Whales, dolphins, and a snack stop. That’s the vibe on this Tenerife sail tour from Puerto Colón, where the small-group Roulette heads out for marine-life sightings and a real snorkel break. I like the focused wildlife search led by crews such as Captain Salvador, plus the easygoing deck time with food and drinks included.

You’ll also enjoy how this isn’t the big-chaos version. The boat is built for comfort—10 passengers max with a professional crew—and you get snorkeling equipment right on board, plus drinks like cava, beer, and soft drinks. One consideration: it’s open-water sailing, so if you’re prone to seasickness, pack a remedy and choose your seat wisely.

Key highlights you’ll feel fast

• Small-group sailing (10 passengers) on the Roulette
• Wildlife spotting for cetaceans, turtles, and seabirds in their natural habitat
• Snorkeling time in warm, clear water with equipment provided
• Food and drinks onboard including cava/beer/soft drinks plus snacks and dessert
• Multilingual live guide in Spanish, English, French, and German

A 12-meter sailboat from Puerto Colón is the point

This trip keeps things tight and personal. You’re on a 12-meter sailboat with room for just 10 passengers and 2 crew, so you’re not stuck behind a crowd or fighting for the best side of the boat. The layout also helps you relax: there are three double cabins, two bathrooms, and deck mats for comfort.

The other big win is the feel of sailing itself. When conditions allow, you’ll be gliding under sail rather than just running the motor. Even if the itinerary is short (3 hours total), the goal isn’t a checklist of ports. It’s time on the water—quiet, breezy, and built around spotting sea life.

Getting to Dock 5 and finding the Roulette

No hotel pickup means you’ll handle your own timing. You’ll meet at the port in Puerto Colón at the door of dock Nº5, about ten minutes before departure. The ship is named Roulette.

Here’s the practical part: dock areas can look confusing fast, especially if you’re walking in from a parking area. I’d give yourself extra minutes. Once you’re at the right dock door, the rest is straightforward—this is one of those tours where showing up early buys you calm, not stress.

What the cruise time is really for: whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds

This experience is built around a crew that actively searches for marine life. You’ll cruise along the south coast area around Costa Adeje, and you’ll keep an eye out for cetaceans, turtles, and seabirds from the deck.

You should especially expect dolphins and whales. In practice, many outings focus on species like pilot whales and dolphins, with a strong chance of seeing them up close when the crew finds the pod. There’s also a real possibility of a sea turtle sighting, because sightings are part of the tour’s wildlife focus—not a random bonus.

What I like about the way this is set up: it’s not just spotting from far away. The crew’s job is to find wildlife and position the boat so you can actually enjoy the view. A good sign is how often the captain’s role gets mentioned—guides such as Rafa and skippers like Salvador are praised for local knowledge and for keeping guests comfortable while still respecting wildlife behavior.

The snorkel stop: how to make the most of your swim time

You’ll get a chance to swim and snorkel during the outing, with snorkeling equipment included. The tour also aims for clear, calm conditions when they can. In this kind of itinerary, snorkeling time matters more than theory. You’re not buying a ticket to watch other people get in the water.

Plan your effort around the actual time you’ll have in the bay. Some outings include about 30 minutes for snorkeling, often in a secluded spot. That’s enough time to get comfortable with breathing, spot fish, and enjoy the water—without turning the whole tour into a wet slog.

A couple of practical tips:

• If you want the best view underwater, take a breath, relax, and let your eyes adjust before you swim hard.
• If you’re not an experienced snorkeler, keep it simple. Float, watch, and follow the crew’s guidance on where the water is easiest.

Food and drinks onboard: what you’re paying for

For $68, the food-and-drinks piece isn’t a side quest. It’s part of what makes this a good value for a short tour.

You’ll have snacks and delightful desserts onboard. Drinks include mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks. The vibe tends to be steady—people describe drinks being offered throughout, not as a one-time pour.

Lunch is typically simple but satisfying: think baguettes with fillings (such as ham and tomato) plus snack portions like chips, along with cake or dessert. I like that it’s practical for a boat trip—no delicate plating, no long wait, and it’s easy to eat while you’re still enjoying the scenery.

Also worth noting: the crew is set up to handle dietary needs where possible. If you have a real restriction, tell the crew when you board. Small boats are where that matters most, because they can’t run a complicated catering line.

Comfort on the Roulette: small boat means better views

With a maximum of 10 passengers, you’ll feel the difference fast. More space per person usually means fewer elbows and easier movement on deck. You also get a better chance to see wildlife on both sides of the boat, since the captain can manage positioning without the crush you get on larger vessels.

The boat has two bathrooms and mats on deck, which makes a big difference for a 3-hour ride. And because the tour is relatively short, there’s less time for fatigue to build.

One more practical note: sea conditions can vary. Some people do fine, while others can feel it if the water gets choppy. If that’s you, be ready with motion-sickness prevention and don’t wait until you feel sick. The crew has handled sea discomfort before, and being proactive keeps things smooth.

Languages and crew attention: the service level is part of the bargain

This is a live, guided experience. You’ll get narration and help in Spanish, English, French, and German. That matters because wildlife viewing isn’t just luck—you want to understand what you’re seeing and why the crew is choosing a route.

The crew style also comes through strongly. People describe the skipper and mate as attentive—checking if everyone is okay and helping with comfort while still focusing on the sightings. That combination is what makes a small boat feel like a proper experience rather than a floating waiting room.

Price and value: why $68 can make sense here

At $68 per person for about 3 hours, this tour competes well with larger whale-watching boats that often:

• feel crowded,
• provide fewer drinks and less food,
• and keep you far from the action.

Here, a big chunk of your ticket price goes toward the things that are hardest to replicate: a small boat, snorkeling equipment, and drinks plus food. When wildlife does show up close—and it often does on these routes—the experience feels like it earns its keep quickly.

If you’re comparing options, use this filter:

• Do you want a quiet sail with time in the water?
• Or do you want a louder, larger-boat spectacle where you mostly watch from a distance?

This one leans toward the former.

Who should book this Tenerife sail-and-snorkel?

Book it if you want:

• A small group on a sailboat, not a bus-sized boat
• The chance to see pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles
• A real snorkel stop with equipment included
• Food and drinks onboard that don’t feel like a token

You might think twice if:

• You’re very sensitive to motion on open water and can’t manage it with prevention
• You prefer long, multi-stop itineraries instead of one focused 3-hour outing

Should you book? My honest take

If your ideal day in Tenerife is water time, sea life, and a deck you can actually enjoy, this is an easy yes. The combination of small capacity, guided wildlife searching, snorkeling time, and drinks and snacks included is a strong mix for a half-day.

Just do two things to set yourself up well: arrive at dock Nº5 with a little extra time, and plan for the fact that sailing means the sea can be rolling. Get those right, and this tour has the ingredients for one of the most memorable short trips you can do on the island.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Tenerife sailboat tour with snorkeling?

The tour runs for 3 hours total. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the exact departure.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Puerto Colón at the door of dock Nº5. It’s the first jetty past the port parking barrier, and the ship name is Roulette.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get to the dock on your own.

How many people are on board?

It’s a small-group sailboat limited to 10 participants, plus 2 crew.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What drinks and food are included onboard?

The tour includes drinks such as mineral water, wine, cava, beer, and soft drinks, plus snacks and desserts.

Does the tour include a guide?

Yes. A live tour guide is included, with narration in Spanish, English, French, and German.

Do they do whale watching?

Yes. Whale watching is included as part of the marine-life viewing during the cruise.

Is there ticket line skipping?

The activity notes skip the ticket line.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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