Whale watching, minus the crowd. This private cruise off Tenerife South combines a luxury yacht with sonar listening for whales and dolphins.

I really like the small max 9-person group setup, because you can spread out and actually enjoy the sea sounds, not just bargain for elbow room. I also love that you get time to swim and snorkel, with gear included, plus plenty of complimentary food and drinks. One heads-up: this trip is not suitable if you’re prone to seasickness.

Key takeaways before you go

• Sonar listening system helps track whales and dolphins in the area
• Private group up to 9 means a calmer, more personal outing
• Luxury sailing yacht Gran Azor for a smoother, nicer feel on the water
• Snorkel gear included plus time to swim right in the clear water
• Complimentary snacks and drinks served during the cruise
• Puerto Colón Marina dock 2 is your clear meeting point on Tenerife South

Setting Sail From Puerto Colón Marina on the Gran Azor

Your day starts at Puerto Colón Marina, heading to dock number 2. It’s a straightforward meeting point, and that matters because you want to be relaxed before you’re out on open water hunting for whales.

The boat is the sailing yacht Gran Azor. This is not a fast party boat or a crowded day-boat experience. The vibe is more like: take in the views as you cruise, keep an eye on the water, and be ready when the wildlife shows up. You also travel with a professional captain, and the captain is part of what makes the trip feel friendly rather than stiff.

Group size is limited to a maximum of 9 people, which changes the whole feel. You’re not trying to film through other people’s phones. You can move, find a good spot, and actually listen when the crew starts talking about what they’re seeing.

How Sonar Changes the Whale-and-Dolphin Game

Here’s the big tech angle: you’ll use a sonar system to listen for whales and dolphins. That doesn’t guarantee sightings (the ocean doesn’t run on schedules), but it does give the crew a better shot at locating marine life sooner and more efficiently.

What I like about sonar is the practical side. It supports the crew’s search while you scan the water visually. So you’re doing both: watching surface behavior and using the tech to understand what’s around you below. It turns whale watching from pure luck into a more informed hunt.

And when the animals are near, you’re not just staring from far away. You’re on the water in the right places at the right times, with the time to enjoy the moment—then slip back into cruising and relaxing.

The Marine Life You’re Looking For Off Tenerife South

This trip is designed around the south coast’s marine scene. You’re actively watching for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, with the possibility of other marine life too.

One especially helpful detail from real-world experience is that sightings can be close. On a past trip, the group saw pilot whales close up and also spotted dolphins from around 50 meters away. Even if your day doesn’t produce the exact same distances, that gives you a good idea of the range of encounters the crew can sometimes pull off.

A sea turtle sighting is the kind of moment that feels different from mammals-only whale watching. Sea turtles tend to be cruisers, and when they surface, it’s often slower and calmer—so you get a different kind of thrill.

Still, keep expectations flexible. Wildlife behavior changes quickly. The crew’s job is to keep you around areas where sonar and sighting cues line up, so you spend more time where there’s a real chance.

The 6-Hour Rhythm: Cruising, Coast Views, and Swim Time

The overall experience is listed as 6 hours. Within that, you’ll spend significant time sailing around the calm, warm, clear waters of Tenerife South, leaving and returning toward Puerto Colón Marina.

A key part of the day is that it’s not only “stop, look, repeat.” You also get a coast and sea-view component. On one trip, about half of the outing turned into a coast-tour, and that’s smart: even when the cetaceans move, you’re still on the water with great scenery and a relaxed pace.

Between the searching and the cruising, you’ll have your chance to go in the water. When you jump overboard, you’re not doing it like a timed swim class. You get swimming and snorkeling at leisure, which is the best way to do it in real life. You can spend more time near the surface if the water is inviting, or you can float and enjoy the view if you’d rather not rush.

What’s Included: Snorkel Equipment, Food, and Drinks

This is one of the reasons the value feels solid. The tour includes:

• All drinks and food
• Snorkel equipment

That means you don’t have to shop, pack, or improvise once you’re on board. In warm water, snorkel time is often the difference between a good trip and a standout one. Having gear ready for you helps you get in the water faster and stay in the experience longer.

Food and drinks being complimentary also matters psychologically. You can focus on the wildlife and the scenery instead of timing your day around lunch planning. It also makes the whole trip feel more like a private charter than a basic excursion.

