3h Whale Watching Private tour Beneteau Oceanis 440

Some trips feel like a checklist. This one feels like time outside. You’re on Madoudou, a Beneteau Oceanis 44 set up for serious comfort and calm whale watching in the south of Tenerife, with a real shot at spotting pilot whales close to the boat. I especially like the full-sail sailing start and the fact that the boat is built for comfort (shade overhead, proper cabins, and a layout that works for groups). One drawback to consider is that the pickup van can handle up to 8 people, so if you’re a full group of 11, you may need to plan to meet at the port.

Here’s the practical bit: you’ll do a 3-hour private cruise from Puerto Colón, looking for whales and dolphins, then you get a break in Los Cristianos with snorkeling and a proper snack spread. It’s a good match if you want wildlife time without feeling rushed, but you’ll still want sun protection and a towel because you’ll be out on deck a lot.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Private boat feel, not cattle-call energy: it’s a private group outing for up to 11 people, so you’re not crammed in.
• Full sail departure from Puerto Colón: a 45-minute sailing leg toward the Atlantic sets a great pace before the wildlife hunt.
• A focused whale and dolphin window: a dedicated 20-minute secret stop for watching pilot whales and dolphins.
• Shade and comfort matter here: the boat has a roof for shade and a layout with real storage and comfortable seating.
• Snorkeling plus food that tastes local: Los Cristianos includes snorkeling equipment and Canarian snack tasting with cold drinks.

A Beneteau Oceanis 44 built for comfort, shade, and real cruising

On this trip, the boat is the quiet win. Madoudou is a Beneteau Oceanis 440 (listed as 12 meters) authorized for whale watching in the south of Tenerife, and it’s set up so you can actually enjoy the ride instead of just bracing for it.

What stands out for me is the mix of comfort and function. There’s a roof that keeps shade overhead, which helps a lot when the sun is strong and you want to stay on deck. Inside, the living room is large, with space to sit together, plus a dining table for up to eight people and sofas for hanging out. Cabins are described as spacious with wardrobes and drawers, and the aft cabins have direct access to bathrooms with hot showers, so you’re not stuck with cramped “tour boat” compromises.

Even the energy and water setup is built for independence, with solar panels and water autonomy of 900 liters. Translation for your day: you’re less likely to feel like you’re on a stressed, short-leash vessel. There’s also an outboard raft listed for safety.

If you care about comfort because you’re traveling with kids, or you just want a nicer vibe than speed-boat bouncing, this boat fits that goal.

Puerto Colón meeting point, plus how the free van pickup works

You’ll meet at Puerto Colon Gate 5, and from there you head out into the south-coast sailing routes. The tour also includes free pickup by van with room for up to 8 people from Costa Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Palm Mar, and Los Cristianos.

This is the one logistics detail I’d plan around. If your group is close to the maximum 11, double-check how pickup is handled for the extra people. If not everyone can fit, you’ll still be able to meet at the port, but it’s better to know early so you do not end up racing around Tenerife at the start of your cruise.

Because it’s a private group, you also get that small advantage of not waiting on other tours to collect people. The schedule is tight enough to feel fun, but not so tight that you spend your whole time in transit.

Full-sail departure from Puerto Colón via Costa Adeje (45 minutes)

The experience begins the right way: a 45-minute sailing leg, starting from Puerto Colón, toward the Atlantic Ocean with full sail. This matters more than it sounds. Getting the wind-driven start gives the trip a “we’re actually sailing” feeling, not just a boat ride with a few animal sightings as a bonus.

The timing also gives you a gentle ramp-up. Instead of jumping straight into the “look, wait, look again” rhythm, you get time to settle in, enjoy the sea air, and get your bearings. You’ll already be out in the coastal waters where marine life is part of the local scene.

If you’re the type who likes photography, this first sailing section is often your best chance to enjoy the coastline from a moving perspective, before the boat focuses on wildlife spotting.

And because the boat has shade overhead, you can rotate between deck watching and relaxing without baking.

The secret stop: pilot whales and dolphins in a focused 20-minute window

This is the heart of the trip. At the secret stop, the plan is to spend about 20 minutes on whale and dolphin watching. The emphasis is on pilot whales, which live in Canarian waters, along with dolphins and other marine fauna that can show up in the area, including turtles.

A quick note on expectations: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, even when the waters are known for it. But the structure here is practical. You’re not stuck watching from a random spot for the entire tour. There’s a specific time block dedicated to looking, which usually makes the experience feel intentional rather than vague.

What I like about this setup is how it balances attention with time on the sea. You get enough time to watch for blows, surface activity, and group behavior, without letting the “waiting game” eat your whole afternoon.

Also, since it’s a private group, the crew can focus on keeping you comfortable while they search. In a busy public tour, it’s easier to lose sight of the action or feel like you’re watching over someone else’s shoulder.

The 50-minute yacht segment: settle in, learn the waters, and stay relaxed

After the wildlife stop, you get about 50 minutes as the yacht portion of the cruise. The exact activities aren’t spelled out minute-by-minute, but here’s how this segment typically works on a well-run sailing tour: you use the time to slow down, enjoy the ride, and keep your eyes open if any marine life reappears.

This is where you’ll feel the difference between a “hit the wildlife and leave” outing and one designed to be enjoyed. With a large indoor space, comfortable seating, and outdoor table area with an awning, you’re not trapped inside. You can keep chatting with your guide, snack, and reset your energy for the next part of the day.

Because the tour includes a live guide in Italian, Spanish, and English, this middle segment is also where the guide can help you make sense of what you’re seeing, what to watch for, and why this stretch of Tenerife matters for local marine life.

If your day in Tenerife has been mostly walking and planning, this longer cruising portion is a welcome breather.

Los Cristianos break time: snorkeling and Canarian snack tasting (30 minutes)

Then comes the land-and-sea mix: Los Cristianos gets about 30 minutes for a break with snorkeling and food tasting. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not showing up with random gear that might not fit or might not be suitable.

This stop is valuable for two reasons. First, it adds variety beyond whale and dolphin watching. Second, it turns the day into more of a “full experience” rather than just three hours of being on deck.

You’ll also get the snack tasting spread here, which helps the timing feel natural. You watch wildlife, you cruise, and then you refuel with local-style bites before heading back.

One small practical consideration: snorkeling time is limited in a 30-minute window, so it’s not the kind of stop for a long, deep exploration. Treat it as a fun add-on. You’ll want to be ready to go quickly once equipment is provided.

The snack spread and cold drinks are part of the value

The food isn’t a token cookie-and-water situation. You get a generous local-snack tasting set, including items like cheeses, mixed local salami and jams, olives, tomatoes, hummus, nachos, Canarian mojo sauce, breads, plus fresh items and nuts. Cold drinks are included too, with cava, white wine, beer, cola, Sprite, Fanta, and water.

I like that the spread is built around local flavor. You’re not just eating for energy, you’re eating in a way that feels connected to the place. And the timing works because you’re on a boat, likely hungry from sea air, so snacks feel like a real part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

Since the boat has an outdoor table and awning, you can eat with a view. That small comfort detail can make the whole experience feel smoother, especially if you’re with kids or you’re not interested in spending the whole time standing.

Who this private Tenerife whale watch suits best

This one fits several kinds of travelers well:

• Families who want the marine-life experience without speed-boat chaos. The tour is structured for comfort, with shade and space.
• Small groups who want privacy and better control of pacing. It’s private for a group up to 11 people.
• People who care as much about the ride as the wildlife spotting. The sailing start and the comfortable boat design make the day feel like a real outing, not a rushed excursion.

A practical note from the pattern of what people highlight is that this tour can deliver close pilot whale viewing and dolphins. When that happens, it’s memorable in a way that makes the snack break and snorkeling feel like bonuses rather than distractions.

If you’re traveling solo and just want the absolute cheapest option, this is probably not the right format. But if you care about a calmer, more comfortable private boat experience, it’s a strong match.

Price and value: $648 per group up to 11

Let’s talk value honestly. The price is listed as $648 per group, up to 11 people. That means your per-person cost depends on how full your group is.

• If you fill all 11 spots, it works out to about $58.90 per person.
• If you’re a smaller party, the per-person price rises fast because it’s priced by group, not per seat.

What you get for that group price is the entire private sailing package: a whale watching authorized route in the south of Tenerife, a sailing start with full sail, dedicated wildlife time, snacks and cold drinks, plus snorkeling equipment during the Los Cristianos break.

In other words, you’re paying for convenience and comfort. You’re not fighting crowds, and you’re not sacrificing the boat experience to chase the animals. If you’re traveling with friends or family and can fill the group, it becomes much easier to justify.

Tips to enjoy the spotting windows and stay comfortable on deck

You can’t control the whales, but you can control your comfort and your ability to watch.

Bring a sun hat and a towel, since you’ll be out in the open enough to get sun and salt-water feel. Since drinks are included, pace yourself, and drink water between snack bites.

For wildlife time, keep your attention on what the guide is doing during the active whale and dolphin window. That 20-minute stop is the moment to focus, so stay ready on deck rather than wandering for long stretches.

Also, plan your expectations for a 3-hour outing. It’s long enough to feel like an excursion, but short enough that the crew will run a tight schedule. If you come in thinking it’s a slow, all-day cruise, you might feel slightly impatient. If you come in expecting a well-run, concentrated half-day, you’ll probably feel grateful.

And if you’re traveling with kids, the shade and comfort of the boat design is a big deal. It reduces the usual “stop moving, no one will be happy” problem.

Should you book this 3-hour private whale watching sail?

I’d book this if you want a comfortable private sailing whale watch out of Puerto Colón, you’re traveling in a group that can make the per-person cost reasonable, and you care about more than just wildlife spotting. The mix of full-sail sailing, a dedicated pilot whale and dolphin stop, and a Los Cristianos break with snorkeling and local snack tasting makes the 3 hours feel purposeful.

Skip it if you’re mainly chasing a long snorkeling session or you want the lowest-cost option in Tenerife. This is a focused, well-paced outing, not a full-day sea adventure.

If you’re choosing between “quiet and comfortable” versus “fast and loud,” go with quiet and comfortable. The boat setup and the snack-and-drink planning make it easier to enjoy the ride even if the sea is busy or the whales are a bit shy.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón Gate 5.

What’s the duration of the whale watching tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

What boat is used for this private whale watching experience?

It’s a Beneteau Oceanis 440 sailing boat, listed as 12 meters, named Madoudou, authorized for whale watching in the south of Tenerife.

Is pickup included, and where does it go?

Yes. A free pickup van is offered for up to 8 pax from Costa Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Palm Mar, and Los Cristianos.

What marine life are you looking for?

You’ll look for pilot whales and dolphins, and other local marine fauna may include turtles.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available, and snorkeling is included during the Los Cristianos break time.

What food and drinks are included?

Local food snacks and cold drinks are included, including items like cheeses, local salami and jams, olives, tomatoes, hummus, nachos, Canarian mojo sauce, breads, and nuts, plus cava, white wine, beer, cola, Sprite, Fanta, and water.

What languages are spoken by the guide?

The live tour guide speaks Italian, Spanish, and English.

What’s the price and group size?

The price is $648 per group, up to 11 people, for this private tour.

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

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.