A fast boat hunt for whales sounds simple, until you see the luxury setup. OPERA 60 pairs whale-and-dolphin watching with a swimming and snorkeling stop, all aboard a big, padded, well-equipped RIB.

I especially like the sheer comfort factor: this is a 60-foot, spacious vessel with sunbeds, two large tables, quality speakers, and even a toilet and showers after water time. The second big win is the way the crew runs the wildlife portion—helping you spot marine animals and keeping things respectful of distance.

One consideration: sightings aren’t guaranteed, and service can vary by day. On a rare occasion, guests reported slower or missing drink service early on, plus an early return—so if you’re paying for full value, choose good sea-weather days when you can.

Key things that make Opera 60 worth your time

• 60-foot RIB with extra safety defenses designed as a rigid hull with inflatable side protection
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 15 travelers
• All the snorkel basics included plus drinks, snacks, and onboard equipment
• Onboard comfort: tables, sunbeds, toilet, and showers so you’re not stuck getting sandy
• Wildlife guidance focused on what to watch for (dolphins, whales, and sea turtles)

Luxury 60-foot RIB: what you’re really buying

OPERA 60 isn’t your average “rowdy speedboat” ride. It’s built on a rigid inflatable boat platform that’s described as extra safe thanks to an inflatable defense along the sides. Translation for you: you get the speed and open-water fun, without feeling like you’re wedged in a skinny, rattly vessel.

This boat is nearly 20 meters long (60 feet) and runs with two Volvo Penta engines rated at 740 HP. That power matters because you’re not just drifting—you’re moving to find good conditions for wildlife watching and then getting to the swimming bay efficiently. In plain terms, you spend less time sitting still and more time doing the thing you came for.

The design also helps with comfort. You’ll find sunbeds for the “we’re out at sea” mood, multiple seating areas so everyone isn’t stuck in one position, and two big tables that make it easier to eat and hold your drinks without balancing cups on your knees. There’s a toilet on board, and after swimming, there are showers—a big deal if you don’t want to ruin the rest of your day with wet hair and salt smell.

The whale and dolphin search: how to set expectations

Your main goal is wildlife—dolphins first in many cases, plus chances for whales and sea turtles. The key thing to understand is that the ocean is the boss. You might see dolphins frequently, you might see fewer, and whales can show up farther out depending on conditions.

What makes this experience feel different is the way the crew helps you watch. You’re not left staring aimlessly at open water. The staff are described as friendly and informed about what to look for, and they also guide you on respectful distance—so you get excitement without the feeling of chasing animals.

If you’re coming with kids or first-timers, that guidance is huge. It turns random ocean time into a “watch with purpose” outing. And because the group size is capped at 15 travelers, it’s easier to get a clear view from the seats and sun areas instead of competing with a crowd.

Also, be realistic about timing. The ride is about 3 hours (approx.), so when whales show up, you want to be ready to enjoy the moment—not waiting for a long process. One account noted that sightings can happen quickly after leaving the harbor, which is exactly what you hope for on a short, high-value outing.

Snorkeling and swimming bay: the part that turns a trip into a day out

The whale-watching segment is only half the story. The other half is the swimming and snorkeling stop, where the vibe changes from “wildlife spotting” to “real time in the water.”

Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, along with drinks and snacks, so you don’t need to arrive fully geared. Still, I strongly suggest you bring your own swimsuit and towel, and wear something easy to strip on and off. Once you’re in the bay, it’s a great chance to relax, cool down, and actually do something active instead of just waiting for a blow or fin.

In multiple accounts, the swimming bay is described as a highlight, with enough time for lunch and water time afterward. That’s important: a good wildlife tour shouldn’t feel like you’re rushing through the fun part. Here, the stop is structured so you can eat, then swim and snorkel while the group settles into a more casual rhythm.

If you’ve got kids, this is one reason the trip works so well. Even if wildlife sightings aren’t constant, the water break gives everyone a reason to feel like they got their money’s worth. And if you enjoy snorkeling, having the equipment included saves you time and rental hassle.

