Whales and turtles, on your own yacht.

This Tenerife outing pairs a premium sailing cruise with the thrill of pilot whale sightings and a relaxing swim stop.

You get a real luxury setup, plus food and drinks, without the scramble of big-group tours.

What I like most is the combination of private time and practical comfort on board.

You’ll start with a glass of cava, then settle into a smooth sailing ride while the captain looks for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles.

The second big win is the on-water bonus stop, where the boat anchors and you can swim with turtles or just kick back.

One thing to consider is that you’re on open water, so weather and sea conditions can affect how long you spend actively swimming.

Also, you’ll want to bring your own towels and sun protection since those are not included.

Key points to know before you go

• Private yacht cruising with a premium, fully equipped sailing boat from Puerto Colon
• Pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles are all on the lookout list
• Cava and drinks onboard, plus baguettes, fruit, and snacks during the trip
• Secluded bay anchoring, with snorkeling equipment provided
• Swim-with-turtles time if conditions and the captain’s call allow it
• Up to 11 people means you can actually enjoy the trip instead of sharing space

Private Sailing Yacht Time From Puerto Colon (3 to 6 Hours)

This tour is built around one simple idea: skip the crowded boat feeling and go out on a fully equipped yacht with your own private group.

You choose a 3-hour or 6-hour cruise from Puerto Colon, and you’ll have time to both look for wildlife and enjoy the ride itself.

Plan to show up at Puerto Colon, Pantalan Number 2, about 15 minutes before departure.

That early buffer matters, because once the yacht leaves, your day becomes all about moving water, not paperwork.

What Makes the Luxury Yacht Feel Worth It

Luxury here is not just a fancy word. It is practical.

The sailing yacht is fully equipped, with bathrooms, cabins, a sunbathing area, and a large salon and kitchen, so you have options if you want to relax inside for a bit.

When you board, the captain welcomes you and you get a complementary glass of cava.

That small ritual helps the whole experience feel like a proper charter, not a quick excursion where you’re herded around.

One other detail I appreciate: this boat is sailing, not just motoring around for scenic photos.

You’re cruising in a way that feels more like you’re living on the water for a half day, with lots of spots to sit, stretch out, and watch for animals.

How Whale and Dolphin Spotting Actually Plays Out

You’ll head out from the harbor and, once you’re underway, the captain looks for wildlife right away.

The experience is set up so that the first pilot whales can come into view fairly soon after departure, with dolphins and turtles also expected during the trip.

Here is the key thing to understand: wildlife spotting is never a guarantee, but the structure is sensible.

You have a private boat, the captain is actively searching, and you’re not stuck waiting in a packed queue while other boats circle elsewhere.

Also, since you’re on a yacht with room to move around and get comfortable, you can keep your attention on spotting.

You’re not stuck balancing on the edge of a crowded deck.

The Secluded Bay Stop, Plus Swimming With Turtles

At some point, the captain anchors in a secluded bay.

This is where the experience shifts from watching to doing: you can swim with the turtles, or you can simply relax, snack, and drink if you prefer to stay more hands-off.

Snorkeling gear is included, and that changes what you can realistically plan for.

If you want to get in the water, you are not hunting for equipment at the last minute, and you can focus on timing and comfort instead.

A balanced expectation helps here: you might swim, and you might not, depending on conditions and what the captain decides is best.

The good news is that even without swimming, the bay stop is still the calm, social part of the day.

Food, Drinks, and the On-Board Rhythm (Cava to Snacks)

This is not a dry boat tour.

You’ll get cava on arrival, then you’ll have complimentary soft drinks, beer, and white wine during the cruise.

The food is simple but genuinely satisfying for time on the water: baguettes, fruit, and snacks.

It’s the kind of setup that keeps you fueled without turning the day into a heavy meal schedule, and it matches the way the cruise flows, from wildlife searching to a quieter swim or relax segment.

In the feedback from people who went, the service and overall hospitality get repeated praise, including the feeling that the day stayed relaxed even with a lot packed in.

One fun detail that stands out: a private group of 11 was able to play their own music, which is a big deal if you want the charter vibe to feel personal.

What to Wear and Bring So the Cruise Feels Easy

You’re going to be in summer conditions on a boat, so pack for sun, seawater, and convenience.

You’ll be asked to wear summer beach clothing, plus a swimsuit and a hat.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• A camera
• Swimwear
• Summer beach clothing and a hat

Plan ahead for what is not included.

Towels are not provided, and sun cream is also not included, so you’ll want to bring both if you expect to spend time in the sun or in the water.

One small practical note: you’ll feel the sun more out at sea than you expect, even if the air feels comfortable.

If you tend to burn easily, take that seriously before you step on board.

Languages and Private-Group Comfort

This is a private group, and a live tour guide joins the experience with languages including Spanish, English, German, French, and Italian.

That matters more than it sounds. You get clearer context while you’re out there spotting animals, and you’re less likely to miss the little explanations that turn sightings into a story.

Private-group size also changes your whole experience.

With a group up to 11, you can actually find your preferred spot on the yacht, rather than spending the day negotiating elbows and foot traffic.

Who This Tenerife Whale and Dolphin Tour Suits Best

This charter is a strong fit if you want the wildlife part, but you also care about comfort.

Think of it as for people who like their adventure with drinks, snacks, and room to breathe.

It is especially good for:

• Small friend groups who want to book as a unit
• Couples who want quiet and flexibility on the water
• Families who want a private setting (as long as everyone is comfortable with boat time and water play)
• Anyone celebrating something, because the cava arrival and yacht setting make it feel special

If you mainly want the cheapest boat ride possible, this may feel like a splurge.

If you want a premium, low-stress day that blends wildlife with real downtime, it makes more sense.

Price and Value: Paying for the Whole Yacht

The price is listed as $701 per group, up to 11 people.

That is not a low number, but it is also not priced like a per-person public tour.

The value depends on how full your group is.

If you fill close to 11 spots, you’re spreading the cost across more people and turning the outing into something closer to a shared luxury charter.

If you book with only a couple of people, you’ll feel the premium more, because you are essentially paying for the yacht experience rather than a seat on a standard cruise.

For me, the value argument is strongest when you care about:

• Private yacht comfort (cabins, bathrooms, salon, sunbathing area)
• Included drinks and snacks
• Included snorkeling equipment
• A structured chance at pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

Tips to Get More From Your Half Day on the Water

You can’t control wildlife, but you can control how prepared you are, and that makes a difference.

Here’s what I’d do:

• Arrive early at Puerto Colon so you settle in without rushing.
• Bring a camera, but also give your eyes time to adjust, because animal sightings can be quick.
• Wear sun protection before you’re out at sea. Then reapply later if you plan to swim or stay in the sun.
• Keep an open mindset about the swimming segment. It’s part of the plan, but the captain calls it based on what’s happening.

A small “day planning” trick: treat the day like two moods.

First, be in watch-and-spot mode.

Then shift into snack-and-relax mode during the bay stop.

Should You Book This Private Whale and Dolphin Yacht in Tenerife?

Book it if you want a premium private sailing experience that blends serious wildlife searching with genuine onboard comfort.

The cava arrival, included drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment, plus the chance to swim with turtles, make it feel like more than just a sightseeing cruise.

Skip it if you’re mainly chasing the lowest price or you know you hate open-water variability.

Since you are at the mercy of sea and wildlife conditions, this is best for people who want flexibility and a relaxed day, not a rigid checklist.

If your group fits up to 11 and you’re ready for a half day that feels like a real charter, this is one of the stronger ways to do Tenerife’s whales, dolphins, and turtles in style.

FAQ

How long is the private whale and dolphin watching tour?

You can choose a 3-hour or a 6-hour private cruise.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at Puerto Colon, Pantalan Number 2. Arrive about 15 minutes before departure.

Is this tour private, and what group size should we expect?

Yes, it’s a private group. The yacht is booked for up to 11 people.

What marine animals are you likely to see?

The cruise includes looking out for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles.

What food and drinks are included on board?

You get cava on arrival, plus soft drinks, beer, and white wine. Snacks include baguettes, fruits, and snacks.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for use during the cruise.

Are towels and sun cream included?

No. Towels and sun cream are not included, so you’ll want to bring them.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear summer beach clothing, a swimsuit, and a hat. Bring sunglasses and a camera, and plan for time in the water.

What languages are available on the tour?

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

What are the cancellation and payment options?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, with no payment due today.