Tenerife: Sailboat Tour with Food and Snorkeling

Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars of this three-hour sail from Puerto Colón, but the small boat is what makes the outing feel special. With room for just 10 passengers, you get a quieter view of Tenerife’s coast than you would on a large sightseeing vessel, plus a better chance to hear the crew explain what you are seeing.

I like the combination of wildlife watching and swimming time, and I like that the crew often sails under wind power when conditions allow. Salvador and other crew members are praised for their care, marine-life knowledge, and attention to both sides of the boat. The main drawback is the sea itself: choppy water can cause seasickness, and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

Key details before you book

• A small 12-meter yacht: The boat carries up to 10 passengers and two crew, with three double cabins, two bathrooms, and deck mats.
• Pilot whales are a common highlight: Dolphins, turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and tuna may also appear.
• A real swim stop: You usually have time to swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay, sometimes near a cave.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect baguette sandwiches, crisps, cake, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava.
• Puerto Colón is the start and finish: Meet at dock number 5, by the Roulette, 10 minutes before departure.
• Good value at $68: The price covers the cruise, guide, wildlife watching, snorkeling equipment, food, and drinks.

Why the small boat changes the whole experience

The boat is a 12-meter sailing yacht called the Roulette. It holds no more than 10 passengers, with two crew members looking after you. That limit matters. You are not fighting through a crowd to reach the rail, and the skipper can turn the boat so people on both sides get a fair view.

The yacht has three double cabins, two bathrooms, and mats on deck. You are not booking a bare-bones fishing boat, but this is still a working sailing vessel rather than a floating resort. Space is comfortable for a small group, though you should expect an open-air boat experience, not the room of a large ferry.

I especially like the quiet when the sails are in use. Several outings have included long stretches under sail on the way out and back, with none of the usual engine noise. That gives you time to watch the volcanic coast, feel the wind, and listen for the crew’s next wildlife call.

The mood is relaxed rather than theatrical. There is no need for loud music or a busy entertainment program. Your focus stays on the ocean, the horizon, and whatever appears beside the boat.

Setting out from Puerto Colón

You meet at the door of dock number 5 at Puerto Colón, 10 minutes before departure. The meeting point is the first jetty after the port parking barrier, and the boat is named Roulette. Allow extra time to find the correct dock, since the marina has several piers and the meeting instructions are more useful once you are already inside the port area.

The tour returns to the same place after three hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you arrange your own way to Puerto Colón. That is easy to factor in if you are staying around Costa Adeje, but it matters if your accommodation is elsewhere in Tenerife.

Once everyone is aboard, the crew sets a course along the south coast. You get wide views of Tenerife’s volcanic shoreline and, on clear days, views toward La Gomera. The coast looks best from the water because the cliffs, beaches, and slopes line up in one long scene rather than appearing in fragments from a road.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, French, and German. Salvador is one of the captains praised for explaining local geography, marine life, and the island’s ecosystem in a friendly way. Other outings have included crew members such as Yani, Silvio, and Jenny. The exact crew can vary, but the format remains the same: one person handles the boat while the other checks on drinks, food, and passenger comfort.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins off Costa Adeje

The wildlife portion takes place offshore from Puerto Colón. The crew specializes in finding cetaceans and knows the waters around Tenerife, so the boat does not simply cruise in a straight line and hope for luck. The crew looks for signs of pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, then gives you context about the animals and their environment.

Pilot whales are the most frequently highlighted sighting. You might see a single animal, a family group, or a larger pod. Some outings have encountered mothers with calves, while others have watched dolphins ride alongside the bow. Turtles, flying fish, and red-fin tuna have also appeared.

The encounters are not staged. That is important. The crew may spend time with a pod, but the animals decide where they go. You could have a spectacular sighting close to the yacht, or you might see less activity during your three hours. No responsible wildlife trip can promise whales or dolphins, even with a skilled crew.

One thoughtful detail is the way the skipper works the boat so both sides get a view. If animals appear on one side, you are not simply left staring at the backs of the people in front of you. The small passenger count makes this much easier than on a large vessel.

I would book this mainly for the chance to see wild marine life, not as a guaranteed whale encounter. The reward is greater because the animals are free-ranging, but the uncertainty is part of the deal.

A proper swim and snorkeling stop

After the wildlife search, the boat heads to a quieter bay for swimming and snorkeling. The stop is generally around 30 minutes, giving you enough time for a proper dip rather than a rushed photo opportunity.

Snorkeling equipment is included. You may see fish close to the rocks, and some outings have included a cave near the swimming area. The exact location can change with sea conditions, so think of this as a pleasant chance to get in the water rather than a dedicated reef excursion.

The warm Tenerife water makes the stop appealing, especially after sitting in the sun. If you prefer not to swim, you can remain on deck and enjoy the scenery. The boat has deck mats where you can stretch out, and the crew continues serving drinks.

