Whales and a quick swim after lunch is a winning mix. From Puerto Colón, this small-group sail pairs whale-watching with a real Tenerife-style meal, plus time anchored near shore. I especially like the local skipper approach: you’re out on the open Atlantic with someone who knows where to look, not just sitting on a route.

The biggest drawback is simple: this trip sails into open water. If you’re sensitive to motion, bring your seasickness game plan and pack accordingly.

Key Highlights Worth Planning Around

• Small group (up to 11 people) keeps things calmer when the boat slows for sightings
• Pilot whales and dolphins are the goal, with chances to get good views when conditions line up
• Paella + bubbly cava make the meal feel like part of the experience, not an afterthought
• A warm sandy-bay swim stop turns the day from “watching” into “doing”
• Food and drinks onboard help you stay relaxed and in the moment while you’re out at sea

Getting to the Boat in Puerto Colón (and Finding Mola Mola 2)

This tour starts in Puerto Colón, with the meeting point at pantalan 1. You’ll want to look for the boat named Mola Mola 2. That detail matters: when you arrive near the docks, you can waste time if you’re hunting around for the right vessel. Show up a bit early so you can get your bearings fast and settle in.

Once you’re onboard, you’ll get a feel for the pace. This isn’t a big cattle-boat operation. It’s a sailing-style outing where the crew can shift attention quickly when wildlife appears. From there, the day moves in two modes: scanning for dolphins and whales, then settling in for the meal and swim when the plan says it’s time.

What to bring is straightforward, but don’t skip it. You’ll be in sunglasses and swimwear territory, and the sun off the Atlantic can be strong. Bring sunscreen, beachwear, and plan on needing a towel since it’s not included. Also pack a little common sense for a boat day: comfortable clothes that work for sun and salt air, plus water-friendly footwear if you expect any rocky bits near shore.

Why the Small Group (Up to 11) Helps Your Chances

With a maximum of 11 participants, the boat stays manageable. That’s not just comfort talk. In whale watching, smaller groups can mean:

• easier positioning when the captain finds activity
• less crowding around the best viewing spots
• quicker coordination if someone needs a hand at the swim stop

The other reason this matters: you’re more likely to get real explanations and a feel for what the skipper is doing out there. One of the strongest themes from the experience is that the captain gives friendly, clear guidance—the kind that helps you know what you’re actually looking at, instead of just hoping for the best.

And because it’s a sailing trip, you’re also more exposed to weather and movement than a sealed, motorized tour. That can be a plus if you like the real maritime vibe. It’s also why the open-ocean note in the tour description is worth taking seriously.

Out on the Open Atlantic: Dolphins, Whales, and How the Hunt Works

The heart of the tour is the search at sea. You sail out from Puerto Colón and keep your eyes open for dolphins and whales as the skipper looks for promising areas. You’ll be on the water, not just drifting near the coast, which increases your odds of hitting the right kind of marine activity.

The most praised sightings in this kind of outing tend to involve pilot whales, and people report getting very close to a family group when the timing is right. That’s the dream scenario: you don’t just see a splash in the distance; you get a real, memorable encounter. Even when you don’t get that level of closeness, the best part is usually the moment you see dolphins acting like dolphins—fast, playful movement that makes the whole boat pay attention at once.

A quick reality check that helps you manage expectations: whale watching is never a guarantee. But this setup stacks the odds in your favor by pairing:

• an active search while sailing
• a local captain who knows where sightings are more likely
• a trip designed to put you on the open water, not stuck in one tiny zone

You can also improve your odds by doing the simple stuff well. Stay alert when the captain calls your attention. Put your phone away unless you’re ready to film. And keep an eye on the horizon as well as the surface—spouts and movement often show up fast.

The Food Plan: Paella, Cava, and On-Board Snacks

One reason I think this tour is good value is the way it handles food. You’re not just paying for wildlife time and then getting handed something small. Instead, you get a meal tied to the Tenerife vibe.

Depending on your tour time, you’ll have lunch or dinner included. The meal described is a delicious paella plus a glass of bubbly cava. That combo is a big deal because it turns the sailing trip into a full experience. You’re out at sea, doing the thing, and then you actually get to eat something that feels like a proper meal.

There’s also an additional onboard moment described for the anchored swim period: sandwiches with a beer or a glass of drink. That’s smart planning. It keeps your energy up before water time, without turning the day into a heavy meal-and-crash cycle.

How this translates to your day: if you’re the kind of person who gets hangry, you’ll like this. If you prefer a light snack and then water play, you still get options. Either way, the included food keeps you from spending extra money during the trip window—and it makes the timing feel more relaxed once you’re out there.

