Tenerife:Respectful Whale Watching, Pirate Ship, & Swim

Imagine setting sail in the warm Atlantic waters off Tenerife’s south coast on a genuine Portuguese schooner, your boat gliding smoothly as the crew searches for majestic pilot whales and playful dolphins. This tour offers more than just whale sightings: it combines the thrill of respectful wildlife observation, the fun of pirate-themed sailing, and the chance to swim in the Atlantic, making it a well-rounded adventure perfect for families, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a memorable day at sea.

What sets this experience apart? We particularly enjoy the authentic sailing vessel—a real Portuguese Goleta—that transports you back to the days of ocean explorers. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and relaxed pace give this trip a warm, friendly atmosphere. On the downside, if you’re prone to motion sickness or have mobility issues, this might not be your best fit, as the trip involves some boat movement and limited accessibility.

This tour is especially suitable for those seeking a value-packed marine adventure—offering whale and dolphin sightings, swimming opportunities, and onboard drinks—all at a very reasonable price. If you love authentic experiences, gentle sailing, and close encounters with marine life, you’ll find this tour hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Authentic sailing experience aboard a Portuguese Goleta, offering a nostalgic voyage.
• Respectful wildlife viewing ensures minimal disturbance to whales and dolphins.
• Includes swimming stop with floats, ideal for families or water lovers.
• Affordable price point with drinks available onboard, making it good value.
• Informative guides speak multiple languages, enriching your understanding of marine life.
• Flexible pickup options cater to different hotel locations for convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Sailing Adventure with a Marine Focus

This Tenerife tour offers more than just a boat ride—it’s a chance to connect with the sea in a respectful, relaxed way. The boat itself is a genuine Portuguese Goleta, a classic schooner with plenty of space to lounge, sunbathe, or simply watch the coast go by. From the moment we read the reviews, it was clear that the enthusiasm and knowledge of the crew made a real difference—many guests praised the friendly, multilingual guides who shared insights about whales, dolphins, and local marine ecology.

The price—just $17 per person— makes this a surprisingly good deal for what you get: a chance to see marine mammals in their natural habitat, enjoy some water fun, and relax on deck. You’ll love the laid-back atmosphere, especially if you enjoy sailing in a historic vessel with a touch of pirate flair. The onboard bar offers soft drinks and cocktails for purchase, adding to the casual, fun vibe.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The tour begins with an optional hotel pickup from locations in Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Américas, or La Caleta, or guests can meet directly at the harbor. The transfer by bus takes about an hour, giving you a scenic preview of Tenerife’s southern coast. Once at the Los Cristianos harbor, the boat, known as the Peter Pan, awaits.

Onboard, you’ll find a large central table on the main deck, perfect for relaxing with a drink or chatting with fellow travelers. The upper deck offers panoramic views—ideal for spotting whales and dolphins. The crew, described as friendly and knowledgeable, will guide your marine wildlife search, focusing on the pilot whales, which are particularly attracted to Tenerife’s west coast.

The whale and dolphin sightings can be quite close—some reviews mention them swimming around the boat or surfacing nearby. As one visitor noted, “we saw pilot whales and a huge turtle,” highlighting the variety of marine life you might encounter. The swimming stop is another highlight, where you can snorkel with floats provided, offering a refreshing break from the boat.

Returning to port, the trip generally lasts around 2 hours—a manageable length for most travelers. Post-tour, some options include a bus transfer back to your hotel, making logistics simple.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Respectful Wildlife Observation

The guides and crew emphasize non-intrusive practices—engine noise is turned off when animals are nearby, helping to ensure minimal disturbance. The reviews emphasize this aspect, with comments like, “they turn the engines off when we get close to the animals,” which is crucial for responsible wildlife viewing.

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Authentic Sailing Experience

Travelers love the chance to sail aboard a historical Portuguese schooner—not just a modern catamaran or rubber boat. This adds a romantic, nostalgic element to the journey, making it more memorable. The boat’s spaciousness means you won’t feel cramped, even on busy days.

Family-Friendly and Water-Based Fun

The inclusion of floatation devices for kids and the opportunity to swim makes this a versatile trip for families. Several reviews highlight how children enjoyed the experience, especially the chance to see whales close-up and swim in the sea.

