Old sailboats make whale watching feel special. On Tenerife, this Portuguese wooden schooner outing aims at pilot whales and dolphins, and it does so with the kind of open-deck layout that keeps your eyes on the water and your camera ready.

I also like how practical it feels: you meet at Puerto Los Cristianos, go out for about 2 hours, and you don’t have to plan snacks because food and drink are included. One thing to keep in mind, though: a couple of accounts raise questions about whether lunch is delivered as promised, so it’s worth checking what’s included on the day and keeping expectations realistic about time at sea.

Key things I’d prioritize before you go

• Portuguese schooner experience on a classic wooden sailing-style boat, with an upper deck for relaxing
• Photo-friendly viewing with space to see and shoot without the usual crowding
• Pilot whale and dolphin search built into the route from Los Cristianos
• Anchored lunch + swim window on the Atlantic, after the main observation portion
• Open bar setup plus a large central table for the group vibe
• Small enough to feel personal with a maximum of 60 people

Los Cristianos Departure: The Muelle de Pescadores at 10:00

This is a cruise that starts right in Los Cristianos, at Puerto Los Cristianos, Muelle de Pescadores. The official start time is 10:00am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the logistics easy if you’re staying nearby.

If you want an easy morning, plan to arrive a bit early and get oriented at the harbor entrance first. The stop is straightforward, but harbors can be confusing when signage is minimal. A boat is a moving target, so give yourself cushion time to locate the exact dock.

Why a Portuguese Schooner Makes This Feel Different

You’re not just on a generic sightseeing boat. You’re on a Portuguese wooden schooner boat, described as authentic and from an earlier era. That matters because it changes the mood. Instead of sitting in rows, you’re on a vessel that feels more like a throwback sailing experience, with room to look around and a crew that keeps the story flowing.

On board, there’s a large central table and two main service areas, including an open bar. The upper deck is there for you when you want to get away from the center of the action, sunbathe, and scan the horizon like you’re part of the crew.

There’s also a playful theme to the experience, with pirate-style stories tied into the sailing vibe. Even when you’re focused on the wildlife, that bit of theater helps keep everyone in a good mood, especially if you’re bringing kids.

Searching for Pilot Whales and Dolphins: How the Sea Time Works

The whole point is the wildlife. The cruise leaves Los Cristianos and heads out to visit the area known for pilot whales and dolphins. Then you spend time observing before moving on to the next phase.

Here’s what you should understand upfront: whale watching is never a guaranteed “sightseeing checklist.” You’re going out to look, and nature decides how close and how often you get. The upside is that the tour is designed specifically for this purpose, not as a stop tossed into a broader itinerary.

In practice, that means your attention is supposed to stay on the water and the horizon. If the whales and dolphins are active, you’ll get better chances for sightings and photos. If the animals are farther out, the experience can still be enjoyable because you’re on the water with a crew offering explanations and you have time to relax between scans.

Some accounts mention the boat can spend significant time in the same general area, which you may love if it increases your chances of another sighting. Others have found it less exciting if you were hoping for constant movement. Your best bet is to treat this as a patient, observation-first outing.

The Unusual Part: Lunch, Anchoring, and Swimming on the Atlantic

After the cetacean observation part ends, the boat sails to the coast area and anchors offshore. This is where the day shifts from wildlife watching into downtime: lunch is offered, and you also get a chance to swim in open water in the Atlantic.

This is a big value point. Boat trips around Tenerife can be “watch only” with nothing included besides the ride. Here, the plan is more complete: food plus time in the water, not just photos from deck height.

That said, here’s the caution I’d give you: the tour description says lunch is included, but there’s at least one report complaining that lunch wasn’t delivered while the staff focused on selling cocktails. I can’t confirm the specifics of any one day, so I’d handle this like a careful traveler: ask what’s included when you board, and make sure you understand how lunch is served.

Also, don’t assume you’ll have hours to swim. The same accounts that praise the day often describe a short swimming slot rather than a long beach-style session. Think “quick Atlantic break,” not “full afternoon swim.”

Onboard Vibe: Crew Explanations, Family Energy, and the Open Bar

One of the most consistent strengths of this outing is the feel of the crew. Explanations are part of the experience, and they seem aimed at keeping you engaged even if you’re not an expert in marine life.

