Luxury Opera 60 Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

Wildlife meets polished comfort here. The Opera 60 combines whale and dolphin watching with a swim stop, snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, and a meal aboard Tenerife’s large luxury RIB. I like the generous space, with sunbeds, tables, several seating areas, a toilet, and even showers. I also like the small group limit of 15, which gives you a much better chance of finding a comfortable spot than on a crowded excursion boat. The main consideration is price: at about $96.79 per person, you are paying for comfort and food as well as the wildlife search, and service can occasionally be uneven.

From Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, the three-hour outing heads along Tenerife’s southwest coast in search of dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles. Sightings cannot be promised, and one account describes seeing dolphins and nearly a whale rather than a full parade of animals. Still, the combination of wildlife, swimming, scenery, and a proper meal makes this more than a quick boat ride.

Key points at a glance

• A 60-foot luxury RIB: The Opera 60 is nearly 20 meters long, with 740 horsepower and inflatable side defenses around a rigid hull.
• Small capacity, large footprint: A maximum of 15 people means plenty of room for sitting, sunbathing, and moving around.
• Wildlife and swimming in one trip: The outing searches for dolphins, whales, and turtles before stopping in a sheltered bay for swimming and snorkeling.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect snacks, a meal, and a selection of drinks, with several positive mentions of prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Useful onboard comforts: The boat has two tables, a toilet, music, sunbeds, snorkeling equipment, and showers for after your swim.
• Strong overall satisfaction: The experience has a 4.8 rating from 140 reviews, with 94 percent of customers recommending it.

Boarding the Opera 60 at Puerto Colón

You meet the boat at Puerto Colón, the marina serving Playa de las Américas on Tenerife’s southwest coast. The activity returns to the same point, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup after your time at sea.

The Opera 60 is not a small open dinghy. It is a 60-foot rigid inflatable boat, often called a RIB, with a solid hull and inflatable side defenses. That design gives you the speed and open-air feel of a fast boat, while the large size provides far more room than most whale-watching craft.

The boat has two Volvo Penta engines producing a total of 740 horsepower. The practical result is a quick trip out from the harbor and enough space for the crew to arrange different areas for sitting, eating, and relaxing. You can choose a seat near the action, settle onto a sunbed, or stay at one of the two large tables when food is served.

The setting is dressed up rather than purely functional. The boat has stylish decoration, quality speakers, and several sitting areas. That will appeal to you if you want a sea excursion that feels like a small private party, not a basic transport boat with a few benches.

The capacity limit matters. With no more than 15 people, you are unlikely to feel packed in. One family group of three noted that there were 14 people aboard and still plenty of seats and open space. That is one of the clearest reasons to consider this trip over a cheaper, larger boat.

The first hour: searching for dolphins and whales

The opening part of the trip is devoted to finding marine life. The boat moves out from Puerto Colón and searches the waters off Tenerife’s coast, where sightings may include dolphins, pilot whales, and sea turtles.

Several accounts describe seeing whales within roughly 20 minutes of leaving the harbor. Another group saw dolphins, whales, and turtles during the same outing. A different account saw dolphins and almost a whale, which is a useful reminder that nature sets the schedule, not the captain.

That uncertainty is part of the deal. You should book this for the chance to see wild animals, not for a guaranteed show. The boat may need to change direction or slow down while the crew looks for movement on the water. Keep your eyes open and follow the crew’s instructions about where to look.

The crew’s approach to the animals is another important point. Positive accounts describe the boat keeping a respectful distance from whales and dolphins. That is better for the animals and gives you a more natural sighting. You may not get the close-up encounter promised by a theme-park attraction, but seeing a whale surface in open water is far more special than watching a trained animal perform.

The crew also helps identify what you see. A German-speaking customer praised the guide for naming the species and explaining what was happening, while also keeping the mood light on board. That combination is useful: you get some context without turning the trip into a lecture.

The boat’s size helps here. You have more room to shift position, and the open layout should make it easier to find a view. Still, do not assume you will see every animal listed. One account specifically noted whales approaching the boat but no dolphins. Wildlife sightings are a bonus, not a contract.

The sheltered bay: lunch, swimming, and snorkeling

After the wildlife search, the Opera 60 heads to a small bay for the second half of the outing. This change of pace is one of the trip’s strongest features. Instead of spending all three hours bouncing across open water, you get time to eat, swim, and use the supplied snorkeling equipment.

The bay provides a calmer setting for getting into the water. You can swim from the boat and look for fish while snorkeling. One account describes seeing different fish species, and several others praise the snorkeling stop as a highlight.

Bring your swimming gear. That sounds obvious, but it is the easiest item to forget when the main reason for booking is whale watching. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins unless you prefer your personal gear.

The boat also has showers, a thoughtful feature after swimming in salt water. You can rinse off before sitting down for the trip back to Puerto Colón, rather than spending the final part of the outing dripping onto the seats.

Food is served at the bay or during this relaxed portion of the trip. Positive accounts describe a warm meal, plentiful food, and local home-style cooking. The meal has been described as chicken and rice with bread, while another account called it tasty, simple local food. Expect a straightforward meal rather than a restaurant-style spread.

