Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching aboard Portuguese schooner

If you’re heading to Tenerife and looking for a memorable maritime adventure, the Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching tour aboard a traditional Portuguese schooner might just be your ticket to a unique experience. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, plenty of travelers have shared their impressions, and the consensus is quite positive.

What draws us to this tour are its authentic vessel—a beautifully maintained wooden schooner that echoes centuries of seafaring tradition—and the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and drinks makes it a great value for those wanting an all-in-one day on the water.

A possible consideration? The trip lasts around two hours and involves a fairly leisurely pace. If you’re looking for a high-energy, fast-paced excursion, this might feel a bit relaxed. But if you’re after a calm, scenic, and family-friendly outing with chances to see marine life, this tour offers a lovely balance. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy sailing, wildlife spotting, and savoring good food in a relaxed atmosphere.

In sum, this tour is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers who want a genuine maritime experience, combined with the thrill of spotting whales and dolphins in open waters.

Key Points

• Authentic vessel provides a nostalgic sailing experience with panoramic photo opportunities
• Marine wildlife spotting is the main focus, with chances to see whales and dolphins
• Included lunch and drinks add value, making the trip feel more complete
• Relaxing upper deck for sunbathing or enjoying the scenery
• Family-friendly with positive reviews about crew friendliness and engaging stories
• Convenient meeting point in Los Cristianos, with easy access and flexible cancellation options

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Departure

The adventure kicks off at Puerto Colón Marina in Los Cristianos, a popular and accessible spot on Tenerife’s southern coast. The departure time is set at 10:00 am, which is ideal for catching the morning light and avoiding afternoon crowds. Being on a mobile ticket makes check-in straightforward, and the location is familiar to many travelers staying in Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos.

The Vessel: A Portuguese Wooden Schooner

What makes this tour stand out is the schooner itself—a beautifully preserved century-old Portuguese vessel. Its wooden construction and classic sailboat design transport you back to the age of pirates and explorers, adding a dash of romance and adventure to your day. There’s an upper deck for sunbathing or relaxing, which is perfect for soaking up Tenerife’s sunshine while watching the coast drift by.

The boat features a large central table and an open bar, making it easy to mingle and enjoy drinks as you cruise. This setup fosters a friendly, social atmosphere, especially during the lunch break.

Wildlife Watching: What You Can Expect

The main goal of this trip is to spot whales and dolphins, which are common in the waters off Tenerife. The boat heads towards areas known for marine life sightings, often where whale colonies have been observed before.

While seeing cetaceans isn’t guaranteed—nature is unpredictable—they have a good track record, and the reviews confirm successful sightings. One reviewer delightedly reported, “We were able to see the dolphins and whales as planned, it was so great!” (Odelia_D).

The tour focuses on giving guests a close-up view of these creatures in their natural environment, which is both exciting and educational. The boat’s unobstructed photo opportunities ensure you can capture those perfect shots of dolphins leaping or whales spouting.

The Lunch Experience

After the wildlife spotting segment, the schooner anchors in open waters for lunch and swimming. The delicious food—including rice, chicken drumsticks, salads, bread, and drinks—receives praise from travelers. One reviewer called the meal “very well explained” and “excellent” (Romain_D).

The inclusion of food and drinks adds significant value, especially since many similar tours charge extra for meals. It’s a relaxed setting, with plenty of space for guests to sit, chat, and enjoy the scenery.

Swimming and Relaxation

Following lunch, guests have the opportunity to swim in the Atlantic — an often-highlighted feature. The anchor is dropped in calm waters, allowing for a refreshing dip or just lounging on the deck. This part of the trip is relaxed and family-friendly, with some reviews mentioning how engaging and friendly the crew is, especially with children.

Return and End of Tour

The boat returns to Puerto Colón Marina around midday or early afternoon, completing a roughly two-hour experience. The timing is well-suited for those who want a quick yet meaningful adventure, leaving plenty of time to explore other parts of Tenerife afterward.

What Travelers Love (and Less So)

Positive feedback from travelers highlights the friendly crew, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. For example, one review describes the crew as “top” and appreciated the explanations provided during the trip.

Many appreciate the authenticity of the schooner, which adds a charming historical touch to the outing. The sunbathing deck and unobstructed views make it a perfect vessel for capturing memories and taking photos of the coast and marine life.

However, some travelers found the trip “a bit boring” (Ingrid_K), mainly because the boat stays relatively close to the coast and the trip duration is short. She mentions that the boat spent three hours “pretty much at the same spot,” and only 15 minutes were spent swimming. If you’re after an action-packed day, this might not satisfy your appetite for adventure, but for those seeking a laid-back, scenic outing, it hits the mark.

Value for Money

At approximately $56.67 per person, the tour offers good value, considering the inclusion of lunch, drinks, wildlife sightings, and the experience of sailing on a historic vessel. The small group size (up to 60 travelers) creates a friendly atmosphere, and the flexible cancellation policy (free up to 24 hours in advance) supports peace of mind.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is ideally suited for families with children, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy sailing, nature, and good food. It’s particularly attractive to those who appreciate a more relaxed pace, want to capture photos of marine life, and are interested in sailing aboard a historic schooner.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, adrenaline-filled adventure, or want to combine it with other water sports, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re after a calm, scenic, and informative outing with a touch of maritime history, this tour offers great bang for your buck.

Final Thoughts

This whale and dolphin watching tour aboard a Portuguese schooner offers a charming, relaxed way to spend part of your Tenerife holiday. The vessel’s historic character, combined with chances to see marine animals in their natural habitat, creates a memorable experience.

The lunch and drinks, along with the sun deck and photo opportunities, make it feel like a full, well-rounded outing without the hefty price tag. The friendly crew and family-oriented atmosphere add a welcoming touch that many travelers appreciate.

While it’s not an all-day adventure or a high-energy excursion, it’s an excellent choice for those craving a laid-back, scenic, and authentic maritime experience in Tenerife.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, starting at 10:00 am and ending back at the marina.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Puerto Colón Marina in Los Cristianos, a convenient spot on Tenerife’s south coast.

Is food included?
Yes, the tour includes lunch with rice, chicken, salad, bread, and a drink, along with an open bar.

Can I see whales and dolphins?
While sightings depend on the day’s marine activity, most travelers report successful encounters with whales and dolphins.

What is the boat like?
You’ll be sailing on a restored Portuguese wooden schooner with an upper deck, central seating, and unobstructed views perfect for photos.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and praised for its crew’s friendly attitude, especially with kids.

To sum it up, this tour blends history, wildlife, and relaxation—a delightful choice for those seeking a peaceful yet engaging day on Tenerife’s waters. The combination of an authentic schooner, wildlife viewing, and delicious local food makes it a worthwhile experience for anyone wanting a taste of the maritime life with a touch of adventure.