Almost every boat trip in south Tenerife heads for the same waters: the strait between Tenerife and La Gomera, where pilot whales and dolphins live all year. What really changes your day is the boat.
Big catamarans and small sailing yachts both leave from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, and both can be a great trip — for different people. Here is an honest comparison from a crew that sails small yachts every day.
How many people are on board
This is the biggest difference. Large catamarans are built for big groups and often carry dozens of passengers — on busy days well over a hundred. On our sailing yachts there are never more than 11 guests.
In a small group everyone has a place at the rail when the whales surface, the skipper has time for your questions, and nobody queues for the swim ladder. On a big boat you share the view, the deck and the bay with many more people.
Watching whales and dolphins
Both types of boat see the same animals. Short-finned pilot whales live off the south-west coast all year, and bottlenose dolphins are often around too. The difference is how it feels: a sailing yacht approaches slowly and quietly, and on a small deck you are close to the water.
Whichever boat you choose, pick a licensed operator. In Tenerife, boats must keep their distance from the animals, approach slowly and never chase them — our whale-watching yachts hold the Barco Azul licence.
Comfort and seasickness
Here a big catamaran has real advantages: it is wide and very stable, with plenty of shade, seats and toilets. A sailing yacht is smaller and leans a little when the sails fill. Most guests love that feeling — but if you are prone to seasickness, take a tablet before the trip, eat lightly and stay on deck in the fresh air.
For guests with reduced mobility, our yacht Mizendoha has a boarding ramp and an accessible toilet.
Price
A seat on a large catamaran and a seat on a shared sailing trip cost roughly the same. Our shared sailing tour costs €49 per adult and €39 per child, with a sandwich, fruit, drinks, snorkel gear and a swim stop included.
For a group, a private yacht is better value than it sounds: whale watching costs €399 for three hours with the whole boat to yourselves. For eight people that is about €50 each.
Which one is right for you?
| A big catamaran suits you if… | A sailing yacht suits you if… |
|---|---|
| stability and space matter most | you prefer a small group (max 11 guests) |
| you travel as a very large group | you want to actually sail, not just cruise |
| you like a lively party atmosphere | you want a quiet, personal trip |
| you want the boat just for your group |
For most couples, families and small groups who come to see whales, dolphins and the coast, a small sailing yacht makes the more memorable day.
Sail with us from Puerto Colón
Three departures a day on the shared tour, or a whole yacht for 3 to 7 hours — all from Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje.