5 hrs. Watching and listening whales and dolphins visiting Los Gigantes

Exploring Tenerife’s Marine Life: A Deep Dive into the Whale and Dolphin Tour

If you’re considering a boat trip in Tenerife, this 5-hour whale and dolphin watching tour with a delicious onboard lunch seems like a solid choice. From what travelers share, it’s an experience that balances wildlife spotting with relaxing comfort, all set against the striking backdrop of Los Gigantes cliffs. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just want a fun day out on the water, this tour offers a lot for a fair price.

What really gets many people excited are the chances to see pilot whales, dolphins, and even sea turtles swimming naturally around the boat. Plus, the sailing along the south coast with stunning views of Masca Bay and the cliffs makes it visually memorable. The lunch—featuring paella, fresh fruit, and drinks—adds a nice touch that keeps everyone fueled for the adventure.

That said, one possible consideration is the need for good weather since this is an outdoor trip. If conditions turn rough, the tour might be canceled, which could be disappointing if you’re on a tight schedule. Also, keep in mind that snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so if you’re eager to explore underwater flora and fauna more closely, you’ll need to bring your own gear or rent it elsewhere.

This tour looks best suited for travelers who want a straightforward, comfortable way to see marine life, enjoy a decent meal, and take in some striking coastal scenery. It’s especially ideal if you’re traveling with a group who appreciates a relaxed, well-organized outing.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: You’re likely to see whales, dolphins, and possibly sea turtles in their natural habitat.
• Comfort & Sustainability: Travel on a well-maintained, eco-friendly catamaran designed for passenger comfort.
• All-Inclusive Lunch: No need to worry about what to bring—lunch of paella, fruit, and drinks is included.
• Photo Opportunities: Expect stunning views of Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca Bay, plus chances to capture marine life photos.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 74 travelers, it’s a good balance of intimacy and lively atmosphere.

A Thorough Look at the Experience

This 5-hour tour kicks off at around 10:30 am from the meeting point at Marina Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. You’ll step aboard a modern, sustainable catamaran, ready for a day of exploring the waters off Tenerife. The journey itself is part of what makes this trip enjoyable—comfortable, stable, and designed to maximize your chances of wildlife sightings.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Wildlife Watching: The main goal of this trip is to spot and listen to whales and dolphins in their natural environment. Based on reviews, it’s common to see pilot whales, dolphins, and even turtles swimming nearby. As Lewis mentioned, “Staff were lovely, welcoming and extremely attentive, saw pilot whales, dolphins and even a sea turtle swimming by!” These encounters are often the highlight for travelers, and having expert guides to point out where to look makes a real difference.

Los Gigantes Cliffs & Masca Bay: After some time watching marine life, the boat heads toward the impressive Los Gigantes cliffs, offering fantastic photo ops. The boat then visits the tranquil bay of Masca, where you can jump into the crystal-clear waters for a snorkel or swim. While snorkeling gear isn’t included, the description suggests the location is perfect for observing underwater flora and fauna—so bringing your own equipment could be worthwhile if you’re keen.

The Lunch: One of the nicest aspects of this trip is the onboard catering. You’ll be served rice with chicken and vegetables, along with fresh fruit, beer, water, and soft drinks. Mael_M’s review highlights this, saying, “Awesome trip with a stunning crew,” and the food apparently hits the spot after a morning of water-based fun. The inclusion of drinks helps keep everyone refreshed, especially in the warm Tenerife sun.

Sailing Along Tenerife’s Coast: The boat tour takes you along the southern coast, revealing more of the island’s scenic coastlines. This allows plenty of opportunities for relaxed sightseeing and photography, especially with the impressive cliffs and remote bays as a backdrop.

The Real Value

Many reviews emphasize how well-organized and friendly the crew is, which adds to the overall experience. Lewis’s comment about the staff being “lovely, welcoming and extremely attentive” reflects how this tour prioritizes guest comfort and engagement. The fact that it’s booked on average 15 days in advance suggests it’s popular but not overly crowded, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Pricing at about $68.61 per person seems reasonable considering the length, the wildlife encounters, and the inclusive lunch. Compare that to similar tours, and it’s clear you’re paying for convenience and a memorable experience without excessive costs.

Considerations and Tips

• Weather Dependent: As with all outdoor marine activities, your experience hinges on good weather. If conditions are poor, the trip may be canceled, in which case you’ll be offered a different date or a refund.
• Snorkeling Equipment: If underwater exploring is your thing, plan to bring your own gear since it isn’t included.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: With a maximum of 74 travelers, expect a lively but manageable group. This size allows for good social interaction but still feels intimate enough for everyone to get attention.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a low-key, wildlife-focused excursion with plenty of opportunities to relax and take photos. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with friends or a partner and prefer a straightforward day out rather than an overly adventurous or rigorous activity.

If you’re keen on seeing dolphins and whales in the wild, and enjoy delicious local food, you’ll find this trip hits the spot. The added bonus of scenic coastlines and snorkeling makes it appealing for those wanting a well-rounded day on the water.

However, if you’re someone who needs a very flexible schedule or prefers private tours, you might find the group setting a bit crowded or the timing a bit rigid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the provided information doesn’t specify age restrictions, children who are comfortable on boats and enjoy wildlife viewing should have a good time. Always check with the provider if you have very young children or specific concerns.

What are the start and end times?
The tour begins at 10:30 am from the meeting point at Puerto Colón Marina and returns to the same location after about five hours.

How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 74 travelers, which offers a good balance between social atmosphere and comfort.

Is the lunch provided suitable for special diets?
The menu includes rice, chicken, and vegetables, plus fruit and drinks. If you have special dietary needs, it’s best to inquire directly with the provider beforehand.

Can I snorkel during the trip?
Snorkeling equipment isn’t included in the standard package, but the bay of Masca is a good spot for water activities. Bring your own gear if you want to snorkel.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather to operate. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Are drinks included?
Yes, water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included as part of the onboard lunch.

Is transportation provided?
No, pick-up and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point on your own.

Can I cancel this tour easily?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour begins, giving you flexibility if plans change.

All in all, this whale and dolphin watching tour in Tenerife seems like a reliable, enjoyable way to spend a day. With friendly service, beautiful scenery, and a good chance to see marine life, it offers real value for those wanting an accessible, fun marine adventure. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast, pack your camera and snorkeling gear if you have it, and prepare for a memorable day on the water.