Puerto Colon: Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise

The main attraction here is the small speedboat, which gets you close to South Tenerife’s sea life without putting you on a huge sightseeing vessel. You may see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, or even the less usual spotted dolphin and man-of-war jellyfish.

I like the respectful wildlife approach, with the boat waiting while animals come near on their own. I also like the stop in a bay, where you can swim or snorkel among fish, then recover with a sandwich and cold drink. The trade-off is simple: wildlife is wild, so sightings cannot be promised, and the open boat can feel lively in rough weather.

Key points

• Small speedboat setting: A more personal ride than the usual large sightseeing boat.
• Wildlife in its natural setting: Look for dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, and other Atlantic life.
• A useful swim stop: Snorkel gear is supplied, and you can enter the water in a sheltered bay.
• Strong guiding: Nico and Tine are among the guides associated with the trip, with explanations in English and Spanish.
• Good coastal views: On a clear day, you may see Mount Teide and La Gomera, along with beaches, ports, and natural swimming pools.
• Three hours for $77: The price is fair if you value the small boat, wildlife search, guide, snack, drink, and swim stop.

Setting Out From Puerto Colon

You meet the Sea Safari Tenerife staff at Puerto Colon Gate 3, 15 minutes before departure. Have your printed or digital ticket ready. If everyone arrives on time, the group is escorted to the boat.

That early arrival matters. This is not a hop-on boat where you can stroll up at the last second. Puerto Colon is the working departure point, and the crew needs to get everyone aboard before the speedboat leaves.

The tour lasts three hours, with the boat traveling out from Puerto Colon and then returning along the south coast. Hotel pickup is not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the marina.

Why the Speedboat Changes the Experience

The boat is a major part of the appeal. A speedboat gives you the wind, spray, and quick movement that make this feel more active than a standard whale-watching cruise.

It also creates a smaller setting for questions and explanations. Guides speak English and Spanish, and Nico has been singled out for explaining the waters, the island, and the marine life clearly. Tine is also part of the guiding team on some departures.

The small-boat format has a cost. You will feel the motion more than you would on a large vessel, especially if the sea is unsettled. The tour is subject to weather conditions, and the crew may need to adjust plans for safety.

Bring beachwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You’ll be outside for the full outing, with little reason to pack anything elaborate.

Searching for Dolphins and Pilot Whales

The first major part of the cruise is the search for marine life. The boat moves through the Atlantic waters off South Tenerife, where you might see dolphins and pilot whales. Turtles and flying fish are also possible.

The wildlife sightings described for this trip include common dolphins, spotted dolphins, and pilot whales. One particularly fortunate outing included a turtle, a man-of-war jellyfish, and a sac of squid eggs. That list shows the range of life you might encounter, but it should not be treated as a promise.

The best feature is the way the boat handles close encounters. The crew has been described as waiting at a respectful distance while the animals approach on their own. That makes the experience feel less like a chase and more like a quiet observation of animals going about their business.

Your guide also explains more about Atlantic marine life during the ride. This adds value beyond simply pointing at fins in the distance. You get some context for what you are seeing and why different animals may appear in these waters.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. A whale and dolphin excursion is never a guaranteed wildlife show. You may see a great deal, or you may spend more time watching open water. The boat and guide improve your chances, but nature makes the final decision.

The Bay Stop Near Los Cristianos

The cruise includes a stop in a bay, with the snorkeling stop described as being near Los Cristianos. Here you can enter the sea for a swim or use the supplied snorkeling equipment to look for fish.

This break gives the three-hour trip a welcome change of pace. After the speedboat ride and wildlife search, you can cool off in the water and see Tenerife from sea level. The surrounding cliffs add a striking backdrop, and the stop lets you enjoy the coast rather than simply passing it.

The swim stop is also practical. If you like active excursions, this keeps the tour from being three straight hours of sitting on a boat. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain aboard and enjoy the bay and cliffs from the deck.

The snorkeling equipment is included, but the available information does not promise a particular reef, fish species, or underwater conditions. Think of it as a chance to look around in a bay, not a dedicated snorkeling expedition.

Bring a towel and beachwear. Sunscreen is essential, even on a day when the wind makes the air feel cool.

Sandwiches, Drinks, and the Return Coast

After the water stop, you receive a sandwich and one drink. This is a useful refreshment, especially after swimming, though it is not intended to replace a full lunch.

One person who enjoyed the tour felt the lunch could be skipped in favor of a lower price. That is fair criticism if you are eating before the trip or prefer to choose your own food. The sandwich is best viewed as a simple included snack that keeps you going, not a reason to book the cruise.

The return route follows South Tenerife’s coast. From the water, you can see small ports, beaches, natural swimming pools, and the cliffs that are easy to miss when moving around the island by road.

On a clear day, Mount Teide may appear inland, while La Gomera can be visible offshore. These views depend on weather and visibility, but they give the ride a wider sense of place. You are not only watching for animals. You are also seeing how Tenerife’s southern coast fits together from the Atlantic.

What the Three Hours Feel Like

Three hours is a useful length for this outing. It gives the crew time to search for wildlife, stop for swimming, serve a snack, and return along the coast without taking up an entire day.

The pace is active. You may spend part of the trip moving quickly, then slow down for wildlife or stop in the bay. That variety is one reason I prefer this format to a short harbor cruise.

The boat ride can also feel physically demanding. You’ll be exposed to sun and wind, and the speedboat’s movement may not suit anyone who dislikes a lively ride. Non-folding wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, baby strollers, and non-folding strollers are not allowed.

A private group is available, which may appeal to couples, families with older children, or small groups that want a more personal arrangement. The standard experience is still built around the shared speedboat trip, so check the available option carefully when booking.

Is $77 a Fair Price?

At $77 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. It becomes better value when you count what is included: a three-hour speedboat ride, a guide, wildlife watching, a swim stop, snorkeling equipment, a sandwich, and one drink.

The price also reflects the smaller boat. Large whale-watching vessels may carry more people and offer more space, but this tour is aimed at people who want a faster and more intimate ride.

I would book it for the combination of wildlife and swimming, not for the food. If you only want a quick coastal cruise, $77 may feel high. If you want a half-day outing with several distinct parts, the cost is easier to justify.

The strongest value comes when the conditions cooperate and you see several kinds of marine life. Even then, the right mindset is important. You are paying for time on the water and a well-planned search, not a guaranteed animal encounter.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend this tour to people who like being active and do not want a large, slow boat. Couples and small groups should appreciate the more personal feel, especially if they choose the private option.

It also suits anyone who wants several South Tenerife experiences in one outing: marine life, cliffs, a bay, snorkeling, and coastal views. The guides’ explanations add interest for anyone who wants to understand the Atlantic environment rather than simply take pictures.

Families should consider the boat’s speed and the restrictions on strollers. The available information does not give a minimum age or specific child policy, so check before booking if you are traveling with children.

This is less suitable for anyone who needs a very stable ride, dislikes sun exposure, or wants a guaranteed whale sighting. It is also not the right choice if you need hotel transportation, since pickup and drop-off are not included.

Practical Tips for a Better Trip

Arrive at Gate 3 at least 15 minutes before departure. Keep your ticket on your phone or bring a printed copy, and allow extra time to reach Puerto Colon.

Wear swimwear beneath light clothing, and bring a towel and sunscreen. A drink is included, but the supplied information does not specify the size, so bring anything else you personally need for three hours in the sun.

Keep your expectations flexible. The crew may find dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and flying fish, but no wildlife trip can control what appears. The most rewarding approach is to treat sightings as a bonus within a broader boat trip.

If the sea is rough or the weather changes, the route or outing may be affected. This is a safety matter, not a flaw in the tour, but it is worth remembering when planning a tightly scheduled day.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options are helpful if your weather plans are still unsettled.

Should You Book the Puerto Colon Speedboat Cruise?

I would book this if you want a small, fast boat, a serious chance to see dolphins and pilot whales, and time to swim or snorkel in the same outing. The respectful approach to wildlife and the strong guiding associated with Nico and Tine add real value.

I would skip it if you want a calm, guaranteed sightseeing ride, a full meal, or hotel pickup. For most active visitors staying in South Tenerife, though, the mix is appealing: three hours on the Atlantic, coastal scenery, a bay stop, simple refreshments, and the possibility of seeing remarkable animals in the wild.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The meeting point is Puerto Colon Gate 3 in South Tenerife.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. A Sea Safari Tenerife staff member will wait in front of Gate 3 and check your printed or digital ticket.

How long does the experience last?

The speedboat tour lasts three hours.

What marine life might I see?

You might see dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, flying fish, spotted dolphins, and other Atlantic marine life. Sightings depend on natural conditions.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes a swim stop in a bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel gear is included for the stop in the bay.

What food and drink are included?

You receive one sandwich and one drink.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The tour is subject to weather conditions.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.