Whale watching and snorkelling in the whale sanctuary

A close encounter with Tenerife’s marine life: whale watching and snorkelling in the whale sanctuary

This tour offers an engaging 3-hour adventure exploring Tenerife’s vibrant marine ecosystem in a remarkably accessible and well-organized package. As someone who appreciates the balance between wildlife encounters and cultural learning, I find this experience particularly appealing. It combines the thrill of spotting dolphins and pilot whales with the chance to snorkel in pristine waters, all while learning about volcanology, meteorology, and the island’s history from a knowledgeable captain.

What I love most about this trip is how intimate it feels—being part of a small group (max 11 travelers) means you’re not just another face in a crowd. The captain’s detailed explanations and respectful approach to the marine animals make the experience educational and enjoyable. Plus, lunch and drinks are included, which really enhances the value, especially considering the three-hour duration. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a highly structured or longer excursion, this might feel a bit quick.

A key consideration is the weather dependency—since the tour’s success hinges on good weather conditions, cancellations due to bad weather are possible, but the company offers full refunds or alternative dates. That’s reassuring if you’re planning around a fixed schedule. This tour provides a balanced mix of adventure, education, and relaxation, suitable for most travelers wanting a genuine taste of Tenerife’s marine life and culture.

Key points / Takeaways

• Small group size ensures a more personal and relaxed experience with expert guidance.
• Marine life sightings are frequent and varied, including pilot whales, dolphins, and other cetaceans.
• Educational commentary from the captain covers local volcanology, meteorology, and history, enriching the experience.
• Comfortable boat makes the journey enjoyable, with ample space and good views from all angles.
• Snorkelling stop at the cove of Agua Dulce provides a refreshingly close encounter with underwater life.
• Inclusion of food and drinks adds great value—expect sandwiches and typical local beverages.
• Weather-dependent nature of the tour means flexibility is key; cancellations are fully covered.
• Authentic and respectful wildlife viewing, with the captain ensuring animals are observed at a respectful distance, as noted by reviews.

Setting Out from Playa San Juan: What to Expect

Starting at Sea Passion Charter in Playa San Juan, the tour begins at 2:30 pm, making it ideal for an afternoon escape. The meeting point is straightforward, located at the Puerto Pesquero, and the boat itself is described as super comfortable—a plus for those wary of rough seas or long boat rides. The crew’s goal is to deliver an engaging mini-safari, focused on whale and dolphin spotting while providing context that deepens your understanding of the local environment.

The boat heads south, about 5 km off La Gomera, into waters over a kilometer deep. This spot is known for its resident pilot whales, which are often seen in these waters, along with dolphins and other marine creatures. The guide’s detailed explanations make the journey educational; one reviewer highlights the “wonderful captain” who provided respectful wildlife viewing and ample scientific insights.

The Marine Safari: A Journey into the Whale Sanctuary

Once at sea, your chances to spot cetaceans are high. The captain actively searches between different depth levels—this means you’re likely to see a variety of marine life, not just from one vantage point. You might find yourself captivated by the playful dolphins or the serene glide of pilot whales. The reviews say these encounters are at respectful distances, ensuring the animals are undisturbed—something truly appreciated by wildlife enthusiasts.

The boat skirts the cliffs of Isorana—a scenic highlight that offers stunning views of the rugged coastline. From here, the journey to the cove of Agua Dulce is the highlight for many; this is where you can snorkel in clear waters, swim among colorful fish, and enjoy a relaxed break. The captain provides explanations on volcanology and meteorology, adding a fascinating layer of context to the natural beauty surrounding you.

Snorkelling at Agua Dulce: A Refreshing Interlude

The snorkel stop at Agua Dulce is often described as a highlight—a chance to physically connect with the local marine life. The water is typically calm and clear, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. The included sandwiches and typical drinks are a nice touch, turning this into a proper mini picnic. The small group size means you won’t feel overwhelmed, and the captain’s guidance ensures everyone gets a chance to enjoy the underwater world safely.

This part of the tour is especially appreciated, as it blends the thrill of marine discovery with a break to relax and soak in the surroundings. Julia K, a reviewer, mentions that they “got to see Grindwale and dolphins and enjoyed the comfortable boat and the helpful captain.” Such comments underscore the authentic, respectful approach to wildlife and the quality of the experience.

Coastal and Cultural Highlights

After snorkelling, the tour continues along the coast towards Playa San Juan’s fishing port, offering stunning views of Tenerife’s shoreline and local life. The guide’s commentary extends beyond marine life, touching on local history and fishing traditions, which adds depth to the journey. This segment is a gentle wind-down, providing plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to discuss what you’ve experienced with your fellow travelers.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re looking for a short, value-packed adventure that combines wildlife, culture, and a bit of leisure, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate small-group experiences, want to learn about the natural environment, and enjoy a relaxing snorkelling stop. The inclusion of lunch and drinks greatly enhances the overall value, especially for the modest price of around $75.

It’s also a fantastic choice for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or couples wanting a more personal experience without the large crowds typical of bigger excursions. However, keep in mind that weather conditions matter—if the sea is rough or weather bad, the trip may be canceled, but the company offers full refunds or rescheduling.

Price and Value Analysis

At approximately $75 per person, this tour provides a lot of bang for your buck. The three-hour duration strikes a good balance—enough time to enjoy wildlife, snorkelling, and learning without feeling rushed or exhausted. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the inclusion of food, drinks, and educational commentary makes it a well-rounded deal. Compared to longer or more crowded excursions, this feels intimate and authentic, especially given the focus on respectful wildlife observation.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Experience?

This whale watching and snorkelling tour offers a balanced and enriching way to spend an afternoon in Tenerife. It’s best suited for travelers who value small-group intimacy, authentic wildlife encounters, and educational content that deepens their understanding of the island’s natural world. The included lunch and drinks make it a good deal for those seeking a comfortable, all-in-one experience.

While weather can affect the schedule, the company’s flexible cancellation policy adds peace of mind. If you’re keen to see pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, learn about volcanic activity and local history, and enjoy snorkelling in calm waters, this tour is a solid choice. It delivers on its promise of educational fun and respectful wildlife viewing, making for a memorable day at sea.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that won’t eat up your entire afternoon.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes a guide, lunch (including sandwiches and drinks), and alcoholic beverages. Tips are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the small group size makes it family-friendly, but it’s best to check for specific age recommendations.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a hat. Snorkelling gear is usually provided, but you might prefer your own mask and fins.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes. The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll get a full refund or can reschedule.

How many people will be on the boat?
A maximum of 11 travelers ensures a relaxed and personal experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Sea Passion Charter in Playa San Juan and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the wildlife viewing respectful?
Absolutely. The captain makes sure animals are observed at a respectful distance, which many reviews have appreciated.

In all, this Tenerife whale sanctuary tour offers a well-rounded, value-for-money experience blending marine adventure, education, and local insights—perfect for travelers seeking a genuine connection with the sea and its creatures.