Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included

Pilot whales and dolphins are the stars of this five-hour cruise from Costa Adeje. The boat heads along Tenerife’s southwest coast, pauses for wildlife watching, then carries on toward the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes and the sheltered waters of Masca Bay.

I like the clear mix of wildlife and scenery, plus the fact that lunch and drinks are included rather than sold as extras. I also like the relaxed pace: you get time to sit on deck, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the coast without racing from one stop to the next.

The main consideration is that wildlife is wild, so no sighting can be promised. Snorkel gear costs extra, and the boat can hold up to 74 people, which may feel busy if you want a quiet sailing trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Pilot whales and dolphins are the main draw: Previous outings have also seen a turtle, but sightings depend on sea conditions and animal movements.
• Los Gigantes and Masca Bay provide the scenic payoff: You see the enormous cliffs from the water, then stop for a swim in a quieter coastal setting.
• The included meal is substantial: Expect rice with chicken and vegetables, Canarian mojo, fresh fruit, beer, white wine, water, and soft drinks.
• The tour lasts about five hours: It starts at 10:30 am and returns to the same marina in Costa Adeje.
• Snorkeling is not fully included: Equipment can be purchased separately, so bring your own gear if you want to avoid that cost.
• The front beanbags are limited: Only two people can use them at once, so the best lounging spots may require patience and courtesy.

Setting out from Puerto Colón at 10:30

You meet the boat at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, in Marina Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje. The cruise begins at 10:30 am and finishes back at the same point, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in the Costa Adeje area.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to the marina, but the meeting point is near public transportation. Allow enough time to find the correct pontoon and board without rushing.

The crew includes a skipper and two sailors. Commentary is provided on board, and the guide may speak several languages. That is useful on an international boat, particularly when the crew is explaining safety points, wildlife, or the route along the coast.

The catamaran can carry up to 74 people. That is a fairly large group for a sailing trip. It gives the boat a lively, social feel, but it also means the quietest seat or best photo position may not be yours for the entire trip.

Watching dolphins and pilot whales in open water

The first major part of the outing is spent looking for marine life off Tenerife’s southwest coast. The area is known for regular sightings of dolphins and pilot whales, and several trips have produced both. One outing also included a turtle sighting.

The strongest wildlife reports focus on pilot whales and dolphins, with enough time spent watching them to make the search feel like a central part of the trip rather than a quick stop on the way to lunch. The title’s reference to watching and listening to whales reflects the appeal of being on the water with animals nearby, though you should treat any wildlife encounter as luck rather than a guarantee.

I like this format because it gives you room to watch without immediately being pushed toward the next activity. Keep your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the whole time looking through a screen. The animals may appear on either side of the boat, and the crew’s guidance can help you follow the action.

The boat operates in all weather conditions, so dress for the sea rather than the beach alone. Even on a warm Tenerife day, wind can make the ride feel cooler. Sun protection is important, and a light extra layer is sensible.

Sailing beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs

After the wildlife search, the catamaran continues toward Los Gigantes. These cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, and seeing them from the water gives you a different sense of their scale than viewing them from land.

The route makes good use of Tenerife’s coast. Instead of spending the whole excursion in one swimming cove, you get a moving view of the island, with the cliffs becoming the backdrop to the second half of the outing.

This is also the part where the sailing itself matters. You can relax on the deck as the boat travels along the southern coast, feeling the trade winds and watching the shoreline pass. If you prefer a trip with changing scenery, the route is more satisfying than a simple short boat ride around the marina.

The boat’s front has beanbags, which can be a comfortable place to stretch out and enjoy the view. There are only two of these prime lounging positions, though. Be considerate about sharing them, especially during the busiest part of the cruise.

Swimming and sunbathing in Masca Bay

The catamaran anchors in Masca Bay, where you have free time to swim, sunbathe, and relax. The stop adds a welcome pause after the wildlife watching and coastal cruise.

The water is described as clear, and the bay is presented as a quieter setting near the cliffs. You can swim directly from the boat, then return to the deck when you have had enough. If you would rather stay dry, the sunbathing time lets you enjoy the setting without taking part in every activity.

Snorkeling is available only if you bring or buy equipment. Snorkel gear is not included in the price, and the boat lists it as an optional purchase. If snorkeling is important to you, bring your own equipment if practical, or budget for the extra cost.

The swimming stop is not a guided lesson or a structured water-sports session. It is free time, so you choose how much of it you use. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and you should follow the crew’s instructions around the boat and water.

