The Atlantic Star is a cozy Cyclades 50.5 sailing yacht with space for only 10 guests, so you skip the packed catamarans completely. Relax on soft cushions, soak up the views, and let the captain find the whales. It carries the official whale watching licence, marked by the yellow flag with the blue boat logo, and it is the one trip in Tenerife where you can add a money back sighting guarantee.
Reserve with a small deposit and pay the rest on board, with a group discount from 3 adults. Real people on WhatsApp every day from 08:00 to 22:00, fast confirmation, and honest advice from a local team that has done this trip itself. A boat most resellers never even offer, booked properly. Rated 4.8/5 from 1,350+ reviews.
Adult 60€. Child 35€. Whale Guarantee Optional At 15€ Per Person.
Atlantic Star, Quick Facts
What Makes The Atlantic Star Different
If seeing whales or dolphins is the main reason you came to Tenerife, this is the trip we would send our own friends and family on. Ten guests instead of a catamaran packed with 100+ tourists means space, calm, and real personal service. Grab a soft cushion, take a drink, and let the captain do the work. It is a real sailing yacht, though on most trips the sails stay down and the captain motors so you can simply relax; when the weather is right, they go up. Watch the trip on video to feel it.
Briefing done, drink in hand 🧐 "Okay, so where exactly are these whales hiding? Any minute now, right?"
Is There A Whale Watching Tour In Tenerife With A Money Back Guarantee?
Yes, and this is the one. Most boats will not offer a guarantee, because they cannot promise it. The Atlantic Star can. For just 15€ per person, you are fully covered.
You see whales or dolphins. Guaranteed at least one of the two, and often guests see both.
If you see neither. You get your money back on the trip, or you join another trip for free.
Fair for everyone. The 15€ is a non-refundable insurance fee. In reality, sightings happen on almost every trip, because the pilot whales here live in these waters all year.
So if whales are your priority, you are not gambling your holiday money. That peace of mind is exactly why so many guests pick this boat over a cheaper trip with no promise.
There They Are
And then it happens. The captain has done this thousands of times and knows where the pods hang out, so the boat heads straight for the right water. Somebody points, everybody stands, and that first moment of a fin breaking the surface never gets old, however many times the crew has seen it.
"There! Look, look..." 🐋 That first fin breaking the surface never gets old. Told you the captain knew exactly where to go.
This Is How It Really Looks
The photo beside this text is a real guest photo, not a polished studio shot, so you can see honestly how close the pilot whales come. Want more proof? Scroll to the reviews: dozens of real guests have added their own whale and dolphin photos from this exact trip.
Not zoomed, not staged 📷 A real sighting from the deck, shot by a guest on this exact trip. The reviews below are full of them.
Meet The Pilot Whales
The whales you will most likely see are pilot whales, residents of these waters all year round. To be clear, you will not see them underwater like in this photo on the trip, we added it so you know what they look like up close. They usually travel in family groups, mothers with their young, and sometimes 20 or more together.
The locals 🐋 Resident pilot whales live off the south coast all year round. That is exactly why sightings here are so reliable.
The Dolphin Bonus
If you are lucky, you also meet bottlenose dolphins. They tend to be more playful and curious than the whales, often racing along right beside the boat and surfing the bow wave. Whales are the main event here, but a dolphin escort is a lovely bonus.
The escort 🐬 Bottlenose dolphins are curious and fast. When they show up, they often surf the bow wave right beside you.
Your 3 Hours On The Water, Step By Step
Here is how the trip actually unfolds, from the gate to the last sip of sangria.
The Atlantic Star Trip, Step By Step
- 115 Min Before
Meet At Gate 0, Puerto Colón
Your guide meets you at the gate, in front of the Yubari sushi restaurant, and walks you to the boat for smooth boarding.
- 2Welcome Aboard
Settle In And Head Out
Grab a comfy cushion, take a drink, and relax. No rush, no stress, the captain sets off to find the whales.
- 3Eyes Open
The Captain Finds The Pods
The crew knows where the resident pilot whales hang out and shares real stories about them along the way.
- 4The Main Event
Whale And Dolphin Time
The boat keeps a quiet, respectful distance while the animals do their thing. Cameras out, voices down, pure magic.
- 5Anchor Down
The El Puertito Swim Stop
The boat anchors in the sheltered bay of El Puertito for a swim straight off the boat in calm water.
- 6The Sail Home
Sandwiches, Snacks And Drinks
The hostess serves fresh food while you cruise back along the coast, glass in hand.
