Whale Watching Catamaran to Los Gigantes & Masca (Including drinks & warm lunch)

Tenerife’s southwest coast gives you two good reasons to leave the beach: pilot whales and dolphins offshore, and the dark cliffs of Los Gigantes rising beyond the bow. This four-and-a-half-hour catamaran trip combines both with a warm lunch, drinks, and a possible swim near the cliffs.

I like the easy afternoon schedule and the chance to see Tenerife from the water rather than from another roadside viewpoint. I also like that the crew serves a hot meal, not just crisps and sandwiches. The catch is the boat’s size, with up to 160 people, and sightings are never guaranteed. You may also find the sea rough enough to make some passengers sick.

Key points to know before you book

• Pilot whales are the regular prize: The route often reaches the waters where resident pilot whales and dolphins are found, though wildlife remains unpredictable.
• Los Gigantes supplies the big scenery: The catamaran cruises toward the towering cliffs and the coast around Barranco de Masca.
• Lunch is warm but simple: Expect chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana. The meal has been described at different times as paella or chicken paella, so do not book this for gourmet food.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are provided, though beer may be served in small plastic cups and the choice can be limited.
• The swim stop depends on conditions: A beautiful cove near the cliffs may offer a chance to swim, but the exact stop and swimming time can vary.
• Front sunbeds cost extra: The forward sunbeds are first come, first served, and are not included in the ticket.

Setting out from Puerto Colón at 1:15 pm

The trip begins at Av. de Colón 11, beside Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje. Boarding instructions and the gate number are sent with your booking confirmation, so check your phone before heading to the marina. The boat returns to the same meeting point.

The fixed departure is 1:15 pm, with departures on almost every day of the year except January 1. That afternoon timing works well if you want a relaxed morning, and it puts the sun behind or beside you for much of the coastal run. If you are visiting in a cooler month, bring a light jacket or windproof layer. One practical tip from the experience is simple: the breeze on open water can feel much cooler than the temperature on shore.

There are three large catamarans used for this outing, and you cannot choose which one you will board. That matters because the layout, seating, and feel of the trip may vary slightly. All are built for a sizable crowd rather than a small private cruise.

Pickup is offered from selected hotels in southern Tenerife, but it is not available outside the south of the island. Hotels close to the port may be asked to send you directly to the marina. Give the operator your mobile number with country code and your email, then read the pickup instructions carefully. Confusion over the meeting point has caused real frustration for some people, so do not assume the bus will collect you at your hotel entrance.

The open-water search for whales and dolphins

The first main purpose of the trip is wildlife watching. The catamaran heads offshore to search for dolphins and whales while the guide explains where these animals live, what they eat, and how they migrate. The exact amount of commentary can vary. At times you may get useful information, while at other points the tour may move quickly after a sighting.

Tenerife’s resident pilot whales are the species most often associated with this route. Bottlenose dolphins and other dolphins may also appear. Several outings have produced sightings of both, while another trip may bring only a few animals or none at all. That is the basic bargain of any wildlife cruise: the crew can take you to likely waters, but no one can order a whale to surface.

If you see animals, the experience can be excellent. A pilot whale surfacing beside a large catamaran gives you a memorable view, and dolphins can appear in small groups near the boat. Still, set your expectations sensibly. You may see four whales or a small group of dolphins rather than spending the afternoon surrounded by wildlife.

The catamaran is a good choice for a first whale-watching trip because it offers plenty of deck space and a stable platform in calm conditions. It is not the best fit if you want a quiet, highly personal wildlife expedition. With a maximum of 160 people, finding a clear position at the rail can take some patience, especially when animals appear on one side.

Los Gigantes and the coast around Masca

After the wildlife search, the boat continues toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the coast near Barranco de Masca. These dark volcanic walls are one of Tenerife’s strongest coastal sights, especially when seen from sea level. From the boat, you get a broad view of the cliffs, coves, and rugged shoreline that is hard to match from a road.

The journey itself is part of the attraction. You are not simply transported to a single viewpoint, but given time to watch the coast change as the catamaran moves along it. The route takes about four and a half hours in total, so expect a proper half-day outing rather than a short harbor cruise.

The scenery can carry the trip even when the wildlife is quiet. You may see only a few dolphins, yet still enjoy the cliffs and open Atlantic views. On the other hand, if you are booking mainly to see whales, the scenic portion will not replace a missed sighting. I would choose this excursion for the combination of wildlife and coast, not for wildlife alone.

A swim beneath the cliffs

At a suitable point in the cruise, the boat may stop for swimming in a scenic cove. This is one of the most appealing parts of the outing for anyone who wants more than a sightseeing ride. Several people have enjoyed a swim in the sea near Los Gigantes, while others have chosen to stay aboard.

Swimming is optional, and conditions control how long it lasts. The Atlantic can be cool, and the boat may move on if the sea or weather is not suitable. You should also remember that the boat is large and the swim stop is shared with a full group, so this is not the same as slipping into a deserted cove from a small sailboat.

