Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise

The Atlantic can surprise you quickly. This three-hour speedboat trip from Puerto Colon combines whale and dolphin watching with a swim and snorkeling stop, so you get wildlife, open water, and South Tenerife’s coast in one outing. I especially like the small-boat setting and the chance to see the animals without chasing them, plus the views toward Teide and La Gomera on a clear day. The main drawback is simple: wildlife sightings depend on nature and weather, not a schedule.

I also like that the price includes a sandwich, one drink, snorkel gear, and a guide, rather than adding small costs throughout the trip. Captain Nico has earned praise for his clear explanations of the sea and island, while Nico and Tine have been singled out for creating a friendly, respectful trip. The speedboat ride can be lively, though, so it may not suit anyone who prefers a slow, quiet cruise.

Key points to know before you book

• Puerto Colon departure: Meet at Gate 3 fifteen minutes before departure, where Sea Safari Tenerife staff check your digital or printed ticket.
• Three hours on the water: The route combines wildlife watching, a bay stop, a snack break, and a coastal return.
• Wildlife in its natural setting: You might see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, or other Atlantic marine life, but no sighting is guaranteed.
• Snorkeling stop included: You can swim or use the supplied snorkel gear in a bay, with drinks and a sandwich provided.
• Small speedboat feel: The boat offers a closer, more active experience than a large sightseeing vessel, but the ride can feel brisk.
• Good weather matters: The trip can change or be canceled because of sea and weather conditions.

Why this Puerto Colon boat trip feels different

South Tenerife has plenty of boat outings, but this one is aimed at people who want more than a distant view of the coast. You spend part of the trip looking for marine life, part moving quickly along the shore, and part in the water yourself.

The speedboat is important to the feel of the outing. You are not sitting on a large deck with hundreds of other people. The smaller format makes it easier to hear the guide and keep your attention on the sea. It also lets you enjoy the sensation of the boat itself, with wind, spray, and a faster pace between viewing areas.

I would not book this expecting a formal natural-history lecture or a luxury yacht cruise. It is an active half-day on the Atlantic. The appeal is the mix of motion and nature, with enough time for a swim rather than three straight hours of sitting and scanning the horizon.

The activity is offered in Spanish and English. A private group option is also available, which may appeal to families or friends who want a more personal outing. The standard experience is still designed to feel fairly intimate compared with a large coastal excursion.

Meeting the crew at Puerto Colon Gate 3

Your starting point is Puerto Colon, a marina in South Tenerife. Meet in front of Gate 3 fifteen minutes before departure. A Sea Safari Tenerife staff member checks your ticket, either printed or on your phone, then escorts the group to the boat if everyone is ready.

That early arrival matters. A speedboat cannot wait comfortably for late arrivals, and the operator asks everyone to be present before departure. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange your own way to Puerto Colon.

Bring beachwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You will be exposed to sun and wind for much of the three hours, and the swim stop means wet clothing and a towel are practical rather than optional. Baby strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, non-folding strollers, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

The speedboat ride along South Tenerife

Once underway, the trip follows the South Tenerife coast while the crew watches for signs of marine life. The ride itself is part of the attraction. You get the open-water feeling of a fast boat instead of the slower, more settled pace of a standard sightseeing vessel.

The return route offers views of small ports, beaches, and natural swimming pools. These coastal scenes help give the trip a sense of place. You are not only looking out to sea; you are also seeing how South Tenerife meets the Atlantic, with built-up resort areas giving way to rocky shore and sheltered swimming spots.

On clear days, you may see Mount Teide and the nearby island of La Gomera. Visibility is never something to count on, but when the air is clear, those distant views add a memorable backdrop to the trip.

The ride can be energetic. If you are prone to motion sickness, the speed and movement deserve some thought before booking. The supplied information does not specify seating arrangements or sea conditions, so you should expect the experience to change with the weather.

Watching dolphins and whales without a circus atmosphere

The wildlife portion is the heart of the trip. The guide explains Atlantic marine life while the boat searches for dolphins and whales in their normal setting. You might also see turtles and flying fish.

The most praised part of the experience is the crew’s attitude toward the animals. Captain Nico has been credited with explaining the waters and island clearly, while one outing was described as allowing dolphins and whales to approach the boat while the group stayed at a respectful distance. That matters. The best wildlife encounter is not one forced by a boat racing after animals.

Possible sightings include ordinary dolphins and pilot whales. One particularly lucky outing also included spotted dolphins, a turtle, and a man-of-war jellyfish. Another included a sac of squid eggs. Those details show how varied a day at sea can be, but they should not be treated as a promise for every departure.

The right mindset is to see the wildlife search as part of the experience, not as a guaranteed performance. Some departures may produce several memorable sightings. Others may offer more time watching the water and the coast. The guide’s explanations help make that time worthwhile even when nature is not on cue.

This is also a good choice for anyone who cares about responsible viewing. One of the strongest impressions from the feedback is respect for the sea and the effect visitors can have on island wildlife. That makes the trip feel more thoughtful than a simple high-speed chase.