Food, drinks, and onboard comfort that actually matter

OPERA 60 includes food and drinks as part of the experience—this isn’t a “bring your own” situation. You’ll have drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment provided on board. Many guests emphasize that the food is good and the drink selection hits the holiday tone: cool drinks, plus wines and beers, and in some cases prosecco is mentioned as being freely flowing.

Here’s how to judge this practically: when a tour sells itself as luxury, the test is whether you can eat and relax without feeling like you’re interrupting the experience. On this boat, you’re not stuck with plastic cutlery and standing around. The presence of big tables makes meals easier, and the layout helps you keep a casual pace.

Comfort upgrades aren’t just marketing fluff either. The vessel has:

• seating areas plus sunbeds
• toilet onboard (so you aren’t waiting until you’re back)
• showers for after swimming
• quality speakers so music adds to the “at sea” atmosphere

That shower detail is the difference between a fun day and an annoying evening. You can rinse off, get back in dry clothes, and still feel fresh for dinner later in Tenerife.

One small caution: some guests report the boat can get bumpy at times. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring something that works for you. Even then, most people are fine on a modern RIB with responsible captain handling.

Where you meet: Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas

You’ll start at Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The activity returns back to that same meeting point.

Why this matters: using a well-known harbor area reduces stress. You’re not bouncing around Tenerife with complicated transfers for a short 3-hour outing. The tour is also marked as near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re staying without a car.

I’d plan to arrive a bit early so you can get settled, use facilities if needed, and get your snorkel gear sorted before you leave the dock. With small groups, there’s less waiting room time, so being ready helps the whole experience feel smooth.

Price and value: is $96.79 a fair deal?

At $96.79 per person, this isn’t a budget boat ride. But it can be good value if you compare what you get, not just what it costs.

Here’s the value breakdown:

• 3-hour outing with wildlife watching and a real swimming/snorkeling stop
• snorkeling equipment included
• food and drinks included (and often described as plentiful)
• onboard comforts that make the trip more like a yacht day than a “tour bus on water”
• small group size (max 15), meaning you’re less likely to feel squeezed

If you were to pay separately for a boat tour plus snorkeling gear plus lunch and drinks, the total usually climbs quickly. In that sense, the price can make sense—especially for a couple or family who wants one organized “all-in-one” afternoon.

Who tends to feel the best value? People who want a balance: you get wildlife excitement, plus actual water time, plus comfort onboard. If you only care about whales and dolphins and don’t plan to swim, you may be better off with a wildlife-focused option. But if swimming and snorkel time are part of your holiday rhythm, OPERA 60 matches that plan well.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

OPERA 60 is a strong fit if you:

• want a small-group boat experience in Tenerife
• care about comfort (sunbeds, roomy seating, showers after)
• plan to swim and snorkel
• are traveling as a family or with friends and want one easy, satisfying outing

It’s also ideal if you like the practical side of travel: meeting at Puerto Colón, being near transport, having a short duration, and getting included equipment and refreshments.

Think twice if you:

• are extremely sensitive to boat movement (you may want motion-sickness help)
• are hoping for a guaranteed sighting of whales or dolphins (wildlife depends on conditions)
• are picky about service consistency (rare reports exist of drinks or food not arriving as expected)

Should you book OPERA 60 in Tenerife?

My honest take: if you want one afternoon that combines whale-and-dolphin watching with an actual swimming and snorkeling payoff, this is the kind of tour that can feel like a proper day out.

Book it if:

• you’ll use the onboard comforts and you’re excited to get in the water
• you like a more spacious boat than the packed, no-frills rides
• you want included snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear without extra stops

Skip or consider an alternative if:

• you’re only interested in wildlife and won’t snorkel
• you’re traveling on days when sea conditions are likely rough (the tour requires good weather)
• you’re the type who needs absolute guarantees about animal sightings

If the weather is good and you’re ready for a mix of ocean spotting plus water fun, OPERA 60 is a very practical way to spend your time off the coast of Tenerife.

FAQ

Where does the OPERA 60 tour start and end?

It starts at Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the luxury experience?

The duration is approximately 3 hours.

What’s included on board?

Snacks and drinks are provided, and snorkeling equipment is included for the swimming and snorkeling stop.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

What if the weather is poor?

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

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