Tenerife: Sailing Excursion with Whale and Dolphin Watching

Imagine spending a relaxing afternoon on a beautiful sailing yacht along Tenerife’s southern coastline, with the chance to spot pilot whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles in their natural environment. For around $85 per person, you get three hours of peaceful sailing, with plenty of opportunities to see marine wildlife, swim in secluded bays, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks.

What we love about this tour is how personalized it feels—it’s often a smaller group, which means more space to relax and truly connect with the sea. The knowledgeable crew, including guides like Jesus and Alex, are passionate about marine life and go the extra mile to make sure everyone has a memorable experience. Plus, the sailing itself—with the chance to put up the sails—adds that authentic touch you don’t get on typical boat trips.

One thing to keep in mind is that, like any outdoor activity, weather conditions can impact the sailing experience. If the wind isn’t ideal, you might find the boat a little less lively. Still, the crew’s flexibility and focus on wildlife watching make this a worthwhile choice for those who want a blend of adventure, relaxation, and nature.

This tour is perfect if you’re keen on marine wildlife, love sailing, or want a more intimate experience on the water. It suits travelers who enjoy authentic, low-key adventures over crowded tours, as many reviews mention the small group vibe and personalized attention.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing: Spot pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
• Authentic Sailing: Experience a 52-foot yacht, with the option to put up the sails for a true sailing experience.
• Comfort and Snacks: Enjoy complimentary fresh fruits, sandwiches, and a variety of beverages, including wine and cava.
• Secluded Bay Swim: Stop for a swim and snorkel in a peaceful, less crowded bay.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Jesus and Alex are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Small Group Feel: Many reviews mention the intimate atmosphere with fewer guests on board.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in a Nutshell

This 3-hour sailing tour offers an accessible window into Tenerife’s rich marine environment. Starting at the Puerto Colón marina, you’ll arrive about 15 minutes early to settle in at the Pantalán (dock) number zero, near Miishi Restaurant. The tour costs around $85, which includes not only the sailing but also snacks, drinks, and basic snorkeling gear. No hotel pickup is included, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point — a small detail but worth noting if you’re staying farther out.

Once onboard, you’ll get a short briefing from your crew about the plan for the day—what to look for, safety tips, and a little about Tenerife’s marine life. Many reviews highlight how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, with some, like Jesus, earning special praise for their passion and expertise.

The Sailing Itself

The yacht, measuring about 52 feet, is described as beautiful, with a calm, inviting atmosphere. Several reviews emphasize how relaxing the sailing is—it’s not a high-speed thrill ride but more of a gentle cruise where you can soak in the scenery. The captain will often drop the motor to allow whales and dolphins to approach closer without disturbance.

Travelers have raved about the peaceful nature of this experience, with one reviewer noting that the boat stops to let the animals come closer — a sign of respectful wildlife observation. The chance to raise the sails adds an extra element of authenticity, although this depends on weather conditions, as some mention the wind might be light or variable.

Marine Wildlife Encounters

This is the core highlight. The guides are experts at locating marine mammals, and their efforts are often rewarded with views of pilot whales, dolphins, and occasionally sea turtles. The reviews are full of praise for these encounters—many noting how close the whales get and how impressive it is to see mothers and babies.

One reviewer described it as “truly brilliant,” with pilot whales coming up very close to the boat and dolphins swimming alongside. The guides’ respectful approach, ensuring the animals aren’t disturbed, is also highly valued. Expect to lose count of the whales you see, many of which are in family groups, and some tours even feature sightings of the Oiokt whales.

The Secluded Bay Stop

After wildlife spotting, the boat drops anchor in a secluded bay—a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing. The water is often described as calm and clear, ideal for a quick dip. The crew provides basic snorkeling equipment and encourages guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Reviewers love the opportunity to escape the crowds and enjoy some quiet time in the water. The bay’s seclusion is a big selling point, and many mention how well it complements the wildlife sightings—this isn’t just a boat ride, but a chance to briefly reconnect with nature.

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Food and Drinks

The complimentary snacks and drinks are described as surprisingly good. Expect fresh fruits, sandwiches, and a selection of beverages like beer, cava, wine, soft drinks, and juices. Several reviewers mention how the crew, like Alex, makes lunch while guests enjoy a swim—a thoughtful touch that adds to the overall value.

While the food is simple, it’s well-appreciated, especially after a morning of wildlife watching and swimming. It’s a nice way to relax and chat with fellow travelers.

Practical Details

• Duration: 3 hours, making it manageable even for a half-day plan.
• Group size: Often small, with reviews mentioning only a handful of guests onboard, enhancing the intimate atmosphere.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal.
• Timing: Availability varies; check ahead for start times. Arrive 15 minutes early to avoid missing the boat.
• Transport: You need to get yourself to the marina; no pickup service is offered.
• What to Bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen. No oversized luggage allowed, and barefoot policy applies, except for health reasons.
• Cost and Value: For $85, you get a well-rounded experience—sailing, wildlife, snorkeling, snacks, and drinks—that many reviews say exceeds expectations.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Tammy calls it “beautiful whales and swam in an amazing bay,” while Sarah describes it as “a fantastic afternoon,” highlighting the calm atmosphere, her guide’s knowledge, and the close encounters with whales and turtles.

Several reviewers appreciate the small group size, which fosters a more personal experience and allows guides to find more wildlife without the boat crowding or rushing. Others mention how the crew stopped the engine to avoid disturbing the whales, which they found especially respectful and enjoyable.

Some reviewers note that weather can influence the sailing—light winds may mean the boat remains motor-powered, but even then, the wildlife sightings and swimming opportunities make up for it.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a relaxing, informative, and intimate wildlife experience in Tenerife, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for nature lovers, couples, small groups, or families with older children who can enjoy snorkeling. It suits those who appreciate respectful wildlife observation and want to avoid the hustle of larger, more commercial tours.

It’s also a good choice if you want a balanced mix of sailing, wildlife, and leisure, especially in a setting where the crew’s passion shines through.

This 3-hour sailing excursion offers excellent value for those seeking a peaceful escape on the water with the opportunity to see Tenerife’s marine wildlife in a respectful, natural setting. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure you’re not just another face in the crowd, but a welcomed guest on a genuine adventure.

While weather conditions can influence the sailing experience, the focus on wildlife and secluded bay swimming makes this tour memorable regardless. The onboard amenities—snacks, drinks, and the chance to put up the sails—add to the relaxed, authentic vibe.

If you’re craving an up-close look at dolphins, whales, and sea turtles while enjoying a calm sailing experience, this tour is a smart choice. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value small-group intimacy, respectful wildlife observation, and authentic sailing.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you need to meet at the Puerto Colón marina at Pantalán zero. Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. No oversized luggage is allowed, and it’s barefoot on board unless health issues prevent it.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, with start times varying depending on availability.

Can I put up the sails?
Yes, weather permitting, the crew often allows guests to help raise the sails, adding an authentic sailing feel.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, basic snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew encourages swimming and snorkeling in the secluded bay.

Are the guides experienced?
Absolutely, guides like Jesus and Alex are praised for their knowledge of marine life and their friendly, attentive approach.

What’s the group size?
Many reviews mention small groups—usually just a handful of guests—creating an intimate and relaxed environment.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally family-friendly, children should be comfortable on a boat and able to snorkel or swim if they want to participate in water activities.

In essence, this Tenerife sailing trip combines the joys of sailing, wildlife watching, and relaxation, making it well worth considering for your next ocean adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: