Puerto Colon : Whale & Dolphins Sailing Excursion

Whales in the wild, from a calm sail. This Puerto Colón trip pairs pilot whale watching with hydrophone listening, then adds a real beach stop and snorkel time. You stay on a small boat, learn what you are seeing, and spend your time where the animals are, not in crowds.

I especially like the mix of hands-on marine info and actual swimming time. The small group size (up to 10) makes it easier to hear the crew, get questions answered, and still feel relaxed. One thing to consider: it is time on open water, so if you are prone to seasickness, plan ahead.

Key things to know before you go

• Pilot whales and hydrophone calls: you listen to whales and dolphins using the boat’s hydrophone equipment.
• Protected waters off Tenerife: the route runs through the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone.
• Diego Hernández Beach, also called Hippie Beach: you anchor at a secluded spot that is only reachable by boat or on foot.
• Snorkel and swim with clear water: you drop anchor, then have time in the sea while lunch is prepared.
• 6-hour option adds time near Los Gigantes: more swimming time and a better shot at dolphin sightings.
• Crew guidance with no animal touching: you learn from the captain while keeping a respectful distance.

Starting at Puerto Colón, then heading straight into the action

You begin at Puerto Colón in Tenerife and board the sailing boat, with the exact meeting point varying by option. Once you are underway, the trip quickly settles into a simple rhythm: look for marine life, listen with the hydrophone, then take a proper break to swim. It is built for people who want nature plus comfort, not a rushed checklist.

The boat itself is part of the vibe. Sailing gives you a calmer feel than bigger powerboats, and that matters when you are trying to spot small surface changes in the water. You are also in a better mental mood for asking questions of the captain, since you are not bouncing nonstop.

Pilot whales in the Teno-Rasca Conservation Zone, plus hydrophones

The big draw here is the chance to see pilot whales, including the largest population of pilot whales in Europe. The crew goes out around Tenerife’s coast and operates in the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone, where you have a better shot at meaningful wildlife encounters.

What makes this trip stand out is the hydrophone listening. You are not just watching; you also get to hear whale and dolphin calls through the equipment. Even if you do not read marine sounds like a scientist, the experience turns sightings into something you can connect to, in real time.

The crew’s focus on identification also helps. Look for patterns like surfacing, group behavior, and time spent near the boat. And remember the basic rule: you are there to observe, not to interact, since touching animals is not allowed.

What to watch for: dolphins, turtles, and fin whales

This is not only about one species. The plan is built around finding a mix, including dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales, depending on conditions. In practice, it helps to know what different animals tend to do from the surface.

Dolphins are often the most noticeable because they can move quickly and show up more actively around the boat. Turtles can be trickier because they spend time just below the surface and only show brief moments at air time. If you feel like you are waiting a lot, that is normal, and the hydrophone component usually gives you something to do while you scan the water.

From the captain’s guidance, you also learn what the crew is looking for and how they interpret animal behavior without disturbing it. One review highlighted how Captain Daniel made everyone feel safe and welcome, and he stayed focused on explaining whales, dolphins, and turtles throughout the trip. That kind of calm expertise is not fluff. It helps you understand what you are seeing when it matters.

The sail-and-sighting portion, what you get in real time

Expect a stretch of whale watching from the sailboat along Tenerife’s coastline. You head out from Puerto Colón, then spend time searching in the conservation area while keeping an eye on both the surface and the hydrophone feedback.

This portion is where your patience pays off. Marine life does not follow a schedule, so you want a mindset that accepts variability. The benefit of a small group is that the crew can manage spotting and adjust without the trip feeling crowded or chaotic.

If you are comparing this to tours that feel like you are chasing sightings, this one generally feels more “stay with the moment.” When you find animals, you get time to observe, and when you do not, you are still learning about the sea and listening for clues.

Diego Hernández Beach (Hippie Beach) and your swim or snorkel stop

After the watching segment, you sail to Diego Hernández Beach, also called Hippie Beach. The boat drops anchor at a secluded area that you can only access on foot or by boat, which means fewer people are around once you are in the water. For me, that access detail is a big part of the value, because it changes the feel from “tour stop” to “real break.”

From the anchored time, you can swim or snorkel depending on what you packed and what you feel like doing. The sea is described as clear blue, and that matters for snorkeling because visibility can make the difference between “fun try” and “I get it now.”

There is also a timing benefit: the crew prepares lunch and drinks while you are in the water. So you can focus on enjoying the sea first, then switch gears to eating. Just be ready to rinse off later with your towel and keep sunscreen under control, since the sun can be strong even when you think you are shaded on deck.

Canarian cuisine lunch on board, plus drinks and fruit

Once you are back on board, lunch is served with Canarian cuisine, plus drinks and fruit. This is not just a token sandwich situation. You are meant to settle into the afternoon, eat something local, and refuel for the ride back.

One review specifically called out pastries as a nice touch, and it also mentioned lots of food and a well-cared-for setup, including snack-style portions. I take that as a good sign that lunch is treated as part of the experience, not something you rush through.

If you care about food on trips, this is the kind of inclusion that makes the price feel more fair. You do not need to hunt down a late lunch near the port, and you avoid the classic “wildlife outing, but you paid for food twice” problem.