Swim Break In A Calm Bay
After the wildlife, the boat anchors at El Puertito, a sheltered bay, for a swim. Jump straight off the boat, float in the calm water, and just enjoy it. Honest note: this stop is about cooling off and relaxing, not world-class snorkelling. There is gear on board if you want it, but do not expect a coral reef. Come for the swim and the calm.
Cool off, not coral 💦 The stop is about a lovely swim in calm water. Snorkel gear is on board, but do not expect a reef.
Food And Drinks On Board
While you relax, the hostess serves fresh sandwiches with several fillings, plus snacks. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request, just let us know when booking. Drinks are unlimited too: water, soft drinks, wine, beer, sangria and cava. It is not a fancy buffet, but it is fresh, good, and there is plenty.
Fresh, good, plenty 🥪 Sandwiches with several fillings, snacks, and unlimited drinks, wine, sangria and cava included.
One Honest Thing About Boat Trips In Tenerife
Almost all licensed boat trips here, whether 3, 6 or 9 hours, follow a similar routine: watch whales and dolphins, then anchor in a calm bay for a swim and some food. Boats do not sail to other islands or drop you on hidden beaches, it is mostly not legal and there are no real spots that make it worthwhile. So the trip is about the marine life, the open sea, and relaxing along the south coast. On this boat, you just get to do it in a small group instead of a crowd.
Best For Families, Couples, Or Simply A Calm Day
For couples. The 12:30 and 15:30 trips are the most relaxed, usually mostly adults on board. Soft cushions, unlimited drinks, and the ocean to yourselves. It has even been used for proposals, though for that moment we would point you to a private sunset trip.
For families. Families are welcome on all trips, but 09:30 is usually best. The boat is safe, stable and child-friendly with life jackets on board, and because it does not lean over hard the ride stays smooth. Children are ages 1 to 9, babies under 1 join free (note it when booking and bring ID), and everyone counts toward the 10-guest limit. We keep children off our website photos on purpose, but you will find plenty of real family reviews below.
For a calm day, not a party. This is a relaxed, intimate trip, not a party boat. Want a louder day out? Club Canary has other boats for that, just ask. If you would rather enjoy the whales in peace with a small, friendly group, this is the one.
Responsible Whale Watching In Tenerife
The Atlantic Star is a quiet sailing boat, so it can often get closer to the whales than big motor boats without disturbing them. This trip is for people who love nature and want to do it the right way. Swimming with whales or dolphins is not allowed in Tenerife, here is Club Canary's guide on swimming with dolphins in Tenerife.
Quiet by design 🌋 A sailing boat slips close without stressing the pod, with Mount Teide watching from the horizon.
Where Is The Best Place To Book The Atlantic Star?
Book direct with Club Canary, the local team in Costa Adeje: a small deposit reserves your spot, the balance is paid on board, and real people on WhatsApp answer fast. With only 10 seats per trip, the Atlantic Star books up quickly, especially in high season, so lock in your date early.
Want the whole boat to yourself? See the private Atlantic Star charter, a favourite for proposals and families. Compare all whale watching tours in Tenerife, or message us on WhatsApp and we match you to the right boat.
The practical stuff, tap a section to open it
What Is Included
- Small group: maximum 10 guests, never a crowded catamaran.
- About 3 hours at sea: whales first, then the swim stop.
- Unlimited drinks: water, soft drinks, wine, beer, sangria and cava.
- Fresh food: sandwiches and snacks, vegetarian and gluten-free on request.
- Friendly crew: experienced captain and host, warm personal service.
- Comfy on board: soft sun cushions, with shaded spots too.
- Sailing when possible: the sails go up when the weather allows.
- Swim and snorkel stop: a dip in a calm bay, gear provided.
- Local marine knowledge: real stories about the whales and dolphins.
- Licensed and insured: the official yellow flag boat.
Whale Guarantee, +15€ per person: see whales or dolphins, or get your money back on the trip (minus the insurance fee) or rejoin free. No other boat in Tenerife offers it.
Group discount: from 3 adults, booked through Club Canary.
Private charter: the whole boat for your group, a favourite for proposals. See the private Atlantic Star.
Good To Know, Times And Rules
Everything you need to know before your small group whale and dolphin watching trip on the Atlantic Star, booked easily through Club Canary. We respect the animals and follow the rules, so it stays safe and enjoyable for everyone on board.
Schedule: Departures at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30 from Puerto Colón, Gate 0, Costa Adeje. The trip lasts about 3 hours and never runs shorter than 2.5 hours.
Meeting Point: Gate 0 in Puerto Colón, in front of the Yubari sushi restaurant. Your guide meets you at the gate and walks you to the boat.
