Whales and dolphins feel close here. Sail a luxury yacht across Southern Tenerife, then anchor for a swim and snorkeling session in search of turtles and other sea life. The whole thing runs at a calm, personal pace.

I really like two things: the small group size (max 11) and the conservation-minded way you watch wildlife. You also get practical, onboard commentary as you cruise, so you know what you’re looking at instead of just hoping for sightings.

One potential drawback: if you’re prone to seasickness, this outing may not be a good match. You’ll be out on open water, and the tour specifically says it isn’t suitable for people who struggle with motion.

Key things that make this cruise work

• Small-boat feel (max 11): easier spotting and a more personal vibe than big boats.
• Pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles are the main target: plus birdlife from above when conditions allow.
• Snorkel time in a secluded bay with turtles, with gear included.
• Drinks and food are part of the experience: champagne, beer, soft drinks, water, plus baguettes and snacks.
• Captains like Guy and Maxi show up often in reviews, and many mention respectful distance and helpful sea-sickness care.

Southern Tenerife’s sea life: why you’re likely to see something

Southern Tenerife sits right where warm Atlantic currents and rich marine food sources overlap. That’s why this area is known for repeat sightings of dolphins and pilot whales, and why turtles often show up around calm bays when conditions are right.

The cruise also positions you to watch more than just mammals. You’re cruising with an onboard guide who points out what’s happening around the water, and you can look up for birdlife overhead. Some days also bring extra surprises like flying fish or, at least once in the logs, a man-o-war jellyfish.

A nice extra here is the cultural context. The Canary Islands region has been petitioned for UNESCO World Heritage status, and the trip includes onboard information that helps you connect the wildlife you’re seeing with why this part of the world matters.

The 3-hour plan: pickup, van ride, then straight onto the water

The tour is built around a simple rhythm: meet up, a short van transfer, then the main sailing block.

If you choose pickup, you’ll be taken by van for about 20 minutes to the marina area. If you don’t need pickup, you go directly to the meeting point area at Puerto Colón.

Either way, plan to arrive early. The guidance is to wait at the top of the dock near the sign that says Pantalan Nº4 about 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Another instruction says if you’re not using pickup, come directly to Puerto Colón gate number 2 about 15 minutes before departure.

Once you’re aboard, the timing is straightforward. The cruise itself runs about 3 hours total, and that includes time cruising, time anchoring, and time for swimming/snorkeling.

Out at sea: how whale and dolphin watching really plays out

Here’s what you’re paying for beyond the species list: time and positioning. On this kind of smaller yacht setup, the captain can react quickly when animals surface or change direction.

The trip targets a conservation area, and the approach matters. Many reviews highlight that captains don’t chase wildlife. Instead, they look for natural behavior and give the animals space, while still getting you close enough to feel the moment. That’s the difference between seeing a tail fin from far away and watching a pod interact with the water and with each other.

What you can expect to look for:

• Dolphins that may appear as groups, sometimes cruising alongside the boat
• Pilot whales, which are specifically mentioned as a goal (and show up in many sightings)
• Sea turtles, usually connected to the later calm-water stop for snorkeling
• Birdlife above the waterline, depending on wind and visibility

You’ll also get an onboard commentary and local information. That’s helpful because the ocean can look deceptively calm even when something is happening just out of view. The skipper’s job is finding the spots that have the most chance that day.

If you want a better experience, do this: ask questions. Reviews repeatedly mention captains who explain what they’re seeing and share local context, from sea life to how to appreciate the ocean with respect.

The anchor-and-swim stop: snorkeling turtles in a secluded bay

The cruise isn’t just watch-from-the-deck. After cruising out on open water, the yacht anchors in a secluded bay. That’s where the tone shifts from wildlife spotting to water time.

This is when you get free time to swim and snorkel with turtles. Snorkeling gear is included, and the water time is part of the core program, not an optional extra you have to pay for.

A few practical things to know:

• Bring your own towel. Towels aren’t included.
• Pack sunscreen and wear a sun hat if you burn easily. Even if you’re shaded on the boat, the anchored time can catch you.
• If you wear motion-sickness meds or wristbands, use them before you’re out on open water. Waiting until you feel sick is a losing strategy.

One detail that shows up in reviews: captains often keep a relaxed pace with plenty of time to look, then only move on when it makes sense. That gives you a better shot at both animals and a comfortable swim.

Water temperature can vary by season. In cooler months, people note the water can feel chilly, so treat this like a real swim, not a casual dip.

Food and drinks: the kind of inclusion that actually boosts value

The included refreshment spread is a big part of why this feels like a small-yacht outing rather than a bare-bones boat tour.

You get:

• Unlimited drinks, including champagne, beer, soft drinks, and water
• Food: ham, cheese, and salad baguettes
• Snacks: fruits, chips, and nuts

That matters for your experience because it keeps the day from feeling rushed. You’re out for about 3 hours, you may spend time waiting for wildlife, and then you’ll likely want the energy for snorkeling. With drinks and food handled, you can focus on the sea—not the logistics.

