Tenerife: Respectful Whale Watching Pirate Cruise + Swim

If you’re heading to Tenerife and craving a genuine encounter with marine life, this whale watching cruise offers a unique twist—sailing aboard an authentic pirate-style vessel that emphasizes respect for nature. With over 2,300 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it’s clear this experience hits the mark for many travelers seeking eco-conscious adventures.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the sustainable approach ensures no disturbing or chasing of whales and dolphins—only observing them in their natural habitat. Second, the pirate ship adds a fun, adventurous vibe that kids and adults alike enjoy. Third, the knowledgeable crew provides insightful commentary in multiple languages, making the experience both fun and educational.

One potential consideration is the sea conditions—the waters can be choppy, which might cause seasickness for some. Arriving prepared with seasickness remedies could make the trip more enjoyable.

This tour suits those who love wildlife, value eco-friendly activities, and want a lively yet respectful boat trip. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers keen on authentic marine encounters without harm or disturbance to the animals.

• Eco-Conscious & Responsible: Certified by a Blue Flag permit, ensuring legal, sustainable wildlife watching.
• Authentic Pirate Vibe: The ship’s design infuses fun and adventure into the trip.
• Wildlife & Bird Watching: Expect to see whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds in their natural environment.
• Educational & Respectful: Crew members share insights in multiple languages, emphasizing conservation.
• Swim Stop Included: A short and refreshing swim near the Valley cave adds to the adventure.
• Great Value: For just $18 per person, you get a 2-hour trip packed with wildlife sightings, a boat ride, and a swim.

Meeting Point & Transportation

Depending on your booking choice, you’ll be picked up from nearby hotels or meet at a designated point in Playa de las Américas. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free and allowing you to relax before the adventure begins. The bus ride to Puerto Los Cristianos takes about an hour, giving you time to get excited and perhaps review some whale facts you might have picked up.

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The Vessel & Atmosphere

Climbing aboard the pirate-style ship, you’ll immediately feel transported to a different world. The vessel’s classic design enhances the experience, making it more than just a boat ride—it’s a mini adventure with its plenty of space to move around and enjoy the scenery. The boat is well-equipped with toilets, and there are floats for kids, ensuring comfort and safety for all ages.

Safety & Responsible Conduct

The crew, led by a certified professional captain, emphasizes safety and environmental responsibility. They begin with a warm welcome and safety briefing, so everyone knows what to expect and how to behave around the wildlife. The operation holds a Blue Flag permit, meaning it operates legally and sustainably, without chasing or disturbing marine life.

What To Expect During the Cruise

The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to maximize wildlife spotting while allowing time for relaxation and fun. The first 20 minutes involve a scenic cruise along the coastline, giving you views of Tenerife’s rugged beauty. Then, for up to 60 minutes, the main event unfolds: watching for whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, depending on the season.

Many reviews highlight the clarity of the wildlife sightings. For instance, travelers have seen bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and even baby whales nursing, as one reviewer shared: “We saw pilot whales and dolphins, including babies, which was incredible.” The crew’s expert commentary in multiple languages enriches the experience, helping you understand the animals’ behaviors and importance of conservation. One reviewer appreciated the informative guides who pointed out the animals and shared engaging stories, making the trip educational as well as exciting.

The Swim Stop

After the wildlife viewing, the boat anchors near the Valley cave for about 15 minutes, offering a chance for a quick swim or snorkel. Provided with floats and safety gear, many guests find this the highlight—being able to dip into the Atlantic and cool off while surrounded by natural beauty. Several reviews mention the refreshing experience of jumping into the sea, with comments like “the swimming stop was awesome,” and “it felt amazing to swim in the wild.”

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The Return & Q&A

The final part of the trip is a peaceful sail back, giving you time for photos, relaxation, and chatting with the crew. Many reviewers note how friendly and helpful the staff are, often sharing personal stories or answering questions about marine life. The entire tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a perfect morning or afternoon activity.

At just $18 per person, this tour offers exceptional value. You get the chance to see whales, dolphins, and turtles in the wild—something that can cost far more on less responsible tours. The small group size and informative guides make it engaging without feeling crowded, and the overall experience is notably respectful of the environment.

There’s an added appeal in knowing that the operation never chases whales or uses intrusive tracking devices. Multiple reviews commend the crew’s knowledge, friendliness, and dedication to conservation, which adds an ethical dimension to the trip that many travelers appreciate.

The cost of drinks onboard is quite reasonable, with soft drinks costing only 1 euro, and the opportunity to purchase local beverages like sangria or mojitos enhances the relaxed atmosphere. For families, the floats and swim stop are perfect ways to keep kids entertained and engaged.

How It Compares to Other Tours

While other whale watching trips might chase animals or use sonar tracking, this tour’s responsible approach is a major selling point. The pirate ship adds a playful element that stands out compared to standard boat trips. The educational component and the sightings of baby whales and nursing make it a memorable experience worth the price.

This cruise is ideal for animal lovers and those who prioritize eco-friendly tourism. It suits families, couples, and solo travelers alike, especially if you enjoy a lively, adventurous setting. Sea sickness might be a concern—seas can be choppy, so bringing seasickness remedies is recommended if you’re prone.

For travelers wanting a relaxed pace with meaningful wildlife encounters in a fun environment, this tour checks all boxes. It’s also perfect for those who want to support a sustainable tourism model that excludes harmful practices.

• How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including wildlife viewing, the swim stop, and the return journey.
• Is hotel pickup included? Yes, if you select the option, you’ll be picked up from nearby locations; otherwise, you can meet directly at the departure point.
• What languages are guides available in? The crew provides commentary in Spanish, English, French, and Italian.
• Can I swim during the tour? Yes, there’s a 15-minute swim/snorkel stop near the Valley cave using provided floats.
• Are drinks available onboard? Soft drinks cost just 1 euro, and other beverages like sangria or mojitos can be purchased.
• Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, floats are provided for kids, but the experience may involve some choppy waters.
• Can I participate if I have motion sickness? It may be challenging, as waters can be choppy, so carrying seasickness remedies is advisable.
• Are the whales and dolphins fed or chased? No, the operation is licensed and committed to responsible wildlife observation without chasing or disturbing the animals.
• What should I bring? Warm clothing, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and clothes that can get wet or dirty.
• What is the price? The tour costs $18 per person, offering great value given the wildlife sightings and experience.

This whale watching pirate cruise in Tenerife stands out for its blend of fun, education, and environmental responsibility. The respectful approach to wildlife and the authentic pirate ship add a layer of adventure that’s rare in marine tours. With excellent reviews praising the crew’s knowledge and the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, it’s clear this experience resonates with travelers looking for meaningful, responsible encounters.

If you’re after a family-friendly, affordable, and ethically sound way to connect with the ocean’s giants, this tour hits all the right notes. Plus, the swim stop provides a perfect way to cool off after the thrill of wildlife sightings. For anyone visiting Tenerife who values sustainability and authentic wildlife viewing, this trip is well worth considering.

This tour is best suited for those who want more than just a sightseeing ride; it’s for travelers who care about conservation and want a genuine connection with marine life. The affordable price combined with the fun pirate theme makes it an attractive option for families and adventure-seekers alike. The knowledgeable guides, responsible approach, and chance to see whales, dolphins, and turtles in their natural environment make it a memorable, impactful experience.

While it’s not perfect for every traveler—especially those prone to seasickness or looking for a highly luxurious experience—it offers a rare balance of entertainment, education, and ecological responsibility. For those who want to support sustainable tourism while enjoying a lively sea adventure, this trip on Tenerife’s waters is a clear top choice.

You can check if your dates are available here: