Cliffs and whales in one tidy 5 hours. This Adeje-area trip pairs a pilot whale search with an up-close visit to the Los Gigantes cliffs, then tops it off with lunch and swimming in sheltered water. You cruise out from Puerto Colón in the early afternoon, hunt for dolphins and whales, then return to anchor under towering rock walls for a relaxing break.

I like that the schedule gives you real time on the water, not just a quick look-see. You get a focused wildlife window (including a stop designed to watch whales in their natural habitat), and then you shift gears to the cliffs for a proper lunch-and-swim stop. The main drawback is seasickness: the boat can sway, and some riders report feeling very sick if you are sensitive.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Pilot whale chances: the route is planned for better viewing odds, with a dedicated whale-viewing stop
• Los Gigantes scale: vertical cliffs rise more than 600 meters, and you get the classic viewpoint from the sea
• Swim under the cliffs: you anchor in open, clear water and jump in after lunch
• Lunch plus drinks: food and soft drinks are included, with beer and wine served at lunchtime
• Onboard energy: the crew keeps things fun, with music and a lively atmosphere

Entering the Day at Puerto Colón Pier 14

Your day starts in Puerto Colón, and the logistics are straightforward once you know the exact spot. Boarding starts 15 minutes before the stated departure, and the meeting point is Pier number 14, next to the petrol station. If you are coming from Costa Adeje or the Adeje area, you may have optional pickup, but the cleanest setup is to arrive early so you can get settled without rushing.

I find this is the kind of trip where seat choice matters. One review tip that lines up with common sense: show up early if you want a better position on the boat. It is not about glamour. It is about comfort and viewing angles while you are scanning for blowholes and dorsal fins.

If you are driving and you do not want a long coach ride, you can usually plan to go straight to the pier. One traveler even called the transport service most useful if you do not have a car, which makes sense in a place where parking and timing can be easier by taxi or rental than by scheduled bus.

The 11:00 Departure and the Wildlife Search That Actually Gets Time

The cruise portion starts after you board and depart from Puerto Colón around 11:00 AM. From there, the boat heads out in search of whales and dolphins along the southwest coast of Tenerife. This is not a land-view photo stop. You are on the water, moving with the day, watching and listening for signs of marine life.

A key detail that helps your odds: the route is designed to reach an area where pilot whales are more likely to show up. Then you get a 30-minute stop specifically for spotting whales in their natural environment. That half hour is the difference between seeing nothing and feeling like the day was worth the money—because it gives time for movement, surfacing, and real watching.

You may also see other sea life on the way. One person reported a mix that included dolphins plus pilot whales, and even sightings like a turtle and flying fish, with a shark mentioned too. You should not count on the extras. But it is a nice reminder that marine viewing in Tenerife can be more than just one species.

Los Gigantes Cliffs: the View You Came For

After the whale-watching phase, the boat sails toward Los Gigantes. This is where the scenery becomes the star. The cliffs here are famous for a reason: vertical walls rise more than 600 meters, and from the water you get that dramatic, straight-up feel that photos do not fully capture.

Once you reach the cliffs, the plan is to anchor in a bay under them. This matters because it changes the vibe of the day. Instead of pushing through open sea searching for wildlife, you slow down and get a stable viewing spot right under the rock walls.

The best part is the timing. You do not just pass by. You pause long enough to look around, eat, and then swim, all in the same general area. That keeps the day from feeling like a series of hurried transitions.

Lunch in a Bay, then Straight into the Water

When you anchor under the Los Gigantes cliffs, lunch comes next. You have about 40 minutes for meal onboard while you are in the bay. Food is served with soft drinks included, and beer and wine are included at lunchtime, which is a big part of why the onboard mood tends to be relaxed and social.

Food is typically buffet-style onboard, and from the feedback you can expect it to be filling enough that you are not quietly hungry while everyone else is drinking and chatting. One traveler specifically said the amount of food felt plentiful, and that the free lunchtime drinks (including sangria mentioned in one review) made it feel like more than just a basic tour meal.

Then comes the fun part: swimming. After lunch, you go swimming in the inviting waters under the cliffs. The water is described as clear, and the setting is exactly what you want in this area—volcanic rock walls, calm anchorage, and that feeling of being close to a natural monument.

Bring the essentials and you’ll thank yourself later:

• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen
• sunglasses

Swimming Tips for Clear Water and Real Comfort

Swimming here is part scenic, part practical. Since you are changing environments—boat to water to boat—comfort can make or break the experience. I suggest treating this as a mini beach day, even if you are not on sand.

First, keep your timing in mind. The lunch-and-swim window is about 40 minutes, so you want to be ready to go as soon as you are allowed in the water. If you linger too long eating, you can feel rushed in the water.

