Costa Adeje: Respectful Whale Watching on Wooden Boat & Swim

The Costa Adeje: Respectful Whale Watching on Wooden Boat & Swim tour offers a captivating two-hour adventure in the waters off Tenerife’s southern coast. Departing from Puerto Colón, this trip combines sustainable marine observation, the charm of a traditional wooden boat, and a refreshing stop for swimming. With a rating of 4.8 from 94 reviews, it stands out for its expert guides, affordable price, and eco-conscious approach.

This tour is perfect for those seeking an authentic, relaxed experience that highlights Tenerife’s marine life without disturbing the animals. It appeals especially to families, couples, and nature lovers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and a personalized atmosphere. While it’s not suited for travelers with mobility issues or wheelchair users, the easy meeting point and simple process make it accessible for most.

Key Points

• Two-hour tour departs from Puerto Colón on board the Shogun, an oriental schooner.
• Respectful whale and dolphin watching guided by local, knowledgeable crew following sustainability guidelines.
• Includes a stop for swimming in crystal-clear waters, with snorkeling gear available.
• Price is highly competitive, offering great value with positive reviews emphasizing good guides and stunning coastal views.
• Boarding is at Colon Harbour, pier 14, next to a petrol station, with easy access and parking nearby.
• Languages spoken include English, French, German, and Spanish, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

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The Experience of Sailing on a Traditional Wooden Boat

This tour starts at Colon Harbour on the ‘Shogun’, an authentic oriental schooner. The vessel’s charming wooden design adds a nostalgic touch, elevating the feeling of sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. The two-hour cruise is designed to be relaxed and intimate, avoiding large groups and noisy engines.

While on board, travelers can enjoy stunning coastal vistas as the boat glides along Tenerife’s southern shoreline. The crew ensures a calm atmosphere, emphasizing respect for marine life and sustainable practices. Many reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides who explain the animals’ behavior and conservation efforts clearly, making the trip both entertaining and educational.

Watching Whales and Dolphins in Their Natural Habitat

The core of this tour is the wildlife observation. The crew guides guests to waters where pilot whales and dolphins are often seen swimming freely. The activity follows local guidelines for sustainability, ensuring that marine animals are not disturbed.

Expect the possibility of seeing pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and even sea turtles. Some reviews mention the rare sighting of Ziphious whales—an exciting bonus for wildlife enthusiasts. The guides are praised for their expert knowledge and enthusiasm, often sharing fascinating facts and stories during the boat ride.

The Stop for Swimming in Crystal-Clear Waters

After observing marine life, the boat anchors in a quiet bay for a refreshing swim. Travelers can dive into the calm, crystal-clear waters or snorkel with available gear. The pause usually lasts a few minutes, giving everyone a chance to cool off and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Many reviews appreciate the opportunity to swim in such pristine waters, adding a relaxing element to the tour. The crew also ensures safety during the swim, and drinks are available on board for those who prefer to relax on deck.

The Crew: Knowledgeable and Friendly Guides

A standout feature of this tour is the local crew, who are consistently praised in reviews for their friendliness, expertise, and attentiveness. They are fluent in multiple languages—English, French, German, and Spanish—making the experience accessible for a broad range of travelers.

The guides explain the marine animals’ behavior and conservation importance, adding an educational dimension. Many reviewers mention how entertaining and informative the guides are, often sharing jokes and music to enhance the journey.

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Pricing and Value for Money

This tour offers exceptional value, with many reviews noting its affordability compared to similar experiences. The cost includes guidance, snorkeling gear, and the swim stop, making it a cost-effective choice for a memorable ocean adventure.

Guests often mention that the price is well worth it, especially given the quality of the guides and the opportunity to see whales and dolphins up close. Some reviews even state that the experience is worth two or three times the price paid, emphasizing its great value.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point is straightforward: board the ‘Shogun’ at Colon Harbour, pier 14, located next to a petrol station. The coordinates are precise, making navigation simple.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most travelers, but it is not recommended for people with mobility impairments. The boarding process is smooth, and parking nearby is available for about €5, which travelers find very convenient.

Pacing and Duration of the Tour

The two-hour duration balances marine observation and swimming time effectively. The activity starts at check-in, then sails along the coast, giving plenty of opportunities for animal sightings and relaxation.

The pace remains steady, ensuring that everyone has enough time to enjoy the scenery and interact with the guides. The short stop for swimming provides a refreshing break without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out From Others

Unlike many large-scale whale-watching trips, this tour emphasizes respect for marine life and personalized attention, thanks to its small group size and traditional wooden boat. The friendly guides and informative commentary foster a warm, educational atmosphere.

The cost-efficiency is another key advantage, with many reviewers highlighting that this activity offers a premium experience at a lower price. The opportunity to swim in crystal waters adds a unique touch not always included in similar tours.

Considerations and Limitations

While highly praised, some reviews note that sea conditions can cause the boat to rock side to side, which may be uncomfortable for those sensitive to motion. The tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as boarding and movement on the boat could be challenging.

Plus, no alcohol or pets are allowed, and fishing or feeding wildlife is prohibited, aligning with the tour’s eco-friendly aims. The duration may be too short for travelers seeking a longer wildlife safari, but it’s ideal for a quick, family-friendly outing.

Final Thoughts on the Costa Adeje Whale Watching Tour

This two-hour cruise combines eco-conscious whale and dolphin watching, a stunning wooden boat experience, and a swim in pristine waters. Its affordable price point paired with expert guides makes it a commendable choice for those visiting Tenerife who want a relaxed, educational, and respectful marine adventure.

The positive reviews reinforce that this tour offers great value for money, friendly service, and memorable wildlife sightings. It’s especially well-suited for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts looking for a personalized, small-group experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The activity is a 2-hour cruise, including sailing, wildlife observation, and a swim stop.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Board the ‘Shogun’ at Colon Harbour, pier 14, next to the petrol station, with precise coordinates 28.07916831970215, -16.737842559814453.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, but it is accessible for most others.

What animals might I see during the trip?
Common sightings include pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and sea turtles. Rare sightings of Ziphious whales have also been reported.

What should I bring?
It’s recommended to bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen for comfort and protection.

Can I buy drinks on board?
Yes, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase; drinks are not included in the tour price.

This respectful whale-watching excursion offers a memorable two-hour escape into Tenerife’s marine world, all while emphasizing sustainability and personalized service. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable, friendly, and educational ocean adventure.

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