Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

Imagine gliding along Tenerife’s dramatic south coast on a 12-meter sailboat, with the warm Canary Islands sun overhead and the chance to spot whales, dolphins, and turtles in their natural habitat. For around $71 per person, you can spend a few hours immersed in the island’s marine wonders, enjoying snorkeling, delicious snacks, and refreshing drinks. Led by a knowledgeable crew passionate about marine life, this small-group experience promises a gratifying blend of adventure and relaxation.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the small group size—capped at 10 passengers—means you’ll get a more personal, less commercial experience. Second, the expertise of the crew, especially their keen eye for spotting cetaceans, significantly boosts your chances of witnessing these majestic animals up close. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to plan your own transportation to the meeting point. But for those who appreciate a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, this tour hits the mark.

This adventure suits travelers who love wildlife, sailing, and authentic experiences. It’s especially perfect if you’re eager to learn about marine life without the noise of large, crowded boats. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike have found this trip to be a highlight, thanks to its combination of education, fun, and stunning scenery.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy ensures personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.
• Expert crew with extensive marine knowledge enhances wildlife sightings.
• Inclusive snacks and drinks, including cava, beer, soft drinks, and tropical treats, add to the enjoyment.
• Snorkeling equipment is provided, making it easy to explore Tenerife’s warm waters.
• Wildlife focus on cetaceans, turtles, and seabirds offers an authentic, nature-centered experience.
• Flexible booking options allow you to reserve now and pay later, with easy cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Marine Adventure in Tenerife

We loved the way this tour combines the thrill of wildlife spotting with the serenity of sailing. The exclusivity of a 12-meter sailboat means you’re not packed in like sardines, and you can really appreciate the open water. As the boat gently rocks on the crystal-clear sea, you’ll find yourself gazing out for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles—and with a crew so attentive and knowledgeable, your chances of seeing these creatures are high.

The experience begins at Puerto Colon, where the crew greets you at dock Nº5 at the appointed time. From there, it’s smooth sailing as you head along the coast, with your guides sharing insights into the local marine environment. We found that their extensive marine knowledge made a noticeable difference—when a pod of pilot whales surfaced just beside the boat, it felt like a personal encounter, not a staged show.

The Itinerary and Experience

The actual route varies depending on the day’s conditions, but the emphasis remains on maximizing wildlife sightings and giving you time to snorkel and relax. The tour lasts about 3 hours, making it a manageable yet fulfilling outing.

Wildlife Watching: Your guides are pros at spotting cetaceans, and reviews consistently mention sightings of pilot whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles. One reviewer shared, “A group of pilot whales came right up to the boat and interacted with us,” highlighting how close these encounters can be. The crew’s respectful attitude toward the animals is evident—they don’t chase or disturb, but rather let the animals come to them.

Snorkeling and Swimming: After some wildlife watching, you’ll have time to swim in the warm waters or explore with snorkeling gear. The boat’s deck mats and the calm, clear bay waters create a comfortable environment for enjoying the sea. Travelers have raved about the “fabulous spot” for snorkeling, and even a quick dip in the sea is often considered a highlight.

Food and Drinks: As you relax on deck, you’ll enjoy delicious sandwiches, cakes, and a variety of drinks, including cava, beer, soft drinks, and mineral water. One reviewer, Emma, praised the “delicious food and drinks,” emphasizing how it added to the overall experience. The crew’s attentive service and tasty snacks make the journey feel both special and cozy.

Comfort and Crew

The boat itself is described as clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, with three double cabins and two bathrooms—a rarity on small boats—making the experience even more pleasant. The crew, notably Rafael and Salvador, often receive glowing praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and hospitality. Many reviews mention their eagerness to share stories about marine life and local geography, enriching the trip beyond just wildlife sightings.

The Value

At $71, this tour offers remarkable value. You get a small-group sailing experience, wildlife encounters, snorkeling, and refreshments—all with attentive guides who truly care. Compared to larger, more impersonal tours, this one feels more genuine and personal, giving you a better chance to connect with nature and your companions.

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Possible Drawbacks

The main consideration is that hotel pickup isn’t included, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point at Puerto Colon. Also, weather conditions can influence wildlife sightings—though reviews suggest that the crew works hard to find animals, there’s no 100% guarantee. Lastly, if you’re sensitive to sea sickness, it’s worth noting that the waters can sometimes be choppy, but many travelers report that the crew is attentive to helping with seasick remedies.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This sailboat adventure is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a more personalized, relaxed experience. It’s perfect for travelers who want to learn about marine life from knowledgeable guides without the crowds of larger boats. Families with children, couples, and solo travelers looking for a memorable, intimate outing will find this tour suits their needs well.

If you’re interested in combining wildlife watching, snorkeling, and genuine hospitality on a well-maintained sailboat, then this tour deserves a top spot on your Tenerife itinerary.

Practical Details

• Meeting Point: Dock Nº5 at Puerto Colon, 10 minutes before departure
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours
• Capacity: 10 passengers + 2 crew
• Languages: Spanish, English, French, German
• Price: About $71 per person
• Reservation: Book now with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance
• Includes: Sailboat cruise, guide, whale watching, drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear
• Excludes: Hotel pickup/drop-off

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? No, but the meeting point is at dock Nº5 of Puerto Colon, which is easy to reach with local transport or a short walk from nearby accommodations.

What wildlife can I expect to see? Most trips feature pilot whales, dolphins, and sometimes sea turtles. Many reviews mention close encounters and spectacular sightings.

How long is the trip? The tour lasts around 3 hours, giving enough time for wildlife watching, snorkeling, and relaxing onboard.

Are drinks and food provided? Yes, the tour includes snacks, sandwiches, cakes, and a variety of drinks like cava, beer, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Is snorkeling equipment included? Absolutely. You’ll have access to snorkeling gear to explore the waters in comfort.

What’s the boat like? The boat is 12 meters long, well-maintained, with deck mats, cabins, and bathrooms—designed for small groups and comfort.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund.

Is this suitable for children? While specific age limits aren’t listed, the family-friendly environment and small group size make it suitable for children, provided they’re comfortable on boats.

What should I bring? Bring a jacket (it can get cooler on the water), sunscreen, your snorkeling gear if preferred, and a sense of adventure.

This sailboat tour in Tenerife strikes a fine balance between adventure, comfort, and education. With expert guides, a small-group setting, and plenty of wildlife encounters, it’s a solid choice for travelers eager to explore the island’s marine life in an authentic way. The inclusive snacks and drinks, combined with the chance to see whales and turtles up close, make it a memorable experience worth the modest investment.

It’s especially suited for those who value personalized service and respectful wildlife watching. If your goal is to enjoy Tenerife’s natural beauty on a comfortable sailboat with knowledgeable guides and a relaxed atmosphere, this tour will likely leave you with stories to tell for years.

For anyone seeking a genuine, wildlife-focused day at sea, coupled with excellent value and professional hospitality, this experience gets the thumbs up.

You can check availability for your dates here: