SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

REVIEW · TENERIFE

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

  • 5.051 reviews
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • From $78.10
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Operated by Sea Safari · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (51)Duration3 hours (approx.)Price from$78.10Operated bySea SafariBook viaViator

Whales and dolphins, then you get to swim. This 3-hour Sea Safari speedboat from Puerto Colón aims for areas where whales and dolphins have been spotted before, so the day feels like an actual plan instead of a vague hope.

Two things I love: the snorkeling equipment rental is included, so you can pack lighter, and you also get to try the BladeFish personal propulsion jet device. One thing to keep in mind: the trip needs good weather, and the fast boat can mean extra motion if you’re sensitive.

The Sea Safari setup in Puerto Colón (and why it matters)

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - The Sea Safari setup in Puerto Colón (and why it matters)
This tour runs out of Sea Safari Tenerife in Playa de las Américas, with the meeting point listed as Av. de Colón, 38660. The good news for a low-stress start is that it’s near public transportation, and you return to the same meeting point at the end. You also get a mobile ticket, which helps on a day when you want to stay moving.

The group size is small—maximum 11 people. That matters more than it sounds. With a compact boat group, the crew can often position you more effectively for sightings, and the experience tends to feel more hands-on than “tour bus meets ocean.”

The tour is offered in English, so if that’s your comfort zone, you’ll have an easier time following the marine-life chat and safety instructions while you’re already in the water-things mode.

Chasing whales and dolphins from very close (the 3-hour rhythm)

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Chasing whales and dolphins from very close (the 3-hour rhythm)
The core of the experience is whale and dolphin watching from close range, plus time for swimming and snorkeling. You’ll head out from Puerto Colón and travel toward spots where whales and dolphins have been spotted before. Translation: you’re not just cruising for scenery and crossing your fingers.

During the trip, you’ll get a lot packed into a short window. You’re moving between sighting zones, then stopping for the water time. That pace is part of the charm. It’s also why it tends to appeal to people who want action, not a slow boat day that turns into “wait, wait, wait.”

From what you’ll likely see during the day, don’t be surprised if the wildlife list goes beyond dolphins and whales. On this kind of safari, it’s possible to encounter turtles and other sea life along the way, and the crew typically points things out as you pass them.

What could affect your experience: you’ll need good conditions. If sea state is rough, that can make close boat viewing less comfortable and may change how much time you spend in the water. In other words, this is a nature tour that still follows nature’s rules.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.

Stop 1: Puerto Colón—your launch point and what you’ll notice first

Stop 1 is Puerto Colón, where the tour starts and where it ends. Even without a long “city visit,” Puerto Colón is an anchor point for the whole day. You’re starting from an established departure area, not doing a complicated transfer across the island.

What you’ll likely notice once you’re aboard is how quickly the crew gets organized. A small-group setup helps here: there’s less wandering around, fewer people competing for attention, and a clearer path to getting ready for the water portion.

Also, Puerto Colón is tied to the tour’s timing. You’re on the water long enough to see marine wildlife, but not so long that you feel like you’ve spent the day “stuck on a boat.” That 3-hour duration is usually what makes it a realistic add-on to your Tenerife schedule.

Snorkeling time in the swim-and-snorkel portion

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Snorkeling time in the swim-and-snorkel portion
The trip includes swimming and snorkeling. What’s genuinely valuable here is that you don’t need to bring snorkeling equipment—rental is included. That’s a big deal if you’re traveling light or if you’d otherwise end up paying extra for a mask and snorkel on the spot.

You’ll also have a chance to get into the water for a calmer, up-close look while the boat team watches for marine life. This isn’t just “look at fish from above.” The goal is for you to experience the water portion directly, with the crew helping manage the timing so you’re not scrambling.

A practical note: snorkeling is the easiest part of the day to overestimate if you’re not used to it. If you’re comfortable in open water and following simple instructions, you’ll probably feel right at home. If not, you can still get a lot from the boat viewing and keep the water portion more casual.

BladeFish underwater propulsion: the highlight that feels different

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - BladeFish underwater propulsion: the highlight that feels different
One of the signature inclusions is the BladeFish underwater personal propulsion jet device. This is one of those activities that turns a standard wildlife boat day into something more hands-on.

In plain terms, you’re not only floating around. You’re using a personal propulsion setup to move through the water under your own control, while the crew keeps an eye on conditions and nearby marine activity. That can make the underwater time feel longer and more intentional, even though the overall trip stays at about 3 hours.

Is it for everyone? It’s for anyone who’s comfortable getting into the water and following equipment instructions. You don’t have to be a tech wizard, but you do need to listen carefully during setup so you know how to use it safely and smoothly.

