Whales off Tenerife feel close here, with a teak-style sail and a swim stop along the Costa Adeje coast. You’ll cruise from Puerto Colón toward the west side of Tenerife, looking for pilot whales while enjoying big-deck sea time in the sun.

I love two things most on this kind of trip: the chance to actually watch marine life up close, and the comfort level for a short 2-hour outing. On this one, you get free water and soft drinks, plus an onboard bar if you want more.

One possible drawback is that the whole experience depends on sea conditions, so you should plan for some chop and remember whale sightings are never guaranteed.

Key Highlights You Will Care About

• Board at Colon Harbour pier 14 (next to the petrol station), then head out for a focused 2-hour cruise.
• Teak-built Shogun style sailing vibe, with an upper deck for views and main-deck space around a central table.
• Free soft drinks all trip, with an onboard bar available for additional drinks.
• Pilot whale and dolphin viewing off the west coast of Tenerife, where sightings are the whole point.
• Time set aside for a swim during the Costa Adeje stop.
• Multiple languages for the live guide: English, French, German, Spanish.

Getting on the Shogun at Puerto Colón (and why timing matters)

Your tour starts at the Shogun boat at Colon Harbour, pier number 14, next to the petrol station. This is the spot to find your group and get settled quickly, because the whole outing is just 2 hours. If you’re the type who likes photos, arrive a touch early so you’re not rushing onto the deck when you want the best angles.

From there, you’ll cruise along the southern Tenerife coast, with the core action happening around Costa Adeje. Depending on your booking option, there may also be a bus transfer from select areas, but your meeting point is still the pier. If you’re staying nearby, the dock is the simplest plan.

You’ll also want to know what you’re walking into. This isn’t a long day tour with multiple stops and lots of waiting. It’s a compact, outdoors-first experience. If the sea is lively, the boat motion will be noticeable, especially if you’re sensitive.

The west coast whale hunt: what you’re really trying to see

This trip is built around watching pilot whales and dolphins as you move along Tenerife’s west-side waters. The operator explains that the whales are drawn to this area, and your job is basically to stay present and watch when the crew slows down and points things out.

What makes it worth doing is that you’re not just hoping for a distant animal you can barely identify. You’re sailing in a way that allows repeated scanning for surfaces and behavior. On a good day, you can go from spotting a spout to realizing you’ve found a group moving through the water.

From the most positive parts of people’s experiences, pilot whales are the big win, and the highlights aren’t only about adults. One memorable moment was the chance to see a newborn, which is exactly the kind of detail that makes whale watching feel real instead of generic.

Practical advice: bring your eyes to the horizon first, then focus on where the crew directs attention. Whales can appear quickly, and if you’re constantly switching between phone screens and deck rail scanning, you might miss the moment they surface.

Life on board: teak-style sailing, sun decks, and real comfort

The boat is described as an authentic oriental sailboat built with teak hard wood, shaped to give you that old-school sailing feel. The highlights also frame it as a goleta-style experience, like you’re stepping into the past rather than sitting on a modern sightseeing ferry.

For comfort, you’ll have a few useful options:

• An upper deck for views
• A main deck with a large central table where you can relax
• Bathrooms below deck (two) and one at the same level

The seating setup matters because it affects how you watch. If you want the widest view for spotting, you’ll naturally gravitate toward the upper deck. If you want shade or a place to settle with drinks and snacks, the main deck around the central table is the spot.

Drinks are part of the rhythm. Water and soft drinks are free for the whole trip. There’s also an onboard bar where you can buy additional drinks. Alcoholic drinks are not included across the board, but beer and wine are listed as included at lunch time. Since this is a shorter 2-hour sail, it’s best to think of the included drinks as primarily the soft drinks, with any alcohol tied to the tour’s meal plan.

The Costa Adeje portion: cruising, dolphin spotting, and a swim break

Once you reach the Costa Adeje area, the tour shifts into its main activity mode: dolphin watching and whale watching, with time set aside for swimming. This is where the trip earns its title as more than just an animal spotting session. You’re out on the water, and then you actually get to cool off.

The swim stop is a big deal in Tenerife heat. Even a short swim can make the tour feel less like a passive watch-from-a-boat experience. It also helps if you’re traveling with mixed interests, because not everyone connects emotionally to spotting wildlife but everyone enjoys a quick dip.

What to bring for that swim is straightforward:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and sun hat

If you’ve ever been on a boat and then forgotten something small like sunscreen, you know how quickly that becomes annoying. Pack for sun and salt, and you’ll enjoy the swim more and feel less stressed about what you left on shore.

Food and drinks: short tour value, not a full meal day

Food is included, and that matters for a 2-hour format. Your included meal is listed as rice with vegetables, meatballs, cabbage salad, bread, and fruit. That’s not gourmet, but it’s also not the typical empty-feeling tour snack. For many people, having food handled removes one more decision from the day.

Beer and wine are also listed as included at lunch time. Alcoholic drinks outside of lunch time are not included, though the onboard bar is available for purchases. So if you want cocktails, beer beyond the included meal, or something specific, plan to pay for those.

My take on value: at around $20 per person, the cost makes sense when you consider you’re paying for (1) a dedicated sailboat cruise, (2) a crew and live guide, and (3) free soft drinks plus an included meal. If you were to piece together a standalone boat ride plus food, it usually doesn’t end up cheaper.

What the crew actually does for your chances

The best whale-watching experiences have one shared trait: the crew helps you see what you’d miss alone. This tour is staffed with a professional crew, including a captain and sailors, plus a live guide speaking English, French, German, and Spanish.

People’s standout comments focus on the crew being friendly and attentive, and also helpful in explaining what they were seeing. That matters because it turns the trip from random scanning into a guided hunt. You’re still outside, still dealing with nature, but you’re not just along for the ride.

Here’s the simple mindset that works: assume the crew will call your attention when something changes. Stay ready to look up quickly, and don’t lock into one position for the entire trip if the crew starts focusing attention elsewhere.

Small rules that protect the animals (and keep things smooth)

This is also a tour with clear boundaries, and they’re there for a reason:

• No fishing
• No feeding animals
• Pets not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed)
• No party groups
• No alcohol and drugs

Those rules keep the water calmer and reduce disturbances. They also protect your experience. You’re more likely to have a peaceful, focused sail when everyone shares the same expectations.

If you’re planning a group trip, keep it low-key. The wrong vibe on a small boat can ruin the comfort level fast. This tour is built for watching, sun time, and that short swim window.

Weather, sea conditions, and what to expect if the water is rough

The operator states the tour is subject to sea conditions. That doesn’t just mean comfort. It can also affect how the boat moves, where you go, and how long you spend looking.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is the moment to take it seriously. Bring what usually helps you on boats, because a 2-hour cruise on a choppier day can feel longer than you expect.

If conditions are calmer, you’ll get the best of what you came for: slow scanning, deck time in the sun, and easier spotting of surfaces.

Either way, keep your mental plan flexible. Whale watching is not a theme park with a guaranteed show.

Who should book this Costa Adeje sailboat whale tour

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A short, high-impact outing rather than an all-day schedule
• A real sailboat feel, with deck time and views
• A serious focus on pilot whales and dolphins
• A swim stop so the trip feels active, not passive
• A plan that includes soft drinks and a full included meal

It’s also a good option for couples and friends who like outdoors time and don’t mind watching for animals with patience.

Who might reconsider: if you need an easy ride with minimal boat motion, or if you’re uncomfortable with open water, sea conditions may be a concern. Also note that the information includes wheelchair accessibility, but it also says the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Since that’s contradictory, you should double-check before you book and confirm whether the boat and restroom access will work for your needs.

Should you book it? My quick decision guide

Book this tour if you want the best chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins in a compact 2-hour sail, with deck comfort, free soft drinks, and a swim stop. At about $20 per person, it’s one of the more reasonable ways to combine a dedicated boat outing with food, rather than paying separately for a tour and then dealing with lunch.

Skip it or think twice if you hate being on boats when the sea is unsettled, or if you need consistent comfort first and wildlife second. Also, if you have mobility needs, confirm access with the operator because the details provided are inconsistent.

If you’re flexible on the exact animal sightings and you’re ready for a guided watch-and-scan experience, this one can genuinely be a highlight of your Tenerife trip.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching sail tour from Puerto Colón?

The duration is 2 hours. You can check availability to see the starting times.

Where do I board the boat?

You board the Shogun boat at Colon Harbours, pier number 14, next to the petrol station.

Does the tour include drinks?

Yes. Water and soft drinks are free for the whole trip. There is also an onboard bar. Beer and wine are listed as included at lunch time, while alcoholic drinks are not included outside that.

Is there a swim during the tour?

Yes. The Costa Adeje portion includes time for swimming.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The tour guide provides live commentary in English, French, German, and Spanish.

Is the tour affected by weather or sea conditions?

Yes. The tour is subject to sea conditions.

What should I bring for the outing?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

Pets are not allowed, but assistance dogs are allowed.