Snorkel & Dolphin Watching Tenerife: Small Group Sailboat

Sailboat with snorkel gear, dolphins in the water, crew who knows these seas

You board a sailboat at Puerto Colón and spend the day watching for whales and dolphins in waters where sightings are common. Breakfast and snacks are included, snorkeling gear is available, and the crew of 20-year veterans navigates you to the best spots. Small groups mean you're not crowded, and the boat's designed for comfort rather than just capacity, so you can actually relax while you're looking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale and dolphin watching excursion

• Depart from Puerto Colón port
• Enjoy sailing on comfortable sailboat
• Watch whales and dolphins at sea
• Experience nature in Tenerife South
• Return to Puerto Colón port

The experience

So yeah, the crew actually laughed when I asked if we'd see anything: turns out the waters around Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje are one of the most reliable spots in the Canary Islands for dolphins and whales. The sailboat leaves from the central port, which means no long drive before you even get on the water. Galatea Sailing runs these trips with a crew that's logged over 20 years navigating these waters, plus the Mediterranean and the African coast, so they know where to go and when. The boat itself is built for comfort, not just speed. There's actual space to move around, which matters when you're out there for hours.

The day starts with breakfast on board, and then you're watching. Sometimes it's pilot whales, sometimes bottlenose dolphins, sometimes both. The crew speaks English, Spanish, Italian and Irish, so if you're not fluent in any of those, you're probably covered. They'll point things out, explain what you're seeing, but it's not a lecture. It's more like sailing with people who know the sea. If the water's calm enough, you get snorkeling gear and can jump in. That part's optional, but most people do it. The snacks come later, when everyone's back on deck and the adrenaline's wearing off.

What makes this different from the bigger tour boats is the group size stays small, which means you're not fighting for a spot at the rail or waiting for someone else's phone to clear the view. The boat's wheelchair accessible too, and families with infants bring strollers without any fuss. It's the kind of thing where you show up at Puerto Colón, the crew handles everything, and you leave without having arranged transport, tickets, or timing yourself: they've got that covered.

What’s included

• Your day includes breakfast and snacks on board, use of snorkeling equipment, and a small-group sailing experience with a crew of over 20 years' navigation experience across the Canary Islands, Mediterranean, and African waters. Hotel pickup is not mentioned.
• you'll meet the boat at Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje.

Before you book

Days and timesDaily · 09:30, 13:00 and 16:00

AgesAges 12+ · 4 to 11 years · Under 4 — Free

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “gate n 3”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Galatea

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see whales and dolphins without renting a boat or researching where they actually are. The crew knows the waters and the small group means you're not jostling for space with 50 other people.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

4 to 11 years; under 4, free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What's included in the Tenerife whale watching tour?

Breakfast, snacks, and snorkeling equipment are included. The boat departs from Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje.

Is the sailboat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, and transportation options to the port are also wheelchair accessible.

Do I need experience to go whale watching in Tenerife?

No. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and no sailing experience is required.

Can I snorkel on this tour?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided and available to use when conditions allow.

Where does the boat depart from?

The sailboat departs from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, Tenerife South.