Tenerife’s whale watch hits different on a RIB. I like the small-group setup on a boat that keeps you close to the captain, and I like that lunch and drinks are built in, not an extra add-on you need to budget for. One thing to consider: it follows a legal wildlife speed limit, so don’t expect maximum-speed thrills the whole 3 hours.

From Club Nautico Puerto Colón, you head out into the Atlantic for wildlife spotting, then you get a proper break for swimming and snorkelling with the included gear. You’ll also have access to practical extras like a restroom and shower, which matters once you’re in and out of the water.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group feel: your sailing is limited (maximum 8 travelers), so you get more captain attention and easier spotting.
• Wildlife odds: the route is designed for spotting whales, dolphins, and sometimes even a sea turtle.
• High-speed RIB travel: you cover coastal views quickly, then slow down when you’re searching.
• Included lunch and drinks: cava, beer, soft drinks, plus lunch served on board.
• Swim and snorkel stop: use provided snorkeling equipment at a cove stop.

Luxury RIB luxury, but practical: starting at Puerto Colón

This trip is based out of Puerto Colón, in the Costa Adeje area of Tenerife. The meeting point is straightforward: Club Nautico Puerto Colón, meet at gate 13 in the port. It runs in English, and you get a mobile ticket, so you’re not juggling paper slips after a beach day.

The whole vibe is “luxury day out,” but it stays practical. You’re not stuck in a crowded cattle layout. Instead, you’re on a rigid inflatable boat, a RIB, that’s built for moving efficiently over open water while staying stable enough for people who just want a relaxing day.

One detail I like for real life: the boat includes a restroom and shower. That’s not glamorous until you’re wet, sun-baked, and trying to get comfortable again. Here, you can actually reset.

The 3-hour itinerary: sail out, wildlife search, then swim and eat

The day is built around a simple loop: leave the port, spend time searching for marine life, enjoy a swim and snorkel stop, then head back. The whole experience is about 3 hours, so it feels like an “on-the-water highlight” without turning into a half-day commitment you regret later.

Stop 1, Club Nautico Puerto Colón (gate 13)

You start at Club Nautico Puerto Colón. You’ll sail out on the Atlantic with the crew guiding the search and pointing out what to watch for. The crew is friendly and focused, and this is one of the reasons people end up feeling looked after rather than rushed.

A good chunk of the trip happens during the outbound ride. Many people end up seeing pilot whales and dolphins early, which is ideal because it gives you time to watch and photograph before you move on. If wildlife is showing well, the captain will usually spend time where sightings are happening, rather than racing away to hit another checklist.

Swim time and snorkelling equipment

At some point during the trip you’ll get the water break. You’ll have snorkelling equipment included, and you’ll likely get a swim stop at a quieter cove. This is the part that turns a boat ride into a full experience. Even if you’re not a confident snorkeler, you can often enjoy it like a swim, with the gear helping you float and breathe comfortably.

Important reality check: sea conditions can vary. This is Tenerife, but wind and waves happen. The crew can still make it work, and if conditions are a little choppy, you might want to hold on and take it easy rather than expecting a calm postcard swim.

Lunch and drinks, served on board

Lunch is included, and so are drinks: cava and beer, plus soft drinks and bottled water. On board, the food is simple and filling, and it’s served during the sailing so you don’t waste time waiting around on land.

The timing can feel early for some people, because you’re already out on the water and the day runs on the crew’s route planning. If you’re sensitive to an early meal, you might want a small snack before you arrive. Once you’re settled, lunch paired with cold drinks is exactly the kind of low-stress comfort food you want after time on the Atlantic.

Small group does real work: space, attention, and a calmer vibe

Here’s the big advantage: this tour is designed for a maximum of 8 travelers on each sailing. That’s a meaningful difference on boats, where one extra dozen people can turn “relaxing” into “constantly waiting your turn.”

Because the group is smaller, spotting marine life is easier. You’re not craning your neck over shoulders. The crew can also give more focused help, like where to look and how to position yourself for the best view from your side of the boat.

Comfort also shows up in small details. The RIB has enough room that people can spread out rather than feeling packed in. You’re not just standing around. On many trips you get enough seating comfort to watch for a while, then move when the crew signals there’s action.

There’s a catch, though: if the day is popular, the boat capacity and tour limits can affect how you’re placed on the day’s departure. In general it’s sold as limited, but you should still book with your head, especially during peak weeks.

Wildlife spotting: whales, dolphins, and the chance of a turtle

This tour is aimed at marine life: whales and dolphins as the headline, with the added bonus of a sea turtle possibility. The best part is that the crew isn’t just driving to a set location and hoping. They actively search, then stay focused when they get signals of wildlife.

What I like about this approach is that your viewing time can feel generous. If you see a pod, you’re not forced to immediately move on. People also often report seeing pilot whales and plenty of dolphins, which means the viewing isn’t a single-second win. It’s more like a moving show.

Do keep your expectations grounded. Wildlife is wild. You can do everything right and still have a slower day on the water. But the combination of a route designed for sightings and a small group that helps everyone see more makes a difference.

One more practical point: the tour follows a legal wildlife speed limit, which matters for animal protection. If you come expecting nonstop high-speed stunt driving, you might feel slightly underwhelmed during slower stretches. If you come expecting better wildlife behavior and a safer, more responsible hunt, you’ll likely be happy.

Lunch and drinks onboard: where the value actually shows

For $84.66, this is not just “a boat ride with a snack.” The value is that you’re paying for the full package: lunch and drinks are included, and you’re also getting snorkeling equipment and onboard water access (including bottled water).

The lunch itself tends to be straightforward comfort food. One consistent theme from onboard experiences is that it’s filling and easy, with options like chicken and rice alongside salad. It’s served in a way that makes sense on a moving vessel, so don’t expect a fine dining plated meal. Do expect you won’t be hungry.

Drinks are part of the experience too. You get cava and beer, plus soft drinks throughout the trip. Some days feel more “free flowing” than others, but the core point stays true: you can relax and enjoy without stopping at bars or vending machines.

And because this is a boat, it’s worth planning your timing. If you’re the type who gets motion-sick, eat lightly first and go slow once you’re out. If you handle boats well, you’ll probably settle quickly and enjoy the ride.

Snorkel stop reality: what you should pack mentally

You’re given snorkelling equipment, which removes the biggest hassle. That means you can travel light and skip the gear rental. What you still need to handle is your own water comfort.

Bring a small towel if you have one, and consider quick-dry wear so you can rinse off and change without fighting wet clothes. Since there’s a shower on board, you can usually rinse off after the cove stop, which helps if you’re continuing your Tenerife day afterward.

Also, the snorkel time is not an all-day training session. It’s a break during the tour. So your goal is “enjoy the water and see what’s there,” not a long, instruction-heavy dive course.

If you hate cold water or you’re not a swimmer, still know that the swim stop can be optional in practice. You can enjoy it from the boat and just treat it as a chance to feel the sea, not force a swim.

Who this RIB tour fits best in your Tenerife plan

This is the kind of activity that works well on a vacation day where you want one big highlight and then a flexible rest of afternoon.

You’ll love it if you want

• A small-group boat day, not a crowded tour factory
• A real chance at whales and dolphins, plus the possibility of a turtle
• Included food and drinks so you don’t manage a separate meal plan
• A swim and snorkel break without bringing gear

You might want to think twice if

• You only enjoy trips that feel fast nonstop. The boat is described as high-speed, but the crew follows legal limits and may slow down based on wildlife and conditions.
• You’re extremely sensitive to boat cleanliness or age. Most experiences describe the boat as clean and comfortable, but there is at least one account of a boat looking old and dirty. If that would ruin your day, set expectations accordingly.

The tour also says most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re traveling with kids, this is one of those short-but-fun adventures that can keep their attention because there’s wildlife to watch and a swim break.

Price and booking timing: is it worth $84.66?

At $84.66 per person, you’re paying for several things at once: boat transport, crew time, lunch, alcohol (cava and beer), soft drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Many cheap boat trips charge extra for one or more of those, so the included package is where the value lands.

The small-group limit also supports the price. When you’re not competing for space, you often see more, and the day feels calmer. That’s hard to quantify, but it’s exactly what turns a “fun experience” into your top memory from Tenerife.

One practical hint: this tour is often booked ahead. It’s commonly reserved about 32 days in advance, which suggests it’s a popular slot. If you’re set on a specific travel week, booking earlier is usually the safer move.

Should you book this Tenerife RIB whale watching tour?

If you want a short Tenerife outing with big “on the Atlantic” energy, and you care about seeing wildlife with a small group and not paying for food separately, this is an easy yes.

I’d book it especially if you’re excited about the combo of whales and dolphins plus a genuine swim and snorkel stop, with lunch and drinks included. It’s also a good fit if you want a guided experience that feels personal, not overcrowded.

If you’re chasing nonstop speed thrills or you’re worried about boat condition details, take a moment to set expectations. You’ll still get a proper marine-life search and a relaxing day structure, but the day may not match the loudest version of the marketing photos.

FAQ

What is included in the World’s Largest RIB luxury 3-hour tour?

The tour includes lunch, cava and beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and use of snorkeling equipment. It also includes access to a restroom and shower.

Where do I meet for the boat trip in Tenerife?

You meet at Club Nautico Puerto Colón, at gate 13 in the port. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

How many people are on the boat?

The boat can take a maximum of 15 people, but the tour limits the sailing to a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Most travelers can participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.