SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

Wildlife spotting starts with a fast ride. This three-hour Sea Safari from Puerto Colón combines close-up searches for dolphins and pilot whales with coastal views, a swim stop, snorkeling, and a short ride on a BladeFish underwater scooter. I like the small group size, capped at 11 people, and the fact that drinks, sandwiches, and snorkeling gear are included.

I also like the relaxed approach to swimming. You can get into the water, try the equipment, or stay aboard, making this a good choice for mixed-age families. The main caution is that wild animals set the schedule, so sightings are never guaranteed, and one serious report describes a missed departure and difficulty reaching the operator.

Quick points about the Sea Safari

• Pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife: The boat goes to areas where marine life has been seen before, with reported sightings also including turtles and flying fish.
• A speedy three-hour route: The speedboat covers more coast than a slow cruise, combining wildlife searches with cliffs and a return along south Tenerife.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You can travel light, with masks and other equipment supplied.
• BladeFish experience: You may get to try an underwater personal propulsion device, an unusual extra on a whale-watching trip.
• Small maximum group: The boat takes no more than 11 people, which should make the outing more personal and easier to follow.
• Food and drinks onboard: Sandwiches and drinks are provided, so you do not need to arrange a meal during the trip.

Leaving Puerto Colón on a small speedboat

The experience begins at Sea Safari Tenerife on Avenida de Colón in Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas. You return to the same meeting point after roughly three hours, so the outing is easy to fit into a day based in south Tenerife.

The boat is the reason to choose this trip over a large sightseeing cruise. A maximum of 11 people gives you a better chance of seeing the water from the side, hearing the guide, and moving around without a crowd pressing against the rail. It also helps the trip feel more like a hands-on outing than a standard harbor excursion.

The speed matters, too. A fast boat can cover more ground during a short trip, which is useful when the crew is searching for moving animals. One especially enthusiastic account praised the captain for finding several groups of pilot whales and dolphins while still leaving time for a turtle sighting and a swim.

You should expect movement. The boat is built for speed, not for a quiet, steady ride. If you are prone to seasickness, keep that in mind before booking, although one family specifically found the boat comfortable and said it did not cause sickness. That is encouraging, but it is not a promise for every passenger.

The meeting point is near public transportation, and confirmation is issued at booking. The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket, so having your booking available on your phone should make check-in simple.

Searching for dolphins and pilot whales

The wildlife portion takes place around the waters off south Tenerife, where the crew heads to areas with previous sightings. The most frequently celebrated animals are dolphins and pilot whales, with some trips also reporting turtles, fish, flying fish, crabs, and even a hammerhead shark.

Pilot whales are a particular highlight. Several accounts describe seeing more than one family group, rather than a single distant animal. That matters because the encounter can feel less like ticking an animal off a list and more like watching a living group move through its normal surroundings.

The boat is said to approach carefully and respectfully. That is important on a wildlife trip. You want a good view, but you also want the animals to remain in control of the encounter. The captain’s role is not only to locate them, but also to avoid turning the sighting into a noisy chase.

The crew member most often praised by name is Captain Eric. He is described as friendly, flexible, and able to explain marine animals and the island while keeping the trip moving. Tines is also mentioned in connection with arranging a family outing when only one person had initially booked.

Sightings remain unpredictable. Even a skilled captain cannot order a dolphin to appear or guarantee that a whale will surface beside the boat. If you need a fixed list of animals, this is the wrong kind of outing. If you enjoy the search and can accept some uncertainty, the speedboat format gives you a good chance to cover useful water in three hours.

The published figures are strong, with a 4.8 rating from 51 ratings and recommendation from 98 percent of customers. That points to a consistently good experience, though the single serious complaint about a no-show should not be ignored. I would confirm the departure details if your schedule is tight, especially when the trip is important to your holiday.

Along the cliffs of south Tenerife

Wildlife is only part of the route. The trip also includes views of Tenerife’s cliffs, followed by a return to Puerto Colón along the south coast.

This coastal section gives the outing some variety. You are not spending all three hours looking at open water. The cliffs provide a clear sense of Tenerife’s rugged shoreline, while the return route gives you another angle on the coast.

A speedboat also changes how you read the coast. You get a low, water-level view, with the shoreline passing much faster than it would on a walking route or road trip. I would treat this as a pleasant coastal survey rather than a detailed sightseeing tour. The supplied information does not name individual cliffs or promise a narrated geology lesson.

That is useful to know before you book. The trip works best as a mix of wildlife, sea air, speed, and swimming. It is not designed as a slow photographic cruise with long stops at every viewpoint.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the BladeFish

The tour includes a stop for swimming and snorkeling, with equipment rental already covered. That saves you from packing a mask and snorkel, and it means you can decide during the trip if you want to get in the water.

The swim is optional. This is one of the best details for a mixed group. A confident swimmer can snorkel, while someone who would rather remain dry can stay aboard and enjoy the cove or the surrounding cliffs. A 71-year-old passenger was able to enjoy the trip without pressure to leave the boat, which shows how flexible the activity can be for older family members.

The BladeFish is the unusual feature. This underwater personal propulsion device helps pull you through the water and gives the snorkeling stop a playful, motor-assisted twist. It is not a standard extra on every coastal boat ride, so it may be the part children and active adults remember most.

The information does not specify how long each person uses the BladeFish, how many devices are available, or the exact swimming location. I would view it as an included opportunity rather than the main reason to book. The core experience remains the wildlife search and boat trip.

Snorkeling itself can be rewarding, but conditions vary with weather and sea state. You might see fish, turtles, or other marine life, as some outings have reported. You should not treat those sightings as guaranteed, and you should follow the guide’s instructions around the boat and wildlife.

Snacks, drinks, and the real value of $78.10

The listed price is $78.10 per person. For three hours, that is not the cheapest way to see the Tenerife coast, but the cost includes several extras: the speedboat ride, wildlife search, snorkeling equipment, the BladeFish experience, sandwiches, and drinks.

I think the value is strongest for people who want several activities in one compact outing. Paying separately for a coastal ride, snorkeling equipment, a wildlife trip, and food could quickly narrow the price difference. The small group limit also adds value, since you are not paying for a large boat with limited access to the guide.

The value is weaker if you only want a guaranteed whale sighting or a quiet cruise. Wild animals may stay hidden, and a fast boat is not the best match for someone seeking a slow, restful morning. Your personal priorities matter more here than the headline price.

Food is simple rather than elaborate. Sandwiches and drinks keep you going during the trip, but this is not a meal-focused excursion. You can travel light, enjoy the coast, and avoid having to bring lunch for a three-hour activity.

The tour is often booked around 25 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early if you have a fixed holiday schedule, particularly for a small boat with only 11 places.

Who should book this Tenerife boat trip?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and small groups who want an active half-day on the water. It suits you if you like the chance of seeing several types of wildlife and want more speed and variety than a standard cruise can offer.

It also works well for groups with different comfort levels. Strong swimmers can snorkel and try the BladeFish, while older relatives or nervous swimmers can stay on the boat. The reports of a four-year-old enjoying the trip, along with a baby being brought along, suggest that the outing can suit young families, although the supplied details do not provide formal age rules.

You should think twice if you dislike fast boat rides, need guaranteed wildlife sightings, or want a fully detailed coastal tour. You should also be aware that one booking reportedly failed when nobody appeared at the meeting point. That experience conflicts sharply with the otherwise very positive record, so I would keep your confirmation accessible and make sure you know the exact departure arrangements.

The activity requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low bookings cancel the trip, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Is the Sea Safari worth booking?

I would book this Sea Safari if I wanted one lively outing that combined dolphins, pilot whales, cliffs, snorkeling, a swim, and a fast coastal ride. Captain Eric’s strong reputation, the small group, optional water activities, and included snacks make the $78.10 fare reasonable for an active three-hour trip.

I would not book it as my only plan for seeing a particular species. Nature decides the schedule, and the one serious service complaint means I would confirm the departure details before setting out. For most people who accept those limits, this is a well-rounded choice for seeing Tenerife from the water without committing to a full-day excursion.

FAQ

Where does the Sea Safari start?

It starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The trip ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Colón.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

What animals might I see?

The trip focuses on dolphins and whales, especially pilot whales. Sightings may also include turtles, fish, flying fish, crabs, and other marine life, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment rental is included in the experience.

Is the BladeFish included?

The tour includes the chance to try a BladeFish, an underwater personal propulsion device.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. Sandwiches and drinks are provided during the trip.

How many people can join?

The activity has a maximum of 11 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor or the minimum group size is not reached?

If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours before the start time.