Whales and dolphins from a real sailing ship. This Sealife cruise in Tenerife takes you on a Portuguese wooden schooner from Los Cristianos, then out to look for pilot whales and dolphins, with food and drink included.

I love that the boat feels like it has purpose, not just sightseeing. You’re on a lively family-style vessel with an open bar, a large central table for hanging out, and an upper deck made for sunbathing and easy photo angles.

One possible drawback: lunch is part of the promise, but at least one guest said the meal didn’t match expectations and that the crew kept steering people toward cocktail orders. If you care a lot about the lunch portion, it’s smart to confirm what’s being served once you’re on board.

Key things that make this tour worth a look

• Portuguese schooner charm: Wooden sailing-ship vibes, with pirate-style stories that set a playful tone.
• Photo-friendly setup: You have unobstructed viewing from the boat rather than awkward, blocked angles.
• Cetaceans as the main event: The itinerary is built around pilot whales and dolphins, not just a random cruise.
• Included food and drink: You won’t have to hunt for snacks in a port before you get going.
• Anchored lunch and swim time: After spotting ends, the boat anchors off the coast for lunch and a chance to get in the Atlantic.
• Small-group feel: Maximum of 60 travelers, so it stays manageable.

Los Cristianos Departure: Where the Tour Starts and Why It Matters

The tour runs out of Puerto Los Cristianos (Muelle de Pescadores) in Arona. If you’re staying anywhere along the south coast, this is a convenient launch point, and it also means you’ll likely be near other Tenerife tourists and services rather than tucked away in an isolated harbor.

The start time is 10:00 am, and the trip is listed at about 2 hours. That matters because whale watching can be a game of patience: if the sightings are active, things move fast; if not, crews may spend more time in one productive zone to improve odds.

Do plan to arrive early enough to get your bearings at the harbor. One thing that can throw people off is that meeting-point signage and maps don’t always match reality in busy ports. Build in buffer time so you’re not sprinting to find the right dock.

Aboard the Portuguese Wooden Schooner: Open Bar, Table, and Sun Deck

This is not a sleek, modern catamaran. You’re on a Portuguese wooden schooner, and the vibe is part of the experience. The boat is described as authentic and “of last century,” with sailing-style emotions and even pirate-era storytelling that gives the day a theme.

Inside setup is also designed for social time. There’s an open bar and a large central table, which is ideal if you want to talk with your group rather than hide behind sunglasses. If you’re traveling with kids, this is the kind of layout that keeps energy contained instead of everyone wandering around.

Then there’s the upper deck. That’s where you’ll want to go when you want sun and a calmer feel. It’s also a smart move for photos, since the layout is meant to keep lines of sight clear. If the sea is bumpy, you may find the upper deck more comfortable for spotting blows and dolphin behavior—just stay mindful of shifting surfaces.

How the Crew Finds Pilot Whales and Dolphins Around Tenerife

The whole tour is built around one goal: watching pilot whales and dolphins. After you depart, the boat heads out to a pilot whales area and works toward dolphins too, rather than just cruising for a generic scenic loop.

In plain terms, you should expect a mix of excitement and waiting. Whale watching isn’t a guaranteed check-off box. Still, the tour structure helps: you’re not on the water for the sole purpose of eating lunch later. Observation is the center of the schedule.

One helpful detail is that sightings tend to come from behavior, not just distance. Look for surface activity patterns—schools of dolphins often show up as quick movement changes near the boat’s path, while pilot whales may surface and then disappear again. The crew’s explanations are part of that: you’ll have guidance on what you’re looking at and what whale behavior typically means during a sighting.

The Anchored Lunch Stop and Atlantic Swim: When It Gets Real

After the cetacean observation ends, the boat sails to the coast and anchors to offer lunch and swim time in the Atlantic Ocean. This is where the cruise turns from pure wildlife chasing into an actual half-day outing.

The lunch described includes food and a drink, and it’s served at the anchored stop rather than while you’re fully underway. That setup often feels less stressful, because you get a calmer moment for eating before heading back toward the harbor.

Then comes the swim. You’ll want to treat it like an added bonus, not a sure thing that replaces weather plans. The tour requires good weather, and you’ll feel that in how smoothly anchored time works and how comfortable swimming is. If the water is rough, the crew may limit how long people stay in, or the vibe may shift more toward relaxing than getting fully in.

Crew Energy: Sailor Stories, Explanations, and Unexpected Moments

The crew here plays a big role in how the day feels. The tone is described as fun and family-friendly, with “pirate stories” that help the wooden ship concept land in a real, human way—not just a marketing line.

I also like that the boat isn’t stiff. You’re on a boat for a two-hour block, so you want energy that keeps kids interested and adults from drifting into boredom. One account highlighted the crew going above and beyond, including jumping in and saving a turtle. Whether that becomes a memory you’ll personally repeat or not, it signals a team that pays attention and acts when something unexpected appears.

Explanations matter on whale watching tours. In one positive account, guests praised how well the crew explained what was happening during the excursion. That’s a big deal because you can otherwise miss the point of small sightings. With solid guidance, even short or distant views become more meaningful.

Price and Value: Is $57.96 a Fair Deal?

At $57.96 per person, this trip can be good value if you’re looking for a real boat outing and not just a quick photo stop. The value comes from a few specific things:

• you’re paying for a dedicated pilot whale and dolphin search, not a generic coastal cruise
• food and drink are included
• the boat experience itself is a selling point, since it’s a Portuguese schooner rather than a standard sightseeing vessel

Still, value depends on what you actually receive. One caution from a lower score: a guest said the advertised lunch didn’t happen as expected and staff focused on cocktail sales on board. That doesn’t mean it’s the norm, but it does tell you what to watch for—especially if lunch is a deciding factor in your planning.

My rule: if you’re traveling with kids, hungry adults, or you simply hate surprise costs, you’ll feel safer if you ask early on what the lunch looks like and how the swim works. That quick check can protect the value side of the deal.

What to Bring for a Comfortable Day on the Water

This kind of outing is light on logistics and heavy on time outside. You’re on a boat, then anchored off the coast, then you’re back heading toward Los Cristianos. So pack for sun, wind, and sea spray.

Bring:

• sunscreen and sunglasses
• a light layer in case the breeze cools you down on deck
• swimwear and a towel if you’re planning to use the Atlantic swim time
• a phone or camera with a protective cover, because you’ll be taking photos from a moving platform

If you get seasick easily, it’s worth thinking ahead. The data doesn’t specify medicine or stability details, so just use your own judgment and don’t assume you’ll be comfortable if the sea is choppy.

Also, the best photo tip is simple: don’t stay glued in one spot. If you can move to where the deck angle improves, you’ll get clearer lines when whales surface and dolphins shift direction. The tour is set up for unobstructed photo opportunities, but you still have to position yourself at the right time.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This works especially well if you want:

• a family-friendly atmosphere with a playful crew
• an actual wildlife-focused outing, not a sightseeing-only boat ride
• a day that includes food and drink, plus lunch and a swim stop

It’s also a good match if you like the “experience” side of travel. The schooner theme and pirate storytelling are part of the package. If you enjoy travel days where the ship feels like a character, you’ll likely enjoy this.

The main reason you might not love it is also simple: whale watching can be slow. One account described spending a long time in essentially the same area without much action, with only a short swim window. If you’re someone who needs constant thrills, that waiting might feel long even if the boat is working hard to find the right sightings.

Should You Book This Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Portuguese Schooner?

I’d book it if you want a small-group whale and dolphin outing with an old-school sailing vibe, and you like the idea of included meals plus time to swim. The combination of Portuguese schooner charm, unobstructed views for photos, and a crew that explains what you’re seeing can make the day feel like more than just trying your luck at sea.

I’d hesitate only if lunch is your top priority and you’re the type who needs everything to go perfectly as advertised. One low score shows that the lunch experience can be a weak spot, with some guests reporting the opposite of the promotion. If you’re booking, just do one smart thing: ask on board what the lunch includes and when you should expect it.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Puerto Los Cristianos, at Muelle de Pescadores, puerto de Los Cristianos, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 10:00 am.

How long is the dolphin and whale watching trip?

It’s listed at about 2 hours.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. Food and drink are included, and lunch is provided during the anchored portion.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 60 travelers.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

You Might Also Enjoy

Tenerife: 4-Hour Gauchinche Food TourYoga at the beach in TenerifeFrom Santa Cruz: Teide Volcano, Icod, & Garachico TourTenerife: Abades Beach Beginner Diving Experience