Tenerife Motor Boat Whale Watching & Snorkeling Experience

The main draw is simple: you head into the waters off southern Tenerife to look for wild pilot whales and dolphins, not animals in a show. The trip also includes a 30-minute swim and snorkel stop at Playa del Puertito, where you may spot turtles.

I like the small group of up to 11 people and the choice between shaded seats and front sunbeds. I also like that the captain and crew keep the outing relaxed, with drinks and snacks included during the swimming break. One thing to consider is the boat layout. The front sunbeds require a narrow climb, and seating may feel tight if everyone wants a conventional seat.

Key points

• Wildlife in open water: Search for pilot whales and dolphins in their natural setting along Tenerife’s south coast.
• Small 10.8-meter boat: The maximum group size is 11 people, creating a more personal outing than a large excursion boat.
• Two ways to sit: Choose the large shaded seating area or the sunbeds at the front of the boat.
• Playa del Puertito stop: Spend about 30 minutes swimming, snorkeling, and watching for turtles.
• Puerto Colón departure: The tour starts and ends at Av. de Colón, 128, in Costa Adeje.
• Weather-sensitive activity: Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Setting Out From Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje

Puerto Colón is one of the main tourist ports in Tenerife, and it makes a practical starting point for this three-hour outing. You meet at Av. de Colón, 128, in Costa Adeje, then return to the same place after the boat ride.

I like the location because you can make a full morning or afternoon of it. Before or after the trip, you can walk around the port, shop, look into the clear water, or spend time on the nearby beach. That gives you something to do if you arrive early, and it means the boat ride does not have to be your only plan in the area.

The tour uses a 10.8-meter motor boat with space for up to 11 people. That is a useful size for this kind of outing. You get a closer, less crowded feel than you would on a large sightseeing vessel, but you should not expect the room of a full-size catamaran.

The seating arrangement deserves a little thought. There is a large shaded area, which is the sensible choice if you want protection from the sun. The front has large sunbeds, but reaching them involves a narrow climb. If you are happy to lie in the sun, the front can be appealing. If you prefer easy access and shade, stay in the main seating area.

The Southern Tenerife Coast From the Water

Once the boat leaves the port, the ride includes views of Tenerife’s southern coastline. This part is not just transport between stops. From the water, you get a different angle on the coast and a chance to settle into the pace of the trip before the wildlife search begins.

The motor boat is suited to covering water efficiently, which matters when you are looking for animals that move freely through a large area. Still, wildlife watching is never a fixed performance. You may see pilot whales and dolphins, but no responsible operator can promise a particular animal or a certain number of sightings.

The experience has included a pod of pilot whales, dolphins, and even a family group of whales. That makes the central wildlife section a strong reason to book, but you should go with the right mindset. The reward comes from seeing wild animals on their own terms. A brief sighting can be exciting, while a longer encounter depends on the animals and the conditions that day.

I also appreciate that the wildlife portion lasts about two hours. With a total trip length of roughly three hours, this is not a short ride with a quick photo stop. Most of the outing is given to searching the water and enjoying the coast.

Looking for Pilot Whales and Dolphins

The main part of the tour takes place off Tenerife, where the crew searches for pilot whales and dolphins. The goal is to observe them in their natural habitat, rather than bring you to a controlled animal attraction.

That distinction matters. You may need patience between sightings, and the boat may move around as the captain looks for signs of wildlife. The experience is best for you if you enjoy being outdoors and can accept that nature sets the schedule.

Past outings have included a pod of pilot whales, dolphins, and a family group of whales. One sea turtle was also seen during an outing, though turtles are more closely linked with the swimming stop than the whale-watching section. These sightings give you a realistic picture of what can happen, but they are not a guarantee.

The captain has been praised for being attentive and professional, which is important on a small boat. A good captain has to balance wildlife viewing with the comfort and safety of everyone onboard. The strongest part of this experience is not only the chance of seeing whales. It is the combination of a small group, an involved crew, and enough time on the water to give wildlife a fair chance to appear.

Bring realistic expectations about photography. You may want a camera or phone ready, but wild animals rarely pose at the perfect angle. Watching first and photographing second usually makes for a better experience.

Playa del Puertito for Swimming and Snorkeling

The boat stops at Playa del Puertito for about 30 minutes. This is the active break in the middle of the outing, with time to swim or snorkel in the bay.

The stop adds welcome variety. You spend much of the trip watching the sea, then get to enter it. You can also enjoy snacks and drinks at this point, so the break works for both swimmers and anyone who prefers to stay onboard.

