5 hrs. Watching and listening whales and dolphins visiting Los Gigantes

Tenerife Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour: An In-Depth Review

Imagine spending a relaxing half-day on the water, cruising past the towering Los Gigantes cliffs, spotting playful dolphins, and listening to the songs of whales—all while enjoying a tasty lunch. This 5-hour whale and dolphin watching tour from Tenerife is as much about the natural beauty and marine encounters as it is about comfort and convenience. Priced at around $68.61 per person, this trip offers a great value for those seeking an authentic, family-friendly adventure.

What sets this tour apart are its expert guides who help you identify marine life and its sustainable catamaran that ensures a smooth, eco-conscious ride. The included lunch of paella, fresh fruit, beers, and soft drinks means you won’t be left on deck hungry—an often-overlooked detail that makes all the difference. Plus, the stops at the bay of Masca and the Los Gigantes cliffs promise spectacular scenery and memorable photo ops.

On the flip side, some travelers note that snorkeling equipment isn’t included**, which could be a downside if you’re eager to explore underwater flora and fauna directly. Also, while the trip is well-loved overall, it’s important to remember that weather conditions can affect the experience, and cancellations due to poor weather are possible but handled with full refunds or rescheduling.

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed, engaging day on the water with ample opportunities for wildlife sightings and scenic views. If you’re keen on a balanced mix of marine life, scenic stops, and good food, this trip hits most of those marks.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing: Expect to see whales, dolphins, and possibly sea turtles in their natural habitat.
• Comfort & Sustainability: Travel on a well-maintained, eco-friendly catamaran with plenty of space.
• Onboard Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal with paella, fresh fruit, and beverages included in the price.
• Photo Opportunities: Capture the impressive Los Gigantes Cliffs and the tranquil bay of Masca.
• Expert Guidance: Learn from knowledgeable guides who can help you spot and identify marine creatures.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for peace of mind.

An Honest Look at the Experience

Our journey begins at the Puerto Colón marina in Costa Adeje, a convenient spot near public transportation. From there, a comfortable boat awaits, ready to take you on a scenic cruise along Tenerife’s south coast. The group generally stays small enough (max 74 travelers) to keep the vibe intimate, yet large enough to ensure everyone gets a good view.

What we loved most about this tour is the opportunity to see pilot whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles—all in their natural environment. One reviewer, Lewis, mentioned, “Staff were lovely, welcoming and extremely attentive, saw pilot whales, dolphins and even a sea turtle swimming by!” The guides don’t just point out the wildlife but also share interesting facts, enriching the experience.

Another highlight is the scenic stops. Visiting the Los Gigantes cliffs offers breathtaking views that are best appreciated from the water—imposing, dramatic, and perfect for photos. Later, we had the chance to snorkel in the clear waters of Masca Bay, which is noted for its tranquility and vibrant marine life. This stop is especially appreciated by those wanting a more active component to the trip.

The onboard lunch is surprisingly good, with paella that’s flavorful and generously portioned, complemented by fresh fruit and drinks. The inclusion of beer and soft drinks makes it a relaxed, social affair. Several reviews, including one from FERNANDO, praise the meal, calling it “a 10 for the trip,” emphasizing how much the food enhances the day.

While the experience is overwhelmingly positive, some passengers have noted that snorkeling equipment isn’t provided, which could be disappointing for underwater enthusiasts. If snorkeling is a priority, you might consider bringing your own gear. Plus, weather can impact the trip—poor conditions may lead to cancellations, but the company offers full refunds or alternative dates, which adds a layer of reassurance.

The duration of about 5 hours hits a sweet spot—long enough to enjoy multiple stops and wildlife sightings, but not so long as to become tiring. The price reflects good value, considering the included lunch, wildlife, scenic stops, and expert guidance.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start Point & Timing
The tour departs at 10:30 am from Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje. This meeting point is easily accessible and close to public transport, making logistics simple for most travelers.

Wildlife Watching
Once underway, the guides share tips on where to spot whales and dolphins. The main focus is observing these creatures in their natural setting—something we found incredibly rewarding. Several reviews mention the thrill of seeing pilot whales, dolphins, and even a sea turtle swimming nearby, making the trip worthwhile for wildlife enthusiasts.

