Tenerife’s ocean wildlife looks better from a luxury RIB. OPERA 60 pairs whale and dolphin watching with a swimming and snorkeling stop, all while you cruise in a 60-foot speedboat built for comfort and safety. The two biggest wins for me are the open deck space (you don’t feel packed in) and the fact that snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks are handled onboard. One thing to consider: the animal sightings can’t be guaranteed, so you’re really booking the whole sea-day experience, not just a whale photo.

This is the kind of tour that works well if you want relaxed excitement. You’ll cruise out from Puerto Colón, scan for dolphins, sea turtles, and whales, then switch gears to a calm bay where you can swim and snorkel before heading back.

The boat itself is a major part of the appeal. OPERA 60 is described as the largest and most spacious luxury RIB in Tenerife, with a rigid hull and inflatable side defenses, plus onboard showers for after getting in the water.

Key points to know before you book

• A 60-foot luxury RIB setup with a rigid hull and inflatable side defenses for extra safety
• Whale and dolphin watching plus snorkeling in one smooth sea-day
• Drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment included on board
• Low headcount feel with a maximum of 15 travelers
• Onboard comfort: sunbeds, seating zones, tables, toilet, and showers after swimming

OPERA 60: The 60-Foot Luxury RIB that feels safe and roomy

The first thing you’ll notice is that OPERA 60 isn’t trying to be a cramped “tour boat.” It’s built like a serious, large RIB: about 60 feet (nearly 20 meters) long, with 740 HP across two Volvo Penta engines. That combination matters because it changes the vibe. You get more room to move, spread out, and actually enjoy the scenery instead of standing in one tight corridor.

The safety design is also part of the pitch, and it isn’t vague. The boat uses an “extra safe” rigid hull with inflatable side defenses, meaning the ride is intended to feel more controlled than you’d expect from something in RIB form. I’d still treat it like a boat at sea: if you’re sensitive to motion, pack your usual motion-sickness tools. But the whole “luxury RIB” idea here is comfort first.

On deck, the layout is meant for different moods. There are sitting areas and sunbeds, plus two big tables, and a toilet. There are also showers for after swimming, which is a detail I love because it keeps the day from turning into “wet towels forever.” If you plan to snorkel, this matters more than you’d think.

One more practical detail: the boat includes quality speakers so you can enjoy music while you’re out there. That might sound small, but it changes the atmosphere during the cruise and the time between sightings and the swim bay.

Whale and dolphin spotting off Playa de las Américas: what you’re really chasing

The goal here is simple: scan the water and look for dolphins and whales (and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles too). The tour follows a “go looking” approach as you move along Tenerife’s coast, rather than stopping in one place and hoping for the best.

You’ll also want to know that the crew’s job isn’t just pointing at animals. The best outings follow a responsible viewing style—keeping distance from whales and dolphins and adjusting to what the animals are doing. That matters because it makes the experience feel respectful, not like a scramble.

In practice, sightings can happen fast. On good days, whales and dolphins have been spotted within about 20 minutes of leaving the harbor, which instantly flips the energy on board. Even when sightings aren’t constant, this kind of cruise keeps you actively watching. The crew is there to help you identify what you’re seeing so you’re not just staring at dark water hoping for something to appear.

That said, here’s the honest travel reality: wildlife watching depends on nature. You’re paying for your time on a high-comfort boat with an experienced crew and a good chance at sightings, not a guaranteed animal encounter. If you’re the type who needs certainty, you might still enjoy it, but I’d base your expectations on a sea-day with the thrill of possible sightings.

Snorkeling and the swimming bay: gear, showers, and downtime

The second half of the tour is why this is more than “just a boat ride.” You get a swimming and snorkeling stop, plus snorkeling equipment onboard. That inclusion is real value. Renting gear or scrambling to find it on your own can turn a fun half-day into a stressful one.

The day is structured so you’re not stuck waiting around. When the boat reaches the swim area, you typically get time to snorkel, relax, and actually enjoy being in the water. Reviews highlight that the snorkel segment can be a standout, with sightings underwater and plenty of time to enjoy the bay.

Two practical benefits come straight from the boat and the way the stop is handled:

• You can rinse off afterward. The onboard showers mean you don’t have to awkwardly manage wet hair and salt on the ride back.
• You’re not short on supplies. Snacks and drinks are part of the onboard offering, so the time in the bay feels like a break, not a survival test.

A small tip from the overall feel of the experience: bring your swimming gear. Even though equipment is provided for snorkeling, having what you need to get in comfortably makes the transition smoother.

