Puerto Colon Whale & Dolphin Watching: Is it worth your money?
Planning a trip to Tenerife and thinking about hopping on a boat from Puerto Colon to see some whales and dolphins? That sounds pretty incredible! So, you probably want to know if that adventure is actually worth it. Well, stick around, ’cause this right here is the lowdown on everything you can expect. We’re gonna go through the whole shebang, from the different tour options available and what you might get to see, right down to the stuff that might, you know, kinda make you think twice. Consider this your totally honest guide so you can make the right call for your vacation.
Picking the Perfect Boat Trip: A quick guide to Puerto Colon’s offerings
Puerto Colon, which is a pretty happening spot down in Costa Adeje, is absolutely chock-full of companies that promise to get you up close and personal with some really spectacular marine wildlife. I mean, how cool is that? The range of boat trips they have is, actually, quite something. You’ve got smaller, speedy ribs, ideal if you want a bit more of a thrilling ride; or the fancier catamarans, perfect if you prefer lounging about and soaking up the rays with, you know, maybe a drink in hand. Basically, they all promise unforgettable views of whales and dolphins but the experience could still depend, in some respects, on what vessel you select.
Smaller Boats: A close experience, perhaps with more wind: Usually, smaller boats offer a perk, it’s almost like, a more intimate experience. You’re that bit closer to the water and, I think, because there are fewer people onboard, the guide probably has more time for your questions. Of course, small vessels tend to feel the waves more, which is fine, though, arguably, you should give them a miss if you’re not great with that type of seasickness.
Catamarans: Stability with sunbeds: Catamarans, though, typically give a smoother ride, because that type of boat is far more stable. Plenty come with loads of space to stretch out, a bar, and, you see, it really has that party vibe. Plus, they’re often equipped with things like underwater viewing windows – which can be fun, depending, in some respects, on how clear the water is that day.
The important thing is that you actually check what’s included. Some tours, very much like, will offer free drinks or snacks, while others, possibly, have snorkeling gear available if you want to jump in the water for a swim.
What You Might See: More Than Just Whales & Dolphins
Right, let’s talk about the stars of the show: whales and dolphins. Tenerife, basically, sits on a migration route so you’re in with a really good chance of spotting something really special. Most common of all are the short-finned pilot whales; it’s almost like they live in the waters there permanently. They’re part of the dolphin family, so keep an eye out, I think, for their playful antics. The bottlenose dolphins are frequently around, and sometimes, anyway, if you’re incredibly fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of other species, that, arguably, includes the bigger whales – think minkes or even, just a little, humpbacks during migration.
It is good to remember though, seeing them is certainly not a guarantee, that. Marine life is super unpredictable, very, very much. Tour companies will, of course, use sonar equipment and have pretty reliable networks for sharing sighting info but Mother Nature, you know, might not always play ball. But hold on. The thing is, a good tour will make it all fun even if the animals are shy that day.
And there is a silver lining, too, that; there’s more to appreciate other than just whales and dolphins. This area of the Atlantic, though, provides incredible views, very much. You could see, right there, flying fish skimming the surface. Also, turtles might pop their heads up. Seabirds are ever present overhead and, depending on the trip you pick, you might see some of the island’s coastal highlights, very, very impressive cliffs, too.
Things to keep in mind: Is there anything that could make the excursion any less pleasant?
Okay, let’s deal with the not-so-pleasant stuff because you, surely, want a real picture. The ocean is great, sure, though things sometimes don’t always work out. I think, one of the biggest problems that people might experience is seasickness, arguably. Now, if you know you’re prone to feeling a little queasy, take precautions beforehand, very much. Medications and acupressure bands tend to be really handy. Choose a larger boat, too, since they offer a more stable platform. So, stay on deck in the fresh air rather than go inside.
Crowds can impact your enjoyment. Some tours cram so many people onboard, and, I think, it makes seeing anything comfortably kinda difficult. If that’s really an issue, that, go for an excursion with fewer passengers or maybe think about arranging a private trip, that tends to be more costly, though.
Then you have got the weather, actually, always worth remembering that. The Canary Islands get awesome sunshine but, sometimes anyway, conditions out on the water could get quite choppy, very. Tours will get cancelled if it is risky but even on milder days, you, actually, may want to think about bringing a light jacket or, arguably, a waterproof, especially in the winter months. Getting splashed could happen so dress wisely.
Responsible Tourism: Respecting Marine life
So, before you book anything, consider, perhaps, whether the tour operator has respect for marine life. Seriously, good operators stick to regulations to not get, arguably, too close to the animals, so as to not distress them. I think, it’s important to search for companies that emphasize sustainability and animal welfare.
Some tips here are, well, check out reviews and see what past passengers are saying, alright? Operators getting loads of complaints about harassing wildlife should usually be avoided.
Is the Puerto Colon Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion worth it?
In the end, the big question, that; is this excursion something to put on your to-do list? If you care about marine life and getting out on the ocean, so, probably, yes. Okay, there’s no guarantee you’ll get that “Nat Geo” moment with whales breaching, even though it sounds cool. Even though, I’d bet that getting to witness those fantastic animals in their habitat really has some special quality, it’s almost a sacred thing.
Just think very carefully about the company that you chose. Then check it out! So, that tour respects nature, really, that one does a decent job managing crowds. And, I think, if you go prepared, knowing the seas may be rough or the sun could be strong, the rewards are potentially huge, they might actually deliver experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Ultimately? Have an open mind. Very much, enjoy the views. Who knows? With any luck, you will make some incredible memories. A fantastic tale about the time you met some whales and dolphins out on the open sea sounds about right.
#PuertoColon #Tenerife #WhaleWatching #DolphinWatching #TravelReview #CanaryIslands #BoatTrip
