Whales in 3 hours? Yes, and it’s comfortable. I love the sense of freedom that comes from leaving Puerto Colón under full sail, and I also like that the boat’s roof keeps you shaded even when the sun is strong.

What really makes this trip stand out is the chance to search for pilot whales and dolphins in the authorized waters south of Tenerife. And with a private group, you get a more relaxed rhythm than big-boat schedules.

One thing to consider: the wildlife window is short (about 20 minutes at the main stop), so the experience depends on where the animals are that day, and snorkeling is also limited to the break time.

Key highlights worth your time

• Full-sail departure from Puerto Colón toward the Atlantic
• Pilot whales in Tenerife’s south plus a real search for dolphins
• Secret stop timing designed for a focused wildlife encounter
• Los Cristianos break with snorkeling gear available
• Local snacks and cold drinks served for your crew
• Free van pickup in select areas (up to 8 pax)

Why a private pilot-whale sail feels different in Tenerife’s south

If you’ve ever done whale watching and felt like you spent the whole time waiting—this format makes a big difference. Here, the ride has an actual sailing story. You head out from Puerto Colón, build up speed and wind on the way to the Atlantic, then shift into “look mode” for marine life in the south of Tenerife where boats are authorized to watch for whales.

I like that the trip doesn’t pretend it’s a full-day expedition. It’s short on purpose, which makes it a good fit when you want a memorable marine experience without losing your whole day to boat time. And because it’s private, your group can settle in without the constant churn of strangers and lines.

The Beneteau Oceanis comfort: 12 meters of shade, storage, and real living space

This tour runs on a Beneteau Oceanis 440 (listed as about a 12-meter sailing boat). The key comfort point for me is how livable it is for a few hours. There’s a roof that provides shade so you’re not roasting the entire time. Inside, cabins are described as spacious, with wardrobes and drawers—small details, but they matter if you’re with kids or just don’t want to stow everything in a backpack.

There are also bathrooms with showers and hot water, and the aft cabins have direct bathroom access. That’s a big “quality of life” upgrade on a short tour. If you’ve ever been stuck on a boat where you just hope nature calls at the right moment, you’ll appreciate this.

Outside, there’s seating designed for group time: a large indoor living room with a table for eight and two sofas, plus an outdoor table and awning for eating and hanging out.

And the practical nerdy bits help too. The boat is set up with solar panels and has water autonomy (900 liters) for independence from an energy standpoint. You’re not just on a ride that feels improvised.

Getting to Puerto Colón: meeting point and van pickup that actually helps

You’ll start at Puerto Colón Gate 5. That’s close enough to be easy to aim for, but do yourself a favor and get there a bit early—boats are smoother when everyone is aboard and settled.

If you want the low-stress option, there’s a free pickup van for up to 8 people. The pickup areas listed are Costa Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Palm Mar, and Los Crist. If your group fits within that, it’s a nice way to avoid the “where do we park and how do we get everyone together” hassle.

If you’re not in those pickup zones, you’ll still have a simple plan: meet at Puerto Colón Gate 5 and you’re good.

The first sail from Puerto Colón to Costa Adeje (45 minutes)

The trip starts with a proper underway moment—sailing from Puerto Colón toward the Atlantic Ocean with full sail. This 45-minute stretch is more than travel time. It sets the tone: you feel like you’re on a real sailing excursion, not just being transported to a whale spot.

Costa Adeje sits in the south, where you’re more likely to have a route that works with how the boats operate and where the animals feed. You’re also moving into open water faster, which matters because the main wildlife window is limited later.

Practical tip: use this time to get comfortable and settle into your spot. With shade overhead and a large deck setup, it’s easy to stay relaxed while still being ready to look out for spouts, surfacing patterns, and dolphin activity.

The secret stop: dolphin watching and the 20-minute pilot whale search

This is the heart of the tour. You’ll reach a stop described as a secret location where there’s a 20-minute window for dolphin watching and whale watching. The goal is to spot pilot whales that live in the Canarian waters.

What I like about the way this is structured is the timing. It’s focused. Instead of “maybe we’ll see something someday,” you’re actively searching during a defined portion of the trip. That helps keep energy up, especially for kids or anyone who doesn’t love endless scanning.

You can also look out for turtles and other local marine fauna. The plan is to watch for multiple species, but don’t treat it like a checklist. Whales and dolphins are wild animals, and their location can change. The best mindset is: you’re out there with a good boat and a dedicated search window, not trying to control nature.

Also, the boat’s setup helps you participate. You’ve got space to gather, shade protection, and the boat is equipped for deep water navigation—so you’re not stuck feeling like you’re on something fragile offshore.

Yacht time (50 minutes): what you’re really doing here

After the main wildlife stop, you get about 50 minutes described as yacht time. The data doesn’t spell out a specific “activity,” so how you experience it will depend on conditions and where the captain chooses to spend the extra minutes.

