Whales on fast water. Then lunch and drinks. This 3-hour RIB tour out of Puerto Colón is built for high odds of marine sightings without feeling rushed, thanks to a small group and a real swim/snorkel break. One thing to plan for: speed and wildlife moments are controlled by the sea and protection rules, so it may not match the wildest picture-speed you expect.

I like the simple rhythm here: board at the port, head out for sightings, swim and snorkel with provided gear, then settle back for lunch with beer/cava and soft drinks. You’ll want good weather, and you should also know this is capped small, so it’s wise to book ahead.

Quick highlights

• Small-group RIB ride (max 8 travelers) for more personal attention
• Whale, dolphin, and sometimes turtle sightings on the Atlantic route
• Swim + snorkeling time with snorkeling equipment included
• Lunch plus drinks: cava/beer and soft drinks, with a proper meal break
• Handy onboard comforts: restroom and shower, so you can rinse off after the water

Entering the Port at Puerto Colón: where the tour starts

Your experience starts in the port area at Puerto Colón, Tenerife. Plan to meet at the port by gate 13, and you’ll be heading out from the docks area around dock number 0. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not doing any awkward transfers at the end.

A few practical notes that make this smoother:

• You’ll use a mobile ticket, so have it ready on your phone.
• The tour is offered in English.
• It’s near public transportation, which helps if you’re staying in Costa Adeje and don’t want to wrangle taxis right at the dock.
• The boat includes a rest room and shower, which is a big quality-of-life upgrade once you’ve been swimming.

If you’re the type who likes to arrive a little early to find your gate, do it. Port meeting points can be busy, and you’ll get your bearings fast.

The RIB ride: “luxury” comfort with a high-speed feel

This is marketed as a luxury RIB experience, and the pitch makes sense: a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) can move quickly along Tenerife’s coast, which typically means you spend less time sitting in transit and more time out on the water.

At the same time, keep one expectation grounded: there are speed limits in the waters to protect marine life. So yes, you’ll feel the speed at times, but you’re not likely to run at full throttle nonstop for three hours. If you’re the person who wants a constant rollercoaster blast, this may not fully scratch that itch.

The payoff is more practical than adrenaline. On a short tour like this, covering coastline efficiently matters—especially when you’re hoping to spot whales and dolphins that come and go with the day’s conditions.

Your best shot at whales and dolphins (and the turtle bonus)

Your tour is built around the wildlife search: head out from Puerto Colón on the Atlantic with the goal of seeing whales and dolphins. A big reason people rate this so highly is that it stays focused on the core mission, rather than turning into a half-day sightseeing shuffle.

What you can reasonably expect:

• You may spot pilot whales (this is specifically mentioned as something people see).
• You’ll also have chances for dolpholphins.
• In some cases, a sea turtle shows up—this “bonus” moment is a big part of why the experience gets repeated praise.

Wildlife is never guaranteed. The ocean decides what it wants to show you. But you can stack the odds by showing up alert and flexible—meaning you’re dressed for sun/spray, you take the crew’s spotting tips seriously, and you don’t treat every sighting as a certainty until you actually see it.

Also, this boat is intentionally small. With up to 8 travelers, the crew can pay closer attention to where the animals are and help everyone stay oriented.

The mid-trip swim and snorkeling stop (and why it matters)

The best part of a “watching” tour is often the moment you switch from spotting to doing. This trip includes time for swimming and snorkeling, plus snorkeling equipment is included.

The stop is timed into the 3 hours so you’re not trapped waiting around forever. When you’re in the water, you also get a different angle on the day—one that’s much more personal than spotting from the deck.

Two practical advantages here:

• Because the equipment is provided, you don’t have to pack gear or buy it last minute.
• After water time, you’re not stuck feeling sandy and salty. The boat has a restroom and shower, which makes the whole thing feel more like a proper day out.

One caution: water conditions matter. This area can have waves or wind at times. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring what you normally use and keep your expectations steady. The trip is designed to be fun, but it’s still open water.

Lunch on board: a real meal, not a token snack

You get lunch, plus cava/beer and soft drinks as part of the experience. This matters more than it sounds. A lot of tours advertise food, then hand you something that barely counts as a break. Here, the day includes a clear onboard meal phase—so you actually get to relax.

From what’s shared in the meal details, lunch often includes things like chicken with rice and salad. People also mention an enjoyable, straightforward setup, and the general vibe is that the food is meant to keep you fueled for the swim time and the ride back.

If you’re thinking like a budget traveler, here’s the value angle: when you compare this to paying separately for a boat tour, snacks, and drinks, the bundle starts to look more reasonable. You’re paying for the boat time plus the comfort and provisioning that keeps the experience from feeling thin.

Drinks on board: relaxed, free-flowing, and easy to enjoy

This tour doesn’t treat drinks like an optional add-on. The setup includes cava/beer and soft drinks. You can generally expect a casual, “have what you want while we’re out there” style rather than a formal bar service.

That changes the tone of the ride. It becomes less like a strict schedule and more like a laid-back day where you can focus on spotting wildlife and enjoying the sun.

One heads-up: alcohol is part of the experience, so keep an eye on your balance if you’re climbing around the boat or adjusting while wearing snorkeling gear. And if you’re traveling with kids, remember the boat tour culture is still very much outdoors and on water.

Group size and crew style: why this feels calmer than big tours

The boat takes a maximum of 15 people, but the experience is limited for this tour segment: it has a maximum of 8 travelers. That smaller cap is a big deal in practice.

Here’s what you’ll likely feel:

• More ability for the crew to guide you when wildlife appears.
• Less overcrowding when everyone is trying to see the same spout or fin.
• More space to relax between the spotting stretches.

Crew friendliness is also a theme. A guide named Julian is specifically mentioned for welcoming people promptly. Beyond names, the bigger point is that the staff tend to keep things upbeat and organized—so you’re not left wondering what’s happening next.

Still, no operation is perfect. One outlier experience mentioned a boat condition issue and slower cruising than expected. That’s unusual in the overall pattern, but it’s worth knowing: if you’re sensitive to boat cleanliness or you want nonstop speed, you’ll want to set realistic expectations ahead of time.

Price and value: is $84.66 for 3 hours a fair deal?

Let’s talk math without pretending value is only about the sticker price.

At about $84.66 per person for roughly 3 hours, you’re paying for:

• A high-speed-style RIB outing focused on whales and dolphins
• Lunch (not just snacks)
• Drinks (cava/beer and soft drinks)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Onboard convenience like a restroom and shower
• A small-group setup that reduces crowd stress

So the question isn’t only whether the price is cheap. It’s whether the bundle replaces several separate costs. If you were to book a similar boat trip and then also pay for food, drinks, and snorkeling gear, the total usually climbs fast.

There’s also timing value. The tour is commonly booked about 32 days in advance on average. That’s a hint: it’s popular, and the smaller capacity means it can sell out. If you want a spot without stress, booking ahead is the move.

Weather and sea conditions: the one factor you can’t control

This experience depends on good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the reality of doing marine life from open water.

What you can control:

• Pick your day wisely if you have flexibility.
• Be ready for sun and spray. Even on calm days, the Atlantic can throw mist into your plans.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing prevention (this is still open water on a boat).

If the sea is choppier than you hoped, you’re not doomed—you can still have fun. But it may change how comfortable the ride feels.

Who should book this RIB whale and dolphin tour?

This is a great fit if you want:

• A short, focused outing with maximum time on the water
• A small group and less waiting around
• A wildlife-first plan with swim and snorkeling added in
• Lunch and drinks included, so you’re not hunting for meals mid-trip

You might think twice if:

• You need nonstop maximum speed for the entire 3 hours (speed can be constrained to protect wildlife).
• You’re extremely sensitive to boat ride conditions when the sea is a bit rough.
• You’re expecting a huge party vibe. This is more calm and small-group.

It works especially well for families, too. Kids tend to like the water time, and adults tend to like not being herded around with hundreds of people.

Should you book this whale and dolphin RIB tour from Puerto Colón?

Yes—if your goal is a 3-hour, wildlife-focused, small-group day with lunch, drinks, and real water time. The biggest reason I’d recommend it is the combination: you’re not choosing between spotting and swimming. You get both, without turning the day into a long grind.

If you’re booking soon, do it with the understanding that sightings are never guaranteed and speed can be limited for wildlife safety. But when conditions line up, this is the kind of trip that can deliver whales, dolphins, and even a turtle—then send you back to shore with lunch done and gear rinsed.

If that’s your kind of day out, book it.

FAQ

What’s the duration of this tour?

It runs for about 3 hours.

Where do we meet for the Puerto Colón departure?

You meet at Puerto Colón in the port area at gate 13. The activity departs from the dock area associated with dock number 0, and it returns to the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour includes time for swimming and snorkeling.

What drinks and food are included?

Lunch is included, along with alcoholic beverages (cava and beer) and soft drinks. Bottled water is also included.

How big is the group?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 15 people, but this specific tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Are children allowed?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour available in English and is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, it’s offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

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