Luxury Opera 60 Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

Seeing pilot whales and dolphins from a sleek, 60-foot RIB is the main draw here, but the small 15-person limit makes the three-hour outing feel more like a relaxed day on the water than a crowded sightseeing cruise. You leave from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, search the coast for marine life, then stop in a bay to swim and snorkel.

I like the generous onboard setup, with snorkeling gear, food, soft drinks, beer, wine, and prosecco provided. I also like the boat itself: two large tables, sunbeds, several seating areas, a toilet, and showers make this a much more comfortable choice than a basic open boat.

The main caution is value. At about $96.79 per person, you are paying for space, comfort, food, and drinks as much as for wildlife. Sightings cannot be promised, and service has not been perfect on every departure. One poor account described delayed drinks, lukewarm food, and an early return, so expectations should stay sensible.

Key points to know before you book

• Wildlife comes first: Look for dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles along Tenerife’s coast.
• A proper swimming stop: The cruise includes time in a bay for swimming and snorkeling, with equipment supplied.
• A very large RIB: Opera 60 measures nearly 20 meters and runs on two 740-horsepower Volvo Penta engines.
• Comfort beats speed alone: You get sunbeds, tables, music, a toilet, and showers after swimming.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect a meal or substantial onboard food, snacks, and a selection of complimentary drinks.
• Good for small groups: The boat carries no more than 15 people, with the activity returning to Puerto Colón.

Leaving Puerto Colón aboard Opera 60

Your meeting point is Puerto Colón, the marina serving Playa de las Américas in southern Tenerife. The tour ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from another harbor.

Opera 60 is not a little inflatable boat with a narrow bench. It is a rigid inflatable boat, meaning it has a solid hull with inflatable side defenses. At nearly 20 meters long, it is unusually large for this type of craft. Two Volvo Penta engines provide a total of 740 horsepower.

That power matters mainly because it helps the boat reach the whale and dolphin areas without wasting much of your three-hour outing in transit. It also gives the captain room to adjust the route when wildlife appears elsewhere.

The boat has been dressed up as a luxury vessel, with several sitting areas, sunbeds, two big tables, quality speakers, a toilet, and showers. You can sit in the sun, find shade, move around for a better view, or settle at a table when food is served.

The boat’s size is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. A maximum of 15 people leaves more elbow room than you usually get on a standard whale-watching departure. It also gives you a better chance of moving to the side of the boat when something surfaces.

Still, do not confuse style with a brand-new yacht. The exterior has looked worn on at least one departure, and a few details may show normal use. The practical benefit is space and comfort, not spotless showroom polish.

The first hour is for whales and dolphins

Once the boat leaves the marina, the crew begins looking for marine life. Tenerife’s southern waters are known for regular sightings, and the usual targets here include dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles.

Some departures reach the wildlife area quickly. One account described seeing whales within about 20 minutes of leaving the harbor. On another outing, dolphins and almost a whale were seen. That variation is normal for a wildlife trip. You may see several species, or you may have to settle for brief sightings.

Pilot whales are a particularly common highlight on this route. They are not the giant, dramatic whales many people picture, but seeing a family group surface near the boat can still be memorable. Dolphins may travel in groups, while turtles can appear more quietly at the surface.

The crew helps by pointing out animals and identifying what you are seeing. Fabrizio is one of the hosts associated with the boat, and his warm, attentive manner has been singled out as part of the experience. The captain is also responsible for keeping a respectful distance from the animals, which matters more than getting the closest possible photograph.

Bring patience. Wildlife does not perform on a timetable, and the boat may slow, change direction, or wait quietly. You will get more from this part of the cruise if you watch the sea rather than stare only at your phone.

A phone with a waterproof case is useful, but do not let photography take over. Dolphins can vanish in seconds, and a whale’s back may appear only briefly. Keep your eyes up and listen for the crew’s signal.

A sheltered bay changes the pace

After the wildlife search, the boat heads toward a small bay for swimming and snorkeling. This second half gives the outing a welcome change of pace. Instead of sitting alert for a fin or blow, you can get into the water, float, and look for fish below the surface.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. Bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. The onboard showers are especially useful after swimming, though the supplied information does not specify how extensive the shower facilities are.

The bay is also where lunch is served. Food descriptions vary, but the onboard meal has included chicken and rice, bread, local-style cooking, and a more substantial warm lunch rather than just packaged snacks. Drinks and snacks are provided as well.

The food is an important part of the value. A three-hour sea trip with swimming feels much better when you are not expected to buy lunch separately. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and prosecco have all been part of the drink service, and some descriptions characterize the drinks as unlimited.

That said, meal quality may not be perfectly consistent. Most accounts describe plentiful food and a tasty, simple meal. One unhappy departure included lukewarm chicken and rice and stale bread. I would treat lunch as a convenient included meal, not a restaurant experience.

The snorkeling itself is another area where conditions matter. Calm water can make the bay a lovely stop, with different fish visible below the surface. Choppier weather may make swimming less comfortable and could affect the timing of the stop. The operator requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a date change or full refund.

What the luxury setup adds

The word luxury can be overused on boat excursions, but here it has a practical meaning. You have room to sit properly, lie on a sunbed, share food at a table, and use a toilet during the trip.

The music system adds to the social feel. If you want a silent nature outing, the speakers may be more noticeable than you prefer. If you enjoy a relaxed group atmosphere, music, drinks, and a host such as Fabrizio can make the ride feel festive.

The spacious deck also helps families and mixed-age groups. A child can change position without blocking someone else’s view, while adults can sit together at one of the tables. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, though the information provided does not give detailed accessibility specifications.

The boat’s large size has another benefit: it should feel less cramped when everyone is moving around for food or wildlife sightings. The limit of 15 people is a real feature, not just a number hidden in the booking details.

On the other hand, the wide boat does not eliminate sea motion. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you feel most stable, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider your usual precautions. The experience is at sea, not on a calm lake.

Is $96.79 a fair price?

At roughly $96.79 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for whales near Tenerife. You are paying a premium over a basic shared boat, but the comparison should include what is bundled into the price.

You receive:

• About three hours on the water
• A maximum group size of 15
• Whale and dolphin watching
• A swimming and snorkeling stop
• Snorkeling equipment
• Food and snacks
• Complimentary drinks
• Use of the spacious Opera 60
• A return to Puerto Colón

That package can represent fair value if you plan to drink, eat, swim, and spend most of the afternoon at sea. It is less compelling if your only goal is a quick wildlife sighting and you do not care about the onboard meal or extra room.

I would also put a value on the group size. A cheaper boat with a much larger crowd may offer a similar route but a very different experience. On Opera 60, you have a better chance of finding a comfortable seat and getting a clear view when the crew points out wildlife.

The price does not guarantee whales, dolphins, turtles, calm water, or perfect food. That is the honest tradeoff. You are buying a well-equipped wildlife cruise, not a guaranteed animal encounter.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it most strongly for couples, families, and small groups of friends who want several activities in one outing. You can watch marine life, swim, snorkel, eat, drink, and enjoy the coast without moving between separate bookings.

It also suits people who dislike crowded excursions. The 15-person limit, tables, sunbeds, and multiple seating areas give you room to relax. If you are celebrating something, the prosecco service and polished boat design add a festive touch.

Families should appreciate the combination of wildlife and swimming. Children may lose interest during a long search for animals, but the bay stop breaks up the time. Keep in mind that sea conditions and wildlife sightings are never fully predictable.

This may not suit you if you want a very quiet nature trip, a guaranteed whale encounter, or a highly formal dining experience. It is also not the right choice if you prefer to stay on land or dislike the movement of a fast boat.

Timing, cancellation, and useful planning details

The activity lasts approximately three hours and operates in English. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the meeting point is Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted under the stated policy.

Weather matters. If poor conditions cancel the cruise, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The trip also requires a minimum number of bookings, so a cancellation for that reason comes with the choice of another date or experience, or a full refund.

This trip is often booked about 26 days ahead. That is useful guidance if your Tenerife dates are fixed, especially if you want a particular day during a busy holiday period. I would book early, then keep the cancellation deadline in mind.

Pack lightly but sensibly:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection
• A waterproof phone case
• A light layer for the boat ride
• Motion-sickness medication if you normally need it

You do not need to bring snorkeling equipment, and you should not need to buy drinks or snacks during the outing.

Should you book Opera 60?

Book this experience if you want more than a short wildlife ride. The best reason to choose it is the combination of small-group space, wildlife viewing, swimming, snorkeling, food, and drinks aboard a much larger and more comfortable RIB.

I would be comfortable recommending it to anyone who values room to move and a social day at sea. The strongest departures offer sightings of pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles, followed by a relaxed swim in a bay and a generous lunch with prosecco.

Keep your expectations realistic. Nature sets the schedule, food quality can vary, and one poor departure included slow drink service and an early return. At nearly $100, you should choose Opera 60 for the whole package, not for a promise of one perfect whale photograph.

FAQ

Where does the Opera 60 experience start and finish?

The cruise starts at Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Tenerife, and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

What marine life might I see?

You may see dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for the swimming and snorkeling stop in a bay.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The experience includes food, snacks, and drinks. Available drinks have included soft drinks, beer, wine, and prosecco.

How many people can join the cruise?

The activity has a maximum of 15 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.