In practice, this is often when you can:

• keep scanning for additional marine life,
• enjoy the calm between watch periods,
• and get comfortable with the boat’s layout—especially if you want a slower pace for photo breaks.

I think this section is valuable because it prevents the tour from feeling like a two-minute climax followed by boredom. It gives you breathing room to absorb what you’ve already seen.

If you’re the type who likes to take photos, this is also a smart time to settle your camera settings and find the best angles from the shaded or outdoor areas, depending on where the light is.

Los Cristianos break: snorkeling and local food tasting for a full experience

You finish the main sailing portion and then head toward Los Cristianos for a break time of about 30 minutes. This is where the tour turns from “watching” to “doing.”

Snorkeling equipment is available, and you can swim/snorkel during this window. Since the time is limited, think of it as a chance to enjoy the water rather than a long snorkel session. Bring a towel and be ready to keep it simple.

Food tasting happens here too, with local snacks served as part of the experience. This is a big part of the “whole package” feeling. Whale watching is one thing. Having a real snack setup on a boat makes the trip feel like a shared outing, not just a transportation mission with a snack afterward.

If you’re traveling with kids, this break is also where they can burn off a bit of energy, especially if the group wants to be cheerful and not just watch from the deck.

What’s included on board: snacks, cold drinks, and snorkeling gear

This tour includes a lot of the “stuff” that makes a short excursion actually pleasant.

Snacks and local food tasting are provided for the crew, including:

• various cheeses
• mixed local salami and jams
• snacks, olives, tomatoes, hummus, nachos
• Canarian mojo sauce
• breads, fresh nuts

(Yes, it’s a real spread, not just a token bite.)

Cold drinks are also included:

• cava
• white wine
• beer
• cola, Sprite, Fanta
• water

You’re not expected to bring your own water bottle-and-biscuits plan.

Finally, snorkeling equipment is available. That’s a practical inclusion if you don’t want to rent gear on the day.

Price and value: $648 for up to 11 people

At $648 per group (up to 11), this is clearly in the private-tour category. If you’re thinking “That’s a lot,” I’d frame the value differently.

You’re paying for:

• a private group format (so you’re not squeezed into a large crowd),
• a sailing experience with full sail from Puerto Colón,
• a short but organized wildlife search in an authorized area for pilot whales,
• included snacks and a wide range of cold drinks,
• and snorkeling equipment for the water break.

For a group, the per-person cost drops fast. If you’re traveling as a family or a group of friends, the price starts making sense compared with multiple separate tickets on public boats plus the hassle of buying snacks and drinks separately.

If it’s just two of you, it’s still doable, but it’s best when you really want privacy and comfort, not just the cheapest way to see whales.

Best for: families, comfort-focused couples, and whale watchers with limited time

This tour works especially well if you:

• want a private sailing outing rather than a crowded boat,
• care about comfort (shade, real indoor space, bathrooms with hot water),
• want a short tour that still feels substantial,
• and you’re okay with the fact that whale watching is always weather-and-migration dependent.

One of the smartest parts for families is that it’s not an all-day slog. The timing is tight, the vibe stays relaxed, and you get a mix of activities: watching, then a swim/snorkel break, then snacks and drinks.

For serious whale watchers, the key is setting expectations. You’re looking for pilot whales in a focused 20-minute window. If the whales are nearby, it can be excellent. If not, you still get a proper Atlantic sailing experience and a marine-life search.

What to bring (keep it simple)

You only need a few essentials:

• Sun hat
• Towel

Even with shade on board, you’ll still be exposed when you move between areas or during the more active watch periods.

Should you book this Tenerife whale watching private tour?

I’d book it if you want a private, comfortable sailing experience in Tenerife’s south with a real attempt to see pilot whales and dolphins, plus food and drinks that make the whole outing feel complete.

I’d think twice if you’re chasing a long snorkeling session or you hate the idea that the main wildlife stop is only about 20 minutes. This is a focused trip. It’s not a half-day “wait around for hours” style outing.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Puerto Colón Gate 5.

Is pickup included?

Yes. There is free pickup by van for up to 8 people from Costa Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Palm Mar, and Los Crist.

What boat is used?

It’s on a Beneteau Oceanis 440 (about 12 meters) named Madoudou, authorized for whale watching in the south of Tenerife.

What animals are you looking for?

The tour focuses on pilot whales, and you also look for dolphins and turtles.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment is available, and snorkeling happens during the Los Cristianos break time.

Are snacks and drinks provided?

Yes. You’ll be offered local snacks and cold drinks, including cava, white wine, beer, cola, Sprite, Fanta, and water.

What languages are spoken by the guide?

The live tour guide speaks Italian, Spanish, and English.

Is this a private group?

Yes. It’s a private group.

What’s the group size and price?

The price is $648 per group up to 11 people.

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