Puerto Colon : Whale & Dolphins Sailing Excursion

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is the chance to hear whales as well as see them. From Puerto Colón, you sail into the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone, where pilot whales live year-round, and use a hydrophone to listen to their calls. Captain Daniel, or Dani, also keeps the outing focused on the animals rather than chasing them.

I like the small group of up to 10 and the way the trip combines wildlife with a proper swim stop. I also like the six-hour choice, which gives you more time around Los Gigantes and more room for dolphin sightings. The main drawback is simple: wildlife is wild, so no boat trip can promise every animal, and the shorter option leaves less time at sea.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales and hydrophone listening: See whales in their natural habitat and hear their calls below the surface.
• A quiet beach stop: Swim or snorkel at Diego Hernández Beach, also called Hippie Beach, which is reached by foot or boat.
• A small, personal boat outing: The group is limited to 10 people, with English and Spanish guiding.
• Canarian lunch on board: Expect local food, drinks, fruit, and, based on the experience details, pastries and small savory snacks.
• Six hours gives you more sea time: Choose it for Los Gigantes, a longer swim, and better odds of finding dolphins.
• A careful approach to wildlife: Touching animals is not allowed, and the crew takes care not to disturb them.

Setting sail from Puerto Colón

Your day begins at Puerto Colón, a busy marina on Tenerife’s southwest coast. The exact meeting point can vary with the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully. One person lost time after being given the wrong pontoon information, so I would arrive early and confirm the boarding point before walking around the marina.

The boat heads toward the Teno-Rasca Special Conservation Zone. This protected stretch of ocean is important because it supports resident pilot whales and other marine life. The scenery changes quickly as the marina fades behind you and the coast opens up. You get views from the water that are hard to match from shore, especially around the western end of Tenerife.

This is a sailing excursion, not a large sightseeing cruise. With no more than 10 people, you should have room to look out from different parts of the boat and ask questions without competing with a crowd. That matters during wildlife watching. When a whale surfaces, a small group can react quickly and quietly.

The duration depends on the option you select. The shorter trip runs about three hours, while the longer version takes about six. Check the starting time when booking, since departure times vary according to availability.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The main wildlife target is the pilot whale, and Tenerife is known for having one of Europe’s largest populations. Pilot whales are not guaranteed on any particular outing, but the waters off the southwest coast offer a real chance to see them moving freely rather than performing on command.

You may also spot dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales. The most useful part of the experience is the chance to observe several kinds of marine life in one outing, though sightings depend on conditions, animal movement, and simple luck.

Captain Daniel, called Dani by some regular customers, brings strong interest in the animals to the trip. He explains what you are seeing and takes questions about whales, dolphins, and turtles. You are not left with a quick point toward the horizon and a vague announcement. The guide’s explanations help you understand why the animals behave as they do and why the boat needs to keep its distance.

The hydrophone adds something unusual. You listen beneath the water for whale and dolphin calls, turning the ocean into more than a wide blue view. Even if an animal stays below the surface, you may still get a sense of its presence. For children and anyone curious about marine science, this makes the wildlife portion more involving.

You must not touch the animals. That rule is both practical and important. The appeal of this outing is seeing wildlife living on its own terms, not getting close enough for a staged encounter. The crew’s careful approach helps keep the experience respectful.

Why the six-hour option earns its higher price

At $88 per person, the experience sits above a basic short boat ride, but the price includes much more than transport. You get the cruise, wildlife guiding, hydrophone use, lunch, drinks, fruit, and time for swimming or snorkeling. For a full six-hour outing, that is a fair package if you value a small group and a slower pace.

The six-hour option is the better pick if you want the full day on the water. It allows time to enjoy Los Gigantes, stay longer at the swimming stop, and continue looking for dolphins. The longer trip does not guarantee more sightings, but it gives you more hours in the right habitat.

The three-hour option may suit you better if you want a taste of whale watching without giving up most of the day. It is also a sensible choice if someone in your group is unsure about seasickness or does not want a long stretch on a boat.

I would choose six hours for a special occasion, such as a birthday, or for anyone who wants the boat ride itself to be a major part of the Tenerife day. Choose three hours if the sea is an addition to a packed schedule.

Diego Hernández Beach and the swim stop

After the wildlife search, the boat sails to Diego Hernández Beach, often called Hippie Beach. You can reach this beach on foot or by boat, but arriving by water gives the stop a quieter feel. The boat anchors while you swim or snorkel in the clear sea.

This is not a rushed dip beside a marina. You have time to get into the water, look around, and enjoy a change of pace after scanning the horizon. Bring your swimsuit and towel, and pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A second hat is also listed among the recommended items, which is sensible on an exposed boat.

Snorkeling is an option, not a requirement. You can simply swim, stay on board, or enjoy the setting from the deck. The provided details do not promise snorkel equipment, so I would confirm what is supplied if you do not plan to bring your own.

Diego Hernández is a useful part of the trip because it breaks up the wildlife watching. Six hours of looking for animals can feel repetitive, especially for young children. The beach stop gives everyone a clear activity and a chance to cool off.

The water stop also has limits. Sea conditions can affect how comfortable swimming feels, and there is no suggestion of a full beach day with extensive facilities. Think of it as a scenic swim and snorkel pause, not a resort beach visit.

A Canarian lunch on the water

While you swim, the crew prepares lunch and drinks. The meal includes Canarian cuisine, fruit, and drinks. The food is part of what makes the $88 price easier to justify, since you are not paying separately for a meal during a long day at sea.

The exact menu is not specified, but the experience is described as local food. Additional details from the outing include pastries, cold cuts, and a selection of small snacks. That suggests a relaxed spread rather than a formal restaurant meal. You can expect something suited to eating on a boat, with drinks and fruit to round it out.

The timing is practical. You swim first, then eat while the boat is anchored or during the quieter part of the excursion. This avoids trying to manage a full meal while the boat is moving through open water.

If you have allergies or dietary needs, ask before departure. No special dietary arrangements are stated, so you should not assume the menu can be changed. The same applies to alcohol or particular drinks, since only drinks in general are included.

How Captain Daniel shapes the outing

A small boat is only as good as its crew. Here, the captain is also the person answering questions, explaining marine life, and helping set the rhythm of the day. Captain Daniel, or Dani, is associated with the experience, and the available language choices are English and Spanish.

That personal contact matters more on a wildlife trip than on a simple transfer. You can ask about pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or the protected conservation zone as you go. The experience is aimed at people who want to understand what they are seeing, not just collect a few photographs.

The captain also helps with the practical side of the day. You will need to move safely around the boat, prepare for the swim stop, and respect the animals. A smaller group makes these instructions easier to hear and follow.

The outing has received a 4.9 rating from 46 ratings, with especially strong praise for Daniel’s care, hospitality, wildlife explanations, food, and attention to safety. That matches the structure of the trip: it is not only a whale search, but a hosted day on the water.

Seasickness, sun, and what to bring

The boat operator gives unusually specific advice about seasickness. If you think you may feel ill, avoid excessive liquids the night before and in the morning. Eat a solid breakfast, but limit drinks and avoid mixing several types of liquid or eating fruit with high water content before boarding.

The advice also mentions Biodramina, with different suggested amounts for adults and children. Medication decisions are personal, so check the product instructions and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure. Do not treat the boat’s suggestion as a substitute for medical advice.

Pack lightly but bring the basics:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat or cap
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

The sun can feel strong even when the air is comfortable. Apply sunscreen before boarding, since you may not want to stop once the boat reaches the wildlife zone. Keep your hat secure, and protect your phone or camera from spray.

You should also be ready for changing conditions. A calm morning can still feel different once the boat moves farther from the marina. If you are prone to seasickness, the three-hour option may be the safer choice, or you may prefer a private boat so your group can set a more comfortable pace.

Private charter or shared sailing?

The standard experience is a small shared group capped at 10 people. That is already more personal than a large boat excursion, and it keeps the cost at $88 per person.

A private option is available for up to 10 people. This makes sense for a family group, birthday, or small party that wants its own space. You still cannot control the wildlife or guarantee sightings, but you can avoid sharing the boat with strangers.

A private boat may also suit a group with mixed interests. Some people can focus on wildlife while others prefer swimming and lunch. The available information does not promise a custom route or different meal, so ask what changes with the private option before paying more.

For solo visitors or couples, the shared small group is likely the better value. You get the same core experience without covering the full cost of a boat.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife excursion?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several Tenerife experiences in one outing: marine wildlife, coastal views, a swim, a local lunch, and time with a captain who explains the area.

It suits:

• Couples looking for a relaxed day on the water
• Families who want wildlife plus a swim stop
• People interested in dolphins, whales, and sea turtles
• Small groups marking a birthday or special occasion
• Visitors who prefer a personal boat experience to a large cruise

It may not suit you if you need a guaranteed animal sighting, dislike open-water travel, or want a fast, action-packed schedule. The trip has a gentle rhythm. You watch, listen, ask questions, sail, swim, and eat.

The beach is also not the main focus for someone wanting a long sandy beach day. You stop at Diego Hernández, but the visit is part of a boat excursion, not a standalone beach tour.

Should you book this whale and dolphin trip?

Book it if you want a small-group wildlife outing with a real sense of place. The combination of pilot whales, hydrophone listening, dolphin searches, Diego Hernández Beach, and Canarian food gives you more variety than a simple sightseeing cruise.

I would choose the six-hour option if you have the time and care most about wildlife and Los Gigantes. Pick three hours if you want a shorter introduction or worry about seasickness. At $88, the trip offers good value when you use the included lunch, drinks, fruit, and guided wildlife time.

Just arrive early, confirm the correct pontoon, bring sun and swim gear, and keep your expectations realistic. The animals decide what appears. The reward is seeing them where they belong, with a careful crew and enough time to enjoy the sea.

FAQ

Where does the excursion begin?

The excursion begins at Puerto Colón in Tenerife. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, so check your booking details carefully.

How long does the boat trip last?

You can choose an option lasting about three hours or a longer option lasting about six hours.

What animals might I see?

The trip looks for pilot whales, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and fin whales. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.

Does the tour use a hydrophone?

Yes. Hydrophone equipment is used so you can listen to whale and dolphin calls underwater.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Canarian cuisine, drinks, and fruit are included. The experience details also mention pastries and small snacks.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The boat stops at Diego Hernández Beach, where you can swim or snorkel in the sea.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Can I book a private boat?

Yes. A private option is available for groups of up to 10 people.