A calm Atlantic sail can be its own kind of sightseeing. This 3-hour shared trip on the Beneteau Oceanis 440 from Puerto Colón pairs wind-driven sailing with wildlife watching in the south of Tenerife, plus snacks, cold drinks, and even a brief snorkel break. I especially love the relaxed boat setup and comfort on a small group, and I like that the trip includes both the wildlife time and the food and drinks. One thing to consider: the onboard commentary can feel light and practical, so bring your patience if you want a long, story-filled explanation in English.

Madoudou (the boat name) is an elegant 13.76-meter sailing yacht with space where you can actually sit without bumping knees, and it is authorized for whale watching in this area. You also get real comforts below deck, including hot showers and multiple cabin storage options. With a max group size of 11, you will likely feel less crowded than on bigger tours, but you should plan to share the best sighting moments with the whole group.

Key Things You’ll Notice on Madoudou

• Small-group vibe (max 11): enough space to relax, plus easier movement around the deck during sightings.
• Beneteau Oceanis 440 comfort: roomy salon, indoor storage, and aft cabins with direct bathroom access.
• Wildlife focus with a set whale window: dolphins, then about 1 hour for whale watching.
• Snacks and cold drinks included: you are not stuck hungry while you wait for the water to light up.
• 30-minute snorkeling stop: short and sweet, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• Practical, calm sailing: a smooth, no-rush feel built around wind and coastline viewing.

Madoudou Oceanis 440: what a “small share” really feels like

You start from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, in the south of Tenerife, and you board Madoudou, a Beneteau Oceanis 440. With a length of 13.76 meters and a layout designed for comfortable time aboard, it feels more like a relaxed day on a capable sailboat than a rushed wildlife bus. The fact that it carries whale-watching authorization matters too, because it signals the trip is set up for the conditions and waters here.

I like the way this boat is made for real comfort. The living area is large, with a table for eight and two sofas, which gives you actual choices for where to sit while you watch the sea. Outdoors, there is also an outdoor table and an awning, so you can choose between fresh air and shade when the sun moves.

Then there is the practical under-the-hood stuff that you may not think about until you need it. The boat has solar panels and an outboard raft, with water autonomy listed at 900 liters. That combination is a quiet advantage on longer stretches offshore because it supports the boat staying self-sufficient.

Getting comfortable on board: cabins, showers, and storage

On this trip, you are not just sitting topside. Madoudou has multiple cabins with wardrobes, drawers, and storage, so you can stow personal items without living out of your day bag. The aft cabins have direct access to bathrooms equipped with showers and hot water, which is a real quality-of-life detail when you are out in open water for hours.

The galley is also fully equipped, with three burner hobs, two sinks, an oven, and two refrigerators. Translation for you: the included food and drinks are not just an afterthought, and the boat is set up for proper meal prep rather than only packaged snacks.

If you run hot or cold easily, this matters. Boats can change temperature fast, especially in coastal winds. Having comfortable indoor space means you can warm up or cool down as needed without feeling stuck outside.

The 3-hour itinerary: sailing, dolphin spotting, then about 1 hour of whale time

The timing here is straightforward, which I appreciate when I just want to enjoy the day rather than decode a complicated schedule. You begin in Puerto Colón, then head out along the Canary Islands waters on sailing time.

Stop 1: Puerto Colón start

You meet at Gate number 5 and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. That simple “in, out, back” setup is helpful if you are pairing this trip with dinner plans or other daytime activities in Costa Adeje.

Stop 2: Sailing time

You spend part of the trip sailing, which is not just travel between wildlife zones. The sail aspect is the point, because it is your moving platform for watching the coast and the water surface for activity.

Stop 3: Dolphin watching, marine life viewing, and whale watching (1 hour)

This is the main wildlife block. During this segment you get dolphin watching, marine life viewing, and whale watching for about 1 hour. The information specifies the type of whales you are likely looking for: pilot whales, including calderones that live in Canarian waters.

This matters because it helps you set expectations. Instead of hoping for anything that might pass by, you can treat this portion like a focused search window. Look for behavior at the surface, not just size. Pilot whales can show up in ways that are more about movement and group activity than about a single “wow moment.”

One practical consideration: this trip is guided by a live tour guide in Spanish, English, and Italian, but the onboard style can feel more hands-on than lecture-heavy. If you strongly prefer detailed commentary in English, go with an open mind, and consider choosing your comfort language first when booking.

Stop 4: Secret stop for brunch and a 30-minute snorkel break

After the wildlife watching, you switch gears. There is a secret stop for break time and brunch, and then you get about 30 minutes of snorkeling with snorkeling equipment included.

This snorkel window is short, so treat it as a fun add-on, not a long swim session. The key advantage is that you can try it without having to plan your own gear, transport, or permissions. You just hop in for a limited time, return, and then enjoy the rest of the sail.

Also, because the snorkeling time is packaged into the 3-hour trip, you should be ready for a quick transition. If you are taking photos, keep your camera accessible, and if you get seasick, bring your usual remedy before you board.

Stop 5: Return to Puerto Colón

You come back to Puerto Colón at the meeting point. That makes it easier to plan the rest of your day, especially since this is a half-day style outing.

Snorkeling gear, food, and drinks: the “included” part that actually helps

One reason I like this kind of trip is that the included items remove stress. Here, you get snacks and cold drinks included, plus snorkeling equipment available. You also get food, and the onboard setup includes proper kitchen facilities, which supports that the included meal is not just a token bite.

What I would do: eat lightly before you go, then expect the trip to feed you during the day. The stop structure suggests you are supported while waiting for sightings and while taking the break. That can make a real difference on the water, where skipping a meal can turn impatience into irritability.

For snorkeling, equipment is provided, so you do not need to travel with fins, mask, or snorkel gear. Still, you should plan to bring what is listed as not included: a sun hat and a towel. If you forget them, you will feel it quickly after you get out of the water.

Whale watching expectations in Tenerife’s south: how to watch for pilot whales

The trip is specifically authorized for whale watching in the south of Tenerife, and it targets pilot whales in Canarian waters. The best approach is to stay calm and watch patterns, not just individuals. When you are on a small boat, you also feel the pace of the search: you slow down, look, scan, and then you move again.

Since the whale watching block is about 1 hour, you have a meaningful chunk of time. This is long enough to get at least one solid viewing opportunity, especially if the captain and guide are focused on the right areas and the species is present.

A tip that keeps things enjoyable: resist the urge to spend the whole hour staring straight down at the water. Scan wider, look for surface action, then focus. It is also worth staying ready to reposition on deck. On smaller boats, your sightlines can improve just by stepping a few places over.

Value and price: why $63 can be fair for a 3-hour wildlife sail

At around $63 per person, this shared trip can feel like good value because you are getting more than a “sit and hope” outing. You are paying for:

• sailing time on a Beneteau Oceanis 440
• whale watching authorization in the south of Tenerife
• dolphin and marine life viewing
• snacks and cold drinks
• food
• snorkeling equipment and a short snorkeling break

When you add up those parts, the price starts to make sense for people who want a complete experience without arranging separate snorkeling or meal plans. Also, the small max group size helps you get a better personal experience for the money, since you are not fighting crowds for deck space.

If your priority is only whales and you hate snorkeling stops, the 30-minute snorkel might feel like it steals a bit of time. But if you want one smooth package that covers multiple water-based activities, this is the kind of structure that usually delivers.

Who this tour fits best (and who should rethink it)

This trip suits you if you like the idea of a relaxed shared sail with a clear wildlife window and simple included comforts. It is a good match for couples, small groups, and anyone who prefers a smaller boat over large-tour chaos.

You might also like it if you want a guided outing but do not need a nonstop lecture. The vibe is practical and calm, built around spotting wildlife and taking a short break when the time is right.

On the other hand, consider rethinking it if you are expecting highly detailed storytelling, especially in English. The available information says the guide speaks Spanish, English, and Italian, but the onboard style can be brief. If your number-one goal is interpretive narration for every minute, you might want to look for a different format.

Practical tips before you go

Bring a sun hat and a towel since they are not included. Wear swimwear under your clothes so the snorkeling break is easy. You are on open water for hours, so bring whatever you normally use to stay comfortable in sun and wind.

If you get seasick, plan ahead. The trip is sailing-based, so conditions can change with wind. Taking precautions before you board is the smart move, because you will want to enjoy the whale watching hour and not just focus on feeling okay.

Finally, arrive with your meeting point in mind. You start at Gate number 5, and you finish back at the same place, so plan your timing around that simple flow.

Should you book Madoudou’s 3-hour whale watching share tour?

I would book this tour if you want a small-group sail out of Puerto Colón that includes the core things most people care about: real time on the water, whale watching in the south of Tenerife, dolphins and marine life viewing, and an included brunch plus snorkeling equipment. The Beneteau Oceanis 440 setup adds comfort when you need a break from sun and wind.

Skip it only if you want a very narration-heavy experience in English or if you dislike snorkeling add-ons enough that the 30-minute stop would annoy you. For most people looking for an efficient, relaxed half-day at sea, this one checks the boxes in a way that feels practical and genuinely enjoyable.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching trip?

The trip lasts about 3 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $63 per person.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Gate number 5 in Puerto Colón.

What animals will I likely see?

The trip is set up for whale watching in the south of Tenerife and focuses on pilot whales, with also dolphin watching and marine life viewing.

Is whale watching included?

Yes. Whale watching is included, with about 1 hour during the wildlife segment.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. There is snorkeling for about 30 minutes, and snorkeling equipment is available.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks and cold drinks are included, and food is also included.

Do I need to bring a towel or sun hat?

Sun hat and towel are not included, so you should bring them.

What languages are available for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in Spanish, English, and Italian.

Does the tour return to the starting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point in Puerto Colón.