A private boat makes the ocean feel yours. On this 40-foot sailing yacht, you get private access for up to 11 and the chance to track whales and dolphins using sonar listening gear while you enjoy drinks and a relaxed onboard vibe. It’s a great way to see Tenerife from the Atlantic with real breathing room—no elbow-to-elbow boat life.

I also like how practical the sailing plan feels: you cruise out from Playa de las Américas, keep an active lookout for pilot whales (often year-round in the area), and then drop anchor for a proper swim and snorkeling stop. The one thing to think about is weather—this trip runs only when conditions are good, so rough seas can change plans.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Private yacht for up to 11: your group controls the feel of the trip.
• Whale and dolphin sonar listening gear: it helps the skipper track marine activity.
• Snorkeling gear plus a swim stop: you’re not just watching from the rail.
• Open bar and snacks: champagne plus unlimited wine, beer, sodas, and bottled water.
• Choosable timing (3 or 6 hours): morning or afternoon options for your schedule.

Private Yacht for Up to 11: What That Means in Real Life

This is not a big cattle-boat. The yacht carries up to 11 passengers, which changes everything. You can spread out on deck, find shade if the sun is doing its thing, and actually have a conversation without shouting over 40 strangers. The sailing setup also has a comfortable saloon cabin and even a kitchenette—so if you want to cool down briefly or keep your snacks sorted, you can.

The size is also why the wildlife watching works better. When a skipper spots something interesting, you can shift your position quickly without turning it into a slow-motion pileup. The crew can also take the time to orient you and help you get ready for snorkeling without rushing.

And yes, the private format is where the value shows up. The total price is $716.45 per group (up to 11). If you book with a full group, that works out to roughly $65 per person. Even if you’re not filling all seats, the main idea stays the same: you’re paying for a boat day, not a ticketed slot on someone else’s schedule.

From Puerto Colón to Open Water: The Flow of the Cruise

The trip starts at the marina jetty at Puerto Colón (Pantalan 2), near Costa Adeje. You’ll meet the skipper and get a safety briefing right where boarding begins. That short pre-departure moment matters more than people think. It sets expectations for where to stand, how to handle moving on deck, and when it’s time for the water activity.

Once you’re aboard, the first payoff is the view. You’ll watch Playa de las Américas unfold from the water as you head out toward Atlantic areas known for whale and dolphin sightings. This is the part where you’ll want to be ready to look—not just once, but repeatedly. Marine animals aren’t on a timetable, and the best skippers keep everyone scanning while also paying attention to the sonar listening equipment.

You’ll then continue cruising while the skipper actively searches. The goal is to find pilot whales, dolphins, and sometimes sea turtles. If you’re lucky, the day feels like it’s running in layers: spotters on deck, sonar cues below deck, and then a moment where wildlife actually comes into view close enough to make everyone quiet for a second.

Sonar Listening Gear and the Wildlife Hunt (Pilot Whales Included)

The most important word on this trip is sonar—not as a sci-fi gadget, but as a practical tool for tracking marine life. You’re not relying only on sight. The boat includes sonar equipment that helps the crew listen for whales and dolphins, which can improve your odds of meaningful sightings.

Here’s what you can realistically hope to see:

• Pilot whales are noted as being present in the local waters year-round.
• Dolphins can show up during the cruise when conditions and location line up.
• Sea turtles are part of the possible sightings, and snorkeling can also put you in the right context if you’re given the chance to swim and explore.

To me, this is where the private format again helps. When you’re not packed onto a huge vessel, you can pay attention longer, stay calm when nothing happens for a bit, and be ready when the skipper says to watch a certain direction. One of the best pieces of feedback from this kind of day is how the captain guides attention—people consistently mention that the captain points out where to look.

Champagne, Open Bar, Snacks, and the Onboard Comfort Factor

Let’s talk food and drink because it’s not an afterthought here. You’ll start with a glass of Champagne and then get unlimited wine, beer, sodas, and bottled water. That makes the cruise feel like an actual charter day, not a “tour plus a bottle of water.”

Snacks are included too. On top of light refreshments, you’ll find assorted snacks onboard, and some guests specifically call out nibbles and baguettes. Practical note: the food is best treated as steady fuel while you’re out watching wildlife and getting in and out of the water. It’s not a sit-down meal, but it’s enough to keep your energy up through the cruise.

The saloon cabin and onboard layout also matter here. If you’re out for several hours, you’ll appreciate a place to duck out of sun, organize your stuff, or just take a break from wind. It’s a sailing yacht, so conditions can shift quickly—comfort onboard helps.

The Anchor-and-Swim Stop: When Snorkeling Gear Becomes the Main Event

This is the part many people come for: the skipper drops anchor and you get time to swim. The tour includes snorkel gear, so you can explore the underwater world if you want. You might see marine life close up—people also mention sea turtles—though your exact underwater experience depends on what’s around at that moment.

