Private Charter Private Charter to see the whales – 3 Hours

If you want the ocean without the crowd, this one fits. It is a private 3-hour whale watching charter in Tenerife, aimed at dolphins, sperm whales, and pilot whales, with underwater glass-bottom viewing built into the experience.

What I like most is the true privacy onboard for your group, so you can move at your pace and focus on spotting wildlife. I also like the practical mix of wildlife time plus a scheduled swim break, with the boat anchoring at El Puertito or Playa de Las Vistas.

The only real drawback to consider is that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, even with the best crew. You are going out for a chance at close encounters, so you should go with a flexible mindset and enjoy the ride either way.

Key things to know before you go

• Total privacy onboard for your group, from the start at Lina Yacht to the return
• 3-hour guided whale watch focused on dolphins and whales in the Atlantic
• Underwater exploration with glass-bottom viewing to see what is happening below
• Swim break by anchoring at El Puertito or Playa de Las Vistas
• Included drinks and food: beer, water, or soft drink, plus a sandwich
• Experienced staff: a specialized cetaceans guide and a skilled captain onboard

Private 3-hour whale charter: what you’re really paying for

This is not a seat on a big public boat. You are renting the experience. The price is set per private group, with the listing giving a cap of up to 12 passengers and also stating up to 18 passengers for some versions. Either way, the key idea is the same: your group stays together, and you are not competing with strangers for space, angles, or attention.

That matters more than you might think. Whale watching is visual work. You are scanning for spouts, body breaks at the surface, and the movement patterns that hint at something below. When you do that as a group on a crowded vessel, the best viewing spots can get taken fast. On a private charter, you can keep your focus and adjust your position without the usual chaos.

Timing is also a big part of the “what you get.” The tour is 3 hours, starting from Lina Yacht and returning there at the end. That is long enough for real ocean time, but not so long that you feel trapped if the conditions change.

From Lina Yacht to Puerto Colón: how the trip is paced

Your day starts at Lina Yacht, where the boat departs for Puerto Colón. From there, you get a guided tour experience that lasts the full 3 hours in total.

Puerto Colón is not described as a land excursion stop. It is more like a key part of the route and the viewing plan. In practical terms, that means you stay in boat mode, guided by a cetaceans specialist and a captain who know the area.

Here is how I’d think about the pacing. For whale and dolphin spotting, the most productive time is usually when the crew can position the boat correctly and you can maintain steady observation. A guided flow that includes Puerto Colón helps keep the trip structured, rather than feeling like you are just cruising with no clear plan.

When you return to Lina Yacht, you also finish where you started. That sounds small, but it is convenient in Tenerife, especially if you are pairing this with dinner plans or other activities.

What you might see in Tenerife waters: dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales

The goal of this charter is pretty specific: sightings of dolphins and whales, including sperm whales and pilot whales. The wording is important. This is an opportunity for wildlife viewing, not a guarantee of a specific animal on a specific schedule.

Still, the target species list tells you what kind of effort the crew is likely making. Dolphins can show up with more frequent surface activity, while whales like sperm whales and pilot whales tend to be spotted through a mix of patience and reading the water. That is exactly where the specialized guide helps, because they can point out what to watch for and how to interpret movement patterns.

What I like about having a guide tied to cetaceans is that your time feels less random. Even if you do not get the exact whale you hoped for, you are still learning what you are looking at, and why the crew is steering where they are.

Underwater glass-bottom viewing: seeing the action you miss from above

One of the most appealing parts is the underwater exploration. You get glass-bottom viewing, using underwater vision so you can explore what is going on below the surface.

This is valuable for two reasons.

First, it changes the whole “whale watching” rhythm. Instead of only scanning for surface events, you get a chance to connect surface movement with what is happening underwater. That is especially helpful if the animals are quieter at the top.

Second, it makes the experience feel less dependent on luck. Wildlife spotting can be feast or famine, but being able to look down at the water gives you a second layer of enjoyment.

In real-world terms, I’d treat this as a bonus viewing tool. If you are hoping for whales, you still track the surface. If the sea is active with dolphins, you might catch more than you would from eye level alone.

The swim break at El Puertito or Playa de Las Vistas

Every whale watch feels better with a reset built in, and this one includes a swim break. The boat anchors at either El Puertito or Playa de Las Vistas for a refreshing dip.

That choice is practical. Both are known coastal areas in Tenerife, so you are not doing something strange or isolated. Anchoring also tends to make swimming safer and simpler than trying to do it while the boat is in motion.

