Whales off Tenerife feel surprisingly close, and this cruise gives you a front-row seat on a Portuguese goleta. I like that it is set up for respectful whale watching, with the crew taking care when they approach marine life. You also get a bonus mix of sailing, a swim stop, and ocean views from open decks, which keeps the two hours from feeling like just another tour.

My favorite part is the atmosphere: you are on a real working-style sailing boat with room to move, plus a multilingual guide and an onboard bar so you can settle in fast. The one thing to consider is that it is not suitable for everyone, especially if you have motion sickness, since the sea can get choppy out there.

Key things to know before you go

• Pilot whales are a main target: look for pilot whales and dolphins cruising near the west coast
• Authentic sailing vibe: a genuine Portuguese schooner setup, sailing along the southern Tenerife west coast
• A real swim stop: included swimming floats for kids, with access to the water during the tour
• Onboard viewing that feels roomy: deck space for sunbathing plus upper deck views and a central main table
• Multilingual guidance: live guide in English, French, Italian, and Spanish
• Drinks aboard, not included snacks: soft drinks may be complimentary, while beer and other drinks are for purchase

A Portuguese Goleta Cruise Off Los Cristianos

This is a Tenerife ocean day that feels more like a throwback voyage than a quick speed-boat dash. You will sail out from the Los Cristianos harbor aboard a Portuguese schooner style boat, often described as a Peter Pan themed ship in this program. That matters because schooner-style trips usually mean more deck time, more calm sitting, and more room to watch.

One practical win: you are not stuck below. There is an upper deck for spotting, and the main deck has a large central table where people naturally gather. If you want a break from sun, you can shift your spot rather than fight for one good viewpoint. There are also two bathrooms below deck, which you will appreciate once you are out on open water.

It is a guided experience too, not just a drive to sea. A live guide works the group in multiple languages, which is great when you want to understand what you are seeing instead of guessing.

Pilot Whales and Dolphins: What Respectful Watching Looks Like

The focus here is pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife’s west coast. The tour even builds in time for you to observe marine life and learn why pilot whales are drawn to this area. In plain terms: the crew goes looking, you watch, and you learn how the animals behave when they are feeding and socializing.

The most-loved part is how close you can get without feeling reckless. In the best moments, the crew slows down and approaches carefully, and you may notice the boat’s engine behavior change as they near animals. One review specifically mentions the engines being turned off when getting close, which is the kind of respectful detail that helps you see and hear more clearly.

When the whales show up, it is usually pilot whale families with babies. Dolphins often play around the boat too, so you get that extra burst of excitement when a pod decides to do loops near the bow.

And yes, there is a chance of other sightings. Some trips include sea turtles, and one person even reported orca whales. That is never guaranteed, but it is a reminder that you are sailing in a living ecosystem, not a predictable aquarium-style circuit.

The 2 Hours You Actually Get on the Water

The tour time is short, which is part of its charm. Your time at sea is about two hours, long enough for a proper scan for whales, plus the swim stop, but not so long that you lose interest or fatigue.

Here is how it typically works depending on your pickup option:

• If you choose harbor meeting, you will go straight to the Los Cristianos departure and then spend the core two hours out on the water.
• If you choose hotel pickup, you will likely add bus time before and after. The program includes a bus/coach segment of about one hour, then a one-hour ride back after the cruise.

Either way, the key is to plan your day around the full block of time, not only the two hours on the water. If you are using hotel pickup, the round-trip bus portion matters.

Also, bring warm layers even in summer. The deck is open, and sea wind can cool you fast.

Inside the Boat: Space, Deck Options, and Bathroom Reality

The boat is set up so you can choose your mood. Want sun? You can sit on deck and just go full tourist mode, camera out, sunglasses on. Want views without glare? The upper deck is often the better move. Want to watch the crew and other guests? The main deck’s central table becomes the social hub, especially once dolphins start showing up.

Down below, you get two bathrooms, which is a surprisingly big deal on trips like this. If you have ever been stuck on a boat where the bathroom queue grows into a mini festival, you already know why I call this out.

Comfort-wise, the boat is not designed for wheelchairs, so if mobility access is a concern, skip this one. If you get motion sickness easily, also take the warning seriously. One review talks about sea sickness tips helping, but the official note is still that it is not suitable for motion sickness.

The Swimming Stop: Floats for Kids, Snorkel Notes

A highlight is the included swimming stop. You can usually count on a real chance to get in the water, not just dip your toes for a photo and call it a day.

Good to know what is and is not included:

• Swimming floats for kids are included, which makes the water time more manageable for families.
• Snorkel equipment is not included, so if you want to snorkel with gear, plan to bring your own or rent elsewhere before you arrive.
• Towels are not included, so pack one if you will be getting wet.