If you’re a first-time snorkeler, this is the kind of tour where you’ll likely feel supported. The vibe is geared toward fun, with the crew managing the boat and helping you know what to look for while you’re in the water.

Food and drinks onboard: why the price feels fair

At around $96.79 per person for roughly 3 hours, the real question is whether it’s value or just a label. What makes this tour feel worth the money is that you’re not only paying for boat time.

You’re also getting drinks and snacks onboard, plus a proper pause at a swimming/snorkeling bay. Multiple positive experiences describe a solid range of drinks, including wines and beers, and lots of celebratory fizz. Some highlights mention champagne and Prosecco being served with a generous attitude, which turns the cruise into more of a treat than a strict tour.

The food element is part of that “whole sea-day” value. Many experiences describe lunch served at the swim bay as enjoyable, with enough food to feel satisfied. The format matters here: you’re not trying to eat quickly at a restaurant before boarding. You’re already on the water, and the meal timing matches the rhythm of the day.

Now, the balanced bit. There is at least one negative note about food temperature and service pacing. In that case, drinks weren’t served early, and the meal was described as lukewarm with bread that wasn’t fresh. While that’s not the majority tone, it’s a useful reminder of what to do if service timing matters to you: ask early about when drinks are typically offered and don’t hesitate to flag needs right away. On a boat, small misunderstandings can become big annoyances if they’re not cleared quickly.

Overall, though, the positive direction is clear: the drink-and-snack setup plus included snorkeling gear is what makes the price feel reasonable for a premium boat day.

What a typical 3-hour outing feels like on Tenerife waters

This is listed as about 3 hours total, and it runs from Puerto Colón (Puerto Colón, Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife) back to the same meeting point.

If your day starts with a prompt departure, your schedule feels easy. Several experiences mention leaving on time and reaching whale/dolphin sighting zones quickly. Once you’re cruising, the time breaks naturally into three phases:

1. The wildlife search phase

You’ll spend time looking out for dolphins, whales, and sometimes sea turtles. The crew helps you keep your eyes focused and your expectations aligned with what you can realistically spot.

1. The swim and snorkel phase

The boat reaches a bay area where you can snorkel and swim, with equipment provided. This is when the day turns into a hands-on ocean experience rather than a viewing exercise.

1. The relaxed cruise back

After the water time, you’re back onboard with showers available. If you stayed up front during the viewing phase, you’ll often feel ready to settle into the return ride with a drink and calmer vibes.

One caution for timing expectations: there’s at least one report of returning a bit early. That kind of change can happen for operational reasons, and you may also see it depend on weather and sea conditions. The good news is that the experience is designed as a loop: you’re back where you started.

Who should choose this tour, and who might want to think twice

This outing is a strong match if you want a single activity that hits multiple goals: animals, ocean time, and a comfortable boat setup. It’s also a good family option. Several experiences include families with kids, and the low maximum group size of 15 travelers helps a lot. Fewer people generally means easier movement on deck and a less chaotic vibe when you’re transitioning between cruising and the bay.

You’ll also appreciate it if you like the idea of not planning extra rentals or hunting for snorkeling gear. Included equipment keeps the day simple.

Where you might think twice: if you’re extremely sensitive to boat movement or you dislike water activities. This is a sea-day, not a dry sit-and-watch tour. Also, if your top priority is guaranteed whales or guaranteed dolphins, you won’t have that certainty here. You do have a good chance—plus the swim/snorkel portion means you’re still getting value even if wildlife sightings vary.

Should you book OPERA 60 Whale & Dolphin Watching in Tenerife?

I’d book it if you want an ocean experience that feels well set up from the moment you step onboard. The combination that sells it is rare: a large, comfortable RIB, real onboard inclusions (snorkeling gear plus food and drinks), and a built-in swim bay with showers.

If you care about service quality, it’s smart to go in with one clear mindset: ask early about drinks and meal flow, especially if you’re traveling with kids. On the whole, the crew has a reputation for being friendly and keeping people looked after, with at least one standout host experience involving Fabrizio and a very welcoming vibe.

Bottom line: for a short, premium sea-day in Tenerife with wildlife chances and real water time, this is an easy yes for many travelers.

FAQ

Where does the OPERA 60 tour start and end?

The tour starts at Puerto Colón (Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife) and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The experience runs for about 3 hours.

What’s included on board?

You’ll have drinks and snacks, plus snorkeling equipment provided onboard.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is the boat set up for after-swimming comfort?

Yes. The boat includes showers and a toilet, along with seating areas and sunbeds.

What if the weather isn’t good?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.