Pilot whales feel close here.

This small-group sailing from Tenerife South is built for people who want real time on the water (not a crowded cattle-boat day), with the added bonus of snorkeling equipment included. You’ll also get guided help from a crew that speaks English, Spanish, Italian, and Irish, so even if you’re not a marine-life expert, you’ll still understand what you’re seeing.

The best part is the mix of comfort and focus: the boat is set up for up to 7 travelers, and the trip includes snacks plus breakfast. The main drawback to keep in mind is that you can feel rough sea conditions on the open water, and that has been an issue for some people who ended up sea sick.

Key things that make this Tenerife whale trip work

• Small boat, max 7 people: more breathing room and fewer interruptions when animals show up
• Pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat: the route is designed to put you where sightings are likely
• Snacks and breakfast included: you’re not trying to time food while also scanning the horizon
• Snorkeling gear included: you can swim right after the whale-and-dolphin part
• Captain Patrick’s style: many people call out his humor, attention, and fast move-to-sightings approach

A small-group sailing plan from Puerto Colón that feels calmer

If you’re doing Tenerife whale watching, you’ll quickly notice there are two styles of trips: big fleets that take everyone to the same general areas, and smaller boats that can move with more flexibility. This one is in the small-boat category, capped at 7 people, which changes the mood right away. Fewer bodies on deck means less jockeying for the best side of the boat and more time simply watching.

At about 3 hours, it also fits well into a Tenerife day without swallowing your whole morning. The meeting point is Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), so you’re not driving all over the island just to start chasing whales. And because it’s offered in English, you won’t have to rely on guesswork or translation apps.

How the route targets pilot whales and dolphins (without big-crowd chaos)

The biggest reason people choose this type of sailing is simple: whales don’t stay put, and you want a crew willing to steer toward sightings. Accounts of the trip describe a pattern that starts a few miles offshore, where pilot whales are often feeding deeper down. Then the plan shifts toward areas closer to shore for dolphins, including moments when dolphins come alongside and play.

What I like about this approach is that it’s not just waiting. The captain’s job is to put the boat in the right place at the right time, and multiple reviews mention exactly that: getting close to pilot whales and seeing dolphins both around and alongside the boat. You also tend to avoid the “pile-up” feeling you get on larger excursions, because the number of people is limited.

Still, one reality check: wildlife viewing has weather and ocean conditions baked in. If the sea is choppy, animal spotting can be harder and your comfort can drop. The trip runs only when conditions are suitable, and you should expect the captain to make the call in real time.

Captain Patrick on board: humor, attention, and practical island info

This experience is closely associated with the captain, Patrick, and he gets consistently high marks for how he runs the day. People describe him as friendly and funny, with enough sea experience to keep the trip moving toward the best chances for sightings. Even when the animals were the main event, the captain’s role mattered because he explained what you were looking at and kept the pace realistic for a half-day.

If you’re the type who likes learning without turning the trip into a lecture, you’ll probably appreciate his tone. Reviews also mention that he was attentive and communicative, not just steering the boat and hoping for the best. In small-group settings, that kind of hosting becomes more noticeable: you can actually hear what’s going on and ask questions without feeling lost in a crowd.

The 3-hour flow: offshore for whales, near-shore dolphin time, then snorkeling in a quiet bay

Even though this trip is sold as whale and dolphin watching, the rhythm of the day is really the value. Here’s the practical flow you can expect based on the way the excursion is described:

First, you head offshore. One account describes the captain taking the boat out roughly five miles where pilot whales are often seen because they feed in deeper water. That matters because the “where” is half the battle in marine sightings.

Next comes the close-in dolphin part. After the offshore segment, the route moves back toward shore. This is where dolphins may appear in larger numbers and come close to the boat. People report dolphins joining alongside, plus additional marine life like turtles.

Then you shift into food plus swimming/snorkeling time in a quieter bay. Reviews describe stopping for a snack or lunch-style break, with drinks offered on board as well as the included snacks. After that, the trip includes snorkeling off the back of the boat, which lets you take advantage of the calm moments after the big sighting time.

How long does each segment last? You’re looking at roughly a 3-hour overall experience, so it’s not a slow day. If you like action but still want a break to swim and eat, this timing usually hits the sweet spot.

