Whale and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise with Hotel Pickup Tenerife

Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje

Your day starts with hotel pickup in Costa Adeje or the nearby resorts, and a short ride in an air-conditioned vehicle brings you to Puerto Colón, the marina at the heart of Costa Adeje. Lined with yachts, catamarans and fishing boats and framed by the beaches of Fañabé and Troya, it is the busiest departure point for boat trips on the south-west coast of Tenerife.

On board, the skipper gives a safety briefing and shows you around the yacht before casting off. Within minutes the marina falls behind, and from the water you see the full sweep of Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas, with the volcanic peaks of the interior behind them. Puerto Colón boat trips are popular because the open Atlantic, and its wildlife, begins almost at the harbour mouth.

Under Sail along the South-West Coast

A sailing yacht offers a different experience from a motorboat: when the wind fills the sails and the engine goes quiet, you hear only the sea and the wind, and the boat glides smoothly across the swell. With just 11 guests on board there is room to stretch out on the foredeck, sit at the helm area or find shade below.

The route follows the south-west coast of Tenerife, where the sea is often sheltered by the island's mountains from the north-east trade winds. On clear days the summit of Mount Teide appears above the coast, and to the west the neighbouring island of La Gomera rises across the channel. This small group whale watching trip in Tenerife feels relaxed and personal, with time to ask the crew questions along the way.

Whales and Dolphins in a Conservation Area

The waters off the south-west of Tenerife are part of the Teno-Rasca marine conservation area, which protects one of the richest cetacean habitats in Europe. A resident population of short-finned pilot whales lives here all year, and bottlenose dolphins are frequent visitors, along with seasonal species such as common and Atlantic spotted dolphins.

The skipper follows the official rules on distance and time with each group, so the animals are never chased or crowded. Your guide explains how pilot whales live in close family groups, why they rest at the surface during the day and how dolphins hunt together. On many trips dolphins approach to ride alongside the bow, while seabirds follow the yacht in search of fish.

Snorkelling with Turtles in a Secluded Bay

After the watching, the yacht anchors in a quiet bay along the coast, chosen by the crew for calm water on the day. Here green sea turtles are often seen grazing on the rocks and surfacing to breathe, and you can swim and snorkel with them using the masks and snorkels provided. The water is clear, and shoals of colourful fish gather around the volcanic reef.

If you prefer to stay on deck, this is the moment to enjoy the snacks: filled baguettes, fresh fruit, crisps and nuts, with soft drinks and water. Remember that turtles are wild animals, so the crew asks everyone to watch without touching or feeding them. Swimming with turtles in Tenerife is one of the island's most memorable experiences, and children often rate it as the best part of the trip.

Life on Board and Choosing Your Departure

Three departures run each day. The 10:00 sailing usually has the calmest sea and clear morning light, the 13:00 sailing has the warmest water for snorkelling, and the 16:00 sailing returns in the golden late-afternoon light, a lovely way to end a beach day. All three follow the same route and have the same chances of seeing whales and dolphins.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light jacket, as the breeze at sea can feel cool. Souvenir photos are available to buy on board. If you would rather go directly to the marina, a second option on this page offers the same cruise meeting at Puerto Colón without hotel pickup. At the end of the trip, our driver takes you back to your hotel.