Whale and Dolphin Watching Yacht Trip in Puerto Colon

Pilot whales are the main attraction on this three-hour cruise from Puerto Colón, but dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and Tenerife’s coast may also appear along the way. The small yacht carries no more than 12 people, giving you a much quieter outing than the large catamarans that leave the same harbor.

I like two things right away: the small-group setting and the simple, useful comforts. You get beer, wine, soft drinks, water, baguettes, blankets when the sea turns cool, and snorkeling equipment. The captain also gives live commentary and works hard to position the boat well when whales surface.

The main caution is that the sea controls the schedule. Wind can make the ride choppy, sightings are never guaranteed, and one poor-weather trip may feel long if wildlife stays out of sight. Vegetarian food must be requested in advance and confirmed carefully.

Key points to know before booking

• Small yacht, maximum 12 people: You get more room and a quieter atmosphere than on a large whale-watching boat.
• Pilot whales are the most likely sighting: Dolphins, turtles, and other whales are possible, but wildlife is never promised.
• Swimming and snorkeling depend on weather: The usual three-hour trip can include a stop in a sheltered bay.
• Patrick is one captain praised by name: He is noted for whale spotting, sea stories, and an easygoing approach.
• Food is basic but included: Expect ham and cheese baguettes, with vegetarian options available on request.
• The 19:00 sunset trip is different: Until the end of August, this two-hour departure includes either wildlife watching or a swim stop, not both.

Leaving Puerto Colón for open water

The meeting point is Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas. The cruise returns to the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point after the boat ride.

You can choose from daily departure times, which helps if you want to fit this outing around a beach morning, a meal, or another Tenerife excursion. The trip lasts about three hours for standard departures, though the late sunset option runs for only two hours.

The boat is described as an elegant yacht, and several departures use a sailboat-style vessel. That creates a more personal feel, but do not expect a broad deck with endless room to walk around. One passenger found the boat cramped, especially when trying to move about. The small size is a major advantage for atmosphere, yet it also means space is limited.

The crew speaks English and Spanish on every tour. If you need another language, contact the operator before booking on a particular date. That is worth doing before you pay, since language availability is not automatic.

What you are likely to see near Tenerife

The waters off southern Tenerife are well known for pilot whales. These animals are the regular stars of the trip, and several outings have produced repeated sightings, including families swimming near the boat. You may see them traveling beside the yacht, surfacing in groups, or moving through the water while the captain waits nearby.

Dolphins are also part of the promise of the trip, though no wildlife cruise can guarantee a particular species or number of animals. Turtles have appeared on some outings, including a sea turtle spotted alongside several whales. Seabirds are another part of the setting, especially when you pause and look above the water rather than only scanning the horizon.

The captain’s role matters here. A good skipper slows down, points out movement before it disappears, and gives you time to watch instead of racing from one sighting to the next. Patrick is specifically praised for handling the boat well and for stopping so people could enjoy a family of whales around them. Other departures may have different crew members, so the style can vary.

You should bring realistic expectations. Some trips produce several whales and a turtle. Others may find only a few pilot whales. One particularly unhappy passenger described almost three hours with little wildlife and very little commentary. That is not the usual picture presented by the stronger experiences, but it is a fair reminder that this is a search on open water, not an aquarium visit.

The whale-watching portion of the cruise

After leaving the harbor, the yacht heads toward the areas where whales and dolphins are most likely to be found. The captain provides live commentary, points out landmarks, and explains the plan once you reach open water.

The exact route changes with sea conditions and animal movement. You may spend part of the time sailing quietly while the crew scans the surface. That can feel peaceful when the water is calm, but it can also test your patience if the animals remain below the surface.

When whales appear, the small boat makes the encounter feel close and personal without the crowd noise of a large vessel. You can watch from the deck, listen for the captain’s directions, and follow the animals as they travel. Several outings have included multiple pilot whales, and one group watched a family moving near the boat for several silent minutes.

Do not measure success only by the number of animals. A whale sighting can last seconds, or it can continue as the group swims nearby. Your chances of enjoying the moment improve if you stay alert, keep your camera ready, and follow the captain’s instructions rather than staring at one fixed point.

The optional photography service is not included. You can take your own pictures, but the listing does not promise a professional photo package as part of the price.

Swimming and snorkeling in a sheltered bay

On the standard three-hour outing, the boat may stop for swimming and snorkeling if the weather allows. The stop is one of the most praised parts of the trip because it breaks up the wildlife search and lets you enjoy the sea in a more active way.

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life vests. You can use the stop to swim, float, or simply stay aboard with a drink if the water is not for you. The exact location can vary, but the experience is described as a beautiful cove or bay near La Caleta.

The word weather permitting is important. Wind and waves may make a swim stop unsafe or uncomfortable, and the captain has the final say. The same conditions can affect the comfort of the yacht itself. One outing was described as windy and choppy, though blankets were provided.