After the swim or wildlife search, you can relax on deck, watch the coastline, or sunbathe. The front sunbeds cost extra and are sold on a first come, first served basis. A reported price was about 25 euros for a pair, though you should confirm the current charge. Regular deck seating remains the practical choice if you do not want to pay more.

What lunch and the drinks are really like

A warm meal is included. The stated menu is chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana. This is useful on a four-and-a-half-hour cruise, particularly if you have children or do not want to buy food at the port.

The meal is filling enough for an excursion, but keep your expectations modest. Some descriptions have called it paella or chicken paella, while the listed meal is closer to rice with meatballs. It is best viewed as straightforward boat food rather than a reason to choose this trip.

Drinks include bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Beer is the main alcoholic option described in the experience, and some people have found the serving cups quite small. The bar offering is convenient, but it is not a full drinks menu with premium brands or elaborate cocktails.

Ice cream costs extra. If you want something beyond the included drinks, bring money or a card, but do not count on a large selection. I like having drinks included because it removes small expenses during the cruise. I would not pay the ticket price solely for the bar.

The boat, seating, and seasickness question

The catamaran has open decks where you can sit, stand, and watch for wildlife. There are areas for relaxing and sunbathing, and the large design gives you more room than a small rigid inflatable boat. That extra space is helpful for families and for anyone who prefers not to be packed into a narrow cabin.

The tradeoff is size and crowding. Even though some descriptions use the phrase small group, a boat carrying dozens of people, and potentially up to 160, will not feel intimate. The crew has to serve food and drinks across a wide deck, and you may need to walk to the bar for drinks.

Motion sickness deserves serious attention. Several passengers have felt ill even when the sea seemed fairly gentle, while a rougher outing produced strong concern about the conditions. If boats usually upset your stomach, this may not be the right activity. Sit where the crew directs you, keep a wind layer handy, and avoid treating the included drinks as a challenge.

The operator says the trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but it does not change the fact that conditions can affect comfort, visibility, and wildlife sightings on a day when the boat does sail.

Guide commentary and languages

The excursion is offered in English and Spanish. The guide explains basic facts about whales and dolphins, including habitat, diet, and migration. The crew has also been praised for being friendly, attentive, and well organized.

The depth of the explanation may vary. On a large boat with several languages and many people moving around, announcements can feel brief. If you want detailed marine biology, this is probably not a specialist lecture cruise. If you want a clear introduction while looking for animals, the commentary should give you useful context.

The crew’s practical work is one of the stronger parts of the trip. They handle boarding, food service, drinks, the swim stop, and the return to port. Good staff can make a crowded boat feel far easier, and the positive reports about the crew are consistent enough to give this aspect real weight.

Is $72.08 fair value?

At $72.08 per person, the price is reasonable if you make use of the full package: a four-and-a-half-hour cruise, wildlife search, views of Los Gigantes and Masca, a warm lunch, drinks, and a possible swim. A shorter boat ride with no meal or drinks may cost less, but it would not offer the same half-day structure.

The value drops if your main goal is a close-up whale encounter or a premium sailing experience. Sightings are uncertain, the boat is large, the meal is basic, and some desirable seating costs extra. The included alcohol also sounds more like simple beer service than a generous open bar.

I see this as a good-value shared excursion for a first visit to Tenerife. You pay for variety and convenience rather than exclusivity. Families, couples, and solo visitors who want one organized afternoon at sea will get the most from it.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want several Tenerife experiences in one outing. You can search for whales and dolphins, see the Los Gigantes cliffs, eat lunch, have a drink, and possibly swim without arranging separate activities.

It also suits people who prefer a larger boat. You have more room to move around than on a small speedboat, and the decks give you different places to sit. The tradeoff is that you should not expect silence, personal attention, or a private view of every sighting.

I would think twice if you are very prone to seasickness, need a quiet boat, or want a refined meal. I would also avoid booking it with unrealistic wildlife expectations. The best day combines calm water, good visibility, an interested crew, dolphins, and pilot whales. The less lucky day may give you only a few animals and beautiful cliffs.

Book at least a little ahead if your dates are fixed, since the activity is commonly reserved around 17 days before departure. You can cancel without charge up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not refunded.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran if you want a practical, social half-day on the water with good coastal scenery, possible whale and dolphin sightings, lunch, and included drinks. The strongest reasons to go are the Los Gigantes views, the chance to see resident pilot whales, and the friendly crew.

Skip it if you want a small, quiet boat, a serious marine-life lecture, or a high-quality meal. For most first-time visitors who accept the crowd and the uncertainty of nature, this is a solid way to see Tenerife from the Atlantic.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching catamaran depart?

It departs from Av. de Colón 11, 38660 Playa de las Américas, near Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje.

What time does the boat leave?

The scheduled departure time is 1:15 pm.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour finish?

The catamaran returns to the same meeting point near Puerto Colón.

Are hotel pickups available?

Pickup is available from selected hotels in southern Tenerife. Hotels close to the port may need to send you directly to the marina, and pickup is not offered outside southern Tenerife.

Which languages are offered?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

What food is included?

The included lunch consists of chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and a banana.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Can I use the front sunbeds for free?

No. The front sunbeds cost extra and are available on a first come, first served basis.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.