SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

Reviewed · WHALE WATCHING

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

5.0 · 51 reviews 3 hours (approx.) From $78.1 Operated by Sea Safari · Bookable on Viator
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Whales and dolphins come first here. This Sea Safari speedboat takes you out on a tight 3-hour loop from Puerto Colón, with chances to see marine life very close up, plus snorkeling gear and the chance to try a BladeFish. I like the practical setup, snorkeling equipment rental included, and I also like that you get drinks and sandwiches so you can travel light. One thing to consider, the trip depends on good weather, so you should be ready for rescheduling if the sea is rough.

Keep an eye on the water and you will be rewarded. I especially love how the route focuses on where whales and dolphins have been spotted, and the small group size (up to 11) means less waiting around and more actual time in search mode. The only real drawback is that if you hate the idea of getting wet and you are set on staying fully dry the whole time, the highlight of this tour is not for you.

Key things to know before you go

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Key things to know before you go

  • A close-to-the-action safari: you spend time watching for whales and dolphins from a speedboat that can cover a lot of ground fast
  • Snorkel-ready, without bringing gear: snorkeling equipment rental is included, so you can pack lighter
  • BladeFish tryout included: you get the chance to test an underwater personal propulsion jet device (BladeFish)
  • Small group feel: maximum of 11 travelers, so the experience stays personal
  • Fuel for the sea: drinks and sandwiches are provided, so you do not have to plan food for the boat ride

Speedboat Safari From Puerto Colón in About Three Hours

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Speedboat Safari From Puerto Colón in About Three Hours
This is a short and focused marine trip, built around the idea that the best wildlife watching often comes from being mobile. You start at Puerto Colón and the tour is about 3 hours total, including whale and dolphin watching, plus time for swimming and snorkeling.

If you are the type who hates “half a day” tours that feel like travel time dressed up as sightseeing, this one is easier. You get enough time on the water to look for whales, dolphins, and other sea life, then you are back along the coast of south Tenerife. And because it is a speedboat, you are not stuck waiting in place while the captain searches.

The vibe also feels low-stress. Even though swimming and snorkeling are part of the program, you are not forced into it. That matters if you are traveling with kids, or with someone who is excited to watch but unsure about the water.

Wildlife Watching Routes That Aim for Real Close Encounters

The core promise is straightforward: you get taken to places where whales and dolphins have been spotted before. In practice, that means the captain is not just cruising at random. You are actively looking, and the route is designed to increase your odds.

From a value point of view, this matters. Whale and dolphin watching can turn frustrating when you are far out, watching tiny dark shapes. Here, the goal is very close viewing from the boat, which is what makes it feel exciting rather than distant and forgettable.

The marine-life list you might see can be broad. People have reported dolphins, pilot whales, sea turtles, crabs, and even hammerhead sharks and flying fish. You should treat that as “possible,” not guaranteed. But the pattern is clear: the captain is finding more than one kind of wildlife, which usually means good scouting skills and a route that actually works.

One detail I really like is the way the tour frames your time on the water. You are not just staring at the horizon and hoping. You are watching cliffs too, then shifting focus as the captain spots activity. That keeps the trip from feeling like one long wait.

How the Puerto Colón Start Sets the Tone

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - How the Puerto Colón Start Sets the Tone
The tour begins and ends back at the same meeting point area in Puerto Colón (Sea Safari Tenerife on Av. de Colón in Playa de las Américas). That makes it simple on logistics day, especially if you already have plans around the south coast.

Right after you start, the trip turns into a quick rhythm. You get the marine watching underway, then you start working through the active parts of the experience. It is not an overly staged day where you feel rushed, but it is also not a long hangout. You are on the move, and the timing is tight enough that you will feel like you did something worth the travel.

If you are in a group of different comfort levels, this starting setup helps. People who just want the wildlife can stay focused on spotting from the boat. People who want swimming time can listen for instructions and jump in when it is time.

Swimming and Snorkeling Time, With Gear Included

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Swimming and Snorkeling Time, With Gear Included
Snorkeling is not an optional extra tacked on at the end. It is built into the 3-hour flow, with the chance to swim and snorkel during a calm moment in the trip. And the nice part for your packing list is that snorkeling equipment rental is included.

That one inclusion changes the whole convenience level. Tenerife offers plenty of places to rent gear, but that often means extra time, extra cost, and a last-minute scramble. Here, you can show up and focus on the water time instead.

You might also want to think about what snorkeling adds to the day. Wildlife watching from a boat is great for the surface and quick sightings. Snorkeling lets you get a different view entirely, especially if the captain positions you near a good cala. It is a more hands-on way to feel like you are part of the marine environment rather than just driving through it.

Practical tip: bring a swimsuit that you are comfortable getting fully wet in. Even if you are not planning to snorkel, you may end up with spray. A lightweight towel helps, but if you forget, at least you will not be stuck hunting for rental gear, because the snorkeling part is handled.

BladeFish Underwater Jet Tryout: The Fun Extra That Makes It Memorable

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - BladeFish Underwater Jet Tryout: The Fun Extra That Makes It Memorable
One of the standout features is the chance to try an underwater personal propulsion jet device called a BladeFish. If you like hands-on activities, this is the moment that turns a standard boat safari into a more personal experience.

Why it is worth your attention: it gives you control over your movement underwater. Instead of just floating and reacting to currents, you can propel yourself in a focused way and explore what is around you. That makes the snorkeling time feel less like waiting your turn and more like you are actively doing something.

A helpful way to think about it: if you are snorkeling anyway, the BladeFish is what can make the water time feel like the highlight of the whole day. If you are not sure about snorkeling, watching others try the device can still be interesting, but the real value is if you are willing to get in the water.

I would go in with a simple mindset, follow the instructions, take it slow at first, and enjoy the novelty. Even people who are not extreme sports fans often like this part because it is a controlled way to feel the ocean up close.

Food and Drinks on the Boat, So You Can Focus on the Sea

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Food and Drinks on the Boat, So You Can Focus on the Sea
This is the kind of tour that respects your time. Drinks and sandwiches are provided, so you do not have to plan a separate meal before heading out.

That matters because on many boat days, the biggest stress is not the ocean, it is the logistics. What do I eat? Where do I store it? Will I be hungry at the worst time? Here, the inclusion removes most of that friction.

Also, the snacks are not just about taste. They help you stay comfortable during the whole 3 hours, especially if you are out in sun and wind. When you get in and out of the water, it is easier to stay energized when you are not running on an empty stomach.

Small Group Size and the Captain Factor

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Small Group Size and the Captain Factor
This tour caps at 11 travelers, which is a big deal for a boat activity. Fewer people usually means smoother instruction, less confusion, and more chances for the captain to manage everyone without the day feeling rushed.

The human element shows up in the feedback patterns. People consistently mention that the skipper knows where to find wildlife and that the guide explains things in a friendly way. Some names have come up, including Captain Eric, who people credit for spotting dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and other sea life, plus helping families have a great time.

There is another practical benefit to a skipper who clearly knows marine patterns. It reduces the chance your day becomes a long ride with nothing to see. Even if sightings are never 100 percent guaranteed, good scouting improves the odds that your limited time on the water turns into real memories.

One more quality point: some people specifically call out that the boat ride feels good for those who are prone to sea sickness. No tour can promise this for everyone, but it is a strong sign that the operator pays attention to passenger comfort.

What the Return Along South Tenerife Adds

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - What the Return Along South Tenerife Adds
You do not just go out and come back the same way. On the way back, the route tracks along the coast of south Tenerife, with time spent watching cliffs.

That is useful even for non-snorkelers. Wildlife is the headline, but cliff views give you something to look at during quieter minutes. It also helps the day feel like a mini coastal tour, not just a single activity.

Think of it like this: if wildlife spotting is hot and exciting, you will ride that wave. If it is slower in a moment, the coastline helps you stay engaged. That keeps the experience from dragging.

Price and Value at About $78 for a 3-Hour Marine Plan

At about $78.10 per person, you are paying for more than boat time. You are also getting snorkeling equipment rental, drinks and sandwiches, and the chance to try a BladeFish. On a typical day, those items would cost you separately, and the separate costs plus rental time can add up fast.

So the value is in the package:

  • you buy a short 3-hour marine outing designed around sightings
  • you do not need to rent gear on your own
  • you do not need to bring food for the boat portion
  • you get a unique add-on (BladeFish) that most boat trips do not include

The only cost to consider is your own personal comfort items. You might want sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear. But compared to many tours where gear and food are extra, this one is easier to manage.

If you are in Tenerife anyway and you want a high-likelihood activity that uses your day efficiently, this price is easier to justify than a longer tour where you spend more time traveling and less time doing.

Who Should Book This, and Who Might Skip It

This is a strong fit for:

  • Families and multi-age groups: people report it as fun for all ages, including a trip where a 71-year-old mother enjoyed it
  • First-timers who want wildlife and water time without complicated planning
  • Snorkelers who would rather rent gear than shop for rentals
  • Anyone who likes active add-ons, especially the BladeFish tryout

You might want to skip or look for something different if:

  • you want to stay completely dry the whole time
  • you are nervous about getting in the water and you do not want any flexibility
  • you are traveling on a day with unpredictable weather and cannot reschedule (since the trip needs good weather)

If your goal is a short, memorable “Tenerife at sea” experience, this tour checks that box.

Quick Decision Checklist

If you read this and think yes to most of these, book it:

  • You want whale and dolphin watching from a speedboat, not a distant viewpoint
  • You like the idea of snorkeling with gear included
  • You would enjoy a hands-on underwater experience with a BladeFish
  • You prefer a small group outing (up to 11)
  • You want snacks and drinks taken care of

If you read this and think maybe, the biggest factor is weather. The tour requires good conditions. The good news is that when the sea does not cooperate, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

Should You Book Sea Safari Dolphins, Whales, 3h Speedboat?

I think you should book this if you want a tightly timed marine experience that mixes wildlife watching with real water time, and you value convenience. The combo is the selling point: mobile ticket, gear rental, drinks and sandwiches, plus the BladeFish tryout. Add a small group size and a captain who clearly looks for wildlife, and you get a day that feels both efficient and genuinely fun.

If your travel style is “I want one big ocean moment, not a half-day of logistics,” this fits nicely. Just pack for sun and spray, keep your schedule flexible in case conditions change, and go in ready to look, listen, and hop in when it is your turn.

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