A luxury RIB and whales in the same outing. OPERA 60 is a 60-foot rigid inflatable ride built for comfort while you scan the water for dolphins, sea turtles, and whales. You also get a swim-and-snorkel break with onboard gear, drinks, and a proper meal. One catch: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so plan for the possibility of fewer dolphins on your specific run.

If you want a mix of real ocean time and comfort, this is a smart choice in Tenerife. The boat caps the group at 15 travelers and the tour runs about 3 hours, so you’re not stuck on the water all day. It’s also offered in English, and you’ll use a mobile ticket at check-in.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• 60-foot luxury RIB with extra safety features: built as a rigid hull with inflatable side defenses and powered by two VOLVO PENTA engines.
• Two experiences in one: whale- and dolphin-spotting cruise plus a dedicated swimming and snorkeling stop.
• Onboard comforts that make a difference: sunbeds, seating areas, tables, toilet, and showers after you swim.
• Snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear included: you don’t have to haul equipment or buy food every time you’re hungry.
• Marine-life spotting help from the crew: they point out what to look for and help you get good viewing.
• Weather-dependent plan: the trip requires good conditions, so keep an eye on forecasts and be ready to flex dates if needed.

Where OPERA 60 departs from in Tenerife

You’ll start at Puerto Colón, in the Playa de las Américas area (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). It returns to the same meeting point, which keeps your day simple—no puzzle pieces for getting back across town.

Because this is a boat experience, I recommend showing up a little early. Even if check-in is smooth, you’ll want time to get sorted, use the toilet, and figure out where you’d like to sit for the best viewing.

Also worth noting: this is offered in English, and a mobile ticket is used. That’s convenient if you like keeping everything in one place on your phone.

OPERA 60’s real power: size, engines, and comfort you can feel

This is not the tiny, buzzy “jump on and go” style boat. OPERA 60 is described as the largest and most spacious luxury RIB in Tenerife, with a length of 60 feet (almost 20 meters).

What that means for you:

• More room to spread out: you’re less likely to feel squished when you stand up to look for whales.
• Better comfort on open water: a bigger boat generally feels more stable, and the design includes inflatable side defenses for extra safety.

The engines are a key detail: it runs with 740 HP split between two VOLVO PENTA engines. Translation: you should have enough speed to reach good waters, chase sightings when they appear, and get to the snorkel bay without feeling like the day drags.

Onboard, you’ll find multiple seating areas, sunbeds, and two big tables. There are also quality speakers for music, which is a small thing until you’re actually out there—then you’ll appreciate it.

And when you’re done swimming, the showers matter. You get freshened up instead of dealing with saltwater skin for the rest of the evening.

The whale and dolphin search: what to expect and how to maximize sightings

This tour’s main draw is the wildlife cruise—scanning for dolphins, sea turtles, and whales as you go. In practice, you’ll likely spend a good chunk of the time riding offshore and watching the water for signs: surfaces, blows, quick bursts of movement, and calmer stretches where animals might be resting.

A useful expectation to set: the crew actively helps you spot marine life. People specifically mention the staff being attentive about what to look for and how to position yourself for views. They also aim to keep a respectful distance from whales and dolphins, which is the right approach for both animals and your viewing quality.

Possible downside to keep in mind: dolphins can be less consistent than whales on any given day (and sometimes you’ll get whales without dolphins). That doesn’t mean the trip is a letdown—OPERA 60 still has the snorkel stop and the onboard comfort—but it’s smart to go with wildlife-first expectations rather than a guaranteed checklist.

A practical tip

If you’re the type who wants drinks early, don’t wait until you’re thirsty. I’d suggest asking right away during boarding or shortly after departure—so you don’t end up in that awkward first-hour gap if service timing is slower on your sailing.

Snorkeling stop at the bay: where the day turns from viewing to swimming

The experience includes a stop at a swimming and snorkeling bay. This is the part that turns a wildlife cruise into a full “do something” ocean day.

You’ll have snorkeling equipment provided onboard, so you don’t need to bring your own gear. That’s a real cost and hassle saver, especially if you’re traveling light.

What you can expect at the bay:

• Time to swim and snorkel after seeing wildlife
• A warm meal served onboard (or lunch during/around the bay stop, depending on timing)
• Plenty of drinks and snacks while you’re relaxing

When you’re done, the showers are there for a reason. In Tenerife’s sun, salt and sunscreen can get sticky fast—being able to rinse off helps you enjoy the ride back instead of feeling grimy.