Getting There: Make your own way to Puerto Colón, a short walk or quick taxi from Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas. Parking at the port is around 1.20€ per hour. Need a taxi or transfer? Message us and we help arrange it.
Tickets And Payment: A small deposit confirms your spot, you pay the rest on the day on board. Have your Club Canary ticket ready, digital or printed.
What To Bring: Swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. Shoes and flip-flops are stored safely during the trip.
On Board: There is a toilet and a changing room, plus comfy sun cushions and shaded seating.
Children: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Infants under 1 join free, please note it in advance and bring ID.
Accessibility: Wheelchairs cannot be carried due to space, but the crew helps with safe boarding wherever possible.
Smoking: Only at the rear of the boat, to keep the air clear for everyone.
Languages: The crew speaks several languages, always including English, so everyone feels welcome.
Whale Watching Questions (FAQ)
Real answers to the questions people ask most about whale watching on the Atlantic Star. Still unsure? Chat with our local team on WhatsApp, we help fast.
What makes the Atlantic Star different from other whale watching tours in Tenerife?
Two big things. First, it takes only 10 guests, so it feels personal and calm, not like a packed catamaran with 100 tourists. Second, it is the only boat in Tenerife where you can add a money back whale watching guarantee. Small group, big chance of seeing whales, and your money is protected. That mix is hard to find anywhere else on the island.
Is there a whale watching tour in Tenerife with a money back guarantee?
Yes, and this is the one. For 15€ per person you can add the guarantee. If you do not see whales or dolphins, you get your money back on the trip (minus the small insurance fee), or you join another trip for free. Most boats will not offer this because they are not confident enough. The Atlantic Star can, because sightings happen on almost every trip.
Will I really see whales or dolphins in Tenerife?
Very likely, yes. Tenerife has resident pilot whales that live off the south coast all year round, so they are there in every season. You will most often see pilot whales, and sometimes playful bottlenose dolphins too. Nothing in nature is 100% certain, which is exactly why the optional guarantee exists. If seeing them matters to you, add it and relax.
Why don't big companies like tour operators or hotels sell a small whale watching boat like this?
Simple: it is about volume. Big tour operators and hotel desks sell hundreds of seats a day, so they need large boats that fit 100 plus people. Arranging small, personal trips of just 10 guests is too fiddly for them at that scale, so they default to the big catamarans. It is not that the small boat is lower quality, it is the opposite. A local company like Club Canary can arrange the small, personal trip that the big players simply cannot be bothered with. That is why this feels like a hidden gem.
Is this small group whale watching trip legal and licensed?
100%. The Atlantic Star carries the official whale watching license, shown by the yellow flag with the blue boat logo. It is a fully legal, established tour leaving from Puerto Colón. Some people see a small boat with a guarantee and assume it is too good to be true, but it is completely legit. You are just getting a better, more personal version of the same legal whale watching, with proper permits and an experienced local crew.
Is the Atlantic Star good for whale watching with kids and families?
Yes, families love it. The 09:30 trip is usually best for kids. The boat is stable and does not lean over hard, there are life jackets on board, and the crew often chats and plays with the children so parents can relax. Children are ages 1 to 9, and babies under 1 join free (please note it when booking). It is calm and cozy, not a loud party boat, perfect for a relaxed family day at sea. You will not see photos of children on this page, we keep kids off our website on purpose for their privacy, but you will find plenty of real family reviews below from guests who were happy to share their experience.
Is it a good whale watching boat trip for couples?
Very much so. The 12:30 and 15:30 trips are the most relaxed, usually mostly adults. Soft cushions, unlimited drinks, the ocean to yourselves. It has even been booked for marriage proposals. If you want that extra-special moment, ask us about a private sunset trip.
What is included on the Atlantic Star whale and dolphin watching trip?
Quite a lot for the price: unlimited drinks (soft drinks, wine, beer, sangria and cava), fresh sandwiches and snacks (vegetarian and gluten-free on request), a swim and snorkel stop with gear provided, and a friendly, experienced crew. The whale watching guarantee is the only paid extra, at 15€ per person.
What happens if I get seasick on the boat?
Most people are fine. The boat stays close to the coast (you always see land), the trip is only about 3 hours, and a sailing yacht moves gently. To be safe: eat something before, skip alcohol beforehand, and take a travel sickness tablet 30 minutes before boarding. If you feel sensitive, sit at the back where there is the least movement. A swim at the break usually sorts you right out.
Is the snorkeling good on this trip?
