Whales and a sail in Tenerife’s south. This 3-hour shared trip runs on Madoudou, a Beneteau Oceanis 440 captained by Max, and it’s set up for relaxed spotting of marine life with a small group (max 11). I love the combo of real sailing time plus the chance to see pilot whales in Canarian waters.

I also like that you’re not just watching from the deck. You get snorkeling equipment and a break for brunch at a secret stop, plus cold drinks and food included. One thing to keep in mind: you’ll want to bring your own sun hat and towel since those aren’t included, and the onboard commentary can be light depending on language comfort.

Key things to know before you go

• Small shared group (max 11), so it feels more personal on a 13.76-meter sailboat
• Madoudou is authorized for whale watching in the south of Tenerife, with a realistic focus on pilot whales
• A true sailing day, not a motor-only wildlife crawl
• Snorkeling for about 30 minutes at a break stop, with gear provided
• Food and cold drinks included, plus brunch during the stop
• Meeting point is Gate n. 5 in Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje)

Onboard Madoudou: Comfort on a Beneteau Oceanis 440

Madoudou is the kind of sailing boat that makes you slow down on purpose. It’s a Beneteau Oceanis 440 (about 13.76 meters long), moored in Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje on the south side of Tenerife. With a sailboat of this size, you get space to move around and enough deck room to enjoy the sea without feeling packed.

Inside, the practical details are what I’d notice first if you’re trying to stay comfortable. There are spacious cabins with storage—wardrobes, drawers, and places to stash your things. The aft cabins have direct access to bathrooms with showers and hot water, which is a nice sign that the boat is built for real time at sea, not just quick sightseeing.

The saloon is also bigger than you’d expect. There’s a table for eight people and two sofas, plus an outside table and awning area that helps a lot when the sun is strong. If your trip ends up feeling a bit breezy, you’ll still have somewhere pleasant to sit.

Madoudou also runs with strong “self-sufficient at sea” gear: an outboard dinghy raft and solar panels for energy, plus a water autonomy listed at 900 liters. In plain terms: it’s not a rickety day-boat setup. It’s a real cruising sailboat.

The human side: your captain and the vibe

Your captain is Max. From the information you have, expect a practical approach to sightings—pointing out where marine life is, keeping things moving, and giving you time to enjoy the moment rather than doing a long lecture. It’s exactly the kind of tone that works well for most people who just want to see whales and dolphins without pressure.

One caution: if you’re hoping for constant English narration, be flexible. There’s at least one prior experience where the captain’s English wasn’t strong and the trip leaned quiet with mostly “look over there” guidance. That doesn’t ruin the outing, but it’s good to know what kind of communication style you might get.

The 3-hour itinerary: what happens and why each part matters

This trip is built around a simple rhythm: leave port, scan for marine life while sailing, then take a relaxed break with snorkeling.

1) Departure from Puerto Colón (Gate n. 5)

You start at Puerto Colón. Your meeting point is Gate n. 5. Getting there a few minutes early helps. Boarding is easier when you’re not sprinting with a towel you forgot to bring.

This portion is mostly about getting settled and getting out past the busy harbor area so you can focus on open water.

2) Sailing along Tenerife’s south coast

Once you’re underway, you’ll spend time sailing in the Atlantic around Tenerife’s south. That matters more than it sounds. Sailing changes the feel of the trip: you get a calmer motion than a pure motor run, and the crew can adjust to wind and sighting opportunities.

It also gives you the best odds for a “real sea day” rather than a checklist tour.

3) Marine life viewing, including whale watching (about 1 hour)

The program includes a dedicated stretch for whale watching, along with dolphin watching and general marine life viewing. The boat is specifically authorized for this in the south of Tenerife, and the focus is on pilot whales that live in the Canary Islands waters.

How you’ll experience this part:

• You’ll be out scanning from the deck.
• You’ll likely get direction to where sightings are.
• You’ll have time to look without the constant churn of stopping and starting.

Just keep your eyes up and your camera ready. With wildlife, the best results come from steady attention more than anything dramatic.

4) The secret stop: break time, brunch, and snorkeling (about 30 minutes)

Then you reach the highlight that many people don’t expect from a whale watch: a secret stop for a break. This is where you get break time, brunch, and snorkeling for about 30 minutes.

This 30-minute snorkeling window is short on paper, but it’s also the sweet spot for staying relaxed. You’re not signing up for a long water session. You’re getting a taste—enough time to gear up, get into the water, and see what’s there without burning your whole day.

What to watch for during this stop:

• The water entry and exit steps matter. Move calmly and use the offered help.
• Bring your own towel for after. Since towels aren’t included, plan to dry off somewhere quickly.
• If you don’t love snorkeling, you can still enjoy the break and the onboard food/drinks while others are in the water.

5) Back to Puerto Colón

You finish by returning to Puerto Colón. By then, you’ve done the main wildlife scan and had your swim/snorkel break, so it tends to feel like a complete outing rather than a half-day that’s mostly transit.

Whale watching in Tenerife’s south: what you’re likely to see (and how to spot it)

The big draw here is pilot whales in the Canarian waters. The boat is authorized for whale watching in the south of Tenerife, so you’re not going on a random tour with vague “maybe” vibes.

