Whales feel close from a yacht. This private trip from Playa de las Américas mixes a classic sailing outing with serious wildlife searching, including sonar and time out on deck for spotting pilot whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles. The part I like most is the sonar guidance paired with real-time lookout time.

You’ll also feel taken care of while you’re out there, with champagne on arrival, unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water, plus snorkel gear and light snacks. One consideration: there’s no hotel pickup, and the sailing is weather-dependent, so you’ll want a flexible plan for good conditions.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Private boat for up to 11 means you control the vibe, not a crowd.
• Whale and dolphin spotting with sonar helps you time your eyes, not just hope.
• Snorkeling equipment is included so you can switch from surface spotting to underwater viewing.
• Anchor for a swim gives you an actual break, not just more cruising.
• Open bar and snacks keep the cruise easy and social.
• Year-round pilot whale area is a big reason this route is popular.

A private 40-foot sailing yacht that feels made for small groups

This is a true private experience, with a sailing yacht sized for up to 11 passengers. That matters more than you might think. On a small boat, you get deck space for photos, room to move around, and a calmer feel when dolphins pop up near the stern.

The boat is about 40 feet, with plenty of outdoor space for the wildlife watch, plus an indoor saloon area if the sun shifts or you want to cool down for a minute. There’s also a kitchenette, which helps explain why the onboard food and drinks run smoothly.

If you’re traveling with kids, a couple of adults, or friends who want to talk and not compete with other groups for attention, this boat size tends to work. It’s the kind of setup where the crew can actually focus on your group, especially during the wildlife watch and safety briefing.

Getting aboard at Puerto Colón, and what pickup really means

Start your trip at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, in the Costa Adeje area (Puerto Colon, pantalan 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The experience ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not spending your day on transfers.

Pickup is described as offered, but hotel pickup is not included. Practically, that means you’ll likely need to handle your own way to the marina, unless the operator confirms a pickup option for your exact lodging. The key detail is to contact them at least 24 hours before the start time to confirm pickup details.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket. That’s helpful at the marina, because you can get checked in fast and get to the fun part without digging around for paper.

The skipper and the wildlife game plan

Once you’re aboard, you get a briefing and a safety talk. This is the part that makes the rest of the cruise feel relaxed. When everyone understands where to move, what the crew expects, and how spotting will work, you spend more time watching and less time worrying.

Then the sailing begins. The route takes you out toward areas known for whale and dolphin sightings in the open Atlantic. The focus is on pilot whales that are present in local waters year-round, plus dolphins and sea turtles when conditions line up.

What makes this trip different is the sonar equipment. Instead of you just staring at the horizon until something appears, you have gear that helps the crew detect where to listen and look. You still need eyes in the sky and patience in the water, but sonar turns the trip from pure luck into a process.

And yes, the crew’s role matters. You might be hosted by a skipper like Guy or Juan Angel, and you may also hear names like Maxi connected with the onboard hospitality. Across those examples, the common thread is calm confidence: they keep things easy for families, and they also know how to position the boat for the best chances to see wildlife.

Sonar and spotting tips: how to get the most from your lookout time

A sonar guided watch is only useful if you actually use your eyes too. Here’s how I’d play it:

• Rotate who watches. If you have more than one person in your group, take turns. Whale and dolphin sightings can happen fast.
• Look for movement, not just spouts. Dolphins can show up as quick changes at the surface.
• Ask the crew what to look for. The skipper’s guidance helps you spot patterns faster, especially for pilot whales.
• Keep an eye on the water between sightings. Sea turtles are often spotted when you’re not looking at the sky for a whale.

The trip also includes time to listen for whales and dolphins using the sonar equipment. That’s a detail that often gets glossed over in boat tours, but it’s exactly why this cruise can feel better than an ordinary watch.

And if you do see whales and dolphins together, it can happen in a satisfying rhythm: spot, regroup, slow the boat, confirm, then enjoy the time together.

Champagne, unlimited drinks, and snacks that make the cruise feel easy

You board and quickly settle into vacation mode. There’s a glass of Champagne on the water, plus an open bar setup with unlimited wine, beer, sodas, and bottled water. That means you’re not stuck tracking who paid for what, or waiting in line for drinks.

You’ll also get assorted light snacks. On a small private boat, this kind of snack service is exactly right. It keeps you fueled without making you feel heavy before a swim or snorkeling break.

If your group likes a more celebratory tone, Champagne at the start helps set it. If your group just wants comfort, unlimited drinks and water keeps the whole outing smooth, especially on warm days.

One more practical note: with a saloon cabin onboard, you can step inside when the sun gets too strong. That keeps this from turning into a heat-only experience.

The anchored swim and snorkeling moment

A key part of this tour is the pause for water time. During the cruise, your skipper drops anchor so you can swim. This is the moment many people remember, because it turns the trip from watching wildlife from the deck into being part of the scene.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so if you want to explore underwater, you can. The goal isn’t complicated gear or a long instruction lecture. It’s a straightforward chance to see what’s going on under the surface, and you may spot marine life close up, including the same general types the crew watches for from above.

Because the trip focuses on whale and dolphin areas, you’re often dealing with lively water and changing conditions. Use the included gear if you’re comfortable, and keep it simple: short snorkel sessions tend to work best, especially with families.

After the water break, you return to the original jetty and your cruise ends back where you started.

Itinerary flow, in real life terms

The schedule is simple. Here’s how the day typically feels from start to finish:

1. Tenerife Sailing Charters boarding and briefings

You meet the captain, get a safety briefing, and get settled. This portion is short, but it sets the tone for the whole trip.

1. Sailing out from Playa de las Américas into open Atlantic viewing areas

This is where the wildlife watching happens. You’ll keep lookout for pilot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles while the crew uses sonar to guide where to focus.

1. On-water drinks and light snacking

This runs alongside the watch. It makes the time pass comfortably, and it helps families stay happy while waiting for wildlife cues.

1. Anchor for swimming, optional snorkeling

You get a true water break. If you want underwater views, the included snorkel gear is there.

1. Return to the jetty

Once you finish the cruise, you disembark at the original jetty.

The “win” here is pacing. You’re not rushed through a checklist. You get a wildlife watch with time to enjoy it, plus a swim moment that makes the whole trip feel like an experience, not a drive-by.

3 hours versus 6 hours, and morning versus afternoon

The experience offers both 3-hour and 6-hour options, in either the morning or afternoon. If you’re deciding what fits your group, here’s how I’d think about it:

• Choose 3 hours if you want the highlights without eating up the whole day. It’s a great fit for half-day plans, families on a tight schedule, or anyone who just wants the wildlife and a swim break.
• Choose 6 hours if your group thrives on longer time at sea. With whales and dolphins, more time can mean more chances, plus it gives you a bigger window for relaxed cruising and water time.

Morning trips can feel calmer as you start, while afternoon outings can be a bit more about warm light and relaxed vacation energy. Your best bet is to pick the time that matches your group’s energy and your comfort with being on the water.

And remember, the whole thing depends on good weather. If it’s not a good day for sailing, you might be offered a different date or a refund.

Price and value: what $716.45 per group gets you

The price is listed as $716.45 per group, for up to 11 people. On the surface, it sounds like a “private boat” premium. In practice, it’s often better value than it seems, because you’re not paying per person, and you’re not sharing the boat with strangers.

The value comes from three areas:

1. The privacy and space

Your whole group is on the yacht. That’s not a small benefit when you’re trying to watch wildlife. Less crowding means better movement on deck and a calmer experience for kids.

1. The included wildlife tech and water time

Snorkeling equipment and sonar listening are part of the package. You’re not paying extra to add the swim and underwater viewing.

1. The open bar and snacks

Unlimited drinks plus snacks turns the trip into a low-effort outing. You get a “vacation meal and drinks” feel without booking dinner separately.

Also note what’s not included: souvenir photos can be purchased separately, and hotel pickup is not included. If you’re staying nearby and can get to Puerto Colón easily, you’ll likely feel the value even more.

Vegetarian needs, service animals, and who this trip fits best

There are a couple of details that make this easier for real travel situations. A vegetarian option is available, if you ask at booking. Service animals are allowed.

In terms of fit, I’d say this is a great choice for:

• Families who want a calm, guided wildlife watch plus a swim
• Couples who want a romantic feel without a massive boat crowd
• Small groups of friends who want a flexible, easy outing

If you’re someone who hates being on the water, or you only want wildlife viewing from shore with zero chance of getting wet, you might not love a trip that includes swimming and optional snorkeling. But if you’re open to that, the payoff tends to be strong.

Should you book this private whale and dolphin yacht tour?

Book it if you want a small-group, private sailing day with real wildlife searching and included swim time. The sonar setup is a big deal, and the open bar plus snorkeling gear means you’re not piecing together extra costs once you’re out at sea.

Hold off if you have a very rigid schedule and can’t pivot for weather. The experience depends on good conditions, and sailing can be affected.

If you’re planning around flexibility, and you want the kind of outing where your group can actually enjoy the wildlife watch instead of just standing in a crowd, this private yacht option is one of the more practical ways to do Tenerife’s Atlantic marine life.

FAQ

How many people are on the yacht?

This is a private tour with a maximum of 11 people per booking.

What’s included for snorkeling and swimming?

The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment. Your skipper also drops anchor so you can swim during the cruise.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. You get a glass of Champagne, plus unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water, along with light refreshments.

Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at Puerto Colón, pantalan 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pick ups are not included. Pickup is offered, but you need to contact the operator at least 24 hours before the trip to confirm pickup details.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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