Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included

The best part of this five-hour cruise is the mix of wildlife watching and dramatic coast. From Costa Adeje, you head out in search of whales and dolphins, then sail toward the towering Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay for a swim, a meal, and time on deck. The trip keeps changing, so you are not stuck doing one thing all morning.

I like the included Canarian-style lunch and drinks, and I like that the crew puts real attention on comfort and safety. The main consideration is simple: wildlife is wild, and sightings are not guaranteed. The meal also receives mixed marks, so book this for the sea, cliffs, and crew rather than for a gourmet lunch.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main wildlife draw, with past trips also seeing a turtle.
• Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay give the cruise its strongest scenery.
• Paella-style rice, fruit, beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are included.
• Swimming and sunbathing take place after the boat reaches Masca Bay.
• The boat can carry up to 74 people, so this is a shared outing, not a private sailing.
• Snorkel gear, coffee, cider, photos, and hammocks cost extra, and hotel transport is not included.

From Costa Adeje into Tenerife’s whale country

You meet the boat at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, in Marina Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje. The departure time is 10:30 a.m., and the cruise returns to the same marina about five hours later.

The first stretch is given to watching and listening for marine life in its natural setting. The waters off Tenerife’s southwest coast are known for regular sightings of pilot whales and dolphins, and this outing makes those animals the first priority rather than a brief add-on.

That order matters. You get a proper period of looking out to sea before the boat turns toward the cliffs. Past trips have included plenty of dolphins and pilot whales, with one outing also spotting a turtle. You may see a great deal, or you may have a quieter wildlife watch. The crew can improve your chances, but no operator can promise an animal will surface beside the boat.

A live commentary is provided onboard, and the guide may speak more than one language. The crew includes a skipper and two sailors, which gives you several people handling the boat, serving food, and helping passengers. The atmosphere is designed to be friendly and relaxed, with music and dancing also forming part of some trips.

If wildlife is your top reason for booking, keep your expectations sensible. The experience is not a zoo visit with scheduled appearances. It is a chance to watch the sea and respond to whatever turns up.

Sailing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife watch, the catamaran sails along Tenerife’s southern coast toward Los Gigantes. These cliffs rise sharply from the water and are one of the island’s most memorable coastal sights.

Seeing them from the sea gives you a better sense of their scale than viewing them from land. The boat brings the cliffs into the center of the trip, so you can enjoy the view without rushing through a short photo stop. The cruise also gives you time to feel the wind and watch the coast change as you move along it.

This is a good point to settle into the boat’s layout. Beanbags are available near the front, but only two people can use that area at one time. If you want a particular place, do not assume it will remain free. The catamaran has a maximum capacity of 74 people, so the forward seating can become a small point of competition.

You can also choose to stay farther back, where it may be easier to reach the drinks and food when service begins. The best spot depends on your priority. The front is appealing for the open view and relaxed beanbag seating, while other parts of the boat may be more practical for families or groups.

Masca Bay for swimming and sun

The boat then heads to the quiet Bay of Masca. Here, the pace changes from wildlife watching and coastal viewing to free time on the water.

You can swim, sunbathe, or simply remain on deck and enjoy the setting. The water is described as clear, and this is the most unstructured part of the morning. You are not being hurried from one activity to the next.

Snorkeling is possible, but equipment is not included. You can purchase snorkel equipment onboard, so bring this cost into your budget if seeing below the surface is important to you. The supplied details do not promise a guided snorkel session, so think of it as optional personal swim time rather than a formal snorkeling excursion.

A boat trip can feel chilly once you are wet, even in Tenerife’s warm climate. The operator runs the cruise in all weather conditions, so dress for changing conditions and bring something light to cover up after swimming. You should also expect sun exposure on deck.

The swimming stop is best for people who enjoy choosing their own pace. You can get in the water, stretch out in the sun, or remain dry. If you dislike open-water swimming or prefer a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour, this part may feel less useful to you.

What lunch and drinks are really worth

Food is included, which makes the $68.61 price easier to assess. The meal is described as paella or rice with chicken and vegetables, served with fresh fruit, Canarian mojo, white wine, beer, water, and soft drinks.

That is a generous setup for a five-hour boat outing. You do not need to hunt for lunch after returning to port, and drinks are available during the cruise. The fruit is a welcome lighter option after swimming, while the rice dish gives the meal enough substance to count as lunch rather than a small snack.

The food is also the least consistent part of the offering. Some passengers have found the meal good and appreciated the bananas, lunch, and drinks. One detailed complaint found the boat ride and service excellent but felt the chicken rice did not live up to the paella description.