A word on snorkeling expectations

Snorkeling can be the highlight, but it’s also the most variable part of a sea trip. Many people report snorkeling being great, with opportunities to see fish and swim right from the boat. Equipment is included, so you don’t need to rent masks separately.

But there are also cautions from a minority of reviews: some people felt snorkeling was limited, described the water as less clear, or said they weren’t really snorkeling at a reef. Others specifically noted issues with mask cleanliness between uses. So go in with an attitude of flexible fun, not a promise of a perfectly clear reef scene every time.

Comfort and motion: what to know before you go out on open water

This is a sailing trip, which means you’re dealing with the ocean, not a controlled pool environment. One of the few consistent negative notes is sea sickness when the water got rough. Another concern is that in windier conditions, people felt the experience leaned more toward relaxing on the boat than active swimming.

Here’s how I’d use that info to set expectations:

• If you’re prone to motion sickness, think about managing it before you board, since there’s no indication you can avoid the open-water sections.
• If the sea is calm, you’ll likely enjoy the deck time more. In reviews, people called the trip relaxing and spacious.
• Because the boat is small, movements can feel more personal. That’s great for viewing closeness, but it can be a downside in choppy weather.

The good news is that the small boat size seems to be part of why many people love it. Reviews repeatedly mention plenty of room for everyone and the absence of big-deck crowding.

Included value: snacks, breakfast, and snorkeling gear at $60.49

Let’s talk value, because $60.49 for a 3-hour whale-and-dolphin sailing with snorkeling gear is only a good deal if the extras are real. In this case, they are.

You get:

• Snacks
• Breakfast
• Snorkeling equipment
• A small-group experience (up to 7 people)
• A multilingual crew

That’s a solid bundle for a half-day. You’re also not paying extra just to swim. The snorkeling rental inclusion matters because it removes a common “gotcha” on many tours where you still need to hunt down equipment or pay on arrival.

One thing that isn’t included is tips. If you tip, plan for it. If you don’t, just know it’s not part of the base price.

Also, many reviews mention drinks like beer, wine, and soda along with the snacks. That’s not listed in the included items, but it does show up in the on-board experience descriptions. Even if you’re not counting on alcohol, expect the overall food-and-drink vibe to be part of the day’s comfort.

Who this whale and dolphin sailing suits best

This trip fits best if you want one main thing: a calm, small-boat way to look for pilot whales, dolphins, and sometimes turtles, plus a chance to swim afterward. It’s especially good for people who don’t want to deal with big crowds and prefer to stay focused on the water.

It can also be a family-friendly choice. One account describes a family trip with kids aged 4 and 2, with the children loving the sightings and swimming time. Another family group with teenagers liked the boat size and the calm feel.

Where it may not fit as well:

• People sensitive to motion sickness, since rough seas have been mentioned as a problem.
• People who come specifically for a flawless snorkeling reef scene. The included snorkeling is real, but water clarity and conditions can vary.

When to book and how weather affects your day

This experience depends on good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded. That’s not a special perk, it’s standard for whale watching, because visibility and sea conditions affect both safety and spotting.

My advice: check the day you pick. If you’ve got a flexible schedule, choose a day with the best ocean conditions you can find. Even the best captain can only do so much when the sea gets wild, and that shows up in how comfortable people feel.

Should you book Galatea’s whale and dolphin small-group sailing?

I’d book it if you want:

• Up-close chances to spot pilot whales and dolphins
• A small-group format with room on deck
• Included snacks, breakfast, and snorkeling gear
• A captain who focuses on finding animals fast, not just following a rigid script

I might skip it if:

• You get sea sick easily and you can’t manage motion on open water
• You’re mainly hunting for a guaranteed, clear-water reef snorkeling experience

If you’re in the “I want a short, fun, ocean-focused day” camp, this is a strong Tenerife South choice. The small boat size plus the focused whale-and-dolphin route tends to deliver exactly what people hope for: sightings that feel close, plus a swim and food break before you’re back on shore.

FAQ

How long is the whale and dolphin small group sailing from Tenerife South?

It’s about 3 hours.

What does it cost per person?

The price listed is $60.49 per person.

How many people are on the boat?

This activity has a maximum of 7 travelers.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What’s included in the tour?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, snacks, and breakfast.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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