The bay stop, swim, and snorkeling

The boat stops in a bay for a break. You can stay aboard, take a refreshing swim, or use the supplied snorkel equipment to look for fish.

This stop gives the three-hour trip a useful change of pace. After the speed and wildlife watch, you get time to cool off and enjoy the water directly. The bay also offers views of the cliffs and coast from a different angle, with the boat resting rather than racing onward.

The snorkeling is an option, not a requirement. If you are comfortable in the sea, bring your beachwear and towel and make use of the stop. If you would rather remain dry, you can simply enjoy the pause and the setting.

A stop near Los Cristianos has been praised as a good part of the outing. The exact location can vary with conditions, and the trip is subject to weather, so you should not expect the same water or visibility every day.

Do not confuse this with a full snorkeling excursion. The wildlife cruise remains the main focus, and the bay stop is one portion of the route. Snorkel gear is included, which is convenient, but the available information does not promise a long guided underwater session or a specific reef.

Sandwich, drink, and the practical value of lunch

A sandwich and one drink are included after the swim stop. That is a small detail, but it makes the outing easier. You do not need to bring a full meal or leave the boat hungry after being in the sun and water.

One point of feedback was that the meal could be removed in favor of a lower price. I can understand that view if you prefer to eat before the excursion or have strict dietary needs. The details do not specify the sandwich filling, drink choice, or options for special diets, so contact the operator if food is important to your decision.

For most people, the included snack is useful rather than a major attraction. Think of it as a practical refuel during an active boat ride, not a catered lunch. Bring water only if you want more than the included drink, and pack sunscreen for the return leg.

What $77 gets you

At $77 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Tenerife from the water. Its value comes from combining several separate activities in three hours: a speedboat ride, a guided wildlife search, coastal sightseeing, a swim stop, snorkel gear, a sandwich, and a drink.

The price also covers the guide and the boat, which is where much of the experience rests. A good captain can make the wildlife search feel calm and respectful instead of rushed. The feedback about Nico’s explanations and the crew’s care for the animals suggests that the human part of the trip is a real reason to consider it.

The value is strongest if you want an active outing and would otherwise pay separately for a coastal cruise and snorkeling. It is weaker if you only want a quiet boat ride, a guaranteed whale sighting, or a substantial meal.

The private group option may change the value calculation for families or groups of friends. The supplied details do not state the private-group price, so you would need to check that before deciding.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend it to you if you enjoy movement, sea air, and a bit of uncertainty. Families with older children, couples, and friends looking for a lively half-day can all find something here, provided everyone is comfortable on a speedboat and able to get into the water if they wish.

It is especially suited to people who want to support responsible wildlife watching. The crew’s reported approach of waiting rather than pursuing animals is a strong point for anyone who wants a closer look without turning the encounter into a chase.

You may want another type of cruise if your main goal is guaranteed wildlife, a slow and stable ride, or a full meal. The operator does not promise specific animals, and the trip can be affected by weather. If swimming is not appealing, the bay stop will be less useful, though you can remain on the boat.

People using non-folding wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs will need to choose another activity. The same applies if you need to bring a baby stroller that does not fold.

Weather, cancellations, and useful timing advice

The excursion is subject to weather conditions. That is normal for a small boat operating in the Atlantic, but it is worth keeping in mind when planning a tightly packed holiday schedule.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps you from paying at the time of booking. Check the available departure times before committing, since the exact start time is not fixed in the information provided.

I would place this trip on a day when you can tolerate a little schedule change. Avoid booking it immediately before an important flight or another fixed activity if a weather change would leave you scrambling.

Arrive at Gate 3 fifteen minutes early. Have your ticket ready on your phone or printed, and wear clothing that can handle spray and a swim stop. Those simple steps make the start much calmer.

Should you book the Puerto Colon speedboat cruise?

Book it if you want a fast, small-boat wildlife outing with a swim and snorkel break built in. The combination is the real strength: dolphins and pilot whales may appear, but you also get a worthwhile day even when the sea offers more coast and fewer animals.

The $77 price is reasonable for the package if you value the boat ride, guide, snack, drink, swim stop, and equipment. I would be more cautious if you dislike speed, need a guaranteed sighting, or expect a full lunch.

For the best chance of enjoying it, arrive early, bring sunscreen and a towel, keep your expectations flexible, and treat the wildlife as a gift rather than a scheduled show. Captain Nico’s clear explanations and the crew’s respectful approach make this a strong choice for an active South Tenerife day on the water.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

The tour departs from Puerto Colon, at Gate 3. Meet a Sea Safari Tenerife staff member in front of the gate fifteen minutes before departure.

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts three hours, including wildlife watching, coastal cruising, a bay stop, swimming or snorkeling, and the return along the South Tenerife coast.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. The trip searches for dolphins and whales in their natural environment, but sightings depend on marine life and weather conditions. You might also see turtles or flying fish.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel gear is included, and you can use it during the swim stop in the bay.

What food and drink are included?

The tour includes one sandwich and one drink. The available information does not specify the sandwich filling or special dietary choices.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.