Adeje: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch and Swim

Tenerife’s southwest coast gives you one of Europe’s best chances to see pilot whales and dolphins in the wild, often close to the boat. The Royal Delfín adds a useful twist: 16 panoramic submarine windows let you watch below the waterline, so you are not limited to whichever side of the upper deck has the best view.

I like the respectful approach to wildlife, with the boat keeping its distance and allowing animals to approach. I also like the practical value: lunch, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are included, along with a proper swim stop in a clear Atlantic bay. The main caution is the sea itself. It can be choppy leaving Puerto Colón, and the boat may feel busy when whales appear or everyone heads into the water.

The best parts of the cruise at a glance

• 16 underwater viewing windows: Watch marine life from below the waterline as well as from the open decks.
• Two routes to choose from: Take the three-hour cruise to Diego Hernandez Bay or the 4.5-hour sailing toward Masca and Los Gigantes.
• Pilot whales are a strong possibility: Dolphins, flying fish, turtles, and other sea life may also appear, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Swim and lunch in one stop: The boat anchors for about 40 minutes, giving you time to swim before or after eating.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are available during the cruise.
• A multilingual crew: Guides can provide commentary in Spanish, Dutch, English, German, Italian, and French.

Why this is more than a standard boat trip

The appeal here is not just ticking off a whale-watching activity. You are sailing through the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, a protected marine area off Tenerife’s southwest coast. Pilot whales live in these waters, and dolphins are also regularly seen moving through the area.

That makes the outing feel different from a quick coastal ride. The focus is on finding animals in their own habitat, not on a staged encounter. The captain may slow the boat when a pod appears, while the guide points out where to look and explains what you are seeing.

I especially like the chance to move around the catamaran. You can watch from the main deck, head higher for wider views, or use the underwater viewing area. The boat can carry many people, but the layout gives you several places to spread out. At busy moments, such as a whale sighting, the railings can still become crowded.

The 16 submarine windows are useful in calm conditions. They give children and anyone who prefers to stay out of the sun another way to watch the sea. They are not a substitute for the open deck, since visibility depends on the water, boat movement, and where the animals pass. Think of them as an extra viewpoint rather than a private underwater show.

Leaving Puerto Colón and finding your sea legs

The cruise begins at Puerto Colón, with the exact meeting point depending on the option you book. A safety briefing comes first, followed by a coastal run of roughly 30 minutes. This early stretch gives you time to settle in and take in the views before the search for cetaceans begins.

The boat has several levels and a mix of indoor and outdoor viewing areas. If you are prone to seasickness, stay on an upper deck where possible and keep your eyes on the horizon. The first part leaving the harbor can feel choppy, even on a pleasant day. Take your own motion-sickness medicine before departure if you need it, since medication is not included.

Morning departures can also feel cool because of the sea breeze. A light jacket is worth packing, even when the forecast on land looks warm. Once the sun is high, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and swimwear become more important.

The crew provides commentary as the catamaran moves along the coast. On some sailings, guides such as Johan have handled several languages with ease, helping different nationalities follow the safety instructions and wildlife information. Crew members including Anita have also been praised for being attentive and friendly, especially when someone feels queasy or needs help.

Watching whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca sanctuary

The wildlife search is the heart of the trip, and it is also the part you cannot control. The regular sightings are pilot whales and dolphins, with occasional reports of flying fish and turtles. Some outings see several groups of pilot whales, while another may produce fewer dolphins or no dolphins at all.

That uncertainty is part of the deal with a wild-animal cruise. You are not visiting an aquarium with a guaranteed performance. The boat may spend time in one area, then move on when the crew spots activity elsewhere.

The best practice is to scan the water rather than stare at one fixed point. Watch for fins, splashes, or a change in the movement of the sea. The guide will usually help direct your attention, which is especially useful for children who may otherwise miss a whale surfacing several meters away.

The wildlife policy is a real strength. The boat is intended to keep a respectful distance rather than chase animals. The whales and dolphins may swim alongside the catamaran, but they are not forced to do so. You should not feed animals or touch marine life, and drones are not allowed.

Bring a phone or camera, but do not spend the entire cruise looking through a screen. The most memorable moments can be brief. A pod may surface close to the boat, then disappear before you have framed a perfect photo.

There is also a photographer on board, and photos or videos may be available to buy. This is optional, and there is no need to purchase anything to enjoy the cruise. Crew members may also help take family photos with your own phone or camera.

Choosing Diego Hernandez Bay or Masca and Los Gigantes

The shorter option lasts about three hours and sails toward Diego Hernandez Bay. It is the better fit if you want a compact morning or afternoon activity, if you are traveling with young children, or if a long spell at sea does not appeal.

You still get the wildlife search, coastal views, submarine-window access, lunch, drinks, and a swim stop. The stop lasts around 40 minutes, though exact timing can vary. Diego Hernandez offers a pleasant place to get into the water and break up the cruise.

The longer option lasts about 4.5 hours and continues toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the Masca area. This route gives you more time on the west coast and a greater chance to appreciate the huge cliff scenery from the water. The cliffs are the visual prize of the longer trip, particularly when viewed from the deck while the boat is moving along the coast.

The longer route is not automatically better for everyone. Four and a half hours is a long time on open water if you are sensitive to motion, and some people may find the overall ride a little lengthy. It is the better choice if you want a full half-day at sea, dramatic coastal views, and more time for wildlife watching.

