Whales, turtles, and sailing—wrapped into one short trip. This 3-hour cruise on the Roulette is built for wildlife watching at a calmer pace, with a small crew and a boat that feels like you’re invited aboard, not herded through. I especially like that the team looks for cetaceans and explains what you’re seeing as you go.

Two things I really liked: the small group size (max 10 passengers), which makes it easier to get good views without everyone craning at once, and the onboard snorkeling stop that turns the trip from just watching into actually swimming. One thing to plan for: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to Puerto Colón’s dock area (and arrive a little early).

Key points to know before you go

• Max 10 passengers means better sightlines and a more relaxed rhythm
• A 12-meter sailboat with deck mats and real space to move around
• Cetaceans, turtles, and seabirds spotted in their natural habitat (no gimmicks)
• Snorkeling time + equipment included, with a warm-water swim stop
• Drinks, snacks, and desserts served onboard, plus cava options
• Meeting at Puerto Colón Dock Nº5, first jetty past the parking barrier

A 12-meter sail on Tenerife that feels like a real day at sea

Tenerife is famous for ocean wildlife, but what makes this cruise special is how the day is paced. You’re not stuck on a giant catamaran where every view is a fight with elbows. Instead, you sail on a 12-meter boat designed for comfort—room for 10 passengers plus 2 crew, with three double cabins, two bathrooms, and deck mats to keep things practical when the sea gets a bit real.

I like tours like this because the crew can actually read the water. When you’re looking for whales and dolphins, timing and positioning matter, and the staff has the flexibility to stay with wildlife without turning it into a noisy spectacle. It also helps that the crew is focused on marine life and the area around Tenerife, not just counting boxes.

The result: you get dramatic southern-coast views from the deck, and you also get context. When the guide points out what you’re seeing—pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds—it makes the sightings feel earned, not random.

Getting started at Puerto Colón Dock Nº5 (and finding the Roulette)

Your day begins at Roulette Charters in Puerto Colón, at the door of Dock Nº5. You’ll want to arrive about ten minutes before departure. The meeting spot is described as the first jetty past the port parking barrier, and the boat’s name is Roulette—so yes, you should look for that sign on the dock and not try to guess based on vibes alone.

This matters because the whole trip is short—3 hours—so you don’t want to burn your best daylight running down the wrong pier. If you’re coming from a hotel, plan to be early and allow time to get your bearings.

No hotel pickup is included, which keeps the trip simpler for the provider, but it shifts one job to you: getting to Puerto Colón smoothly. Once you’re at the dock, everything else runs like it should.

Wildlife spotting: how the crew turns “maybe” into real sightings

The core of this outing is marine-life viewing around Tenerife’s south coast, led by a professional crew that’s used to finding cetaceans. On the day, you’re cruising in crystal waters, scanning for whales and dolphins while also keeping an eye out for turtles and seabirds.

In the best-case scenarios, the sightings can be right up alongside the boat. Many guests highlight pilot whales (including pods with calves) and dolphins that sometimes show up in active ways—playing in bow waves or coming closer than you’d expect from the shore. Even when you don’t get the biggest headline moment, the sea usually delivers something: a turtle sighting, a family of dolphins, seabirds banking overhead, or fish you can spot during snorkeling.

What I value here is that the crew’s approach seems built around respect and patience. The boat isn’t treated like a “chase.” Instead, you’re positioned to watch and learn, and you’re given enough time to actually enjoy the moment rather than constantly changing directions.

The snorkeling stop: warm water swim time with real equipment

After the wildlife cruising, you get time to swim and snorkel in warm water. Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you the usual vacation stress of tracking gear or buying cheap masks that leak immediately.

The snorkel stop is in a secluded bay. That detail matters more than it sounds. A quieter, protected bay usually means easier water to float in, and it’s a better setup for seeing fish without battling waves or crowds. Guests also mention that the snorkeling area can be visually interesting—some even note features like a cave to explore—so you’re not just doing a checklist swim.

How much time do you get? You’ll have a dedicated window during the 3-hour outing, but don’t expect a full half-day snorkel expedition. This cruise is designed as a high-impact combo: watch whales first, then enjoy water time when the day is still moving.

Practical tip: bring a small towel and consider reef-friendly sunscreen. If you’re sensitive to sun, the open deck can get bright fast once the sailing is underway.

