Wildlife on a speedboat beats any zoo visit. This Sea Safari dolphins and whales trip takes you along Tenerife’s south coast in search of animals that have been seen in the area before, and I especially like that snorkeling gear is included so you’re not dragging kit around. You’re also set up for an active experience, with time to get in the water while the crew keeps an eye out for close sightings of marine life.

The main thing to plan around is that the tour needs good weather, so on rough days your plans depend on conditions.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group boat (up to 11 people) means you’re not lost in a crowd when the captain spots wildlife
• Snorkeling equipment rental is included, so you can travel light
• BladeFish personal propulsion jet is part of the experience if you want to try something hands-on underwater
• Puerto Colón as the hub, with a route that includes cliff views and a return along the coastline
• Drinks and sandwiches are provided, so you don’t have to budget time for food
• No pressure to leave the boat: if you’d rather watch than swim, the trip still works

Getting To Sea Safari and Puerto Colón Fast

Your trip is based in Puerto Colón / Playa de las Américas, starting at Sea Safari Tenerife on Av. de Colón (38660). It’s in an area that’s convenient for getting there, and the activity is listed as being near public transportation, which matters if you’re not using a rental car.

The tour runs about 3 hours, and the “speedboat” part isn’t marketing fluff. You’ll cover a lot of coastline in that window, and that’s a big part of the value here: you’re not spending the whole time stuck in one spot hoping for a miracle. Also, this is an English-taught tour, which is a plus if you want the captain and guide’s wildlife explanations without playing guess-the-language.

One practical tip: since this experience is weather-dependent, dress like you might get mist or sea spray, even on a sunny day. Bring swimwear, but also bring a layer you’ll be glad to have after water time.

The 3-Hour Rhythm: Speedboat, Coastal Views, and a Real Sense of Motion

From the time you meet up, this trip feels built around momentum. You leave from Puerto Colón, then your route is designed to hunt for marine life sightings while still giving you a scenic tour of Tenerife’s south.

Here’s what that “3 hours” tends to mean in real terms:

• You start from Puerto Colón and head out with the crew scanning for whales and dolphins.
• You get time with the option to swim and snorkel in calmer waters when conditions allow.
• You also get sightseeing value from the boat: watching cliffs and the coastline as you work your way back.
• You return to Puerto Colón along the coast line of south Tenerife.

That structure is one of the reasons it suits both first-timers and families. If you love animals, the wildlife search is the point. If you just want a fun, different way to see Tenerife, the coastal run and water breaks keep it from feeling like a one-note excursion.

Wildlife Watching Close to the Action: Dolphins, Pilot Whales, Turtles

The headline is simple: you go out in search of whales and dolphins very close, with real opportunities to see more than one kind of animal.

In the strongest moments, you’re not just spotting a distant spout and moving on. The captain is looking for areas where animals are known to show up, and the whole experience is shaped around those close encounters. Many sightings reported include:

• Dolphins (including multiple dolphins sightings)
• Pilot whales (a common highlight)
• Turtles (often seen during the trip)
• Other sea life like crabs and even flying fish

One standout detail from the experience is that you may also encounter less expected marine animals such as a hammerhead shark, depending on conditions and where the captain finds activity. That’s not guaranteed, of course, but it’s part of what makes these short, fast trips feel exciting: you’re going to more than one “maybe” area instead of hoping one location works.

I also appreciate the tone of the guiding style here. People mention respectful, careful behavior around wildlife, and that matters. You want the boat to be close enough for real viewing, without treating the animals like props.

If you’re traveling with kids, a good sign is that this trip isn’t built on forcing everyone off the boat. There are ways to enjoy the experience that don’t require you to jump in immediately.

Snorkeling Gear Included and the BladeFish Try-It-Underwater Moment

This is a tour where the water time isn’t an extra-pay add-on. Snorkeling equipment rental is included, and you can usually choose from different snorkel masks, which is a small detail that makes a big difference if you’ve ever been stuck with a mask that doesn’t seal right.

What I like about including snorkeling gear is that it lowers the friction. You can pack like a normal beach day and still have everything you need. That’s especially handy in Tenerife, where it’s easy to overpack “just in case.”

The other unique piece is the BladeFish personal propulsion jet device. If you want to do something more than float around, this is the element that gives the experience a wow factor. You’re able to try it as part of the outing, which turns a typical snorkeling stop into a hands-on activity.

A key expectation check: this is not a long, slow swim session. It’s a short, guided water experience during a fast-moving wildlife tour. So if your goal is to spend hours in the water, this may feel more like a splash-and-snorkel window than a full day at the beach.

On comfort, some people mention the boat handling being good and not triggering sea sickness. That doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed for everyone, but it suggests the operator takes stability seriously.

Food, Drinks, and Small-Boat Comfort on a Maximum 11-Person Trip

For $78.10 per person, the food and drink piece makes a noticeable difference. You’re provided drinks and sandwiches, and the tour doesn’t ask you to plan a picnic. That matters on a tight 3-hour schedule, especially if you’re pairing it with other Tenerife stops.

The small-group size is another big part of the comfort. With a maximum of 11 travelers, it’s easier for the crew to manage water time and explain what’s going on while keeping everyone moving at the right pace.

I also like that this isn’t an all-or-nothing swim challenge. People highlight that there’s no pressure to leave the boat, which makes the trip more inclusive for:

• older travelers
• anyone who wants the wildlife experience without getting in the water
• families where kids might be excited for the snorkeling but need a choice

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates waiting, small groups tend to feel better. You spend less time doing logistics and more time watching what’s happening offshore.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For (and What You Get)

At $78.10 for about 3 hours, the value here comes from four things working together:

First, you’re paying for motion. A speedboat route lets you cover more coastline in less time, which increases your chances of finding active areas for whales, dolphins, and turtles.

Second, you’re paying for included snorkeling. Many similar trips either charge extra for gear or make you bring your own. Here, snorkeling equipment rental is part of the deal, and the option to use different masks is a nice quality touch.

Third, you’re paying for the BladeFish try-out. That’s not something every “dolphin and whale” tour includes, and it turns the water time into a guided activity rather than just a swim.

Fourth, you’re paying for simple logistics. Drinks and sandwiches are provided, so you’re not wasting your short trip eating or searching for food.

The one value risk to watch for is weather. Because the tour needs good conditions, you could face date changes depending on the day. That’s not a bad sign; it’s a normal reality for sea experiences. Just make sure you’re not scheduling it as your only plan on a tight itinerary with zero flexibility.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Want a Different Style)

This tour fits best if you:

• want a fast, efficient way to experience Tenerife’s marine life
• like the idea of close sightings rather than only distant views
• want snorkeling gear handled for you
• are curious about the BladeFish personal propulsion jet
• prefer small groups (up to 11 people)

It’s also a good match for multi-generational trips. The vibe described includes enough flexibility for older travelers and non-swimmers, without making the experience feel watered down.

Who might consider a different option:

• If you hate being on the water at all, you may find even the boat ride stressful, even if snorkeling is optional.
• If you’re hoping for hours of snorkeling, this will feel short.
• If you’re extremely sensitive to weather changes, remember it requires good weather.

Small Safety and Comfort Notes That Matter

You’ll be doing wildlife watching from a speedboat, plus optional swimming and snorkeling. That means you should take comfort and personal safety seriously:

• wear swimwear you can move in easily
• bring a towel if you have one (not listed, so you’ll want to pack based on your own routine)
• use any life-jacket and safety guidance the crew provides during water time
• if you’re worried about sea conditions, consider bringing motion-prep remedies you trust

One more practical angle: the experience includes drinks and sandwiches, but you still might want to have your own water habit covered. Not because the tour fails to provide anything, but because personal comfort matters when you’re out at sea.

Should You Book Sea Safari Dolphins and Whales?

I’d book it if you want a lively, short Tenerife dolphins and whales speedboat experience with real water time included. The combination of included snorkeling gear, close wildlife searching, and the chance to try the BladeFish gadget is exactly the kind of “do more in less time” outing that works well on a vacation.

I’d think twice if your day is very weather-sensitive or you’re uncomfortable being on a boat in open water. Also, there is at least one rare complaint in the set about a no-show situation, so if you’re the type who needs a rock-solid experience from start to finish, do your due diligence: double-check your timing and keep your confirmation details handy.

If you can be flexible and you’re excited by the idea of seeing dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles from very close range, this is a strong pick for a 3-hour adventure from Puerto Colón.

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