One practical point: the shorter trip does not necessarily take you directly to the base of Los Gigantes. You may see the cliffs from farther away rather than get the full Masca route. Check the option name carefully before booking so your expectations match the sailing time.

The swim stop and what lunch is like

When the boat anchors, you get a chance to swim from the catamaran in clear Atlantic water. The stop is one of the most enjoyable parts of the day, but bring realistic expectations. This is a boat swim, not a beach visit, and snorkeling equipment is not supplied.

You can bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to look below the surface, but there is no equipment rental included. Some people simply use the swim to cool off and enjoy the cliffs and open sea around them.

The water can be refreshing rather than warm, and the stop may feel short if you are waiting your turn, taking photos, or helping children. The scheduled pause is generally around 40 minutes, enough for a proper swim without turning the day into a beach excursion.

Lunch is served on board during the stop. The menu has been described as a filling meal with meat, rice, salad, fruit, and sometimes a Canarian-style dessert. It is practical boat food rather than a restaurant meal. Portions can be generous, which is useful after a morning at sea, though you should not expect a wide restaurant menu.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available if requested in advance. If you have a serious allergy or a strict diet, confirm the arrangement before sailing. Drinks are self-service and include water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. That makes the $59 price more attractive, since you are not paying separately every time you need a drink in the sun.

Some sailings include a small traditional honey-rum serving for adults near the end. It is a friendly local touch, but children should not expect an alcoholic drink, and you should pace yourself if you are already feeling the motion of the sea.

How comfortable is the catamaran?

The catamaran is clean and well maintained, with several levels and good viewing options. You can move around while the boat is underway, though walking space becomes tighter when everyone gathers on one side for a sighting.

The main deck is the accessible area. Wheelchair users should contact the operator in advance so the crew can plan enough room. The boat is accessible, but movement is limited to the main deck, and the bathrooms are not adapted for wheelchairs. Electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

Pets are not allowed, apart from assistance dogs. Comfortable shoes are the sensible choice, especially when moving between decks or using the swim platform. Keep loose items secure because the boat can move suddenly in open water.

Families generally have plenty to keep children interested: whales, dolphins, underwater windows, swimming, food, and the changing coastline. The swim platform and railings require normal supervision. The crew has helped passengers during minor accidents and seasickness, but this remains an active boat outing rather than a passive sightseeing bus.

Music may be played during the cruise, but it is kept at a level that still allows the guide to speak. That matters because the commentary helps you understand what you are seeing instead of simply watching fins appear and vanish.

Is $59 a good value?

At $59 per person, the price is fair for a three to 4.5-hour catamaran trip that includes wildlife watching, lunch, drinks, a swim stop, multilingual guidance, and access to underwater viewing windows.

The value is strongest on the longer sailing. A 4.5-hour trip gives you a proper half-day activity, and included drinks remove the small extra costs that can add up on a sunny boat ride. The shorter cruise is still good value if you prefer a lighter schedule.

You are paying for an experience, not a guaranteed number of whales or dolphins. If no animals appear, the coastal cruise and swim stop still form part of the outing, but the wildlife is naturally the feature that determines how memorable the day feels.

Compared with paying separately for a sightseeing cruise, lunch, drinks, and a boat swim, the package is easy to justify. Photos and videos cost extra, and snorkeling equipment is not included, so budget for those only if you want them.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option also reduce the risk when your schedule is not fixed. Starting times vary, so check availability before settling your day around the cruise.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this for families, couples, and anyone who wants a relaxed Tenerife activity with several elements built in. You get nature, scenery, swimming, food, and a little education without needing to organize separate bookings.

The shorter trip suits you if you want to limit time on the water or have another activity planned. The Masca and Los Gigantes option suits you if dramatic cliffs and a longer coastal journey matter as much as the animals.

It is less suitable if you dislike boats, suffer badly from seasickness, or want a quiet, small-group sailing. The catamaran can carry many passengers, and the best viewing spots become busy when whales approach. The trip is spacious by large-boat standards, but it is not a private charter.

My call: book it if you want wildlife plus a swim

I would book this cruise if you want a well-priced half-day on Tenerife’s west coast and understand that wild animals set the schedule. The strongest reasons are the respectful whale watching, the underwater windows, the included lunch and drinks, and the chance to swim beneath the cliffs.

Choose the three-hour Diego Hernandez option for a simpler outing. Choose the 4.5-hour Masca and Los Gigantes route if you want more coastline and can handle a longer spell at sea. Take a jacket, motion-sickness precautions, sunscreen, and your own snorkeling gear if needed. With those small preparations, this is a practical and memorable way to see Tenerife from the water.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Colón in Adeje. The exact meeting point can vary depending on the option booked.

How long does the activity last?

You can choose between a three-hour cruise and a 4.5-hour cruise. Check the available departure times for the date you want.

What animals might I see?

The cruise searches for pilot whales and dolphins. You might also see birds, flying fish, turtles, or other marine life, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Does the boat have underwater viewing windows?

Yes. The catamaran has 16 panoramic submarine windows for viewing below the waterline.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included on both cruise options, along with drinks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks can include water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. A selection of drinks is available throughout the excursion.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. The boat anchors in a bay for a swim stop of about 40 minutes. The location depends on the route booked.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to use it.

Can wheelchair users join the cruise?

The boat is wheelchair accessible, but movement is limited to the main deck and the bathrooms are not wheelchair-adapted. Contact the supplier in advance to confirm space. Electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. A light jacket is useful on morning departures because the sea breeze can feel cool.