- Exploring the Tenerife Whale Watching Catamaran Tour: An Honest Look
- Key Points
- The Itinerary: What to Expect on the Day
- Marine Wildlife Spotting
- Scenic Highlights of Los Gigantes & Masca
- Food & Drinks Onboard
- Additional Details & Practicalities
- The Experience: Pros and Cons
- What Travelers Love
- What Could Be Better
- Is This Tour Worth the Price?
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
- More Lunch Experiences in Tenerife
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Tenerife
- More Tour Reviews in Tenerife
Exploring the Tenerife Whale Watching Catamaran Tour: An Honest Look
If you’re thinking about hopping aboard a whale watching catamaran in Tenerife, this tour promises a mix of marine wildlife, stunning coastlines, and relaxed cruising. We’ve looked into it thoroughly to share what it’s really like, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your trip.
What we particularly like about this experience is its combination of wildlife spotting and scenic sightseeing, plus the fact that drinks and a warm lunch are included—no need to worry about hunger or thirst while enjoying the day. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the boat can get crowded or that the food might not satisfy everyone.
Excellent crew service, commentary very good, pilot whales and dolphins spotted, beer and hot meal included
It was a beautiful 4 hour cruise with many vistas and a decent meal with free beer and soft drinks; minimal whale and dolphin sightings and not much communication about what you were seeing along the cruise. Did offer a swim at a beautiful cove which we didn’t partake in, but everyone looked like it was enjoyable.
We had an amazing half day trip. Nice staff. The atmosphere during the trip was excellent. Open bar beverages and the food were ok.
Overall, if you’re someone who loves being on the water, spotting dolphins and whales, and enjoying a laid-back atmosphere, this trip could suit you well.
It’s worth noting that this tour is especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed, all-in-one experience without fussing over extra costs. However, if you’re very particular about food quality or prefer a smaller, more intimate boat, you may find it less ideal. Let’s unpack the details to see if it fits your travel style.
Key Points
- Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
- The onboard amenities, including drinks and a warm lunch, make the experience more comfortable.
- The scenery around Los Gigantes and Masca offers memorable views, great for photo lovers.
- Group size varies, with up to 160 travelers, which can influence the intimacy of the trip.
- Some reviews mention food quality, highlighting the need for realistic expectations.
- Sunbeds are available but chargeable and fill up quickly, so plan accordingly.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Tenerife
The Itinerary: What to Expect on the Day
Starting from the port of Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje, the tour kicks off at around 1:15 pm. From there, you board a large catamaran—quite well-organized with a capacity of up to 160 travelers. The atmosphere onboard tends to be friendly and lively, especially since the tour includes an open bar and snacks.
The main goal is to spot marine life—your crew knows where whales and dolphins have been seen before, so they’re pretty good at helping you catch a glimpse. The tour mentions sightings of pilot whales, bottle-nose dolphins, and spotted dolphins, and many reviews highlight that sightings are indeed common, though not guaranteed.
Big catamaran and well organised . Lunch veer poor unless you like tinned meatballs , no choice of offering . Would be so much easier to just offer a fresh sandwich and fruit !Sunbeds across front on boat ‘ Freebird’chargeable at 25 Euros each supposedly for 2 people . Actually only big enough for 2 very petite people or 2 kids ! Drink choice limited and served in thimble sized cups . The whales were great !!
Good experience to do once. The team was very professional and you feel that they are used to it!! Good to do once and for a first time. I will for sure do it again but on a more intimate boat. The boat was great, the team also and the food was ok for such a trip!! Ming that if you have issues with boats you should avoid going on a boat that goes on open water!! There were too many people sick (perhaps 10) out of the large group of around 80 people on the boat!! I would recommend for a first visit, and if in April definitely choose the afternoon one as in the morning it would have been too cold with the usual wind!! Also plan a vest to protect of the wind.
A beautiful day out on the sea. We were lucky to spot spotted and bottle nose dolphins 😁 and the resident pilot whales. The crew was nice, information excellent, food so la la but that wasn’t what we went for!
While sailing toward Los Gigantes and Masca, you’ll enjoy the stunning coastline views. The boat has several areas to relax and sunbathe, with deck chairs and open spaces to soak up the sun. Some reviews note that sunbeds are extra and on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s wise to arrive early if lounging at the front appeals to you.