The sunset departure needs special attention. At 19:00, available until the end of August, the trip lasts two hours and goes either to look for whales and dolphins or to a swim stop. It does not include both. The price remains the same because this is a late-hour trip, so choose it for the timing and mood rather than for the full itinerary.

Drinks, baguettes, and the practical comforts

The included refreshments are straightforward: beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Ham and cheese baguettes are provided during the cruise. This is not a full meal, but it is enough to take the edge off hunger during a three-hour trip.

The food has been described as fresh and pleasant, which is exactly what you need at sea. A simple sandwich is easier to eat on a moving boat than a complicated meal. Still, if you need a larger lunch, bring that expectation down to earth and eat before or after the cruise.

Vegetarian options are available on request. You should make this request when booking and confirm it before departure. One passenger had received confirmation but was still given a ham and cheese sandwich, with the suggestion to remove the ham. That is not an acceptable substitute for a prepared vegetarian option, so send the request clearly and check again if food is important to you.

Blankets may be available when the wind picks up. Tenerife can feel warm on shore while the open sea feels much cooler, especially during a late departure. A light layer is sensible even on a sunny day.

How the small group changes the experience

The maximum of 12 people is the strongest reason to choose this trip over a large catamaran. You are less likely to be standing behind a wall of people when a whale surfaces, and the captain can speak to the group without needing a loud public-address system.

The small group also makes the cruise feel more social. Families, couples, and small groups can share the deck without the noise and movement of a large crowd. One group of six people found the yacht much more enjoyable than a catamaran carrying around 180 passengers.

There is a tradeoff. On a small boat, everyone is close together, and there may be limited room to move around. If you need a great deal of personal space or dislike a rolling sea, a larger vessel may feel more comfortable. A bigger boat can also offer more stable footing, though it will not provide the same quiet setting.

The captain may need to handle the boat, watch for animals, serve food, and answer questions. On the best departures, that creates a friendly, hands-on atmosphere. On a less successful outing, limited commentary can become noticeable. The quality of the captain and guide matters more on a small yacht because there is no large crew to fill the gaps.

Price and value at $62.56

At $62.56 per person, this trip sits above the cheapest large-boat excursions but offers more than a simple ride out of the harbor. Your price includes about three hours on the water, a maximum group of 12, drinks, food, snorkeling equipment, and possible swimming time.

I consider that fair value if you care about a quieter boat and personal attention. The drinks and baguettes are useful extras, but the real value is the small group. You are paying for space, a more relaxed pace, and a better chance of seeing the captain’s work up close.

The value drops if you mainly want a guaranteed wildlife show. No operator can promise whales or dolphins, and one poor trip could leave you feeling that the fare bought a long boat ride. Book this as a nature outing, not a guaranteed performance.

The tour is often booked about 11 days ahead. That suggests planning early if your Tenerife dates are fixed, especially if you want a particular departure time or are traveling with a group. If you are booking separate reservations for people who want to share one boat, tell the operator at the time of booking. Multiple boats may operate, and late requests may not be possible.

Who should choose this Puerto Colón cruise?

This outing suits you if you want a calm, personal day on the water and prefer a small yacht to a large excursion boat. It works well for couples, families, and small groups who enjoy wildlife but also want drinks, a snack, and a possible swim.

It is especially appealing if you like the idea of seeing animals in their natural setting rather than visiting a controlled attraction. The boat may find pilot whales traveling beside it, and those moments can be memorable even when the rest of the ride is quiet.

Families can take part, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. You should still consider how you handle wind and waves, since the sea may be choppy and the yacht has limited space.

Choose another activity if you need a firm timetable, a guaranteed swim, or a guaranteed number of whales. Also think twice about the sunset trip if you want both wildlife and swimming, since the 19:00 option includes only one of those activities.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

I would book this yacht trip if your priority is a small group and a relaxed captain-led outing rather than the biggest possible boat or a guaranteed wildlife count. Pilot whales are the most realistic target, and the chance of dolphins, turtles, snorkeling, and a swim stop adds variety.

Before paying, confirm the vegetarian food request, check the departure time, and remember that the sunset trip is only two hours. If the sea is rough or the guide is quiet, the experience may feel less polished than expected. But with a good captain such as Patrick, the combination of whales, coastal views, fresh snacks, and a dozen or fewer people can make this one of the more enjoyable ways to get out on the water near Playa de las Américas.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching yacht trip depart?

The trip departs from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the boat return?

The activity ends back at the Puerto Colón meeting point.

How long does the standard trip last?

The standard experience lasts about three hours.

How many people can join the yacht?

The tour has a maximum of 12 people.

What animals might I see?

The trip looks for whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are commonly associated with the outing, and turtles and seabirds may also be seen.

Is swimming included?

Swimming and snorkeling may be included on the standard trip when weather conditions allow.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and ham and cheese baguettes. Vegetarian options are available on request.

Is there a sunset departure?

Yes. A 19:00 sunset departure is available until the end of August. It lasts two hours and includes either whale and dolphin watching or a swim stop, not both.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund.