Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Sailboat Tour with Snorkeling

Summary

Whale watching off Costa Adeje plus a swim in La Caleta’s clear waters

You’ll join a small group on a sailboat from Puerto Colón to spot whales and dolphins off Tenerife’s coast, guided by locals who know every ripple of these waters. Swim or snorkel in La Caleta’s crystal bay, enjoy snacks and drinks on board, and let yourself drift into island time before heading back ashore.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to spot whales up close from a sailboat off Tenerife? I didn’t really know what to expect when we left Puerto Colón that morning — just that the sun was already warm and our guide, Javier, had this calm way of explaining things. The boat wasn’t crowded at all (maybe ten of us?), so you could actually hear the water slap against the hull and smell sunscreen mixing with salty air. Someone pointed out the first dolphins before I even found my balance. They looked almost unreal, popping in and out of the waves. Javier said something about 29 different species in these waters — I only managed to see a few, but still.

We drifted further from Costa Adeje than I thought we would — maybe three miles out, he said — and then just waited. There was this hush except for seabirds overhead and people whispering so they wouldn’t scare anything away. Snacks came out (fruit, little sandwiches), and honestly, eating while scanning for whales felt kind of surreal. At one point I caught this whiff of sunscreen and oranges together — weirdly comforting. Then suddenly everyone shuffled to one side: pilot whales right there, moving so quietly you almost missed them if you blinked.

After all that excitement we anchored near La Caleta de Adeje. The cliffs looked sharp but the water was ridiculously clear. Javier handed out snorkeling gear (I fumbled with my mask — he laughed and fixed it for me) and we all slid in. Not gonna lie, it was colder than I expected at first but worth it for those flashes of fish darting around volcanic rocks below. Lunch on deck after swimming felt earned somehow — sun-warmed skin, wet hair, simple food tasting better than usual. On the way back I just watched the coastline drift by and tried to memorize how it felt out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and snorkeling tour

• Depart from Puerto Colón
• Watch whales, dolphins, and seabirds
• Anchor at La Caleta de Adeje bay
• Distribute snorkeling equipment
• Swim in crystal clear waters
• Eat food and drink on board
• Return to port observing coast and mountains

Top questions

How long is the Tenerife whale & dolphin watching tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from departure to return at Puerto Colón.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for use during the swim stop at La Caleta de Adeje.

Are food and drinks included during the sail?

Snacks and beverages are provided on board throughout the excursion.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is available from hotels or apartments within 20 km of Puerto Colón.

What wildlife can be seen during the trip?

You may spot several species of whales and dolphins as well as seabirds; up to 29 cetacean species have been recorded in these waters.

How many people are on each sailboat tour?

The sailboat accommodates up to 10 passengers plus 2 crew members for an intimate experience.

Where does the boat depart from?

The tour departs from Puerto Colón marina in Costa Adeje.

Is there a vegetarian food option?

A vegetarian option is available if requested at booking time.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup within 20 km of Puerto Colón, sailing with a local guide and sailor crew, all snacks and drinks on board, use of snorkeling equipment at La Caleta de Adeje bay for swimming or exploring underwater life, plus return transfer back after your adventure along Tenerife’s southern coast.