Royal Delfin 3H Dolphin & Whale Watching! Swimming & Lunch!

Tenerife’s coast boasts some of the best opportunities in Europe for spotting whales and dolphins, and this Royal Delfin tour makes the most of that. Starting from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, you’ll spend about three hours sailing along the southern shoreline, from Playa de Las Américas to Diego Hernandez Bay. The vessel? A purpose-built catamaran equipped with underwater panoramic windows, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of marine wildlife activity. Not only do you get these incredible sightings, but the tour also offers a chance to swim in warm, inviting waters and enjoy a complimentary lunch onboard.

Two aspects we especially appreciate are the underwater glass viewing deck, which provides a unique perspective of the marine life beneath the boat, and the informative guides—they make spotting the whales and dolphins feel like a shared adventure rather than just a tourist activity. However, the tour can be crowded, with some reviews noting difficulty accessing the main deck during wildlife sightings. This is worth considering if you prefer a more spacious viewing experience.

This trip suits families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone looking to combine boat time with a relaxed swimming stop and good food. If you’re after an authentic, well-rounded experience with excellent chances of seeing marine mammals in their natural environment, this could be a great pick.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing: Excellent chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat year-round.
• Underwater Views: Glass windows on the boat offer a rare underwater perspective.
• Inclusive Experience: Lunch, drinks (beer and sangria), and swimming are included.
• Crowded Boat: Some review concerns about congestion, affecting viewing ease.
• Authentic Experience: Guides are knowledgeable, making sightings more engaging.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for most travelers, with options for children and service animals.

An In-Depth Look at the Royal Delfin Dolphin & Whale Tour

The Departure and Itinerary Overview

Starting promptly at 10:30 am from Av. de Colón, 11 in Playa de la Américas, the tour sets sail along the southwestern coast of Tenerife. The trip is designed to be about 3 hours, striking a good balance between adventure and relaxation.

The boat, a purpose-built catamaran, is equipped with a spacious underwater panoramic viewing deck and glass windows beneath the waterline. This design vastly improves wildlife spotting, especially for those who might prefer to stay dry but still want a close-up view of the creatures below.

Marine Wildlife Encounters

The primary highlight? Whale and dolphin sightings. Tenerife’s waters are rich with marine life, and sightings are possible throughout the year, making this a reliable choice for wildlife watching. According to past travelers, dolphins often swim close to the boat, sometimes in large groups. One reviewer exclaimed, “I never expected to see so many dolphins at one time. The sea was so blue and clear you could see them through the water.” That’s a common sentiment—many travelers leave with memories of playful dolphins leaping alongside the boat.

While whales are also a possibility, some reviews note that sightings can vary by day. One traveler mentioned, “Ballenas de lejos y nada de delfines,” indicating that sometimes the whales may be distant or less visible. Still, the crew is usually quite informative when wildlife is spotted, helping to make each encounter more meaningful.

The Swimming Stop at Diego Hernandez Bay

A delightful aspect of this tour is the stop for swimming in Diego Hernandez Bay. The waters here are warm and calm, ideal for a relaxing dip. Reviewers have appreciated this break—Dawn_H noted, “We stopped to let people have a swim,” and found it a refreshing change from just sitting on the boat.

This stop adds a layer of balance to the tour: after wildlife spotting, you get a chance to cool off, enjoy the scenery, and take some photos. Keep in mind that the bay can get crowded if the boat fills up, as some reviews have pointed out, which might make finding a good spot in the water more challenging.

Lunch and Drinks on Board

The tour includes a complimentary lunch, served onboard. The menu is described as “courtesy lunch,” with reviews praising the quality of the food and drinks. Expect a selection of soft drinks, juice, water, and alcoholic beverages like beer and sangria—perfect for relaxing after or during the viewing. Dawn_H found the lunch and drinks to be enjoyable, which adds value to the overall experience.

Additional snacks are available for purchase, but they do cost extra, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry before the trip.

The Underwater Viewing Experience

What sets this tour apart? The 16 panoramic underwater windows that allow you to observe marine life from beneath the water’s surface without getting wet. Fiona_R praised this feature, saying, “Seeing the whales and dolphins in their habitat” through these windows made the experience more vivid and intimate.

This feature is ideal for guests who want a view of marine life without the effort of snorkeling or diving, making it accessible for most ages and abilities.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

While the vessel can hold up to 200 travelers, reviews suggest that crowding can be an issue. Matthew_C mentioned, “The boat was over full,” which made it difficult to access the main deck or get close to wildlife when sightings occurred. If you prefer a more relaxed, less crowded environment, consider arriving early or bringing your own binoculars to enhance your view.

Price and Value

At approximately $59.34 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the inclusions—wildlife sightings, swimming stop, lunch, drinks, and underwater views. For families or groups, the experience justifies the cost, especially since the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural setting is rare and memorable.

The inclusion of lunch and drinks means fewer expenses during the trip, and the quality of the onboard meal, according to reviews, is quite good.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for wildlife lovers, families with children, and anyone interested in a relaxed boat trip with plenty of chances for great photos and memorable moments. The guide’s knowledge enhances the experience, making it more than just a boat ride—it’s educational and fun.

However, if you’re highly sensitive to crowds or prefer a more exclusive experience, you might find the high capacity of the vessel a bit limiting. Also, those who want guaranteed whale sightings may need to temper expectations, as wildlife can be unpredictable.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Delfin dolphin and whale-watching tour offers a well-rounded experience blending wildlife viewing, water-based fun, and good food. Its underwater viewing deck and swimming stop are definite highlights, giving a sense of connection with nature often missing from similar tours.

While crowding is a slight concern, most travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the experience, especially those who love observing marine mammals in their habitat. The price, considering all that’s included, makes this a value-packed option for a memorable day in Tenerife.

If you’re after a wildlife adventure that combines comfort, authenticity, and fun, this trip is likely to satisfy. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to see Tenerife’s marine life up close and enjoy a relaxing day at sea.

FAQ

Is there a specific start time for the tour?
Yes, the tour departs at 10:30 am from Av. de Colón, 11, Playa de la Américas.

How long does the trip last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you enough time for wildlife spotting, swimming, and enjoying the onboard lunch.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the wildlife viewing, lunch, soft drinks, juice, water, alcoholic beverages (beer & sangria), restroom access, and the underwater glass viewing windows.

Are snacks available on board?
Yes, extra snacks are available for purchase, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the trip, receiving a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers say yes; it’s family-friendly, and children receive life jackets. The tour’s relaxed pace and onboard amenities make it suitable for kids.

What about accessibility?
Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and waterproof clothing if you wish to stay dry while on deck. Photographic equipment like waterproof cameras or binoculars can enhance your experience.

Is there a chance of missing marine sightings?
Yes, wildlife sightings depend on the day’s conditions, but guides are experienced in locating animals and will do their best to make sightings happen.

Will the weather affect the tour?
Good weather is necessary; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour offers a chance to see Tenerife’s incredible marine life, enjoy good food, and have a fun, relaxing day at sea. For those wanting a well-rounded, engaging, and reasonably priced adventure, it’s definitely worth considering.