If you’re the type who likes to be prepared, bring your own sunscreen and towel (more on that below). But you can travel lighter on the water gear side.

Your Captain, Your Pace: Small Group Sailing on Tenerife South

Private doesn’t just mean you pay more. It means you get a different tempo.

With a maximum of 9 people, the crew can manage the group better, and you spend more time in the experience instead of waiting. The captain is also described as informative and fun, with a friendly style that keeps the mood upbeat when you’re scanning the sea.

Languages can also make or break an experience. The operation lists live tour guidance in English, German, and Spanish. The captain’s language skills include English, Spanish, Russian, and Polish as well. That’s a nice spread, especially if your group includes multiple nationalities.

One practical note: the “right” kind of explanation depends on you. If you want a quick, casual briefing while you watch, you’ll likely enjoy that. If you want a step-by-step lecture every time an animal surfaces, you may need to ask direct questions while you’re onboard.

What to Bring (and What to Leave Alone)

For a smooth trip, come prepared for sun, water, and cameras.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen

Also, use common sense for a day on the ocean: water-based time means sun hits hard, and wind can make you forget you’re getting sunburned.

Not allowed:

• Fishing
• Feeding animals

That’s a good rule set. It keeps the wildlife behavior more natural and helps avoid mess and safety problems on board.

Price and Value: Is $1,101 Per Group Worth It?

The price is listed as $1,101 per group, up to 9 people, for a 6-hour experience. On paper, that’s a premium number. But value on this kind of outing isn’t only about the boat—it’s about what comes with it.

Here’s the practical way to think about the money:

• You’re paying for a private sailing yacht experience, not a seat on a crowded boat.
• Food and all drinks are included, plus snorkel gear. Those are real add-ons you’d otherwise pay for.
• You’re also paying for the crew’s work: scouting, using sonar, and keeping you in the right places.

If you fill the group with friends, the cost per person drops a lot. If you book for just 2 people, it’s still an enjoyable day, but it’s harder to call it a bargain. The best fit is a small group who wants a calmer day at sea and plans to actually use the swim/snorkel time.

Who This Whale and Dolphin Watch Suits Best

This charter is ideal if you:

• Want a small, private marine outing rather than a crowded one
• Prefer time in the water (swim and snorkel), not only looking from above
• Like the idea of a crew using sonar to improve the search
• Want included snacks and drinks so the day feels relaxed

It may not suit you if:

• You’re prone to seasickness. This is explicitly noted as not suitable for that situation.

If you’re traveling as a couple, small friend group, or family unit (within the private-group limit), it’s a great way to do Tenerife’s ocean without turning it into a logistics headache.

The Quick Booking Checklist (So You Don’t Miss Anything)

Before you confirm, make sure you’re ready for the basics:

• Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel
• Bring your camera for the surface moments (whales and turtles can be quick)
• Know that souvenir photos are not included, so if you want them, budget for them separately
• Plan for a day that may include coast views plus wildlife searching, depending on where the animals are

Also, consider your comfort level on the water. If you’re sensitive to motion, this is the point where it’s better to choose a different kind of activity.

Should You Book This Private Whale and Dolphin Sailing Trip?

I’d book it if you want a calmer, more comfortable day on Tenerife’s water: a private yacht, sonar searching, and real time to swim and snorkel—while food and drinks keep you from turning the trip into a snack hunt.

I wouldn’t book it if seasickness is an issue for you, or if you only want a strictly academic marine lecture. This experience is about the sea, the sightings, and the onboard comfort, with an engaging captain—not a classroom.

If you can handle the boat ride and you’re traveling with a group that will fit the up-to-9 limit, this is the kind of excursion that tends to feel worth it because you get both wildlife time and real relaxation time.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet on Tenerife South?

You’ll meet at Puerto Colón Marina, and you should go to dock number 2.

How long is the experience?

The tour is listed as 6 hours.

How big is the private group?

The private group is limited to a maximum of 9 people.

What marine life will we be looking for?

The tour focuses on whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, and you may also encounter other marine life.

Does the crew use sonar during the trip?

Yes. The experience includes listening for whales and dolphins with a sonar system.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. All drinks and food are included, along with complimentary snacks.

What languages are available?

The live tour guidance is listed in English, German, and Spanish. The captain’s languages include English, Spanish, Russian, and Polish.

Is this tour suitable if I get seasick?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

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