Whales and dolphins off Tenerife make time fly. I love the chance to spot pilot whales and dolphins in the wild, and I also like that you get a real swim and snorkel stop at Playa del Puertito. One thing to keep in mind, snorkeling time can shrink on some days because the captain prioritizes wildlife and sea conditions.

This is a short, focused 3-hour outing starting and ending at Puerto Colón, one of Tenerife’s busiest ports. You also get the practical perks that matter on the water, refreshments and snacks during the trip, plus a small group size (max 11), which usually means less crowding and more attention.

The price is $62.68 per person and it’s commonly booked about 10 days ahead, so if you want a specific departure date, plan early. Also, expect a bit of give-and-take: this is a wildlife trip first, so you should be flexible about how much time you spend in the water.

Key points before you go

• Puerto Colón start and finish: easy to get to, and a nice place to hang around before or after.
• Playa del Puertito swim and snorkel (30 minutes): a proper window to cool off, plus a chance at turtles.
• Two and a half hours of wildlife watching: the main event is dolphins and pilot whales.
• Snacks and drinks included: multiple reviews call out sandwiches, chips, and beer.
• Small group size (max 11): makes the experience feel more personal and more controlled.
• Captain-driven timing: some days snorkeling stays short if conditions change or wildlife hunting takes priority.

Puerto Colón check-in and the instant sense of Tenerife coast

Your trip begins at Av. de Colón, 128, Costa Adeje, then you head out from Puerto Colón and return to the same place. This matters because you are not dealing with confusing transfers or long rides across the island. You can also use the port as your mini pre-game, walk around the area, do a little shopping, and then come back refreshed instead of rushing.

Puerto Colón is one of the biggest tourist ports on Tenerife, so there is activity around you. That has a small trade-off: it is not some quiet fishing harbor. But it does mean you get convenience, nearby beaches to sunbathe, and even the chance to observe fish in clear water close by.

On the boat, the tone is usually friendly and family-friendly. Reviews mention staff who are funny and informative, and a captain who keeps the trip moving when the sea is active. That mix matters on a 3-hour timeline, you want momentum without feeling like you are being herded.

Practical tip: wear what you can get wet in. You will likely want sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses you can keep on even if you get spray. If you are bringing a camera, get it ready at the start, whale and dolphin sightings can happen quickly when the boat finds a pod.

Playa del Puertito swim and snorkel, with turtles on the wish list

This is your first real break: about 30 minutes at Playa del Puertito for swimming and snorkeling. The big promise here is simple and worth it. You get a chance to see turtles, and you get time to be in the water instead of just watching.

The good part for your day: this stop gives your body a reset. After time watching wildlife, it is nice to switch gears, grab a snack, and then cool down in the sea. Reviews also point out that this is when people eat their sandwiches and drink something, so you are not stuck saving food for later.

The snorkeling angle is worth approaching with the right expectations. The tour is designed around finding dolphins and pilot whales first. On some days, there may be less time in the water than you hoped, or snorkeling might look more like quick dips than a long gear session. One review specifically raised a concern about snorkel time, while the operator reply explained that wildlife hunting and ocean conditions drive how long the swimming window stays open.

Still, if you want a boat trip that includes time to actually swim, this stop is the reason to choose this one. For most people, 30 minutes is enough to get your fins wet, see some fish, and feel like the trip included more than just sightseeing.

Practical tip: bring your own snorkel-friendly comfort items if you have them, like a strap for glasses or a swim cover for your phone. And if you care about snorkeling most, stay flexible. You will enjoy it more if you treat swimming as a bonus that depends on the sea.

The main event: pilot whales and dolphins for about 2.5 hours

The centerpiece is 2 hours 30 minutes of dolphin and pilot whale watching. This is where the whole trip justifies its reputation. Tenerife sits in waters where pilot whales show up, and when the boat finds them, the experience shifts from scenic to jaw-dropping.

A few things to watch for while you are on board:

You will likely spend time repositioning to get better sight lines. On wildlife boats, that is normal.

The captain matters. Several reviews praise specific captains by name, including Dani and Salvatore, for spotting wildlife and running a tight, well-managed hunt.

You might also see rays and other sea life, since one review mentions whales, rays, sun, and blue sea all in the same outing.

This is also where patience pays off. Pilot whales and dolphins are not guaranteed every minute. Your odds improve when the boat looks in the right areas and keeps moving when pods are spotted. That is why the snorkeling stop can feel shorter on some days. The tour is structured to give the wildlife a real chunk of time.

If you are traveling with kids, this is the section that usually hooks them. One review includes a family who said the staff, especially Vladka, looked after their children, and they still got swimming time too. That balance is a big part of why families return.

Safety note: the trip is built for most travelers to participate, but like any small boat outing, you should plan for motion. Hold on when you need to, and keep your valuables secure.

Snacks, drinks, and why this boat feels small in the best way

The value is not only the animals. It is what happens between sightings. Multiple reviews mention sandwiches, snacks like potato chips, and drinks including beer. One review even highlights a captain providing refreshments after spotting wildlife.

That might sound minor until you are on the water for a few hours. Food and drink keep the mood up, especially when everyone is scanning the horizon. And it makes the trip feel like more than a ticketed sightseeing bus.

