Costa Adeje: Whale and Dolphin Cruise with Food and Pickup

If you’re considering a marine adventure in Tenerife, this whale and dolphin-watching cruise is a popular pick. It offers a chance to see some of the ocean’s most engaging creatures in their natural environment, all while enjoying a comfortable boat ride, good food, and some stunning views. We’ve gathered plenty of information and reviews to help you decide if this trip is worth your time.

Two things we really like about this experience are the chance to see whales in their natural habitat—a rare and humbling sight—and the inclusive lunch and drinks, which make the day feel relaxed and fuss-free. Plus, the professional guides seem well-versed and genuinely passionate about marine life, making the experience both fun and educational.

A potential consideration is the timing of pickups—some reviews mention the transfer can be slightly late, which might cut into your trip or make you wait longer than expected. Also, keep in mind that snorkel gear isn’t included, so if you’re keen to explore underwater, you’ll need to bring your own equipment.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of wildlife spotting, comfort, and good food. It’s perfect if you’re after a family-friendly experience or simply want a relaxing day out on the water with the possibility of seeing some incredible marine animals.

Key Points

• Wildlife Focused: You’ll get a good chance to spot dolphins, whales, and seabirds, with guides helping you identify them.
• Comfort & Convenience: Pickup from selected locations and a scenic catamaran make for a smooth, enjoyable trip.
• Food & Drinks Included: Paella-style lunch, multiple drinks, and unlimited beverages add to the value.
• Flexible Options: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance and book without upfront payment for flexibility.
• Visual Highlights: Expect views of the Teide Volcano and the stunning south coast of Tenerife.
• Family Friendly: While not explicitly marketed as for children, the relaxed pace suits most age groups.

Imagine setting out from Puerto Colon aboard a spacious catamaran, feeling the salt air on your face as the boat glides along the vibrant coast of Tenerife. This 3-hour adventure is designed to give you a good look at the marine life and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

The experience begins with a safety briefing and a bit of orientation from the crew—something that most reviews praise for their friendliness and knowledge. The guides do a great job helping everyone spot and understand the animals you’ll encounter, turning a simple boat ride into an educational outing.

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Wildlife Watching at Its Best

The main highlight is, of course, seeing whales and dolphins in their natural environment. Reviews are full of praise for the sightings—such as the impressive pod of pilot whales and numerous dolphins. One reviewer noted, “We saw lots of pilot whales and very relaxing,” which captures the essence of what you can expect.

The guides are attentive, pointing out animals and sharing interesting facts, making the experience both fun and informative. Several reviews mention how close these animals come to the boat, which keeps the excitement high.

The Stop for Swimming & Snorkeling

Midway through, the boat heads to Diego Hernandez Bay for some downtime. Here, you can relax on sunbathing nets, splash around in the clear water, or explore underwater with your own snorkeling gear. The bay’s calm, transparent water is perfect for a quick dip and observing fish and even turtles if you’re lucky.

Many guests appreciate this stop, especially since the crew makes it easy to cool off and enjoy the surroundings. One review highlighted, “The bay for swimming and snorkeling was lovely,” confirming that this part of the trip is a real treat.

The Food & Drinks

Onboard, you’ll find a delicious Canarian-style paella that comes with a refreshing drink, along with unlimited beverages like soft drinks and sangria. Multiple reviewers rave about the quality of the food, describing it as tasty and generously portioned. Jenny mentioned, “On board food was lovely,” which is high praise given the casual nature of the trip.

The drinks are plentiful, and the relaxed atmosphere means you can toast to your marine sightings and enjoy the views at the same time.

The Views & Scenery

While the wildlife keeps everyone excited, the scenery is equally captivating. With your eyes peeled, you can also enjoy sights of Teide Volcano in the distance — a majestic backdrop that adds to the trip’s visual appeal.

The coastline along Costa Adeje provides a stunning backdrop, and many reviews highlight how the boat allows you to appreciate Tenerife’s natural beauty from a different perspective.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for those wanting a laid-back, wildlife-focused excursion with the bonus of a good meal and drinks. It’s especially suited to travelers who enjoy being on the water, are comfortable with a boat trip of around three hours, and want the reassurance of an organized pickup and drop-off.

While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the trip’s relaxed pace and engaging wildlife sightings can appeal to most age groups. Just note that snorkeling gear isn’t included, so if underwater exploration is your priority, prepare accordingly.

At around $43 per person, this tour offers solid value. The included lunch and unlimited drinks elevate it above many other simple wildlife cruises. Guests consistently praise the quality of the food and the professionalism of the crew, which suggests you’re getting a good deal for the experience.

The reviews mention that the trip isn’t overcrowded, which adds to the comfort and overall enjoyment. The availability of cancelation up to 24 hours before also provides flexibility, especially if your plans are subject to change.

• Pickup & Meeting Point: You’ll be picked up from selected locations in Tenerife’s south or can choose to meet directly at Puerto Colon at Pantalan 9, where the red Maxicat boat awaits.
• Safety Briefing & Introduction: Once onboard, the crew will give a safety briefing and introduce you to the plan for wildlife spotting.
• Wildlife Sightings: As the boat moves along the coast, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, pilot whales, and seabirds. Guides are proactive in helping everyone spot and identify animals, which is helpful even for less experienced travelers.
• Relaxing & Snorkeling: Head to Diego Hernandez Bay to relax, swim, or snorkel. Bring your own gear if you want the best experience underwater.
• Lunch & Drinks: Enjoy the paella and drinks served onboard—an ideal way to pass the time and fuel up for the return trip.
• Return & Views: As you head back, take in more scenic views, including the Teide Volcano and the rugged coastline, making for memorable photos.

Guests consistently highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides, with one reviewer praising the “phenomenal” crew who ensured everyone’s safety and comfort. Many mention how exciting it was to see whales in their natural environment, with one guest stating, “It was a great experience seeing whales in their habitat.”

The food is another standout, with reviews describing the paella as “lovely” and the beverages as plentiful. Several reviews mention how the crew went above and beyond—helping with sick guests, making everyone comfortable, and sharing interesting facts.

Some travelers note that the pickup can be a little late but appreciate the communication and the overall smoothness of the experience. Others highlight how the trip manages to be both relaxing and exciting, perfect for a break from more active excursions.

If your goal is to see whales and dolphins in Tenerife’s waters without too much fuss, this cruise hits the right notes. The value for money is solid, especially with the included lunch and drinks, and the scenic boat ride offers a different perspective on Tenerife’s coastline and volcanic scenery.

It’s particularly well-suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate wildlife and good food in a comfortable, well-organized setting. The fact that guides are bilingual adds to its accessibility for international visitors.

While it’s not a snorkeling-centric tour (gear isn’t included), the stop at Diego Hernandez Bay provides enough opportunity to dip in and enjoy the water. Plus, the overall relaxed vibe and friendly staff make it a trip many travelers remember fondly.

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, if you select the option, there’s pickup from designated locations in Tenerife’s south. You can also meet directly at Puerto Colon, Pantalan 9, 20 minutes before departure.

How long does the trip last?
The boat ride itself is about 3 hours, including wildlife spotting, swimming, and the onboard meal.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Snorkel gear isn’t included, so bring your own if you plan to snorkel.

Are there vegetarian or children’s menus?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and children’s menus are available upon request.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed for children, the relaxed pace and wildlife focus make it appropriate for most ages. Check with the provider if you have specific needs.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if plans change.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users according to the provided info.

What animals might I see?
Expect to see dolphins, pilot whales, and possibly turtles. Guides will help identify all the wildlife observed.

This cruise combines nature, comfort, and tasty food in a way that makes it a worthwhile addition to any Tenerife itinerary. Whether you’re after wildlife sightings, scenic views, or simply a relaxing day on the water, it’s a trip that seems to deliver on all fronts.

You can check availability for your dates here: