Pilot whales feel close when you sail. This 3-hour trip from Puerto Colón pairs whale watching with a true sailing vibe, plus a swim stop in a quiet bay along Tenerife’s south coast.

I love the small-boat feel and the calm, respectful approach the crew uses when animals are around, including reports of engines being turned off. One catch to consider: depending on sea conditions, the ride can get bumpy, and motion sickness can hit some people.

Key things to know

• You’re searching for pilot whales and dolphins in their natural area off Tenerife’s south coast
• Sailing and wildlife etiquette matter, with crews reported to slow down and stop the engine when possible
• A real swim and snorkel stop happens after the whale and dolphin segment, from a quiet anchored bay
• Food and drinks are included (fruit, sandwiches, and a selection of beverages)
• It’s not a pickup trip, so you’ll head straight to the dock and board from there

Why Tenerife’s South Coast Is Such a Good Bet for Whale Watching

Tenerife has a mix of warm water and strong marine traffic, and this is the kind of area where you can get surprisingly close to wildlife without feeling like you’re in a zoo. On this sailing outing, the crew’s job is to put you in the right place at the right time and then help you read what you’re seeing.

What I like is that the trip isn’t only about the highlight animals. You also get to enjoy the coastline as you sail, so even if sightings vary, you’re still out on the water with something to look at. Tenerife’s south coast also tends to feel more “vacation-ready” for day trips, with plenty of sun and easy access from Puerto Colón.

Meeting at Puerto Colón, Dock Zero, Without the Usual Headache

You’ll meet at the Pantalán (dock) number zero in Puerto Colón. If you’re trying to orient yourself quickly, search for Miishi Restaurant and then follow signs to the dock area.

Plan on arriving 15 minutes early. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so your day starts with you getting yourself to the marina. Parking is available at the port, and the cost is about 1 euro per hour, which helps if you’re driving in from elsewhere on the island.

One practical tip: keep luggage minimal. Oversize luggage isn’t allowed onboard, and you’ll want to stay light so getting around the boat is easy.

The 3-Hour Flow: Briefing, Wildlife Search, Then Anchor and Swim

This is a focused half-boat-day. The total time is 3 hours, and the schedule is built around two big moments: the whale and dolphin search, and then a break for swimming and snorkel time.

First you’ll get a short briefing from the expert guide. After that, you head out toward the whale and dolphin area, using the sailing time to take in the southern coastline. The crew gives information about the sea life you might see and points out where dolphins and whales are most often seen from the water.

Then comes the payoff. Before heading back, the captain drops anchor in a secluded bay. This is where you can switch from watching mode to “get in the water” mode. You’ll have time to swim, snorkel (basic equipment is included), or just relax onboard while snacks and drinks are served.

How the Crew Helps You Actually Spot Whales, Dolphins, and Turtles

A lot of whale watching trips claim expertise. What I like here is that the crew’s role feels hands-on, from the moment you’re briefed. You’re not just pointed in a direction. You’re guided to understand what matters, like how animals behave and where sightings tend to happen.

You’ll see evidence of this in the guide and captain names that come up in real experiences. Captains such as Jesus, Alex, Yuri, and Mauricio have been mentioned, and crew members like Marta show up too. The common thread is how well they manage the experience, from comfort on deck to patience when wildlife is nearby.

There’s also a strong theme of respecting animals. In some reported trips, the captain found pilot whales and stopped the motor so the wildlife wasn’t interrupted. That matters because it can change how calmly the animals behave around the boat, and it can also make the experience feel more ethical and less rushed.

The Secluded Bay Swim and Snorkel Stop You’ll Remember

After the wildlife portion, you anchor in a quiet bay and get a real break. This is one of the best parts because it turns the trip from “watching from afar” into hands-on ocean time. People describe gorgeous blue waters and a calm, clear feel when conditions are right.

You’ll have basic snorkeling equipment included, so you don’t need to bring your own gear. Still, you should pack the basics listed for you:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• sunglasses and a sun hat

Also note a small onboard rule that affects comfort. There’s a barefoot on board policy except for health issues. That means you’ll want footwear that’s easy to manage on and off, or just be ready for barefoot time. (Most people are fine with it, but it helps to know in advance.)

