Puerto Colón
Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Just north of Playa de las Américas on Tenerife’s southwest shore, the lively marina of Puerto Colón welcomes private boats and yachts. Boat cruises and scuba diving excursions set out from the port along the Teno-Rasca Marine Strip, where you can spot bottlenose and common dolphins, pilot whales, and loggerhead and green turtles.
The basics
Most travelers come to Puerto Colón to enjoy a boat cruise along Tenerife’s southwest coast, a conservation zone known for its varied marine life. Hop aboard a private or small-group yacht or catamaran and set sail for Los Gigantes to the north or Los Cristianos and Palm-Mar to the south. Boat tours range from 2-hour dolphin and whale-watching cruises to full-day cruises with a custom-made itinerary. Some cruises also include an on-board lunch and stops to swim or snorkel.
Things to know before you go
The coast around Puerto Colón is one of the most popular spots for dolphin and whale-watching in Tenerife.
Bring your bathing suit to enjoy Puerto Colón's sandy beach with plenty of space to swim and sunbathe.
You'll find many bars, restaurants, and shops around the marina and beach.
Some boat cruises are accessible for wheelchairs.
How to get there
Puerto Colón is located about a 10-minute drive or taxi ride north of Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos on the southwest coast of Tenerife. Most boat tours include hotel pickup and transfers to the port. Alternatively, buses from Playa de las Américas stop along Av de los Pueblos, about a 10-minute walk from the port.
When to get there
Full-day boat cruises set sail from Puerto Colón in the morning, but you can also opt for an afternoon or sunset cruise. Dolphins and pilot whales can be seen year-round around Tenerife, but the best time for sightings is during the spring (March to May) and winter (December to February) migration periods.
Water sports around Puerto Colón
Boat cruises aren’t the only way to enjoy the water at Puerto Colón. You can take a speedy Jet Ski excursion along the coast, scuba dive around the offshore reefs and caves to see tropical fish, or try game fishing. Water sports and adrenalin enthusiasts gravitate to wakeboarding, parasailing, or flyboarding, or take a banana boat, fly fish inflatable boat, or crazy UFO ride around the bay.
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