There is a chance to see turtles near Playa del Puertito. Keep that in perspective. A turtle sighting is possible, not promised, and the stop should still be worthwhile if you simply want to swim in a sheltered bay.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim and a look below the surface, but it is not a long snorkeling session. If snorkeling is your main goal, you may find the time brief. If you want a well-rounded boat trip with a short swim, the length is more suitable.

The stop can also reveal the difference between a private-feeling small boat and a larger group excursion. With a maximum of 11 people, you are not sharing the break with a huge crowd from the same vessel. The tradeoff is that the boat has limited space, so you should expect a compact setup rather than a wide deck with many separate areas.

What the Small Group Means for Comfort

The 11-person limit is one of the best features here. It helps the trip feel more personal, and it gives the captain and crew a better chance to keep an eye on everyone during the swimming stop.

At the same time, small boats have physical limits. The boat is described as comfortable for 11 people, but the seating is not identical to an excursion boat with rows of individual chairs. If everyone wants a regular seat in the shade, you may find the arrangement close.

The front sunbeds solve some of that problem. They offer a place to stretch out and enjoy the sun, but the narrow climb is worth noting. I would choose the shaded area if you have any trouble with narrow access or if you prefer to stay protected from strong sunshine.

You should also expect the movement of a motor boat. The information provided does not specify sea conditions or a motion-sickness policy, so plan according to your own comfort on the water. The trip requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Is $69 Good Value for Three Hours?

At $69, this is a reasonably priced way to combine wildlife watching, a coastal boat ride, and a swimming stop. The value comes from having several parts in one outing instead of paying separately for a whale-watching trip and a water-based excursion.

The two-hour search for pilot whales and dolphins is the largest part of the experience. That matters because the wildlife is the reason most people will book. The 30-minute stop at Playa del Puertito gives you a second activity, while the coastline views fill in the rest.

I think the price works best for you if you want a compact, small-group experience rather than a full-day sailing trip. It is less suitable if you want many hours of snorkeling, a large luxury boat, or a guaranteed close encounter with whales.

The mobile ticket also makes the booking simple, and confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Public transportation is nearby, so you do not necessarily need a private car to reach the meeting point. The activity ends back at Puerto Colón, which keeps the day’s logistics straightforward.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most?

I would recommend it to you if you want three things in one outing: wild marine life, time on the water, and a short swim. Families, couples, and small groups can all fit the format, since anyone can participate and most people can take part.

It is especially appealing if you prefer a smaller boat and a more personal atmosphere. The captain’s attentive approach is valuable when the group is limited to 11 people, and the size makes the outing feel less like a mass harbor cruise.

You may want to think twice if you dislike sun exposure, tight boat layouts, or narrow access to the front seating. The shaded area helps, but the boat remains a compact vessel. I would also not book it solely because you expect a guaranteed whale or dolphin sighting.

The trip suits active sightseers better than people looking for a long, slow rest on a broad deck. You can relax, but the main point is to search the water, watch for wildlife, and take part in the swimming stop.

Booking, Weather, and Practical Details

The experience lasts about three hours and starts and ends at Puerto Colón. The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 128, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes during that period are not accepted. The cut-off is based on local Tenerife time.

Good weather is required. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful because conditions at sea can change the quality and safety of the outing.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. The information also states that anyone can participate and that most people can take part. Since the front sunbeds require a narrow climb, consider the boat layout when deciding which seating area will work best for you.

Should You Book the Tenerife Motor Boat Experience?

Book it if you want a three-hour wildlife outing with a small group, a real chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, and a short swim at Playa del Puertito. The combination is strong for the price, and the limited group size gives the experience a more personal feel.

I would choose this over a large boat if your priority is a closer, quieter setup with an attentive captain. I would skip it if your main goal is an extended snorkeling session, spacious seating, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

For most people visiting Costa Adeje, this is a well-balanced half-day activity. Go for the wild sea life, enjoy the coast, and treat the turtle sighting and whale encounter as welcome gifts rather than promises.

FAQ

Where does the Tenerife motor boat tour start?

The tour starts at Av. de Colón, 128, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, at Puerto Colón.

Where does the activity end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Puerto Colón.

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 11 travelers.

What animals might I see?

You may see pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. There is also a chance of seeing turtles at Playa del Puertito.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops at Playa del Puertito for swimming and snorkeling for about 30 minutes.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling is part of the swimming stop at Playa del Puertito.

Does the boat have shaded seating?

Yes. The boat has a large shaded seating area, along with sunbeds at the front.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.