Pilot whales find you on a quiet sail. I like how this Tenerife cruise mixes wildlife searching with onboard comforts—champagne, snacks, and snorkeling gear—without turning it into a loud party. You’ll be on a smaller yacht (max 11), which makes it easier to actually watch, not just look over someone’s phone.

What I love most is the human touch from the crew—captains like Guy, Alex, Maximilian, and Dani show up in recent experiences and focus on respectful viewing. The other big win is the built-in downtime: snacks and drinks during the cruise, then a planned chance to swim and use the included snorkel kit.

One thing to consider: wildlife is wild. Even with good searching, you might see pilot whales but fewer or no dolphins, and the swim/snorkel window can feel short if weather and conditions don’t cooperate.

Key Highlights Worth Your Time

• Small boat size (up to 11 travelers) keeps the experience calm and easier to spot animals from the waterline.
• Champagne plus unlimited drinks are part of the deal, not a last-minute add-on.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can go from watching whales to seeing the underwater world.
• Pilot whales are a realistic target, and many trips report close sightings.
• Captain-led marine facts with a care-first style, including quiet watching when whales come near.
• Puerto Colón departure at Gate 2 makes logistics pretty straightforward once you’re on-site.

A Small Yacht Makes the Wildlife Watching Feel Personal

This is the kind of tour where the boat size really matters. With a maximum of 11 travelers, you’re not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder at the bow. You can lean in, find a good angle, and actually track movement when whales surface or dolphins show up for a burst.

I also like that the vibe is practical and guest-friendly. Recent experiences describe captains (including Guy) who monitor how everyone is doing, especially if the sea gets bouncy. That matters, because a “great animal encounter” can turn sour fast if motion hits the wrong people and no one checks in.

The itinerary is built around searching and waiting for the right moments rather than rushing past everything. You’re out for about 3 hours, which is enough time to search, have a swim stop, and still feel like you got a proper outing—not just a quick ride out and back.

How the Captain Finds Whales and Dolphins Around Tenerife

You’re cruising around Tenerife with the goal of spotting whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The “star” sighting in many experiences is pilot whales, including family groups where you may see babies as well.

Here’s what to expect in real life: animal sightings aren’t guaranteed, and dolphins especially can be unpredictable. Some trips report dolphins right alongside the yacht, while others focus on whales and sea turtles instead. The best part of a smaller boat is that when the captain finds something, you’re positioned to see it clearly.

Captains in recent experiences are described as respectful about distance. In plain terms, that means the boat slows down and people watch without trying to force an interaction. If you care about marine life being treated like marine life, this is a good match.

A quirky but useful detail: despite being a sailing boat, you might end up motoring most of the way depending on wind and sea conditions. The tour is about the time on the water and the wildlife search, not about racing under sail like a movie.

Stop for Swimming and Snorkeling: What You Can Realistically Plan For

The trip includes a swim stop and complimentary snorkeling equipment. Bring what you need—towel, swimwear, and sunscreen—because you’ll want to be ready when the captain calls the stop.

What makes the swim/snorkel time valuable is that it’s built into the outing, not shoehorned in at the very end. You get onboard snacks and drinks first, then you have a chance to jump in while you’re already out in the marine area.

That said, be flexible. At least one recent experience raised that the snorkel setup wasn’t clearly used during the time in the water, and another noted the snorkeling pick-up point didn’t offer much to see. Since the tour depends on where the boat can safely stop, conditions and location can change.

So my advice is simple: treat snorkeling as a bonus you’ll try hard for, not as a guaranteed “see everything underwater” plan. If you go in with that mindset, the experience stays fun even when the water is choppy or visibility isn’t great.

The Onboard Perks: Champagne, Drinks, and Real Food

One of the clearest reasons this trip gets strong ratings is the onboard setup. You’re included with:

• A glass of champagne
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Light refreshments/snacks, including a freshly made sandwich for lunch

Food details matter because they shape the whole vibe. A few guests have said the snacks felt more limited than expected, while many others describe the sandwiches as tasty and the drink flow as generous. That tells me the standard is usually good, but don’t assume it’s a full meal buffet.

The practical sweet spot here is that you’re fed and hydrated while searching for animals. That reduces the usual “out on the boat for hours, now everyone’s cranky” problem. Also, if you’re prone to seasickness, having something in your stomach and staying hydrated can help you handle the ride better.

Vegetarian options are available if you tell the operator at booking. If your needs go beyond vegetarian (like gluten-free), only vegetarian is explicitly listed as an option, so message ahead. One recent guest shared that their gluten-free request wasn’t accommodated, so it’s worth being extra clear and confirming in advance.

