Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching aboard Portuguese schooner

Dive Into Tenerife’s Marine Life on a Stylish Wooden Schooner

The Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching tour in Tenerife offers a delightful two-hour journey aboard an authentic Portuguese schooner. Priced at $56.67 per person, this trip departs from Puerto Colón Marina in Los Cristianos and is suitable for most travelers, with most bookings made nine days in advance. The experience emphasizes wildlife viewing—mainly whales and dolphins—set against the scenic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, while also providing lunch and ample photo opportunities.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its classic wooden schooner design, reminiscent of maritime legends and pirates, which adds a unique charm to the adventure. The 2-hour duration strikes a good balance, offering a substantial chance to see marine life without requiring a full day commitment. While the tour is accessible for most, it’s best suited for those who enjoy families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a relaxing boat ride with a touch of history and nature.

Key Points

• Authentic Portuguese schooner provides a nostalgic sailing experience.
• Two-hour tour with wildlife spotting and lunch included.
• Departure from Los Cristianos at 10:00 am, with a mobile ticket for easy access.
• Opportunity to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Unobstructed photo opportunities from the boat’s open decks.
• Maximum group size of 60 travelers ensures a comfortable experience.

Classic Portuguese Schooner: A Sailor’s Nostalgia

This tour takes place aboard a century-old Portuguese schooner, which adds a distinctive touch to the maritime experience. The vessel features a large central table and an open bar, making the journey both social and relaxed. An upper deck provides space for sunbathing and enjoying the scenic sea views, perfect for those who want to unwind while watching for marine life.

The design of the boat sparks feelings of old sailing adventures, with stories of pirates and explorers echoing through its wooden frames. The boat’s authenticity offers a sense of stepping back in time, making the trip more than just a wildlife tour—it’s a voyage into maritime history.

Meeting Point and Departure Details in Los Cristianos

The adventure begins at Puerto Colón Marina, located in Costa Adeje. The meeting point is well-organized, with departure scheduled for 10:00 am, ensuring plenty of daylight for marine viewing. The tour ends back at the same location, making it convenient for travelers staying nearby.

The central location simplifies planning, and the mobile ticket system streamlines entry. Since most bookings are made about nine days in advance, it’s advisable to secure your spot early, especially during peak seasons.

Marine Life Spotting: Whales and Dolphins

The primary focus of this trip is to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment. The boat sets course toward areas where these creatures have been previously spotted, increasing the chances of a successful sighting. Reports confirm that seeing dolphins and pilot whales is a common highlight.

After marine life observation, the boat anchors offshore, providing time for swimming and enjoying the Atlantic waters. This segment includes lunch and an opportunity to relax in the open sea, making it a well-rounded experience that combines wildlife, leisure, and scenic beauty.

Lunch and Refreshments on Board

A major perk of this tour is lunch included in the price, which features reliable, tasty fare. The menu includes rice, chicken drumsticks, salad, bread rolls, and a beverage, satisfying guests after the marine activity. The open bar provides drinks throughout the trip, enhancing the social and relaxed atmosphere.

Guests appreciate the quality of the meal and the variety of drinks, which complement the overall experience. This combination of wildlife viewing and a good meal makes the tour a good value for its price.

Sunbathing and Photo Opportunities on the Upper Deck

The upper deck of the schooner offers a perfect spot for sunbathing and relaxing, with unobstructed views of the sea. This area is ideal for taking photos of dolphins and whales when they appear, thanks to the open design of the vessel.

The deck’s layout ensures visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas while staying comfortable. Whether capturing wildlife moments or simply soaking up the sun, this feature adds a layer of enjoyment to the trip.

Group Size and Booking Insights

The maximum capacity for this tour is 60 travelers, helping maintain a personalized and comfortable atmosphere. The popularity of the trip means most people tend to book about nine days in advance, highlighting its attractiveness.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking. The flexible cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind in case of bad weather or schedule changes.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Marine Excursions

Unlike some larger or more commercial cruises, this classic schooner offers a more intimate and nostalgic experience. Its historical design and relaxed atmosphere distinguish it from faster, modern catamarans or high-volume tours.

The combination of wildlife viewing, lunch, and aesthetic sailing makes this trip stand out. The inclusion of photos from unobstructed decks and a friendly crew enhances its appeal to those seeking a memorable, picturesque outing.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While most reviews highlight the positive aspects, some mention that the trip can feel slow or repetitive if marine life is not encountered. One review describes the experience as “quite boring” when the boat remains stationary for an extended period near the coast.

Plus, the experience depends heavily on weather conditions and marine activity, meaning sightings are not guaranteed. It’s advisable to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before if weather turns unsuitable or if marine life is elusive.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice for Tenerife Visitors

This whale and dolphin watching experience is ideal for families, wildlife lovers, and those wanting a taste of maritime history. The two-hour duration offers enough time to enjoy the sea without feeling rushed, while the included lunch and relaxed deck areas create a comfortable environment.

The authentic schooner and the panoramic upper deck set this tour apart, providing both nostalgia and excellent photo opportunities. Its reasonable price point and flexible cancellation policy make it a practical option for many visitors.

Final Thoughts on the Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching Trip

The Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching tour in Tenerife offers a charming blend of wildlife spotting, historical sailing, and leisure. Most travelers find it to be a value-for-money experience, especially with lunch included and the chance to see whales and dolphins in the wild.

While sightings are subject to weather and marine conditions, the friendly crew and the attractive schooner design make this journey a memorable addition to any Tenerife itinerary. Suitable for a wide range of travelers, this tour provides a relaxed, scenic, and animal-focused adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 2 hours, offering a comfortable window for wildlife viewing and leisure.

Where does the tour depart from?
The departure point is Puerto Colón Marina in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

Is lunch included, and what does it consist of?
Yes, lunch is included and features rice, chicken drumsticks, salad, bread rolls, and a drink.

Can I photograph the marine life from the boat?
Absolutely, the open deck provides unobstructed views, ideal for capturing photos of dolphins and whales.

What if there are no marine sightings?
While sightings are common, they depend on weather and marine activity. There’s a full refund if the tour is canceled 24 hours in advance due to weather.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, and offers a relaxed environment for kids.

How many people are on this tour?
The maximum group size is 60 travelers, ensuring space and comfort for everyone.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start, providing flexibility.

What makes this schooner different from other whale watching tours?
Its historic Portuguese design, relaxed atmosphere, and scenic decks set it apart from more modern or larger vessels.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The data does not specify accessibility details; it’s best to inquire directly with the provider for specific needs.