There is one service warning worth taking seriously. One unhappy customer received lukewarm chicken and rice, stale bread, and had to ask for water and soft drinks. That appears to be an isolated complaint compared with the many positive accounts, but it shows that the food and service may not be flawless on every departure.

The bay stop also gives you a break from the motion of the boat. If you are prone to seasickness, this pause may help. The tradeoff is that every minute spent eating and swimming is a minute not spent searching for wildlife. I see that as a fair exchange, since the trip is designed as a two-part experience rather than a dedicated wildlife expedition.

Drinks, music, and the luxury feel

Drinks are included, and the most frequently praised choices are prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Several people describe drinks as plentiful, with one host named Fabrizio making a point of keeping the prosecco flowing.

That creates a festive mood, especially during the bay stop. The speakers add music, and the large tables make the meal feel social. If you want a quiet naturalist trip with no party atmosphere, this may feel too lively. If you like a relaxed afternoon with food, music, and a drink in hand, the setting should suit you.

Service deserves a balanced look. Most accounts praise the crew as friendly, attentive, and entertaining. Some specifically say the staff looked after children and kept everyone supplied with food and drinks. The captain is also described as professional.

Yet service may not be perfectly consistent. One complaint says drinks were not offered during the first hour because the sea was rough, although water was also not offered. The same customer felt ignored by an older crew member during the bay stop. That is not the dominant picture, but it is relevant when you are paying a premium price.

The smart approach is to tell the crew promptly if you need water, soft drinks, or help. Do not wait for a formal service round if the boat is moving or the sea is choppy. Conditions can affect when drinks are safely served.

What the $96.79 price really covers

At about $96.79 per person, this is not Tenerife’s budget whale-watching option. You are paying for a small group, a large high-powered boat, onboard food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, a swimming stop, and extra comforts such as sunbeds, a toilet, and showers.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole package. A family or couple who wants wildlife, lunch, drinks, swimming, and a comfortable boat may find the price reasonable. You are combining several separate holiday activities into one three-hour outing.

The value is weaker if your only goal is to see whales. A dedicated wildlife trip could be a better fit if you do not care about the meal, music, alcohol, or swimming stop. Sightings are never guaranteed, so the price should not be judged only by the number of animals you see.

The maximum of 15 people changes the calculation. A cheaper boat with many more passengers may offer less room, more crowding around the rail, and a less personal feel. Here, the boat itself is part of the attraction.

The boat is described as the largest luxury RIB in Tenerife, but the exterior has been called old and worn by one customer. You should expect a spacious, stylish interior and strong comfort features, but do not assume the vessel will look factory-new from every angle.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife boat trip?

I would recommend the Opera 60 to you if you want a polished half-day at sea with several activities built in. It is particularly suited to:

• Couples who want a scenic outing with food and drinks
• Families who value space and a swimming stop
• Small groups of friends who want music and a sociable atmosphere
• Visitors who prefer a more comfortable boat with toilets and showers
• Anyone who wants wildlife watching without giving up lunch and relaxation

The trip also works well for mixed groups. One person can watch for whales, another can swim, and someone else can stay dry on a sunbed. That flexibility is hard to find on a narrow sightseeing boat.

I would be more cautious if you want a serious wildlife research experience, dislike music or alcohol-focused outings, or need perfectly predictable service. The boat can be affected by sea conditions, sightings are uncertain, and the food service has received at least one poor account.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. It is also near public transportation, which makes the Puerto Colón meeting point practical for people staying around Playa de las Américas.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The trip lasts about three hours and ends where it begins. One account says the boat returned around 20 minutes early, so you should not treat the full duration as guaranteed to the minute, especially if sea conditions or the day’s operation require changes.

Good weather is required. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable or accepted, so check the local start time carefully.

The activity is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 26 days. That suggests you should reserve early if you want a particular date, especially during a busy Tenerife holiday.

Should you book the Opera 60?

Book it if you want the full sea-day package: wildlife watching, a swim, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, music, and plenty of room. The small group size and comfortable boat are the main reasons to choose it, and the sightings can be excellent, including pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles.

Do not book it solely for a guaranteed whale encounter. Nature does not work that way, and one outing may produce dolphins and a near-sighting rather than a close whale encounter. Also keep your expectations sensible about food and service. Most accounts are strongly positive, but one departure had slow drink service and disappointing food.

For most visitors staying near Playa de las Américas, I think the Opera 60 offers good value when you want comfort and variety more than the lowest possible price. It is a relaxed, social boat trip with real wildlife potential, not a specialist expedition. Pack swimwear, allow for changing sea conditions, and reserve ahead if the date matters.

FAQ

Where does the Opera 60 experience depart from?

It departs from Puerto Colón in Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the whale and dolphin trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours. The actual return time can vary, and one account noted arriving about 20 minutes early.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include dolphins, pilot whales, sea turtles, and other whales. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided onboard, and the boat stops at a bay where you can swim and snorkel.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Drinks, snacks, and a meal are included. The food has been described as a simple local meal, including chicken and rice on one departure. Drinks may include prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled. You may also receive a different date, another experience, or a full refund if the minimum number of participants is not reached.