Tenerife: 3 &-6 Hour Private Whale & Dolphin Watching

Whales in reach, with time to swim. This private sailing trip along Tenerife’s south coast blends whale and dolphin spotting with a sonar system, then lets you cool off in crystal-clear water. I especially like the small group size (up to 9), so spotting animals feels personal instead of rushed, and the captain keeps things fun and friendly. The one possible drawback: if you want lots of deep, step-by-step explanations about every sighting location, you may need to ask for more detail during the trip.

You’ll spend about a half day on a luxury sailing yacht, starting from Puerto Colón Marina, dock number 2, with complimentary food and drink onboard. You’re also not expected to be battle-ready for rough seas, because the experience isn’t suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you’re coming for both marine-life excitement and relaxed comfort, this is a strong match.

Key things to know before you go

• Up to 9 people means less crowd pressure and more time to watch calmly
• Sonar for listening helps you track whales and dolphins even before you see them
• Snorkel gear included so you can hop in without extra planning
• Captain-led, multilingual trip with a fun, talk-at-your-speed style
• Complimentary snacks and drinks keep the outing comfortable from start to finish

Why South Tenerife is such a smart choice for whales and dolphins

Tenerife’s south coast is built for easy days at sea. The waters there are often calm and warm, and that matters because it makes a big difference to how enjoyable the time on deck feels, especially if you’re pairing wildlife watching with swimming.

This charter is also designed around the idea that you’re not just sitting and waiting. You’re sailing (or motoring when needed), cruising along the coastline, and actively looking for marine life in their natural habitat. That mix helps you get the best of both worlds, wildlife time plus scenic time.

And yes, this is one of those excursions where you’re not limited to visual luck. The sonar system means you’re getting an additional way to detect whales and dolphins, which makes the experience feel more “guided by nature” and less purely random.

Getting aboard at Puerto Colón Marina, dock 2

Your day starts at Puerto Colón Marina. Once you’re there, head to dock number 2 to meet the crew and climb aboard the yacht.

Before you go, pack the basics you’ll actually use: sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. Bring a camera if you like, but keep it realistic. From a moving boat, your best results come from staying relaxed, not from sprinting around for the perfect shot.

If you have any sensitivity to motion, plan accordingly. This experience is not set up for people prone to seasickness, so be honest with yourself about how you usually feel on boats.

On the water: sailing, cruising, and sonar for whales and dolphins

The core of the experience is time at sea with the chance to see and hear marine life. The format includes a private sailing charter of about 3 hours, while the overall outing runs about 6 hours, so you’re getting both active spotting time and a more relaxed cruise pace.

Here’s what I find genuinely valuable about using sonar. It turns whale and dolphin watching into something you can understand in the moment. When the sonar is working, you’re not just hoping for a spout in the distance. You can be listening and tracking, then watching for the animals to come into view.

You’ll cruise around the waters off Tenerife South, with the crew keeping an eye out for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Depending on conditions and where the animals are, you may also spend meaningful time enjoying the coastline rather than only chasing sightings. One helpful sign for your expectations: in at least one full 6-hour outing, the group had a coast-focused half as part of the day, and it still worked well as a “real day out,” not just a quick wildlife sprint.

Swim and snorkel time in clear Tenerife water

This is not a stand-on-deck only excursion. You’ll have the chance to jump overboard and swim or snorkel at your leisure.

The snorkel equipment is included, so you don’t need to rent or bring your own gear. For you, that means fewer decisions and less hassle, especially if you’re already traveling with luggage and want a smooth day.

A quick practical note: even when the water looks clear, you’ll feel better if you’re calm and comfortable. Keep your expectations flexible. You’re getting time in the water as part of the experience, and marine sightings are the bonus.

Also, remember what’s not allowed: no fishing and no feeding animals. That protects wildlife and keeps the outing focused on observation, not interaction.

Food, drinks, and the vibe of a private coast cruise

One reason people love private yacht charters is simple: you’re not squeezed into a long line of strangers, you’re hanging out with a small group and a captain who can adapt to the mood.

The food and drinks are complimentary onboard. In real terms, that matters because it turns the trip into a full, comfortable outing. You can snack and sip while you watch the coastline roll by, then cool off when the sea time calls for it.

Captain-style matters, too. The trip is described as being led by an affable captain who brings information and humor to the day. In the feedback, Captain Maxi is specifically called out as friendly and fun, and that kind of personality changes the whole feel of whale watching. You’re not just watching animals, you’re having a good day at sea.

And if you prefer a lighter pace, this charter can fit that. The day naturally includes cruising time, so you’re not locked into a nonstop search mode.

What you might see: pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and more

The experience is built around spotting whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. It’s also designed for listening, which means you may get hints of activity before you see anything clearly.

Some sightings can be close, and that’s where this private setup feels especially rewarding. One outing included pilot whales seen very close, with dolphins observed from around 50 meters away. Even when animals are farther off, you still benefit because you’re positioned thoughtfully from the start, rather than just scattered across a crowded boat.

Sea turtles are also part of the promise. The key word here is chance, not guarantee. You’re sailing in a living ocean, and where animals appear can shift with the day.

The best strategy for you is to treat the trip like wildlife time plus ocean time. If you only want one kind of outcome, you’ll feel annoyed when the day moves slower. If you’re open to both, the experience has more ways to land well.

Seasickness and comfort: plan your body, not just the itinerary

This excursion isn’t suitable for people prone to seasickness, and that’s an important filter. If you know you struggle on boats, don’t “test it” on this day. Choose a different ocean plan that matches your comfort level.

If you’re generally fine at sea, comfort planning still helps. Bring a towel so you can dry off after swimming. Sunscreen matters even when it’s not brutally hot, and sunglasses make deck time easier.

Also, remember the simple rule of private sailing. You’ll likely spend more time outside than you expect. That can be great, but it’s worth preparing like you would for a long beach day.

Price and value for up to 9 people on a private yacht

At $1,101 per group (up to 9 people), this isn’t the cheapest whale watching option. But it also isn’t trying to be. The value comes from what you get that large group tours often can’t deliver: privacy, a small cap, and a luxury sailing yacht experience with snorkeling gear and onboard food and drink included.

Here’s the math you can use. If your group fills all 9 spots, the cost works out to roughly $122 per person. If you go with fewer people, the per-person price rises, but you still have a private setting, which many groups find worth paying for.

What makes the price feel more reasonable is the “all-in” nature of key items: food and drinks are included, and snorkel equipment is provided. So you’re not paying extra at the dock for the essentials.

One more value point: because you’re not crowded, you’re not spending energy trying to see around people. Better sightlines and calmer viewing time can be the difference between a good day and a great one.

Who should book this private whale and dolphin sailing charter

This trip fits best if you want a calm, personal wildlife outing with real time in the water. It’s a strong choice for:

• Small groups of friends who want the small-boat feel
• Couples who prefer privacy over big-boat crowds
• Travelers who want both wildlife watching and snorkeling without extra gear rentals

It might not fit if you’re:

• Prone to seasickness
• Expecting a rigid, classroom-style explanation of every sighting location
• Looking for activities that involve fishing or animal feeding (those are not allowed)

If you care a lot about explanations, talk early with the captain and ask questions. Even the best crew can’t know how much detail you personally want, and on a private charter, you usually have more chance to shape the conversation.

Should you book this Tenerife whale and dolphin private sailing trip?

I’d book it if you want a small-group private yacht day with sonar-based marine-life searching, included snorkeling gear, and a comfortable onboard food-and-drink setup. The overall satisfaction score is high, sitting at 4.9 from 45 ratings, and the recurring themes point to close wildlife encounters and a genuinely fun captain vibe, including Captain Maxi being mentioned by name.

Skip it if motion makes you miserable, because this one is not built for seasick-prone travelers. And if you need very detailed, location-by-location whale lectures, plan to ask for that directly so you get the level of explanation you’re hoping for.

If you’re the type who enjoys a mix of animal watching and easy ocean time, you’ll likely come away feeling like you got your money’s worth.

FAQ

How many people are on the private charter?

The group is limited to a maximum of 9 people, so it stays uncrowded.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as 6 hours, and it includes a private sailing charter of about 3 hours.

What marine animals might you see?

You’re specifically set up to see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles off the south coast of Tenerife.

Is food, drinks, or snorkel equipment included?

Yes. All drinks and food are included, and snorkel equipment is provided.

Where do we meet for the trip?

You meet at Puerto Colón Marina, dock number 2.

What languages are available?

The trip lists English, German, and Spanish. The captain can also speak English, Spanish, Russian, and Polish.

Is it suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.