What to bring matters. Plan for clothes that can get dirty, plus sunscreen and a sun hat. Also bring warm clothing for after the swim, because the wind right after you leave the water can feel chilly.

One more reality check. The conditions at sea decide how easy swimming feels. On calm days it is pure fun. On rougher days, you might want to take it slowly and listen to the crew on where it is safest to enter.

Drinks Onboard: How the Bar Changes the Value

This tour includes soft drinks and gives you an onboard bar for more. The bar is not just a nice extra. It can make the experience feel less like a strict activity and more like a laid-back sea afternoon.

From the information shared, drinks are available to purchase, and at least some guests found onboard prices surprisingly fair compared with buying on land. One person even mentioned soft drinks at around one pound and cocktails around three pounds. I would not treat that as a fixed rate, but it does signal that you are not being hit with an absurd upsell the way some tourist boats do.

If you want a simple budget strategy, do this: plan to bring a little cash or card buffer for drinks you want, and assume snacks are not included beyond soft drinks.

Pickup and Timing: When the Bus Adds Up

Logistics are half the trip on tours with optional hotel pickup. This one can run in two styles.

Option A, harbor meeting: you meet at the Los Cristianos harbor departure point and go straight into the water time.

Option B, bus pickup: you can be collected from nearby authorized points around La Caleta, Playa de Las Américas, or Los Cristianos. The program notes a climate-controlled bus, then a drop-off back to a long list of hotel areas after the cruise.

What this means for you:

• If you want the smoothest experience, harbor meeting usually saves time and energy.
• If you hate navigating, pickup can be worth it, even if it adds bus time on both ends.

If you are trying to coordinate with another activity the same day, keep buffer time for the bus segments. The cruise itself is two hours, but the overall window can be longer.

Who Should Book This Whale Watching and Pirate Ship Style Sail

This is best for people who want a nature outing with enough comfort to relax. Families with kids like it because the tour includes swimming floats and has a kid-friendly vibe in the way the crew runs the boat. Adults also love it because it is not too long, the deck time is real, and the guide work in multiple languages keeps things understandable.

It is a strong fit if you:

• want a chance at pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife
• like sailing, not just sitting on a motorboat
• want to combine wildlife viewing with a swim stop
• appreciate good crew energy and music on board, which shows up in multiple experiences

Think twice if you:

• are prone to motion sickness, since the boat ride can be rough
• need wheelchair access, because it is not suitable for wheelchair users

If you do get seasick sometimes, consider practical prevention. One guest specifically recommended sea sickness pills and said it made the trip enjoyable instead of miserable.

Price and Value: Is $17 Reasonable for This?

At around $17 per person for a two-hour cruise, the value is the big story. You are paying for:

• a guided whale watching and sailing outing
• marine life viewing time
• an onboard swim stop with included floats for kids
• toilets on board
• a multilingual guide
• included soft drinks

Even without the optional pickup, that is a lot for the price. Add pickup if you need it, and you are still usually looking at good value compared with pricier day trips elsewhere, especially because this one includes real water time and not just a long search.

Where value can change is your personal preferences. If you bring your own snorkel gear, swimsuit, and towel, you will get more out of it. If you hate choppy water or cannot handle a boat ride, then it is not a value bargain for you, even if the price is low.

Should You Book This Whale-Watching and Portuguese Schooner Trip?

Book it if you want a short, fun, nature-based sea day from Los Cristianos, with a real shot at pilot whales and dolphins plus a swim stop. I especially like it as a mid-trip activity when you want something outdoorsy but not exhausting, and when you want your wildlife viewing guided, not random.

Skip it if sea motion is a dealbreaker for you, or if you need wheelchair access. Also, pack like you are going to get wet and a bit windy, not just like you are going to lounge in a café.

If you are on the fence, here is the deciding thought: you are not just paying for sightseeing. You are paying for a focused two-hour wildlife-and-swim experience on a sailing-style boat, with a crew that clearly cares about animal behavior and keeps the trip friendly.

FAQ

What animals can I expect to see on the cruise?

The tour is focused on pilot whales and dolphins along Tenerife’s west coast. Some trips also include other wildlife sightings like sea turtles.

How long is the whale watching and sailing portion?

The cruise in Puerto Los Cristianos is about two hours.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. The tour includes a swimming stop, and swimming floats for kids are included.

Is snorkel equipment included?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included.

What drinks are available onboard?

Soft drinks are mentioned as complimentary in the highlights, and an onboard bar is available to purchase other drinks.

Does the tour include toilets onboard?

Yes. There are two bathrooms onboard below deck.

How does pickup work?

Pickup is optional. You may meet the boat at the harbor, or be picked up by climate-controlled bus from authorized points around La Caleta, Playa de Las Américas, or Los Cristianos.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with motion sickness?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is also not suitable for people with motion sickness.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.