SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

The best part of this three-hour speedboat trip is the mix of wildlife watching and water time. From Puerto Colón, you head toward places where dolphins and pilot whales are often seen, then return along Tenerife’s southern coast, with cliffs, swimming and snorkeling along the way.

I like the small maximum group of 11 people, which gives the trip a more personal feel than a crowded whale-watching boat. I also like that snorkeling gear, drinks, sandwiches and even a BladeFish underwater scooter are included. The main thing to weigh is that wildlife is never guaranteed, and one serious booking failure has been reported, so confirm the departure details before setting out.

Key things to know before booking

• Pilot whales, dolphins and turtles are the main prize: Sightings have included several dolphin species, families of pilot whales and turtles.
• Captain Eric gets special praise: He is described as friendly, flexible and well informed about marine life and Tenerife.
• Swimming is optional: You can stay aboard if you prefer, which makes this workable for mixed-age families.
• BladeFish use adds a playful twist: The underwater propulsion device is included, along with snorkeling equipment.
• The group is capped at 11: That is a useful middle ground between a private charter and a large excursion boat.
• The trip returns to Puerto Colón: You meet at Sea Safari Tenerife on Avenida de Colón in Playa de las Américas.

Why this speedboat trip feels different

Many boat outings from southern Tenerife focus only on spotting whales and dolphins. This one tries to pack several kinds of sea time into a short morning or afternoon: wildlife watching, fast cruising, a coastal run, swimming, snorkeling and a quick turn with a BladeFish.

That variety matters. If the animals keep their distance, you still have the cliffs, open water and swimming stop to enjoy. If you have children or adults in your group who do not want to snorkel, they can remain on the boat without being pushed into the water.

The boat’s speed is another practical advantage. In three hours, the crew can cover more water than a slow sightseeing boat, which may improve your chances of finding wildlife. The tradeoff is a livelier ride. If you are prone to seasickness, take the possibility of a bouncy journey seriously, especially on a windy day.

Sea Safari limits the group to 11 people. That is small enough for the guide to keep track of everyone and explain what you are seeing without shouting across a packed deck. It also gives the experience a friendly, informal character. Still, this is not a private charter, so you will share the boat, equipment and swimming stop with other people.

Leaving Puerto Colón for open water

The meeting point is Sea Safari Tenerife at Avenida de Colón, in Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas. The area is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in the southern resort zone and do not have a car.

Once aboard, the trip heads out from the harbor and begins searching for marine life. The crew does not promise a fixed animal encounter, and that is the honest way to approach any wild-animal trip. Dolphins and whales move freely, so the day’s sightings depend on conditions and the animals’ location.

The focus is on finding places where whales and dolphins have been spotted before. Reports from this outing include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles and, on one occasion, a hammerhead shark. You might also see flying fish or other sea life, but these should be treated as welcome extras rather than promised features.

The strongest wildlife moments come from watching animals in their own setting. You are not visiting a tank or a show. The boat may approach closely, but the crew is also praised for treating the animals carefully. That balance is important. A good encounter leaves you watching behavior, movement and family groups instead of simply chasing the nearest fin.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife

Pilot whales are a notable reason to choose this trip. The southern waters around Tenerife are known for regular cetacean sightings, and this experience has produced encounters with several families of pilot whales. Seeing a group surface, travel and regroup is often more rewarding than a single quick appearance.

Dolphin sightings have also been strong. You may see more than one species, though the exact animals depend on the day. Some outings have included large numbers of dolphins, along with pilot whales and turtles. The speedboat can cover ground quickly, but the crew still needs to slow down when wildlife appears.

Captain Eric receives particular praise for finding marine life and explaining it clearly. His name is useful to know when comparing this trip with other options, though you should not assume he will operate every departure. Tines is also mentioned in connection with arranging a family outing when the booking situation became uncertain.

I would choose this excursion for the wildlife focus, not because it promises a perfect checklist. You may see dolphins but no whales, or whales and turtles but only a brief dolphin encounter. The trip works best when you enjoy the search itself and accept that nature sets the schedule.

Cliffs, coves and the return along Tenerife’s coast

After the wildlife search, the route turns toward the coastline of southern Tenerife. You get views of the cliffs from the water, a perspective that is difficult to match from shore. The return to Puerto Colón follows the coast, so the ride is not simply a straight trip back to the harbor.

This part of the outing gives you a break from scanning the sea. You can look back toward the island, watch the cliffs change as the boat moves and enjoy the speed of the ride. The coastal section also helps the experience feel like a small sea adventure rather than a wildlife transfer.

The available information does not name a particular cove or promise a specific beach stop. You should expect a coastal swimming area chosen for the conditions on the day, not a guaranteed landmark. That flexibility is sensible, since wind and sea state can affect where it is comfortable to stop.

