Sealife Dolphin & Whale Watching aboard Portuguese schooner

Set sail for whales and dolphins. This Tenerife boat trip pairs wildlife watching with a ride aboard an old-style Portuguese wooden schooner, a swim in the Atlantic, and food and drinks served on board. I like the unusual sailing boat, which gives the outing more character than a standard motor launch, and I like the chance to watch pilot whales and dolphins from an open deck with few obstructions.

The cruise leaves from Los Cristianos at 10:00 am and returns to the same harbor. The main concern is clarity: the experience is described as lasting about two hours, while one account describes roughly three hours, and lunch arrangements have caused confusion. If the included meal matters to you, confirm exactly what will be served before boarding.

• Authentic Portuguese schooner: A wooden boat designed to recall old sailing ships and pirate stories from Tenerife’s Atlantic coast.
• Pilot whales and dolphins: The first part of the trip is devoted to finding local cetaceans.
• Open-air viewing: The upper deck offers room to relax, sunbathe, and take unobstructed photos.
• Food and drinks included: The boat has an open bar and central table, with meal details worth confirming.
• Atlantic swimming stop: After wildlife watching, the boat anchors near the coast for lunch and a swim.
• Small-feeling historic boat, larger group: The schooner can carry up to 60 people, so the mood may vary by departure.

Setting Sail from Los Cristianos at 10:00 am

Your meeting point is Muelle de Pescadores in the Port of Los Cristianos, Arona. The boat returns here at the end, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in or near Los Cristianos.

One practical warning matters. The meeting location shown online has reportedly led some people to the wrong spot. Build in extra time to find the correct part of the port, especially if you do not know Los Cristianos well. One family arrived at the wrong location and was helped to the boat, which waited for them, but you should not count on that courtesy every time.

The listed start time is 10:00 am. Arriving early is the sensible move. A port can have several piers, boats, and access points, and a last-minute search is a poor way to begin a sea trip.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. Rather than joining a plain sightseeing vessel, you board a Portuguese wooden schooner intended to bring back the feel of traditional sailing. You should expect a more relaxed, old-fashioned setting, with a central table, two onboard service areas, and an upper deck for sitting in the sun.

This is not a silent museum piece. It is a working excursion boat, and the focus is on the sea, wildlife, food, and swimming. Still, the schooner gives the outing a clear sense of place. The pirate stories and old sailing theme are light entertainment, but they fit Tenerife’s long connection with Atlantic travel.

Searching for Pilot Whales and Dolphins

The first main part of the cruise takes you from Los Cristianos toward an area known for pilot whales and dolphins. The aim is wildlife watching, not a guaranteed animal performance, so the experience depends on where the animals are and how they behave that day.

That uncertainty is part of the deal. You may see whales and dolphins close to the boat, or you may spend time scanning the water before anything appears. One account describes seeing both as planned, with clear explanations from the crew. Another describes seeing a few whales but feeling the trip was not worth the price. Both reactions are possible on a wildlife cruise.

I would treat the sighting as the central chance of the trip, not a promise. The crew can search, point out animals, and explain what you are seeing, but no boat operator can control the movement of wild cetaceans.

The schooner’s open areas help here. You can watch from the upper deck or another suitable part of the boat, and the lack of large windows gives you better photo opportunities. Keep your camera ready, since dolphins can appear briefly and whales may surface only for a moment.

The group limit is 60 people. That is not a tiny private sailing, but it is also not an enormous ferry. On a full departure, the best viewing spot may attract several people at once, so move around respectfully and avoid blocking the rail or central viewing areas.

The cruise has received its strongest praise for the crew. One family described the staff as going far beyond expectations after they helped save a turtle. That is a memorable moment, but it should not be treated as a scheduled part of the excursion. It does suggest that the crew can respond well when something unexpected happens at sea.

The Schooner’s Upper Deck and Central Table

Once you are under way, the boat offers a few different ways to spend your time. The upper deck is intended for relaxing and sunbathing, while the central table gives the group a shared place for food and drinks.

I like this arrangement for families and couples who do not all want the same thing. You can sit in the sun, watch the water, take photos, or gather around the table. The boat feels more social than a rigid sightseeing craft.

The open bar is listed as part of the boat’s services, and food and drink are included in the tour description. Yet the meal has been described in different ways. One account says that lunch was not provided and that staff instead promoted different cocktails. Other accounts describe a meal of rice, chicken legs, salad, bread, and one drink, with the food receiving positive comments.

That contradiction deserves attention. Do not assume that every drink at the bar is included, and do not assume that cocktails are part of the base price. Before you board, ask what the $57.96 price includes, what meal is served, and which drinks cost extra.

If the meal is provided as described by some customers, it is a useful part of the value. A boat trip that includes lunch and a drink can be more convenient than buying food separately in port. If lunch is missing or limited to a different arrangement, the price feels less attractive.

Anchoring for Lunch and an Atlantic Swim

After the wildlife search, the schooner sails toward the coast and anchors in open Atlantic water. This changes the mood from active scanning to a slower break.

The swimming stop is listed as about 15 minutes in one account. That is enough time for a quick dip, but not enough for a long water session. If swimming is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations modest.

The boat does not appear to visit a named beach or provide a long shore stop. You swim from the anchored vessel, surrounded by open water. That makes the stop feel more like a sea excursion than a beach outing.