Another standout from reviews is the boat size and the feeling of space. One passenger specifically noted that the boat was small enough to feel almost private, with only two other families onboard that day. Even when it is not fully private, small group size (max 11) helps you avoid the chaotic feeling that can happen on big tours.

Also, if you are traveling with a baby, one review mentioned help with a stroller. The passenger could not take the stroller on the boat, but the staff arranged for it to be handled and returned after. That is the kind of behind-the-scenes help you remember.

You can also expect a friendly, chatty vibe. Reviews mention crew members who are funny and informative, and guides who make you feel comfortable rather than stiff or overly formal. That is important on a trip that involves a lot of waiting and scanning, because good energy keeps you from getting bored between sightings.

Wildlife timing, sea conditions, and what to do with the snorkeling trade-off

This tour is honest about how wildlife works. If the sea is rough, longer water stops can be unsafe or uncomfortable. If the captain finds whales or dolphins, you get pulled toward the main goal, and swimming can become a quick break instead of a long session.

One review example complained that snorkeling time felt cut short and that other passengers were not snorkeling. The operator response explained the logic clearly: priority is finding dolphins and whales, ocean conditions might prevent longer stops, and ultimately it comes down to the captain’s decisions. That explanation makes sense in real life. A whale pod is not going to wait while everyone lines up for fins.

There is also a social reality on shared boats. One review described their trip being affected by drunk tourists who were throwing up and said it ruined their experience and time for snorkeling. In the operator’s reply, they stressed they will not let people board who endanger themselves or others due to excessive alcohol. Still, it is a reminder that on a small vessel, other people’s behavior can impact your comfort.

How you can protect your own experience:

Focus on the wildlife outcome, because that is the part that is most reliable when conditions allow.

Treat snorkeling as a nice bonus rather than the main mission.

Bring motion-friendly habits if you are prone to seasickness, because you will be scanning and riding waves for long stretches.

For sea-day sanity, decide early that you are here for whales and dolphins. If you also get snorkeling, great. If you get a shorter swim, you still got the core experience.

Before and after the sail: use Puerto Colón like a bonus day

Because the tour starts and ends back at Puerto Colón, you can extend the day without extra planning. If you arrive early, walk around. If you have time afterward, keep it simple: shopping, people-watching, and beach time nearby.

One description suggests you can sunbathe on nearby beaches and even observe fish in crystal clear water around the port area. That is handy if you want more water time but do not want to bank on extended snorkeling from the boat stop.

This is also a good setup for pairing with the rest of your Tenerife plans. You get a core activity that is only about 3 hours, then you can head to dinner, go for a late swim onshore, or just take it easy while others are stuck in all-day tours.

If you are using public transportation, the start point is listed as near public transit. That is another small win, because it reduces stress on a day when you are already focused on timing, tides, and finding the boat.

Price and value check for $62.68, plus who gets the best deal

At $62.68 per person for about 3 hours, the big question is whether you are paying for the animals or paying for the boat. In this case, you get a real mix.

You are paying for:

A wildlife-focused trip built around dolphins and pilot whales.

A separate swim and snorkel window at Playa del Puertito.

Snacks and drinks during the outing, including sandwiches and other treats mentioned in reviews.

A small group cap of 11 travelers, which usually improves the vibe and reduces crowding.

That package feels like solid value because most similar trips either focus on wildlife only, or they add snorkeling but cut it short. Here, snorkeling is scheduled, even if the exact amount of time can vary by conditions.

This trip is especially good for:

Families who want a high-energy, kid-friendly outing, with staff who can handle kids smoothly (Vladka is specifically praised).

Couples who want an afternoon at sea with real nature time, not just a quick glance.

Anyone who wants a short Tenerife activity that still feels like a real “day on the water.”

Less ideal for people who want a guaranteed long snorkeling session. If snorkeling is your top priority, I would still book, but go in ready to adapt. The captain’s job is to find whales and dolphins, and the tour structure follows that logic.

Should you book this Tenerife whale watching and snorkeling yacht trip?

I think you should book if you want a compact, well-paced boat trip where the main mission is wildlife, and you still get a chance to swim and snorkel. The small group size, the repeated praise for crew and captains like Vladka, Dani, Salvatore, and Marco, and the snacks and drinks all support the idea that this is not a bare-bones outing.

You should probably reconsider if you are booking with snorkeling as your strict requirement. The tour’s own approach is clear, wildlife and sea conditions drive timing. In plain terms: you might not get the full snorkeling time you hoped for, but you are buying the chance at pilot whales and dolphins.

My practical call: if your dream includes seeing whales and dolphins off Tenerife, and you can treat swimming as a bonus, this is a smart way to spend a few hours at sea. Also, book with a little buffer if you can. Since it is commonly booked around 10 days ahead, you will have fewer options when popular dates sell out.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife whale watching and snorkeling yacht trip?

The trip is about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Av. de Colón, 128, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The tour itself begins and finishes at Puerto Colón.

How much does it cost?

It costs $62.68 per person.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

The tour focuses on dolphins and pilot whales, and there is a chance to see turtles during the swim and snorkeling stop.

Is there time to swim and snorkel?

Yes. There is a stop at Playa del Puertito for swimming and snorkeling, around 30 minutes.

What is the group size?

The maximum group size is 11 travelers.

Do I need good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What ticket type do I get?

It uses a mobile ticket.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.