Value for Money

For just $17, this tour offers excellent value—including guided marine life spotting, swimming, and the experience of sailing a classic vessel. Food and drinks are extra but affordable, and the overall vibe is friendly and relaxed.

The Downside to Consider

While this experience excels in authenticity and relaxed pacing, it might not be suitable for everyone. The boat movement can be uncomfortable for those with motion sickness, and the boat’s accessibility is limited—not wheelchair friendly. Weather conditions can also impact the trip; rough seas might cause some to feel seasick or limit marine sightings. Plus, if you’re expecting a high-intensity or luxury cruise, this more modest, traditional voyage might feel too simple.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

The Departure and Transport

Most travelers choose the hotel pickup, which is convenient and stress-free—the collection points are well-organized and located close to popular accommodations. The one-hour bus ride provides a scenic preview of Tenerife’s coastline, warming you up for the sea adventure ahead.

The Sailing Vessel

The Peter Pan boat is described as spacious with plenty of room to move around, avoiding the overcrowded feeling common on other tours. Its classic design enhances the sense of sailing in a bygone era. The main deck features a large table and seating, perfect for watching the scenery or chatting, while the upper deck is ideal for whale spotting or simply soaking up the sun.

Marine Life Viewing and Educational Commentary

The crew’s enthusiasm and multilingual explanations bring the experience to life—guests learn about pilot whales’ attraction to Tenerife, dolphin behavior, and other marine creatures. Seeing pilot whales and dolphins close enough to swim around the boat creates memories that last.

Swimming Stop

The opportunity to swim in the Atlantic is a hit, especially since floats are provided. Some reviews describe how little ones enjoyed floating in the water, while others appreciated the chance to cool off after the excitement of spotting whales. This stop adds a refreshing dimension to an otherwise relaxing cruise.

End of the Tour and Return

The trip concludes back at Los Cristianos harbor, with optional bus transfer back to your meeting point or hotel. The flexibility of this arrangement makes planning easier and less stressful.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers who:

• Want an authentic sailing experience aboard a historic vessel
• Care about wildlife conservation and prefer respectful viewing practices
• Are looking for value for money with multiple activities included
• Enjoy relaxing in the sun and learning from enthusiastic guides
• Are traveling with children, as the swimming stop and floatation devices are family-friendly
• Appreciate a casual, friendly atmosphere with good company and music

It might not be the best choice if you’re sensitive to motion sickness or require full accessibility. Weather conditions can also affect the timing and marine sightings, so flexibility is key.

The Sum Up

This Tenerife tour offers a truly authentic maritime experience. You’ll appreciate the historic vessel, the respectful approach to wildlife, and the friendly guidance. With good reviews highlighting the knowledgeable crew, stunning views, and affordable price, it’s a great way to combine sailing, wildlife watching, and swimming into one memorable outing.

If you’re after a relaxed, educational, and fun marine adventure that values responsible tourism and offers authentic sailing charm, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s best suited for families, water lovers, and those curious about the ocean, providing a balanced mix of activity and relaxation.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you choose the pickup option, you’ll be collected from designated points near your hotel. The timing and location are provided in your reservation confirmation.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience typically lasts around 2 hours, including the boat trip and marine watching.

Can I buy drinks onboard?
Absolutely. Soft drinks and cocktails are available for purchase at the onboard bar, with prices described as affordable—sometimes as low as £1 for soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Snorkel gear is not included, so if you want to snorkel, you’ll need to bring your own or rent elsewhere.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, the tour is suitable for families, particularly because floats are provided for kids, and the boat is spacious and stable.

Does the boat accommodate wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as the vessel has limited accessibility.

What about seasickness?
The boat does move with the waves, so if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s wise to take precautions such as medication beforehand.

This tour combines a genuine sailing experience with respectful wildlife viewing and fun water activities—perfect for those who want a heartfelt, value-filled day at sea. Whether you’re a family, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone looking to try sailing in a historic vessel, this Tenerife adventure promises moments you’ll remember long after returning home.

You can check availability for your dates here: