Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

The Atlantic can put on quite a show. This three-hour cruise from Puerto Colón combines small-group sailing with pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, swimming, and a simple onboard lunch. I like the limited capacity of 10 people, which gives you room to move around and makes wildlife viewing far calmer than it is on a large excursion boat.

I also like the crew’s clear respect for the sea. Captain Salvador and crew members including Rafa, Ramone, Jenny, Yani, and Silvio have been praised for explaining the animals, local geography, and island history without turning the trip into a lecture. The main consideration is the Atlantic itself: some departures can be choppy, and anyone prone to seasickness should plan carefully.

The food and drinks add real value here. You get sandwiches or baguettes, crisps, cake or another dessert, plus water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava. At $70 per person, that is a strong package for a three-hour outing, especially when the boat carries no more than 10 participants.

What makes this Tenerife cruise worth considering

• Pilot whales often steal the show: Sightings have included pods with calves swimming close to the boat, along with dolphins and, on some trips, turtles.
• A 12-meter sailing yacht keeps the group personal: The Roulette has space for 10 passengers and two crew, with deck mats, three double cabins, and two bathrooms.
• The crew watches wildlife without chasing it: The emphasis is on staying with animals respectfully and giving both sides of the boat a fair view.
• Snorkeling follows the wildlife search: You stop in a sheltered coastal spot for swimming and snorkeling, often for about 30 minutes.
• The lunch is simple but welcome: Fresh baguettes, sandwiches, crisps, cake, and steady drinks suit a short boat trip better than a fussy meal.
• Puerto Colón is easy to identify once you know the detail: Meet at dock door number 5, the first jetty past the port parking barrier, 10 minutes before departure.

Setting out from Puerto Colón on the Roulette

Your meeting point is at the door of dock number 5 in Puerto Colón. It is the first jetty after the port parking barrier, and the boat is called the Roulette. Arrive 10 minutes before departure, since the port has several piers and the correct gate is not always obvious at first glance.

The yacht is 12 meters long and limited to 10 passengers, plus two crew members. That number matters. You are not squeezed behind rows of people with cameras and hats, and you can shift around the deck as the crew points out wildlife. On smaller departures, there has been plenty of room for everyone to sit at the front or spread out across the deck.

The Roulette is a proper sailboat rather than a sightseeing vessel dressed up with a few ropes. When the wind is strong enough, the crew has sailed for long sections of the journey, cutting down on engine noise. That makes the trip quieter and gives you a better sense of the sea.

The boat also has three double cabins and two bathrooms, though the cabins are more useful as part of the yacht’s design than as passenger accommodation. Deck mats make it easier to relax during the wildlife search or stretch out in the sun.

Watching pilot whales along Tenerife’s south coast

The main reason to book is the chance to see cetaceans in the waters off Tenerife. Pilot whales are the regular stars, but dolphins, turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and other marine life may appear during the three-hour cruise.

Pilot whales are not tiny, distant specks. Sightings on this route have included groups swimming alongside the yacht, with calves among the adults. Dolphins have also played near the bow, and some groups have stayed close for around 15 minutes while the boat gave people on both sides a fair look.

You should keep your expectations sensible. Wild animals do not perform on schedule, and no responsible crew can guarantee a particular species. The attraction here is not a staged encounter. The crew searches for marine life, then observes it without rushing after it or crowding it with other boats.

That approach is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Captain Salvador has been praised for his enthusiasm and his understanding of local sea life. He and the other crew members explain what you are seeing, answer questions, and share details about the Canary Islands’ geography and ecosystem.

You might see a pod of pilot whales within minutes, or you might spend more time scanning the water. Bring patience, a hat, sunscreen, and a phone or camera that you can use quickly. Wildlife often appears without warning.

The views are also worthwhile even when the animals are keeping their distance. From the water, you can look back toward Tenerife’s volcanic coast and across to La Gomera on clear days. The changing view gives the cruise more substance than a simple animal-spotting trip.

A quieter alternative to a large dolphin boat

The small group is not just a marketing detail. It changes how the three hours feel.

With a maximum of 10 participants, the crew can keep an eye on comfort, offer drinks regularly, and explain what is happening without shouting over a crowd. If a dolphin appears on the port side, the captain can adjust the boat or invite people to shift position. That is much harder on a large vessel.

The smaller yacht also feels more peaceful. There is no suggestion of loud music or a party-boat atmosphere. You hear the wind, the water, and the crew’s explanations. If you want a social outing with a little polish but not a floating nightclub, this is a good fit.

There is a trade-off. A compact sailboat moves more with the sea than a big catamaran, particularly when the water is choppy. One departure had a passenger feeling very seasick, although the crew took excellent care of that person. If you know you are sensitive to motion, take your usual precautions and choose a calm day if your schedule allows.

The boat has deck mats and places to sit, but this is still a sea excursion. You will enjoy it more if you accept that the boat may rock and that the most interesting moments can require standing, turning, and watching the horizon.

Snorkeling in a sheltered coastal spot

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling in a quieter coastal area. The exact setting can vary, but past outings have included picturesque cliff views, clear water, fish, and even a cave to explore from the water.

The snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins. The stop is generally around 30 minutes, which is enough for a refreshing swim and a look below the surface, though not long enough for a full snorkeling session.

This part works well because it breaks up the wildlife watching. After sitting or standing on deck, getting into the warm water gives the trip a change of pace. Children and adults who enjoy a quick swim will likely see it as one of the highlights.

You should not book this as a dedicated snorkeling tour. The focus is the full combination of sailing, wildlife, food, and a swim. If marine life above the water is your priority, the snorkeling stop is a pleasant bonus. If snorkeling is your main goal, the limited time may feel short.

Bring a swimsuit and a towel, and expect to be wet when you return to the deck. The supplied details confirm snorkeling equipment, but they do not state that towels are provided, so bringing your own is the sensible choice.

What lunch and drinks are really like

The food is generous for a three-hour boat ride, but it is not a restaurant meal. Expect a fresh baguette or sandwich, often with ham and tomato or Iberian ham, along with crisps and a piece of cake or another dessert.

The food arrives at a useful moment, usually after swimming, when you are ready for something filling. The portions have been described as more than adequate for the length of the cruise. This is simple Spanish-style boat food, not a reason to choose the trip by itself, but it adds to the value.

Drinks include mineral water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava. The crew keeps offering refreshments throughout the cruise, which makes the service feel attentive rather than strictly timed. A glass of cava on the way back is a nice touch, provided you are comfortable drinking on a moving boat.

Dietary needs can be accommodated, but you should tell the provider when booking. One outing handled a dietary request without trouble, though the supplied information does not spell out every available alternative.

The meal is best viewed as part of the hospitality. The crew is praised for checking that people are comfortable, helping with seasickness, and making small occasions such as birthdays feel special. One birthday group even received a cake with candles.

The crew makes the difference

The boat is attractive, but the crew determines how good the day feels. Captain Salvador is repeatedly praised for his passion for the ocean and his ability to explain wildlife, island geography, and local history in an easy way.

Other named crew members include Rafa, Ramone, Jenny, Yani, Silvio, and Dani. The exact team can vary, but the pattern is consistent: one person handles the boat and wildlife search while another looks after drinks, food, and passenger comfort.

The language options are Spanish, English, and Italian. That makes the explanations accessible to a broad mix of passengers. The best guides do more than identify a whale. They explain why the animal behaves as it does and show respect for the area where it lives.

The crew also works to give both sides of the boat a view. That is an easy detail to overlook, but it matters when a pod surfaces beside you. A small group and an attentive captain mean fewer people leave feeling they spent the trip looking at someone else’s back.

The rating of 4.8 from 652 reviews reflects a very strong record, but the more useful point is what people consistently praise: the crew, the small boat, the wildlife sightings, and the calm atmosphere.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, this is good value if you want several activities in one short outing. The price includes the sailboat cruise, guide, wildlife search, drinks, snacks, lunch-style food, and snorkeling equipment.

A cheaper wildlife boat may offer a longer ride or a larger capacity, but it may not provide the same personal service. A private charter would cost far more. This sits in the middle: not a budget harbor ride, but a reasonably priced small-group experience with food and drinks already covered.

The value is strongest when you use all parts of the trip. You get the sailing, the wildlife search, the swim, the food, and the views. If you do not want to swim or you dislike boat motion, the price may feel less attractive.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Puerto Colón.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend the Roulette to couples, families, small groups, and solo passengers who prefer a calm boat rather than a crowded excursion. The crew’s friendly service also makes it a good choice for a birthday or other small celebration.

Families should note that the sea can be choppy, and the experience is not a dry, fixed platform. One family with a toddler had a very positive outing, but every child responds differently to boat movement.

It suits people who want wildlife encounters without treating animals like an amusement park attraction. The crew’s approach is patient and respectful, and the small boat can get close without the trip becoming loud or hectic.

I would be more cautious if you suffer badly from seasickness, want several hours of snorkeling, or need hotel transport included. The 30-minute swim is only one part of the day, and the meeting point is at the harbor.

Should you book the Roulette?

Book it if you want a polished half-day on the water with a small group, strong chances of seeing pilot whales, and a crew that takes both hospitality and marine life seriously. The combination of sailing, wildlife, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks is hard to fault at $70.

Go in expecting wild nature, not a guarantee. The boat can move, the sea may be rough, and animals choose the schedule. But if you arrive prepared for those limits, the Roulette offers one of the more personal ways to see Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife sailboat tour?

The cruise lasts three hours, including sailing, wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, food, and drinks.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at door number 5 of the dock at Puerto Colón, 10 minutes before departure. It is the first jetty past the port parking barrier, and the boat is named the Roulette.

How many people can join the boat?

The sailboat has a maximum capacity of 10 passengers and two crew members.

What wildlife might I see?

The tour searches for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Sightings depend on wild animals and cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling during the cruise.

What food and drinks are provided?

The cruise includes snacks, sandwiches or baguettes, crisps, desserts, mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and Italian.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must reach Puerto Colón independently.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve-now-and-pay-later booking is also available.