A sailboat hunt for pilot whales sounds fancy. In practice, it’s a simple, relaxed way to see marine life off south Tenerife while cruising under wind power. I like that you’re on a proper Beneteau Oceanis 44 (the Madoudou), with shade overhead and real comfort, not just a quick boat ride.

Two things I especially like: the tour is built around real whale-watching authorization in the Canaries, and it includes a solid food-and-drink spread so you’re not thinking about snacks while your eyes are on the horizon. One thing to keep in mind: the free pickup van covers up to 8 people, even though the private group can be up to 11, so you’ll want to double-check how they handle larger groups.

Quick highlights

• Pilot whales are the target in the south of Tenerife, with dolphins and turtles also in the mix
• Madoudou sails from Puerto Colón on full sail, adding a real sailing feel to the experience
• Shade, hot showers, and plenty of space keep the boat comfortable even when the ocean is doing its thing
• A secret stop for spotting marine life gives you a focused window for whales and dolphins
• Snack-and-drink service is included, with Canarian-style items and wine/cava among the options
• Snorkeling gear is provided for the Los Cristianos portion of the tour

A private sailing hunt out of Puerto Colón (Madoudou on the Atlantic)

Your tour is on a Beneteau Oceanis 44 called Madoudou, operating with authorization for whale watching in the south of Tenerife. You leave from Puerto Colón, then head out toward the Atlantic where pilot whales live in these waters. This is not the kind of tour where you spend half the time idling. The plan is to get moving, look for whales, and keep things human-sized and calm.

Because it’s private, you’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers. You get a proper group experience with a live guide working your questions and your sightlines. If you’re the type who hates rigid schedules, you’ll probably appreciate the pacing people describe as relaxed—see the whales, then enjoy the rest of the outing without feeling rushed.

And yes, this one has a sailing vibe. The tour includes a period where the boat sets off on full sail from port. That matters. It means you’re not just “on a boat.” You’re actually on a sailing craft, moving with the wind and settling into the rhythm of open water.

What the boat is like in real terms

The Oceanis 44 is described with a length around 12 meters in one place and 14 meters in another. Either way, it’s still a comfortable size for a private group. You’ll be on a yacht with a roof for shade, so you’re not roasting your brain in the sun for three straight hours.

Comfort details that make whale watching easier

Whale watching is mostly waiting, scanning, and reacting when something appears. Comfort matters because your body does better when your mind can stay on the spotting game.

Here’s what I’d call the practical comfort wins on Madoudou:

• Shade overhead so you can watch without the constant sun burn risk
• Spacious interiors with storage (wardrobes, drawers, and places to stash jackets or bags)
• A roomy living area with a table for up to eight, plus sofas for lounging
• Aft cabins with direct bathroom access, including showers with hot water
• Outdoor seating with an awning, so you’re not forced inside when the light is good

There’s also a galley equipped for real underway living: multiple burners, sinks, an oven, and refrigerators. That’s why snacks and drinks can be offered without turning it into a “ration” situation.

The tour info also mentions outboard safety equipment and solar panels, plus water autonomy (900 liters). Translation: the boat is set up for longer time at sea without feeling like everything is running on fumes.

The whale plan: pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles

The heart of this trip is simple: look for pilot whales in the south of Tenerife waters. The tour is specifically authorized for whale watching there, so you’re not relying on guesswork or a vague “maybe you’ll see something” pitch.

What you can reasonably expect is a mix of scanning and short focused spotting windows. The itinerary includes a secret stop designed for dolphin watching and whale watching for about 20 minutes. That short, targeted period is a good sign. It usually means the captain and guide are positioning for the most likely sightings rather than just wandering.

The tour also lists other local marine fauna you may spot, including dolphins and turtles. You should go into it with flexibility. Marine animals move. Weather changes patterns. But a guided approach in authorized waters gives you a better shot than an open-ended cruise with no mission.

How the guide experience can affect what you see

Your guide is live and can work in Italian, Spanish, and English. Even without knowing the exact script they’ll use, you’ll benefit from someone who actively helps you read the water. The better they are at pointing out what to look for (blow spouts, movement patterns, group behavior), the faster you start noticing things on your own.

In the feedback tied to this experience, people highlighted a top, upbeat guide and called out a calm flow: spot the whales, then enjoy the rest of the outing. That’s the ideal setup—great energy without turning the tour into a loud performance.

Itinerary breakdown: 3 hours, but not rushed

This is a tight three-hour window. The schedule is built to balance cruising, spotting, and one optional watery moment for you to enjoy.

Stop 1: Puerto Colón (start point)

You meet at Puerto Colón Gate 5. From there, you board and get oriented. This is where you want to get settled early—standing around after you hear whale calls is not the move.

Stop 2: Costa Adeje (about 45 minutes of sailing)

You sail toward the Atlantic via Costa Adeje for roughly 45 minutes. Think of this as your “settle in and start scanning” phase. The time on the water matters because whales and dolphins aren’t stationary, and you want enough range to give spotting a fair chance.

Stop 3: Secret stop (about 20 minutes for dolphin/whale watching)

This is the focused spotting segment: dolphin watching and whale watching for about 20 minutes. The best way to use this part is to stay patient, keep your eyes up and forward, and avoid disappearing into your phone. When marine life shows up, it can be brief.

If you see whales during this window, the rest of the tour feels like a bonus rather than the main event. That’s exactly how people describe the overall feel.

Stop 4: Yacht time (about 50 minutes)

Next comes about 50 minutes labeled simply as yacht time. In plain language, it’s time to cruise, relax, and keep an eye out. This segment often works well for photos, sun breaks, and just enjoying the coast from offshore.

Because you’re on a sailboat with shade and comfortable seating, this is the stage where the trip stops feeling like “work” and starts feeling like holiday.