What you will eat and drink on board

The included food is one of the better practical features of this excursion. You receive rice with chicken and vegetables, often described as paella, along with Canarian mojo and fresh fruit.

The meal is more useful than a token snack. A five-hour boat trip can feel long if you are relying on a small sandwich, so having a proper rice dish helps you stay comfortable through the wildlife search, cliff cruise, and swim stop.

Drinks include white wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. The minimum drinking age is 18. Coffee and cider are available to purchase, but they are not part of the included package.

Food quality may be the least consistent part of the day. The setting and crew service receive strong praise, but one account found the rice dish disappointing. I would book this for the full day on the water, not solely for a gourmet lunch. The meal is a useful inclusion, but the wildlife and scenery are the real reasons to go.

A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking. Do not wait until boarding to mention it.

Crew service and the feel on board

The crew includes a skipper and two sailors, and the best service reports focus on their friendliness, attention, and concern for passenger comfort and safety. The crew also gives live commentary, which adds context while the boat is moving between stops.

The atmosphere can be relaxed and social. One outing included music and dancing, while other trips emphasized quiet time on the beanbags and deck. That mix means the mood may shift during the five hours.

The boat is also described as environmentally conscious in its approach to wildlife. That matters because good whale watching should allow you to observe without turning the animals into a staged performance. Still, the supplied details do not spell out a formal conservation policy, so I would see this as a positive crew attitude rather than a reason to assume a certified wildlife program.

Because the boat may operate with a multilingual guide, commentary could vary by departure. You should receive the essential information, but the amount of detail in each language may not be identical.

Is the $68.61 price good value?

At about $68.61 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but the price covers several parts of the day at once. You receive roughly five hours aboard the catamaran, wildlife watching, the Los Gigantes route, a Masca Bay swim stop, lunch, fruit, beer, wine, water, soft drinks, crew service, commentary, and port fees.

That package makes the price reasonable for someone who wants a full half-day outing rather than a short wildlife ride. The included drinks also help, since boat trips can become expensive when every bottle or meal is charged separately.

The value is less clear if you do not care about swimming, sunbathing, or spending several hours at sea. You are paying for the entire combination, not only for a guaranteed whale sighting.

There are also small extra costs to remember. Hotel transfers are not included, snorkel equipment costs extra, and souvenir photos, hammocks, coffee, and cider are available for an additional charge. These are not major costs individually, but they can change the final price if you add several of them.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a balanced Tenerife outing with nature, scenery, food, and downtime. It suits couples, families with adult supervision for children, and anyone who wants to see Los Gigantes without arranging separate transport by land and sea.

It is also a good fit if you prefer an easy day. You do not need to plan a restaurant stop or pack a full picnic, and the activity returns to its starting point. The five-hour length gives you a proper coastal outing without taking up the entire day.

You may want a different trip if you need guaranteed whale sightings, a small private boat, or serious snorkeling. The group can reach 74 people, wildlife cannot be scheduled, and the snorkeling option is basic enough that dedicated snorkelers may find it limited.

The same applies if you dislike open-water movement or wind. The excursion runs in all weather, so appropriate clothing is part of the deal. A swimsuit is useful for the Masca Bay stop, but you should also bring sun protection and something warm for the ride.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour requires a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not reached, the operator may cancel after confirmation and offer another date, another experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, with cut-off times based on local time.

The tour uses a mobile ticket. Bring the ticket details on your phone, arrive at Pantalán 8, and remember that pickup from your accommodation is not included.

The boat accepts most participants, but children must stay with an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18, and you should request vegetarian food at booking.

My verdict: book it for the whole coastal day

I would book this catamaran if I wanted a relaxed, good-value way to combine pilot whale and dolphin watching with Los Gigantes, Masca Bay, and an included meal. The friendly crew, full five-hour route, and drinks included in the fare add real value.

I would not book it purely for the promise of whales or for the food. Wildlife sightings are never certain, and the rice dish may not satisfy everyone. The group size and extra charge for snorkel equipment are also worth noting.

For most people staying near Costa Adeje, this is a strong half-day choice. Go for the chance to see marine life in the wild, the cliffs from sea level, and the simple pleasure of an afternoon on deck with lunch already sorted.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

It starts at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled start time is 10:30 am.

How long does the excursion last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The included food is rice with chicken and vegetables, Canarian mojo, and fresh fruit. Drinks include white wine, beer, water, and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkel equipment is available to purchase separately.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable.