If you like whales but don’t want a full day, this fits.

On Tenerife’s south coast, Madoudou (a Beneteau Oceanis 440) takes you out for calm sailing, a dedicated whale-watching window, and a short snorkeling break. I especially like the small-group feel (max 11) and the comfortable, well-equipped boat for a 3-hour outing. One thing to consider: the level of onboard commentary can be light at times, so plan to enjoy the sea more than a constant talk track.

The trip runs in the Puerto Colón area in Costa Adeje, where the conditions and authorization are geared toward seeing cetaceans in these waters. You’ll go out to look for dolphins and other marine life, then you get a whale-watching stretch (about 1 hour), followed by a secret stop for brunch and snorkeling. If you’re picky about having lots of English narration the whole time, bring your own patience and expectations—some captains focus more on spotting than storytelling.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About on Madoudou

• Small-group sailing (max 11) for a calmer, more personal feel on the water
• Beneteau Oceanis 440 comfort with shaded outdoor seating and spacious interior layout
• Dedicated whale-watching time (~1 hour) in Tenerife’s south waters (authorized area)
• Pilot whales are the target, with dolphins and other marine life along the way
• Snorkeling gear included plus a short snorkeling session after brunch
• Snacks and cold drinks are included, so you’re not paying extra at sea

Puerto Colón and the Easy Start in Costa Adeje

This excursion begins in Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje), on Tenerife’s south side. Practically speaking, that’s a good place to start if you want a shorter day trip that still feels like you got out of “hotel island mode.” You meet at Gate 5 and return to the same meeting point.

From the get-go, the vibe is relaxed: you’re not rushing through a long program, and the itinerary keeps moving between sailing time, animal-spotting time, and one real “extra” stop for snorkeling. That balance matters because on sea days, the difference between 3 hours that feel good and 3 hours that feel chaotic is usually pacing.

Madoudou: What It’s Like Aboard a Beneteau Oceanis 440

Madoudou is a Beneteau Oceanis 440, length 13.76 meters—big enough to feel stable and comfortable, but still manageable for a share tour. For a 3-hour outing, that size helps because it gives you real space to sit, move around, and settle in without feeling cramped.

Here’s what stood out about the boat setup:

• Outdoor seating with shade: there’s an outdoor table and awning, so you’re not stuck under direct sun the whole time.
• Spacious main area: the living room is large, with a table seating up to eight and sofas.
• Cabin and bathroom layout: cabins have storage (wardrobes, drawers), and the aft cabins have direct access to bathrooms with hot water showers. You may not use the cabins much on a short trip, but it’s a sign the boat is set up for comfort, not just basic transport.
• Onboard kitchen and food prep: three burners, two sinks, an oven, plus two refrigerators.
• Power and water systems: the boat is equipped with solar panels and has a water autonomy of 900 liters, plus an outboard dinghy/raft.

What this means for you: even if seas aren’t perfect, a better-equipped boat usually translates to smoother comfort. And on animal-watching trips, comfort is not a luxury—it makes it easier to stay focused on what matters out on the water.

The Animals: What You’re Looking For (and When)

The goal here is cetaceans in the south of Tenerife, where the boat has authorization for whale watching. The specific target mentioned for these excursions is pilot whales that live in the Canarian waters.

Your time at sea is split so you don’t just drive around hoping for the best:

• You’ll sail out and get dolphin watching / marine life viewing time.
• Then there’s a dedicated whale-watching block of about 1 hour.

Here’s the practical takeaway: animal sightings are never 100% guaranteed, but the structure of this tour is built to maximize your odds. Rather than scattering time across the day, it concentrates a whale-focused window while you’re already in the right area.

Also, keep your expectations realistic and flexible. Even with authorization and local knowledge, whales and dolphins are wild animals. If you’re the type who likes to be hands-on—scanning, staying put, and letting the captain react to sightings—this format works well.

Stop-by-Stop: Sailing, Whale Time, and the Secret Snorkel Break

This is where the trip earns its keep, because it’s not only about animals.

Stop 1: Puerto Colón (Starting Point)

You start right in Puerto Colón. For many people, the biggest advantage of this departure area is convenience—you’re not hauling across Tenerife for a distant marina. That’s especially valuable on a 3-hour tour where every minute counts.

Stop 2: Sailing (Getting Out on the Water)

After you depart, you’ll have sailing time. This matters even before you spot anything, because sailing often smooths out the first “where are we?” feeling. You also get a chance to settle into the boat, find shaded spots under the awning, and orient yourself.

Stop 3: Dolphins, Marine Life, and Whale Watching (About 1 Hour)

This is the main animal stop. You’ll have dolphin watching and marine life viewing as part of the same stretch, and then you get your whale watching time.

A useful note from the real-world experience side: some trips focus more on spotting than on continuous narration. On this kind of tour, that can mean quieter moments where the captain is simply maneuvering and you’re left to watch. If that doesn’t bother you, it can actually be pleasant—less chatter, more attention to the horizon.

Stop 4: Secret Stop for Brunch and Snorkeling (About 30 Minutes)

Then comes the “bonus stop”: a secret stop with break time, brunch, and snorkeling for about 30 minutes.

This is short by design, so go in knowing it’s not a long reef session. You’ll want to treat those 30 minutes like a highlight sprint:

• get geared up efficiently (snorkeling equipment is provided)
• enjoy the water once you’re in
• don’t try to over-plan it like a dedicated full-day snorkel tour

If you want a single, easy way to add water time without booking a separate activity, this is one of the best parts of the whole schedule.

Stop 5: Back to Puerto Colón

You finish back where you started—simple and stress-free. For a half-day excursion, that return plan matters more than on longer trips.

Food, Drinks, and the Brunch-Snorkel Pairing

You don’t just get “something to nibble.” You get snacks and cold drinks included, and there’s also brunch during the secret stop.

That combo is practical:

• On the sailing portion, snacks and cold drinks help you stay comfortable while you wait for sightings.
• At the snorkeling stop, brunch gives you fuel after you’re back on board and warmed up.

One small consideration: a short trip means the food is meant to be easy, not a formal meal. Think of it as included energy so you don’t spend extra money or waste time figuring out lunch plans.

Snorkeling: What’s Included (and What You Should Bring)

Snorkeling equipment is available as part of the tour, so you won’t need to pack gear. But a couple of basics aren’t included, so plan accordingly:

• you should bring a sun hat
• bring a towel

If you forget the small stuff, it’s not the end of the world, but it can turn a relaxed break into a “borrow and wait” moment. I’d rather you arrive prepared and spend your time in the water (or drying off comfortably) instead of hunting for missing items.

Value: Is $63 Worth It for 3 Hours on Tenerife?

At about $63 per person for a 3-hour share tour, this sits in the “good value if you like the format” category. Here’s why:

You’re paying for several things at once:

• sailing on a Beneteau Oceanis 440
• cetacean-focused outing in an authorized area
• snacks and cold drinks
• food (brunch at the snorkeling stop)
• snorkeling equipment and a short snorkeling session

Where the value really shows is in the mix: you’re not choosing between “whales” and “snorkeling” or “sailing comfort” and “included food.” This tour bundles those elements into a single, short window.

If your goal is a long, in-depth nature day with lots of time in one place, you might feel this is short. But if you want a fun, efficient sea experience that fits a tighter schedule, it’s priced like a smart half-day add-on.

Group Size and the Relax Factor (Max 11 Helps)

The trip runs with a maximum of 11 people. That matters more than it sounds. On a small boat, big tours can feel crowded and hectic—people lined up, limited space, more noise, more jostling during boarding or movement.

Here, with only up to 11 onboard, you’re more likely to:

• find a comfortable place quickly
• get the vibe of a true sail outing
• keep your attention on the horizon during animal time

That relaxed pace is probably why people describe the experience as enjoyable and easy overall.

Language and Onboard Atmosphere: Spanish, English, Italian

The live tour guide is listed in Spanish, English, and Italian. That’s a strong start for most visitors.

Still, keep one expectation in mind: some captains may offer less detailed commentary than you’d hope, depending on comfort with a given language. If you’re the kind of traveler who mainly wants the visuals—dolphins, pilot whales, and volcanic coastline views—this won’t likely bother you much. If you want constant guiding and species-by-species narration, you might want to bring your own curiosity and read the sea first.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour is a good fit if you:

• want whale watching without committing to a full day
• like a small-group sail experience
• enjoy a mix of animals plus a short swim/snorkel stop
• appreciate included snacks, drinks, and brunch so you don’t plan food separately

It might be less ideal if you:

• want a very long snorkeling session (this is about 30 minutes)
• need lots of detailed, continuous narration in English

Should You Book Madoudou’s 3-Hour Whale Watching Share Trip?

If you’re visiting Tenerife and you want a practical, comfortable half-day option—this is the kind of tour that makes sense. The boat choice (Beneteau Oceanis 440), the small group size, the authorized whale-watching plan, and the included food/snacks and snorkeling gear add up to real value.

Book it if you’d be happy seeing dolphins and possibly pilot whales, then topping it off with a quick snorkel and an easy brunch. Skip it if you only enjoy wildlife tours when they come with nonstop explanations and long time in the water.

If you decide to go, bring the basics (sun hat and towel), dress for sun and sea spray, and be ready to relax. This is a “watch the water and enjoy the ride” kind of trip—and that’s where it works best.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching trip?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

What animals can you spot on this tour?

You can look for dolphins and marine life, and the whale-watching portion is focused on pilot whales.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available, and there is a snorkeling break of about 30 minutes at a stop during the tour.

How many people are on the boat?

The share trip has a maximum of 11 people.

Where do you meet for the tour?

You start at Gate 5 and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What should I bring since it’s not included?

The tour notes that sun hat and towel are not included. Bring those so you’re comfortable during the sea and snorkeling stop.

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