Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included

The best part of this five-hour catamaran trip is the mix of wildlife and scenery. You spend time watching pilot whales and dolphins in open water, then sail toward the towering Los Gigantes cliffs before stopping in Masca Bay for a swim. It feels like a full day at sea, but without the fuss of a long cruise.

I like the natural whale and dolphin watching, and I like that the crew serves a proper meal rather than just snacks. Paella with chicken and vegetables, fresh fruit, and drinks are included. The main consideration is that sightings are never guaranteed, and the boat can carry up to 74 people, so this is not a quiet private sailing trip.

Key points before you book

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main event: Previous outings have also spotted a turtle, but wildlife sightings depend on sea conditions and animal movements.
• Los Gigantes and Masca Bay give the trip two strong scenic stops: One is for dramatic cliffs, the other for swimming and sunbathing.
• Lunch is included: You get rice with chicken and vegetables, Canarian mojo, fresh fruit, beer, white wine, water, and soft drinks.
• Snorkeling costs extra: You can swim and sunbathe, but snorkel equipment is available for purchase rather than included.
• The front beanbags are limited: Only two people can use them at a time, so do not count on having a prime lounging spot.
• The price is fair for a five-hour outing: At about $68.61 per person, food, drinks, crew, commentary, and the cruise are bundled together.

Setting out from Costa Adeje at 10:30

You meet the boat at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, inside Marina Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. The start time is 10:30 a.m., and the trip returns to the same marina after about five hours. Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel are not included, so you need to make your own way to the port.

That arrangement is simple if you are already staying in Costa Adeje or can reach the marina by public transport. It also means you should allow enough time to find Pantalán 8. The tour accepts mobile tickets, which keeps the meeting process easy, but you still need the correct marina and departure point.

The catamaran is run by a skipper and two sailors. Live commentary is provided on board, and the guide may speak several languages. This is useful for mixed groups, though the exact languages and guide names are not specified.

The boat can take up to 74 people. That is a moderate-sized group for a catamaran, but the space will feel shared, especially when everyone gathers for wildlife sightings or lunch. If you want a private, hushed sailing experience, this is not the right format. If you want a social half-day with plenty included, the size keeps the price under control.

Watching whales and dolphins off Tenerife’s south coast

The first part of the cruise focuses on marine life. You sail from Costa Adeje and watch for dolphins, pilot whales, and other sea creatures in their natural habitat. The crew provides commentary, so you are not left guessing at every dark shape or splash.

The wildlife is the reason to choose this trip over a simple coastal cruise. Pilot whales are the main sighting reported on these outings, and dolphins have appeared in good numbers. One trip also included a turtle sighting. Still, you should approach this part with realistic expectations: no crew can promise animals will appear on schedule.

I would bring a camera, but keep it ready rather than spending the whole time looking through a screen. Wildlife can surface quickly, and the best moments may last only seconds. The boat’s open setting also gives you broad views across the water, so even a quiet spell is not wasted.

The tour description uses the idea of watching and listening to whales. That matters because wildlife watching is not just a photo stop. You may hear the boat slow, listen to the crew explain what is nearby, and wait for a fin or blow to appear. Patience helps.

This is also the portion most affected by weather and sea conditions. The trip operates in all weather, so you should dress for changing conditions. A sunny morning in Costa Adeje can still feel cool or windy once the boat is moving.

Sailing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the catamaran heads toward Los Gigantes. These cliffs rise sharply from the sea and are one of Tenerife’s most memorable coastal sights. Seeing them from the water gives you a different angle than a road visit or a viewpoint above town.

The cliffs are the visual high point of the cruise. You can sit back, watch the rock walls change as the boat moves, and take photos without needing to hike or drive. The scale is easier to appreciate from below, where the sea meets the base of the cliffs.

The route also gives you a relaxed look at Tenerife’s south coast. You are not racing from one stop to another. The boat ride itself is part of the experience, with the trade winds on your skin and open views around you.

Keep in mind that the timetable is shared between wildlife watching, the cliffs, lunch, and Masca Bay. You get a good overview rather than an extended stop at Los Gigantes. If the cliffs are your only priority, a dedicated coastal cruise may offer more time in that area.

Masca Bay for swimming and sun

The boat then reaches the quiet waters of Masca Bay. Here you can swim, sunbathe, and relax on deck. The water is described as clear, and the bay provides a welcome change from the open sea and active wildlife search.

This is the most flexible section of the day. You can get in the water, stay on deck, or simply enjoy the view. The tour does not force every passenger into the same activity, which makes it work well for couples and families with different energy levels.

Swimming conditions can vary, so follow the crew’s instructions and stay within the area they allow. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The information provided does not promise a specific water temperature, beach access, or a guaranteed snorkeling session, so think of this as a boat swim stop rather than a full beach day.

Snorkel gear is not included. It is available to purchase separately, so bring your own equipment if you already have it and want to explore below the surface. The same applies to some extras on board, including hammock use, coffee, cider, and souvenir photos.

The beanbags at the front of the boat are another small detail worth knowing. They are comfortable, but only two people can use them at once. Do not assume that booking early gives you a permanent claim to this spot. Sharing the space politely is part of the deal.

