Costa Adeje: Masca and Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise

The best part of this 4.5-hour catamaran cruise is the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins in the open sea, then swim below the huge cliffs of Los Gigantes. You sail from Costa Adeje into the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, a busy feeding area for marine life.

I like the mix of wildlife watching and a proper sea outing. You get time to stretch out on deck, eat lunch, and take a swim rather than spending the whole trip scanning the horizon. I also like the responsible whale-watching approach and the live commentary in Spanish and English.

The main drawback is simple: wild animals do not work to a timetable. Sightings are common in this part of Tenerife, but one recent outing saw dolphins and no whales. Food is included, though it may be basic, and the better front-deck loungers cost extra.

Key things to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the main draw: Resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen in the waters off southwest Tenerife.
• Los Gigantes looks best from the water: The cliffs rise dramatically above Masca Bay, giving you a view that a road trip cannot provide.
• The swim stop adds real variety: The boat anchors near Masca for swimming, sunbathing, and drinks before returning to Costa Adeje.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a casual meal, soft drinks, and beer rather than a restaurant-style dining experience.
• Front loungers cost extra: Arrive early for the best chance at a regular sunbed, or ask about the deluxe front beds available for an added charge.
• Pickup covers much of southern Tenerife: Hotel transfers are optional and available from many resorts, including Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje, Playa Paraíso, El Médano, and Golf del Sur.

Setting sail from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje

The cruise begins at Puerto Colón, at Av. de Colón 11 in Playa de las Américas. Boarding takes place at Dock 10 or Dock 15, so check your booking details before you arrive. If you are staying nearby, arriving around 30 minutes early is smart. It gives you time to find the dock and improve your choice of seats.

The catamaran leaves Costa Adeje and follows Tenerife’s southwest coast. This first stretch is easy and scenic, with open views toward the water and the volcanic coast. The boat then heads out toward the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera, where the sea becomes the main attraction.

You can book optional pickup from a long list of southern Tenerife hotels and resorts. This is useful if you are staying as far away as Los Gigantes, Callao Salvaje, Playa Paraíso, San Blas, or El Médano. The exact pickup arrangement depends on the option you choose, so do not assume every ticket includes transport.

Once aboard, you will want to think about your priorities. Sit where you can move easily if wildlife appears, and keep your sunglasses and hat secure. The forward loungers are attractive for a relaxed day, but they are not included in the basic price. One booking account reported paying an additional €20 for a deluxe front bed, though the charge can change.

Watching pilot whales and dolphins in open water

The whale-watching area off southwest Tenerife is the heart of the trip. Resident pods of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live in these waters, while sperm whales, rorquals, turtles, and other species may appear at different times of year. Orcas are also listed as a possible seasonal sighting, but treat that as a lucky extra, not a promise.

The crew gives live commentary in Spanish and English and keeps the boat at a respectful distance from the animals. That matters. You are not visiting an aquarium, and the best encounter is one where the whales and dolphins control the action.

Pilot whales are not the giant, dramatic whales many people picture. They are large members of the dolphin family, often seen in groups. A pod may surface repeatedly near the boat, giving you several chances to watch their movement and breathing. Bottlenose dolphins can be quicker and more energetic, so keep watching even after the first sighting.

A recent outing had a particularly good encounter with whales that stayed near the boat and surfaced again and again. Other trips have included dolphins, turtles, and small whales. Another outing saw dolphins but no whales at all. That is the honest tradeoff with any wildlife cruise: the location gives you strong odds, but nature still makes the final decision.

For the best chance of seeing something, keep your attention on both sides of the boat. The crew will point out sightings, but animals can surface away from the main group. You will also want a camera ready, though photos and DVDs are not included in the tour.

Masca Bay and the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the catamaran heads toward Masca and Los Gigantes. The cliffs are among Tenerife’s most striking coastal sights, and seeing them from sea level gives them a different scale. Their height is difficult to appreciate from a road, where you see the mountains from above or at a distance.

The boat anchors in a sheltered spot near Masca for a swim stop. If the sea conditions suit you, you can get into the water, cool off, and then return to the deck for lunch and drinks. This pause breaks up the wildlife watching nicely. You are not sitting in one position for four and a half hours while waiting for fins to appear.

Swimming is optional, so you can remain aboard if the water is not for you. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a warm layer. The southwest coast can feel hot in the sun, but a breeze on the return trip may make you glad you packed something light and warm.

The setting is the star here, not a long shore visit. You do not go ashore at Masca, and the stop is built around anchoring, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the cliffs. If you want a hiking tour through Masca village or the famous ravine, this cruise is not a substitute. It gives you a short, comfortable view from the water.

Lunch, drinks, and life on deck

The included meal makes this more than a short boat ride. Lunch is served aboard, along with soft drinks and beer. Some outings have included paella, while another account described rice and meatballs. That suggests a casual menu that may vary, rather than one fixed dish you should plan your day around.