Group Size and Comfort: Why This Feels Different From Big Tours

With a max of 11 people, you’ll likely share the boat with a mix of families, couples, and small groups. Many reports mention that this size feels comfortable and not chaotic—exactly what you want when you’re trying to spot wildlife.

Comfort also comes from the flow of the trip. You’re not continuously standing and waiting; you can sit, enjoy the views, and step forward when the captain calls out a sighting. Several experiences describe the captains as attentive, including checking whether passengers are feeling okay as the sea changes.

Also, you’re on the water near Tenerife’s popular coasts, so there’s scenery during the cruise. Even on days when dolphin sightings are light, you can still enjoy coastline views and the general “time on the water” feeling.

Where You Start: Puerto Colón, Gate 2, and What to Do on Arrival

You meet at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, in Costa Adeje (38660). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

The important detail is timing. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The operator asks you to go to gate number 2, and being early helps you find your boat without rushing.

Pickup is offered with a limit: if you need pickup within 10 km, you must contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance. If you don’t want pickup, just come directly to the meeting point.

This is near public transportation, so even if you’re not in a taxi line, you can usually get there without a big hassle. Also, the tour uses a mobile ticket, and you should receive confirmation at the time of booking.

Weather, Seasickness, and Safety: The Stuff You Should Plan For

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

For the water part: Tenerife waters can be manageable one minute and choppy the next. A few guests mentioned motion sickness, and some captains are described as checking on people who were feeling unwell. That’s reassuring, but you should still prepare for the possibility that you’ll feel it.

Practical move: if you’re sensitive to motion, consider bringing your own seasickness remedy and sit where the boat movement feels least intense. Also, try to keep hydrated and avoid arriving hungry.

Safety briefings are not described in detail in the provided info. One guest noted they would have liked more safety guidance. So before you sail, do a quick check yourself: ask where life jackets are and what the plan is if someone needs help during the swim stop. It takes 30 seconds and gives you peace of mind.

Price and Value: Does It Feel Worth $78.44?

At about $78.44 per person for roughly 3 hours, this sits in the “premium but not crazy” band compared to generic sightseeing boats. You’re paying for three things:

1) a small group,

2) included drinks and snacks (including champagne),

3) included snorkel gear and a real swim stop.

Many recent experiences frame it as good value, especially when pilot whales show up and you get both time on the water and time in the water. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes comfort while waiting for wildlife, this price can feel justified.

But there are also dissenting points that you should respect. A few people said the trip felt pricey compared to what they expected from the food, or that snorkeling didn’t deliver much from their stop location. There was even a comment about the tour ending slightly early in one case.

So my honest take on value is this: it’s worth it when your day lines up with the tour strengths—pilot whales, a relaxed boat, and a meaningful swim/snorkel window. If you’re chasing dolphins only, or if you’re expecting a long snorkel exploration like a tour brochure photo, keep expectations grounded.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a small-group ocean outing rather than a big cruise,
• a chance to see pilot whales and possibly dolphins,
• onboard snacks and drinks without paying extra for them,
• snorkel time that’s already included.

It’s also a decent family option since most travelers can participate and children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed too.

I’d think twice if you’re:

• very sensitive to sea motion and don’t handle chop well,
• someone who needs guaranteed dolphins or a long snorkel session no matter what,
• expecting a heavy meal or a fully structured lunch service.

Even so, the captain-led approach and quiet, respectful watching style are exactly what many people want from whale watching in Tenerife.

Should You Book This Whale and Dolphin Sail?

I’d book it if your ideal day is simple: get out on the water from Puerto Colón, enjoy drinks and snacks while you search, then cool off with a swim and try snorkeling. The small size, champagne and unlimited drinks, and repeated pilot whale sightings make it a very “Tenerife” kind of experience.

But I wouldn’t book it if your plan depends on dolphins being present or if you’re set on snorkel time being long and underwater visibility being perfect. Since marine life and conditions drive the schedule, you’ll enjoy this most when you go with flexible expectations and focus on the day as it unfolds.

If that sounds like your style, this is a solid choice for a memorable 3-hour sailing outing.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the sailing cruise?

The duration is about 3 hours.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered within a 10 km radius, but you must contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance. If you don’t need pickup, go directly to Puerto Colón gate number 2.

What time should I arrive?

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, and be at gate number 2 for the start.

What’s included on board?

Included are a glass of champagne, light refreshments/snacks (including a freshly made sandwich), unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and the use of snorkeling equipment.

Are snorkeling and swimming time included?

Yes. The trip includes a swimming stop and you can use the complimentary snorkeling equipment during that time.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the provider at booking.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 11 travelers.

What if the weather is bad?

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

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. After that, the amount paid is not refunded.

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