Whales, cava, and real quiet time at sea. This private luxury sailing outing from Puerto Colón pairs wildlife spotting—pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles—with an easygoing day of drinks, snacks, and swimming in a secluded bay. I love how the boat feels set up for comfort, not just sightseeing, and I also like the simple onboard perks like cava on arrival and steady food and drink throughout.

One thing to plan for: towels and sun cream are not included, so bring them (or be ready to buy nearby) if you want a smooth, no-stress swim-and-sun stretch.

Luxury sailing yacht experience with cabins, bathrooms, and a salon

Cava on arrival plus soft drinks, beer, and white wine during the cruise

Pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles are the target, with snorkeling gear included

A captain-led stop in a secluded bay, where you can swim with turtles or just relax

Private group format for up to 11 people, so you control the vibe

First stop: Puerto Colón and the premium yacht feel

This tour starts in Puerto Colón, at Pantalan Number 2. You’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes early so you’re not rushing when the captain is ready to welcome you aboard. The timing matters here because once you’re out of the harbor, the experience moves fast: that’s when the first wildlife checks usually begin.

On the boat, the setup is what makes the day feel special. This isn’t a bare-bones charter. You get a fully equipped sailing yacht with bathrooms, cabins, a sunbathing area, and a large salon and kitchen. Translation: you can spread out. Someone can chill with a drink while someone else grabs a better view from the deck. If the sea gets a little bouncy, you’re not trapped outside with nowhere to reset.

And then there’s the welcome. You’re greeted by the captain and get a complementary glass of cava right after boarding. It’s a small detail, but it makes the whole thing feel like a proper charter from the first minute, not an add-on activity.

What’s included onboard: drinks, snacks, and real swim time

Food and drink on whale cruises can go either way: sometimes it’s an afterthought, sometimes it’s actually useful. Here, it’s baked into the cruise rhythm. Once you leave harbor, you’ll have complimentary soft drinks, beer, and white wine available. There are also baguettes, fruits, and snacks during the trip.

I like this because it supports the two moods of the day. When you’re actively searching for pilot whales and dolphins, you don’t want to keep thinking about hunger. And when the boat anchors for the swim stop, you’ll be glad you’re already set up with something to eat and sip.

Snorkeling is also part of the plan. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to haul gear from the mainland or pack a bulky kit. You’ll still want your own simple essentials—like your swimsuit and sunglasses—but the core equipment is covered.

One small reality check: towels and sun cream aren’t included. If you tend to forget things, I’d pack them anyway. That way you can go straight from snorkeling back to relaxing without playing store-hunt on a holiday.

The wildlife search: pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

The “what am I actually going to see?” question is fair. This cruise is designed around sightings of pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. The way it plays out is straightforward: after you sail out, the captain keeps you posted and the crew starts scanning the water. You should expect the first pilot whales to come into view soon after leaving the harbor, with dolphins and turtles as additional targets.

What makes this valuable isn’t just the animals—it’s the private pacing. On a small charter, you’re not fighting for space in a crowd or competing with a dozen other groups for the best sightlines. You can shift positions, take breaks, and still keep a sharp focus on what the captain is watching for.

Also, the included cabin-and-salon setup means you’re not stuck in full sun if you get tired. That matters because wildlife spotting often becomes a game of waiting, scanning, and sudden excitement. Having somewhere shaded to regroup keeps the whole experience comfortable instead of frantic.

And while whale watching always depends on conditions, the structure here is clear: you’re out long enough to give the ocean a chance to show off, and you’re prepared to switch from watching to snorkeling when the day allows it.

Anchored in a secluded bay: swimming with turtles (or not)

Here’s the part that turns a normal boat trip into a memory-maker. At some point during the cruise, the captain anchors in a secluded bay. Then you get the choice: swim with the turtles or stay onboard and enjoy the drink-and-snack break while the captain manages the stop.

If you’re into water time, this is the moment to commit. With snorkeling equipment included, you can get in the water without needing to plan ahead for gear. If you’re more cautious or just want to watch, that works too. The bay stop isn’t only about swimming; it’s also about slowing down and enjoying the calm.

The practical angle: a calm bay is your best friend when you’re trying to do something active at sea. It’s easier to find your comfort, easier to float and observe, and easier to transition from sightseeing to snorkeling. You’re not rushing in and out like a short detour—you’re given a real stop.

One more helpful tip: wear summer beach clothing, a hat, and your swimsuit before you go. That way the bay stop feels effortless. You won’t be stuck changing in a hurry when everyone else is ready to get in the water.

3 hours or 6 hours: picking the right length

This tour comes in two lengths: 3 hours or 6 hours. The short option is a good choice if you want a focused wildlife cruise with the key moments, without committing to a half-day. The longer option is better if you care about extra time on the water—both for sightings and for that anchored bay break.

Here’s how I’d decide:

• If you’re staying busy with other Tenerife plans, 3 hours keeps you flexible.
• If you want to slow down and let the day unfold—watch, snack, scan again, then settle in for the bay stop—6 hours fits nicely.

In both cases, you’ll have the included drinks and snacks and the snorkeling equipment. The difference is how much breathing room you get between the moments.

Price and value: what $701 per group really buys

The price is $701 per group, for up to 11 people. That’s a group charter setup, not per-person ticketing. The value depends on how many people you actually bring.

If you fill it close to the maximum (11 people), you’re effectively splitting to about $64 per person for a private yacht outing with cava, wine/beer/soft drinks, food, and snorkeling gear. Even if you don’t hit the full 11, you still get a lot that would usually cost extra on a larger tour: privacy, a premium sailing yacht with proper onboard spaces, and the chance for a turtle swim stop.

What you’re paying for is time plus comfort:

• Time because you’re on a cruise long enough for wildlife scanning to feel natural.
• Comfort because this is not a cramped boat with one narrow deck and nothing else to do between sightings.

The other value point is group control. You can keep your vibe relaxed, choose how you move around the boat, and enjoy your own pace without a big crowd’s pressure.

The small details that make it feel smooth

This is one of those tours where the fundamentals matter: easy access, a clear departure point, and a captain who runs the day with a calm, practical approach. In the feedback I saw from past bookings, service and food came up again and again, with people describing the day as relaxed and well run.

A particularly useful detail: the captain may allow your group to play your own music. That’s not a sightseeing feature, but it can make a big difference in how the day feels—less like a rigid activity and more like your own floating hangout with wildlife on the side.

Also, plan for what’s on the boat versus what’s not. This cruise includes snorkeling equipment, but it does not include towels or sun cream. Bring them and you’ll feel ahead of the game.

Finally, do yourself a favor and pack light but right:

• sunglasses
• swimsuit
• camera
• hat

If you do that, you’ll stay focused on the fun part: scanning the sea and enjoying the bay stop.

Who this Tenerife whale and dolphin yacht tour fits best

This private cruise makes the most sense if you want a mix of wildlife and comfort. You’re not just there to stand on the deck. You’ll also have the option to swim, snack, and unwind in a sheltered moment at anchor.

I’d especially recommend it if:

• you’re traveling as a small group of friends or family and want privacy
• you care about comfort—bathrooms, cabins, and a lounge area matter to you
• you want a day built around pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles, not a vague “maybe we’ll see something” vibe
• you like the idea of sipping cava and wine while the captain steers you toward wildlife opportunities

If you’re the type who hates any chance of sun exposure, you’ll want to plan clothing and bring sun protection since sun cream isn’t included. But if you’re okay with a beach-day approach—hat, sunglasses, swimsuit—this fits well.

Should you book this private whale and dolphin cruise?

If you want a Tenerife activity that feels like a premium day out—private yacht, good onboard food and drinks, and real time for a bay swim—then I think this is a strong pick. The big win is the combination: wildlife watching plus a structured, comfortable onboard setup, with snorkeling gear ready when the captain anchors.

I’d pass or reconsider only if you’re the kind of traveler who absolutely needs towels and sun cream provided for you, or if splitting a charter cost across a group won’t work for your budget. Otherwise, this is the kind of outing where you’ll feel looked after, you’ll spend more time enjoying the moment, and you’ll have more than one way to connect with the sea—watching on the cruise and swimming during the bay stop.

FAQ

How long is the private whale and dolphin cruise in Tenerife?

You can choose a 3-hour or 6-hour sailing trip.

Where do we meet the yacht?

Meet at Puerto Colón Pantalan Number 2, about 15 minutes before departure.

What animals are the cruise looking for?

The cruise is planned around sightings of pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles.

What’s included in the price?

It includes the sailing cruise, cava on arrival, soft drinks, beer and white wine, baguettes, fruits and snacks, and the use of snorkeling equipment.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a camera, and you should wear summer beach clothing and a hat. Towels and sun cream are not included.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private group experience, priced per group (up to 11 people).

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