Tenerife Whale Watching Cruise & Beach Swim from Costa Adeje

Three hours on the water hunting whales off Tenerife's south coast

You're picked up from your hotel and sailed out to the feeding grounds where whales and dolphins hunt off Tenerife's south coast. The skipper stops at a small beach where you can swim and snorkel, and drinks and snacks arrive throughout. The whole day takes three hours, the group stays under a dozen people, and you're back at your hotel by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and beach stop

• Pick up from hotel
• Depart from Puerto Colon pier 8
• Watch whales and dolphins
• Stop at Puertito Armeñime beach
• Swim, snorkel, and relax
• Return to Puerto Colon
• Transport back to hotel

The experience

There's something about the moment the boat leaves the pier at Puerto Colón when you realize you might actually see them: the whales, the dolphins, the thing you came for. The sailboat heads out into the strait between Tenerife and Gran Canaria where the water gets deep and the animals show up most days. You're not crammed in with a hundred other people. The group stays small, which means you can actually hear the skipper point things out and you're not fighting for a spot at the rail when something surfaces. The whole thing takes three hours from start to finish, and it moves at a pace that doesn't feel rushed. You're sailing, not racing.

The whale watching part is real. Dolphins come closer than you'd expect, and if the whales are around that day, you'll see them. If they're not, you still get the sail and the sea, which is its own thing. After the watching, the boat stops at a small beach (usually Puertito Armeñime or another cove nearby), and you can jump in to swim or snorkel. The water is clear enough that you see down, and it's warm enough that you don't think about the cold. There's no pressure to stay in. Some people wade, some float, some sit on deck with a drink and watch the coast.

What makes this different from other boat tours is the simplicity of it. You get picked up from your hotel about thirty minutes before departure, so you're not hunting for the pier on your own. Once you're on the water, drinks and snacks keep coming: cava, beer, wine, soft drinks, fruit, the kind of thing that tastes better when you're on a boat. The skipper knows the water and the animals. He's not reading from a script. Kids go, older people go, people who've never been on a sailboat go. The boat is set up so you're not gripping the rail the whole time. There's actual comfort built in.

If you want to book, pick a morning departure and bring sunscreen you won't forget about. The water reflects hard, and three hours adds up faster than you think.

What’s included

Hotel pickup approximately 30 minutes before departure, sailboat with skipper, whale and dolphin watching, beach stop with swimming and snorkeling, unlimited cava, beer, wine and soft drinks, snacks and fresh fruit, and return transport to your hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesDaily except Thu · 10:00

Ages12 to 64 years · Seniors (65+) · 5 to 11 years · Under 5 — Free

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “Departure Point: Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje Pantalán Nº 8 Tenerife South Dates: All days of week”

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 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SeaQuestFF

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see whales and dolphins without arranging your own transport or worrying about finding the pier: the pickup and small group size mean you show up at your hotel and the rest is handled.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

5 to 11 years; under 5, 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 time does the whale watching cruise leave?

Departure is from Puerto Colón (Adeje) at a set time each day. Hotel pickup happens approximately 30 minutes before the boat leaves.

How long is the cruise?

The full excursion is 3 hours, including sailing time, whale and dolphin watching, and the beach stop.

Is the beach stop included?

Yes. The boat stops at a small beach (usually Puertito Armeñime) where you can swim and snorkel before returning to Puerto Colón.

What drinks and snacks are included?

Unlimited cava, beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus snacks and fresh fruit throughout the cruise.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, vegetarian snacks are available. Request this when you book.

What if we don't see whales?

Whale and dolphin sightings depend on the day and season, but the sailing and beach stop are included regardless.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the sailboat is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Sunscreen, a swimsuit, a towel, and a light jacket for the sail. The sun reflects strongly off the water.

Can I book a private charter?

Yes. Private charters are available for groups up to 11 people, with durations from 3 to 8 hours and visits to other locations like Los Gigantes cliffs or La Gomera. These can include paella and salad.