This is also a good option for families and mixed ages because it adds a clear “activity” moment, not just a passive viewing period.

Snacks, drinks, and the comfort of not thinking about food

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Snacks, drinks, and the comfort of not thinking about food
You’re provided drinks and sandwiches during the trip. That means you can stay focused on the experience instead of turning the day into a food logistics mission.

For the value side: $78.10 per person for a 3-hour speedboat safari that includes snorkeling gear rental and an onboard food + drink stop can make more sense than it first sounds—because you’re bundling multiple typical add-ons into one ticket. Even if you price snorkeling rentals separately, the total often climbs fast in tourist areas.

Also, the tour is structured so you don’t need to constantly hop off the boat for refueling. That matters when you’re trying to fit marine wildlife viewing into a tight vacation schedule.

The south Tenerife return cruise and cliff views

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - The south Tenerife return cruise and cliff views
After the water time and wildlife searching, the route back follows the coastline of south Tenerife. Along the return, you’ll get views of the cliffs as you cruise back to Puerto Colón.

This part is a nice “reset.” You’ve already done the active portion, so the cruise back gives you a chance to relax, take photos, and enjoy the coastline without needing to constantly suit up again.

It also helps break up the day’s rhythm: you’re not doing nonstop staring at the horizon. You’re doing sightings, swim-and-snorkel, then a scenic return that still keeps the day feeling lively.

Who this tour suits best (and a few people to think twice about)

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Who this tour suits best (and a few people to think twice about)
I’d point this tour toward you if you want a compact, action-heavy marine day. It’s a great fit if:

  • You care about wildlife viewing but also want water time and gear included.
  • You like active experiences, especially with the BladeFish included.
  • You’re traveling with a range of ages and want something that can work for both “watching” and “doing.”

It can also be a smart choice if you’re the type who dislikes carrying extra gear. Rental snorkeling equipment and the provided snacks and drinks are built-in “reduce the hassle” features.

Here’s the main reason you might hesitate: it’s weather-dependent and involves a speedboat. If you’re very sensitive to motion or you rarely enjoy boat rides, you’ll want to plan accordingly. The experience still aims to be smooth—yet speedboat days always have an element of ocean reality.

Practical tips to get the most from your 3 hours

SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - Practical tips to get the most from your 3 hours
You’ll get more from this day if you treat it like a focused outing, not just a casual boat ride.

  • Listen early: the moment you get instructions for snorkeling and the BladeFish, take it seriously. It pays off once you’re in the water.
  • Be ready to move quickly: timing is tight in a 3-hour format. The crew has a plan, and you’ll benefit from keeping your attention on what’s next.
  • Bring a calm mindset: wildlife sightings are not factory production. The crew goes where animals have been spotted before, but the ocean isn’t predictable.

And if you have any specific concerns—like comfort in open water or equipment use—this is the kind of tour where you’ll do best asking questions before you head out.

Price and value: why $78.10 can feel fair here

At $78.10 per person for about 3 hours, the ticket doesn’t look “cheap,” but it often feels fair because you’re stacking several costs that many tours split out separately. This includes:

  • a speedboat safari with close wildlife watching
  • snorkeling time with equipment rental included
  • onboard drinks and sandwiches
  • the BladeFish underwater propulsion activity

If you try to add up typical separate expenses—boat excursion + snorkeling gear rental + food + a paid activity—the bundle logic starts to make sense fast. You’re paying for convenience and structure as much as you’re paying for the sea time.

Should you book SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR?

I’d book it if your ideal Tenerife day is “wildlife plus water plus a real activity,” without hauling your own snorkeling gear and without worrying about lunch. The small group size (up to 11) and the inclusion of BladeFish make it feel more memorable than standard sightseeing cruises.

Hold off or be extra cautious if weather isn’t likely to cooperate, or if speedboat motion is a deal-breaker for you. This is not a “sit and wait in perfect comfort” tour. It’s an energetic, close-up marine safari with a clear water component.

If those tradeoffs work for you, you’re in for a fun, high-moment day—especially if you want your ocean time to include more than just looking.

FAQ

How long is the Sea Safari Dolphins, Whales 3-hour speedboat tour?

It’s listed as approximately 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Sea Safari Tenerife, Av. de Colón, 38660 Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment rental is included.

Do they provide food and drinks?

Yes. Drinks and sandwiches are provided during the trip.

What underwater activity is included besides snorkeling?

You can try the underwater personal propulsion jet device called BladeFish.

What group size is the tour limited to?

The maximum group size is 11 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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