There’s also a comfort factor. Multiple reviews mention how the skipper and crew took care of passengers, including helping someone who felt nauseated by adjusting seating so the motion felt gentler. Even if that exact situation doesn’t happen to you, it’s a sign the crew is paying attention.

Captains and onboard care: why the guide can make or break it

For this tour, the guide role is huge. In a small group (max 11), you feel every choice the captain makes: route decisions, how long you pause for a sighting, and how the boat handles when the sea gets choppy.

Names that come up often in the experience logs include Guy and Maxi (also written as Max). People mention them as professional, fun, and attentive to safety. One reviewer even notes that Guy helped with seasickness by letting a passenger sit on the tail of the boat so feet could soak in the water, which helped them feel better.

Another recurring theme: captains encourage respectful viewing. The best sightings often happen when you stop trying to force the moment and instead let the animals come to you—or let them pass while you watch carefully.

If you want to get more out of the trip, you’ll do well with a simple mindset: be curious, keep an eye on the horizon and surface, and don’t panic if the first sighting isn’t immediate. Many sightings are quick once conditions line up.

Price and value: what about $77 makes sense for 3 hours

At around $77 per person for about 3 hours, this sits in the “reasonable for included comfort” category, especially because you’re not paying extra for:

• hotel pickup/drop-off (if you’re within the pickup radius)
• snorkeling gear
• unlimited drinks (including champagne and beer)
• a real snack and baguette-style meal
• a small-group format with onboard commentary

Where the value really shows is in the small-boat aspect. When you’re in a bigger crowd, you waste energy trying to see over heads and deal with a busier atmosphere. Here, the group size is limited, so you can settle in and watch properly, and the captain can spend more attention per person.

Also, the plan includes both wildlife viewing and time in the water. If snorkeling is a goal for you, this kind of built-in slot saves you from piecing together separate tours.

Who should book this cruise—and who should skip it

This outing is best for you if:

• You want a personal whale and dolphin watching experience (not a cattle-car style cruise)
• You care about marine life and want to watch it with space and respect
• You’re comfortable with a short open-water sailing segment
• You want snorkeling time, not just deck viewing
• You like getting commentary so you understand what you’re seeing

You might want to skip it if:

• You’re prone to seasickness. The tour states it’s not suitable for people who struggle with motion.
• You’re expecting guaranteed sightings. Even with strong odds in this area, wildlife is wildlife. The day’s weather and animal movement decide what shows up.

Families can be a good fit when the sea is calm enough and everyone follows the safety guidance. Reviews include family groups and people who felt the whole pace was friendly and well managed.

Practical tips: what to bring for Tenerife sailing and snorkel time

Use the provided list as your baseline:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Jacket (bring one even in warm months; you can feel cooler on open water)
• Motion sickness prevention (important if you’re even slightly sensitive)

And add two common-sense extras:

• Bring a towel. Towels aren’t provided.
• If you want the best chance at comfort, don’t treat the boat ride like you must stand the whole time. Reviews mention seat comfort making a real difference for nausea.

Finally: follow the rules. Feeding animals and nudity are not allowed.

Should you book this Tenerife whale watching with drinks and snacks?

If your top priority is an intimate Tenerife whale and dolphin watching experience with real comfort included, I’d book it. The combo of small-group sailing, conservation-minded viewing, and a planned swim/snorkel stop gives you more than a quick animal spotting session.

I’d hesitate only if you know you get sick at sea. If that’s you, this won’t be worth the stress.

If you can handle the water, this is the kind of tour where you’ll remember details: pilot whales surfacing, dolphins in pods, turtles in clear calm water, and the easy rhythm of a captain who keeps the day relaxed and organized.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife whale and dolphin cruise?

The experience lasts about 3 hours.

Where do we meet, and is pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but pickup is optional. If you need pickup within a 10km radius, you must contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance. If you don’t require pickup, go directly to the meeting point at Puerto Colón gate number 2 about 15 minutes before departure. You should also wait at the top of the dock near the sign that says Pantalan Nº4 about 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

What’s the group size like?

For the shared option, it’s limited to a maximum of 11 passengers on board. A private tour option is also available.

What marine animals can you look for?

You’ll be watching for dolphins and whales in a conservation area, and you can also snorkel with turtles in the bay stop.

Is snorkeling included, and do you provide gear?

Yes. There’s free time to swim and snorkel, and the snorkeling gear is included.

What drinks and snacks are included?

Drinks include unlimited champagne, beer, soft drinks, and water. You also get ham, cheese, and salad baguettes, plus snacks like fruits, chips, and nuts.

What languages are the guides available in?

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

Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and a jacket. You should also bring motion sickness prevention if needed.

Can I cancel, and is there a pay-later option?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option, so you can book without paying immediately.

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