Marine Wildlife Spotting
Guides are knowledgeable and eager to share insights about the whales and dolphins, including their habits and migration patterns. Many guests have reported seeing dolphins swimming alongside the boat, which is a highlight for wildlife lovers. One reviewer mentioned, “We saw dolphins and whales, and the crew was very informative.”
However, it is important to keep realistic expectations. While sightings are frequent, some guests have noted that they didn’t see whales on every trip, which is normal for wildlife excursions. It’s part of the adventure—sometimes you get lucky with multiple sightings, and other times, you enjoy just the scenery.
Scenic Highlights of Los Gigantes & Masca
The cruise’s final stops are Los Gigantes, famous for its dramatic cliffs, and Masca, a village set amidst striking mountain terrain. These spots are great for photos and soaking in the natural beauty of Tenerife. Guests often remark on the impressive cliffs and the peacefulness of the coast, which provides a lovely contrast to the lively boat atmosphere.
Boat was nice, enthusiastic hosts and did see whales and swim in the see but very overpriced for what you get- the ‘free bar’ only consists of 200ml plastic cups of beer, no other option and not an option to pay for something better. I would much rather pay for better alcohol on board. Everyone had their pictures taken at the beginning- I expected to view these on a screen at the end before deciding if I wanted to purchase, but they printed all of them out and then offered people to buy them, not many did, meaning a lot of photo paper in the bin- terrible for the environment! Also the advertised sandwiches and snacks were chicken paella, salad and a bread roll- to be fair it was tasty bu…
The trip was well organised and we saw dolphins, however when first got on the boat we were informed that passengers often feel sick so if they did would they kindly go to the back of the boat. Most did except 1 lady who continued to vomit in front of us ( very off putting when you’ve been given paella to eat) cabin crew didn’t ask her to move which displayed little respect for all the other passengers
Loved swimming in the sea as seeing the dolphins. All the staff were very friendly and food and drinks were great. I thought the sun beds were a bit pricey though
Food & Drinks Onboard
Included in the ticket price are alcoholic beverages, bottled water, sodas, and a warm lunch—a simple but decent offering of chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana. While the food isn’t gourmet, many reviews mention it’s warm, filling, and convenient after a day out at sea.
The open bar is a definite perk, with some guests appreciating the included drinks, especially after a few hours in the sun. One reviewer noted, “The open bar beverages and the food were okay,” which seems to sum up most opinions. Keep in mind that sunbeds at the front are extra and limited, so if you want to relax at the front, arriving early is advisable.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife
Additional Details & Practicalities
The tour lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it a comfortable half-day trip. Most travelers find the group size manageable, though reviews reflect some crowded moments, especially on popular days.
The tour operates daily at 1:15 pm, with departures all year round, except for New Year’s Day. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your gate details, and pickup from certain hotels might not be available, so check your hotel’s coverage beforehand.
We were able to see whales and dolphins. Beautiful scenery at Los Gigantes. It would be better if the crew enforced the mask mandate. And the bus could have better air conditioning.
La excursión fue muy chula y tuvimos la suerte de ver delfines y ballenas. La tripulación chapó. La comida lo peor. La barra libre bien. Experiencia muy recomendable.
Voyage scolaire accueil au top avec des vues de fou….une expérience magnifique à recommander…recommencer
The Experience: Pros and Cons
What Travelers Love
- Great guides and crew: Many reviews praise the staff for their professionalism and friendliness. One review said, “The team was very professional and you feel they are used to it.”
- Wildlife sightings: Seeing dolphins and whales in their natural environment is a major highlight.
Multiple guests mentioned that sightings were frequent, adding excitement to the trip.
- Scenic coastline views: The cliffs of Los Gigantes and the charming village of Masca provide postcard-perfect scenery.
- Relaxed atmosphere: Plenty of space to sunbathe or sit comfortably, with drinks in hand.
What Could Be Better
- Food quality: Some reviews found the lunch to be quite basic—tinned meatballs and vegetable rice not to everyone’s taste.
One reviewer suggested that offering fresh sandwiches and fruit would improve the experience.
- Crowd levels: With a maximum of 160 travelers, the boat can feel crowded, especially at sunbeds and on deck.