That said, marine life sightings are still about timing and where the animals happen to be. Your best strategy as the passenger is simple:

• Keep your eyes on the water surface.
• Don’t get so focused on your camera screen that you miss the moment.
• Listen for the crew’s direction during the whale-watching hour.

For dolphins, the same rule applies. Dolphins can pop in and out quickly, so the trip’s pace is designed to keep you in the right zone long enough to register what you’re seeing.

Sailing time: why a Beneteau Oceanis 440 is a real upgrade

A lot of tours sell themselves with the word sail. Here, it’s not just marketing. You actually spend time sailing, which changes the trip’s rhythm.

On a Beneteau Oceanis 440, you also get a better “space-to-view” ratio. Even though it’s a share tour, it’s capped at max 11 people, so you’re not crowded at the rail the whole time.

Why this helps:

• It’s easier to find a good viewing spot without shoulder-to-shoulder frustration.
• You can rotate between shade and open sight lines.
• You can enjoy the ride itself, not only the wildlife.

If you’re the type who likes the journey as much as the destination, this boat style fits.

Snorkeling for 30 minutes: useful gear and smart expectations

Snorkeling is included, and you’ll have equipment available. The time is about 30 minutes, which is a good fit for most people on a half-marine-adventure day.

Two practical notes based on what’s included and not included:

• You’ll have snorkeling gear, but you still need your own towel to dry off.
• You may also want to bring a sun hat. That’s not just comfort—it’s sun management for when you’re exposed before and after the water.

If you’re a confident snorkeler, you’ll likely enjoy this as a fun bonus. If you’re new, keep it simple: float, breathe slow, and focus on staying relaxed rather than chasing fish.

Food and cold drinks onboard: included, and usually simple

You’ll get drinks and food on this trip. At the secret stop, you’ll also have brunch. Based on the style of provisions described from past experiences, expect something straightforward and filling—snacks and casual meal items rather than a gourmet setup.

This is a good thing. Whale watching trips can be mentally exciting and physically tiring. Simple food means you don’t spend the best moments hungry or distracted.

If you have strong dietary needs, I’d plan to message the operator ahead of time. The data you have confirms food is included, but it doesn’t specify dietary customization.

Group size, language, and the reality of a shared experience

The tour is a share trip with a maximum of 11 people. That size is one of the best “hidden value” factors. You get the energy of a small group without the pressure of a private charter cost.

A live tour guide is listed, with languages Spanish, English, and Italian. The experience should be easy to follow. Still, you should expect the narration to be practical rather than academic. Whale watching works best when the crew can focus on positioning and spotting, not constant storytelling.

If you’re traveling with friends or family, this is also a nice match. You can take turns at the rail, share photos, and still feel like you have breathing room.

Price and value: is $65 worth it?

At about $65 per person for a 3-hour outing, the value comes from the package, not just the whale watching label.

What you’re getting for that price:

• Small group size (max 11)
• Sailing aboard a Beneteau Oceanis 440
• Authorized whale watching time focused on pilot whales
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Snacks/cold drinks plus brunch at the stop

The best way to judge value: compare what’s normally extra on similar tours. Many wildlife cruises charge separately for snorkeling gear, food, or “guided” stops. Here, those elements are included, so you’re less likely to have surprise add-ons.

If whale watching is your main goal and you also want a break with snorkeling, this looks like a solid deal for the time and the boat size.

Who should book this whale watch, and who should think twice?

You’ll probably love this if:

• You want a relaxed half-day at sea instead of a nonstop speed tour
• You like sailing and not just sitting on a tour boat
• You want a mix of whale/dolphin watching plus a swim
• You prefer small-group outings (max 11)

You might think twice if:

• You’re expecting heavy, constant narration in English. The tone can be quiet and focused on pointing out sightings.
• You don’t want to handle sun basics yourself. Since sun hat and towel aren’t included, bring them or you’ll feel it.
• You’re not comfortable with a short snorkeling session. It’s only about 30 minutes.

Should you book the 3h Whale Watching Share trip with Madoudou?

If you want a small-group sail that focuses on pilot whales in Tenerife’s south—and you’d enjoy a practical snorkeling bonus—this is a strong option. The inclusion of food, cold drinks, and snorkeling gear makes it easier to commit without extra spending stress.

I’d book it especially if you’re staying in the Costa Adeje / Puerto Colón area and you want a morning or afternoon plan that feels like a real sea outing. Just show up ready with a sun hat and towel, and keep your expectations on communication flexible. Then you’re set up for exactly what this kind of trip is best at: calm sailing, good scanning time, and a fun stop to get in the water.

FAQ

Where does the 3-hour tour depart from?

It departs from Puerto Colón. The meeting point is Gate n. 5.

How many people are on the boat for this shared trip?

It’s a shared trip with a maximum group size of 11 people.

What animals are you looking for?

The tour focuses on cetaceans, with the chance to spot pilot whales, and it also includes dolphin watching and general marine life viewing.

Is snorkeling included, and for how long?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available, and there’s a snorkeling break of about 30 minutes at the stop.

What’s included in the price?

Whale watching and sailing on the Beneteau Oceanis 440 are included, along with snorkeling equipment, drinks, and food (including brunch during the stop).

What should I bring since some items aren’t included?

Bring a sun hat and a towel, since those aren’t included in the tour.

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