Adeje Classic Schooner: Whales, lunch & Los Gigantes Cliffs

If you’re looking to combine wildlife encounters with breathtaking scenery and relaxed fun, the Adeje Classic Schooner offers a compelling day at sea. For around $65 per person, you’ll spend about five hours sailing along Tenerife’s southwestern coast, with a chance to see whales and dolphins, explore the spectacular Los Gigantes Cliffs, and enjoy a home-cooked meal on deck.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the traditional wooden schooner lends a nostalgic, authentic feel to your outing—something a modern catamaran just can’t replicate. Second, the all-inclusive lunch with wine and beer really makes the experience feel like a leisurely getaway rather than a hurried excursion.

A potential consideration? The sea can be unpredictable, so if you or your kids are prone to seasickness, bringing medication might be wise.

This experience suits families, couples, and nature enthusiasts who appreciate a laid-back atmosphere, good company, and the chance to see marine life in its natural habitat. If you’re seeking a relaxed, friendly cruise with ample opportunities for swimming and sightseeing, this tour might be just what you need.

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Key Points

Authentic Sailing Experience: Traditional Arabian-style schooner creates a charming, relaxed vibe.
Wildlife Watching: Likely to see pilot whales and dolphins in their natural environment.
Spectacular Scenery: The Los Gigantes cliffs are over 600 meters tall and quite a sight.
All-Inclusive Lunch: Featuring local dishes, soft drinks, wine, and beer—no need to worry about extra costs.
Family Friendly: Life jackets and float aids are provided, making it suitable for children.
Relaxed Pace: The tour emphasizes comfort, fun, and enjoying the ocean views at your own pace.

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The Itinerary Breakdown

This five-hour trip begins at Puerto Colón, where boarding the Shogun, a beautifully maintained wooden schooner with a classic Arabian look, instantly sets a tone of laid-back elegance. We loved the way the crew’s friendly attitude and informative commentary make you feel like you’re sailing with friends rather than strangers.

The first part of the cruise heads along Tenerife’s southwest coast—famous for its calm waters and consistent whale sightings. We appreciated the crew’s respectful approach to marine life observation, sharing interesting facts without overwhelming. According to reviews, pilot whales are a common sight all year round, and dolphins love to put on a show in this area. One guest even called the experience “magic dolphins,” which truly captures the joyful, playful nature of these creatures.

Within minutes, you’ll probably catch sight of dolphins—some playful, others just gliding by. The crew keeps an eye out and shares anecdotes, making it a fun, educational experience suited for all ages. It’s reassuring that the boat is Blue Flag certified, meaning it adheres to strict standards for safety and environmental care. This is especially important for families with children, as safety equipment like life jackets are plentiful.

The highlight for many is the stop in Masca Bay, a small, protected cove beneath the towering Los Gigantes Cliffs. The cliffs are over 600 meters high, and the view from the water gives a dramatic impression of their scale. Here, you can swim in clear, warm waters, or simply relax onboard if swimming isn’t your thing. Reviewers rave about the refreshing water and how warm it feels—perfect for cooling off after hours of sun and sea.

Lunch is served right on deck—a buffet featuring vegetable rice, coleslaw, meatballs in tomato sauce, and banana for dessert. The quality, according to reviews, is surprisingly good for a boat meal, and the free soft drinks, water, and the included wine and beer during lunch elevate the experience. Many guests noted that the atmosphere was lively and friendly, with crew members playing music and engaging with passengers. One traveler mentioned how the crew took music requests and kept the mood upbeat throughout.

On the return trip, the schooner sails gently back to Puerto Colón, giving everyone a chance to relax, enjoy the scenery, and maybe spot more marine life. The atmosphere remains informal and convivial, with some guests sharing stories or simply soaking in the views.

What We Love About This Tour

The authentic schooner adds a nostalgic charm that feels special compared to more modern, mass-market boats. The constant chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment makes it a highlight for wildlife lovers; pilot whales, in particular, are residents, so sightings are highly likely. The home-style lunch with local dishes and drinks makes the experience feel more personal and enjoyable than just a quick snack.

Plus, the swimming stop in Masca Bay allows for a refreshing break in a stunning setting, with consistent praise for how warm and inviting the water is. The friendly crew and their attentiveness make the cruise smooth and pleasurable. Whether you’re sipping wine, snapping photos of the cliffs, or watching dolphins jump, the vibe is relaxed and inclusive.

A Few Things to Consider

While the experience is generally very positive, it’s worth noting that sea conditions can vary. Some reviews mention that the ocean can be choppy, and if you or your kids are prone to seasickness, it might be best to prepare medication beforehand. The tour’s focus on comfort and safety does help, but unpredictable weather means it’s not always guaranteed to be smooth sailing.

Also, photos and videos are not included—so if capturing memories is a priority, bring your own camera or phone with a waterproof case. The alcoholic drinks are only served during lunch or available for purchase at other times, so if you’re hoping for unlimited drinks all day, this tour might not fully satisfy that desire.

Lastly, parking can be tight near Puerto Colón, so arriving early or using the nearby paid parking lot is recommended. The tour starts about 30 minutes before departure, so plan to arrive a bit earlier to avoid rushing.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for families with children who appreciate a safe, friendly environment and the chance to see marine life up close. It also suits couples and groups of friends looking for a relaxing day on the water, good food, and spectacular scenery. Nature lovers will find the cliffs and marine wildlife captivating, and those wanting a more authentic sailing experience will enjoy the traditional schooner vibe.

If you’re after a lively atmosphere that balances wildlife, scenery, and comfort, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who want to enjoy sea life, breathtaking views, and a good meal without rushing or overloading the day with too many stops or complex arrangements.

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In The Sum Up

The Adeje Classic Schooner offers a well-rounded, enjoyable ocean adventure that balances wildlife watching, stunning landscapes, and tasty onboard cuisine. Its authentic wooden schooner creates a charming setting that transports you back in time while enjoying modern comforts like a generous buffet and soft drinks.

The chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat makes this a memorable experience, especially for families and wildlife enthusiasts. The stop in Masca Bay adds a splash of adventure with swimming in warm, crystal-clear water beneath the towering cliffs—a highlight for many.

This tour provides excellent value for its price, combining scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s best suited for those who appreciate authentic sailing experiences and want a laid-back day filled with natural wonders and good food.

If you’re after a fun, friendly, and authentic boat trip with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic marvels, this tour should be on your list.

FAQ

Will we definitely see whales or dolphins?
While sightings are highly likely because pilot whales are residents and dolphins are playful, the tour doesn’t guarantee marine life encounters — nature can be unpredictable.

Can children swim during the stop?
Yes, swimming is optional. Life jackets and float aids are provided, and the crew is attentive. Sea conditions influence whether swimming is safe on any given day.

Is the boat safe for families?
Absolutely. The schooner is fully licensed, Blue-Flag certified, and equipped with all necessary safety gear, making it suitable for children of all ages.

What languages does the crew speak?
The crew is multilingual, speaking English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

Are drinks included?
Yes, water and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise. Wine and beer are served only during lunch, and other alcoholic drinks can be purchased.

Where do we meet, and what time?
Meeting is at Puerto Colón, Pier number 14, 30 minutes before departure. Boarding starts then, so arriving early ensures smooth boarding.

This tour offers a delightful mix of wildlife, scenery, and good company—perfect for those wanting a genuine taste of Tenerife’s maritime charm.