Scenic Stops
The Los Gigantes cliffs are the first major highlight. These towering rock formations are one of Tenerife’s most iconic sights. The boat usually stays close enough to appreciate their scale, perfect for photos or simply marveling at nature’s artistry.

Next, you’ll visit the bay of Masca, renowned for its serenity and crystalline waters. Here, you can snorkel or just relax on the boat, soaking in the tranquil surroundings. The calm, clear waters are great for exploring marine flora and fauna, and the vibrant underwater life often surprises snorkelers.

Lunch & Relaxation
Midway through the tour, the crew serves a delicious onboard lunch. The paella is a standout—full of flavor with chicken, vegetables, and rice cooked just right. Accompanying drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and a splash of white wine, which many find perfect for a leisurely meal while enjoying the sea breeze.

Additional Activities
Depending on conditions, there may be an opportunity to swim or snorkel at Masca Bay. Some reviewers mention live music or other small touches, but the main focus remains on wildlife and scenery.

Return & End
The tour concludes back at the starting point, typically around 3:30 pm, leaving you with plenty of time to explore more of Tenerife or relax for the evening.

Value and Practical Considerations

At just over $68, this tour offers solid value—especially considering the included lunch and the chance to see marine life in the wild. The expert guides and sustainable vessel add peace of mind, knowing you’re supporting eco-friendly tourism.

However, it’s worth noting that snorkeling gear isn’t included, so if underwater exploration excites you, bring your own mask and fins. The group size feels manageable, making it easy to ask questions and get closer wildlife sightings.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if weather turns sour. Nevertheless, because the experience depends heavily on weather and marine conditions, it’s wise to plan with a weather cushion in mind, especially during winter months.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for wildlife lovers, families, and anyone looking for a leisurely day on the water. It’s also perfect if you’re eager to combine scenic views, marine life, and good food without the hassle of complicated logistics. People who enjoy a relaxed pace and the chance to learn about local marine fauna will find this experience particularly rewarding.

Final Thoughts

This whale and dolphin watching tour in Tenerife offers a great balance of natural encounters, scenic stops, and onboard comfort. The chance to see pilot whales, dolphins, and maybe even a sea turtle in their natural environment makes it a memorable adventure. The scenic views of Los Gigantes and tranquil Masca Bay add layers of beauty to the day, making it well worth the price.

The delicious paella and drinks are an unexpected bonus, elevating the experience beyond just wildlife viewing. The friendly guides and the sustainable catamaran ensure you’re well cared for while enjoying the pure magic of the Atlantic.

If you’re after a relaxed, authentic experience that combines wildlife, scenery, and good food, this tour will meet most expectations. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast, and come ready to enjoy a genuine slice of Tenerife’s marine life.

FAQ

• What is the starting time of the tour?
  The tour departs at 10:30 am from Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón.

• Is food included?
  Yes, a lunch of rice with chicken and vegetables, fresh fruit, and beverages (water, soft drinks, beer, wine) is included.

• Can I snorkel during the tour?
  Snorkeling equipment is not provided, but you can bring your own gear if you wish to explore underwater.

• How long is the trip?
  The total duration is approximately 5 hours.

• What wildlife might I see?
  Expect to see pilot whales, dolphins, and possibly sea turtles. Some reviews mention sightings of orcas.

• Is the boat environmentally friendly?
  Yes, the tour uses a sustainable catamaran designed to reduce ecological impact.

• What if the weather is bad?
  If weather conditions prevent the trip, it will be canceled, and you’ll be offered a full refund or alternative date.

• Are there any age restrictions?
  Most travelers can participate; specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned but check with the provider if traveling with very young children.

• How accessible is the meeting point?
  The meeting point is near public transportation, making it convenient for most travelers staying in Costa Adeje.

• How many people are on the tour?
  The maximum group size is 74 travelers, providing a comfortably social atmosphere without feeling crowded.

This well-rounded experience combines the joy of seeing marine mammals in the wild, enjoying stunning scenery, and savoring a delicious onboard meal. For anyone eager to add a memorable marine adventure to their Tenerife trip, this tour hits the mark.