Whale and Dolphin Watching Yacht Trip in Puerto Colon

The main attraction here is the chance to watch pilot whales and dolphins from a small yacht limited to 12 people, rather than from a large boat packed with passengers. The trip usually combines open-water wildlife watching with a swim and snorkel stop, though sightings and swimming depend on the sea and weather.

I like the personal scale and the simple comforts: beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and baguettes are included, and captains such as Patrick have earned praise for sharing stories and pointing out wildlife. The drawback is that the boat may feel cramped when the sea gets choppy, and wildlife sightings can be brief or uncertain.

Key points at a glance

• Small group: The yacht carries no more than 12 people, making it easier to see the water and speak with the captain.
• Pilot whales are the main sighting: Dolphins, turtles, and other whales are possible, but no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.
• Swimming depends on conditions: The usual trip may stop in a beautiful bay for swimming and snorkeling, but rough weather can change the plan.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect ham and cheese baguettes, plus beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Vegetarian food must be requested.
• English and Spanish tours: These languages are spoken every day. Ask ahead if you need another language.
• Sunset option: The 19:00 departure runs for two hours until the end of August and includes either wildlife watching or a swim stop, not both.

Setting out from Puerto Colón for three hours at sea

The trip begins at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, on Tenerife’s southwest coast. You return to the same meeting point, which keeps the day simple if you are staying nearby or planning another activity afterward.

The standard outing lasts about three hours. Departure times vary, so you can fit it around lunch, sightseeing, or an evening meal. Daily departures also make this easier to arrange during a short stay, although the most popular times may fill before the day itself. The activity is booked, on average, 11 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the final morning of your holiday.

Once aboard, the captain takes the yacht away from the marina and toward the waters where pilot whales are commonly seen. The trip is not a fast ride designed to tick off a sighting and rush back. It is meant to give you time on the water, with the captain watching for movement and explaining what you are seeing.

The exact boat can vary because the operator uses several boats. If you are booking separately from friends or family, tell the company at the time of booking that you want to be together. This detail matters. Waiting until the day of departure may be too late.

Watching pilot whales in their natural setting

Pilot whales are the sight most strongly associated with this outing. Several trips have produced sightings of groups swimming near the yacht, sometimes with the captain stopping so everyone can watch them properly. That is the best part of the experience: the boat is small enough that the captain can focus on the people aboard instead of managing a huge crowd.

You may also see dolphins, sea turtles, and bird life above the water. One outing included a sea turtle and several whales, while another produced a playful family of whales that held everyone’s attention for several minutes. These encounters are wild and unpredictable, not a staged show. The boat may need to wait, change direction, or continue searching.

That uncertainty is worth keeping in mind. Some outings have produced many pilot whales, while another saw whales for only a few minutes before returning. If you need a guaranteed close encounter, no ocean trip can offer that. You are paying for time on the water and a serious attempt to find wildlife, not a fixed performance.

The captain’s role makes a large difference. Patrick is named in several especially warm accounts as a friendly host and capable skipper who shared stories, offered information, and handled the boat well. Other trips have been praised for an interactive guide who pointed out animals before anyone missed them. At least one outing was criticized for quiet commentary, so the experience can depend on the crew assigned that day.

A calmer alternative to a large catamaran

The strongest reason to choose this yacht is the group size. With a maximum of 12 people, you are not trying to see over rows of heads or waiting for a loudspeaker to carry every word. Six people on one departure found the smaller boat far more personal than a catamaran carrying around 180 passengers.

That does not mean the yacht is spacious. A few people found it cramped and difficult to move around, especially when the water was choppy. The captain may also be handling the boat, serving food, watching for wildlife, and answering questions, so the service is personal but not formal.

I would choose this trip if you value a quiet, friendly outing over a polished cruise with lots of space. It suits couples, families, and small groups who want more direct contact with the captain. Families with children and a baby have taken part successfully, and most people can participate, but anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully about the three hours at sea.

The swim and snorkel stop near a sheltered cove

When conditions allow, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. Several outings have included time in a beautiful bay or cove before the return to Puerto Colón. This adds a welcome change of pace after the wildlife search, especially on a warm, calm day.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, as are life vests. You do not need to bring your own gear for the advertised activity. Still, the swim is weather dependent. Wind, waves, or other sea conditions may mean the captain skips it for safety.

