Royal Delfin – 4’5H Dolphin & Whale Watching – Los Gigantes Masca – Lunch & Swim

Royal Delfin – 4’5H Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour in Tenerife: An Honest Look

If you’re eyeing a half-day trip to see whales and dolphins around Tenerife, the Royal Delfin tour offers quite an experience. It’s a popular choice, with good reviews and a decent price point. We’re sharing what makes this trip worth considering—and where it may fall short—so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.

What we like about this tour? First, the purpose-built catamaran with underwater viewing windows promises some pretty memorable wildlife sightings. Second, the combination of whale and dolphin watching, a swim in Masca Bay, and a delicious onboard lunch makes it feel like a well-rounded afternoon adventure.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the variability of wildlife sightings. Some travelers report excellent encounters, while others see fewer animals than hoped. So, if wildlife viewing is your main goal, it’s good to have some flexibility in expectations.

This tour is great for nature lovers, curious travelers wanting a taste of Tenerife’s marine life, or anyone looking for a relaxed, scenic cruise with food and drinks included. It’s less ideal if you’re after a guaranteed animal sighting or traveling with very young children who might find the sea a bit bumpy.

Key Points

• Wildlife sightings are variable, but many travelers see whales, dolphins, and even turtles.
• The purpose-built catamaran with underwater windows enhances the viewing experience.
• The stops at Masca Bay allow for swimming in warm, clear waters.
• Food and drinks are included, with a focus on casual, tasty onboard fare.
• The group size maxes out around 200 people, so it can feel busy.
• Bookings are often made about 9 days in advance, so plan ahead.
• The tour lasts roughly 4 hours 30 minutes, making it a manageable trip.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most being able to participate.

What to Expect on the Royal Delfin Tour

This experience is designed to give visitors a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, scenic coastline, and relaxation. Starting at the meeting point in Playa de las Américas at 2:00 pm, you board the Royal Delfin, a purpose-built catamaran especially crafted for marine adventures. You’ll be out on the water for about four and a half hours, cruising along Tenerife’s southwest coast.

The Itinerary: From Coastline to Underwater Views

Your journey begins with a sail from Puerto Colón, heading west towards the iconic Los Gigantes cliffs. These towering rock formations are a highlight in their own right, offering a dramatic backdrop and plenty of photo opportunities. The boat then actively searches for whales and dolphins, which can be spotted all year round in this part of Tenerife. As several reviews mention, sightings can be quite impressive, with some travelers reporting multiple dolphin and whale encounters.

One of the unique features of this tour is the purpose-built catamaran with underwater glass viewing windows. Many travelers have noted how special it is to see these animals from beneath the waterline, especially when dolphins swim close to the boat. As one review highlights, the glass bottom rooms provide a breathtaking perspective that’s hard to match on larger, less specialized boats.

The Stop at Masca Bay

A key part of the trip is the stop in Masca Bay. Here, you’re invited to jump into the warm waters for a swim, which many reviews describe as spectacular. The bay’s clear waters and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sea. The boat provides all necessary gear and offers a safe, organized environment for swimming.

Lunch, Drinks, and Atmosphere

No need to worry about bringing your own food; a courtesy lunch is served on board, often described as tasty and satisfying, with small sandwiches and a selection of drinks—including beer and sangria—being offered freely throughout the trip. Many reviewers appreciated that the drinks were bottomless, making it a relaxed social affair.

While some reviews mention that coffee and tea aren’t included, the overall consensus is that the food and drinks add good value to the experience. The lively onboard atmosphere, with music and friendly staff, makes it easy to unwind and chat with fellow travelers.

Everything You Need to Know About Booking and Pricing

Priced around $69.39 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the length, the wildlife sightings, and the included amenities. Most travelers book about nine days in advance, highlighting its popularity and the need to plan ahead.