Food and drinks on deck: cava, sandwiches, and desserts without the fuss

A lot of whale-watching tours offer snacks that feel like an afterthought. This one doesn’t. While you’re out at sea, you’ll get drinks and snacks, plus desserts during the ride.

Expect a mix that typically includes mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. On the food side, guests talk about sandwiches and light lunch-style options such as baguettes with ham/tomato, plus crisps and cake. It’s not a formal restaurant meal, but it’s properly satisfying for a 3-hour outing—especially after you’ve been in and around the water.

Service style is part of the charm. Crew members (including people like Captain Salvador, and hosts such as Ramone, Rafa, Yani, Jenny, and Silvio, depending on the departure) are described as friendly and attentive. Some guests also mention dietary needs being handled, but because that isn’t guaranteed for every situation, I’d treat it as a “ask them ahead” kind of item.

If you want a practical rule: treat this as lunch-by-the-sea, not a dinner replacement. You’ll leave with full energy, but you won’t want to skip your next meal.

Sailing time: when the wind cooperates, the boat gets quieter

This trip is on a sailboat, and when conditions allow, you can actually feel the difference. One guest specifically notes the boat using sails on both outbound and inbound routes for at least 90 minutes when the wind is up—less engine noise, more that classic Atlantic feel.

That also means the experience can swing between smooth and bouncy depending on the day’s sea state. If you’re prone to seasickness, take it seriously. One guest reported getting extremely sick on choppy water, and the crew still helped them quickly and carefully. So if you’re sensitive, pack your usual anti-nausea plan and don’t tough it out.

The boat does have deck space and two bathrooms, which helps for comfort, and the crew attention tends to be strong. Still, sailing is sailing. The ocean is allowed to be the ocean.

Price ($70) and value: why this one often beats bigger tours

At about $70 per person for a 3-hour cruise, the big question is simple: what are you really buying?

You’re buying four things that usually cost extra on other tours:

1. Small-group access (max 10) for better wildlife viewing
2. A dedicated pro crew that actively looks for cetaceans and explains what’s happening
3. Snorkeling equipment plus actual water time in a bay
4. Food and drinks onboard, including cava and wine options

So yes, you’re paying for the experience and not just the boat ride. Where it feels like good value is the combo format: wildlife watching + snorkeling + snacks + drinks, all in one tight window.

If you’re the type who hates “wait for the show” tours, this tends to fit better. You get movement, explanations, and chances to enjoy the sea—not just a long sit while someone hunts for whales.

Who should book this whale watching and snorkeling sail

This cruise fits best if you want:

• A more intimate boat day than big-group tours
• Wildlife viewing with guidance, not just drifting and hoping
• A trip that includes both sightings and time in the water
• A relaxed afternoon in the sun with drinks and simple lunch-style food

It’s also a good option for families and mixed-age groups, since a smaller boat can feel easier to manage. One parent noted a toddler situation went well, and that the crew helped people feel comfortable.

If you’re only interested in snorkeling and don’t care about whales, you might find other snorkel tours give you longer water time. But if you want the “wow” factor of marine life first, then the chance to swim with fish, this is a strong match.

Should you book the Roulette Charters 3-hour tour?

I’d book it if your top priorities are pilot whales/dolphins, a small-group feel, and a day that mixes watching + swimming + eating without turning into a long, exhausting outing. The snorkeling stop and the included equipment are big pluses, and the onboard cava, beer, wine, snacks, and dessert make it feel like a proper afternoon—not a bare-bones excursion.

Skip it only if you need hotel pickup (this one doesn’t include it) or if you know you get violently seasick and you don’t want to gamble on sea conditions. If that’s you, at least plan for medication and bring a seat where you’ll feel the most stable.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife sailboat whale watching tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

What’s the group size?

It’s a small group limited to 10 passengers.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the door of Dock Nº5 of Puerto Colón, about ten minutes before departure. The first jetty past the port parking barrier is where you’ll find it.

What’s the name of the boat?

The ship is called Roulette.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is snorkeling included, and do I get equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling time is included, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

What wildlife might I see?

The experience focuses on cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and you may also see turtles and seabirds.

What drinks and snacks are included?

You get drinks such as mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks, plus snacks and desserts.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide offers Spanish, English, and Italian.

Can I pay later and cancel if plans change?

The experience offers reserve now & pay later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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