The swim stop also explains why the trip feels less like a simple wildlife transfer. You get a chance to enjoy the water rather than spending every minute scanning the horizon. On the other hand, if whale watching is your only priority, the stop may feel like time taken away from searching. The captain makes the final call based on conditions and the day’s plan.

There is an important change to the sunset departure. The 19:00 trip, available until the end of August, lasts two hours rather than three. It goes either to look for whales and dolphins or to a swim stop, not both. The price remains the same because it runs at a late hour. Choose this option for the timing and sunset atmosphere, not for the full standard itinerary.

Baguettes, drinks, and a relaxed onboard rhythm

The food is simple and useful rather than a full meal. You receive ham and cheese baguettes, with vegetarian options available if requested in advance. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included.

I would make the food request clear when booking, not only in a message the day before. A vegetarian request was not properly honored on one outing, leaving the passenger with a ham sandwich and the suggestion to remove the meat. That is not an adequate substitute, so confirm your needs and consider bringing a small backup snack if your diet is important.

The drinks help make the cruise feel generous for the price. You can have something cold after being in the sun, and the baguette provides enough food for a mid-day outing. Do not expect a restaurant meal or a wide menu. The value is in having basic refreshments included without another purchase once you leave the marina.

Blankets have also been provided when the wind picked up. That is a thoughtful touch, but you should still bring a light layer. Tenerife may be warm on land while the boat feels cool and exposed once it is moving.

Sea conditions, comfort, and the boat itself

The southwest coast can look calm from shore while the open water feels quite different. Several outings have been described as windy or choppy. A small yacht gives you a closer, more personal experience, but it also moves more in rough water than a large catamaran.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the captain advises and keep your eyes on the horizon when possible. The operator provides life vests, and the captain can adjust the plan if conditions are poor. The experience requires good weather, so a cancellation for unsafe conditions brings an offer of another date or a full refund.

Boat quality is the one area where expectations need care. The pictures may suggest a sleek, elegant yacht, but the actual boat can vary because more than one vessel is used. One person found the boat disappointing compared with the images, while others called it lovely and comfortable enough. I would book this for the small group and wildlife experience, not for luxury yacht design.

Is the $62.56 price good value?

At $62.56 per person, the price is fair for a three-hour small-group trip with drinks, food, snorkeling equipment, and a captain working to find wildlife. A large boat may offer more room, but you often give up the quieter atmosphere and direct interaction that make this outing appealing.

The value improves when you see whales and use the swim stop. A successful day can include pilot whales, a turtle, a cove swim, fresh baguettes, and several drinks. Even without a long wildlife encounter, you still receive time at sea and the chance to see Tenerife from the water.

The value drops if you expect guaranteed whales, constant commentary, or a luxury vessel. Wildlife may remain distant or appear only briefly. The guide’s level of engagement can vary, too. Think of this as a small sailing outing with wildlife watching, not an amusement ride built around a guaranteed animal encounter.

Who should book this yacht trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A quieter boat with no more than 12 people
• A good chance of seeing pilot whales near Tenerife
• A friendly captain-led outing rather than a large organized cruise
• Drinks and a light meal included in the price
• A possible swim and snorkel stop
• A flexible way to fit a three-hour activity into a holiday schedule

I would be more cautious if you need a spacious boat, guaranteed vegetarian catering, or a full account of wildlife at every moment. This is also not the best choice if rough water makes you uncomfortable. The sunset trip may suit you if evening timing matters, but remember that it lasts only two hours and includes one main activity, not both.

English and Spanish are spoken on every tour. If you need another language, message the company before booking rather than assuming it will be available. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can take part.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Cut-off times follow local Tenerife time.

My verdict: book it for the small boat, not a promise

This is a good choice for a personal whale watching trip from Puerto Colón, especially if you prefer six to 12 people over a crowded catamaran. The best outings combine several pilot whale sightings, a friendly captain such as Patrick, a swim in a sheltered bay, and an easy lunch with drinks.

I would book it with realistic expectations. Ask for vegetarian food clearly, confirm that friends will share the same boat, and prepare for wind or choppy water. If you can accept that wildlife is never guaranteed and the boat may be less polished than the pictures, the small group and time on the ocean make this a worthwhile Tenerife outing.

FAQ

Where does the whale and dolphin trip begin?

The trip begins at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the standard trip last?

The standard whale and dolphin watching yacht trip lasts about three hours.

How many people can join the yacht?

The activity has a maximum of 12 people onboard.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Swimming and snorkeling are included when weather and sea conditions allow. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are provided.

What food and drinks are included?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins.