Whales and snorkeling feel like a winning combo. This small-group sailboat tour along Tenerife’s south coast pairs close wildlife watching with a proper swim stop and onboard food. The snorkeling break in warm water is the other big reason to book, but the one thing to consider is sea conditions, since you are on the Atlantic and some days can be choppy.

I especially like the scale of the boat and the way the crew runs the hunt for marine life. With a 12-meter sailing yacht carrying 10 passengers and 2 crew, you’re not fighting for view lines like you do on larger boats, and the staff work to get both sides of the boat spotting chances. One potential drawback: because sightings are wild animals, you cannot guarantee you’ll see whales or turtles every single trip.

Logistics are straightforward, but plan a little time. You meet at the door of Dock No. 5 in Puerto Colón, at the first jetty past the port parking barrier, on the ship named Roulette, ten minutes before departure. There is no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to get yourself to Puerto Colón on your own.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Small boat, up-close viewing, 10 passengers max with 2 crew on a 12-meter yacht
• Cetacean-focused spotting, with a crew that looks for pilot whales, dolphins, and more in their natural area
• Snorkeling with provided equipment, plus time in a secluded bay for a swim break
• Food and drinks included, including cava, beer, wine options, snacks, and cake
• Real sailing vibes, sometimes with sails doing the work when the wind is up
• Comfort on deck, with deck mats and onboard amenities like bathrooms and cabins

Why this 3-hour sail feels more personal on Tenerife

This tour works because it stays small. You’re on a 12-meter sailboat built for a tight group, and that changes the whole experience. When a pod of pilot whales shows up, the crew can position the boat so more people get real looks instead of distant sightings through glassy sea haze.

I also like that the trip feels calm. On some sails, the yacht uses its sails on both outbound and inbound when the wind cooperates, so you get that quieter, more old-school feel instead of a constant engine hum. It makes whale and dolphin watching more peaceful, and the deck time feels like part of the experience, not just time spent waiting to arrive somewhere.

Dock No. 5 in Puerto Colón is the start line

Here’s the practical part that can save you stress: show up early enough to find Dock No. 5. The meeting point is at the door of Dock No. 5 of Puerto Colón, the first jetty past the port parking barrier, and the ship is called Roulette. Arrive ten minutes before departure.

A simple tip from real-world experience: if you’re not sure where you are, go ask instead of guessing. Puerto Colón can be confusing at first, and the crew is not going to wait around for a late arrival if the boat is set to leave.

What you’re doing on the water, not just where you’re going

The core idea is a south-coast sail out of Puerto Colón, with wildlife viewing built into the route. You’re not sightseeing from a checklist, you’re actually out on the Atlantic looking for animals where they live.

The crew is specialized in sighting cetaceans, and they use their local know-how to find and follow what’s in the area. During the dolphin and whale watching portion, you can expect time spent with groups when they’re around, which makes the viewing feel purposeful instead of rushed.

You’ll also be taking in dramatic coast views. Tenerife’s south shoreline is the kind of place where you feel the island’s volcanic character from the water, and the sail gives you angles you just do not get from the road. On clear days, people have even noted views that include the neighboring island of La Gomera from the sea.

Puerto Colón stop: dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and a real snorkel window

The main stop is effectively your wildlife and water-time block. While you’re in Puerto Colón, the program is a mix of:

• whale watching
• dolphin spotting
• marine life viewing
• snorkeling

In practice, the wildlife you’re most likely to see includes pilot whales and dolphins, and there’s often a chance for turtles and seabirds too. The crew also tends to look for patterns like family pods, so you might see calves when the moment lines up.

Then comes the part that makes people smile afterward: the swim and snorkeling stop. You’re given snorkeling equipment, and you get time to get in the water and check what’s under the surface. Snorkeling often runs around the half-hour range, and the bay can be secluded enough that the water feels calm. Some days, there’s even the fun bonus of exploring a cave-like feature if conditions allow.

If you want a “first time snorkeler” experience, this is a good fit. It’s not an all-day grind. You’re doing short, guided blocks of activity on a boat setting, with plenty of relaxing time between them.

A quick note if you get seasick

A couple of real-life experiences from this tour highlight that the crew cares about sea comfort. One passenger needed help after feeling sick, and the skipper and crew handled it with calm attention and care. Still, conditions can be choppy at times, and you should be honest with yourself about your motion sensitivity.

If you know you get nauseous on boats, consider taking your usual prevention before you board. Also, pick a comfortable spot and focus your eyes on the horizon when things get bumpy. It often helps more than people expect.

Food and drinks onboard: why the price feels fair

At $68 per person for a 3-hour sail, the value is mostly about what’s included. This isn’t just a ride. You get drinks all through the cruise, snacks, and dessert, plus snorkeling equipment.

Onboard, you can expect options like mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. Drinks are served during the trip, not just at one timed stop. People have also described the flow of cava and beer as steady, which is exactly what you want on vacation, not a one-cup situation.

Food is simple but solid for the duration. Many people receive a lunch built around a baguette sandwich, often with ham and tomato, plus crisps to share and a slice of cake afterward. You might see cakes like carrot cake or gingerbread cake depending on the day. There’s also a pattern of offering snacks and dessert during the sail, so you’re not starving during the wildlife search.

One practical win: dietary needs are handled with care. If you have restrictions, it’s worth telling the crew in advance when you’re on the boat, so they can do their best to accommodate.

And yes, birthdays can happen at sea. There have been moments where a birthday cake was provided with candles, which tells you the crew is paying attention to occasions, not just running a schedule.

Comfort details on a 12-meter Roulette yacht

You’re not in a tiny speedboat, and you’re also not in a massive party boat. The yacht is set up for comfort with deck mats for grip and less slip. It also has 3 double cabins and 2 bathrooms, which matters because it gives you options if you want to duck inside for a moment or freshen up.

For a 3-hour tour, you’ll mostly live on deck, but that onboard setup is part of why people describe the experience as relaxing instead of cramped. With only 10 passengers, you don’t feel like you’re squeezed into a herd.

Wildlife viewing tactics, and how the crew improves your odds

This tour’s big strength is the wildlife search approach. The crew has that marine-life lens, meaning they talk about what you’re seeing and why it’s happening in that specific marine environment.

In real situations, this often looks like:

• positioning so both sides of the boat get sightlines
• spending time with a pod when the animals are close
• keeping the focus on real behavior, not just counting sightings

People have also noted that on this smaller boat, they can sometimes get close without a bunch of other vessels crowding the scene. That makes the animal behavior easier to enjoy and less stressful for the ecosystem.

Price check: what $68 actually buys you

Let’s do the math the way you’ll feel it in your pocket. You’re paying for:

• the sailboat cruise
• a guide
• whale watching and cetacean spotting
• drinks
• snacks and desserts
• snorkeling equipment
• a small-group setup

The only notable thing not included is hotel pickup and drop-off. So if you’re staying somewhere far from Puerto Colón, factor in time and transport to the meeting point.

Compared with tours that charge extra for snorkeling gear, drinks, or food, this feels like a packaged deal that makes sense for a half-day plan. You also get a boat experience with a smaller passenger count, which is hard to replicate with cheaper tours that cram in more people.

Who this Tenerife sail suits best

This is a great match if you want:

• a small-group sail where you can actually see wildlife
• a combo of sailing, whale watching, and snorkeling in one 3-hour block
• food and drinks included without a stop at a restaurant
• a calmer vibe than big sightseeing boats

It also works well for families, including people traveling with toddlers. The activity is short enough to manage energy, and the deck time with wildlife spotting can be engaging for kids when the crew is on top of pointing out what’s happening.

If you dislike water activities at all, then the snorkeling portion may not be your thing. But even if you skip snorkeling, you’re still getting the sailing plus wildlife viewing and included snacks.

Should you book this Tenerife sail-and-snorkel tour?

Book it if you want a half-day plan that feels genuine: sail time, marine-life watching with a crew focused on sightings, and a swim and snorkel stop with equipment provided. The combination of food, drinks, and a small boat makes the $68 price feel reasonable, especially for people who value comfort and personal attention.

Skip it or think twice if you need hotel pickup, because you’ll be responsible for getting to Puerto Colón Dock No. 5. Also consider your motion sensitivity. If you tend to get sick on boats, bring prevention and be ready for the Atlantic to do what the Atlantic does.

FAQ

What is the duration of the sailboat tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours, so you’re looking at a focused half-day outing rather than an all-day excursion.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the sailboat cruise, a guide, whale watching, drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How large is the group on board?

It’s a small group limited to 10 participants, with 2 crew members on the 12-meter sailboat.

What languages are spoken during the tour?

The live guide is available in Spanish, English, French, and German.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the door of Dock No. 5 in Puerto Colón, which is the first jetty past the port parking barrier. The ship is called Roulette. Arrive about ten minutes before departure.

Is free cancellation available, and is pay later offered?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, so you pay nothing today.