The meal is served around this part of the trip. One account praised the food, describing rice, chicken legs, salad, bread, and a drink. This sounds like a practical lunch rather than a gourmet meal, which is fine after time on the water. You are paying for the full outing, not a restaurant lunch with a view.

The swim also provides a useful pause for anyone who has had enough wildlife watching. Sitting at the central table, eating, and looking out across the water may be the most enjoyable part for some people. For others, the open-water stop can feel short, particularly if the sea is calm and there is little else happening.

That difference in pace explains the mixed reactions. One person found the trip boring after spending a long time in roughly the same area, while others considered the animal sightings and crew explanations excellent. You should choose this cruise because you like being on the sea, not because every minute will be packed with activity.

How Long Is the Experience?

The published duration is about two hours, starting at 10:00 am and ending back at the port. One account describes spending around three hours in the same general area before a swim, so the actual schedule may vary.

Wildlife trips often run on the animals’ timetable. The boat may spend longer looking if whales or dolphins are nearby, or the pace may feel slower if sightings take time. That can be good news if you want more chances to see marine life, but it may frustrate you if you expect a tightly timed cruise.

Plan the rest of your day with some flexibility. Do not schedule an important appointment immediately after the expected return unless you have plenty of spare time. The boat returns to the departure harbor, but the exact length of the trip may not feel identical every day.

The cruise is offered in English. Explanations from the crew have been praised, and this matters because the commentary helps turn animal watching into a learning experience rather than simple boat travel.

What Does the $57.96 Price Buy?

At $57.96 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Tenerife. The value depends on how much of the package is delivered clearly and consistently.

The price makes reasonable sense if you receive the full combination of:

• A ride on the Portuguese schooner
• A serious search for pilot whales and dolphins
• Crew explanations
• Food and a drink
• Time anchored for swimming
• Use of the upper deck and open viewing areas

The schooner adds something a basic boat might not. You are paying for the atmosphere as well as the wildlife search. For a family, the shared table, swimming stop, and unusual vessel can make the outing feel like a proper half-day memory rather than a simple transfer along the coast.

The value drops if you mainly want guaranteed close animal encounters or a long swim. Wildlife cannot be guaranteed, and the swimming time may be brief. It also drops if lunch is not included as expected or if you are encouraged to buy extra drinks after paying for the cruise.

I would ask one direct question before committing: What exactly is included in the meal and bar service? That answer may decide whether this feels like a fair deal.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most?

I would recommend the cruise to families who want several kinds of activity in one outing. Children can watch for dolphins, explore the boat, eat lunch, and swim, while adults have space to sit on the upper deck.

It also suits anyone who prefers characterful boats to modern, anonymous vessels. The Portuguese schooner is the reason this trip feels different from a standard whale-watching run.

The experience may suit you if you enjoy a gentle pace. You need to be comfortable with periods of waiting and looking across the water. If you need constant action, a short swim, a few sightings, and time spent cruising may feel slow.

It is also a reasonable choice for photographers. The open deck offers clear sight lines, and there are fewer barriers between you and the water than on a fully enclosed boat. Wildlife photography still requires luck and patience, so bring realistic expectations.

The trip is less suitable if you want a private experience. Up to 60 people can join, and the shared boat atmosphere may be lively. It is also not the right choice if your priority is a guaranteed lunch menu, unless you confirm the current arrangement first.

Booking, Weather, and Cancellation Advice

Confirmation is provided at booking, and most people can participate. The activity needs suitable weather, so poor conditions can lead to a change of date or a full refund.

There is also a minimum number of participants. If that number is not reached, you can be offered another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. Since cut-off times use local Tenerife time, check the clock carefully if you are arranging the trip from another country.

Bring the usual practical items for a boat outing, such as sun protection and a way to secure your phone or camera, but keep in mind that the supplied details specifically promise food and drink. The upper deck is available for sunbathing, so shade may not always be your preferred option.

Should You Book This Schooner Cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, family-focused sea trip with a distinctive wooden boat, a chance to see pilot whales and dolphins, a meal, and a short swim. The crew, boat design, open viewing areas, and flexible mix of activities are the best reasons to choose it.

Pause before booking if you need a precise two-hour schedule, a guaranteed wildlife encounter, or a clearly defined lunch menu. Ask about the current food and drink arrangement, and double-check the Los Cristianos meeting point.

At $57.96 per person, I see this as a fair choice when the meal is included and you value the schooner experience. It is a weaker deal if the outing becomes a long wait with few sightings and added drink sales. Go for the sea time and the old sailing character, with whales and dolphins as a welcome bonus.

FAQ

Where does the schooner cruise start?

It starts at Muelle de Pescadores in the Port of Los Cristianos, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in the Port of Los Cristianos.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is approximately two hours, although one account describes a trip lasting about three hours.

What animals will the cruise look for?

The boat searches for pilot whales and dolphins.

Is food included?

The experience information says food and drink are included, and some accounts describe lunch with rice, chicken legs, salad, bread, and one drink. Since the meal arrangement has caused confusion, confirm the details before departure.

Is swimming part of the trip?

Yes. After the wildlife search, the boat anchors in the Atlantic and offers time to swim. One account describes about 15 minutes of swimming.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 60 people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can also lead to another date or a full refund.