Whale Watching Catamaran to Los Gigantes & Masca (Including drinks & warm lunch)

Tenerife Whale Watching Catamaran to Los Gigantes & Masca (Including drinks & warm lunch)

If you’re visiting Tenerife and eager to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, this half-day catamaran tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife spotting, spectacular scenery, and relaxed comfort. Starting from Costa Adeje’s Puerto Colon, the journey takes you across the ocean in search of pilot whales, spotted dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins. For around $69.39 per person, you get about 4.5 hours of adventure, complete with refreshing drinks, a warm lunch, and scenic stops at the iconic Los Gigantes cliffs and the picturesque village of Masca.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how knowledgeable the crew tends to be—guides often share insightful facts about marine life and local geography, which adds depth to the experience. Plus, the onboard amenities make the trip more comfortable: a sun deck to soak up the rays, an open bar with included drinks, and a decent buffet-style lunch that keeps everyone fueled for the day.

One thing to consider is that sun beds at the front of the boat are available but cost extra (around 25 Euros) and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Some reviewers note that the lunch options could be more appealing—many felt the meatballs and rice were a bit basic, and a fresher sandwich or fruit might have been nicer. This tour suits those who love wildlife encounters, enjoy scenic coastal views, and are comfortable on a bobbing boat for a few hours.

This experience is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic outing that combines marine life spotting with gorgeous vistas. If you’re after an authentic, well-organized excursion that balances sightseeing and comfort, this tour is worth considering.

Key Points

Wildlife-rich: Chances to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment.
Scenic coastal views: Stops at Los Gigantes and Masca offer stunning photo opportunities.
Comfortable amenities: Sun decks, onboard snacks, drinks, and a warm lunch make the trip enjoyable.
Knowledgeable guides: Expect helpful commentary about marine life and the coastline.
Group size and booking: Average of 47 reviews give a solid sense of the tour’s consistency.
Value for cost: The inclusion of drinks and lunch at this price point is attractive, though some feel the food could improve.

An Honest Look at the Tenerife Whale Watching Catamaran

When we consider an excursion like this, we’re looking for a good mix of wildlife spotting, scenery, and comfort—and this tour ticks many of those boxes. Departing from Puerto Colon, the boat’s route is designed to maximize your chances of seeing whales and dolphins. The guides’ knowledge adds a layer of trust and learning that enriches the experience. We particularly liked the fact that staff knew where marine life had been spotted before, increasing the likelihood of a sighting.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The tour begins at 1:15 PM, with pickup options (though some hotels aren’t included). Once aboard the large, stable catamaran, you’ll set out into the ocean. The crew shares interesting facts about the marine species, their behaviors, and migration patterns—this makes the experience not just fun but educational.

Wildlife spotting is the highlight, and many travelers report seeing dolphins and whales—sometimes even bottle-nose dolphins or pilot whales. As one reviewer put it: “We had an amazing half day trip. Nice staff. The atmosphere during the trip was excellent.” But, as with all wildlife trips, sightings aren’t guaranteed; some reviews mention fewer animals than hoped, especially during less active seasons or rough weather.

After approximately 2 hours at sea, the boat stops at Los Gigantes cliffs, offering fantastic photo opportunities of the towering rock formations. Then, the journey continues to Masca, a charming village known for its dramatic scenery. Here, passengers can enjoy sunbathing, relaxing, or snapping pictures while the crew provides commentary on the landscape.

Food and Drinks

Included in the price is a variety of drinks—soda, water, and alcoholic options like beer. The open bar is appreciated, and many say it helps create a festive, relaxed atmosphere. The lunch consists of chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana—a simple but warm meal. Reviews suggest the quality is average, with some wishing for more fresh options.

Several travelers highlighted the availability of snacks and beverages as a big plus, especially on a trip that can get warm and tiring. Sun beds at the front, however, cost extra and tend to fill up quickly, so if sunbathing is a priority, arrive early or be prepared to pay.

The Pros and Cons

What travelers love:

• The professional, friendly crew making everyone feel comfortable.
• The opportunity to see marine life, which many find exhilarating.
• The scenic views of Los Gigantes and Masca, which often leave visitors speechless.
• The relaxed atmosphere with drinks and lunch onboard.

Some drawbacks:

• The lunch may leave some craving fresher, more appealing options.
• Sun beds are not included in the standard fare and are limited.
• Sightings depend on seasonal and weather conditions, so expect some unpredictability.
• A few reviewers mention overcrowding, with groups sometimes feeling too large (up to 160 travelers).

Price and Value

At $69.39 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the inclusion of lunch, drinks, and scenic stops. For those seeking a combination of wildlife, scenery, and a relaxing vibe, it’s competitive. However, if you’re particularly keen on seeing whales or dolphins, it’s worth remembering that sightings are not guaranteed—a common caveat in ocean wildlife tours.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a comfortable, organized experience with a focus on marine life and coastal scenery. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for a relaxed afternoon away from crowded beaches. If you’re interested in wildlife, scenic vistas, and onboard amenities, you’ll likely find this tour very rewarding.

However, if you prefer a more intimate, quieter boat or are seasick prone, consider that the boat can be quite full, and the ocean can be choppy. Also, if gourmet food or exclusive experiences are your priority, this might not meet all expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
You get whale and dolphin spotting, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, soda, and a warm lunch with chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including sailing, sightseeing at Los Gigantes and Masca, and relaxing time.

What is the departure time?
The tour departs daily at 1:15 PM. Make sure to confirm your gate number after booking.

Are there options for pickup?
Yes, pickup is offered from certain hotels, but not all. The meeting point is at Av. de Colón, 11, Playa de la Américas.

Can I expect to see whales or dolphins?
Most travelers do report sightings, but as with all wildlife tours, nothing is guaranteed. Marine animals are free creatures that sometimes decide to stay hidden or move away.

Is the onboard food suitable for all diets?
The lunch is basic—chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana. There’s no mention of vegetarian or special dietary options, so if needed, you might want to bring your own snacks.

How crowded is the boat?
The maximum group size is 160 travelers, so expect some crowding, especially on the sun decks. Sun beds are extra and limited.

What about the weather?
The tour requires good weather, and cancellations are possible if conditions are unsafe. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most reviews mention children enjoying the experience, but parents should be aware of potential seasickness.

What do travelers say about the experience?
Reviews are generally positive, with many praising the crew’s professionalism, the scenery, and the opportunity to see marine life. Some highlight that the food could be better and that crowding might detract from comfort.

Final Thoughts

This whale watching tour offers a well-organized, comfortable way to enjoy Tenerife’s stunning coastlines and marine life. The inclusion of drinks and lunch adds significant value, especially for those who want to relax without worrying about extra costs. The scenic stops at Los Gigantes and Masca are a bonus, giving you a taste of some of Tenerife’s most breathtaking views.

While sightings are not guaranteed, most guests leave satisfied—especially if they’re wildlife enthusiasts or looking for a scenic, leisurely boat trip. The friendly crew and educational commentary help make it more than just a boat ride; it’s an engaging way to connect with Tenerife’s natural beauty.

This trip is best suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, wildlife, and scenic vistas, and don’t mind sharing the boat with a sizable group. If you’re after a relaxed, all-in-one ocean experience, this tour delivers good value and authentic fun on the water.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable, enjoyable way to see whales and dolphins and enjoy Tenerife’s coast, this tour delivers a balanced mix of nature, scenery, and comfort. Just be prepared for some crowds and basic lunch options, and you’ll have a memorable day at sea.