Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

Whales, turtles, and a sailboat that keeps it personal. Off Tenerife’s south coast, this small-group Roulette sail experience is built for real wildlife spotting in open Atlantic waters, with a pro crew that actually looks, explains, and adjusts as the sea changes. The boat holds just 10 passengers plus 2 crew, so you get time to watch closely and ask questions without feeling rushed.

I also like the cruise rhythm: sailing time for cetaceans, then a swim and snorkel in warm water, with drinks and onboard snacks to keep the mood relaxed. Captain Salvador and hosts like Rafa or Yani have a knack for making the trip feel friendly and attentive, not scripted. The one thing to consider is motion sickness, because the water can get choppy, and a few guests have mentioned getting quite sick on rougher moments.

Key things I’d bank on before you book

• A 12-meter sailboat with just 10 passengers means easier viewing and more personal service
• Cetacean-focused crew work helps you maximize your odds of seeing whales and dolphins
• Time at sea for turtles and seabirds alongside the main whale watching goal
• Snorkeling gear included for a swim stop in clear water
• Drinks and snacks built into the experience (cava, beer, soft drinks, plus desserts)

A small sailboat is the whole point: comfort plus closeness

This tour is all about sailing like you’re on a private boat, not riding a cattle car. With a 12-meter sailboat designed for 10 passengers and 2 crew, you’re not squeezed shoulder to shoulder, and the crew can reposition the boat so everyone gets a fair look.

You’ll also appreciate practical comfort details. There are deck mats to soften long stretches outdoors, and two bathrooms plus multiple cabin spaces give the boat a “liveable” feel. On hot Tenerife days, that matters, because you will want a place to cool down between wildlife scans and swim time.

And yes, the sail matters. Several guests specifically praised how the boat uses sails for long stretches when the wind is up, so the trip feels calmer and quieter than typical motor-heavy excursions. That smoother feel is part of why people remember this as a true sailing day, not just a tour.

Finding Roulette at Puerto Colón: dock logistics that matter

Your main logistics win here is that the meeting point is clear once you know it. Go to Puerto Colón, and meet at the door of dock number 5, about ten minutes before departure. It’s described as the first jetty past the port parking barrier, and the ship is named Roulette.

No hotel pickup is included, so you’ll want to plan how you’ll reach Puerto Colón on your own. If you’re staying in the south, it’s usually straightforward, but still, I’d avoid arriving fashionably late. The crew departs on schedule, and you don’t want to be sprinting for a boat that is already casting off.

Tip that’s worth the effort: arrive early enough to take a minute to confirm you’re at the right dock. Puerto Colón has multiple jetties, and the first time you’re there, it can feel confusing even if you’re close.

What you’ll see on the south coast: cetaceans first, then the extras

This trip focuses on cetaceans, and that focus changes how the day feels. The crew is specialized in spotting marine life, with extensive understanding of the animals and their environment. Translation: they don’t treat whale watching like a lottery ticket.

Wildlife possibilities include whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds. From guest experiences, pilot whales show up often, and sometimes dolphins come in close too, including situations where pods interact with the boat. The big takeaway for you is that the crew aims to keep the viewing respectful and non-chaotic, instead of chasing every rumor of a whale.

Also, when you’re sailing off Tenerife, you’re not only watching animals. The boat gives you a moving vantage point on the coastline, and some guests have mentioned great views back toward Tenerife and even looking toward La Gomera in the distance. That scenery helps if wildlife time feels slow in the moment.

The wildlife-watching style: close viewing without wrecking the vibe

What makes this tour stand out is the way the boat behaves around the animals. Guests repeatedly describe the crew as attentive and careful, with a strong sense of respect for the wildlife and the area they live in. That means you usually get time to watch, not a frantic, fast-pass series of stops.

You’ll also feel it in how the crew works as a team. Many guests singled out the skipper’s enthusiasm and teaching style, saying you’re kept informed while the boat is positioned for the best sightlines on both sides. That kind of attention matters, because on a sailboat, where everyone stands and sits affects who sees what.

If you’re hoping for the classic moment where whales surface near the bow or dolphins play in the wave line, your best bet is a calm, patient crew with good timing. The Roulette crew is exactly the kind you want for that.

Snorkeling stop: warm water, included gear, and a real reset

After the open-water wildlife time, you get a swim and snorkeling break in warm water. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, which saves you from the hassle of bringing your own mask and fins on a day that already involves timing and dock logistics.

This is also where the boat’s size helps again. In a smaller group, you spend less time waiting around while the boat handles gear. You also tend to move through the water stop with more calm. Think: gear on, quick safety check, then a chance to look at fish and sea life close to where you’re floating.

One more practical thing: bring simple swim basics. Even though the snorkeling gear is provided, you’ll still want your own sunscreen, and if you use contact lenses, plan for salty water. I’d also expect you’ll get more enjoyment from a flexible attitude here. Some days visibility will be better than others, and the point is to enjoy the water time, not just chase perfect conditions.

