Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks and Snacks

Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks and Snacks – An Authentic Marine Adventure

Imagine cruising on a luxury yacht along the coast of Southern Tenerife, with the chance to see whales, dolphins, and turtles in their natural environment. For around $74 per person, this 3-hour tour offers an intimate way to explore the sea, away from the crowded boat trips. With a maximum of 11 passengers on board, you’ll experience a personalized approach that many larger tours can’t match. The tour also provides snacks, drinks, and even snorkeling opportunities in a secluded bay.

What we love most about this experience is the small group size, which fosters a relaxed atmosphere and makes wildlife sightings more personal. The onboard commentary and attentive guides help enrich the trip with fascinating facts about local marine life and the Canary Islands’ coast. Plus, the chance to swim with turtles in clear, quiet waters is a highlight for nature lovers.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is not suitable for those prone to seasickness. The boat’s open waters and sometimes choppy conditions might pose a challenge for sensitive stomachs. It’s also a relatively short outing — perfect if you’re after a light, engaging adventure rather than a full-day excursion.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate small-group experiences, love wildlife, or want a more authentic, less commercial activity during their holiday in Tenerife. Families, couples, or solo travelers who value knowledgeable guides and the chance to see animals in their own habitat will find it especially rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy enhances wildlife viewing and personal interaction.
• Expert guides provide informative commentary and ensure respectful animal observation.
• Snorkeling with turtles in secluded bays offers a unique marine experience.
• The all-inclusive drinks and snacks add comfort and convenience.
• Flexible options for private or shared tours allow customization.
• Challenging for seasick travelers due to open water conditions.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This whale and dolphin watching trip in Tenerife offers a combination of adventure, comfort, and education. For many travelers, the smaller boat size is the biggest draw. You’re not just another face on a large crowd, but part of a cozy crew where everyone gets a good view and personal attention. As some reviews mention, it feels more like a private trip—a major plus if you’re seeking a more relaxed, intimate experience.

The expert onboard commentary is another highlight. Guides are often praised for their knowledge about marine life and the local coastline, making wildlife sightings even more meaningful. You’ll learn about the animals you’re watching, their behaviors, and the environment that sustains them. This makes the experience both fun and educational, especially for those interested in nature.

Wildlife sightings are often quite spectacular. Reviewers frequently mention seeing whales, dolphins, and even turtles up close — some describe it as “incredible” or “unforgettable.” The chance to swim with turtles in a secluded bay makes this tour more than just a sightseeing cruise; it’s a genuine connection to the sea.

The refreshments are also noteworthy. Unlimited drinks, including champagne, beer, soft drinks, and water, keep you comfortable as you scan the horizon. The onboard snacks—ham, cheese, and salad baguettes, along with fruits, chips, and nuts—are simple but satisfying. As one reviewer put it, “the drinks and sandwiches were very pleasant,” and that level of hospitality enhances the overall enjoyment.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point, depending on your booking choice. The 20-minute van ride transports you to the boat, setting the stage for your marine adventure. Once onboard, the boat departs into the Atlantic Ocean, with sightings of whales and dolphins usually happening early on, thanks to the guides’ local knowledge of the most active spots.

The marine viewing is the core of the trip. You’re likely to see dolphins playing alongside the yacht or pilot whales cruising nearby, as several reviews confirm. Guides often show genuine enthusiasm for animal behavior and provide interesting facts—making the experience both fun and informative. One reviewer fondly recalls how the guide “found whales very quickly,” emphasizing the guides’ expertise.

After navigating open waters for about two hours, the boat anchors in a secluded bay. Here, you can swim with turtles, snorkel in calm waters, or simply relax while enjoying the included snacks and drinks. The quiet bay setting offers a peaceful contrast to the open sea, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing swim or some underwater exploration with provided gear.

The return journey wraps up with a van ride back to the original meeting point. You’ll likely leave feeling you’ve had a personal, close-up encounter with Tenerife’s marine ecosystem, along with plenty of memorable photos and stories.

What You Can Expect Onboard

Expect a comfortable, well-equipped yacht with enough space to move around and enjoy unobstructed views. The safety briefing at the start reassures first-timers, while the small group size means you’ll have less noise and more personalized attention. The onboard commentary is lively and informative, making wildlife sightings even more meaningful.

Wildlife sightings are the highlight for many guests. As reviews suggest, dolphins often appear right next to the boat, and whales can be spotted in the distance. The guides seem adept at positioning the boat to maximize viewing opportunities without disturbing the animals. The experience is about respectful observation, so animals aren’t chased or harassed, which many wildlife-minded travelers appreciate.

The snorkeling session at the secluded bay is a major plus. Gear is provided, and the calm waters make for easy swimming even for beginners. Watching turtles glide gracefully around you creates a magical, almost surreal moment that many travelers cherish.

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The Value for Money

At $74 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the all-inclusive drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear. The intimate group size means fewer crowds and a more personal experience—something you won’t get on larger, more commercial tours. The expert guides, who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, contribute significantly to the quality of the trip.

Compared to large boat trips, which can be overcrowded and less personal, this tour’s small-group approach makes it feel more exclusive and relaxed. You’ll also appreciate the flexibility with options for private tours, ideal if you want a tailored experience or are traveling with a small group.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who value personalized attention and are eager to see marine wildlife in a respectful manner. It’s especially suited for nature lovers who are keen to learn about local animals and the environment. If you’re after a more intimate and authentic experience, rather than a crowded commercial cruise, this tour checks all the boxes.

However, if seasickness is a concern or if you’re expecting a full-day adventure, this might be better as a short, focused outing. The duration and the open water conditions mean it’s not ideal for those with sensitive stomachs.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, many reviews mention families enjoying the trip. The focus on wildlife observation and snorkeling in calm waters makes it suitable for children, provided they are comfortable on boats and do not have seasickness issues.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, which is enough time to see marine animals, enjoy snacks, and swim, without feeling overly tired or rushed.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and a jacket. You might also want motion sickness prevention if you are prone to seasickness.

Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes, the tour offers unlimited drinks including champagne, beer, soft drinks, and water, along with ham, cheese, and salad baguettes, fruits, chips, and nuts.

Where do I meet?
Meet 15 minutes early at the top of the dock near the sign “Pantalan Nº4” at Puerto Colon. Pickup from hotels within a 10km radius is available if booked in advance.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for last-minute changes.

Final Thoughts

This small-group whale and dolphin watching tour in Tenerife offers an authentic, relaxed way to connect with the region’s vibrant marine life. The expert guides, personalized experience, and up-close wildlife sightings are the biggest draws, making it a fantastic option for nature enthusiasts or anyone looking to escape the crowds.

If you love wildlife, snorkeling, and scenic sea views, you’ll find this tour well worth the price. It’s especially appealing if you want a more intimate experience with knowledgeable guides who genuinely care about the animals and environment. The inclusion of snacks and drinks adds to the comfort, making it an easy, enjoyable outing to remember.

However, if seasickness is a concern or you prefer a full-day adventure, you might want to consider longer or different tours. Still, for a 3-hour voyage, this experience delivers a perfect blend of education, adventure, and relaxation.

In Summary

Travelers seeking a small, personalized wildlife cruise in Tenerife will appreciate this tour’s focus on respectful animal observation and authentic marine encounters. The expert guides, combined with the comfortable yacht and inclusive amenities, make for a memorable outing that captures the essence of the Canary Islands’ seas. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a couple, this activity promises a genuine connection to the natural world, with plenty of moments worth sharing.

You can check availability for your dates here: