Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars here, but the real treat is the small, quiet setting. The 12-meter Roulette takes no more than 10 passengers, so you can move around the deck, hear the crew, and get a fair view when animals surface. I like the combination of sailing, wildlife watching, and a swim stop, rather than three hours spent on a motorboat.

I also like the crew’s clear respect for the sea. Captains including Salvador, along with crew members such as Jenny, Yani, and Ramone, explain local wildlife and geography while avoiding a chase. The main drawback is simple: this is wild-animal watching, not a guaranteed show, and choppy Atlantic water can trouble anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before you book

• Small sailing boat: The Roulette carries up to 10 passengers and two crew, with three double cabins, two bathrooms, and deck mats.
• Wildlife in open water: Pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and fish may appear, but sightings depend on nature.
• A proper sailing feel: The crew may use the sails when wind allows, giving you a quieter ride than a large engine-powered excursion.
• Snorkeling stop included: You get time to swim and snorkel in warm water, often for about 30 minutes, with equipment supplied.
• Food and drinks onboard: Expect sandwiches or baguettes, crisps, cake or dessert, and drinks such as cava, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.
• Personal service: The crew speaks Spanish, English, and Italian, and the limited group makes it easier to ask questions or request help.

Why this Tenerife boat trip feels different

Many south Tenerife boat trips focus on carrying as many people as possible toward the whale-watching area. This one takes a quieter route. The Roulette is a sailing yacht rather than a large excursion boat, and the passenger limit keeps the mood relaxed.

That matters most when wildlife appears. With 10 people or fewer, you are not trying to look past rows of heads or squeeze toward one crowded rail. The skipper can also explain what you are seeing and make room for people on both sides of the boat. One particularly useful detail from the trip reports is that the captain made sure both sides had views when a pod of pilot whales and dolphins appeared.

The boat is 12 meters long and has three double cabins, two bathrooms, and mats on deck. You are unlikely to need the cabins during a three-hour outing, but they show that this is a proper cruising sailboat, not a bare open launch. The mats give you somewhere to stretch out while the boat moves along the coast.

The tone is friendly and attentive. Salvador is often singled out for his enthusiasm about marine life, the sea, Tenerife’s geography, and island culture. Rafa is also praised as an engaging skipper, while Jenny, Yani, Ramone, and other crew members have helped with drinks, food, questions, and seasickness.

Meeting the crew at Puerto Colón

You meet at dock number 5 in Puerto Colón, 10 minutes before departure. Look for the first jetty after passing the port parking barrier, and check for the boat named Roulette. This detail matters because the port has several piers, and one person specifically found the meeting area harder to locate than expected.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off included. You need to make your own way to Puerto Colón, so allow enough time to find the parking area, pass the barrier, and reach dock 5 without rushing. Arriving early is sensible, especially if you are unfamiliar with the marina.

The tour is offered in Spanish, English, and Italian. The small group also makes the language arrangement more useful than it would be on a crowded boat, since you can ask the guide to explain a sight or repeat a point.

Sailing the south coast for three hours

Once aboard, the trip heads out from Puerto Colón along Tenerife’s south coast. The outing is not only about finding whales. You also get open views of volcanic coastline, beaches, the ocean, and, on clear days, the neighboring island of La Gomera.

When the wind is strong enough, the crew uses the sails. This is one of the best parts of the experience for anyone who likes the feel of a real sailing boat. The ride can become quiet apart from the wind and water, and several people enjoyed sailing for much of the outward and return journey.

The trade-off is that sailing depends on conditions. You may spend part of the trip under engine power, and the Atlantic can be choppy. One outing had rougher water, while another was described as smooth on the return. If you get seasick, take that seriously. The crew has helped sick passengers and kept a close eye on their comfort, but attentive staff cannot remove the movement of the sea.

You can sit on the deck, watch the horizon, or move around when appropriate. The crew’s job is to find marine life without disturbing it, so the boat may slow down or wait when animals are nearby instead of making repeated fast approaches.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins in the Atlantic

The waters off Tenerife are known on this route for regular sightings of pilot whales, and these animals form the main wildlife focus of the trip. Sightings have included small groups, large pods, adults with calves, and whales swimming close to the boat.

Dolphins are also commonly part of the excitement. You might see them alongside the vessel, riding the bow wave, or moving through the water in groups. Bottlenose dolphins have been seen, along with other dolphins, but the exact species and behavior will vary.

The crew adds real value here. Salvador and the other skippers explain the animals, point out behavior, and share local information instead of leaving you to guess at a fin in the distance. That is especially useful for children, who may spot an animal but miss the difference between a whale surfacing and a dolphin breaking the water.

Other sightings have included sea turtles, red-fin tuna, flying fish, seabirds, and fish seen during snorkeling. A turtle can be much harder to find than a whale, so do not treat every possible species as part of a fixed checklist.

The responsible approach is important. The crew works to locate animals while respecting their space, and the boat does not promise a staged encounter. You may be lucky enough to have pilot whales close to the vessel, but nature sets the schedule. If you need a guaranteed animal sighting, no open-sea excursion can honestly provide that.

A swim and snorkeling stop in warm water

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. The location is described as a sheltered bay or a scenic spot near cliffs, with clear enough water for fish viewing. One account also noted a cave nearby.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and gear. The stop is a welcome change after sitting and watching the horizon. You can swim, look for fish, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the setting if you do not want to enter the water.

The time in the water is limited because the full outing lasts three hours and must also include the sail from Puerto Colón, wildlife watching, food service, and the return. Several accounts put the snorkeling portion at around 30 minutes. If swimming is your main goal, this may feel brief. If you want a balanced morning or afternoon with wildlife and sailing, the timing works well.

Water conditions and the exact stop can vary. The itinerary promises swimming and snorkeling, but it does not promise a particular cove, cave, or marine species. Bring your expectations in line with a short boat excursion rather than a dedicated snorkeling trip.

Sandwiches, snacks, and drinks on deck

Food is more substantial than the word snacks might suggest. The crew has served ham and tomato sandwiches or fresh baguettes, sometimes with Iberian ham, along with crisps and cake. Desserts have included carrot cake and gingerbread-style cake.

Drinks include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. Cava is a pleasant touch after the swim, and drinks are offered throughout the outing. The food is simple rather than a formal meal, but a sandwich and cake are welcome after time in the water and fresh air.

If you have dietary needs, mention them when booking or before departure. One passenger received help with dietary requirements, but the available information does not promise a full range of special meals. Do not assume that every preference can be covered without advance notice.

Food service is also part of the small-group advantage. The crew can keep an eye on everyone, offer drinks, and respond when someone needs help. That personal care is more difficult on a large boat.

What the $70 price gets you

At about $70 per person, the outing offers a solid mix of activities. Your price covers the sailboat cruise, guide, whale watching, drinks, snacks, dessert, and snorkeling equipment. You are paying for a three-hour boat ride, but you are also getting a small group, a skipper with local marine knowledge, food, and a water stop.

The value improves if you compare it with booking separate activities. A wildlife cruise, a short sailing trip, and a snorkeling outing would normally involve separate time and costs. Here, they are combined without turning the day into a rushed list of stops.

The price is less attractive if you only want a long snorkeling session or a guaranteed whale encounter. The wildlife is never certain, and about three hours is not enough for extended time in the water. Still, the small boat and included refreshments make this stronger value than a basic transport-style cruise.

The company allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when you choose your date.

Who will enjoy the Roulette most

I would choose this trip for couples, families, and small groups who want a calm introduction to Tenerife’s coast. Children who like animals should enjoy the mix of whales, dolphins, turtles, and fish, though parents should consider how their child handles boat movement and a three-hour outing.

It also suits anyone who dislikes large party boats. There is no mention of loud music or a crowded deck, and the small capacity gives the trip a more personal feel. You can talk with the skipper, sit toward the front, and enjoy the water without feeling packed in.

The trip is a good fit for first-time whale watchers because the crew explains what you are seeing. It also works for experienced boat passengers who care about sailing and animal welfare rather than a fast, noisy ride.

You should think twice if you are very prone to seasickness, need a long snorkeling session, or want a strict timetable with guaranteed sightings. The crew can help if you feel ill, but the Atlantic remains the Atlantic.

Practical details worth remembering

Wear a swimsuit under light clothes if you plan to swim. A towel is sensible, although the supplied information does not specify what personal items are provided. Bring sun protection and keep valuables limited, since the main appeal is being on deck and in the water.

Arrive at dock 5 at least 10 minutes early. The boat name is Roulette, and the meeting point is the first jetty beyond the port parking barrier. Hotel transport is not included.

The boat has bathrooms, which is reassuring on a three-hour trip. The deck mats add comfort, but space is still limited compared with a large cruise vessel. If you want the best view of wildlife, listen to crew instructions and be ready to shift position when animals appear.

Should you book this Tenerife sailing trip?

I would book it if you want small-group whale watching with a real sailing element, a swim stop, and food included. The strongest reasons are the 10-person limit, the crew’s enthusiasm, the chance to sail under wind power, and the respectful approach to wild animals.

I would not book it expecting a private charter, a long snorkeling session, or a guaranteed close encounter. For most people, though, the mix is well judged: pilot whales and dolphins on the open sea, a warm-water swim, a simple meal, and three hours with a crew that takes its work seriously.

FAQ

Where does the Tenerife sailboat tour depart from?

It departs from dock number 5 at Puerto Colón. The meeting point is the first jetty after the port parking barrier, and the boat is named Roulette.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 10 minutes before departure. Allow extra time to find the correct pier because Puerto Colón has several dock areas.

How long is the tour?

The sailboat experience lasts three hours, including sailing, wildlife watching, food service, swimming, and snorkeling.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The sailboat carries a maximum of 10 passengers, supported by two crew members.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and other fish. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

What food and drinks are provided?

The crew provides snacks, sandwiches or baguettes, crisps, and dessert. Drinks include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is available in Spanish, English, and Italian.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach Puerto Colón independently.