Let us be honest: the swim stop is more about cooling off and relaxing in a calm bay than world-class snorkeling. There is gear on board if you want it, but do not expect a coral reef full of fish. Come for the lovely dip and the calm, and treat any fish you spot as a bonus.
Where does the Atlantic Star leave from in Tenerife?
From Gate 0 at Puerto Colón, in Costa Adeje, in front of the Yubari sushi restaurant. It is a short walk or quick taxi from Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas. There is parking at the port (around 1.20€ per hour), and your guide meets you at the gate to walk you to the boat.
The calendar shows limited or sold out, can I still book last minute?
Maybe, so it is always worth asking. Our online calendar is not always perfectly up to date, sorry about that. If a date looks limited or full, or you want to book last minute, message us first on WhatsApp to check the real availability. We can often still fit you in, especially when we can group people together. In high season we recommend booking a few days ahead to be safe.
Can I book the Atlantic Star privately for my own group?
Yes. You can hire the whole boat just for your group, which is popular for families, celebrations and marriage proposals. See our private Atlantic Star charter, or message us and we will set it up.
Booking last minute or a date looks full? Always double check real availability with us first, we can often still fit you in.
Booking Policy And Guarantee Terms
Thank you for booking the Atlantic Star with Club Canary. These terms keep things fair for the small crew, the other guests and you, so every trip runs smoothly.
Deposit And Payment
Reserve your spot with a small deposit through Club Canary and pay the rest on the day, on board. The deposit secures your place but does not cover lost spots if you do not show up.
Cancellation And Rescheduling
Individuals and small groups (up to 4): free changes or cancellations up to 24 hours before the trip.
Large groups (5 or more): please give 48 hours notice for free changes or cancellations. Contact office@clubcanary.com.
Late Cancellation And No-Show
Cancellations outside the free window but more than 6 hours before (24 hours for larger groups) are charged 50% of the expected balance.
No-shows are charged 100% of the remaining amount.
Late arrivals (up to 15 minutes past the meeting time) who show photographic proof at the meeting point are charged 65% of the balance, and we try to fit you on another boat or the next available trip when possible.
Weather And Sea Conditions
This trip depends on suitable weather. If we have to cancel for unsuitable conditions, you can reschedule or get a full refund. If the Atlantic Star cannot sail and you cannot rebook, we try to arrange a spot on a similar boat where possible.
Whale Watching Guarantee Terms (Optional, 15€ Per Person)
The guarantee covers whales and dolphins: you are guaranteed to see at least one of the two, not necessarily both. Often guests see both. Specific species cannot be promised, but the most common are pilot whales. More about pilot whales.
These are wild animals. A sighting, even a fin spotted within 30 meters, counts as a successful sighting.
If the boat has to return early due to severe seasickness on board, the 15€ guarantee fee is refunded, but no further sighting compensation applies, as it is beyond our control.
If adverse weather changes the route or cuts the trip short, the guarantee does not apply. Solutions are discussed with the manager.
The guarantee applies to a standard trip, not to changes caused by illness, accidents or sudden weather shifts.
If you chose the guarantee and saw no whales or dolphins, we refund the boat trip cost (the 15€ fee is your insurance cost and is not returned). We process this based on the captain's confirmation and any photos from the trip. Our team is not on the boat, so we rely on the honesty of the Atlantic Star crew, whom we fully trust.
Responsibility And Conduct
Guests follow the crew's safety instructions at all times. The captain may adjust or end the trip for safety reasons. Please respect the animals, the boat and your fellow guests so everyone has a good day.
Assistance
Need help with anything? Email info@clubcanary.com or chat with our local team on WhatsApp, every day from 08:00 to 22:00.
We do not include these terms to be difficult. They simply keep things fair for the small crew, the other guests and you. Thank you for booking with Club Canary, we cannot wait to get you out on the water.
Questions or a special request? Chat with our local team on WhatsApp. We reply fast.
Club Canary's Honest Take
Real talk from your local team in the Canary Islands
If seeing whales or dolphins is the main thing you care about, this is the boat we recommend first. It is small, calm and personal, ten guests instead of a hundred, and the optional money back guarantee means you are not gambling your holiday on it.
We will be straight with you: it is not a party boat, and the snorkel stop is just a nice swim, not a reef. But for relaxed, real, small group whale watching in Tenerife, nothing we offer beats it. With only 10 seats per departure it books up fast, so lock in your day early.
Small boat, resident whales, and a guarantee nobody else offers. That is the smart way to whale watch.
🎟️ Book Now 💬 WhatsApp Our Local Team
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