Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

Tenerife on a small sailboat feels personal. This whale and dolphin watching trip pairs a calm luxury sailing experience with the real draw, the chance to spot marine life off Tenerife, plus a swim and snorkel stop.

I especially liked two things: first, the captain’s hands-on style and wildlife respect, with Captain Guy often spotlighted for knowing where to look and keeping the boat behavior gentle. Second, the onboard vibe, you get a glass of champagne plus unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, along with light refreshments and a freshly made sandwich.

One thing to keep in mind, snorkeling results can vary. Even with equipment provided, what you see depends on where the swim stop ends up and sea conditions.

Key things I’d clock before you go

• Max 11 travelers keeps it more personal and less like a cattle call.
• Pilot whales are the star, with dolphins sometimes showing up too, if conditions and animal movements cooperate.
• Champagne and unlimited drinks are a real part of the experience, not just a marketing line.
• Snorkel gear is included, but where you stop affects visibility and what you can actually spot.
• Swimming time is built in, so bring what you need to get in comfortably.
• A strong captain focus shows up in the reviews, with names like Guy (and also Dani or Alex in some groups) getting praise for attention and animal respect.

Meeting at Puerto Colón, and what the start time really means

Your trip is anchored to Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, specifically pantalan 2 and gate number 2. Plan to arrive early, because they ask you to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure. This matters more than it sounds, because boarding a small boat goes faster than on big group tours.

If you’re staying within 10 km of the pickup area, pickup can be arranged, but you need to contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance. If you do not need pickup, you simply go straight to gate number 2. Either way, it’s worth double-checking where your driver should drop you, since ports can be confusing when you’re holding a phone with low battery.

You’ll also be moving from land to water with a small group, so it helps to arrive with your towel and swimwear already ready to go. The better prepared you are at the start, the less you’ll feel rushed during the actual cruise.

The 3-hour sailing flow around Tenerife (and why it can feel different each time)

This is roughly a 3 hour experience, and the day runs at the pace of searching for wildlife. It’s not a rigid checklist where you hit every stop no matter what. The good news is that this flexible approach usually benefits animal spotting, because the captain can follow whale and dolphin activity as it happens.

Most trips focus on finding whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, then building in time for a swim. Some days you might feel the sailing vibe more than others. In reviews, people noted that they didn’t always sail under wind power and that the boat sometimes motored, but the overall point stayed the same: get you to the right areas and give you time to watch.

Also, don’t treat this as a long “tour of Tenerife.” You’re not getting an all-day coastline lecture. You’re getting a focused marine experience with views, sure, but the schedule revolves around what’s in the water, not what’s on land.

Finding pilot whales and dolphins, without the rude close-up behavior

If marine life is your goal, this trip’s strongest selling point is the chance to see pilot whales. Multiple reviews call out pods swimming close to the boat, and at least one group even described pilot whales with babies. That’s the kind of encounter you remember for years.

What I’d look for, though, is the style of viewing. Several reviews praise captains for handling the situation with real respect for wildlife, including turning off the engine so everyone can watch in a quieter, calmer way. That small detail matters, because it changes how the animals behave and how enjoyable the viewing feels for you.

Dolphins are also part of the promise, and there are sightings in the reviews. But you should expect them as a bonus, not a guaranteed headline. Whale watching works because animals decide where they go, not because you follow a schedule on a worksheet.

One more detail I’d file away: sea turtles show up sometimes. I’ve seen mentions of turtles floating by, and that adds a nice extra layer to the trip if it lines up with your route and the day’s sightings.

Snacks, champagne, and the “floating picnic” factor

Let’s talk food and drink, because this tour is actually built around it. You get a glass of champagne, plus light refreshments. The included snacks are described as including a freshly made sandwich for lunch, and the drink package is generous: unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

In the reviews, people mention chilled Prosecco, cava, strawberries, and lots of drink variety beyond just one token glass. Others specifically call out water and fizz alongside non-alcohol options like Fanta or Coke. That’s usually what you want on a boat, something easy to sip while you scan the water for blows and fins.

Now the balanced part. A few reviewers felt the snacks were lighter than expected for the price, mentioning only one sandwich or smaller portions like a single baguette. Translation for you: think of this as a drink-forward, snack-supported experience, not a full lunch buffet.

If you have dietary needs, vegetarian is available if you advise at booking. Some reviews mention gluten-free requests not being fully met, but you should not assume every dietary style is handled the same way. If that matters to you, send the operator a clear note before you go and confirm what they can do.

Swimming and snorkeling time: what’s included and what can affect the view

This is one of those tours where the equipment is included, but your results depend on ocean conditions. You get snorkeling equipment, and there’s a swim stop. Reviews describe quick swims and also one or two moments where people wished there was more time or a better chance to snorkel.