A good way to think about it: the cruise is for the wildlife search, but snorkeling is for the reward. You go from scanning the horizon to actually putting your face into the water and getting a new perspective.

One consideration: swimming and snorkeling are weather- and water-condition dependent. If the sea state is too rough, you might not get the same water time as on a calmer day. That’s why it’s worth packing for changing conditions, even if the weather looks great at departure.

Your Timing Choice: 3 Hours vs 6 Hours, Morning vs Afternoon

You can choose between a 3-hour or 6-hour cruise, in the morning or afternoon. In practice, here’s how I’d choose:

• If you want the highlights without stretching your day, go 3 hours. It’s long enough for open-water cruising, time to search, and at least one swim window if conditions allow.
• If you want more time on the water, pick 6 hours. Wildlife watching is all about patience. More time gives the crew more opportunities to circle productive areas and take advantage of shifting sightings.

Morning tours often feel fresher and cooler. Afternoon cruises can turn into a golden-hour vibe, but the sun and wind can also feel stronger depending on the day. If you’re sensitive to heat, you’ll likely prefer morning. If you’re traveling with a relaxed schedule and want longer time to roam the route, the 6-hour option is the better match.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This private yacht cruise is ideal if you want:

• A small-group feel on the water
• Whale and dolphin watching with more than just visual scanning (sonar is included)
• Real onboard comfort plus an open bar and snacks
• A swim and snorkeling stop that breaks up the day

It’s also a strong choice for families. One standout theme from guest feedback is that kids and adults get the chance to enjoy the water together, without feeling like they’re trapped in a crowded deck setup. If you’re traveling with mixed ages, the yacht size can make it easier to manage.

You might want a different option if you’re the type who gets impatient when wildlife doesn’t show immediately. Even with sonar and a good skipper, animals don’t always cooperate. This tour is best when you’re ready to treat the search as part of the experience.

Captain Style and Real Guidance: The Difference You Can Feel

The crew guidance is a big deal on this kind of outing. Several guests mention captains by name, including Guy and Juan Angel, and also Maxi. The consistent point is that the captain doesn’t just point in a general direction—he helps you focus your eyes, keeps the boat in the right areas, and maintains a relaxed rhythm so the day doesn’t feel frantic.

That captain style matters because wildlife watching is partly skill and partly timing. When guidance is clear, you’re more likely to actually see what’s out there and to understand what you’re looking at.

Price Value Breakdown: Why This Works Better Than You’d Expect

At $716.45 per group up to 11, the price sounds like a splurge until you convert it into the experience you’re getting: an entire boat day instead of a per-person slot on a packed tour.

Here’s the value logic I use:

• You pay for the yacht experience and the skipper’s effort to locate wildlife.
• You get onboard drinks (Champagne plus unlimited beer, wine, sodas, and bottled water).
• You get snorkel equipment and a planned swim stop.
• You get a small maximum group size, which improves comfort and sightlines.

If you’re booking as a group, the math tends to look better quickly. If you’re just two people, you may feel the price more. Still, even then, you’re buying privacy and time on a sailing yacht with included amenities, not a quick drive-by outing.

What to Bring (So the Day Feels Easy)

You don’t need much, but you do want the right basics. I’d bring:

• Swimwear and a towel for the anchor-and-swim moment
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) since you’ll be outside on deck
• A light layer for wind, especially if you’re on the water longer
• Your underwater setup basics if you use them, but note the tour provides snorkel equipment

Also, if you’re prone to seasickness, bring what works for you. The tour requires good weather, but the sea can still feel different once you’re out in the Atlantic.

Should You Book This Private Whale and Dolphin Yacht Cruise?

If your goal is a private, comfort-focused whale and dolphin cruise with sonar listening gear, a swim stop, and included snorkel gear, then yes, it’s an excellent fit. It’s the kind of Tenerife outing where the details matter: unlimited drinks, small group size, and a crew that helps you actually spot wildlife instead of just hoping.

Book it especially if:

• You’re traveling with family or friends and can fill most of the boat
• You care about added chances to see wildlife (not just a casual look)
• You want more than sightseeing—snorkeling is part of the day

Skip it if:

• You hate waiting for wildlife and need constant action
• You’re scheduling for a tight weather window and can’t be flexible

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the yacht cruise?

The cruise runs for about 3 hours, and you can also choose a 6-hour option.

What’s the group size limit?

The yacht takes a maximum of 11 people per booking.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, Pantalan 2, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but it is not included. If you want pickup, you need to contact the provider at least 24 hours before the trip starts for pickup details.

What’s included for whale and dolphin watching?

You get sonar equipment for listening to whales and dolphins, plus you’ll cruise in areas known for whale and dolphin sightings with lookout from the boat.

Does the tour include snorkeling?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the skipper drops anchor so you can swim and use the gear if you want.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll have a glass of Champagne, unlimited beer, wine, sodas, and bottled water, plus light refreshments and snacks.

Are there vegetarian options?

A vegetarian option is available. You need to advise the provider at the time of booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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