Paella, Canarian mojo, and drinks on board

Food is one of the better value points here. Lunch includes rice with chicken and vegetables, described as paella, along with fresh fruit and Canarian mojo. Beer, white wine, water, and soft drinks are also included.

That is a more useful meal than the usual packet of crisps and a drink. You can spend five hours at sea without needing to buy lunch separately. The inclusion of beer and wine also makes the return ride feel more leisurely, though the minimum drinking age is 18.

The vegetarian option must be requested when you book. Do not wait until you board, since the crew needs advance notice. Coffee and cider cost extra, and those drinks are not part of the included package.

The food may be the least consistent part of the experience. Some people find the lunch satisfying and appreciate the generous drinks service. Others have found the rice and chicken disappointing. I would treat the meal as convenient onboard food, not as a reason to compare the boat with a restaurant in Tenerife.

Canarian mojo adds local character to the meal. It is a traditional sauce often served with island food, and it gives the rice and vegetables more flavor. Fresh fruit is a sensible finish after time in the sun.

Crew service and the feel on board

The crew includes a skipper and two sailors, and live commentary is part of the cruise. The strongest praise has gone to the friendly service, attention to comfort, and safety. That matters on a boat, where a helpful crew can make the difference between a smooth afternoon and a disorganized one.

The crew has also been described as environmentally conscious. That is especially important on a wildlife trip. You want a boat that observes animals with care rather than treating them like a guaranteed show.

Music and dancing may form part of the atmosphere on some outings. That can make the return journey fun, but it also means the mood is not always quiet or reflective. You get a shared excursion with a social feel, not a private charter.

The overall score is 4.9 from 193 ratings, with 98 percent recommending the experience. Those numbers suggest a strong level of satisfaction, particularly with the wildlife, scenery, crew, and length of the outing. They do not erase the two practical weak spots: the lunch may divide opinion, and limited seating at the front can create friction if people do not share.

Is $68.61 good value for five hours?

At about $68.61 per person, the price is reasonable for what is bundled into the trip. You get five hours on the water, a skipper, two sailors, commentary, whale and dolphin watching, the Los Gigantes route, a Masca Bay stop, lunch, fruit, and several drinks.

You also avoid having to pay separately for a restaurant meal during the cruise. Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are included, which can add up quickly on other boat trips. All taxes and fees are included as well.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole package. If you only care about swimming, you may find a shorter boat trip cheaper. If you want a private vessel, fewer people, or premium snorkeling equipment, you will need to look elsewhere or budget for extras.

The value also depends on your wildlife expectations. You are paying for time spent searching in a natural setting, not for a guaranteed dolphin performance. On a good day, pilot whales and dolphins can make the price feel excellent. On a quiet day, Los Gigantes, Masca Bay, lunch, and the sailing time become the main attractions.

Who will enjoy this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several Tenerife experiences in one outing. It works especially well for:

• Couples who want scenery, wildlife, and a swim without planning separate excursions
• Families, provided children are supervised and everyone is comfortable around boats
• First-time visitors who want to see the south coast from the water
• People who enjoy a social boat atmosphere with music, food, and drinks
• Anyone who wants whale and dolphin watching without committing to a full-day cruise

It may not suit you if you dislike group excursions, need guaranteed wildlife sightings, or want a quiet luxury sailing trip. The maximum group size is 74, and the front beanbags are limited. People seeking a serious snorkeling outing should also note that equipment costs extra and the main focus is the full coastal cruise.

The trip operates in all weather, so pack for sun, wind, and spray. Dress appropriately rather than assuming the marina weather tells you what it will feel like offshore. You should also tell the provider in advance if you need the vegetarian meal.

Booking and cancellation details

You receive confirmation when you book, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 10:30 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.

The tour needs a minimum number of participants. If that number is not reached, the operator may cancel after confirmation and offer another date or a full refund. That is worth keeping in mind if your schedule is tight.

The experience is usually booked about 11 days ahead. I would reserve early if your dates are fixed, especially if you want a morning on the water during a short Tenerife stay.

Should you book it?

You should book this catamaran trip if you want wildlife, cliffs, swimming, and lunch in one five-hour package. The combination is efficient, and the price includes enough food and drink to make the outing feel complete. The crew’s friendly service and the chance to see pilot whales and dolphins are the strongest reasons to go.

You should skip it if you need a private boat, guaranteed animal sightings, or a standout meal. The group may be fairly large, the beanbags are limited, and lunch is functional rather than memorable.

For most visitors staying near Costa Adeje, I think it is a solid way to spend a morning and early afternoon. Go for the sea time and the scenery first. Treat the whales, dolphins, and turtle as fortunate additions, not promises.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 10:30 a.m.

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours and returns to the same meeting point in Costa Adeje.

Is food included?

Yes. The included meal is rice with chicken and vegetables, described as paella, with Canarian mojo and fresh fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, white wine, water, and soft drinks are included. Coffee and cider are available at an additional cost.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You can swim at Masca Bay, but snorkel equipment is available to purchase separately.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.