Tenerife:Respectful Whale Watching, Pirate Ship, & Swim

Tenerife: Respectful Whale Watching, Pirate Ship, & Swim — An Authentic Marine Adventure

If you’re craving a genuine maritime experience that combines wildlife spotting with a dash of historical charm, this Tenerife tour is worth considering. For just $17 per person, you get a 2-hour cruise aboard an authentic Portuguese schooner, complete with opportunities to see pilot whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles. It’s a modest price for a surprisingly rich experience, especially given the rave reviews about the crew’s friendliness and the tour’s authentic sailing vibe.

What I really appreciate about this tour is how it balances the thrill of wildlife encounters with a laid-back, old-school sailing atmosphere. The guides, who speak multiple languages including English, French, Italian, and Spanish, are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm — “the guide was fantastic and crew friendly,” as one review puts it. Plus, the chance to swim in the ocean after watching whales offers a memorable, active end to what can otherwise feel like a passive sightseeing trip.

A potential snag? If you’re prone to motion sickness or want to guarantee clear views, it’s worth noting that the boat might get a little choppy, especially in big waves, as some reviews mention. Also, if you’re hoping for a luxurious cruise, this is a more rustic, straightforward boat experience. But that’s part of its charm — you’re sailing on a genuine Portuguese Goleta, which adds a touch of history and authenticity to your adventure.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic Portuguese Schooner: Offers a historic sailing vibe that many find charming and immersive.
• Wildlife Close-Ups: Frequent sightings of pilot whales and dolphins, with some reviews mentioning families and even sea turtles.
• Multilingual Guides: Knowledgeable staff who speak several languages, enhancing the educational aspect.
• Affordable Value: At $17 per person, this tour provides excellent value, especially with free soft drinks and an onboard bar.
• Optional Pickup: Convenient hotel or meeting point transfers are available, making it easy to join without hassle.
• Swim Stop: Opportunity to jump into the sea for a swim, making the trip more interactive and fun.

Setting Sail in Tenerife: An Honest Look

I love the way this tour combines affordability with authenticity. For just a few euros more than the cost of a coffee, you get an experience that many reviews describe as “amazing,” “memorable,” and “great value.” The fact that you are on a genuine Portuguese Goleta means you’re not just on another generic boat — you’re sailing on a vessel with history, which makes the whole experience feel more genuine and special.

The itinerary is straightforward but thoughtfully designed. You start with a pickup at your hotel or a nearby meeting point, then take a roughly one-hour bus ride to Los Cristianos, where the boat awaits. The cruise itself lasts about two hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the views, spot marine life, and soak up the sun on deck. Afterward, there’s typically another hour by bus to return, with drop-offs at various locations, making logistics flexible and convenient.

Wildlife sightings are the highlight. Many travelers praise the crew for their dedication and expertise in spotting whales and dolphins. Several reviews mention seeing pilot whales, orca, and even sea turtles. The crew is appreciated for turning engine off when animals are nearby, which shows respect for the marine life. One review notes how the crew even rescued two paddle boarders in rough weather — a reminder that safety and professionalism are part of the experience.

The swimming stop is another highlight, especially for those who love a bit of sea adventure. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, floats for kids and the chance to jump into the water make this a fun, active element. Plus, you might find that many travelers, like one who said, “getting in the sea at the end was a highlight,” find it refreshingly rewarding after the wildlife viewing.

The crew and guides receive consistent praise. Several reviews mention individuals like Christophe and Javi by name, highlighting their friendly, helpful nature. Their multilingual skills make the information accessible to a diverse group, and their enthusiasm makes the entire trip more engaging.

What to Expect at Each Stage of the Tour

Starting Point & Pickup: The tour begins either at Los Cristianos harbor or via pickup from a predetermined meeting point. If you opt for hotel pickup, expect a short, climate-controlled bus ride that takes about an hour, giving you some prep time to relax or review your wildlife expectations.

Boarding the Schooner: Arriving at Los Cristianos, you’ll step aboard a vessel that looks like it’s sailed straight out of the age of exploration. The boat’s large central table and upper deck provide ample space to relax, enjoy the views, or purchase drinks. Some reviews mention the boat being spacious even during full trips, which is a plus for comfort.

Wildlife Watching & Sailing: Once underway, the crew will share knowledge about the marine environment, pointing out dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures. They often turn off the engines when animals are near, which is appreciated by wildlife lovers. Expect to see pilot whales, dolphins, and sometimes orcas, with some travelers lucky enough to spot a sea turtle or even a giant squid.

Swim and Refresh: About halfway through, the captain might stop the boat for a swim. You can jump in with floats provided or just enjoy the sun and sea breeze. The water’s often inviting, and many reviews say this is a highlight — “swimming in the sea after seeing whales was fantastic,” as one traveler describes.

Return & Drop-off: After about two hours at sea, the boat heads back to Los Cristianos. The bus then takes you to one of 28 possible drop-off points, making it easy to continue your day without worry. Expect to be back at your starting point within roughly two hours, with plenty of time left to explore Tenerife.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want an authentic sailing adventure with wildlife viewing. It’s especially suited for families, as floats are provided for kids and reviews frequently highlight friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere. If you’re an animal lover, the chance to see pilot whales, dolphins, and perhaps even turtles in their natural habitat will be a highlight.

However, if you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions, since some reviews mention the boat’s movement in rough seas. Also, those seeking a luxury cruise might find this more rustic, but many seem to prefer the genuine, historical feel of the vessel. It’s a great choice if you enjoy a bit of adventure, learning, and active fun like swimming in the open ocean.

Final Thoughts: A Genuine Marine Experience

For the price, this tour offers a surprisingly complete and authentic marine adventure. You get to sail on a historic Portuguese schooner, see marine mammals up close, and enjoy the beautiful coast of Tenerife. The guides’ enthusiasm and multilingual approach make the trip accessible and informative, while the opportunity to swim adds a memorable touch.

It’s evident from reviews that most travelers leave with a sense of satisfaction, often calling it “amazing,” “excellent value,” and “friendly.” The mix of wildlife, historic vessels, and the relaxed vibe on deck creates a unique setting that’s both fun and educational.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want more than a quick photo and prefer a hands-on, interactive experience. It’s ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and budget travelers looking for a memorable day at sea without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get a cruise on an authentic Portuguese schooner, wildlife viewing, a swimming stop, toilets onboard, and the services of a multilingual crew and guide.

Are drinks included?
Soft drinks are complimentary, and there’s an onboard bar where you can purchase beers, cocktails, and other drinks at reasonable prices.

Can I bring my own snorkel equipment or towels?
Snorkel equipment and towels are not included, but you might find the boat’s swimming floats useful if you decide to jump in.

What languages are the guides speaking?
Guides speak English, French, Italian, and Spanish, making it accessible for a diverse group of travelers.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup options are available at your hotel or a nearby meeting point, with the exact location and time shared during booking.

What should I bring on the trip?
Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and clothes that can get wet or dirty. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking preventive medication.

In the end, this tour offers a practical, friendly, and memorable way to experience Tenerife’s marine life. Whether it’s your first time spotting whales or you’re simply seeking a relaxing ocean cruise with a historic twist, it’s a solid choice—especially when you consider the value for money and reviews that consistently praise the crew and wildlife encounters.