Adeje: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch and Swim

Imagine gliding across the Atlantic waters of Tenerife on a smooth catamaran, with chances to see playful dolphins, majestic whales, and breathtaking coastal scenery. From Adeje, this tour offers a 3 to 4.5-hour journey into Europe’s whale-watching capital, with options for a shorter or longer experience, depending on what you’re after. For around $57, you get not only wildlife encounters but also a delicious, inclusive lunch, swimming stops, and plenty of drinks to keep you refreshed.

What we particularly love about this experience is how family-friendly and inclusive it feels — you can choose a shorter trip if you’re pressed for time or go longer for more chances to spot marine mammals and explore the coast. The underwater viewing windows are a standout feature, providing a glimpse beneath the waves without getting wet. Plus, the expert guides are known for their friendliness and knowledge, making the entire trip more engaging and informative.

One potential consideration is seasickness — the waters can sometimes get a little choppy, especially if you’re sensitive. If seasickness is a concern, packing some medication or sticking to the upper deck might help. This tour suits nature lovers, families, and anyone eager to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment while enjoying a relaxed day at sea.

If you’re after an authentic, well-organized adventure that combines wildlife watching, local scenery, and comfort, this cruise from Adeje is an option you’ll remember. It offers good value, especially considering the included lunch and drinks, and the chance to relax, swim, and take fantastic photos.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: The tour frequently produces sightings of dolphins and whales, with multiple reviews highlighting close-up views.
• Underwater Windows: 16 panoramic viewing panels give an underwater perspective, adding a unique element to marine life observation.
• Flexible Options: Choose between a 3-hour cruise with a swim or a 4.5-hour adventure to Los Gigantes, ideal for different schedules.
• Inclusive Lunch and Drinks: Enjoy a hearty meal with vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, along with unlimited drinks like soft drinks, beer, and sangria.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and language skills, making the experience both fun and educational.
• Good Value: With all the inclusions and multiple stops, many reviewers feel this trip is well worth its modest price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Adeje whale and dolphin cruise is designed to give you a taste of Tenerife’s vibrant marine environment, all while relaxing aboard a comfortable catamaran. The tour typically departs from Dock 12 at Puerto Colón, a straightforward location in Costa Adeje, making it easy to reach by taxi or local transport.

Once onboard, the crew begins with a safety briefing and a scenic ride along the coast, offering impressive views of Tenerife’s cliffs and coastline. The guides often speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, and French, ensuring everyone feels in good hands. Many reviews mention how professional, friendly, and knowledgeable the crew are — they’re eager to point out dolphins swimming alongside the boat, and if you’re lucky, you might see whales breach or spy a sea turtle.

The scenic stops are where the adventure truly comes alive. On the shorter 3-hour tour, the highlight is reaching Diego Hernandez Bay, a lovely spot for a swim in the Atlantic’s clear waters. During this time, a complimentary lunch is served, typically including local dishes like meet rice and salad, with vegetarian options available. Reviewers have appreciated the generosity of the meal, describing it as a good-sized portion and tasty, though a few noted that the menu could be more diverse.

The longer 4.5-hour cruise takes you to the spectacular cliffs of Los Gigantes, one of Tenerife’s most iconic sights. Here, you’ll have the chance to anchor in a beautiful bay, swim, and relax while enjoying your lunch amid stunning scenery. Many reviewers say the views of the cliffs are worth the extra time alone, and the chance to swim in such pristine waters makes the longer trip appealing.

Throughout the journey, underwater windows provide a different perspective — you can see marine life from below without getting wet. Several reviews mention how impressive these views are, especially when dolphins or whales are nearby. It’s a real treat to see these animals in their natural habitat, often coming close enough for great photos.

The wildlife sightings are a major highlight. Many travelers report seeing multiple pods of dolphins swimming playfully in the bow’s wake, sometimes for extended periods. Whale sightings are also frequent, with pilot whales being a common and exciting find. One reviewer described seeing a “baby dolphin,” adding a special touch to the day.

For those worried about seasickness, the choppier waters and boat movement can be a concern. Some reviews note that motion sickness tablets and sticking to the upper deck can help, especially during more turbulent seas. The boat is accessible, but movement is limited to the main deck — so if you’re a wheelchair user, inform the provider in advance to ensure a smooth experience.

