Small boat, big wildlife energy. This Tenerife outing pairs wild pilot whale and dolphin watching with a swim-and-snorkel break in a calm bay—exactly the mix you want on a tight vacation. I also like how the whole experience stays relaxed, with time to enjoy the coast scenery from the water and then actually get in the water at Playa del Puertito.

The tour runs about 3 hours out of Puerto Colón (start and end at the same place), and you can choose shaded seating or sun on the front of the 10.8m motor boat. One thing to keep in mind: it’s a small boat with limited seating comfort for everyone at once, and getting to the front sunbeds can involve a fairly narrow climb.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Pilot whales and dolphins on a small-group boat (max 11 travelers)
• Playa del Puertito snorkel stop with a real chance of seeing turtles
• Shaded seating or front sunbeds on a 10.8m motor boat
• Puerto Colón timing gives you an easy pre- and post-tour hang around the port
• Two hours of wildlife time instead of rushing past the good part

Why a small 10.8m boat from Puerto Colón feels different

Most whale trips are either huge boats with loud crowds or small boats that feel cramped. This one lands in a sweet spot: a 10.8m motor boat built for a small group of up to 11 travelers. That matters because wildlife viewing is all about patience and positioning. When you’re not fighting for space, you can settle, look, and react fast when fins cut across the water.

You’ll also start and finish at Puerto Colón, one of Tenerife’s bigger tourist ports. That’s practical. If you arrive early, you can take a slow walk, watch fish in the clear water near the harbor, or just grab a drink and get your bearings. After the tour, you’re not stranded far from civilization—you’re back where you started.

Another small detail I appreciate: you can pick your onboard vibe. There’s a shaded seating area, plus large sunbeds at the front. If you prefer staying cool, you’ll feel comfortable. If you want maximum sun and visibility, the front is where you’ll likely spend most of your time.

What the 3-hour schedule really looks like

The day is built around two main parts: a short swim stop and a longer wildlife stretch. It keeps moving, but it’s not a nonstop sprint.

Here’s the flow you can expect:

• Puerto Colón is where you begin and end.
• Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of Tenerife’s southern coastline from the boat.
• Then you’ll switch gears at Playa del Puertito for swimming and snorkeling.
• Finally, you’ll spend about 2 hours on dolphin and pilot whale watching.

That mix is smart for most people. The sea experience isn’t just about looking—you also get water time, snacks, and a chance to see animals up close (without needing any complicated gear).

One practical upside of the timing: you don’t need to dedicate half a day. Three hours is long enough for a true wildlife window and a real swim break, but short enough that you can still plan other things afterward in the Costa Adeje area.

Playa del Puertito snorkel stop: turtles and a break for real comfort

Your first real stop is Playa del Puertito, where you get about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This is the part of the trip that turns it from a wildlife cruise into a full-on sea day.

Why this stop is worth it:

• It’s set up for easy water time. You’re not stuck watching others from the boat.
• There’s a chance to see turtles, which is a big draw for anyone snorkeling in Tenerife waters.
• It’s also the moment to refuel. You’ll have time for snacks and drinks, so you’re not doing the rest of the boat ride on empty.

A potential drawback? Thirty minutes is just enough to enjoy the water and get a few good passes in, but it’s not long enough for a slow, lingering snorkel session if conditions are rough or if you’re new to the water. If you’re prone to overthinking gear or taking forever to get comfortable, plan to keep things simple and start swimming early.

Also note: the stop is described as a bay experience in the south of Tenerife, so you’ll likely feel more settled than on open water. Still, treat it like time on the ocean: keep an eye on how you feel and adjust your pace.

Two hours of pilot whales and dolphins off Tenerife’s south coast

The main event is the wildlife time—about 2 hours focused on dolphin and pilot whale watching in the animals’ natural habitat. This is the heart of the trip, and the longer window makes it feel less like a quick look-through and more like a real chance to see something.

What you’re looking for, in plain terms:

• Dolphins can appear suddenly and move fast. You’ll want to stay alert but not stressed.
• Pilot whales are often spotted as a pod, and when they’re around, you’ll be able to observe them in a calmer rhythm.

From past experiences shared by the people who’ve gone on this trip, getting to see pilot whales and dolphins together is the standout memory. And at least one turtle sighting has been reported during the Playa del Puertito stop, which adds even more variety to the day.

