Tenerife: Sailboat Tour with Food and Snorkeling

Wildlife, warm water, and a quiet yacht ride. This three-hour outing along Tenerife’s Costa Adeje coast combines close-up marine-life watching with time to swim and snorkel. I like the small boat, limited to 10 participants, and the friendly crew, who serve sandwiches, cake, snacks, and drinks while sharing facts about pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds.

I also like the sailing itself. When the wind cooperates, the crew may use the sails for much of the outward and return journey, giving you a peaceful ride without the constant sound of engines. The main consideration is the open Atlantic: the water can turn choppy, and one passenger became seriously seasick despite excellent care from the captain and crew.

Key points to know before you book

• Small yacht, not a crowded party boat: The 12-meter Roulette carries up to 10 participants with two crew members.
• Pilot whales are a frequent highlight: Sightings can include pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and red-fin tuna.
• Snorkeling comes after the wildlife search: You get time to swim and use the supplied snorkeling equipment in a sheltered bay.
• Food is simple but generous: Expect fresh baguette sandwiches, crisps, cake or another dessert, plus drinks served during the cruise.
• The crew earns high marks: Salvador, Rafa, Silvio, Jenny, and Yani are among the crew names associated with especially warm and attentive service.
• Meet at Puerto Colón Pier 5: Find the Roulette at the first jetty beyond the port parking barrier, and arrive 10 minutes before departure.

Why the small Roulette makes a difference

The boat is the heart of this experience. Rather than placing you on a large sightseeing vessel with many rows of people, Roulette Charters takes you out on a 12-meter sailboat with room for no more than 10 participants and two crew members.

That number matters. When dolphins or pilot whales appear, the captain can work to give both sides of the boat a good view. You are not simply one face in a crowd. The crew can ask how you are feeling, offer another drink, explain what you are seeing, and help you get ready for the water stop.

The boat has three double cabins, two bathrooms, and mats on deck. You may not need the cabins on a three-hour outing, but the layout gives the boat a proper sailing feel rather than the feel of a basic open motorboat. The deck mats are useful when you want to stretch out and watch the sea.

A few departures have had as few as six people onboard, leaving plenty of space. At full capacity, the boat will feel more social and less private, but 10 participants is still a modest number for a wildlife cruise.

Leaving Puerto Colón for Tenerife’s south coast

Your meeting point is at dock door number 5 in Puerto Colón. It is the first jetty after you pass the port parking barrier, beside the vessel named Roulette. The port can take a little orientation, so give yourself enough time to find the correct dock. The stated meeting time is 10 minutes before departure.

Once onboard, the crew introduces the boat and gets you settled. This is a good moment to tell them about dietary needs or concerns about motion sickness. Drinks include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks, and the crew keeps them available throughout the trip.

As you leave Puerto Colón, the south coast opens into broad views of Tenerife’s volcanic shoreline and beaches. From the water, the coast looks different from the resort streets and promenades. You can watch the island recede while La Gomera appears across the channel on clear days.

The sailing is often one of the quieter parts of the trip. On one outing, the crew used the sails on both legs for around 90 minutes while the wind held. That offers a gentle ride and lets you hear the water and wind instead of only the motor.

You should still expect conditions to vary. Sailing depends on the wind, and the open sea can be choppy. The crew has been praised for helping people who feel unwell, but this is not a guaranteed smooth-water cruise.

Looking for pilot whales and dolphins near Puerto Colón

The wildlife search is the main reason to book this trip. The crew specializes in finding cetaceans and has a strong working knowledge of the marine life around Tenerife. You may see short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and red-fin tuna.

Pilot whales are the most repeated highlight. Sightings have included large pods of 20 to 30 animals, family groups with calves, and whales close beside the boat. Dolphins may play near the bow, creating the kind of fast, lively view that is difficult to enjoy from a distant shoreline.

The captain does more than point toward a fin. Crew members explain the species and the local sea environment, often in Spanish and English. French and German are also listed as available tour languages. Salvador is especially praised for explaining the animals, the island, and the sea with warmth and humor. Rafa has also been singled out for combining strong boat-handling skills with friendly service.

The crew makes an effort to give people on both sides of the boat a chance to see the animals. One outing spent about 15 minutes with a pod of pilot whales and another 15 minutes with dolphins. That is a useful sign of the trip’s pace: you are not rushed from one sighting to the next.

Still, wildlife remains wildlife. The boat can search, but no sighting can be promised. One outing found pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea life but did not locate a larger whale seen in the area the previous day. If your main goal is a particular species, keep your expectations flexible.

The experience also has a quieter tone than some whale-watching trips. There is no mention of loud music or a large crowd. If you prefer to watch animals with space around you and listen to the crew’s explanations, this format is a good fit.

The snorkeling stop in a sheltered bay

After the wildlife viewing, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. The water is described as warm, and the stop usually lasts about 30 minutes. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

This part breaks up the time at sea nicely. You can swim, look at fish, and enjoy a more active hour before settling back onto the deck. Some trips have included a secluded bay and even a cave to explore from the water, though the exact swimming location depends on the day’s route and conditions.

The snorkeling is not a full reef expedition. It is best understood as a pleasant water stop attached to a sailing and wildlife trip. If you want a long session focused only on underwater life, you may find the 30-minute stop brief. If you want a chance to cool off and see fish after watching whales and dolphins, it adds real value.

Bring the practical basics you would want for any boat trip, such as swimwear and sun protection. The supplied information confirms the equipment, but not every personal item available onboard, so do not count on the boat for anything beyond the listed gear and refreshments.

Baguettes, cake, cava, and simple onboard comfort

Food is included, but this is a casual boat lunch rather than a restaurant meal. The most common description is a fresh baguette with ham and tomato, sometimes with Iberian or Parma ham, along with crisps and a slice of cake.

