Pilot whales and dolphins, no big cruise crowds. On this small-group sailing from Puerto Colón in Tenerife South, you get taken to solid sea-watching spots without the feel of a big cattle boat, and snorkeling gear is part of the plan.

You’ll also feel the difference of a seasoned crew, with guides who speak multiple languages and a captain who knows how to position the boat. I love how smoothly the trip is paced for a 3-hour window, with time to watch, snack, and then choose a swim without rushing. I also like that you’re not left hungry or searching for food at sea, because snacks and breakfast are included.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a weather and sea-condition game. If it’s choppy, you should expect a bumpy ride, and that can also affect how comfortable snorkeling feels.

Key Things That Make This Sailing Feel Worth It

• Max 7 travelers, so spotting whales and getting photo angles feels easier than on larger boats.
• Crew experience matters, with a long track record navigating around the Canary Islands and beyond.
• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main goal, and the captain positions the boat for sightings.
• Snorkeling is built in, with equipment included, though what you see depends on water conditions.
• Food is simple but practical, with snacks and breakfast keeping you fueled for the day.
• Weather dependent, so bring a plan for a choppy day (and for possible rescheduling).

Getting To Puerto Colón, Then Out Onto the Water

This trip starts at Puerto Colón, in Playa de las Américas (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). It’s a convenient area to reach, and the experience is described as being near public transportation, so you are not stuck playing transportation roulette.

The total time is about 3 hours. That’s a sweet spot for a whale and dolphin outing: long enough to get moving, search, and then enjoy the small swim stop, but not so long that you feel trapped in wet clothes or seasickness stress for half a day.

The group size is capped at 7 travelers, which is a huge part of why this feels like a real outing rather than a slot in a mass schedule. If you hate the squeeze of big tours, this small boat style is the whole point.

Language is also a practical detail. The crew speaks English, plus Spanish, Italian, and Irish. Even if you only speak English, you’ll typically be fine, and you can expect the captain to share sea-life info and what to look for while you’re out.

How Whale and Dolphin Spotting Works on This 7-Person Boat

The basic promise is simple: you avoid the guesswork and get taken to better whale and dolphin watching spots. In real life, that means the captain aims to put the boat where the animals are likely to be, instead of idling around.

In past trips, the pattern sounds like this:

• A first push outward to look for pilot whales in deeper-water feeding zones.
• A return toward shore for dolphins that may come closer and play near the boat.
• Then a calmer bay for food, drinks, and a swim if conditions allow.

One helpful detail from customer experiences: the captain is often described as being funny and personable, but also focused on actively finding sightings rather than treating it like a sightseeing cruise with whale-watching as an afterthought.

You should also know what “close” usually means on a small boat. You’re not in control of nature, but with a smaller group, you tend to get better positioning and less chaos. That matters when a dolphin pod suddenly appears and you want to film without everyone turning at once.

Tip for your expectations: you can have a great trip and still not see every species. One cruise might include multiple sightings of pilot whales and lots of dolphin activity. Another might feature fewer whale moments but strong dolphin time, or a turtle sighting mixed in. That variability is normal in the ocean, and the small-group approach usually makes those wins feel even more satisfying.

The Snorkeling Stop: What You Actually Get

Snorkeling equipment is included. That’s the key value point, because it removes the hassle of finding rentals in town and worrying about whether they fit.

Most importantly, this snorkeling is described as happening after you reach a quiet bay. In some trips, people say they could snorkel off the back of the boat and see fish. In other cases, people felt the snorkeling was limited, including one report that visibility was not great and that there was not much to see.

So here’s the honest way to interpret it:

• You will have gear.
• You might swim in clearer water with interesting fish, especially if conditions are good.
• If the water is opaque or the bay is not ideal, it can turn into more of a “quick dip with gear” than a reef discovery.

Also, read between the lines on gear quality. A few reviews mentioned issues like scratched masks or gear that did not seem well cleaned between uses. Another person praised the snorkeling as great. That means the equipment is included, but it may not feel new or museum-clean. If you’re picky about hygiene, rinse the gear well before putting it on and pack a small travel towel.

What you bring matters here. You’ll want:

• Swimwear and a towel you don’t mind getting sandy
• Sunscreen (reef rules vary by location, but sunscreen is still practical on boats)
• A dry layer for heading back to land, since sea spray can chill you

Food, Snacks, and Drinks: Enough to Keep the Day Comfortable

This is not a bare-bones “out to sea and hope” kind of tour. Snacks are included, and breakfast is included too. So you’re starting the trip with energy, and you’re not left waiting for lunch ashore.

In reviews, the most common vibe is that you get small food like sandwiches plus snacks, and you may also find a steady flow of drinks such as beer, wine, and soda. Just don’t assume it’s a full bar experience. One review called the snacks basic, and another described them as plentiful and tasty. The most reliable takeaway is this: it’s meant to keep you fed and cheerful at sea, not to replace a proper restaurant meal.

If you’re the kind of person who gets cranky when you’re hungry, this built-in food is genuinely a plus. It also supports the snorkeling stop, because you’re less likely to feel worn out when it’s time to swim.