Swimming, snorkeling and the BladeFish stop

The water stop is one of the trip’s biggest advantages. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack a mask and fins or arrange a separate rental. Different mask choices have been available, which is helpful when fit matters.

You can swim and snorkel near the boat, with fish and other small marine life possible in the water. One outing included a turtle during the broader wildlife experience, while another mentioned crabs and many fish. These sightings are not guaranteed at the swimming stop, but the chance to get into the sea gives the tour more range than a boat ride that stays dry.

The BladeFish is an underwater personal propulsion device. Think of it as a small motorized aid that pulls you through the water. It is an unusual extra for a three-hour excursion and may be especially entertaining for older children and anyone who likes trying simple water gadgets.

You do not have to leave the boat. This point matters if someone in your party is not a confident swimmer, feels cold or simply prefers to watch. A 71-year-old passenger reportedly enjoyed the trip without pressure to swim, while a young child and a baby were also accommodated on one family outing. The supplied information does not set out age limits or baby equipment, so confirm those details directly if they matter to you.

What is included for the $78.10 price

At $78.10 per person, the cost is reasonable if you plan to use the full mix of inclusions. You are paying for about three hours on a small speedboat, wildlife searching, the coastal ride, swimming and snorkeling, plus equipment, drinks, sandwiches and BladeFish use.

The food is simple, not a full meal. A sandwich and drinks are enough to keep the outing comfortable, but I would not book it expecting a catered lunch. The included snack is most useful because it means you do not need to carry food onto a fast-moving boat or arrange a separate stop.

The price compares well with a basic wildlife cruise if you value active time in the water. It is less compelling if you want a slow, quiet sightseeing trip with lots of space to sit and take photographs. The boat’s speed and compact size are central to the experience, not incidental details.

The 98 percent recommendation rate and 4.8 rating from 51 reviews suggest a strong overall record. Still, the single serious complaint about a missed departure cannot be ignored. The report describes a confirmed booking with no one appearing and no answer at the listed phone number. That is a major service failure, even though it appears to be an isolated account among many positive experiences.

For peace of mind, check the meeting details and departure status before you leave your accommodation. If you have arranged childcare or built the day around this trip, allow time to confirm that the boat is operating.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend the trip to people who want a compact, active sea excursion rather than a formal cruise. It suits couples, families and small groups who like the idea of seeing wildlife, then getting into the water.

It is particularly useful for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can snorkel or try the BladeFish, while anyone less comfortable can stay aboard. The fact that swimming is optional removes some pressure that comes with more activity-focused boat trips.

Families should find the format appealing, based on the range of ages accommodated on previous outings. The experience has worked for a four-year-old, a baby and a 71-year-old passenger. That does not replace checking the operator’s current safety rules, but it suggests the atmosphere is not aimed only at serious snorkelers.

I would be more cautious if you need a guaranteed animal sighting, a quiet ride or a fully predictable schedule. Wild creatures do not perform on demand, and a speedboat can feel lively. Anyone with a strong tendency toward seasickness should consider that before booking.

The trip is offered in English. That makes the explanations accessible to English-speaking visitors, while the guide’s personal approach seems to be a major part of the experience. Captain Eric, in particular, is praised for being attentive and for explaining marine animals and the island.

Timing, weather and cancellation details

The tour lasts approximately three hours and ends back at the same Puerto Colón meeting point. That makes it easy to fit into a day in Playa de las Américas or nearby southern Tenerife, with no separate return transfer to arrange.

Confirmation is provided when you book. The activity requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of participants, and if that minimum is not reached, you should be offered another date, another experience or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Tenerife time.

Bring only what you need. The trip includes drinks, sandwiches and snorkeling equipment, so bulky beach gear is unnecessary. You will want practical swim clothing and sun protection, but the supplied information does not specify towels, lockers or changing facilities. Ask Sea Safari directly if any of those details affect your plans.

Should you book Sea Safari?

I would book this tour if you want wildlife, speed and water time in one outing. The small group, included equipment, optional swimming and friendly guiding make it good value for an active half-day, especially for families with different comfort levels.

I would skip it if your main goal is a guaranteed whale encounter, a calm luxury cruise or a full meal. Also, confirm the departure before heading to Puerto Colón because of the one reported no-show complaint.

For most visitors staying in southern Tenerife, this is an appealing choice. You may see pilot whales, dolphins and turtles, but the real strength is the flexible format: search for animals, stop for a swim, try the BladeFish, take in the cliffs and return to the harbor without spending the whole day at sea.

FAQ

Where does the Sea Safari tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Colón.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

What animals might I see?

The tour searches for dolphins and whales, with pilot whales reported on several outings. Turtles, flying fish, crabs, many fish and a hammerhead shark have also been seen, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment rental is included, and different snorkeling masks may be available.

Do I have to swim or snorkel?

No. Swimming and snorkeling are optional, so you can remain on the boat if you prefer.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may result in a different date, another experience or a full refund.