What’s Included

• Whale and dolphin watching in their natural environment
• Swimming stop at Masca Bay
• Alcoholic beverages (beer & sangria)
• Lunch (small sandwiches)
• Restroom on board
• Soft drinks, juice, and water
• Snacks

What’s Not Included

• Coffee and tea
• Parking fees (if you’re driving)
• Additional alcohol such as whiskey or rum

Meeting Point & Timing

The tour departs from Av. de Colón, 11 in Playa de las Américas at 2:00 pm. It’s conveniently near public transportation, and most travelers find it straightforward to reach the meeting point. The activity ends back at the starting location, making it easy to continue exploring or head elsewhere afterward.

Cancellation & Weather

Good news—there’s a full refund policy if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. The tour is weather-dependent, so if poor conditions force cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The Real Traveler Experience: The Positives

Many reviews highlight the friendly, multilingual staff who work hard to make your trip enjoyable. The scenery along the coast, especially the cliffs of Los Gigantes, is frequently praised, with several travelers describing the views as spectacular.

Sightings of dolphins, whales, and even a turtle are commonly reported, with one review stating, “The whole journey was very relaxed and lots of fun.” The onboard lunch and bottomless drinks are appreciated for adding a casual, festive vibe, and the video souvenirs offered at the end are a nice bonus.

Travelers also note that the swimming in Masca Bay is a highlight, often describing the water as warm and clear. The combination of wildlife, scenery, and leisure makes it a well-rounded experience.

The Not-So-Great Aspects

While many reviewers are thrilled, some mention that wildlife sightings can be hit or miss. One traveler noted, “There were only two occasions where we saw dolphins, and neither were at the bottom of the boat.” This variability is normal when dealing with wild animals, but it’s worth considering if your main goal is guaranteed animal encounters.

Others found the bumpiness of the sea challenging, especially on choppier days, though the crew generally provides explanations, and most passengers find the ride enjoyable rather than uncomfortable.

A few reviews felt that the experience was somewhat commercialized and that the value might not be equal for everyone, especially if you don’t see many animals. It’s important to keep expectations realistic and enjoy the scenery and atmosphere regardless.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for those eager to see marine life in Tenerife’s waters and enjoy a relaxed boat ride with some swimming and good food thrown in. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate beautiful coastlines, lively atmospheres, and a bit of adventure.

If you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or even solo, many find the social vibe appealing. It’s not particularly tailored for families with very young children, but older kids with sea legs might enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Delfin 4.5-hour tour offers a solid balance of wildlife, scenery, and onboard comfort. Many travelers come away with memorable sightings of dolphins and whales, and the opportunity to swim in Masca Bay adds a lovely touch to the trip.

While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the combination of natural beauty, friendly staff, and included amenities makes this a worthwhile outing for most visitors. It’s especially good for those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation without spending the whole day at sea.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, scenic tour that maximizes your chances of wildlife encounters while enjoying good food and social vibes, this tour can be a real highlight of your Tenerife trip.

FAQ

How long is the Royal Delfin tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, making it a manageable trip that fits well into a day of sightseeing.

What is included in the price?
You get whale and dolphin watching, a swimming stop at Masca Bay, alcoholic beverages (beer & sangria), lunch (small sandwiches), soft drinks, water, snacks, and restroom facilities onboard.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations closer to the start time are not refunded.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a hat, swimwear, towel, and perhaps a light jacket in case it gets breezy. Also, consider your camera or smartphone for photos.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Most travelers find it suitable for most ages, but consider sea conditions if you’re traveling with very young children. The boat can get bumpy at times.

What if I don’t see many animals?
Wildlife is unpredictable, so sightings vary. Many travelers have great encounters, but some see fewer animals. It’s best to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere overall.

Where does the tour depart from?
From Av. de Colón, 11 in Playa de las Américas, a location accessible by public transport.

What’s the weather policy?
If weather conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

In all, the Royal Delfin tour provides a fun, scenic, and social way to explore Tenerife’s marine world—perfect if you’re not overly fixated on a guaranteed wildlife show but still eager for some memorable moments at sea.