Conditions matter here. The ocean can be slightly choppy on the outward journey, even if the bay is calm enough for swimming later. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you feel most stable, watch the horizon, and consider taking your usual precautions before departure. One passenger became very sick during a rough stretch and was well cared for by the crew, but it is still better to plan ahead.

Sandwiches, cake, cava, and an easygoing lunch

Food is more generous than the word snacks might suggest. The usual spread includes baguette sandwiches, often with ham and tomato or Iberian ham, crisps, and a slice of cake. Drinks include mineral water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava.

This is simple boat food, not a restaurant meal. I would expect a satisfying light lunch after swimming, not a menu of hot dishes. The sandwiches and cake suit the relaxed setting, and the crew is reported to accommodate dietary requirements when told in advance.

Drinks are offered throughout the cruise, which helps make the trip feel hospitable rather than strictly scheduled. You can enjoy cava or beer, but nonalcoholic choices are available too. If you have specific dietary needs, contact the operator before booking rather than relying on a last-minute request.

The crew’s personal attention is one of the strongest parts of the outing. They check if people need a drink, keep an eye on anyone feeling unwell, and make an effort to mark special occasions. Birthday cakes and candles have even been arranged, although lighting candles on a moving deck is not always easy.

Sailing instead of roaring along under power

This is sold as a sailboat tour, and the boat can genuinely sail when the wind cooperates. Some trips have used the sails for much of the outward and return journey. That changes the feel of the day: you hear the water and wind instead of sitting beside a constantly running motor.

Do not assume the entire trip will be under sail. Wind strength and direction control how much sailing is possible, and the engine may be needed for safety, timing, or wildlife viewing. Still, the chance to move quietly across the Atlantic is a real advantage.

The boat’s size also helps the atmosphere. You are close to the water, close to the crew, and close to the other passengers. That makes it easy to ask questions about the coastline or animals. It also means you have less personal space than you would on a large catamaran, especially when all 10 places are filled.

What the $68 price really buys you

At $68 per person, this is a strong value if you want several activities in one half-day. The cost includes the sailboat cruise, guide, wildlife watching, snorkeling gear, food, and a broad selection of drinks. You are not paying extra for the swim stop or for the basic equipment.

Compare it with the experience you are actually getting. A large boat may give you more deck room, but this tour gives you a smaller group, two crew members, food, drinks, and a quieter ride. The limit of 10 passengers is the main reason the price feels fair.

The value is even better if you plan to make the boat trip a major part of your day. You get marine-life viewing, coastal scenery, sailing, swimming, and lunch in three hours. If you only want a quick dolphin sighting, a shorter or larger excursion may be enough. If you want personal service, this format earns its price.

The price does not include transportation to Puerto Colón, and the duration is fixed at three hours. Check the available departure times before you book, especially if you are trying to fit this around another activity.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend the Roulette to couples, families, and small groups who prefer calm conversation to a crowded party boat. Children can enjoy the wildlife, the swimming stop, and the simple excitement of being close to dolphins or whales. One family outing included a toddler, though every parent should decide how comfortable their child is around an open boat and moving water.

It also suits anyone who cares about how wildlife is treated. The crew’s focus is on observing animals in their own environment, with explanations about local species and the sea around Tenerife. You are not promised a performance or a close approach on demand.

This is less suitable if you get badly seasick, dislike open water, or need a fully predictable schedule. It is also not the best choice if you want a long snorkeling session. The swim stop is a welcome part of the day, but the main purpose is sailing and wildlife watching.

Practical tips for a smoother trip

• Arrive early at dock 5. Puerto Colón has several piers, and finding the Roulette may take longer than expected.
• Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to use the swimming stop.
• Use sun protection. The deck offers little shade compared with an indoor vessel.
• Tell the crew about dietary needs before departure.
• If you are prone to seasickness, prepare before boarding and choose a steady place on deck.
• Keep expectations realistic. Pilot whales and dolphins are often seen, but no wild animal encounter is guaranteed.
• Ask the crew questions. Salvador and the other guides are part of what makes this more than a simple boat ride.
• Check the departure time and arrange your own transport, since hotel pickup is not included.

Should you book the Roulette?

Book it if you want a small-group wildlife trip with real sailing, a swim stop, and lunch included. The strongest reasons are the 10-person limit, the attentive two-person crew, the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, and the quiet feel when the sails are up.

Think twice if you need guaranteed wildlife, dislike motion, or want a large, stable vessel with lots of indoor space. For everyone else, $68 is a sensible price for three varied hours on Tenerife’s south coast. I would choose it for the personal service and the chance to watch the ocean without a crowd between you and the view.

FAQ

Where does the sailboat tour begin?

The tour begins at dock number 5 of Puerto Colón, at the door of the dock. It is the first jetty after the port parking barrier, and the boat is named Roulette.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts three hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

How many people can join the tour?

The yacht has a maximum capacity of 10 passengers, with two crew members onboard.

What wildlife might I see?

You might see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and red-fin tuna. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour stops for swimming and snorkeling in a bay.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes snacks, sandwiches, cake, mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to make your own way to Puerto Colón. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.