What’s Included: Fruit, Sandwiches, and Drinks That Make the Boat Feel Like a Treat

Part of the value here is how the onboard food and drink are handled. You’ll get fresh fruits and sandwiches, plus a selection of beverages that can include beers, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water.

This isn’t fancy dining, but it’s a smart setup. You’re out for only 3 hours, and a snack-and-sip plan keeps the trip comfortable without needing a full meal beforehand. Several people also mention how good the sandwiches and drinks were, and that the pace feels relaxed rather than hurried.

One small practical note from a comfort standpoint: on-water time can work up your thirst. If you’re the type who drinks lots of water, you might still consider bringing extra water on your way to the dock, even though water is included.

Boat Comfort, Group Size, and the Reality of Sea Conditions

The sailing yacht is described as a 52-feet boat, and the vibe is often described as calm and comfortable. One big advantage of a smaller boat is that it tends to feel less crowded. In some experiences, the boat carried only around 7 people, while others mention roughly 10 people on board. Either way, it generally feels more like a shared outing than a big cattle-car tour.

But let’s be honest. You’re on the ocean, and sometimes the ride can be bumpy. One experience noted that children got seasick because the waves were unusually tall. Another trip included a warning that it got a bit bumpy due to waves.

My advice: if motion sickness is an issue for you, sit toward the front where you often feel less motion, and come prepared. Even if you’ve handled boats before, this is the one part of the trip where conditions can surprise you.

Price and Value: Is $88 for 3 Hours Worth It?

At $88 per person for a 3-hour sailing experience, you’re paying for four things:

1. a proper sailing yacht experience on the water
2. a structured wildlife search with a guide and captain
3. a swim and snorkel stop in a secluded bay
4. included food and drinks, plus basic snorkel equipment

If you compare that to the cost of doing a boat charter for a similar time window, it can feel like a bargain, especially when the boat isn’t packed. One experience even described it as close to a private charter when there were only a handful of other people onboard.

The one thing you should factor in is the logistics cost in time, not money: no hotel pickup. You’ll need to get to Puerto Colón yourself. If that’s easy for you, the value is strong. If you’re relying on public transport and taxis with limited flexibility, plan extra time so you don’t cut it close.

Who This Sailing Excursion Is Best For

I think this tour fits best when you want a mix of wildlife and water time, not just a long bus ride to see something from a distance. You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• want a small, friendly group experience on a real sailing yacht
• care about seeing whales and dolphins in a respectful way
• want an actual swim and snorkel stop included
• like the idea of snacks and drinks as part of the day

It’s also a solid pick for couples, friends, and families who can handle boat movement. Several trips mention kids onboard having a great time, even when waves got strong, and others highlight first-time boat riders doing well when they choose a good spot.

Quick Packing List That Actually Helps

I’d pack with two goals in mind: stay comfortable on deck and be ready the moment you anchor.

Bring:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• sun hat

Also keep in mind:

• oversize luggage is not allowed
• you’ll be barefoot onboard except for health issues

If you do one thing to make your trip easier, let it be this: pack your swim kit so you can change quickly when they drop anchor. That turns the bay stop into real fun instead of a scramble.

Should You Book This Tenerife Sailing Trip?

If you want a straightforward half-day in Tenerife with whale and dolphin watching plus a swim in a secluded bay, I’d book it. The biggest strengths are the small-boat feel, the way the crew manages wildlife responsibly (including reports of stopping the engine), and the fact that you get actual time in the water, not just a quick dip.

Skip or reconsider if you’re very sensitive to rough water and can’t prepare for motion sickness. This isn’t always smooth sailing, and sea conditions can vary.

One final check before you go: confirm your meeting point plan for Puerto Colón, since there’s no pickup. If you can handle that, this trip can be one of the most memorable water-based experiences on the island for the time and money.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the sailing excursion?

You meet at the Pantalán number zero in Puerto Colón. A helpful landmark is Miishi Restaurant when you search.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the dock.

How long is the tour?

The sailing excursion lasts 3 hours.

What’s included for food, drinks, and snorkeling?

Fresh fruits and sandwiches are included, along with a selection of beverages such as beers, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water. Basic snorkeling equipment is also included.

What animals are you likely to see?

The trip focuses on pilot whales and dolphins, and there is also a chance to see turtles.

What should I bring for the swim stop?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. There is a barefoot on board policy except in case of health issues.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.