There’s also a family-friendly tone. Several people describe it as a great option when you’re traveling with kids, partly because the boat feels welcoming and partly because the crew stays busy. One memorable detail mentioned is a moment where crew members acted quickly in a rescue situation involving a turtle. That doesn’t change whether you’ll see whales, but it does speak to an active, attentive crew style.

The open bar adds to the looseness of the onboard mood. There’s an open bar setup, plus snacks/meal service connected to the large central table. If you’re trying to keep it light, you can simply treat drinks as optional. If you’re hoping for a party atmosphere, just remember that wildlife watching is the main event, and the boat schedule follows the animal sightings.

Photo Opportunities: Getting Shots Without Fighting for a View

You’ll likely come here for photos as much as for the experience itself. This boat is set up so that you can access unobstructed photo opportunities—a surprisingly important detail.

Why it matters: on some tours, people pack together along rails and you spend half your time waiting for a clear angle. Here, the deck layout and the fact that you’re actively searching for animals means you’re more likely to have workable viewing positions.

Practical tip: bring a camera strap or keep your phone tethered. A boat deck plus wind plus excitement is a recipe for accidental drops. Also, dress for sea breeze even in warm months, since the Atlantic can cool things down fast.

Price and Value: Is $57.96 Worth It?

At $57.96 per person, this is priced as a mid-range day on the water. The value hinges on three things:

1. You’re paying for a targeted whale/dolphin search, not just a scenic cruise.
2. Food and drink are included, which saves you money compared with tours where you buy everything onboard.
3. The swim window turns the day into more than just sitting and watching.

So when does it feel like a good deal? When you leave with decent sightings plus a meal plus a swim slot. Several accounts describe satisfying meals and a fun day with kids, plus helpful explanations.

When does it feel overpriced? If lunch doesn’t show up as expected, or if the day feels too slow. A complaint describes a situation where lunch didn’t happen, and the crew allegedly tried to push cocktail purchases instead. Another account says the time spent in a similar area felt long and that the swim time was brief. If you care deeply about the meal or want a long swim, you should treat the included lunch and swim as “planned,” not “guaranteed to be lengthy.”

My advice: read the inclusion details carefully before you go, and plan to be flexible. If wildlife cooperates and the meal service runs smoothly, this price can feel fair for the full package.

Who This Tour Suits Best on Tenerife

This works best if you want a classic, story-driven boat ride plus wildlife viewing, without doing the planning yourself. It’s a good match for:

• Families, thanks to the upbeat crew energy and kid-friendly vibe
• People who like photo-friendly decks and want open viewing space
• Anyone who wants a more complete half-day feel because it includes food, drinks, and swimming

It might be less satisfying if you’re the type who needs constant motion or nonstop action. The reality of whale watching is waiting. And if your expectation is a long swim session or a very active itinerary, you may feel the day is tighter than you want.

A Simple Checklist Before You Board

Because the tour includes food and drink and says you don’t need supplies, you can travel light. Still, don’t show up unprepared for the sea.

Bring:

• A light layer for sea wind, especially on the upper deck
• Sun protection (you’ll be outside searching for animals)
• Something to secure your phone/camera during deck movement
• Swim items if you want to use the anchored swimming time

Also, if you get seasick easily, plan ahead. The tour depends on good weather, but boats still move, and your comfort directly affects how much you enjoy the whale/dolphin search.

Should You Book This Sealife Dolphin and Whale Watching from Los Cristianos?

I’d book it if you want a Tenerife whale and dolphin outing that feels like more than a quick transport ride. The Portuguese schooner style, the photo-focused setup, and the combination of wildlife time plus lunch and swimming make it a strong value when everything runs as planned.

I’d think twice if lunch and long swim time are deal-breakers for you, because there are a few complaints about the lunch experience. If that sounds like you, message or ask what’s included onboard before you commit. Also accept the core truth of whale watching: you’re going to look, not summon.

If your goal is a fun sea day with a crew that keeps the energy up and a decent chance at pilot whales and dolphins, this is a solid choice from Los Cristianos.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Puerto Los Cristianos, Muelle de Pescadores (Los Cristianos) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the boat depart?

The start time is 10:00am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 2 hours.

Is food, drink, and lunch included?

Yes. Food and drink are included, and after observation the boat anchors for lunch and time to swim.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What kind of boat is used?

You’ll sail aboard a Portuguese wooden schooner boat, with an upper deck for relaxing and sunbathing.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 60 travelers.

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 cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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