What to bring (even though snorkeling gear is included)

Even with equipment provided, I still suggest bringing:

• Your own swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection (it’s an ocean day)
• A simple bag or waterproof pouch for phone and valuables

Food and drinks on board: real value for a 3-hour outing

At $96.79 per person for about 3 hours, the value hinges on two things: what’s included and how comfortable the boat is.

Here’s what’s included from the tour setup:

• Drinks and snacks served onboard
• A warm meal during the outing
• Snorkeling equipment

The drink side gets particular praise—people talk about having choices like cool drinks, and also alcoholic options such as wine, beer, and Prosecco/champagne. In other words, it’s not just water and a sad packet of crisps. The vibe is meant to feel like a day out, not a strict “tour lecture” format.

One service timing note

There is rare negative feedback about drinks not being offered promptly in the first hour, and that a passenger had to ask for water and sodas. I can’t promise that won’t happen, but I can give you a sensible approach: get your first drink request handled early, then you’re set.

How I’d judge the meal

The food is described as good by many people, with a warm lunch during the swim bay break. On one occasion, a passenger described the meal as lukewarm and not great. So I’d treat the food as part of the experience, not as the main reason to book. The larger reason to book is the combination of wildlife + snorkeling + comfort + inclusions.

Group size of 15: why it matters for comfort and viewing

OPERA 60 limits the group to a maximum of 15 travelers. That doesn’t sound huge until you’re on a boat—then it becomes the difference between:

• being able to move toward a better viewing spot, and
• feeling like you’re watching through other people’s shoulders.

People also mention how there’s plenty of room on this boat, with enough seats for families and small groups. If you want your day to feel relaxed rather than chaotic, the small cap is a big part of that.

Crew energy and how it affects your wildlife spotting

One name shows up in positive feedback: Fabrizio, who’s specifically praised for a warm welcome and for keeping champagne flowing. Beyond the drinks, the consistent theme is crew attention—pointing out what to watch for and making sure you can actually see the animals when they appear.

The crew role matters because you’re not just sitting. You’re scanning. When the staff helps you understand what you’re seeing (and where to look), your chances of enjoying every sighting go up—even if the sea is choppy and visibility isn’t perfect.

Who should book OPERA 60 (and who might want a different style of trip)

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a comfortable luxury boat rather than a basic speedboat
• care about both wildlife viewing and snorkeling
• are traveling as a family, as a group of friends, or with mixed ages and want space to relax
• prefer inclusions (equipment, snacks, drinks) so you don’t spend the day budgeting

It may be less ideal if you:

• need guaranteed dolphin sightings (wildlife doesn’t work like that)
• are very picky about meal quality (the food is included, but it’s not described as restaurant fine dining)
• dislike any possibility of a slower service moment (it’s usually well-run, but rare timing complaints exist)

Price and expectations: making sure $96.79 feels worth it

For one person, $96.79 sounds like “boat trip money.” The smart question is: what do you get for it?

You’re paying for:

• a large, comfortable 60-foot boat
• a wildlife cruise for whales/dolphins/turtles
• an actual snorkel stop with equipment included
• snacks, drinks, and a warm meal
• onboard conveniences like toilet and showers

In that light, the price makes sense because you’re not paying separately for snorkeling gear, food, and constant drink purchases. If your main goal is seeing marine life and you also want to swim, this is the kind of package that can feel efficient.

Just keep expectations realistic: the sea chooses the wildlife schedule. Your best “value move” is to show up ready to swim, and to treat sightings as a bonus that the crew works hard to help you catch.

Should you book Luxury Opera 60 whale and dolphin watching?

I’d book OPERA 60 if you want a Tenerife boat day that’s more than wildlife spotting. The mix of whale/dolphin watching + snorkeling + onboard comfort is the winning formula, especially with a small group cap of 15 and practical onboard perks like showers after you swim.

Book it with one mental adjustment: wildlife sightings can vary. If you’re okay with that, this is an easy “yes” for a relaxing afternoon on the water with included gear and food.

FAQ

Where does Luxury Opera 60 depart from, and where does it return?

It departs from Puerto Colón (Playa de las Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife) and returns back to the same meeting point.

How long is the whale and dolphin watching experience?

The duration is about 3 hours.

What’s included onboard?

You’ll have snorkeling equipment, plus drinks and snacks served during the experience. A meal is also served on board.

Is the tour offered in English, and do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

How many people are on the boat?

There is a maximum of 15 travelers on the tour.

What if the weather is poor, or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.