A 2-hour sail with whales in the mix. This Puerto Colón whale-watching cruise pairs classic-looking goleta-style sailing with time to scan the water for pilot whales and dolphins, plus a swim stop. I love the laid-back setup on spacious decks, and I also like that you get free water and soft drinks all trip (with beer and wine included at lunch time). One thing to consider: this is weather- and sea-condition dependent, so sightings and comfort can vary.

You’ll board the Shogun Boat at Colon Harbours (pier 14) and spend the cruise time cruising along the west coast waters that draw pilot whales in. I also like the vibe of being out on the water for real, not stuck behind a rail or in a cramped space. The only drawback I’d plan around is that it’s a shorter tour, so you’re going to have to catch the right conditions to maximize your chance of seeing whales.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Neptuno Whale Experience

• Teak-wood Shogun-style sailboat feel with decks to watch from and relax on
• Pilot whales + dolphins focus, with the crew explaining why the west-coast waters matter
• Free water and soft drinks, plus beer and wine included at lunch time
• Swim stop with the simple, practical need for swimwear and a towel
• Onboard bar for extra drinks outside included lunch time

A Teak Shogun Boat Makes the Whole Trip Feel Like “Old Sea Days”

The biggest “wow” here is the boat itself. You’re not just taking a speedier route for a quick animal spotting session. This tour runs on an oriental-style sailboat built with teak hard wood, presented as a boat that was constructed for the private use of an Arabian Sheikh—so the mood feels more like classic sailing than a modern ferry.

What that means for you is simple: you get a calmer pace and more places to look. You can lounge around the main area with access to a large central table, then head up top for better sea views when you want to scan for spouts or dorsal fins.

There’s also real practical comfort. You’ll have access to two bathrooms below deck and one at the same level, which matters on a two-hour outing if the water is a little breezy and you’d rather not keep tracking down shore facilities.

Getting on Board at Colon Harbours Pier 14 (and Why Timing Matters)

The meeting point is very specific: board the Shogun Boat at Colon Harbours, pier number 14, next to the petrol station. If you’re coming from Costa Adeje, plan to arrive a bit early so you’re not rushing for boarding.

The tour duration is listed at two hours, and starting times vary by availability. That short window is a big part of the value. You’re not dedicating half a day to “maybe animals.” You’re getting a compact experience that still includes dolphin and whale watching time plus a swim.

Also note how you may get back to where you started. Depending on the option you choose, you might get a bus transfer from select areas, but it does not include hotel pickup/drop-off.

One more planning note: the trip is subject to sea conditions. That doesn’t mean it’s always canceled, but it does mean you should assume the cruise route and the experience level can shift based on wind and waves.

Deck Time, Bathrooms, and a Bar: How the On-Water Layout Works

Once you’re on board, the experience is built around moving between three main “zones”:

• the main deck where you can sit around the large central table
• the upper deck for views
• the lower areas for shade and bathroom access

I like this design because it gives you control. If the water looks calm and you want maximum spotting time, you’ll be up top. If the sun gets intense or the breeze swings cooler, you’ll duck back into the more comfortable interior areas.

Drink-wise, the tour is generous in the way that matters. You get water and soft drinks free all trip. There’s also an onboard bar, where you can buy other drinks outside the included times. The key detail: beer and wine are included at the lunch time.

If you’re the type who likes to keep your budget steady, the free drinks add up fast on a hot day. If you’re more casual and don’t drink much, you can treat it as included hydration and focus on the wildlife and the sailing.

Costa Adeje Whale-Watching: Pilot Whales, Dolphins, and the West-Coast Reason

This is a whale-watching cruise focused on pilot whales and dolphins. The tour also builds in time to understand the local pattern: you’ll learn why pilot whales are attracted to the west coast of Tenerife.

That crew explanation is more than trivia. When you know what the local waters offer (food sources, currents, and where animals tend to surface), you spot more efficiently. You start watching not just for a random spout, but for behavior—blow timing, group movement, and the way dolphins often show up around the same areas.

And yes, the goal is to see them out on open water while you’re actually sailing. That matters because you’re not viewing through a barrier and you’re not stuck in one spot for the entire trip. You’re on a boat designed to cruise and reposition as needed while you scan.

One practical reality: seeing whales is never a guaranteed switch you flip. This is wildlife viewing. Your best advantage comes from going in with the right expectations: the tour gives you dedicated time for searching, but nature still decides what you’ll encounter.

The Swim Stop: Simple, Refreshing, and Weather-Dependent

After the cruising portion, there’s time for a swim stop. It’s the kind of add-on that turns a good animal tour into a more complete outing.

To make that part easy, bring swimwear and a towel. Sunglasses and sunscreen aren’t just for comfort; they help you stay functional when you’re moving between deck sun and shaded areas. Sun hat helps too, especially if the day is bright.

The sea-condition note from the tour matters here too. If the water is rougher than you expected, your swim may be less “beach swim” and more “quick in, quick out.” Keep it flexible and follow the crew’s guidance once you’re on the water.

If you want photos, you’ll get better results when you’re not only chasing the animals. During the swim segment, the light and the boat perspective can look great from the deck, especially when the surface is calm.

Lunch on the Water: Food That Actually Keeps You Going

You’re not left hungry. The tour includes food: rice with vegetables, meatballs, cabbage salad, bread, and fruit. On a two-hour trip, that’s the right kind of meal—enough to feel satisfied, but not a heavy, sit-and-wait lunch.

Beer and wine are included at lunch time, which is a nice touch if you like pairing a good sail with a casual drink. If your lunch time doesn’t include alcohol for you, you can still enjoy the included soft drinks and water.

I’d call the food “solid” for a boat day. It’s not described as gourmet, but it’s clearly planned to support the ride and the swim. That practical angle is a big reason people walk away feeling like they got their money’s worth.

Value Check: Is $20 Worth It for a 2-Hour Sail + Swim?

At about $20 per person, this tour is positioned as strong value because it bundles multiple things most people end up paying for separately:

• a paid boat cruise for dolphin and pilot whale watching
• free water and soft drinks all trip
• a swim opportunity
• included food (and beer and wine at lunch time)

Even if you don’t drink much and you mostly care about wildlife, the included beverages reduce “on-the-water spending creep.” If you do like a drink with your lunch, the beer and wine inclusion helps offset the base price.

The only reason it might feel less valuable is if your day doesn’t align with strong wildlife activity or if sea conditions reduce comfort. That’s not a pricing flaw—it’s just the nature of watching animals at sea.

Who Should Book This (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is a great fit if you want:

• a short, focused whale-and-dolphin experience
• time on deck for sea views and photo opportunities
• a swim stop that adds fun beyond animal spotting
• included snacks/meal and drinks

It’s also a good choice if you like learning while you travel, since the crew is there to help you understand what you’re looking at and why pilot whales are attracted to this part of Tenerife.

You may want to think twice if:

• you’re sensitive to motion and sea conditions (the tour is subject to sea conditions)
• you’re expecting guaranteed whale sightings
• you’re traveling with a group that wants a party atmosphere (party groups are not allowed)

A note on mobility and wheelchair details

The information provided includes both “wheelchair accessible” and also “not suitable for wheelchair users” and “not suitable for people with mobility impairments.” That conflict means you should treat access as something to confirm before you go, especially if you rely on a wheelchair or have limited mobility.

Practical Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Time on the Water

Here’s how you can make your two hours feel smoother:

• Pack swimwear and a towel so you’re ready when the swim stop happens
• Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for upper-deck time
• Wear something you can handle on a deck that may get wet (boat days happen fast)
• If you care about animal viewing, be ready to move between the upper deck and main deck quickly when the crew calls your attention
• Bring a calm attitude: wildlife isn’t scheduled, and sea conditions change what you can do comfortably

If you want the best chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, your role is simple: watch actively, listen to the crew, and stay flexible.

Should You Book the Neptuno Whale Experience Tenerife Tour?

If you’re looking for a value-forward whale-watching day that still includes real sailing, deck time, and a swim, I think this tour is worth serious consideration. The combination of a classic-style teak Shogun boat, the included drinks and food, and dedicated time for dolphin and pilot whale watching makes it feel like more than just a quick sightseeing pass.

Book it if you’re excited by the chance to see whales and you’ll enjoy being out on the water whether the sea is perfectly calm or just lively.

Skip or carefully verify details if you need reliable accessibility or you know you strongly dislike motion at sea. And don’t treat whale sightings as guaranteed—treat it as an adventure with smart planning behind it.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching sail?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet the Shogun Boat at Colon Harbours, pier number 14, next to the petrol station.

What’s included in the price?

You get the sailboat cruise, professional crew, water and soft drinks free all trip, and included food. Beer and wine are included at lunch time. Depending on your selected option, there may also be a bus transfer from select areas.

Is swimming included?

Yes, there is a swimming stop during the tour. Bring swimwear and a towel.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Are pets or fishing allowed?

Pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed). Fishing is also not allowed.

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