The Beach Swim Stop: What to Know Before You Go

After the viewing time, the schedule includes a stop in a bay near a warm, sandy beach. You’ll anchor, then go for a swim in the cool water.

This is the part that can feel like a mini vacation inside your tour day. You’re in the Atlantic, you’ve watched wildlife, and now you get to cool off. People highlight this as a genuinely good swimming spot, which makes sense: the description points to a bay setting, not an off-shore drop-in with tough entry.

A few prep tips based on what the tour info makes clear:

• Bring swimwear and be ready to change or wear layers that work on a boat
• Bring a towel (it’s not included)
• Use sunscreen before you hit the water, not after
• Pack sunglasses for the boat ride, since bright sun + glare is real

Also note the tone of the experience. This isn’t a long beach stretch with a lot of walking around. It’s a swim stop, so think of it as quick and refreshing. If you want a full beach day after, plan separate time later. Here, you’re getting the water moment as part of the sailing.

Sailing Vibe, Sea Conditions, and Motion (Plan for It)

Because the tour sails into open ocean, you should expect some movement. That’s part of the authenticity of the day. It’s also the one thing that can turn great plans into a tough few hours if you’re not prepared.

You’re told it’s not suitable for certain needs (including wheelchair use and visual impairment), but even for others, open water matters. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your usual remedy and consider a light meal before boarding. On a 3-hour trip, you don’t want to waste the good part of the day feeling unwell.

The good news: smaller boats and shorter time can mean less time suffering. You’ll be out for about 3 hours, and the route includes an anchored swim and meal moments that break up the motion.

Price and Value: Why $68 Can Make Sense Here

At $68 per person for a roughly 3-hour experience, you’re paying for three things bundled together:

1. a real boat outing for wildlife watching on the open Atlantic
2. a full meal (paella) with included drinks like cava
3. time to swim during a beach-bay stop, plus additional snacks onboard

Many tours separate these. You might pay for whale watching and then still need to buy lunch and beach access. Here, the meal and drinks are part of the deal, including the bubbly cava and the onboard snacks during the anchored period.

Is it the cheapest way to spend a few hours? Probably not. But for what’s included—boat time, skipper-led wildlife searching, paella, drinks, and a swim stop—you’re getting more than a viewing-only excursion. In other words, you’re paying to do several parts of a day in one go.

If you’re value-focused, check two things before booking: your comfort with open-ocean sailing, and your tolerance for sun time on the water. If those fit your style, the price tends to feel fair.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• a small-group boat experience rather than a big crowd
• a chance at dolphins and pilot whales
• a day that includes both wildlife time and a swim stop
• included food that feels like a real meal (paella + cava)

It may not be the best fit if you:

• have mobility needs that make getting around a boat difficult (it’s noted as not suitable for mobility impairments and wheelchair users)
• rely on visual assistance (it’s noted as not suitable for people with visual impairment)
• are very uncomfortable with open ocean motion (the sailing is into open water)

If you’re traveling with kids, it can still work if they handle boats well and you keep expectations realistic on whale sightings. If you want guaranteed wildlife, no one can promise it. But if you’re there for the whole sailing day—sea breeze, search time, good food, then a swim—you’ll likely love the blend.

Should You Book Puerto Colón Whale Watching with Meal and a Swim?

I’d book this if you want an active Atlantic outing that feels more like a day at sea than a rushed sightseeing slot. The standout ingredients are the small group, the local captain’s whale-dolphin search, and the fact that you eat a proper paella with cava rather than just snacks. Add in the sand-bay swim stop, and it’s a well-rounded 3 hours.

Skip it if open-ocean movement could ruin your day, or if boat access would be a problem for you. Also, bring your own towel—don’t assume you’ll have one.

If your priority is wildlife, come prepared to enjoy the search even when sightings are brief. When the captain’s able to find whales and dolphins close, it’s the kind of moment you remember long after the paella is gone.

FAQ

Where do I meet for Puerto Colón whale watching?

You’ll meet at pantalan 1 and look for the boat named Mola Mola 2.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 3 hours (with starting times depending on availability).

How much does the tour cost?

It’s listed at $68 per person.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the boat trip, lunch or dinner (depending on your tour time), drinks, and a swimming stop.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What food is served?

The meal described is paella with a glass of bubbly cava, and during the anchored swim period you’ll also have sandwiches plus a beer or a glass of drink.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. A towel is not included, so you’ll want to bring your own.

What should I bring for the swim and sun?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Will the tour go into open ocean?

Yes. The trip sails into the open ocean.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users or mobility impairments?

No. It’s noted as not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.

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