- Sunbeds are chargeable: If you’re hoping for a cushioned lounge experience at the front, be prepared to pay an extra €25 for a sunbed.
- Weather & safety concerns: A few reviews mention that the boat can be quite bumpy in rough seas, and some passengers felt uneasy. One reviewer called the experience “dangerous” during strong waves, so check weather conditions.
Is This Tour Worth the Price?
At $69.39 per person, considering the inclusion of drinks, lunch, and the chance to see whales and dolphins, it offers decent value. Wildlife trips typically aren’t cheap, and this one blends sightseeing with relaxation. If you’re a fan of marine life or want a fun, social experience on the water, most guests find it worthwhile.
That said, the quality of the food and the crowdedness might leave some travelers wishing for a more exclusive vibe. But for a laid-back day out that combines wildlife, scenic coastline, and easygoing drinks, it hits the mark.
La experiencia es buena aunque vamos muchas personas. El personal de la tripulación súper amable y atento. El paseo en barco agradable, aunque no vimos ballenas, si que pudimos ver algún delfín y fuimos a los gigantes.
Muy buen trato y servicio de la tripulación. Sorprendente la comida caliente. Increíble el baño bajo Los Gigantes.
Leider ließ der Service zu wünschen übrig. Kostenlose Getränke wurden angeboten, aber nur wenn man sich durch das stark schaukelnde Boot kämpfte und sich etwas holte. Das Essen wurde zum Platz gebracht, Getränke nicht. Auch mit dem Kartenlesegerät konnte die Crew gut zu jedem Gast gelangen. Essen war ok. Nach der Tour stand jemand mit dem Körbchen für Tipp am Ausgang.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best suited for travelers who:
- Enjoy wildlife and nature: If seeing dolphins and whales feels like a bucket-list activity, you’ll likely be pleased.
- Want a relaxed, social outing: The onboard atmosphere is friendly, and the open bar adds a fun element.
- Are okay with larger groups: The boat can host up to 160 people, which means less intimacy but more lively socializing.
- Are not overly picky about food: The included lunch is simple and filling but not gourmet.
- Appreciate scenic coastlines and photo opportunities: Los Gigantes and Masca are stunning locations worth seeing.
It might not be ideal for travelers seeking a small, intimate boat trip or those with very high food standards. Plus, if you’re sensitive to rough seas or have motion sickness, it’s worth noting that the boat can be quite choppy in some conditions.
FAQ
Is pickup included in the tour?
Pickup is offered from certain hotels, but not all. You’ll receive a gate number and location details upon booking, so check your hotel’s coverage.
What is the duration of the tour?
The whole experience lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes from boarding to return.
What do I need to bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Sunbeds at the front are chargeable, so consider arriving early if you want to secure one.
Can I see whales and dolphins on every trip?
Sightings depend on the day’s conditions, but many reviews mention frequent sightings of dolphins and whales.
Is food included?
Yes, a warm lunch of chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana is included.
Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour includes alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and sodas.
What’s the best time of day for the tour?
The tour departs at 1:15 pm daily, which offers good lighting for photos and a relaxed afternoon vibe.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
The provided data doesn’t specify accessibility, so check with the provider if needed.
What if I don’t see any whales or dolphins?
Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the crew does their best to help you spot marine life.
Is this tour family-friendly?
While suitable for most travelers, consider sea sickness susceptibility and the nature of the boat for young children.
Whale Watching Catamaran to Los Gigantes & Masca (Including drinks & warm lunch)
"Excellent crew service, commentary very good, pilot whales and dolphins spotted, beer and hot meal included"
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a fun, social way to see marine life and enjoy Tenerife’s coast, this whale watching catamaran offers a solid experience. The combination of dolphin sightings, scenic cliffs, and a relaxed vibe makes it a good choice for travelers who want to tick off a must-do activity without fuss.
Just keep your expectations realistic about food and crowd levels, and you’ll probably leave with some great memories—and maybe even some dolphin photos.
For those who value friendly guides, scenic stops, and a friendly party atmosphere, this trip hits the right notes. However, if you’re seeking an intimate or gourmet experience, you might want to explore smaller or more specialized options. Either way, this tour offers a lively, enjoyable way to spend half a day in Tenerife’s beautiful waters.
