Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Sailing Tour with Snacks & Snorkel

Summary

Whale watching off Costa Adeje with sailing, snacks and sea air

You’ll feel the ocean up close as you set sail from Tenerife South in a small group, spotting whales and dolphins alongside experienced local guides. Enjoy fresh snacks on deck, try snorkeling in clear Atlantic waters, and soak up quiet moments between sightings—this tour leaves you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

We’d just pulled away from Puerto Colón when someone pointed — quietly, like we might scare them off — at a dark shape rolling through the water. I didn’t expect to see whales so soon. The crew (I think it was Pablo who spoke to us in Spanish and English) just grinned, like this happened every day. Maybe for him it does. For me, hearing that low whoosh of breath from a pilot whale felt unreal. The boat rocked gently under my feet, and I could smell sunscreen mixed with salt air. There were only a handful of us on board, so it never felt crowded or rushed.

At some point, dolphins showed up too — smaller, quick flashes beside the hull. Someone’s kid squealed and dropped half a cracker; honestly, I almost did too. Our guide passed around snacks (fruit and something sweet I couldn’t quite name), then handed out snorkel masks for those who wanted to jump in later. The Atlantic here is colder than I thought but clear enough to see little fish darting below. Li laughed when I tried to say “gracias” with my mouthpiece still in — probably butchered it.

What stuck with me wasn’t just the animals — though seeing them so close is wild — but how relaxed everything felt. No loudspeakers or big crowds, just wind and water and the occasional joke from the crew about their 20 years at sea (“long enough to know which clouds mean rain,” one said). We drifted back toward Costa Adeje with sun on our faces and salt drying on our arms. I still think about that view over the stern, blue all around, not really wanting it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

Is this whale & dolphin sailing tour suitable for families?

Yes, infants and children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Does the tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje.

Are snacks provided during the sailing trip?

Yes, snacks are included as part of your excursion.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Tenerife tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for guests.

Can wheelchair users join this whale watching tour?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

How experienced are the guides or crew?

The crew has over 20 years’ navigation experience across Canary Islands, Africa, and the Mediterranean Sea.

What languages do the guides speak?

The crew speaks English, Spanish, Italian, and Irish.

Where does the sailing trip depart from?

The boat departs from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje (Tenerife South).

What’s included

Your morning includes a relaxed departure from Puerto Colón with an experienced local crew guiding you through whale and dolphin sightings. Fresh snacks are served onboard; snorkeling equipment is available for anyone keen to swim. Breakfast is also included before returning back to port together at the end of your small group adventure.