Tour with Whale and Dolphin Watching plus food included

Thinking about a marine adventure in Tenerife? This popular whale and dolphin watching tour with food included promises an engaging day on the water, but is it worth your time and money? We’ve gathered all the details, from what you can expect to the little things that might matter on the day, to help you decide if it’s a good fit.

What makes this experience stand out? For one, the opportunity to see multiple cetacean species in their natural habitat—something that’s a real highlight for animal lovers. Plus, the combination of whale watching with a scenic swim at Spaghetti Beach, along with local food served on board, makes it more than just a boat trip; it’s a mini holiday.

But there are a few considerations too. The chaotic boarding process mentioned by some travelers could dampen the start, and the group size might be a factor if you’re seeking intimacy or a more exclusive experience. This tour seems best suited for those who want to combine wildlife viewing, a bit of relaxing swimming, and enjoying local flavors—all in a roughly 3-hour window.

Whether you’re visiting Tenerife for the first time or are a seasoned traveler eager to spot some whales, this tour offers a solid experience. Let’s dive into what it really involves and how it stacks up against similar options.

Key Points

• Competitive Price: At around $45 per person, it offers good value considering the whale watching, swimming, and food included.
• Respect for Nature: The tour navigates the ZEC, a special conservation area, which emphasizes environmentally friendly practices.
• Variety of Marine Life: Expect to see dolphins, pilot whales, and migratory birds, with knowledgeable guides explaining their habits.
• Comfort & Convenience: Pickup options and mobile tickets make the process straightforward, though boarding can be chaotic.
• Duration & Pace: About 3 hours, with a good balance of activity and relaxation—perfect for a half-day outing.
• Mixed Reviews: Most travelers love the experience, although some mention the initial boarding as hectic.

What to Expect from the Experience

The tour kicks off from Puerto Colon, conveniently close to Playa de las Américas. The boat itself is a catamaran, a stable and spacious vessel, perfect for a smooth ride along Tenerife’s southern coast. As you set out, you’ll quickly realize that the focus is on creating an eco-friendly adventure. They steer through the special conservation area (ZEC), a protected marine zone that’s home to an impressive 28 cetacean species, including the familiar bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, and pilot whales.

The Marine Encounter

The real highlight? Whale and dolphin sightings. Many reviews praise the guides for their expertise, noting that the crew is always on hand to offer safety instructions and interesting facts about the fauna. Expect to see several species, with some travelers mentioning they spotted multiple types during their trip.

One reviewer shared: “Seeing whales and dolphins was magical,” emphasizing how close and active the marine life can be. The guides are attentive and knowledgeable, adding context to what you’re seeing, which makes the experience all the more fascinating.

Scenic Stops and Swimming

The tour isn’t all about wildlife. After some time spent watching the ocean, you’ll make a stop at Diego Hernández Bay (Spaghetti Beach). This spot’s crystal-clear waters provide a perfect setting for a refreshing swim or just lounging on the boat’s deck nets—ideal if you’re after some relaxation. Reviewers have appreciated the chance to dip into the Atlantic, especially on warm days.

The stop is relatively short—about 30 minutes—so it’s a quick dip rather than a full beach day, but enough to cool off and enjoy the scenery.

Food and Drinks

On board, you’ll find a menu featuring local products, which means a taste of the region through simple but tasty snacks and drinks. Many travelers enjoyed the lunch and tapas-style offerings, noting that the food added value to the trip, making it more than just a sightseeing cruise.

The included drinks—likely local beverages—are a nice touch, especially if you want to relax with a cold one while taking in the views.

The Boarding Process

A recurring theme in reviews is that boarding can be chaotic. Some mention there’s no clear sign or organization at the start, with people allowed to push in front. The staff in charge doesn’t seem very helpful at this stage, which could be frustrating if you prefer a smooth start. Once on board, however, most find the experience enjoyable.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Costa Adeje and the Conservation Area

The trip begins in Puerto Colon, where your catamaran departs for a cruise along Tenerife’s southern coast. Navigating through the ZEC (special conservation area) provides an excellent environment for spotting a variety of marine mammals and birds.

The guides explain the significance of the area, which is home to 28 identified species. Expect to see bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and common dolphins, as well as migratory birds like Cory’s Shearwater or Osprey. This part of the trip is as much about education as it is about fun, with interesting insights into the local ecosystem.

Stop 2: Diego Hernández Bay

After the wildlife viewing, the boat anchors at Spaghetti Beach—a small, picturesque spot with transparent waters. Here, you can swim, snorkel, or just relax on the nets while soaking up the sun.

While some reviews mention that the short stop might feel rushed, most appreciate the chance to cool off and enjoy the ocean. Bring your snorkel gear if you have it—there’s no restriction on bringing your own equipment to explore the underwater life.

Group Size and Comfort

The tour admits up to 104 travelers, which keeps it lively but not overly crowded. Many reviews mention that the number of people on board feels just right, allowing everyone to have a good view and enough space to relax.

Considerations for Travelers

If you’re sensitive to crowds or preferring intimate experiences, this might not be your ideal choice. However, if you’re after a lively, social atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to see marine life, it hits the mark.

Pricing and Overall Value

For around $45 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. You’re getting approximately 3 hours of activity, including wildlife watching, a swim stop, and local food. When you compare this to similar experiences, it’s competitively priced, especially considering the included amenities.

The reviews suggest that most travelers feel they received good value—the combination of wildlife, scenery, swimming, and food makes it feel like a full experience rather than just a boat ride.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for nature lovers, families, and those wanting a relaxed day out. If you’re interested in marine mammals or birdwatching, the knowledgeable guides will keep you entertained. The food and drinks add a nice touch, making it enjoyable for those who want a bit of local flavor.

However, if you prefer quiet, private tours or dislike chaotic starting points, you might find the boarding process less appealing. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility concerns, consider the nature of the stop and the boat’s layout.

Final Thoughts

Our look at this Tenerife whale and dolphin tour shows it’s a solid choice if you want a fun, reasonably priced, and eco-conscious way to experience marine life. The guides’ expertise and beautiful scenery make it memorable, while the swimming stop and local food enhance the trip’s appeal.

Overall, most travelers walk away satisfied, especially those who appreciate a lively, social atmosphere combined with the chance to see dolphins and whales in the wild. It’s a trip that balances adventure, relaxation, and education, making for a well-rounded half-day outing.

For those who want a cost-effective, family-friendly, and nature-focused activity in Tenerife, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQs

What is the duration of this tour? The trip lasts about 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that won’t take up your entire day.

Is food included? Yes, the tour offers local products for lunch and snacks, along with drinks onboard, adding extra value to your experience.

Can I bring my snorkeling gear? Absolutely. The tour encourages you to bring your own snorkel equipment if you wish to explore underwater during the stop at Spaghetti Beach.

What kind of wildlife will I see? Expect to see dolphins, pilot whales, and migratory birds. The guides will share insights about the species and their habits.

Is the tour suitable for children? Many reviews mention the crew being very good with children, and the relaxed pace is generally family-friendly, but it’s best for kids old enough to enjoy wildlife watching and swimming.

How do I book? The tour is popular and often booked around 8 days in advance, so plan ahead to secure your spot at the listed price.

What about the boarding process? Some travelers found the initial boarding to be chaotic with little signage or staff assistance, so arrive early and be prepared for a busy start.

What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The trip is dependent on good weather, and cancellations due to poor conditions will be fully refunded or rescheduled.

If this sounds like your kind of day in Tenerife, it’s worth considering. The combination of wildlife, scenery, and local flavors offers a fun, well-rounded experience that many travelers find memorable—and at a reasonable price.