The 3 to 6 hour choice, and why the 6 hour option matters

The duration runs from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the option you choose. If you want a shorter outing, the 3 hour option can be a good fit when your schedule is tight. But if your goal is maximum chances, choose the full 6-hour plan.

The 6-hour option is specifically described as giving you time to enjoy Los Gigantes, plus more time to swim and better odds of seeing dolphins. That extra time matters because animal sightings can be spread out, and your likelihood often improves simply by staying on the water longer.

Who should choose what? If you want a classic “half-day nature fix” and you are not worried about waiting, go with the shorter trip. If dolphins and extra swimming are high on your list, the 6-hour schedule is the smarter pick.

Small group size, bilingual captain, and the safety vibe

This excursion is limited to 10 participants, and you also get a live guide with English and Spanish. In my experience, small group wildlife trips are calmer and more personal. You can hear the captain, ask questions, and get real guidance on what to look for rather than guessing from afar.

Captain Daniel (as mentioned in one review) is highlighted for going above and beyond, making people feel safe and welcome, and keeping the experience focused on real marine life knowledge. Another review noted thoughtful care for the environment and careful behavior around wildlife, which is exactly what you want on whale watching.

One practical upside of a small group is that the boat staff can manage who is where during the day, especially during the swim stop. You still want to follow crew instructions closely, especially around anchoring and sea entry.

What to bring, and what the operator asks you not to do

This is an easy packing list, but it is important because your comfort affects how much you enjoy the day.

Bring:

• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• anything you need to feel secure in the water

Not allowed:

• touching animals

Also, plan for sun and salt. You may be in bright light during spotting, then in and out of the sea during snorkeling or swimming. That combination can dry your skin quickly, so sunscreen and a towel are not optional.

If you get seasick, plan before the boat

If you think you might get seasick, the operator offers specific guidance. They recommend avoiding excessive liquids the night before and the morning of the trip, having a solid breakfast, and limiting liquids. They also advise avoiding mixing drinks like orange juice, coffee with milk, tea, water, or fruits with high water content.

They further suggest an optional approach: about half an hour before boarding, adults may take two Biodraminas with caffeine, while children may take one without caffeine. If you want to use this, follow local labeling and talk with a pharmacist or your doctor first, especially for kids.

Even if you do not usually get sick, it can help to bring your own calm plan: sit where you feel steadier on deck, keep your eyes on the horizon, and do not switch between screens and staring down at your feet.

Price of $88: is it good value for Tenerife?

At $88 per person for about 3 to 6 hours, the value comes from how much is included. You get the cruise, hydrophone listening, Canarian lunch, drinks, and fruit, plus a swim and snorkeling stop at a secluded beach.

If you price out the components separately, the lunch and drinks alone can reduce how much you spend elsewhere. And the hydrophone plus the guided wildlife focus add value beyond a basic “boat ride with a snack.”

Another point is the small group cap of 10. That is not a luxury detail. It affects how much attention the captain can give you and how pleasant the day feels when conditions change.

So, is it worth it? For me, it is worth it if you want marine life with time to actually swim, and you like the idea of learning in the moment rather than only getting photos.

Practical realities: weather, sightings, and your mindset

Because this is wildlife, conditions matter. You cannot control wind, ocean movement, or animal behavior. What you can control is your expectations and your willingness to adapt.

If you go in thinking you are guaranteed a specific species on command, you will feel disappointed. If you go in knowing you are likely to see something like pilot whales, dolphins, or turtles and that the crew will work the water, you will have a much better day.

The most important thing you can do is be flexible with the day’s rhythm. When the crew finds action, you will feel it. When it takes time, you will still have the hydrophone and the scenery to stay engaged.

Who this tour fits best

This is a strong match for:

• people who want whale and dolphin viewing plus a swim stop
• travelers who like small group tours with real captain guidance
• couples, friends, and families who want lunch included
• anyone who gets curious about marine animals and wants to learn, not just spot

If you are only interested in a quick photo from a pier, you might prefer a shorter or land-based option. But if your goal is a full sensory experience, with listening tech and a beach swim, this one checks the right boxes.

Should you book this Puerto Colón whale and dolphins sailing excursion?

Yes, if you want Tenerife marine life with actual time in the sea and a guided approach that keeps things calm. I would book this when your schedule allows at least the longer option, especially if you care about dolphins and having more swimming time near Los Gigantes.

If you know you get seasick easily, you should think carefully and follow the operator’s prevention tips. And if you dislike waiting for wildlife, choose a different kind of activity where timing is fixed.

Overall, this excursion earns its high rating because it mixes wildlife, learning, and comfort in a format that stays human-sized. You spend your money where the animals are, then you get a secluded beach moment and a proper Canarian meal to close the loop.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón whale and dolphins sailing excursion?

The duration is listed as 3 to 6 hours, depending on the option you book.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a cruise, hydrophone listening for whales, Canarian cuisine for lunch, drinks, and fruit.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Can I touch the whales or dolphins?

No. Touching animals is not allowed.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

What are the cancellation and booking options?

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