What’s the main consideration? Wildlife viewing is never a guaranteed checklist item. You’re going out into the ocean. If you’re the kind of person who needs a certainty every minute, you’ll feel frustrated. If you’re okay with “look, wait, and enjoy,” you’ll likely love it.

Your boat setup: shade, sunbeds, and what to bring

On a boat this size, your comfort isn’t a minor detail—it changes how much you enjoy the wildlife part. With this tour, you get two main options:

• A large shaded seating area if you want a cooler spot.
• Large sunbeds at the front if you want sun and an easier view toward the water.

There’s also a heads-up from rider feedback: the front sunbeds can involve a narrow climb. If you don’t love tight steps or you’re traveling with mobility concerns, plan on using the shaded seating more.

What I’d bring (based on what you’ll actually do):

• Swimsuit and a quick-dry layer for after snorkeling
• Sunscreen (and a way to keep it from running in water)
• A small towel or something that won’t soak forever
• Snorkel-friendly footwear if you prefer it (the tour mentions swimming/snorkeling, so you’ll likely want at least comfortable footing)

If you’re the kind of person who hates sun but loves wildlife, the shaded seating can be your base while still letting you reposition when sightings happen.

Price and value: is $69 a good deal for this mix?

At $69 for about 3 hours, this tour is priced like a focused, small-boat experience rather than a big, mass-market excursion. The value comes from what you actually get inside that time:

• Small group size (max 11) on a 10.8m boat
• A real swim/snorkel break at Playa del Puertito (not just a photo stop)
• Around 2 hours dedicated to dolphin and pilot whale watching
• The convenience of starting and ending at Puerto Colón, a major hub where you can handle food and wandering before or after

If all you wanted was whale spotting, you might find longer boat tours for more money—or shorter ones that feel rushed. If all you wanted was snorkeling, you could book a beach day. This works because it combines both in one shot, and it does it without turning the trip into a long, expensive half-day.

The only time the value won’t feel great is if you’re expecting unlimited water time or a huge onboard comfort setup. This is a small boat. You’re here for the sea experience, not a luxury lounge.

Who this Tenerife trip is perfect for

This is a strong fit if you want a low-stress, high-moment trip in Tenerife’s south.

Best matches:

• Couples who want wildlife and a swim in one outing
• Families with kids who can handle a short snorkeling session and a boat ride
• Solo travelers who like small groups and don’t want to feel lost in a crowd
• Anyone who likes being active: watching from the boat is fun, but getting in the water makes it memorable

It’s also a decent option for people who prefer a smaller group vibe. The boat capacity is listed at 11 travelers, and that shows in how the experience feels: less waiting around, more time spent actually looking out over the water.

Weather, seas, and what “good conditions” means for you

The operator notes that the experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s the right approach for a whale-and-snorkel trip. Rougher conditions make it less safe and less comfortable for everyone.

So if you’re booking while your schedule is tight, choose a day where you can be a little flexible. If the forecast looks iffy, plan to accept that the company may reschedule.

Also, because you’ll be on a small boat, your comfort may depend more on sea conditions than on a big ferry. If you tend to get seasick, pack your usual remedy.

Should you book this Tenerife whale watching and snorkeling trip?

If your goal is a compact, small-boat outing that gives you both wildlife and water time, I think this is a smart booking. You’re not spending all day traveling, and you’re getting a real chance at seeing pilot whales and dolphins plus a snorkeling stop at Playa del Puertito (with a chance of turtles).

Skip it only if you’re expecting guaranteed sightings and long snorkeling sessions, or if you really dislike the idea of limited space on a small vessel. Otherwise, this is the kind of trip that fits well into a Costa Adeje itinerary because it hits the highlights without dragging.

If you book, keep your expectations in the right place: the ocean is unpredictable, but the format is exactly what makes these trips fun.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife motor boat whale watching and snorkeling experience?

It runs for about 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 128, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What wildlife will I look for during the trip?

The main focus is dolphin and pilot whale watching.

Is there time to swim or snorkel?

Yes. You’ll stop at Playa del Puertito for swimming and snorkeling.

Is there a chance to see turtles?

Yes, there is a chance to see turtles during the Playa del Puertito stop.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The 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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