Captain and Crew: The Human Part of the Trip

On water, the captain is the difference between a good day and a forget-your-problems day.

The strongest praise in the feedback centers on captains being:

• attentive
• informative
• and often funny, with a relaxed host style

One captain name shows up repeatedly in the reviews: Patrick. People described him as very knowledgeable about Canary Islands sea life and comfortable taking the group to the right areas. Others also mention a “host” feel, where passengers are kept at ease and guided to watch what matters.

There are also a couple of caution flags to balance expectations. A minority of reviews mention that the guide barely spoke during the trip, or that some aspects felt inconsistent. That does not mean the whole experience is bad, but it does mean you should not book this expecting a nonstop lecture. It’s a sailing and spotting outing first, commentary second.

If you’re traveling with kids or multigenerational family, the small-group format plus a friendly captain tends to work well. Several reviews mention children enjoying the ride, swimming, and close dolphin moments.

The Tradeoffs: Weather, Motion, and Snorkeling Variability

Let’s talk about the rough edges so you don’t get blindsided.

First, this experience is described as requiring good weather. If conditions are poor, it may be canceled, with a choice of a different date or a full refund.

Second, one negative review specifically called out sea sickness and a rougher ride, plus the captain not going out with the group for the swim on that particular day. That’s a reminder that sea conditions can change how the captain handles the water-based part of the plan.

Here’s how to be prepared:

• If you get motion sickness easily, consider medication or wrist bands before you board.
• Bring a light rain layer even on warm days. Spray and wind can cool you.
• Wear footwear that works around boat decks. Wet steps are not the time for slippery sandals.

Third, snorkeling expectations need to stay flexible. Some people found the snorkeling really enjoyable and fish-filled. Others said the visibility or gear quality did not meet their hopes. Since gear cleanliness and water clarity can vary, I treat snorkeling on this trip as a bonus if conditions cooperate, not a guaranteed highlight like a dedicated reef snorkeling tour.

Price and Value: Does $60.49 Make Sense Here?

At $60.49 per person for about 3 hours, this is priced for people who want value without sacrificing quality.

Here’s what you’re getting for that price based on the included items:

• Snacks
• Breakfast
• Snorkeling equipment
• A small-group boat outing, max 7 travelers
• A crew with 20+ years of navigation experience
• Whale and dolphin spotting as the main activity, which is exactly where captain skill helps

The snorkeling equipment included is a big value driver. If you had to rent masks and snorkels separately, the total cost can climb fast. The small-group format also improves the odds you’ll have a good viewing experience, because fewer people means less jostling for angles and more calm time on deck.

So is it “worth it”? For me, it’s worth it if:

• you want a shorter sea outing
• you like the intimacy of small boats
• you’re okay with snorkeling being condition dependent

If you’re the type who only enjoys snorkeling with perfect visibility and top-tier gear hygiene, you might find the experience mixed. But for most people wanting whales, dolphins, a few hours on the water, and a simple swim with included gear, the cost feels fair.

Who Should Book This Sailing, and Who Might Prefer Something Else

This works best if you:

• hate big crowds and want a maximum 7-person experience
• want to see pilot whales and dolphins without the stress of self-guided searching
• like the idea of a short trip that still includes food and a swim option
• are traveling with kids or in a group that prefers easy pacing

It’s also described as suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. If you rely on public transport, the meeting point is also described as being near it.

You might think twice if:

• you are very sensitive to choppy water and cannot manage motion sickness
• your dream trip requires top-clean, reef-level snorkeling conditions every time
• you expect a full guided program with constant commentary throughout

Practical Tips for a Smoother Day at Sea

A few practical moves help you get the most from this kind of sailing tour:

• Bring motion protection if you get sick on boats. Even a small chop can hit hard for some people.
• Pack a dry layer for the return. Wind and spray linger, and you want to warm up after the swim.
• Double-check final meeting details. One set of feedback mentioned confusing final information delivery, so do not treat your planning as done once you book. Look for the actual instructions you need to find Puerto Colón that day.
• Use your time for spotting. When the captain signals sightings, don’t waste time fumbling for your phone. Get ready early so you can capture the moments.
• Take sun seriously. Even when the air feels mild, sea conditions burn fast. Sunscreen helps, and a hat helps more.

Should You Book This Tenerife Whale and Dolphin Sailing?

If your goal is whales and dolphins with a calm, small-group feel, I think this is a strong choice. The small boat size, captain-led searching, and included snacks and snorkeling gear are exactly the mix that makes a short sea day feel complete. It is also a good value at $60.49 because breakfast and snorkeling equipment are included.

I would only hesitate if you know you get miserable in rough water or you need guaranteed snorkeling with excellent visibility and perfectly maintained gear. In those cases, you might end up disappointed on the days the sea conditions are not cooperative.

If you want an efficient, intimate way to spend a few hours on the water around Tenerife South, this is the kind of tour you book for sightings, then enjoy the extra touches once you’re out there.