Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A speedboat sea safari is a trip of about 2 to 3 hours on a small, fast boat, often a RIB (rigid inflatable boat or zodiac), with just a few people. It usually combines looking for cetaceans, if the boat is authorised, with a stop to swim and snorkel.
It is more dynamic than a catamaran trip: you cover more distance, sit closer to the water and feel the sea more. That is why it is not for everyone. This page helps you decide whether it suits you.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Trip on a speedboat or RIB in a small group |
| Group | Around 10–12 people at most on the offers reviewed |
| Duration | About 2–3 hours |
| Usual ports | Puerto Colón, Los Gigantes, Las Galletas |
| What happens | Wildlife spotting, snorkelling, coastline |
| Feel | Speed and bumps in choppy seas |
| Restrictions | Not recommended in pregnancy or with back problems on the offers reviewed |
| Facilities | Open RIBs do not usually have a toilet |
| Cetaceans | Only with Barco Azul and AROC authorisation |
| Price | Depends on the provider and the duration |
What happens
- Meeting at the port and safety briefing.
- Fast sailing towards the wildlife area.
- Cetacean watching, if the boat is authorised, keeping to the distance and time limits.
- Stop in a bay for swimming and snorkelling.
- Drink or snack, on some offers.
- Return to port.
What route to expect
The route depends on the departure port. From Los Gigantes, trips run along the cliffs and, on some offers, reach Masca bay. From Puerto Colón or Las Galletas, you sail along the south coast.
At least one operator in Puerto Colón states that since May 2025 its boat no longer goes as far as Los Gigantes or Masca. If seeing those cliffs matters to you, ask about the exact route or choose a trip from Los Gigantes.
Speedboat vs large boat
| Aspect | Speedboat | Tastingmaran or large boat |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Small | Medium or large |
| Speed | High | Moderate |
| Closeness to the water | A lot | Little |
| Comfort | Basic, no toilet on many | Toilet, shade, space |
| Motion | Bumps in choppy seas | More stable |
| Who it suits | Active people | Families, older people, those prone to seasickness |
Who it suits
- Active people looking for something more dynamic than a catamaran.
- Small groups who want to be close to the water.
- Anyone who wants to combine wildlife and snorkelling in a short time.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Pregnant women: the offers reviewed do not recommend it.
- People with back, neck or knee problems: bumps in choppy seas can be uncomfortable or harmful.
- Young children: many offers have a minimum age.
- Anyone who needs a toilet on board: open RIBs do not usually have one.
- Anyone who gets seasick easily: choose a large, stable boat.
How to choose well
- What type of boat? An open RIB or a boat with a cabin?
- What is the maximum number of people?
- What route does it take, and from which port?
- Does it have Barco Azul certification and AROC authorisation for whale watching?
- What health and age restrictions apply?
- Does it include snorkelling, a drink or a snack?
- What happens if the sea is too rough to go out?
- Is there a minimum number of participants? Some trips need several people to run.
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Skipper | Included | Language |
| Life jackets | Compulsory | Sizes |
| Snorkellingling | Common | Equipment included |
| Drink or snack | In some offers | — |
| Toilet | Not on open RIBs | If you need it |
Safety and requirements
- Life jacket on for the whole trip.
- Sit where the skipper tells you and hold on in the designated places.
- Loose items: sunglasses with a strap, phone in a waterproof case.
- Health: mention any injury or problem before boarding.
Weather and sea
- In wind and choppy seas, small boats are cancelled sooner than large ones.
- In many areas of the south the sea is usually calmer in the morning.
- Outside summer it can feel cool on the water: bring a windbreaker.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure.
- Duration.
- Type of boat.
- Snorkellingling and extras.
- Departure port.
What to bring
- Swimwear and towel.
- Windbreaker.
- Sun protection, a cap with a strap and sunglasses with a strap.
- A waterproof phone case.
- Motion sickness remedy, if you need one.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| More stability and comfort | Tastingmaran excursion |
| Scientific interpretation in a small group | Expedition with a biologist |
| Driving yourself | Jet ski in Tenerife |
| Cetaceans on a large boat | Whale and dolphin watching |
Frequently asked questions
What is a sea safari?
A trip on a speedboat or RIB, in a small group, to look for wildlife and snorkel.
Do you see dolphins?
Only if the boat is authorised for whale watching (Barco Azul and AROC).
Can pregnant women go?
The offers reviewed do not recommend it.
Is there a toilet on board?
Open RIBs do not usually have a toilet.
Does it go to Los Gigantes?
From Los Gigantes, yes. From Puerto Colón it depends on the operator; some no longer do that route.
Will I get wet?
It is possible, especially in choppy seas. Wear clothes that can get wet.
Is it suitable for children?
It depends on the provider’s minimum age and on sea conditions.