Luxury Opera 60 Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

If you like wildlife trips with comfort, this one fits. OPERA 60 pairs whale and dolphin watching with time to snorkel in Tenerife’s water. It’s also built for people who hate the cramped, jostling boat feeling.

I especially love the small-group setup and the sheer onboard space. With a max of 15 travelers on a 60-foot RIB, you actually get room to move, sunbathe, and rinse off after the water time.

One thing to keep in mind is that, like any marine-wildlife outing, the sightings are never guaranteed. And on rare days, service and food quality can be inconsistent, so it helps to be ready to speak up early if you need drinks or anything else.

OPERA 60 in Tenerife, the 60-foot RIB that feels more like a day trip than a cattle call

OPERA 60 is a luxury-style rigid inflatable boat, but the important part is the design. It’s described as the largest and most spacious luxury RIB in Tenerife, with a rigid hull plus inflatable side defenses for extra safety. Add two VOLVO PENTA engines rated at 740 HP, and the boat is built to move fast enough to chase good wildlife time without feeling like a shaky mess.

The boat itself is set up for comfort. You get multiple seating zones, sunbeds, and tables onboard. There’s a toilet and even showers for after swimming, which matters more than people think when you are going from saltwater to back into dry clothes. The crew also provides music through quality speakers, so the trip has a lighter tone than a strict, silent wildlife lecture.

Price-wise, at $96.79 per person for an experience that bundles wildlife spotting plus swimming and snorkeling, you are paying for convenience and the full package. The value is best when you use the included gear and you actually take the time in the snorkeling bay.

Two highlights I’d prioritize before booking

• Spacious comfort on the water: small max group size and real onboard room.
• Full package inclusions: drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment, plus showers after.

One drawback to consider

• Service and food can vary on some days, based on at least one sharply negative experience, so keep an eye on drink refills early and ask if something feels off.

Key things to know before you go

• 60 feet long luxury RIB: a nearly 20-meter boat with a rigid hull and inflatable side defenses.
• Max 15 travelers: you’re unlikely to feel packed in.
• Drinks and snacks are on board: multiple reviews highlight plenty of cool drinks, including fizz.
• Snorkeling is part of the trip: equipment is provided, and you get time in a swimming bay.
• On-board showers: useful after getting wet and sandy.
• English-speaking experience: offered in English, with crew that points out what you might be seeing.

Entering Puerto Colón: where the trip starts and what that means for timing

You board in Puerto Colón, in Playa de las Américas (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The trip ends back at the meeting point, which keeps things simple when you are trying to plan the rest of your day. Since it starts in a tourist hub, you should find it relatively easy to get there using nearby public transportation.

The duration is about 3 hours, so you are not committing to half a day. That short runtime is a big deal on Tenerife, where you may also want time for beaches, viewpoints, or a casual dinner afterward. It’s also why this experience tends to book up, with an average booking lead time of about 26 days.

The OPERA 60 ride: comfort, speed, and what the boat setup tells you

This is the kind of boat choice that changes the whole feel of a sea trip. A 60-foot RIB is dramatically different from the tiny inflatables people sometimes picture when they hear RIB. Here, you’re on a larger, more stable platform with extra attention to comfort zones.

You’ll notice a few practical perks:

• Sunbeds and multiple seating areas: you can shift positions instead of staying stuck in one spot.
• Two big tables: good for keeping drinks and snacks together.
• Quality speakers: music is present, which many people find boosts the mood on the water.
• Toilet and showers: not glamorous, but it makes the swim stop way more pleasant.

For motion, I can’t promise a smooth ride every time. Tenerife can get choppy depending on the day, and one negative report mentions the crew saying it would be too bumpy for drinks early on. Still, the boat’s design is built for speed and control, and many positive experiences describe a relaxed vibe rather than a frantic one.

Whale and dolphin watching on a schedule that actually works

The main wildlife portion is the reason most people book OPERA 60. As you head out, you’re looking for dolphins, sea turtles, and whales. Some of the best moments come fast: one family reported spotting whales within about 20 minutes of leaving the harbour.

What I like about the way this trip is set up is the balance between getting out there and not acting like you are in a theme-park safari. Multiple experiences mention the crew being respectful with distance from marine life. That matters, because it is not just about rules, it is also about giving you a better view without spooking animals.

When you see dolphins, you may get close enough for real excitement, but you should still expect the captain to prioritize safe spacing. With whales, expect it to be more about patience and scanning than constant action. Even on days when dolphins are quieter, a turtle or a whale sighting can make the whole trip click into place.

A practical tip for better sightings

When you are on board, pay attention when the crew calls out what to watch for. Ask simple questions in English, like which direction they are scanning and what the likely species behavior looks like. If you get host Fabrizio (he’s specifically mentioned in one account), he’s described as welcoming and attentive, including helping people keep their drinks coming while pointing out wildlife.

The swimming and snorkeling bay: where the trip turns from watching to doing

This experience is a two-in-one format, and the second half is what turns it from a quick boat tour into a true half-day outing. After wildlife time, you head to a swimming and snorkeling bay. That’s where snorkeling equipment becomes one of the most valuable inclusions.

