Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

Pilot whales are the star of this three-hour trip, and they may come surprisingly close to the 12-meter Roulette. Small-group sailing is the first big advantage: with no more than 10 passengers, you get a clear view from the deck and a more personal connection with the crew. I also like the respectful approach to wildlife, with the boat observing animals without chasing them.

The second strong point is the mix of sea time and comfort. You get a proper sailing experience, a swim and snorkel stop, sandwiches, cake, and drinks including cava, beer, wine, and soft drinks. The main caution is simple: the Atlantic can be choppy, so anyone prone to seasickness should prepare carefully and understand that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

Key points at a glance

• Pilot whales often steal the show: The south coast waters are known for close encounters with pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds.
• Only 10 passengers: The small boat gives you more space, less noise, and a better chance of seeing wildlife from either side.
• A real sailboat experience: The crew may switch off the engine and sail when the wind allows, creating a quiet stretch on the water.
• Food and drinks are part of the trip: Expect baguette sandwiches, crisps, cake, water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks.
• Snorkeling follows the wildlife search: You usually get time for a swim and snorkel in a sheltered coastal spot.
• Meet at Puerto Colón Pier 5: Arrive 10 minutes early at the dock entrance, where the Roulette is moored.

Why this small boat makes a difference

Many whale-watching trips use large motorboats, but the Roulette carries a maximum of 10 passengers and two crew. That changes the feel of the outing. You are not looking over several rows of heads, and the captain can speak with everyone rather than delivering a rushed announcement to a crowd.

The boat is 12 meters long, with three double cabins, two bathrooms, and mats on deck. The cabins and bathrooms are useful features, but most of your time will be outside, watching the water and coast. The deck is where the experience happens, so bring a calm attitude about wind, spray, and movement.

The limited capacity also helps during wildlife sightings. The captain can work to give both sides of the boat a view, and you may be able to move around instead of staying fixed in one seat. Several outings had only six to nine passengers, leaving plenty of room to spread out.

I particularly like that this is not presented as a loud party cruise. The crew’s role is to find marine life, explain what you are seeing, and keep the atmosphere relaxed. Previous outings have included pilot whale pods with calves, dolphins beside the bow, sea turtles, flying fish, Cory’s shearwaters, and redfin tuna.

Meeting the Roulette at Puerto Colón

The meeting point is at the entrance to dock number 5 at Puerto Colón. It is the first jetty after passing the port parking barrier. The boat is named Roulette, and you should arrive 10 minutes before departure.

This sounds easy, but Puerto Colón has several docks and marina access points. Give yourself extra time to find the correct entrance, especially if you are unfamiliar with the port. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you must arrange your own way to the marina.

Once aboard, the crew will get you settled and explain the plan. The listed languages are Spanish, English, and Italian. Crew members named in past outings include Salvador, Rafa, Silvio, Yani, Jenny, Dani, and Ramone, though the exact team can vary by departure.

Sailing along Tenerife’s south coast

The opening section takes you out from Puerto Colón and along Tenerife’s southern shore. The coast looks different from the water: volcanic cliffs, beaches, open Atlantic views, and the nearby outline of La Gomera can all become part of the trip.

When wind conditions cooperate, the crew may raise the sails for part of the route. Some departures sailed for around 90 minutes in total, including the return. That is a major plus if you want more than a motorized wildlife excursion. The quiet of the boat moving under sail gives you time to watch seabirds, feel the breeze, and take in Tenerife without engine noise.

The sail is not guaranteed for every minute. Wind strength and direction control the plan, and the captain must balance sailing time with getting to the marine life areas and the swim stop. I would treat the sailing as an important possibility rather than a fixed promise.

The crew also adds context about the island, local geography, and the marine environment. Salvador is often singled out for his enthusiasm and clear explanations, while the wider crew is praised for being attentive and willing to answer questions. That matters here because wildlife can appear and vanish quickly. A good explanation helps you understand what you are looking at rather than simply pointing toward a fin.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The wildlife portion takes place in the waters off Puerto Colón. The crew specializes in locating cetaceans and uses local experience to search for pilot whales and dolphins. Pilot whales are the most consistent highlight, with sightings of pods, adults, and calves.

When conditions are right, a pod may approach the boat closely. Dolphins have also been seen playing in the bow wave, and some outings found several groups rather than one brief sighting. The small boat can make these encounters feel more direct, but you should still remember that wild animals control the schedule.

Turtles and seabirds add variety. Turtles may appear briefly at the surface, and seabirds can be easier to spot when the boat slows down. The crew may also point out flying fish and other marine life that you could miss on your own.

I appreciate the emphasis on keeping a respectful distance. The goal is to watch the animals without disturbing or chasing them. That can mean the boat pauses while the pod moves around it, rather than racing after every sighting. It is a better way to experience wildlife, even if it sometimes means accepting a shorter view.

The length of the search can vary within the three-hour outing. One group may spend about 15 minutes with pilot whales and another 15 minutes with dolphins, while another may encounter animals at several points along the route. Sightings are common in the supplied trip information, but no responsible operator can promise a specific species on a particular day.

A swim and snorkel stop in a sheltered bay

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward a coastal swimming spot. The stop may be beside cliffs or in a secluded bay, and past outings have included a scenic cave to explore. You can swim and use the provided snorkeling equipment while the crew prepares the next part of the meal service.

The snorkeling is a pleasant change of pace after sitting and watching the horizon. You might see fish below the boat, and the clear water can make a short swim feel worthwhile. The stop has lasted around 30 minutes on some departures, though the exact timing depends on the rest of the trip.

This is not a dedicated snorkeling expedition. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations modest. The tour is built around sailing and marine life viewing, with swimming added as a valuable extra. One past outing wished for more snorkeling time, which is understandable given the three-hour limit.

The water can also feel cooler or the sea rougher than expected, depending on the day. Bring swimwear and a towel, and only enter the water if you feel comfortable with the conditions. The crew supplies the mask and other basic snorkeling equipment.

Sandwiches, cake, and drinks on deck

Food is simple, generous, and well suited to a short boat trip. You can expect baguette sandwiches, often with ham and tomato or Iberian ham, along with crisps and a slice of cake. Past menus included carrot cake and gingerbread cake.

This is not a restaurant meal, but it is more than a token snack. A sandwich tastes especially welcome after swimming, and the food gives the outing a pleasant lunch or afternoon break. Dietary needs have been accommodated on some departures, but you should tell the operator in advance rather than assume a special menu is available.

Drinks include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. Cava is a nice touch for a relaxed sail, while water is important in the sun and wind. Drinks are served throughout the trip, and the crew checks in often to see if you need anything.

Alcohol can make seasickness worse, so I would start with water if the ocean feels unsettled. You can always enjoy the cava later, once the boat is back in calmer water.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. Captains and deck staff are not just there to steer the boat and hand out food. They explain the species, talk about Tenerife and the surrounding islands, and make an effort to include everyone in the sightings.

Salvador is repeatedly noted for his enthusiasm about the sea and its animals. Rafa has also been praised for driving, guiding, and preparing food. Other named crew members, including Yani, Jenny, Dani, and Ramone, have been described as warm, attentive, and helpful.

That personal service is easier to provide with 10 passengers than with 40 or 50. The crew can help someone who feels unwell, answer a child’s question, or make sure both sides of the boat get a look. One departure even marked a birthday with a cake and candles, although lighting candles on a windy deck proved tricky.

The crew’s care is especially useful if you become seasick. A few trips encountered rough water, and the team helped affected passengers with patience and practical support. Still, a small boat can move more than a large catamaran, so take your own precautions.

How much value do you get for $70?

At $70 per person, this is strong value if you want several activities in one compact outing. The price covers the sailboat cruise, guide, wildlife search, drinks, snacks, lunch-style sandwiches, cake, and snorkeling equipment.

You are not paying only for three hours on a boat. The cost also reflects the small capacity, two-person crew, food service, and local skill needed to locate marine life. Compared with a large excursion boat, the quieter setting and personal attention may justify the fare on their own.

The value is best for someone who wants a relaxed half-day on the water rather than a highly specialized whale research trip. You get a little sailing, wildlife watching, swimming, snorkeling, food, and island scenery without needing to book separate activities.

The main limitation is the fixed three-hour window. If the boat spends extra time with whales, the swim may be shorter. If the water is rough or sightings take time, the schedule can feel full. You are buying a well-rounded outing, not unlimited time for each part.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this tour for couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who want a quiet alternative to a large boat cruise. Children who can manage three hours at sea may enjoy the wildlife, swimming, and easy food, and one past family outing included a toddler.

It also suits anyone interested in the marine environment, not just people chasing a photograph. The crew talks about the animals and treats them with care, which gives the sightings more meaning.

You may want to think twice if you get severe seasickness, dislike small boats, or want a guaranteed whale encounter. The Roulette has cabins and bathrooms, but the experience still takes place on open water, where wind and waves are part of the deal.

For the best chance of a comfortable outing, check the forecast, arrive early at Pier 5, wear practical clothing, and bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and any seasickness remedy you normally use. The boat provides food and drinks, but you should not rely on the cruise to solve every personal need.

Booking details worth knowing

The tour lasts three hours and returns to Roulette Charters at Puerto Colón. Departure times vary, so check the available schedule when booking. The group is limited to 10 participants, with two crew members aboard.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Should you book the Roulette?

Yes, if you want close wildlife viewing in a small group, a real chance to sail under wind power, and a friendly three-hour outing that includes food and a swim. The repeated strengths are clear: pilot whales and dolphins, a caring crew, a clean and comfortable boat, and much more room than you get on a standard wildlife cruise.

I would book it with realistic expectations about the sea. Sightings are never guaranteed, the water may be choppy, and snorkeling is a shorter part of a wider program. For $70, though, the combination of wildlife, sailing, snacks, drinks, and personal service makes the Roulette a very sensible choice for a south Tenerife day on the Atlantic.

FAQ

Where does the sailboat tour begin?

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

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 10 minutes before departure.

What is the name of the sailboat?

The sailboat is named Roulette.

How many people can join the tour?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 10 participants, with two crew members.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts three hours.

What wildlife might I see?

You might see pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and other marine life. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and drinks included?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages are available?

The live tour is available in Spanish, English, and Italian.