Royal Dolphin Whale watching excursion

Royal Dolphin Whale Watching Excursion in Tenerife: A Close Encounter with Marine Life

Taking a boat tour that promises to let you see dolphins and whales in their natural environment is a tempting idea when visiting Tenerife’s sunny coasts. The Royal Dolphin Whale Watching excursion, offered by Tour2b, is a fairly popular choice—offered at around $35 per person and booked typically 15 days in advance. With a journey lasting about two hours, it’s designed to give you a good glimpse of marine mammals, complemented by a boat with underwater viewing windows and the option to upgrade to include lunch and drinks.

What I find particularly appealing about this experience is how it combines wildlife watching with the convenience of a well-organized trip. The boat itself is specially designed to maximize animal sightings, with large windows and underwater viewing features—meaning even if you’re not a seasoned marine enthusiast, you can still enjoy clear views of dolphins and whales from multiple angles. Plus, the inclusion of guides who help you spot and identify marine creatures is a definite plus, especially for those new to whale watching. The pick-up logistics are simple for travelers staying nearby, as the tour departs from the central Puerto Colon area.

On the flip side, one of the more common criticisms found in reviews relates to overcrowding on board. As one reviewer noted, “it was a bit overcrowded on board and hard to get a good spot to watch and take photos,” which might matter if you’re keen on capturing perfect shots. Plus, the overall rating of 3.5/5 suggests that while many found the experience worthwhile, some were less impressed—particularly with a notable review where the tour operator initially couldn’t locate their booking, causing some delays and frustration.

Despite that, many travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the value offered—especially if you opt for the longer tour with food and drinks. The optional extras, including tapas, drinks, and lunch, turn a straightforward wildlife cruise into a more relaxed and social outing. It’s worth considering whether you want a quick, affordable glimpse of marine life or a more comprehensive experience with amenities. Keep in mind, the tour doesn’t include pick-up, so you’ll need to arrive at the meeting point in Puerto Colon, but the location is accessible via public transport and central enough for most visitors.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Specially designed boat with underwater viewing windows enhances the chances of seeing dolphins and whales clearly.
• Knowledgeable guides improve the experience by helping spot and identify wildlife, making it more engaging and educational.
• Overcrowding can be an issue, so arriving early or being prepared for limited viewing spots might make your experience more enjoyable.
• Optional lunch and drinks elevate the tour into a more leisurely, social outing—extra cost but good value for a relaxed day at sea.
• Price point around $34.69 offers reasonable value for a wildlife cruise, particularly when considering the included amenities in upgraded options.
• No included transportation means you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point at Calle Colón in Puerto Colon, which is accessible but worth planning ahead.

The Experience: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Booking and Logistics: Booking a spot on this tour generally takes about two weeks in advance, which is typical for popular wildlife excursions. The meeting point is the Royal Delfin Catamaran at Calle Colón in Puerto Colon, a convenient location near Playa de las Américas. There’s no pickup service, so plan to arrive on your own—either by local bus or taxi. The tour starts promptly, so arriving a little early is wise.

Duration and Itinerary: The basic tour covers roughly two hours at sea, during which you’ll sail along Tenerife’s scenic southern coast. If you opt for the longer, 3-hour version, you’ll enjoy added perks like tapas, drinks, and lunch—it’s a more relaxed experience with more time to enjoy the surroundings and camaraderie onboard.

Wildlife Viewing: The main goal here is spotting dolphins and whales—sometimes even other marine creatures. The boat’s large windows and underwater viewing panels are designed to give you a good chance to see these animals in the wild. Be aware that marine life is unpredictable; some days might be more fruitful than others. A guide will point out what’s seen and share insights, which I find helpful, especially if you’re new to marine mammals.

Onboard Experience: Expect a lively but family-friendly atmosphere. The boat can get crowded, especially during peak season, so securing a good spot might require some patience. As one reviewer noted, “it was a bit overcrowded and hard to get a good spot,” but most still appreciated the effort made by guides to help everyone see and identify animals.

Food and Drinks: The optional upgrade offers an array of tapas, drinks, and lunch, which helps stretch the experience into a mini social event. If you love sharing snacks and drinks while watching the sea, it’s a worthwhile addition. However, if you prefer a quick snapshot and a shorter trip, the basic tour still offers good value.

Weather Considerations: Tenerife’s weather is generally warm and sunny, but the sea can be choppy at times. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider bringing motion sickness remedies like biodramina, which one happy traveler recommended. Remember to pack sunscreen, a hat, swimsuit, towel, and comfortable shoes—safety and comfort matter when you’re out on the water.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This excursion is particularly suitable for families, first-timers, or anyone eager to see marine mammals in their natural habitat without breaking the bank. The guides’ insight makes it friendly for those who aren’t seasoned ocean-goers, and the underwater windows add a fun twist. If you’re looking for a quick, affordable way to connect with Tenerife’s wildlife, this is a solid choice.

However, if you’re a perfectionist about photos or want a less crowded experience, you might find the boat’s popularity a challenge. For those seeking a more exclusive or luxurious cruise, other options like smaller or luxury boats might be better suited.

Price, Value, and Practical Tips

At roughly $35 per person, this tour offers decent value—especially when you consider the inclusion of guides and the possibility of upgraded amenities like lunch. The longer tour with food adds to the overall experience, turning a quick wildlife sighting into a more relaxed social outing, which many travelers appreciate.

Since the tour doesn’t include transportation, plan your arrival at Puerto Colon carefully. It’s near public transport options, but a taxi or a short walk from your accommodation might be easiest. The tour is limited to about 20 travelers, keeping it intimate enough to enjoy but lively enough to create a fun atmosphere.

Pro tip: Book your spot at least two weeks ahead to secure a preferred time, and arrive early on the day of your tour. If seasickness is a concern, pack remedies and don’t forget sun protection—this is Spain, after all.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Dolphin Whale Watching excursion in Tenerife is a good, budget-friendly way to see some of the island’s most charming marine creatures. The boat’s design and guides enhance the chances of witnessing dolphins and whales, especially if the sea is calm and animals are active. The optional food and drinks upgrade make it a more leisurely experience, perfect for those wanting a relaxed day at sea.

However, be prepared for the possibility of crowded decks and variable wildlife sightings. It’s best suited for travelers who are flexible, eager for a fun and affordable adventure, and don’t mind sharing close quarters with fellow wildlife lovers. For a straightforward, authentic marine experience that offers value and a chance to connect with Tenerife’s natural beauty, this tour ticks many boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, the tour does not include pick-up or transportation. You’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point at Calle Colón, Puerto Colon, which is accessible via public transit or taxi.

How long is the tour?
The standard tour lasts approximately 2 hours at sea. There is an option for a longer, 3-hour tour that includes lunch, drinks, and tapas.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness remedies like biodramina.

Does the tour guarantee wildlife sightings?
Wildlife in the wild can be unpredictable; sightings are not guaranteed. Guides do their best to spot dolphins and whales, but nature can be elusive.

What are the main features of the boat?
The boat is equipped with large viewing windows and underwater panels to increase your chances of seeing marine life clearly from multiple angles.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour won’t be refunded.

In the end, this excursion offers a fun, reasonably priced way to see Tenerife’s marine life and enjoy some time on the water. It’s best for those who enjoy a casual outing with good guides and are okay with a lively, sometimes crowded deck. Remember to set your expectations—wild animals are unpredictable, but the memories of spotting dolphins or whales in their natural habitat can be truly special.