Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise

Speedboat wildlife watching on Tenerife is all about timing. This Puerto Colón cruise uses a fast craft to search the South Coast for whales, dolphins, and other Atlantic visitors, then treats you to a real swim stop in a bay.

I love how the ride feels active, with wind in your hair and constant movement along the coast, and I also like that the crew builds in time to get in the water with snorkel gear. One thing to consider: it’s weather dependent, so if the sea is rough, your experience may be calmer than planned or adjusted.

You’ll meet at Puerto Colón Gate 3 and get escorted to the boat if everyone’s on time. From there, you spend about 3 hours cruising, spotting marine life, and learning about the ocean from the guide and captain (often led by Captain Nico, with help from Tine). If you’re hoping for an ultra-soft, easy day with no rolling sea, a speedboat may feel a bit brisk.

Key things worth knowing before you go

• Fast speedboat format for quicker roaming along South Tenerife
• Wildlife spotting with captain narration about Atlantic marine life
• Possible sightings beyond dolphins and whales, like turtles and flying fish
• A proper bay swim stop with drinks, plus snorkel gear if you want to use it
• Food after time in the water, typically a sandwich to reset you
• Clear-day bonus views, with a chance to see Teide and nearby La Gomera

Why a speedboat works so well for South Tenerife marine life

On Tenerife, you can watch the ocean from shore, but it’s not the same thing. When you’re on the water, you get that bigger sense of space, scale, and motion, and you spend less time staring at the horizon wondering if anything is out there. This trip is built around speed, so the captain can reposition when marine life surfaces.

The other smart piece is that you’re not only doing wildlife spotting. You also get a swim-and-snorkel window in a bay, which turns the day from purely observational into physical, hands-on fun. Even if you only splash in for a short swim, you’ll feel like you got value from the time on the water.

The first stretch: from Puerto Colón Gate 3 into whale and dolphin territory

Your day starts in Puerto Colón, with a simple setup: show up at Gate 3 about 15 minutes before departure, then get checked in and escorted to the boat once the group is complete. There’s no hotel pickup mentioned, so you’ll want to plan to arrive at the port on your own.

Once aboard, the pace picks up. The boat sails back and forth for the full 3 hours, and you’ll spend that time scanning for whales and dolphins. The guide and captain talk as you go, sharing what to look for and what’s happening in the Atlantic around the island. If the day cooperates, you may also spot turtles and flying fish as you cruise along.

I like this setup because it gives you two chances to enjoy the ocean: first as a viewing experience, then as a water-based break. A lot of wildlife cruises end after you’ve looked, but here you get that reset later.

What you might actually see, and why it matters

Species sightings are never guaranteed, but the kinds of animals people hope for here include dolphins, whales (including pilot whales in some cases), and sometimes other surprises. You may also see signs of life that aren’t as obvious from shore, like flashes of movement near the surface. In past outings, snorkel stops have even turned up unexpected underwater life, like glimpses of what’s living just below the surface.

Why this matters for your expectations: a good marine tour doesn’t promise a headline animal on command. It gives you the best possible shot, using speed, local knowledge, and time on the water. This one is structured for that.

Clear-day perks: the chance to see Teide and La Gomera

One of the nicest bonuses is view-based. On a clear day, the route can offer sights like Mount Teide and the nearby island of La Gomera. That turns the cruise from a single-purpose search into a more scenic half-day too.

This is also a practical point for you. If you’re traveling during a period with better visibility (and you’re staying in the South), you’ll likely enjoy the trip more even if animal spotting is slower. Ocean days can be uneven, but good sightlines still make the time on the boat worthwhile.

The bay swim stop: where the “marine safari” becomes your beach break

The most hands-on part of the trip is the bay stop. You’ll cruise until the captain finds a suitable area, then you get time to stop for a drink and a snack. After that, you can jump in to swim, and you can snorkel if you want.

This is where the cruise feels different from the bigger sightseeing boats. When the ship can’t get you close enough to comfortably enjoy the water, snorkeling often becomes a quick, awkward moment. Here, you’re given the chance to actually use your time in the bay, and snorkel gear is provided.

Snorkeling gear: helpful, but plan your expectations

Snorkeling gear is included, which is a real value add if you don’t want to rent or bring your own. That said, snorkeling conditions can vary based on the sea and the specific bay stop. You’re not on a guaranteed reef expedition, you’re in open-coast Atlantic water.

So I’d treat this as fun, casual snorkeling rather than a “must see every kind of fish” promise. The win is that you’re already on the water and already in the right mood, and you can take quick looks when conditions feel good.

Captain Nico, the guide, and how the narration elevates the trip

One reason this cruise earns such strong ratings is the way the crew talks. Captain Nico comes up again and again as a knowledgeable, engaging presence, with Tine also noted for helping make the day feel personal and well explained. They cover what’s going on in the Atlantic around Tenerife and what the animals you’re seeing are doing in their natural world.