Stop 5: Los Cristianos (break + snorkeling + food tasting, about 30 minutes)

Then you reach Los Cristianos, with a break that includes snorkeling and food tasting for about 30 minutes.

A quick reality check: 30 minutes is enough for a quick dip, not a long swim session. But the snorkeling gear is included, so you’re not scrambling to rent equipment at the last minute. I’d treat this as a chance to cool off and see what’s right under the surface while the boat is in an area suitable for a quick snorkel.

You’ll want to wear practical sun/water clothing and be ready to jump in and out without drama. Also: towel time is your friend after.

Stop 6: Back to Puerto Colón

You wrap up back at Puerto Colón, ending where you started.

Food, drinks, and that Canarian snack vibe

This tour feeds you. That’s a big deal on a sea day.

Snacks and cold drinks are included for your crew, with a menu that leans local and snackable: cheeses, mixed local salami and jams, olives, tomatoes, hummus, nachos, Canarian mojo sauce, breads, fresh snacks, and nuts. Drinks include cava, white wine, beer, cola, Sprite, Fanta, and water.

Why I like this approach: it supports the whole rhythm of the trip. You’re out there scanning for whales and dolphins, then you can refuel without leaving the boat. No searching for a café. No “what’s for lunch?” stress.

Also, this kind of onboard tasting makes the tour feel more like a shared outing rather than a checklist experience. You can snack when you’re not watching, and then go back to watching.

Snorkeling gear and what to bring for the water time

Snorkeling equipment is available, so you don’t need to pack fins or a mask. Still, you should plan smart so you don’t spend your snack time hunting for stuff.

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Towel

The towel is especially useful because Los Cristianos includes a snorkeling break. And the sun hat is non-negotiable in the Canaries. Even with shade on board, you’ll still be exposed while transitioning in and out.

If you want to make the snorkeling part smoother, wear simple swimwear under your clothes and keep your essentials in one bag you can grab quickly. That way, you’re not doing the classic scramble while everyone else is gearing up.

Price and value: $623 per group (up to 11 people)

The price is $623 per group, for a private tour up to 11 people. That’s the headline number. The value story is what’s wrapped into that price.

You’re paying for:

• a private sailing boat experience on the Beneteau Oceanis 44
• whale watching authorized in the south of Tenerife with pilot whales as the target
• onboard comfort (shade, roomy layout, hot showers)
• snacks and cold drinks included
• snorkeling equipment available

For a family or a group of friends, this can actually be strong value compared with piecemeal options where you pay extra for boat time, snacks, and gear. The big win is that it bundles the most annoying parts—transport time decisions and food/gear logistics—into one paid experience.

A logistics note about pickup size

There’s free pickup by van for up to 8 pax in areas like Costa Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Palm Mar, and Los Cristianos. Since the private group can be up to 11, that’s your key question to confirm before you book: if your group is over 8, how the remaining people are handled.

This is a small detail, but it can affect your day. One person showing up late while the boat departs is the kind of stress you don’t need on vacation.

Who this tour suits best (and who should consider alternatives)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A calmer, private setting for whale watching
• a sailing experience from Puerto Colón with real onboard comfort
• included food and drinks, so you’re not hungry while watching
• a short snorkeling break without planning equipment rentals

It may be less ideal if you’re chasing a long snorkeling session. The itinerary gives you about 30 minutes for snorkeling, and that’s more “quick refresh” than “full underwater adventure.”

If you’re traveling as a couple and want a romantic, easy pace, this also makes sense. Private boat time plus shade plus hot showers is a nice recipe for “we’re doing this right.”

Practical tips so you get the best experience

A few things that will help your trip feel smooth:

• Arrive a few minutes early at Puerto Colón Gate 5 so boarding isn’t rushed
• Bring your towel and sun hat even though you’ll have shade on the boat
• Keep your phone and camera ready, but don’t stare through them. Watch first, record second
• During the secret stop window, stay alert and stay quiet. Quick sightings are easy to miss
• Treat the snorkeling time as a short break. You’ll enjoy it more if you’re not expecting a long session

If the ocean is a bit choppy, remember that the boat has real living space and shade. You’re not trapped outside. Use the time wisely.

Should you book the 3-hour private whale watching on Madoudou?

If your goal is pilot whales in Tenerife without the stress of crowded tours, this one is a very solid choice. The combination of authorized whale watching in the south, a focused spotting stop, and included snacks/drinks makes the overall experience feel complete.

I’d book it if:

• you like private boat time and want comfort details (shade, showers, roomy seating)
• you’d enjoy a quick snorkeling break at Los Cristianos
• you’re traveling with a small group where splitting a private tour price makes sense

I’d pause and ask questions before booking if:

• your group is larger than 8 and you care about pickup logistics (van pickup is listed up to 8 pax)
• you specifically want a long snorkeling outing instead of a short swim

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours (starting times vary by availability).

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón Gate 5, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What marine animals are you looking for?

The tour focuses on pilot whales, and you may also spot dolphins and turtles.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available, and snorkeling is part of the Los Cristianos stop.

Do you offer pickup from other areas?

There is free pickup by van for up to 8 people from Costa Adeje, Playa Paraiso, Palm Mar, and Los Cristianos.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private group experience.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat and a towel.

FAQ

How much does the private tour cost?

It’s $623 per group, up to 11 people.

Which languages are offered for the live guide?

The live guide offers Italian, Spanish, and English.

What’s included besides whale watching?

Snacks and cold drinks are included, plus snorkeling equipment is available.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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

Is there an option to pay later?

Yes, you can reserve now and pay later.

What type of boat is used?

The tour is on the Beneteau Oceanis 44 sailing boat, Madoudou.

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