Food and drinks onboard: it’s more than snacks, but not a restaurant

The onboard setup is part of the value. For a tour priced around $70 per person for a 3-hour sailing day, you’re not paying only for the boat and wildlife scouting. You’re also getting drinks and snacks, including cava, beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks.

Guests describe food that’s simple but satisfying for a short outing. Expect snacks and desserts, and many mention things like sandwiches and cake-style sweets rather than a heavy meal. That style makes sense on a boat. You get enough energy for snorkeling and another wildlife pass without feeling stuffed.

What I like most is how the drinks and food are integrated into the day. It’s not a single awkward lunch window. Instead, the crew keeps things flowing while you’re watching the sea. If you want a casual, social atmosphere without a loud party vibe, this fits the bill.

Crew energy and languages: Spanish, English, Italian

The guide and crew are part of the experience. You’ll have a live tour guide speaking Spanish, English, and Italian, and guests have specifically praised how the crew mixes practical marine facts with stories about the island and what you’re seeing.

Captain Salvador is a name that shows up in guest feedback, and Rafa and Yani also appear as onboard hosts. The pattern is consistent: friendly explanations, quick answers to questions, and a caring approach if someone feels unwell. One guest even described the crew handling seasickness with calm care, which is exactly what you want from a professional team on the water.

That crew approach is not fluff. It’s what turns a basic “look over there” wildlife trip into something you can actually follow. When you understand what you’re seeing, you enjoy it more, and you notice more.

When the sea gets rough: one realistic heads-up

This is the only downside I’d plan around. Even in good weather, Atlantic conditions can bring chop, especially on open water. A few guests mentioned being sick, which is a reminder that small sailboats move differently than big motor yachts.

If you have a history of motion sickness, don’t gamble. Bring motion-sickness remedies you trust, and consider sitting where the boat feels most stable for you. I’d also avoid heavy alcohol early in the day if you’re sensitive, since it can make nausea worse.

The good news: the crew is attentive to passenger wellbeing. Multiple guests described the crew responding quickly and making people feel safe and cared for.

Price and value: why $70 can feel like a bargain here

Let’s talk value honestly. At roughly $70 per person for a 3-hour Tenerife sail, you’re paying for several layers at once:

• A small-group sailboat experience on the water
• A guide/crew dedicated to marine spotting
• Drinks including cava and beer
• Snacks plus desserts
• Snorkeling equipment for the swim stop

A lot of tours in popular destinations make you pay extra for basic things like water, then treat food as an afterthought. Here, the day is built around those extras, so the overall cost feels more balanced for what you get.

Also, the small size is part of the value. If you’ve ever been on a big whale-watching boat where you’re constantly craning around other people, you know how much that reduces the moment. The Roulette boat keeps the experience intimate enough that you notice animal behavior, not just the flash of a dorsal fin.

Who this tour suits best, and who should think twice

This is a strong match if you:

• Want whale watching on a smaller boat with a calmer feel
• Care about seeing multiple kinds of wildlife, including turtles and seabirds
• Like snorkeling but don’t want a full half-day excursion just for water time
• Enjoy guided interpretation in Spanish, English, or Italian
• Prefer a friendly crew vibe with real attention to passengers

You might rethink the tour if you:

• Get seasick easily and don’t have a plan for rougher conditions
• Expect a long, deep snorkeling session. This is a short cruise, so the water time is meaningful but limited by design
• Need hotel pickup. You’ll handle getting to Puerto Colón yourself

Should you book this Tenerife whale watching sailboat?

My take: yes, if you want a small, personal sailing day with wildlife at the center. The biggest win is the combination of intimate boat size, a cetacean-focused crew, and built-in value through drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear. If you’re lucky with marine conditions, you can get the kind of close pilot whale and dolphin moments people talk about for weeks.

Book with extra confidence if you’re the type who likes calm experiences over crowds, and if you appreciate good guidance that helps you understand what you’re seeing.

Just don’t ignore the sea-motion reality. If you’re sensitive to choppy water, plan carefully. Otherwise, this is one of the more well-rounded ways to do Tenerife marine life in only three hours, with enough comfort and food to make it feel like a real outing, not a rushed checklist.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife whale watching sailboat tour?

It’s a 3-hour experience.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the door of dock number 5 of Puerto Colón, about ten minutes before departure. The ship is Roulette, described as the first jetty past the port parking barrier.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many people are on the boat?

The group is limited to 10 participants, with 2 crew.

What wildlife might I see?

The tour focuses on spotting cetaceans, and you may also see turtles and seabirds in their natural environment.

Is snorkeling included, and are there equipment provided?

Yes. You’ll have time to swim and snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is included.

What drinks and food are included?

The tour includes drinks such as mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks, plus snacks and desserts.

What languages are available for the guide?

The live guide provides Spanish, English, and Italian.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.