In multiple accounts, the snorkel stop is described as excellent, with people saying the onboard gear was provided and that lunch and downtime followed. You should plan on getting in the water, even if you start out unsure. With showers onboard, you’ll feel more comfortable committing to the swim portion.

What you can expect during the bay stop

• Time in calm water for swimming and snorkeling (not just a 10-minute dip).
• Food and drinks while you’re there so you’re not scrambling for lunch afterward.
• A more relaxed pace compared to the wildlife scanning.

Possible drawback at the bay stop

One negative experience complained about food being lukewarm and about the crew not responding quickly enough to requests for water and sodas while the boat was sitting in the bay. That’s a red flag for that particular day, not proof of a constant problem. Still, it’s a good reminder: if you want a particular drink, ask early rather than waiting.

Food and drinks onboard: where the value really lives

At $96.79 per person, the key question is whether you get more than the view. On this trip, the answer is yes because snacks and drinks are included and the boat is set up to make it easy to enjoy them.

Many positive experiences highlight:

• Plentiful cool drinks
• Alcohol options like wines and beers
• Fizz, including champagne or prosecco, depending on the day
• A warm meal served onboard, described as good in multiple accounts

That combination matters. If a wildlife tour is just a seat time activity with no extras, the price can feel steep. Here, the snack and drink element helps justify the cost, especially for groups where some people want action and others want comfort.

How to get the most out of the drinks

If drinks are a priority for you, do what the better experiences suggest: settle in early and keep your cup and snacks in reach. If you are traveling with kids, make sure they understand where to request water and sodas. On the one bad report, that need was not met quickly enough until someone asked, so avoid assuming automatic refills.

What to pack so the snorkeling part doesn’t feel like a hassle

You should treat this trip as a water activity, not just a boat ride. Bring:

• Your swimming gear (more than one review specifically warns not to forget it).
• Sunscreen and something to protect your face and shoulders.
• A small towel if you like one, though the boat setup includes showers, which helps with cleanup.

Also bring a plan for your phone and valuables. The data you have does not mention waterproof storage, so keep it simple and assume you’ll want them secured before you enter the water.

If you get motion-sensitive, consider taking your usual prevention. The boat is faster than a slow ferry, but sea conditions still vary.

Group size: why max 15 travelers feels different on this boat

A maximum of 15 travelers is a big deal on RIB tours. It usually means:

• you can find space without playing the seat lottery,
• you get faster help from the crew,
• spotting wildlife is easier because people aren’t constantly blocking each other.

That small-group scale also matches the luxury angle. OPERA 60 is described as spacious and elegant, not bare-bones. In practice, that reads like you can enjoy the trip without feeling like you are squeezed into someone else’s schedule.

Who should book OPERA 60, and who might want a different option

This tour fits best if you want all of these:

• Tenerife whale and dolphin watching plus real time in the water
• A more comfortable boat, with showers and seating variety
• A mid-length outing of about 3 hours rather than a long day

It’s also a good pick for families who want one trip that does two things: wildlife and snorkeling. Multiple accounts mention having kids along and still enjoying the experience, largely because there is food, drinks, and onboard space to spread out.

What may not fit as well:

• If you hate any chance of a service hiccup, choose your expectations carefully. The overall rating is strong, but one negative report was specific about service and food temperature.
• If you need guaranteed dolphin and whale sightings every time, no wildlife tour can promise that. You are going to watch, and you are going to enjoy a swim stop regardless, but animal sightings can vary.

Price and value: is $96.79 fair for what you get?

For $96.79 per person, you’re paying for three layers of value:

1. The boat itself (60 feet long, 740 HP twin engines, designed for comfort and safety).
2. The inclusions (drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment).
3. The onboard cleanup (toilet and showers), plus a proper stop to swim and snorkel.

When you compare this to doing wildlife watching alone and then paying separately for a snorkeling activity, the bundled format starts to look more logical. The value gets even better when the crew keeps the mood lively and the food is genuinely warm. In several positive experiences, the meal and drinks were described as plentiful, with hosts attentive and quick to guide people toward what to look for.

The one caution is consistency. If on a specific day the service is slow or the food quality drops, that can change how you feel about the price. The good news is that the overall reputation is very strong, including a 4.8 rating and a recommendation rate around 94%.

Should you book OPERA 60 for whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a comfortable RIB with snorkeling built in, and you like the idea of having drinks and food handled for you while you’re out at sea. With a max of 15 travelers, the boat size and onboard facilities make it a smart choice for people who don’t want to feel cramped.

Before you go, go in with two realistic expectations: wildlife sightings depend on the day, and service quality is never uniform across every outing. If you show up ready to swim, use the snorkeling gear, and ask questions early, you are set up for one of the better half-day marine experiences Tenerife offers.

FAQ

Where does the OPERA 60 tour start in Tenerife?

It starts at Puerto Colón, in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the Luxury Opera 60 experience?

The duration is about 3 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided onboard.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Drinks and snacks are provided onboard.

What marine animals might I see?

You may look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and whales as you go.

How many people are on the boat at maximum?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What if the weather is not good?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.