The lively atmosphere, combined with the scenic beauty and wildlife encounters, makes this a popular choice for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. The included drinks, especially sangria and beer, help keep spirits high, and many reviewers remark on how friendly and attentive the staff are.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

The tour begins in Puerto Colón, where you’ll meet at the dock and board the Royal Delfín catamaran. After a safety briefing, the crew sets sail along the coast, with scenic views of Tenerife’s rugged cliffs and charming seaside towns. The initial cruise is peaceful, giving everyone a chance to settle in and enjoy the ocean breeze.

The first major stop is at Diego Hernandez Bay for those on the 3-hour tour. This is a tranquil spot for swimming, with the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic’s crystal-clear waters. Many reviews highlight how the ocean here is calm and inviting, perfect for a swim.

Meanwhile, the longer 4.5-hour route explores the coast further south toward Los Gigantes, famed for their towering cliffs. The boat approaches the cliffs, providing spectacular photo opportunities, and then anchors in a serene bay. Here, travelers can swim, relax, and enjoy the included lunch while soaking in the panoramic views.

Throughout the cruise, the crew actively searches for marine mammals. Dolphin pods are often seen swimming alongside or under the boat, sometimes quite close. Whales, mainly pilot whales, are also spotted regularly, with many reviewers expressing awe at how close these gentle giants come.

Back on board, the experience is capped with refreshing drinks, including sodas, water, beer, and sangria, all available throughout the trip. The food is generally well-received, with many noting the generous portions and tasty quality. The crew’s professionalism and friendliness shine through, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.

The cruise concludes back at Puerto Colón, leaving you with memories of unforgettable wildlife encounters, scenic coastlines, and a relaxing day at sea.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Reviewers consistently mention the knowledgeable guides and how they make the trip informative and fun. One person appreciated the guide’s ability to spot marine life from a distance, making sightings more frequent and memorable.

Many travelers commend the value for money, especially considering the all-inclusive lunch and drinks. One noted, “This trip is great price for what you get,” emphasizing how the experience surpasses expectations in both quality and affordability. The lunch, often described as hearty and tasty, adds a relaxed, social aspect to the trip, allowing travelers to enjoy local flavors without extra cost.

Several reviews highlight the scenic beauty of the journey, especially the views of Los Gigantes and the coast of Tenerife. The underwater windows are frequently praised, giving a rare glimpse into the marine world and enriching the wildlife watching.

That said, there are some minor drawbacks. Seasickness can be an issue, and the swim stop at Masca beach is sometimes brief, which might disappoint those hoping for a longer swim. Also, the boat is quite popular, and at peak times, it can feel crowded during key moments like whale sightings or swimming.

The Sum Up

This whale and dolphin watching cruise from Adeje offers a well-rounded experience filled with wildlife sightings, scenic vistas, and good food. Its inclusive nature, friendly guides, and the chance to see marine mammals in their natural habitat make it a memorable outing. The underwater viewing windows add a special touch, letting you see beneath the surface without getting wet.

For travelers who value authentic encounters with nature and want a relaxing, affordable day at sea, this tour delivers. It’s particularly suitable for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone keen to combine sightseeing with a bit of leisure and good local food.

While seasickness might be a concern for some, planning ahead and choosing the upper deck can make the experience more comfortable. Remember, the best days are the ones when the dolphins and whales decide to put on a show — and with the consistent positive reviews, chances are high.

In summary, this cruise is an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging marine adventure on Tenerife, offering value and genuine moments of joy in the wild Atlantic.

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FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts between 3 and 4.5 hours, depending on which option you choose. Check availability for specific start times.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Dock 12 at Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, a straightforward location easy to reach by taxi or local transport.

What is included in the price?
The price includes a sightseeing cruise, lunch with vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options if requested, and unlimited drinks like soft drinks, beer, and sangria.

Can I see marine life from inside the boat?
Yes, the boat has 16 panoramic underwater viewing windows that give you a view of marine life beneath the surface during the trip.

Is the tour suitable for children or wheelchair users?
Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, though movement is limited to the main deck. Children generally enjoy dolphin and whale sightings, and assistance dogs are allowed.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. A light jacket for the morning trip is recommended.

Are there vegetarian or special diet options?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request for the included lunch.

What about seasickness?
Seasickness can be an issue during choppy waters. Taking medication beforehand or sitting on the upper deck might help.

Can I buy photos or videos of the trip?
Yes, photos and videos are available for purchase, but they are not included in the price.

This whale and dolphin cruise from Adeje blends wildlife, scenic beauty, and good value into one enjoyable day on the water. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for a fun outing, or simply eager to see Tenerife from the sea, it’s a lively, memorable choice.