Three hours at sea, plus whales up close. This Southern Tenerife cruise is all about dolphins and pilot whales in the open Atlantic, with a relaxed onboard vibe and a swim stop for snorkelers. You sail, you look up and you look around, because the marine life here has a habit of popping up right when you least expect it.

What I love most is the tiny group setup. You are on a luxury yacht style boat with a maximum of 11 passengers, so the captain can actually reposition the boat for better views instead of everyone filming from the same spot. The second big win for me is the onboard food and drinks: you get unlimited champagne, beer, soft drinks, and water, plus ham, cheese, and salad baguette sandwiches and snacks like fruit, chips, and nuts.

One consideration: it is a 3-hour time on the water, and the operator notes the trip is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you are even slightly sensitive, take your motion sickness prevention seriously, and be ready for a choppier stretch than you hoped for.

Key things I’d plan around

• Maximum 11 passengers (or private tour) for a calmer, more personal wildlife search
• Pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles are part of the regular game plan in a conservation area
• Snorkel time in a secluded bay after anchoring, with gear included
• Unlimited drinks plus baguette sandwiches that make the cruise feel like a real outing
• Captains who manage sea conditions well, including help for passengers who feel sick
• Towel not included, so pack it even if you think you will be fine without

Southern Tenerife whale watching on a small yacht, not a cattle boat

If you are picturing whale watching as standing shoulder to shoulder on a big deck, this trip flips the script. You are sailing from Southern Tenerife with a crew that runs a smaller vessel and keeps the day structured but laid back.

You start with the meet-up at Puerto Colón, and then there is a short van transfer before you reach the water. Once aboard, it is all about long stretches of wildlife scanning, with the freedom to move your attention from the horizon to the waterline to the sky. You are watching for dolphins and whales, but you also might catch birdlife overhead, and even the occasional surprise like flying fish.

The vibe is also more comfortable than you might expect for a 3-hour outing. You have space, you get onboard commentary, and you are not rushing from one photo spot to another. That matters, because with marine life, patience is part of the deal.

What wildlife spotting feels like when the captain is willing to wait

This is a conservation area cruise, which changes the feel. The goal is not to chase animals for speedboat footage. The better experience is usually the slower one, with the captain positioning the yacht so you can observe without crowding.

Here is what you should realistically expect to be looking for:

• Dolphins, often in pods, sometimes seen close to the boat
• Pilot whales, including situations where families of pilot whales are spotted for sustained viewing
• Turtles, especially at the sheltered bay stop for snorkeling
• Other small marine sightings, when conditions line up, like jellyfish or fish activity

A lot of the best moments on this kind of cruise come from how quickly the captain finds the right patch of water and then how long they are willing to stay once animals show up. Many guides here are praised for exactly that combination, including Capt. Guy and Capt. Maxi (Max). You will also hear local context onboard, so you are not just staring at water, you are learning why the animals are behaving the way they are.

And yes, sometimes things happen fast. Other times, you watch for a while and then the sea gives you a reward. Either way, this format tends to make sightings feel more personal because you are not lost in a crowd.

The snorkel stop: turtles in a secluded bay (and what to do once you anchor)

After open-water viewing, the yacht anchors in a quieter location for a swim and snorkel. This is one of the most practical parts of the day because you finally get to turn your attention from spotting to actually being in the water.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not have to hunt for masks and fins before you go. The bay is described as secluded, which usually helps with comfort. You will have free time here to swim, snorkel, or simply relax and snack while you wait for your turn to get in.

What to do to make the most of the turtle chance:

• Put your sunscreen on before you enter the water. You will be glad you did.
• Keep your movements smooth. Snorkeling feels calmer when you do not kick like you are powering a treadmill.
• Focus on respectful viewing. No feeding animals is the rule, and it is good to keep distance while still enjoying the moment.

Water temps can vary by season. In cooler months, you may feel it more on your skin, so expect that “quick in and out” might be your best plan if you are sensitive to cold.

Drinks, snacks, and lunch that actually matter on a 3-hour trip

A whale watching cruise is only half about the animals. The other half is keeping your energy steady while you scan the sea.

This one covers that, with onboard unlimited drinks and real food. You can expect:

• Unlimited drinks including champagne, beer, soft drinks, and water
• Food in the form of ham, cheese, and salad baguette sandwiches
• Snacks like fruit, chips, and nuts

In real-world terms, that means you do not end up paying for a sad snack at a marina or trying to make do with a coffee before you step into choppy water. You can take your time, grab a sandwich between sightings, and keep your day comfortable.

One small, practical bonus: this is the kind of cruise where many people remember the combination of the view plus the onboard comfort. A cold drink and a baguette sandwich can make the difference between “cool, I saw something” and “this felt like a proper outing.”

The 20-minute van ride: short and useful, if you show up on time

The schedule is simple and it helps you stop thinking about logistics.

The day is structured like this:

• You start at your selected pickup option, then take a short van ride (about 20 minutes)
• You head to the water and spend around 3 hours cruising and viewing marine life
• You return by van (about 20 minutes) and get dropped at two possible locations, including Puerto Colón (Pantalan 2) and Costa Adeje

The key timing detail is your arrival at the dock. Meet at the top of the dock near the sign that says Pantalan Nº4, and arrive about 15 minutes early. That early buffer reduces stress, especially if you are juggling sunscreen, swimwear, and camera gear.

Also note the tour guide offers multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish. That matters because onboard commentary is part of the experience.

Guides and captains: why this tour often feels personal

Small group sizes are not just a marketing line here. They change the entire flow of whale watching.

On a smaller yacht, the captain can:

• Rotate the boat for better angles
• Keep you near active water longer
• Manage the group so everyone gets a turn to swim without chaos

It also helps that many of the captains are described as fun and attentive while still keeping a safety-first approach. Capt. Guy, Capt. Max, and Capt. Maxi show up repeatedly in feedback, with praise for professionalism and the way they care about passengers.

A standout detail worth knowing: there are accounts of the captain responding quickly when someone feels seasick. In one described case, Guy helped a passenger by letting them sit near the back so their feet could soak in the water. In another case, he shortened the trip so someone could get to a pharmacy. That is exactly the kind of “human” problem solving you want on a sea day.

Even if you feel fine at the start, it is smart to plan like you might need that option. Bring your motion sickness prevention, and wear the right layers if the wind picks up.

What to pack for Southern Tenerife sea time (and what to bring just in case)

The operator’s packing list is solid, and you will thank yourself for following it.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Jacket (the breeze can change fast)
• Towel
• Motion sickness prevention

Important: towels are listed as not included, so you have to pack your own.

Onboard rules are also straightforward:

• No feeding animals
• No nudity

One more practical tip: wear footwear or something you can stand in comfortably while you board and move around. Even on a calm day, boats have small movement, and you will want stable footing when it is time to go from deck to dock.

Price and value: is $77 a good deal for this 3-hour cruise?

$77 for a 3-hour small-yacht whale and dolphin watching experience is often a good value because the included extras are not vague.

You get:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• A sailboat cruise with safety briefing and onboard commentary
• Wildlife viewing in a conservation area
• Free time to swim and snorkel, with gear included
• Unlimited drinks, including champagne and beer
• Food plus snacks, not just a token cookie

The value really hits when you add up what you would otherwise pay for: a long boat trip plus paid snacks and drinks plus snorkeling equipment. Here, the day is built as one unit, and it is easier to stick to your budget.

You are also paying for the smaller vessel feel. When you are dealing with whales and dolphins, close-up viewing can depend on how the captain positions the boat, and small group dynamics tend to improve that.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This is a strong fit if:

• You want dolphins and pilot whales with a small group feel
• You care about snorkeling time and a dedicated chance to see turtles in calmer water
• You would rather have a more personal captain-led experience than a crowded, high-noise excursion
• You want drinks and a real lunch built into the outing

It may not be the right choice if:

• You are prone to seasickness. The trip is not suitable for that, and no matter how caring the crew is, the environment still matters.

If you are deciding between a quick “see a whale” trip and a day that balances viewing plus swimming plus food, this one is designed for the second option.

Should you book the Tenerife whale and dolphin watching cruise with turtles and drinks?

I think you should book it if your priority is a relaxed, small-yacht wildlife experience in Southern Tenerife, with actual time to swim and snorkel after the viewing. The combination of unlimited drinks, baguette sandwiches, and the turtle snorkeling stop makes it feel like more than a short sightseeing chore.

Skip it if sea motion is a deal-breaker for you. The operator flags that issue clearly, and you should listen.

If you do book, go prepared. Arrive early at Pantalan Nº4, pack sunscreen and a jacket, and take motion sickness prevention seriously. Then let the captain do what he is trained to do: find the animals, respect their space, and give you the best viewing angle for the time you have.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin watching cruise?

The duration is 3 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $77 per person.

How many people are on board?

It is a shared tour with a maximum of 11 passengers, or you can select a private tour option.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Please wait at the top of the dock near the sign that says Pantalan Nº4, 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included. If you need pickup within a 10 km radius, you must contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance. If you do not need pickup, you should come directly to the meeting point at Puerto Colón gate number 2, 15 minutes before departure.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Free time to swim and snorkel is included, and the snorkeling gear is provided.

What drinks and food are included on the yacht?

Unlimited drinks are included, including champagne, beer, soft drinks, and water. Food includes ham, cheese, and salad baguette sandwiches, plus snacks like fruit, chips, and nuts.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so you should bring one.

What languages are offered by the tour guide?

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

Are there any rules I should know about?

Feeding animals is not allowed, and nudity is not allowed.

Is free cancellation available, and can I pay later?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there is a reserve now & pay later option.