Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

Pilot whales often come close to the 12-meter Roulette, and the small passenger limit gives you a fair chance to see them from the rail instead of over a crowd. The crew, including Captain Salvador on many departures, knows the local waters and explains what you are seeing without turning the trip into a lecture. I like the calm sailing time and the chance to stop for a swim in a scenic bay.

I also like that food and drinks are part of the outing, not an afterthought: expect baguette sandwiches, crisps, cake, water, and drinks such as cava, beer, wine, and soft drinks. The main caution is the sea itself. Several trips have had choppy water, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan carefully, even though the crew has been attentive when passengers felt unwell.

What makes this three-hour sail worthwhile

• Pilot whales and dolphins close to the boat: The crew searches for local pods and gives people on both sides of the boat a chance to watch.
• Only 10 passengers plus two crew: The boat feels personal, with room to sit at the front, move around, and ask questions.
• A real sailing element: When the wind is up, the crew may sail under canvas rather than rely only on the engine.
• A swim and snorkel stop: You get time in the water, with equipment supplied, often in a sheltered bay near the volcanic coast.
• Generous food and drinks: Sandwiches, cake, crisps, cava, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included.
• Strong wildlife focus: The crew treats the animals with care and explains the sea life, geography, and island setting in Spanish, English, or Italian.

Why the small Roulette makes a difference

Puerto Colón is a busy starting point for boat trips, but this excursion uses a much smaller vessel than the large dolphin-watching boats. The Roulette carries up to 10 passengers and two crew members. It has three double cabins, two bathrooms, and deck mats that make sitting on deck more comfortable.

That capacity is the key feature. With fewer people aboard, you can shift from one side to the other when a pod appears, hear the guide more easily, and ask questions without competing with a packed crowd. A group of six or eight will have plenty of room. Even at the full 10 passengers, the boat is designed for a personal outing rather than a party cruise.

I particularly like the promise of quiet. There is no need for loud music or a crowded viewing platform. The boat can feel peaceful as you watch the water, volcanic coastline, and the island of La Gomera in the distance. When the wind is favorable, sailing under canvas adds to that sense of being on the Atlantic rather than simply being carried across it by a motor.

The boat has cabins and bathrooms, but this is still a compact sailboat. You should expect narrow spaces, open decks, and movement underfoot. If you want a large, stable platform with lots of room to spread out, choose a bigger vessel. If you want a more intimate outing and direct contact with the crew, the Roulette is the better fit.

From Puerto Colón toward Tenerife’s cetacean waters

You meet at the door of dock number 5 at Puerto Colón, 10 minutes before departure. It is the first jetty after passing the port parking barrier. Look for the boat named Roulette, and allow extra time to find the correct pier. The port has several operators and departure points, so arriving early is sensible.

Once aboard, the crew introduces the boat and the plan for the three hours ahead. The sail heads along Tenerife’s south coast, where the crew watches for cetaceans, seabirds, turtles, and other marine life. The exact order changes with conditions and wildlife activity, but the outing is built around three parts: sailing and wildlife watching, a water stop, and food and drinks.

The south coast gives you a fine view of Tenerife from the sea. Volcanic shores and beaches look different from the water, and on clear days you can see across toward La Gomera. I would not book this only for a sightseeing cruise, since the wildlife search is the central purpose, but the coastal views make the time between sightings enjoyable.

The crew’s role matters here. Captain Salvador and other crew members have been praised for explaining local geography, island culture, and marine life in more than one language. The listed languages are Spanish, English, and Italian. You are not simply pointed toward a fin in the distance. The crew explains the species and watches their behavior while keeping the boat positioned so people on both sides have a view.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins without a crowded deck

Pilot whales are the main attraction, and sightings can be remarkably close. Pods have included adults and calves, with some animals swimming beside the boat or approaching the bow. Dolphins may also play near the vessel, and sightings have included bottlenose dolphins, flying fish, and several seabird species.

Turtles are another possible highlight. They have been seen during the wildlife portion, though no marine encounter can be promised on every departure. The crew searches for animals in their natural setting rather than offering a guaranteed performance, so you should approach the trip with excitement but sensible expectations.

I appreciate the reported approach to the animals. The crew does not present the outing as a chase. The boat may stay with a group for a while, allowing you to watch natural behavior without turning the experience into a noisy race between vessels. That matters if you care about the quality of the sighting, not just checking a whale or dolphin off a list.

The small boat also changes the feel of the encounter. You are closer to the water and lower than passengers on a large upper deck. That can make dolphins beside the hull or pilot whales near the bow feel more immediate. It also means you need to follow crew instructions and keep your balance, particularly if the Atlantic turns choppy.

Bring patience. Wildlife can appear suddenly, and you may spend part of the trip scanning open water. The crew’s local experience improves your chances, but nature sets the schedule. If your priority is a guaranteed animal show, this is not the right type of activity. If you value a respectful search led by people who care about the sea, it is a strong choice.

Sailing, swimming, and snorkeling in a sheltered bay

After the wildlife search, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. The stop is often described as lasting about 30 minutes, although the precise timing can vary. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew chooses a spot where you can get into the warm water and look for fish.

The stop adds welcome variety to the day. You are not sitting on a boat for three straight hours, and the water break lets you cool off after time in the sun. Some departures have used a picturesque bay near cliffs, with a cave or sheltered area to explore from the water.

You should see this as a pleasant swim and snorkel stop, not a dedicated snorkeling expedition. The main focus is whale and dolphin watching, and the time in the water is limited by the three-hour schedule. If you want long sessions with specialist equipment or a major reef site, book a separate snorkeling trip. If you want a quick dip among fish after watching whales, this outing gives you both.

The crew supplies the gear, but the provided information does not specify sizes or whether prescription masks are available. If you have particular equipment needs, ask before booking. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry layer for the return sail.

Sandwiches, cake, cava, and a relaxed lunch afloat

The food is simple, generous, and well matched to a three-hour boat trip. Expect fresh baguette sandwiches, with ham and tomato or Iberian ham mentioned on different departures, along with crisps and cake. Drinks include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks.

This is not a formal meal, and you should not expect a full restaurant menu. That is fine. A sandwich after swimming, a slice of cake, and a cold drink are exactly what most people need at sea. The crew keeps drinks available throughout the outing, and dietary requests have been accommodated on some trips. Still, tell the operator about dietary needs in advance rather than assuming every option will be available.

The food also adds value to the price. At $70 per person, you are paying for a small-group sailing trip, wildlife guiding, snorkeling equipment, food, and drinks. Comparable boat outings can charge much of that amount before adding refreshments. The value is especially good if you want a personal service rather than the lowest possible fare.

I would not choose this tour because of the menu alone. The sandwiches and snacks support the experience. The real value comes from combining a well-kept sailboat, a two-person crew, wildlife watching, a swim, and an open bar of simple drinks within one half-day outing.

Crew service and languages on board

The strongest part of this trip is the crew’s care. Captain Salvador is often mentioned by name, along with crew members such as Rafa, Ramone, Jenny, Yani, Dani, and Silvio on different departures. The names may vary by sailing, but the pattern is clear: the crew handles both the practical work and the storytelling.

The captain may explain the species in the water, local geography, and Tenerife’s connection to the surrounding islands. The second crew member keeps an eye on drinks, food, swimming arrangements, and anyone who is uncomfortable. That division of work helps the trip feel attentive without becoming formal.

This is also useful for families. A toddler has been accommodated on board, and children can enjoy the wildlife, snacks, and swim stop. The open deck requires supervision, and the sea can move under the boat, so parents should stay close and follow the crew’s instructions.

For adults, the tone is relaxed rather than rowdy. A birthday can be marked with cake, and the small setting works well for couples, friends, or a family group. The crew has also helped passengers who became seasick, cleaning up and offering care without making a difficult moment worse.

The practical drawbacks to consider before booking

The chief concern is motion. Some outings have had smooth conditions, while others have been noticeably choppy. One passenger became very seasick, despite receiving excellent help from the crew. If you know you suffer on boats, choose a calm-weather day if possible, eat lightly, and use the remedy that normally works for you.

The three-hour length is both a strength and a limit. It fits neatly into a morning or afternoon and leaves time for another Tenerife activity. On the other hand, you cannot spend a long time at the snorkeling site and also expect an extended wildlife search. Some people will wish for more time in the water.

The meeting point deserves attention. Puerto Colón has several piers, and dock number 5 is the first jetty past the parking barrier. Arrive before the 10-minute check-in window so you are not searching for Roulette as departure approaches. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own way to Puerto Colón.

The boat is small, which is usually the attraction, but it may not suit someone who needs a broad, highly stable deck. The information provided does not describe wheelchair access or specific mobility arrangements. Ask the operator directly if that affects your booking.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife boat trip most

I would recommend the Roulette for you if you want:

• A small group rather than a large party boat
• A mix of wildlife watching and swimming
• A guide who can explain Tenerife’s sea life and geography
• Included snacks and drinks
• A quieter sail with the possibility of using the sails
• A flexible three-hour activity for a couple, family, or small group

I would choose another type of outing if you need guaranteed whale sightings, a long snorkeling session, a large stable platform, or hotel transport. Wildlife is wild, and the boat is compact. Those are not flaws, but they are important facts to weigh before paying.

The experience also suits people who care about how animals are watched. The crew’s approach is to seek whales and dolphins while respecting their space. That makes the trip feel less like a quick photo stop and more like time spent paying attention to the Atlantic.

Should you book the Roulette?

At $70 per person, I see this as very good value for a small-group Tenerife excursion. You get three hours, a 12-meter sailboat, two crew members, wildlife guiding, snorkeling equipment, a swim stop, sandwiches, cake, and a broad selection of drinks.

Book it if the idea of seeing pilot whales from a quiet sailboat appeals to you, especially if you also want a quick swim and personal attention. Arrive early at dock 5, prepare for possible motion, and keep your expectations realistic about wildlife. If you do that, the Roulette offers one of the more personal ways to experience Tenerife’s south coast.

FAQ

Where does the sailboat tour begin?

The tour begins at Roulette Charters in Puerto Colón, at the door of dock number 5.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 10 minutes before departure. Dock number 5 is the first jetty past the port parking barrier.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts three hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The sailboat carries up to 10 passengers and two crew members.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and other marine life.

Is whale watching guaranteed?

The crew specializes in finding cetaceans, but the provided tour information does not guarantee sightings. Wildlife remains in its natural environment.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time for swimming and snorkeling.

What food and drinks are included?

Included refreshments consist of snacks, sandwiches, desserts or cake, mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Spanish, English, and Italian.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Puerto Colón.