About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team booked this Tenerife whale and dolphin tour, she found herself on a wooden boat departing Puerto Colón for five to nine hours of coast-hugging sailing. The southwest edge of the island—particularly around Los Gigantes—is genuinely reliable for spotting tropical pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. The crew navigate responsibly, and the itinerary includes a swim stop in clear water, a proper lunch with wine and beer served on deck, and the slow return journey back. It's a solid middle-ground tour: not a rushed speedboat dash, not an all-day expedition, but enough time to feel the ocean and spot wildlife without overcommitting your holiday.
Highlights
- Wooden boat atmosphere—slower pace lets you actually scan the water
- Tropical pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins sighted regularly in this area
- Swim stop in Los Gigantes with genuine marine views
- Lunch on board with included wine and beer, not upsold
- Professional crew guide offering commentary throughout
- Wheelchair accessible boat and all areas accessible
- Unlimited water and soft drinks during the sail
What to expect
You'll meet your crew at Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje and board a wooden vessel built for the long view—this isn't a speedboat, so you'll have time to spot dolphins without white-knuckle speed. The boat heads southwest along the coast, hugging the shoreline where calderones and bottlenose dolphins are actually common. A guide narrates the wildlife and sailing; the crew keeps an eye on animal welfare and responsible-sighting practices, so no chaotic chasing. About halfway through, you'll anchor for a swim stop near Los Gigantes. The water is clear but snorkelling gear isn't provided, so plan accordingly—bring your own or just float. After the swim, you're back on deck for lunch: a simple buffet of rice, veg, coleslaw, chicken, meatballs, bread, and fruit, with wine and beer included. The return sail is gentle, letting you soak in the ocean views and any remaining wildlife sightings.
What travellers say
- Wooden boat gives genuine slow-travel feel for wildlife spotting
- Southwest Tenerife coast is statistically strong for dolphin and whale sightings
- Lunch and wine included—no hidden extra charges at the till
- Fully wheelchair accessible boat and all deck areas
- Professional guide narrates responsibly without ecosystem disruption
- Swim stop in clear water, not a rushed touch-down
- Snorkelling gear not provided; you'll need to bring your own
- No sun cream or towels supplied; sun protection is essential
- Peak season crowds can dilute the relaxed vibe
- Five-to-nine-hour window is vague; confirm exact duration before booking
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour genuinely delivers on dolphin and whale spotting—the southwest coast is a reliable hotspot. The pace is slower than speedboat alternatives, which means better viewing and a more relaxed experience. Lunch and drinks are included without surprise charges, and the crew are professionals. It suits most fitness levels and is fully wheelchair accessible, including the boat itself.
Snorkelling gear isn't provided, so if you want to explore underwater, bring your own kit. No towels or sun cream supplied—sun protection is essential on the water, so pack SPF and a rash guard. Peak season (summer) will be busier; book early if you want a calmer sail. The five-to-nine hour range is broad, so confirm timing on booking. Photos aren't a formal part of the package, though you'll obviously snap your own. Bring cash or card for any extras, and wear trainers or non-slip shoes on deck.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.