I consider that a sensible menu for a three-hour cruise. It is easy to eat on deck, filling after swimming, and not so elaborate that a meal becomes the main event. The cake and sandwiches have received especially warm praise, and the crew has accommodated dietary requirements when told in advance.

Drinks are part of the experience, not an afterthought. You can choose from water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. The crew regularly checks on the group and offers refreshments during the sail. A glass of cava after snorkeling is a small touch, but it makes the trip feel more like a hosted outing than simple transportation.

If you have a food allergy or a strict diet, contact the provider before departure. The crew has accommodated dietary requests, but the standard food described is a ham and tomato baguette with crisps and cake.

The crew is the tour’s strongest feature

A small boat only works well when the crew is attentive. Here, the captain and host have repeatedly been praised for looking after people without making the outing feel formal.

Salvador is associated with several particularly strong departures. He has been praised for explaining marine species, respecting the sea, helping both sides of the boat get views, and keeping the mood light. Rafa is described as both an excellent guide and boat driver, with a generous approach to food and drinks. Silvio and Jenny have also been praised for answering questions and making people feel included.

The crew watches more than the horizon. They check whether people feel comfortable, offer drinks, help with seasickness, and make an effort to create a personal atmosphere. One family with a toddler found the captain and crew especially caring, while another passenger who became very sick received patient help throughout the ordeal.

That last detail is worth taking seriously. The boat is small and the ocean can move under you. The crew can help, but a person prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking, especially if the forecast suggests choppy water.

What the three hours feel like

The stated duration is three hours, and the outing has a good balance of activities:

• Boarding at Roulette Charters in Puerto Colón
• Sailing along the Costa Adeje coast
• Searching for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds
• Stopping to swim and snorkel
• Eating sandwiches, snacks, and dessert
• Returning to the same dock

The trip does not feel like three hours of nonstop action. Some time is spent quietly watching the water and waiting for wildlife. That is part of the appeal. You get space to sit on the deck, look toward Tenerife and La Gomera, and enjoy the motion of the boat.

The timing can also change the feel of the outing. Morning trips may offer a fresh start to the day, while an afternoon departure can be more comfortable if you prefer to avoid the strongest heat. A 4:30 p.m. departure has been described as warm enough for snorkeling without feeling too hot, but starting times vary, so check the available departure options when booking.

Is $68 good value for this Tenerife boat trip?

At $68 per person, the price is strong for a three-hour small-group cruise that includes a dedicated sailboat, two crew members, a wildlife search, snorkeling equipment, food, and drinks.

You are paying more than you would for a basic shared boat ride, but you are getting a much smaller group and a more personal service. The food is not luxurious, yet the baguette, crisps, cake, and open selection of drinks cover the practical needs of a half-day outing.

The value improves if you care about the atmosphere. A large vessel may give you more deck space overall, but the Roulette offers fewer people around each sighting and less crowding at the swim stop. You also get a captain who actively explains the sea life and tries to place the boat well for viewing.

The price does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to Puerto Colón and back. That is easy to plan if you are staying near Costa Adeje, but it adds a transport cost and planning time if you are based elsewhere on Tenerife.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful when your holiday plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this sailboat tour most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and solo visitors who prefer a calm, small-group outing. Children can enjoy dolphins, whales, swimming, and cake, and one family successfully brought a toddler. The crew’s attentive style is a plus for families, though the sea conditions still require sensible supervision.

It also suits anyone who has already seen wildlife from a large boat and wants something quieter. The limited capacity lets you ask questions and stay close to the crew without having to compete with a huge crowd.

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike boats, struggle with motion sickness, or want a full day devoted to snorkeling. The wildlife portion can never be guaranteed, and the water may be rough. The snorkeling stop is a welcome part of the trip, not its sole purpose.

Practical tips for a better outing

Arrive early enough to find Pier 5 without rushing. The correct dock is beyond the port parking barrier, and the boat is called Roulette.

Tell the crew about dietary needs before the food is served. The standard meal includes ham, so advance notice matters if you need another option.

If you are prone to seasickness, plan carefully. Stay attentive to your own comfort, use the crew’s help early, and remember that the trip takes place on the Atlantic, not a sheltered swimming pool.

Keep your schedule flexible after the boat ride. Wildlife sightings and the snorkeling stop are the central events, but the exact order and time spent at each can depend on sea conditions and animal activity.

Should you book the Roulette?

Yes, if you want a personal wildlife cruise with a real sailing feel, a friendly crew, and enough time for a swim. The strongest reasons to book are the 10-person limit, repeated pilot-whale and dolphin sightings, and the care shown by captains such as Salvador and Rafa.

I would not book it solely because you expect a guaranteed whale encounter or perfectly calm water. Go for the full mix: volcanic coast views, the chance to see wild animals, a quiet sail, a 30-minute snorkel stop, and simple food with cava or a soft drink.

At $68, it is a good-value choice for a relaxed three-hour outing from Puerto Colón, especially if you prefer a small boat to a crowded excursion vessel.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife sailboat tour?

The tour lasts three hours, including sailing, marine-life viewing, swimming, snorkeling, food, and the return to Puerto Colón.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at door number 5 of the Puerto Colón dock. This is the first jetty after the port parking barrier. Look for the sailboat named Roulette and arrive 10 minutes before departure.

How many people can join the boat?

The sailboat has a capacity of 10 participants and two crew members. It is offered as a small-group activity.

What wildlife might I see?

The crew looks for cetaceans and other marine life. Possible sightings include pilot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, flying fish, and red-fin tuna. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with time to swim and snorkel in the sea.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes snacks, baguette sandwiches, crisps, cake or dessert, mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.