Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching by Sailboat Small Group

Summary

Sail along costa adeje spotting whales dolphins sun on your skin

You’ll sail from Costa Adeje on a small-group boat with a local skipper, watching whales and dolphins glide by up close. Take a swim in clear waters, share lunch on deck with new friends, and feel the Atlantic wind on your face. Every moment feels unhurried — you might even forget to check your phone.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the salty tang in the air — that, and how our shoes slipped a little on the deck as we climbed aboard at Puerto Colón. There were only ten of us, counting Li (our skipper, who grinned when I pronounced “alisios” like “aliens”). The boat felt almost too quiet after the port’s chatter. We set off, sails snapping overhead, and it hit me that the water here is this weird blue — not turquoise, not navy. Somewhere in between.

About half an hour out, Li slowed down and pointed off starboard. At first I thought he was joking — but then I saw them: pilot whales surfacing in slow arcs, close enough to hear their breath. Someone’s sandwich nearly went flying overboard in the excitement. The whole group went quiet for a second except for a kid giggling every time a dolphin popped up nearby. It’s funny how you think you’ll take photos but end up just staring instead.

We anchored in a little cove where the water looked glassy and weirdly clear — like you could see every pebble below. I jumped in (cold at first, but worth it), and when I climbed back up my skin smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen. Lunch was simple: sandwiches and cold drinks passed around while we lounged under the boom. The wind picked up just enough to ruffle everyone’s hair; someone tried to say “alisios” again and Li just laughed. It felt good to just float there with strangers who suddenly didn’t feel so strange.

I didn’t expect to remember the sound of those whales breathing more than anything else — or how sun-warmed everything felt by the time we sailed back toward Costa Adeje. Still thinking about that view over my shoulder as we left the cove behind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whales and dolphins watching tour

• Depart from Dock 8, Puerto Colón
• Watch whales and dolphins in habitat
• Swim in crystal clear waters
• Observe local flora and fauna
• Enjoy catering and sunbath onboard
• Return to departure port

Top questions

Where does the whale & dolphin watching tour start?

The tour departs from Dock 8 at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje.

How long does this Tenerife whale & dolphin tour last?

The sailing excursion lasts approximately 3 hours.

Are food and drinks included during the trip?

Yes, sandwiches and drinks are served onboard for all guests.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkel gear isn’t included by default but can be requested if needed.

How many people are on each sailboat?

The maximum group size is 11 passengers per sailboat.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

No, pickup and drop-off aren’t included; you meet directly at Puerto Colón.

Are infants allowed on board?

Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; under 2s go free.

Do I need to bring my own towel?

Towels aren’t provided so you should bring your own if planning to swim.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Costa Adeje with a local skipper guiding your small group out to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Sandwiches and drinks are served onboard as you relax or swim in crystal-clear waters before returning to port after about three hours at sea.