Bring what you need because you will not want to scramble on the pier. They specifically ask you to bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. If you get cold easily, plan for that too. A few people noted the water felt chilly or the sea was windy and choppy, which can make getting in less fun even when the swim is short.

If you’re hoping for clear, reef-like snorkeling, go in with flexible expectations. Even with gear, where the boat stops determines whether you see something interesting underwater. Some groups reported that snorkeling wasn’t worth it, and others seemed to enjoy it.

One more practical note. A review mentioned a lack of obvious safety information, like no life jackets offered or no clear guidance. Life jackets are not listed as included in the provided tour details. So when you board, take a minute to locate whatever safety equipment is present on the boat, and ask the crew what to do if conditions change.

The captain makes the experience, and the group size is your advantage

This tour has a maximum of 11 travelers, and that’s a big deal. You feel it immediately: fewer people to coordinate, faster attention from the crew, and less of that “everyone shout over each other” energy you get on larger boats.

The captain leadership style also shows up constantly in the reviews. Captain Guy gets repeated praise for being warm, natural, and focused, including checking in on passengers who might feel sea sick. Other captains are also mentioned, like Dani and Alex, and the theme stays the same: keep it comfortable, keep it informative, and keep it respectful of the animals.

You should still do your part. If you’re sensitive to motion, consider how you manage nausea on boats. The tour doesn’t provide special medicine in the details, so plan ahead if that’s you.

The “small boat” advantage also affects comfort. People mention plenty of room on board even with a handful of passengers, plus a calmer atmosphere that helps you enjoy whale watching instead of just surviving it.

Price and value for $78.44, what you’re truly paying for

At $78.44 per person, this sits in the mid-to-premium range for Tenerife. The value comes from several things stacked together: the small group size, the sailing boat setting, the chance at wildlife viewing, and the inclusive drink and snack package.

A lot of boat trips will give you one or the other, either drinks or wildlife time. Here you’re paying for the combo: champagne and unlimited drinks plus real time searching and watching. When you get the whales you came for, it feels worth it fast.

That said, a few reviews complain the experience felt overpriced compared with what was included, especially for food volume or for what they could do with snorkeling. One group also felt the trip covered too much coastline travel and not enough whale time for a 3-hour window.

So here’s the practical way to think about the price: you’re buying a controlled, comfortable wildlife-watching outing. You’re not buying guaranteed dolphins every minute, and you’re not buying a long snorkeling session every day. If that mismatch bothers you, you may prefer a tour that promises longer water time and clearer snorkeling, even if it costs more or feels less comfortable.

Who should book this whale and dolphin sailing cruise

I think this tour fits best if you want a relaxed, personal experience rather than a high-production show. The small group size and the captain focus make it great for couples, families with older kids, and anyone who loves marine life but doesn’t want a rigid itinerary.

It also works well if you want a “few hours away from the beach” day. You’ll still get Tenerife views from the water, but the center of gravity stays in the wildlife spotting.

If you’re traveling with children, note that children must be accompanied by an adult. A few reviews include kids who enjoyed seeing whales, and the calmer boat vibe helps them feel less overwhelmed.

If you are prone to sea sickness, consider carefully. Even when the sea is not extreme, motion can still hit some people hard. A captain checking in is helpful, but it doesn’t eliminate the basic reality of being on open water.

Should you book it?

Yes, I’d book it if your top priorities are whales and dolphins, a small-group boat experience, and included drinks and snacks that actually make the day feel special. The repeated praise for animal respect and the small maximum group size are strong signals that this isn’t a rushed, cookie-cutter outing.

I’d think twice if snorkeling is your main objective or if you need a guaranteed long underwater window. The snorkeling is included, but the payoff depends heavily on conditions and where the boat chooses to stop. Also, if you’re extremely sensitive to motion, you may want to plan for that upfront.

If you do book, arrive early at gate number 2, bring your towel, swimwear, and sunscreen, and go in expecting a wildlife-first day with a fun onboard bonus rather than a strict, laboratory-style snorkeling session.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin sailing boat tour?

The duration is approximately 3 hours.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, gate number 2, in 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

Is pickup available from hotels or nearby locations?

Pickup is offered within a 10 km radius, but you must contact the operator at least 24 hours in advance. If you do not require pickup, go directly to Puerto Colón gate number 2.

What drinks and food are included on board?

You get a glass of champagne, light refreshments/snacks including a freshly made sandwich, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, a vegetarian option is available. You should advise at the time of booking.

What happens if weather is poor, or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.