That first dolphin sighting can change your whole mood. This luxury Tenerife boat trip is all about whales, dolphins, and a real swimming stop—on a big, comfortable RIB built for the trip. I like the small group size (max 15) and the fact that you get drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear onboard, so the day feels complete, not rushed.

One possible drawback to plan for: wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, and the whole experience depends on good weather. If the sea is rough or animals are farther out, you may get less than your hoped-for whale moment.

Key things to know before you go

• A 60-foot luxury RIB with 740 HP from Volvo Penta engines, plus inflatable side defenses for extra safety
• Snorkeling plus a swim bay with onboard equipment, then rinsing off with showers
• Onboard comfort for up to 15 people, with sunbeds, tables, toilet, and space to move around
• Marine life targets include whales, dolphins, and sea turtles (you’ll look for them as you cruise)
• Drinks and food are part of the experience, including a meal stop at the swimming bay
• You’re back at the same meeting point in Puerto Colón after about 3 hours

Opera 60: A luxury RIB built for Tenerife’s open-water wildlife

If you’re picturing a cramped speedboat with nowhere to sit, Opera 60 is the opposite. This is a 60-foot (almost 20-meter) luxury RIB, powered by two Volvo Penta engines totaling 740 HP. It’s designed as a rigid hull with inflatable side defenses—translation: it’s built to handle the water more confidently while still feeling like a thrill ride.

Onboard, the space matters. You’re not watching life go by from one uncomfortable corner. There are sitting areas, sunbeds, and big tables, so groups can spread out. Music is part of the vibe too, with quality speakers playing onboard while you scan the ocean for movement.

And yes, it’s decorated with style. More importantly, it’s set up for how you’ll actually use it: lookouts when wildlife is nearby, then relaxing when you’re cruising to the swim bay.

The 3-hour flow: whales and dolphins first, then snorkeling time

This is an approximately 3-hour experience, and it runs in a pretty clear rhythm. You’ll set off from Puerto Colón (Playa de las Américas area) and spend the early part of the trip actively looking for sea life—especially whales and dolphins.

A really helpful thing I like about this format is that it treats wildlife spotting as the main event without making the rest of the trip feel like a waiting room. Even when you’re scanning the water for whales, you’re not stuck staring the entire time. The plan includes a swimming and snorkeling stop later, so the day has two payoff moments instead of one.

Wildlife spotting: what you should realistically expect

You’re not booking a guaranteed whale guarantee machine. It’s wildlife in the real world—sometimes animals are close, sometimes they’re farther away, and sometimes the day turns into a “one big sighting, lots of other chances” kind of outing.

That said, Tenerife is known for sightings, and the routine targets include:

• Dolphins
• Whales
• Sea turtles

You also get guidance from the crew on what to look for. In practical terms, that helps you spot smaller tells faster—like the timing and shape of surfacing, or how animals move in the water.

The swim/snorkel bay: where the day really turns fun

After the cruising part, you head to the swim bay. This is where the trip turns from sightseeing into an actual water day. The boat provides snorkeling equipment, so you’re not scrambling to rent gear once you’re already wet and excited.

And once you’re in the water, you’re not just swimming. You’re snorkeling—so you can actually look around underwater rather than only floating on top and hoping for the best.

Onboard food and drinks: what’s included and why it changes the day

A big part of the value here is that you’re not carrying your own lunch bag. Drinks and snacks are provided onboard, and there’s a meal served as part of the experience at the swimming stop.

From the positive experiences, the food is often described as warm and properly portioned, and the drink setup tends to feel generous—people mention cool drinks, plus wines and beers, and also celebration-style drinks like champagne and prosecco. I’d call this a “settle in and enjoy it” setup rather than a light snack-only cruise.

I also like that the crew positions the day as relaxed. When everything is already handled, you don’t waste the best part of the afternoon making decisions or hunting for someone to help.

The one thing to keep your expectations grounded

One downside showed up in a small number of cases: service can be uneven on some departures. In a negative experience, drinks were slow to appear early on, and the food didn’t meet expectations. That doesn’t describe every trip—but it is a reminder: if you have kids, or you know you’ll want water right away, it’s smart to ask early and clearly.

In other words: don’t sit quietly waiting for comfort. Ask for what you need soon after boarding.

Snorkeling gear, showers, and comfort details that feel practical

Luxury is nice, but I care most about the practical stuff—because ocean days are messy. Opera 60 is set up with that in mind.

What you get for water time

• Snorkeling equipment onboard (provided)
• A planned time at a swimming bay
• You’ll have a chance to swim and snorkel as part of the tour

What you’ll appreciate after you get back on board

This is where the boat earns points. There’s a shower onboard, plus a toilet, and that changes the vibe more than you’d think. You go from salty and sandy to “okay, I can enjoy dinner plans later” faster.

Also, the boat includes sunbeds and open space, so you can dry out and relax without playing Tetris with your towel.

What to pack (based on how these trips work)

The tour provides gear, but you still need to bring your basics:

• your swimwear (obviously)
• sunscreen and a hat
• a small bag for phones/keys
• sandals or water shoes (since you’ll be in and out of the boat and moving around)

If you forget your swimming gear, you’ll still go out—but you’ll feel it.

Crew vibe and the role of a good host (including Fabrizio)

On a wildlife boat, the crew does two jobs: safety and spotting. When both are good, the trip feels effortless.

Many passengers highlight friendly, capable crew members and guidance on marine life—helping you know what you’re looking at when something surfaces. That makes a real difference. If you don’t know what you’re seeing, a dolphin sighting can feel like just “a shape.” With help from the crew, it turns into a story.

One name that comes up is Fabrizio, described as a warm host who kept the atmosphere upbeat and made sure people didn’t run out of drinks. Even if you don’t have the exact same host each time, the takeaway is consistent: the best version of this trip has a crew that keeps the day moving and keeps everyone comfortable.

A note on service variation

Because you’re dealing with a moving boat schedule and a short trip window, service is the one area where expectations can differ. If something feels slow, speak up early. Ask for water, ask about food timing, and let the crew know you’re waiting for the basics.

It’s not about being difficult—it’s about making the day work for you.

Meeting point at Puerto Colón: easy start, same ending

The tour meets at Puerto Colón, in the Playa de las Américas area (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), and it ends back at the meeting point. That’s a big deal for an easy afternoon: no complicated transit at the end, and no “where do we get picked up” confusion.

It’s also listed as near public transportation, which helps if you’re staying somewhere central and don’t want to hunt for parking.

And one small comfort point: you receive confirmation at the time of booking, which means you’re not stuck wondering if you’re actually on the manifest.

Price and value: why $96.79 can make sense here

At about $96.79 per person, this isn’t a budget boat ride. The value comes from what’s bundled.

You’re paying for:

• a large, comfortable RIB experience (not a tiny, crowded boat)
• targeted whale and dolphin watching
• a real swimming and snorkeling stop with equipment provided
• drinks and snacks, plus a meal served onboard

If you priced those items separately—boat time, gear rental, and food—this package often starts to look more fair. The other reason the price can feel worth it is the group size. With max 15 travelers, you’re not stuck in a cattle line waiting for someone to move.

Who the price fits best

• families who want a “single ticket solves lunch and entertainment” day
• couples who want a comfortable boat without feeling too formal
• friends who want both wildlife spotting and time in the water

Weather, sea conditions, and sightings: the reality check

This experience requires good weather. That matters because it affects comfort and safety. If conditions aren’t right, the trip can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Wildlife sightings follow the same logic. You can improve your odds by taking the tour at the right time and by paying attention when the crew tells you where to look. But you can’t control animal behavior. The good news is that even when dolphins or whales are quieter that day, the swim/snorkel stop gives you something active and memorable.

Who should book Luxury Opera 60?

This is a strong pick if you want the Tenerife coast experience with a bit of polish. Based on what the format supports, I’d recommend it most to:

• Families with kids: there’s onboard space, food/drinks, and a swimming stop that’s more fun than just watching from the deck
• People who get seasick easily: the boat’s size and design are clearly built for comfort, and the day plan reduces how long you have to stand around
• Small-group seekers: max 15 keeps it from feeling chaotic
• Swimmers and snorkelers: you get gear provided and a real chance to use it

If you’re the type who wants a quiet, no-frills cruise with minimal fuss, you might find it a bit more party-friendly than you expect. But if you want a day that feels like a trip, not just a checklist, it fits well.

Also, this one gets booked fairly often—on average about 26 days in advance—so if you’re going in peak periods, don’t wait until the last minute.

Should you book this whale and dolphin + snorkeling experience?

I’d book Opera 60 if you want an all-in-one Tenerife afternoon: wildlife spotting, snorkeling with equipment provided, and the kind of boat where you can actually relax between moments. The 60-foot size, the onboard showers, and the small max group size all point to comfort being a core part of the experience, not an afterthought.

Skip it (or at least temper expectations) if you’re booking purely for a once-in-a-lifetime whale guarantee. Wildlife is never totally predictable. But if you’re okay with “great odds plus a fun water stop,” this is the kind of tour that makes the money feel like it came back to you.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Opera 60 whale and dolphin watching experience?

It runs for approximately 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Does the tour end back at the same meeting point?

Yes, it ends back at the meeting point.

Is a mobile ticket provided?

Yes, the tour offers a mobile ticket.

Is the experience offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, along with drinks and snacks.

What animals might you see?

Look out for whales and dolphins, and also sea turtles as you go.

Does the boat have showers after swimming?

Yes, the boat has showers onboard.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellation within 24 hours of the start time isn’t refunded.

What if the trip is canceled due to weather?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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