Pilot whales show up when you least expect it. This Puerto Colón yacht trip keeps things small-group (max 12) so you can actually hear the live captain commentary as you head out looking for whales and dolphins. I also really like the simple onboard setup: beer, wine, soft drinks, water, plus ham and cheese baguettes (with vegetarian options if requested).

The main thing to keep in mind is that the ocean and your schedule are weather-dependent, and the snorkeling and swim stop may be skipped or swapped out depending on conditions, including on the 19:00 sunset option.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Max 12 travelers on board for a calmer, more personal whale-spotting experience
• Live guidance from the captain who takes you to the best places
• Drinks and snacks included (beer, wine, soft drinks, water, ham and cheese baguettes)
• Snorkeling equipment and a swim stop when conditions cooperate
• Multiple daily departures, including an extra 19:00 sunset slot in summer
• Life vests provided, so you can focus on the sea, not setup

A Small-Group Yacht Base in Puerto Colón

You start in Puerto Colón, in Playa de la Américas on Tenerife, and the trip returns to the same meeting point. That matters because it keeps the day simple. No complicated multi-stop plan, no long transfers that eat up your ocean time.

The schedule is built for flexibility too. The experience runs on daily departures, and you can choose a departure time that fits your day. If you want to pair this with a beach afternoon or dinner plans in Playa de la Américas, you can do that without feeling rushed.

And you’re not herded onto a huge boat. With a maximum of 12 passengers, the whole vibe stays conversational. That sounds like a marketing line, but it affects what you notice out on the water. When the group is smaller, you can actually track what the captain points out instead of competing with everyone’s phone cameras and foggy “where is it?” moments.

Why the 12-Person Boat Changes Whale Watching

Whale and dolphin trips are all about spotting, patience, and timing. The big difference here is space. In smaller groups, it’s easier to see across the deck, easier to move around, and easier to stay oriented as the boat changes direction.

One review mentioned the contrast with much larger catamarans, and that tracks with the practical reality. If you’re on a crowded vessel, you’re often watching through other people. On a smaller yacht, you can watch the water as it changes, and you’re more likely to catch brief surfacing.

You also get something that many trips only partially deliver: a sense of active guiding. This captain doesn’t just point and hope. The tour is run so you go to promising areas with live commentary and ongoing guidance on what to watch for.

Onboard Comfort: Drinks, Baguettes, and Life Vests

This is not a bare-bones “look for animals and suffer a bit” outing. You’ve got a proper onboard snack-and-drink rhythm. During the cruise, you can enjoy beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.

Food is kept simple and ship-friendly: ham and cheese baguettes. The key practical detail is that vegetarian options are available on request, so if your diet requires it, make that ask clearly during booking. One disappointed review was about vegetarian orders not matching the request, which is a good reminder: confirm ahead, and do it in writing.

For the water part, you’re provided with snorkeling equipment and life vests. That combination makes the swim stop feel less intimidating. You don’t have to show up with your own gear or negotiate a last-minute “do we have a fin for you?” moment.

Three Hours at Sea: How the Captain Finds Whales and Dolphins

The trip is about 3 hours, and the core flow is straightforward: sail out, search for whales and dolphins, then, weather permitting, enjoy a swim or snorkeling stop before heading back.

What makes this work is that the captain runs the timing and routing in real time. You’re not locked into a script that ignores what the ocean is doing. Instead, you’re watching from a moving platform while the captain tries to place you near sightings.

From the feedback, the most common outcome is pilot whales. You may also see other marine life, like turtles, and you’ll often get multiple sightings instead of one quick appearance. The captain’s approach can matter here. Several reviewers praised the way the skipper helps you understand what you’re seeing so you do not miss the fast parts of whale behavior, like a quick surface or a short travel line.

Even if you’re unlucky with the biggest animals, you’re still on Tenerife’s water, and that’s part of the value. Coastal views look different from a moving deck, and you get that “out here, it’s just you and the sea” feeling.

If the sea turns choppy

One review noted windy and choppy conditions and said blankets were provided. That’s the kind of detail that matters. It’s also why I recommend bringing a light layer even in warm weather. Salt spray plus wind can cool you quickly, and feeling comfortable helps you actually enjoy the search instead of hunching through it.

Snorkeling and the Swim Stop, When Conditions Allow

You can expect snorkeling and swimming, but the operator is honest about the key limitation: it depends on the weather. That’s normal for the Atlantic, but it does affect how you should plan your expectations.

When snorkeling is on the table, it tends to be the highlight for people who want more than whale watching. It breaks up the trip with a different kind of fun: you’re in the water instead of only scanning the horizon.

Because snorkeling gear is included, you’re freed up from the usual planning tasks. You just need to follow the crew’s timing and safety instructions.

A practical tip for better water time: if you want a full experience, treat the swim stop as something to be ready for when the captain signals it. The difference between “I’ll snorkel later” and “I’m suited up right when we stop” can be the difference between enjoying the best conditions and missing your window.

The 19:00 Sunset Option: Two Hours, One Big Choice

There’s also a new sunset time at 19:00 until the end of August. It’s only 2 hours long, and the tradeoff is clear: it will either go to look for whales and dolphins or go to the swim stop, but not both.

The price is the same as the main option. So this is really a decision-making tool for you, not just an extra departure time. Pick the priority that fits your mood:

• If you care most about animals, lean toward the whale-and-dolphin plan.
• If you care more about swimming and snorkeling, lean toward the water-time plan.

If you’re flexible and coming specifically for marine life, I’d treat the regular 3-hour departures as the “best chance” option, because they’re more likely to include both the viewing and the swim component, depending on conditions.

Crew Style and Captain Patrick Moments

The crew experience is a big part of why this trip scores well. Multiple reviewers highlighted how the skipper actively points things out and keeps everyone engaged, which helps a lot when wildlife is moving and sightings can be brief.

Captain Patrick shows up in several reviews, including praise for maneuvering the boat well, plus friendliness and storytelling while you’re out there. Stories might sound like fluff, but on a whale trip they serve a purpose: they keep attention on what you’re seeing, and they make the time go quickly while you’re waiting for the next surfacing.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the captain’s instructions around spotting and movement on deck. In a small yacht, it’s not a free-for-all. The goal is safety and smooth viewing angles.

Value for $62.56: What You Get for the Money

At $62.56 per person, this sits in the “serious value” zone if you compare what’s included. You’re not only paying for a boat. You’re getting:

• About 3 hours on the water
• Live captain commentary
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life vests
• Drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, water)
• Simple food (ham and cheese baguettes, vegetarian on request)

A whale trip can become expensive fast once you add snacks, drinks, and gear rental somewhere else. Here, the basics are rolled in, which makes it easier to budget for a Tenerife day.

Also, the max 12 limit can be a value multiplier. Not because you pay less than big groups, but because you experience more of it. Better sightlines and less crowd noise makes you actually benefit from the animal-watching effort.

One more value angle: you get to choose your timing. Daily departures let you match the trip to your energy level, your other plans, and the weather window you hope is best that day.

Who This Puerto Colón Yacht Trip Is Best For

This tour is a great fit if you want marine wildlife without the “standing shoulder to shoulder” feeling. If you enjoy hearing what you’re seeing and you like a more relaxed pace, the small yacht format is a clear advantage.

It also works well for:

• Families and mixed groups, since the boat carries a small number of people and includes basic onboard essentials
• People who want both wildlife viewing and a chance to swim or snorkel
• Anyone who appreciates a real plan led by a captain, not just a group drifting around

You might want to think twice if you are very picky about details like the exact look of the boat. One review said the vessel felt different than expected from pictures, so if that’s important to you, look closely at what you’re booking and confirm what you care about most.

Should You Book This Whale and Dolphin Yacht Trip?

If your goal is whales and dolphins with a calmer onboard vibe, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of small group size, live captain guidance, and included extras like drinks and snorkeling gear makes it a strong value for Tenerife.

Before you book, do two things:

1. Prioritize what you want most: wildlife watching, or wildlife plus swimming. If you’re choosing the 19:00 sunset option, remember it’s only 2 hours and you’ll get one main experience.
2. If you need vegetarian food, put the request in writing during booking and keep proof. The trip includes vegetarian options, but food accuracy depends on the request being clearly received.

If you can roll with changing sea conditions, you’ll probably have a great time. That’s the honest trade in whale watching, and it’s also where the best sightings happen.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Colón whale and dolphin yacht trip?

It lasts about 3 hours.

What is the maximum group size?

The trip has a maximum of 12 travelers.

How much does it cost?

The price is $62.56 per person.

Are snorkeling and swimming included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, and swimming is available, but it depends on the weather.

What drinks and food are included?

You get beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, plus ham and cheese baguettes. Vegetarian options are available on request.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is a photo service included?

No. Photo service is optional and not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Puerto Colón, Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and ends back at the meeting point.

What languages are used on the tour?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish. If you need a certain language on a specific day, you should message prior to booking.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.