That narration matters because it turns random sightings into something you can recognize. Instead of just seeing a shape on the surface, you’re more likely to understand what you’re looking at and why it’s there.

Also, there’s a clear emphasis on doing this with respect for wildlife. People like the fact that the animals appear to be in charge of the interaction, not the other way around. For you, the practical takeaway is simple: listen when the captain tells you to wait or hold position. Those moments often lead to better viewing.

Food, drinks, and the “reset” moment after you’re wet

After you swim or snorkel, the cruise gives you the recovery part you actually need on a half-day on the coast. You’ll get cool drinks and a sandwich snack. It’s not positioned as a full meal, but it’s enough to bring your energy back up.

One balanced way to think about this: the food is included, so it is part of the value. At the same time, some people prefer shorter food service in favor of more sea time. If you’re someone who would rather skip snacks entirely, you might wish the meal component was lighter. Still, in warm weather, having something to hold you over after swimming can be the difference between feeling refreshed and feeling drained.

Cruising back along the South Coast: ports, beaches, and natural swimming pools

Once the bay stop is done, you head back along the south coast of Tenerife. This leg is mostly about views and atmosphere. You may pass by small ports, beaches, and natural swimming pool areas.

What’s great here is that the scenery feels different from shore because you’re watching it in motion. Even if you weren’t lucky with the biggest whale sighting at the start, you still get a scenic return, which keeps the whole trip from feeling like a single waiting game.

It also helps that the boat is active, not stationary. You’re not stuck listening to the same soundscape for hours. The coastline changes, the angle changes, and you keep getting new bits to look at.

Price and value: is $77 for 3 hours a fair deal?

At $77 per person for roughly 3 hours, this sits in the mid-range for Tenerife marine experiences. The value case comes down to what’s included and what kind of experience you’re getting.

You’re paying for:

• A speedboat format (which generally means more searching power than slow boats)
• A live guide and captain commentary
• A real swim stop in a bay
• Snorkel gear provided
• A sandwich plus a drink after time in the water

If you compare that to tours that only offer watching from the deck, the included swim and snorkel are a big part of why the price feels reasonable. You get more than one activity in one booking: wildlife spotting plus water time.

If you’re traveling as a pair, it can also be a good use of time. Tenerife has plenty of options, but a 3-hour sea trip gives you a different kind of memory than an all-land day. The only reason it might feel overpriced for you is if you strongly dislike boats, or if you know you won’t use the swim stop at all. If you’ll enjoy even a short swim and want the wildlife odds, it’s a solid deal.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a strong match for active people who like:

• Wildlife watching, especially with a guided explanation
• Time on the water, not just standing still
• Being okay with some wind and salt spray
• Snorkeling or casual swimming in a bay
• A guided experience with a captain who talks

It can be less ideal if you:

• Get easily seasick and feel uncomfortable on moving boats
• Want a totally relaxed, no-splash day
• Expect a guarantee of specific whale species

A small but practical note: the tour does not allow baby strollers and it also excludes non-folding wheelchairs and non-folding strollers. If you’re traveling with mobility needs, it’s best to check what your options are before you go, since the allowed items are not broad.

Before you go: what to pack for a 3-hour speedboat day

This kind of outing is simple to prepare for, but you’ll enjoy it more if you show up ready for water.

Bring:

• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

That’s it for the essentials you’re told to plan for. Since you’re swimming and snorkeling in a bay, having sunscreen and beachwear you can actually wear under saltwater conditions makes the whole day smoother.

Also remember the obvious, but people forget it: you’ll be in open ocean conditions. Even when the sun is out, you can feel cooler once you’re out on the water for a while. If you’re the type who runs cold, plan clothing accordingly.

Should you book this speedboat dolphin and whale cruise from Puerto Colón?

I’d book this cruise if you want a compact half-day that mixes marine spotting with a real swim stop, and you’re comfortable with the speedboat style of cruising. The biggest selling points for me are the combination of time on the water with snorkel gear included, plus the captain-led narration from people like Captain Nico that makes sightings feel meaningful, not random.

Skip it or choose a different option if you dislike boats, you hate being on a schedule with limited time outdoors, or you don’t want to get wet. Since it’s weather dependent, also keep your expectations flexible.

If you’re staying in South Tenerife and you want one memorable ocean experience that doesn’t require a full day, this is one of the more practical ways to spend your time.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón dolphin and whale watching speedboat cruise?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes a speedboat tour, a guide, a sandwich, 1 drink, a swim stop, and snorkel gear.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Puerto Colón Gate 3, and you should arrive 15 minutes before departure.

What should I bring for the swim stop and snorkeling?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes, the tour is subject to weather conditions.