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

The best part of this Tenerife boat trip is the chance to see wild dolphins and pilot whales from a fast, small speedboat, rather than from a crowded sightseeing vessel. The crew heads toward places where marine life has been seen before, then follows the south coast back to Puerto Colón, with time for snorkeling and swimming.

I like the maximum group size of 11, which gives the outing a more personal feel, and I like that snorkeling gear, sandwiches, and drinks are included. The BladeFish underwater propulsion device is a fun extra, too. The main drawback is that wildlife is never guaranteed, and one serious booking problem was reported, so confirm the departure details before setting out.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles: Sightings can include several marine species, with pilot whales and dolphins the most frequently noted.
• Small speedboat: The boat can cover a good stretch of Tenerife’s south coast during the three-hour trip.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: Equipment rental is part of the price, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel.
• BladeFish ride: You can try an underwater personal propulsion device during the water stop.
• Up to 11 people: This is a small-group outing, not a large harbor cruise.
• Puerto Colón departure: The trip begins and ends at Sea Safari Tenerife on Avenida de Colón in Playa de las Américas.

Why this boat trip is different from a standard whale cruise

Tenerife’s south coast is one of the island’s main areas for marine wildlife excursions, but the style of trip matters. A large boat can give you more room, yet a small speedboat offers a closer-to-the-water feel and can move between sighting areas more quickly.

This trip lasts about three hours, which is long enough to combine wildlife watching with a swim stop without taking up your whole day. The speed is part of the fun. You are not simply sitting in a harbor or drifting along one short stretch of coast. The boat heads out toward known wildlife areas, then returns by way of the coastline.

I would choose this format if you want a lively outing with several parts to it. You get sea views, animal watching, a look at the cliffs, time in the water, and a playful gadget to try. If you want a quiet, slow boat ride with lots of space to move around, a speedboat may feel less comfortable.

The boat carries no more than 11 people. That limit matters. You should have a better chance of seeing what is happening around the boat, and the guide can speak to the group without a microphone or long lecture. It also makes the trip feel more like a small excursion than a mass-market cruise.

Leaving Puerto Colón for the open water

The meeting point is Sea Safari Tenerife at Avenida de Colón, Puerto Colón, in Playa de las Américas. The activity starts and finishes here, and the location is near public transportation.

Once you leave the marina, the first job is wildlife watching. The crew takes you toward places where dolphins and whales have been seen before. That does not mean the animals will appear on schedule, but it gives the search a practical basis. The captain is not simply hoping to spot something by chance.

Captain Eric receives particularly strong praise for his animal knowledge and his ability to locate marine life. His approach also appears careful. The boat is taken close enough for good views, while keeping a respectful distance from the animals. That is important on a wildlife trip. The goal should be a clear sighting, not a frantic chase.

Pilot whales are a major possibility here. Several species of dolphins may also appear. Other reported sightings include turtles, flying fish, many smaller fish, crabs, and even a hammerhead shark. These are possibilities rather than promises, but they show the range of life you might encounter during the outing.

Keep your expectations sensible. No captain can guarantee whales, dolphins, or turtles on a particular morning. The value of the trip is partly in the search itself, with the boat moving through open water and the crew reading the sea for signs of animals.

Watching dolphins and pilot whales at close range

The wildlife portion is the main reason to book. Dolphins can be quick, playful, and hard to predict. Pilot whales are slower and larger, and seeing a family group can be especially memorable. The small boat lets you stay close to the waterline, so you are not looking down from a high deck.

A good sighting may last only a few minutes. You might see backs breaking the surface, a fin moving through the water, or a group changing direction together. Bring patience as well as your camera. The boat may need to pause while the captain looks for movement, and the sea can seem empty between sightings.

The reports of multiple dolphin species, pilot whales, and turtles suggest that this can be a strong outing for anyone interested in marine life. One family even saw a young turtle feeding on a jellyfish. That is the sort of unusual moment no fixed sightseeing schedule can provide.

The captain’s manner also matters. The available comments describe Eric as friendly, attentive, and careful around animals. You will get more from the trip if you listen to his explanations rather than treating the boat only as a fast ride.

Still, I would not book this solely on the promise of seeing every animal listed. Marine wildlife is wild, and conditions change. Book it because you want three hours on the Atlantic with a real chance of seeing dolphins and pilot whales, plus several other activities if the sightings are brief.

Speed, cliffs, and the south Tenerife coast

The speedboat gives this trip its character. You cover more water than you would on a short, slow harbor outing, and the return route follows the coast toward Puerto Colón. Along the way, you can watch Tenerife’s cliffs and see the southern coast from offshore.

The coastline looks different from the water. Instead of viewing the island from a road or resort promenade, you get a low, open perspective. The cliffs become part of the trip rather than a distant backdrop. The return journey is not just transport back to port, since the coastal views fill out the second half of the experience.

There is a trade-off. A fast boat can be exciting, but it may feel bumpy, especially if the sea is not calm. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a refund. If you are prone to seasickness, consider this format carefully. One comment specifically praised the boat for not causing seasickness, but that is a personal response, not a guarantee for everyone.

Wear clothing that can handle spray and bring only what you need. The tour is designed for light packing, with snorkeling equipment supplied and food and drinks provided. The available information does not specify storage arrangements, so avoid bringing anything fragile or bulky.

The swimming stop and included snorkeling gear

The water stop adds a welcome change of pace after the wildlife search. You can swim and snorkel in a sheltered cove, with the exact conditions depending on the day and sea state. The stop gives you a chance to get off the seats, cool down, and see what is beneath the surface.

Snorkeling equipment rental is included. That is useful if you are packing for a holiday and do not want to carry your own mask and snorkel through the airport. Different mask sizes and styles are available, according to the feedback provided, so the crew can help you find a suitable option.

The water can offer a different kind of wildlife encounter. Reports include fish, crabs, and turtles, though the animals you see during the swim cannot be predicted. Snorkeling conditions will also depend on visibility, weather, and how comfortable you feel in open water.

You do not have to swim. This is an important point for mixed groups. One older passenger, aged 71, enjoyed the three-hour outing without pressure to leave the boat. If you want to stay aboard and watch the coast, take photos, or simply relax, that choice is respected.

Families should note that the available information says most people can participate, and a family with a four-year-old and a baby was able to join. That does not replace checking your own child’s comfort with a speedboat and sea conditions. The trip is active, and every child should be supervised closely around the water.

Trying the BladeFish underwater scooter

The BladeFish is the trip’s most unusual extra. It is a personal propulsion device that pulls you through the water while you hold on. For someone who has already snorkeled around Tenerife, this adds a new element without requiring special diving training.

Think of it as a short, playful experiment rather than the purpose of the trip. You may enjoy the feeling of moving more quickly underwater, but your time with the device will depend on the group, conditions, and the crew’s schedule. The supplied information does not promise a set length of use.

The BladeFish is most useful for people who want variety. You can watch whales, swim, snorkel, and then try something that feels a little different from ordinary beach equipment. It also gives older children and adults a memorable talking point, provided they are comfortable in the water.

If you dislike gadgets or prefer a calm swim, you can simply skip it. The excursion does not require every person to take part in every water activity.

Sandwiches, drinks, and the real value of $78.10

The price is $78.10 per person. That is not the cheapest way to spend three hours by the sea, but the package includes several costs that can add up elsewhere: wildlife watching, a small speedboat, snorkeling equipment, a BladeFish tryout, sandwiches, and drinks.

The group cap improves the value for me. You are paying for a more personal boat outing rather than a very large cruise, and the boat can move along the coast instead of staying in one narrow area. The food is simple, but having a sandwich and drinks included means you do not need to plan a separate meal during the excursion.

The price makes the most sense if you want several experiences in one booking. You are less likely to see the value if you only want a guaranteed swim or only want a scenic boat ride. For a family, the total cost can also rise quickly, so decide which members will truly enjoy the wildlife search and speedboat ride.

The food should be viewed as practical fuel, not a meal destination. Eat normally beforehand if you need a substantial breakfast or lunch. Three hours at sea can feel long if you are hungry, even with the provided snack.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Colón outing

I would recommend it for people who want an active half-day on Tenerife and do not need every minute planned in advance. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like wildlife, speed, and time in the water.

It is also a good option for mixed-age groups. You can stay aboard if you do not want to swim, while more active members of your party can snorkel or try the BladeFish. The example of a 71-year-old enjoying the trip shows that you do not need to be a strong swimmer to take part in the boat portion.

The trip may be less suitable for anyone who needs guaranteed animal sightings, dislikes fast boats, or wants a long, gentle cruise. It may also be a poor fit if you are very sensitive to motion. Good weather is required, and the sea decides how smooth the ride will be.

The small group works well for people who want direct contact with the captain. Captain Eric’s role appears to go beyond steering. He explains the animals and the island, which adds meaning to the sightings.

Booking details worth checking twice

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancel later than that and the payment is not refunded. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted.

The trip may be canceled for poor weather. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of participants, so an underbooked departure can be canceled with the same choice of another date, another activity, or a refund.

There is one serious caution. A customer reported arriving for a confirmed booking and finding that nobody appeared or answered the supplied phone number. This is not consistent with the strong overall rating of 4.8 from 51 ratings and the 98 percent recommendation figure, but it is important enough to mention. I would save the confirmation, check the meeting point, and contact Sea Safari before the day if you have a fixed babysitter, birthday plan, or other costly arrangement.

The tour is offered in English. It is near public transportation, starts at Puerto Colón, and returns to the same meeting point.

Should you book the Sea Safari speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a small-group wildlife trip with real variety. The combination of dolphins, pilot whales, possible turtles, coastal cliffs, snorkeling, a BladeFish ride, and included refreshments gives you more than a simple boat transfer.

I especially like it for families and couples who want an outing that can work for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. The cap of 11 people, Captain Eric’s strong reputation for finding animals, and the respectful approach to wildlife add real value.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed sighting, a quiet luxury cruise, or a very smooth ride. Also confirm the departure before you go, especially when your plans depend on it. For the right kind of day, this is a lively and fairly priced way to meet Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

Where does the Sea Safari trip start and finish?

The trip starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Avenida de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Colón.

How long is the experience?

The boat trip lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The activity has a maximum of 11 participants.

Are snorkeling equipment, food, and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment rental is included, and sandwiches and drinks are provided during the trip.

Do I have to swim or snorkel?

No. You can remain on the boat if you do not want to swim or snorkel.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.