What to expect during this part is straightforward: you get time to cool off, stretch your legs, and enjoy a bit of beach-at-sea scenery while still keeping the whale watching story going.

One quick piece of advice from the “think like a traveler” department: bring swim basics even if you are not sure you will use them. Water time in the Atlantic can feel refreshing, but once you are out there, you do not want to scramble for gear.

Drinks and sandwich on board: simple, included, and actually useful

You are not going hungry out on the water. Included are a complimentary beverage, choosing beer, water, or soft drink, plus a tasty sandwich.

This matters because a 3-hour charter can be a lot of concentrated attention. When you are scanning and reacting to wildlife movement, energy dips happen. Having food and drink included means you do not lose time looking for a snack, and you avoid that awkward moment where you start thinking about lunch instead of the whales.

Also, this kind of setup fits the “private charter” value. The boat experience is about time on the water. Food and drinks that are already handled keep the focus on the main event.

Crew and captain: why a specialized cetaceans guide changes the experience

The experience includes a specialized cetaceans guide and a skilled captain onboard. That pairing is the reason a private charter often feels different from a generic sightseeing cruise.

The captain’s job is navigation and positioning. The guide’s job is reading the water and helping you spot what matters. Together, that means you spend less time wondering, and more time understanding.

Even if you are not a whale expert, you can still benefit. When a guide explains what they are looking for, you get better at seeing the tiny tells. For dolphins, it might be movement patterns. For whales, it might be how to interpret surface behavior and when to pay close attention.

The best part is that this help feels immediate. You are not learning about whales from a book and then trying to apply it hours later. You are getting cues while you are actually on the water.

Price and value in Tenerife: does a private charter make sense?

Pricing is listed as around $447 per group up to 12 and also as “from 380€ exclusive experience.” The structure is per group, not per seat. That changes the math.

Here is the practical way to judge value.

• If you are traveling as a small group, privacy can make the higher cost feel reasonable. You are effectively buying fewer trade-offs: no crowd shuffling, more focus, and better use of your viewing time.
• If you are traveling solo or as a pair, the cost will likely feel steep compared with public whale watches. But the included food and drinks, plus a planned swim break and underwater glass-bottom viewing, can soften that difference.

Also note what is described as all-inclusive: the crew, fuel, port taxes, and IGIC included. That means you are not likely hit with a long list of extras just to get out on the water.

If you want a clear call, consider what you value most: the chance at wildlife versus comfort and attention. If you care about both, a private charter is a strong fit.

Who should book this whale watching experience, and who might not love it

This is best for you if you want:

• Privacy and a calmer onboard feel
• A guided focus on dolphins and whales, with a cetaceans specialist
• Added extras beyond spotting, like glass-bottom viewing and a swim break

It might not be ideal if you need a totally guaranteed wildlife outcome. Because the goal is sightings of specific animals, you should plan for the possibility that conditions or animal behavior limit what you see on any particular trip.

It also makes sense for you if you value structure. You start at Lina Yacht, you go out for a set 3 hours, you anchor to swim, and you come back. That predictability helps if you have other plans in Tenerife.

Finally, it is wheelchair accessible, which is genuinely worth noting if that matters for your group.

Should you book Ocean Blue’s private whale charter?

I’d book this if your priority is quality time on the water with a smaller, private setup, plus real onboard extras. The combination of cetaceans guide + underwater glass-bottom viewing + a planned swim break is a lot for a 3-hour outing, and the included drinks and sandwich make the whole thing feel complete.

I would not book it if you only care about the absolute cheapest whale option and you are fine with crowds. In that case, you could probably find alternatives that cost less.

If you do book, pack for the sea, keep your expectations flexible, and treat the viewing time like an activity you are participating in. With a good guide and a captain who know how to position the boat, you will get more out of the trip than simply waiting for something to happen.

FAQ

How long is the private whale watching charter?

It lasts 3 hours.

Where does the charter start and end?

It starts at Lina Yacht and returns back to Lina Yacht.

What animals are the charter aiming to spot?

The experience is described as whale and dolphin sightseeing, including sperm whales and pilot whales, plus dolphins.

Is it a private group?

Yes. It is a private group with total privacy onboard for your group.

What is included in the price besides the boat time?

You get a complimentary beverage (beer, water, or soft drink) and a sandwich. The crew, fuel, port taxes, and IGIC are also included.

Do you get time to swim?

Yes. The boat anchors at El Puertito or Playa de Las Vistas for a swim break.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now and pay later option.