The food is practical and filling, but it may not impress you if you expect a polished dining service. One account found the food and drinks only average and missed having coffee or tea. Vegetarians and people with celiac disease can request suitable food options, and vegan meals have also been accommodated when requested.

Bring water only if you prefer a specific drink, since refreshments are included. Alcohol is available in the form of beer, but the supplied details do not promise wine or spirits. No hot drinks are listed, so pack accordingly if coffee is part of your morning routine.

Between sightings and the swim stop, the deck is the place to relax. Families can spread out, and one family group of seven found plenty of room to move around. The atmosphere is social and easygoing, though the exact feel depends on how many people are aboard that day.

The return sail to Costa Adeje

After the swim and meal, the catamaran turns back along Tenerife’s coast. The return is slower and more relaxed than the outward search. You can watch the cliffs recede, enjoy the sea breeze, and take more photos.

There may be further chances to see wildlife on the way back, but do not count on a second dedicated search. The main wildlife portion happens offshore, while the final leg gives you time to settle in and enjoy the views.

The cruise ends back at Puerto Colón. If you have a flight or another fixed appointment, allow plenty of time after the stated return. One crew helped a couple who had made a booking mistake and needed to leave quickly for a flight, but that kind of assistance should not replace sensible planning.

What the $71 price really covers

At $71 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want several Tenerife activities in one half-day. The price covers the catamaran cruise, whale and dolphin watching, a guide, lunch, soft drinks, beer, and the swim stop. That is a useful bundle, especially for families who would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride and a meal.

The value is strongest when you see whales and dolphins and make full use of the boat. The price feels less compelling if the sea is rough, you skip the swim, or your trip has limited wildlife sightings. That is not a fault unique to this operator, but it is worth understanding before you book.

The extra cost for a front sunbed is the main likely add-on. Photos and DVDs are also not included. If you care more about comfort than prime viewing, a standard seat may be enough. Arrive early if you want a better choice without paying for an upgraded lounger.

The rating is 4.3 from 382 reviews, which points to a generally strong experience with some variation. The most consistent strengths are the crew, the scenery, the whale and dolphin sightings, and the combination of food, drinks, and swimming. The weaker points are basic catering and the occasional absence of whales.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, and first-time visitors who want a simple introduction to Tenerife’s southwest coast. You get wildlife, cliffs, swimming, lunch, and a few hours on the sea without having to organize several separate activities.

It also suits you if you prefer a relaxed boat day to a demanding land excursion. You can sunbathe, move around the deck, and choose how active you want to be. The swim stop is optional, and the crew provides commentary rather than leaving you to guess what you are seeing.

This is a good choice for wildlife lovers, but only if you can accept uncertainty. You may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, or other species. You may not see every animal listed, and one trip saw dolphins without whales.

I would think twice if you get seasick. The boat goes into open water, and the company advises taking suitable medication if you are prone to motion sickness. Also reconsider it if you need a gourmet meal, hot drinks, a private boat, or a quiet luxury setting.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes with a secure grip. Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a warm layer. The combination of strong sun, wind, and moving water makes this a day when a small backpack is more useful than a fashionable beach bag.

Keep your phone or camera protected from spray. Photos and DVDs are sold separately, so do not expect professional images to be part of the fare. If you want a front lounger, ask about the additional charge when you arrive.

If you need a special meal, request it when booking rather than waiting until lunch. Vegetarian, vegan, and celiac-friendly options have been provided, but advance notice is the sensible way to handle dietary needs.

The crew speaks Spanish and English. If you need a language not listed here, check before paying. Pickup is optional, and the many southern Tenerife collection points make the trip easier for people without a rental car.

Should you book the Freebird cruise?

Book it if you want a well-rounded half-day at sea with a real chance of seeing pilot whales and dolphins, plus a swim beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs. The crew support, included meal and drinks, and wide range of pickup points make it an easy choice for a first boat trip from Costa Adeje.

Skip it if your main goal is a guaranteed whale sighting or a refined dining experience. Wild sightings vary, and the meal is best viewed as convenient fuel. For most visitors, though, $71 is a fair price for the time on the water, the scenery, and the chance to watch marine life where it actually lives.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise depart?

The meeting point is Puerto Colón, Av. de Colón 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas. Boarding is at Dock 10 or Dock 15.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 4.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability when you book.

What animals might I see?

The main resident species are pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Seasonal sightings can include sperm whales, rorquals, turtles, and orcas, though no sighting is guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with soft drinks and beer. Food options are available for vegetarians and people with celiac disease, and vegan meals have also been accommodated.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The catamaran anchors near Masca and Los Gigantes for a swim stop. Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is available as an optional booking choice from selected locations in southern Tenerife. These include resorts around Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje, Playa Paraíso, El Médano, San Blas, and Golf del Sur.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.