to orient yourself at the marina, you can search for Miishi Restaurant. That’s handy because ports can look confusing when you first arrive, with multiple piers and lots of signage.

And since no hotel pickup/drop-off is included, you’ll want to plan your own transport to Puerto Colón. That’s not a downside for most people—it actually helps you keep your day on schedule—but it’s worth knowing.

The 3-hour flow: briefing, sailing the south coast, then the swim bay

The tour runs about 3 hours, and it starts after a brief orientation from an expert guide. That briefing matters. You don’t just go out and hope for the best—you learn what the crew is looking for and how spotting works in this part of the Atlantic.

After the briefing, you head out toward the whale and dolphin area while sailing along Tenerife’s southern coastline. The crew points out where animals are often seen and shares information about the local sea life as you go.

Then comes the highlight for many people: before heading back, the captain drops anchor in a secluded bay. That’s your window to swim and snorkel, or just relax on deck with the included snacks and drinks.

In other words, it’s not one long “find animals” slog. It’s a rhythm: sail/search → possible wildlife encounters → anchor and water time → return.

Pilot whales and dolphins: what the crew does when wildlife shows up

This trip is built around pilot whales and dolphins, with turtles also possible. The vibe is that you’re watching them in their habitat, not chasing them.

A big deal here is how the crew manages the approach. Some departures include moments where the captain turns off or reduces the motor when pilot whales are spotted, so the animals aren’t constantly interrupted. It’s one of those small operational choices that makes a difference at sea—and it’s exactly the kind of care you want in a wildlife tour.

When you’re out there, pay attention to what the guide tells you about where to look. In past trips, the captains and crew have been quick to share where the most active spots tend to be, and that makes your viewing much more rewarding than simply scanning the water.

One more reality check: wildlife is wildlife. You might see lots of whales and dolphins, or you might miss one of the categories on a given day. The good news is the experience still includes a proper sailing outing and a great bay stop.

The secluded bay swim and snorkel stop (bring your towel for real)

The highlight stop is anchored in a quiet, secluded bay where you can take a break from scanning the horizon. This is where you’ll want to have your swimwear on and your towel packed, because once you’re anchored, you’ll likely have a short but good window to enjoy the water.

You’ll also have basic snorkeling equipment included. That’s a practical perk: you don’t need to rent gear separately, and it lowers the “oops, I forgot my mask” risk.

Why I think this bay stop is worth it: Tenerife’s south coast is sunny, but boat trips can turn into a lot of time spent watching from above. Here, you get a real chance to be in the water, see what’s below, and cool off.

One small note from the boat environment: there’s a barefoot on board policy (with exceptions for health issues). So bring water-friendly footwear only for before/after the boat, and expect to go barefoot once you’re on deck.

On-board snacks, drinks, and the 52-foot yacht comfort factor

You’re not expected to buy food at sea. The tour includes fresh fruits and sandwiches, along with a selection of beverages like beer, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water.

It’s a simple spread, but it hits the sweet spot for a 3-hour outing. You can snack while you’re out searching, then settle in during the bay stop without needing to time your own meals.

Comfort-wise, the yacht size helps. Several departures have felt intimate, with reports of small groups like around 7 or about 10 people (excluding crew). Even when you have a few more onboard, the deck on a sailing yacht tends to feel spacious compared to larger boats, so you can actually move around and get into a good viewing spot.

If you’re the kind of person who gets annoyed when every inch of deck is claimed, you’ll probably appreciate this setup.

Motion sickness and choppy-water reality checks

Here’s the one consideration I’d treat seriously: the sea can be rough at times. There are accounts of unexpectedly tall waves, and it made children seasick on at least one trip. If you’re sensitive to motion, don’t gamble with your stomach.

My practical advice:

• Bring your usual motion-sickness remedy (or ask your pharmacy before you go; choose what works for you)
• If you can, sit toward the front when the boat is moving (many people find it steadier)
• Focus your eyes on the horizon instead of down at the deck

Also, pack for the conditions. You’ll be outdoors for the better part of the afternoon, and the water adds glare.

Value at $88: what you’re really paying for

At $88 per person for about 3 hours, the value is in what’s included, not just the “boat ride” label.

You get:

• A 52-foot sailing yacht experience
• Whale and dolphin watching time with a guide and crew scanning for sightings
• A swim/snorkel stop with basic snorkeling equipment
• Fruit, sandwiches, and a wide drink selection

And because the trip includes food and drinks, you’re not spending extra on refreshments mid-excursion. That can quietly turn a “pricey-sounding” trip into a fair deal once you factor in what you’d pay for snacks and drinks separately.

Another value point: a small-group feel is often part of the experience. Even if you don’t think you care, it shows up in comfort and how much attention the crew can give you when an animal appears.

Who should book this (and who might want a different option)

This trip is a great fit if you want:

• Wildlife watching with pilot whales and dolphins as the targets
• A hands-on day, not just a “look only” tour, thanks to swimming and snorkeling
• A calmer-feeling boat day with better deck space than big tours
• A crew that pays attention to how the animals are affected (like turning off the engine around sightings)

You might rethink it if:

• You’re extremely prone to motion sickness and you don’t want to take precautions
• You hate going barefoot onboard (it’s part of the boat culture here)
• You rely on hotel pickup, since this one does not include it

If you use a wheelchair, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a plus worth noting when you’re comparing options in Tenerife.

Should you book this Tenerife whale-and-dolphin sailing tour?

I’d book it if you’re traveling for a real mix: sea life, a sailing experience along Tenerife’s south coast, and time in the water. The included snorkeling gear and the on-board snacks and drinks make it easy to have a full afternoon without extra stops.

The only reason I’d hesitate is sea sensitivity. If waves can make you sick, plan ahead with medication and seating choices. Otherwise, the combination of pilot-whale/dolphin searching, a captain who can manage approach behavior, and a proper bay swim is exactly the kind of day trip that feels worth your time.

Also: this is one of those activities where booking early helps. You’ll have more starting-time options, and you can use the free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance if plans shift.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the Pantalán (dock) number zero in Puerto Colón. Arrive about 15 minutes early, and you can search for Miishi Restaurant to find your way.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off is not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to Puerto Colón.

How long is the tour?

The sailing excursion is about 3 hours.

What animals are you looking for?

The main wildlife targets are pilot whales and dolphins, and turtles are also possible.

What’s included on board?

Included are the sailing excursion, fresh fruits and sandwiches, and drinks (including beer, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water), plus basic snorkeling equipment.

What should I bring (and what’s not allowed)?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Oversize luggage isn’t allowed, and there’s a barefoot on board policy (except for health issues).

You Might Also Enjoy

Lanzarote: Guided Volcano Hike with TransfersBarcelona: The Original Barcelona Boat PartyDali Museum, House & Cadaques Small Group Tour from BarcelonaPalma de Mallorca: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour