Seeing pilot whales from a sailboat feels like a cheat code. I love the combo of wildlife spotting with a crew that knows where to look, plus the calm pace of being out on the 12-meter Roulette instead of on a loud, engine-driven bus.

I also really like how the food and drinks are simple but genuinely enjoyable for the trip length—snacks, desserts, and options like cava, beer, and soft drinks—while you still get time to swim and snorkel. One thing to consider: if you’re prone to motion sickness, the water can be a bit choppy at times, so plan for that.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Small group (10 passengers max) means more personal attention and better viewing angles from the boat.
• Cetacean-focused crew helps you spend the time searching wisely for whales and dolphins.
• Real sailing when conditions allow keeps the experience peaceful and less “engine noise.”
• Snorkeling equipment included, plus you’ll get a chance to jump in warm coastal waters.
• Onboard lunch snacks (baguette-style food and cake) pair nicely with the sea air.
• Dock location matters: get there early, because the Puerto Colón pier can be confusing without a quick check-in.

Costa Adeje Coast on a 12m Sailboat: What This Trip Feels Like

This tour is the kind of outing that works whether you’re a sea person or just want a break from the resort rhythm. You’re out on the south coast of Tenerife on a sailboat built for comfort, with a small passenger count and a crew that runs the show without rushing you.

The boat is a 12-meter sailboat with a capacity for 10 passengers and 2 crew. Inside you have three double cabins and two bathrooms, and on deck there are mats to make sitting and relaxing less rough. That matters. When you’re spending hours scanning the water, you want your back and legs to cooperate.

And yes, you’re also there for the ocean life. The tour is centered on whale and dolphin watching, with the crew specialized in spotting cetaceans and reading what’s happening in the surrounding waters. From there, you’re basically living the best kind of travel moment: not forcing a checklist, just reacting to what the sea gives you.

Meet at Puerto Colón Dock 5 and Don’t Stress the First 5 Minutes

You meet at the door of dock No. 5 in Puerto Colón, about ten minutes before departure. It’s the first jetty past the port parking barrier. The ship name you’re looking for is Roulette.

Practical tip: arrive early. The pier can be a little confusing, and you don’t want your “vacation brain” to turn into a group project right at check-in time. Once you find Dock 5 and the Roulette, the rest feels smooth.

Also, there’s no hotel pickup. You’ll need your own way to Puerto Colón, then you’re handled from there.

The 3-Hour Plan: Sailing, Wildlife Watching, and a Snorkel Break

The full experience runs for about 3 hours. Specific departure times vary, so check what’s offered when you book.

Even with only a few hours, the structure is built to give you two different kinds of fun: watch the animals first, then go into the water for a closer look.

Starting point: Roulette Charters

You kick things off from Roulette Charters. Think of this as the warm-up. You get settled onboard, meet the crew, and get a feel for how they handle the boat and the coastline. For a small sailboat, that early moment matters—everyone has space, and you’re not stuck hovering in a crowded dock line.

Main time on the coast around Puerto Colón

The heart of your trip is the time spent out along the coast near Puerto Colón, focused on:

• Whale watching and dolphin watching
• General marine life viewing
• Then, time for swimming and snorkeling

This is where the crew’s specialty shows. The route isn’t just a drive-by. You’re actively looking, scanning, and adjusting when the sea decides to cooperate. In the better scenarios, you may see pilot whales, including families with calves, plus sea turtles and dolphins (including bottlenose dolphins in some sightings). You can also catch other ocean life like seabirds and even fish activity when you’re in the right patch of water.

A useful way to frame it: you’re not buying a guaranteed animal sighting. You’re buying a guide-led hunt plus a comfortable boat that lets you wait without getting miserable.

The water stop: swim and snorkel in warm coastal spots

You’ll get a real chance to get in. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’re heading to warm waters along the coast.

From what people consistently say, the snorkeling time is often around half an hour—enough to enjoy it without turning the day into a gear-fighting mission. You can also just swim if you want an easier option. Either way, you’ll come back to the boat with sea air in your hair and that “wow, I’m actually here” feeling.

Wildlife Viewing on a Small Boat: Why the Boat Size Matters

This is a big part of the value. With only 10 passengers, the crew can keep the boat positioned so everyone gets a turn to see what’s happening. On larger boats, you sometimes get a distant view and lots of waiting around in the same spot. Here, there’s more flexibility.

You’re also more likely to get calmer viewing. The boat runs on sails when the wind allows, and when you’re on a sailboat you tend to feel the ocean more gently. One review highlighted the lack of loud engine noise and long stretches under sail when conditions are good—that’s exactly the kind of detail that makes whale watching feel less like transportation and more like floating.

Another practical win: it’s easier to feel the crew’s attention. People praised the way captains and mates looked after comfort and viewing from different sides of the boat so one person doesn’t end up staring at nothing.

Food and Drinks: Simple, Friendly, and Actually Works for 3 Hours

Let’s be honest—boat food can be a gamble. Here, the snacks land in the sweet spot for a short outing: filling enough after swimming, but not so heavy you feel sluggish.

Onboard you get:

• Snacks and desserts
• Drinks including mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks

Expect food that’s straightforward and satisfying rather than fancy. The pattern described is often:

• Baguette-style sandwiches with ham and tomato
• Crisps shared onboard
• Cake (people mention variations like carrot cake and other slices)

A nice detail: the crew has accommodated dietary requirements when asked. That doesn’t mean you should assume every restriction is handled—just know it’s not treated like a hassle.

And the drinks part? It’s not a chaotic party. It’s more like the crew checks in while you enjoy the ride. If you’re out for the animals first, you’ll still feel like the meal supports the experience instead of taking it over.

Snorkeling Gear and Comfort: What You’ll Want to Bring

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to bring your own mask and fins. Still, you’ll enjoy the water stop more if you come prepared.

Here are smart, basic things to consider (nothing exotic):

• A towel or something quick-dry if you have one
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (boat deck time adds up)
• Swimwear under your clothes so you can change fast
• If you get motion sick, bring your usual prevention

That last one deserves attention. There’s at least one story about getting seasick on choppy water, and the crew still handled it with care and safety. You don’t want to be the person spending the day miserable, so if you’re even slightly sensitive, be proactive.

Service Style: Professional Crew, Relaxed Pace

The tone onboard tends to be warm and practical. People repeatedly mention captains and mates who are attentive, friendly, and focused on both safety and comfort. You’ll get a live guide and the explanations happen in multiple languages.

The guide is listed as working in Spanish, English, French, and German. That’s a nice setup if you’re traveling with mixed language comfort levels. And beyond translating words, the crew’s marine-life knowledge helps you understand what you’re seeing—why animals are in the area and what behaviors to watch for.

Also: the vibe is relaxed. This isn’t a “stand up and chant” tour. It’s more float-and-learn with enough action to keep you excited.

Price and Value: Why $68 Can Actually Make Sense

At $68 per person, this tour sits in the “value if you want both sea time and wildlife time” category.

Here’s the math that matters:

• You’re not just paying for a boat ride; you’re paying for whale/dolphin spotting guidance, time on the water, snorkeling equipment, plus drinks and snacks.
• The group size is capped at 10, which usually costs more in places where you’re forced onto big boats.
• The boat is small, and the crew ratio is tight (2 crew to 10 passengers). That often improves your viewing and comfort.

Could it be expensive if you only want snorkeling and don’t care about wildlife? Sure. But if wildlife watching is part of your Tenerife plan, the package is pretty logical.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

You’ll love this if:

• You care about whales, dolphins, and sea turtles and want guided help finding them
• You prefer a small group and a calmer experience over big-boat chaos
• You want to combine wildlife viewing + snorkeling in one outing
• You enjoy sailing (and appreciate when sails reduce the engine feel)

You might hesitate if:

• You get motion sickness easily and haven’t used prevention before
• You want a long day on the water. This is about 3 hours, not half a day plus.

Quick Booking Checklist Before You Go

• Plan to arrive early at Puerto Colón Dock No. 5 and look for the Roulette.
• Bring swimwear and sun protection. The deck and water time both count.
• If you’re motion-sensitive, prepare. Choppy water can happen.
• Have a simple expectation: you’re going out to spot wildlife, but the sea decides timing and results.

Should You Book the Roulette Sailboat Tour?

In my book, this is an easy yes for the right person. The strongest reasons to book are the combo: small boat, crew-led whale/dolphin searching, and a real water break for snorkeling, all wrapped up with food and drinks that fit the trip length.

If your top priority is standing in front of animals for long minutes with helpful narration and minimal crowding, this one fits. If you’re sensitive to motion or you hate boat decks, plan accordingly—or look for a different style of tour.

FAQ

How long is the sailboat tour?

It lasts about 3 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the exact departure.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the door of dock No. 5 of Puerto Colón, about ten minutes before departure. The ship is named Roulette.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour is limited to 10 passengers, with 2 crew members onboard.

What language options are available?

The live tour guide operates in Spanish, English, French, and German.

What’s included for snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

You get drinks such as mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks, plus snacks and desserts onboard.

Is there cancellation protection?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also offered.

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