I would treat the meal as convenient included fuel, not as a reason to book the trip. If you need a vegetarian meal, request it when booking. The standard dish contains chicken, so do not wait until boarding to explain your dietary needs.

Coffee and cider are available for an extra charge. The included drinks cover the basics, but specialty beverages can add to your final cost.

A friendly crew and a relaxed boat atmosphere

The crew is a major part of the experience. The skipper and two sailors provide live commentary, look after passengers, and help keep the trip moving between wildlife watching, the cliffs, and the swimming stop.

The strongest praise centers on the crew’s friendly manner, attention to comfort, and care with safety. That matters on a boat, especially when children are aboard or when people are moving between seating, food service, and the water.

The atmosphere can be lively as well as calm. Music and dancing are included on some outings, while beanbags at the front offer a place to stretch out. You can make the day social, or keep to yourself and watch the coast.

Still, a shared catamaran is not a private yacht. With space for up to 74 people, the mood and available seating depend on the group. The front beanbags are limited, and everyone cannot have the same quiet position. A little courtesy helps, particularly around the best viewing spots.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18, and the crew may operate in several languages. Most people can take part, but you should consider your comfort with boat movement, sun, and swimming before booking.

What the $68.61 price includes

At $68.61 per person, this is a reasonable value if you use the full package. You are paying for roughly five hours on the water, the skipper and sailors, wildlife watching, the Los Gigantes route, Masca Bay, lunch, fruit, and several included drinks.

The price is strongest for anyone who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip and a meal. It also removes the need to organize transport between several coastal viewpoints. You get a full half-day with a clear start and finish at the marina.

The value drops slightly if you only want whale watching. The route includes a long coastal section and a swimming stop, so you are paying for a complete outing rather than a short wildlife cruise.

You should also allow for extras. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Snorkel gear, photos, hammocks, coffee, and cider cost more. Public transportation is available nearby, but you need to make your own way to Pantalán 8.

The trip is booked, on average, 11 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early if your Tenerife dates are fixed, particularly if you want a morning on the water.

Practical details that can shape your morning

The activity begins and ends at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje. Because there is no pickup service, plan your route to the marina before the day of departure.

You receive confirmation when booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep the booking on your phone. The experience runs in all weather conditions. Tenerife may look sunny from your accommodation, but conditions offshore can feel different, so wear suitable clothing and protect yourself from the sun.

The operator requires a minimum number of participants. If that number is not reached, the cruise can be canceled after confirmation. You will then be offered another option or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the 10:30 a.m. start time. Cancel later than that and you will not receive a refund. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and all cut-off times use Tenerife local time.

The boat is suitable for most people, but the information does not promise special accessibility features. If you have mobility needs, contact the operator before booking rather than assuming the catamaran will meet them.

Who will enjoy this Tenerife catamaran trip

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants several Tenerife experiences in one morning. It gives you wildlife, cliffs, swimming, food, and open-air sailing without requiring a full day away from Costa Adeje.

It also suits people who prefer a gentle schedule. You are not hiking between viewpoints or following a guide through a packed attraction. Much of the time is spent sitting, watching, eating, and choosing whether to swim.

The trip may be less suitable if you want a small private boat, a guaranteed whale sighting, or a serious snorkeling session. The 74-person maximum means the boat can feel busy, and snorkeling gear costs extra. It is also not the best choice if a high-quality lunch is central to your holiday plans.

For photographers, the cliffs and wildlife offer strong subjects, but keep your camera ready and protected from spray. Souvenir photos can be purchased onboard, but they are not included.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a well-rounded half-day at sea and like the idea of combining pilot whales, dolphins, Los Gigantes, and Masca Bay in one outing. The included lunch and drinks make the price fair, and the crew’s care for comfort and safety adds real value.

I would not book it solely for the food or as a guaranteed wildlife encounter. Instead, see it as a flexible coastal day with a good chance of seeing marine life, a striking cliff route, and time to swim. If that mix sounds right, this is one of the better-value ways to experience Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

It starts at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled start time is 10:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. The tour includes watching for whales, dolphins, and other marine life in their natural habitat, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is food included?

Yes. Included food is rice with chicken and vegetables, fresh fruit, and Canarian mojo. A vegetarian option is available if requested when booking.

What drinks are included?

White wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are included. Coffee and cider are available to purchase separately.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkel equipment can be purchased onboard. Swimming and sunbathing at Masca Bay are included.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included. The tour begins and ends at the marina meeting point.