Second, think about sun and reapplication. You will be out on open water and under strong Tenerife sun. Sunglasses and sunscreen are not optional on a day like this, especially if you are sitting still for wildlife viewing and then suddenly going for a swim.

Finally, the water shoes question depends on what you are comfortable with. The tour data only specifies swimwear and towel, so use your own judgment for comfort getting in and out. If you have sensitive feet, pack whatever you normally use for boat-entry swims.

How Seasickness Can Affect Your Day

This tour includes a lot of open-water time, and boat motion is a real factor. One traveler said the boat sways a lot during the trip, and that several people were very sick during the crossing. That is the single most important consideration for anyone with motion sensitivity.

If you get even mild nausea on boats, plan like the wind will shift. Bring any motion-sickness medicine you normally trust. Also, pick a seat that reduces rocking for your body type, and try to look at the horizon rather than close-up surfaces inside the boat.

You might still love the day if you are careful, but you do not want to get blindsided. The cliffs and swimming are great, but only if you can enjoy them.

The Onboard Vibe: Crew, Music, and Included Drinks

The mood on this kind of cruise can make the difference between a good day and a memorable one. The feedback here points to a crew that works the atmosphere. Music is commonly mentioned as pleasant, and the overall tone is friendly and upbeat.

A specific name came up in the reviews: Andy. One traveler credited him for keeping energy high through the day and also for helping them find a safe route home afterward. Even if you never interact with the crew directly, knowing they stay engaged makes it more likely they will guide you smoothly when it is time to board, eat, and swim.

For adults, the drink situation is also a big part of the experience. You get beer and wine included at lunchtime, and one review mentioned sangria being offered with a small cost outside the included lunch window. Translation for your wallet: the main included drinks are part of the lunch stop, so if you want extra cocktails afterward, expect that some may not be free.

Price and Value: Is $63 a Fair Deal?

At about $63 per person, the value depends on how you like to spend your Tenerife time. You are paying for three things that are hard to replicate cheaply on your own: a boat out on the water, a planned wildlife viewing window (including a whale-watching stop), and the Los Gigantes cliffs plus a swim and lunch.

What you get included helps justify the cost:

• food and soft drinks
• beer and wine at lunchtime
• taxes

What is not included:

• photos and videos
• alcoholic drinks beyond the lunchtime inclusions

When I look at value for this trip, I think about the trade-off. If you were to try to DIY whale watching and then arrange a boat-entry swim under cliffs, you would likely spend more time and money—and still not get the structured time boxes built into the day.

So this price tends to make sense if you want a turn-key day that mixes wildlife viewing with a real change of pace.

Who This Cruise Suits Best

This is a strong match if you want:

• a half-day marine experience from Adeje/Costa Adeje area
• chances to see dolphins and possibly pilot whales
• the Los Gigantes cliffs from the water
• lunch plus time to swim without planning separate activities

It is also a good fit for couples, families, and groups because the day has two moods. Wildlife watching is calm and focused. The cliffs and lunch-and-swim portion is social and relaxing.

If you are prone to seasickness, you can still consider going, but plan carefully. The boat sways enough that your comfort will decide how much you enjoy the views.

Booking Decision: Should You Say Yes?

I would book this tour if you want one efficient day that combines wildlife viewing with the dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs—and you are comfortable with the reality of open-water boat motion. The included lunch and drinks at lunchtime make the day feel less like a bare-bones cruise and more like an actual experience with time to enjoy yourself.

Skip it (or go prepared) if you know you get seriously nauseous on boats. Otherwise, this is exactly the kind of Tenerife activity that turns a normal afternoon into something you’ll remember for the scenery and the swimming under towering cliffs.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

The experience runs for 5 hours, depending on the starting time available for your date.

What time does the tour depart?

The provided schedule lists a departure at 11:00 AM from Puerto Colón.

Where do we meet, and where does it end?

Meet at Puerto Colón, Pier number 14 (next to the petrol station). The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is optional. If you choose pickup, you wait at the selected pickup point and call the emergency phone number if needed if pickup is late.

How long do we stop at Los Gigantes for lunch and swimming?

At Los Gigantes, the stop includes sightseeing, swimming, and meal onboard, for a total of about 40 minutes.

What marine life might I see?

The tour focuses on whales and dolphins, and pilot whales are specifically part of the whale-watching search area. Some people also reported seeing other sea life such as turtles, flying fish, and even a shark.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes food and soft drinks, plus beer and wine during lunchtime. Photos, videos, and alcoholic drinks beyond what is included are not part of the package.

What should I bring for the swim?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Is the boat ride rough?

The boat can sway a lot, and some people reported feeling very sick during the crossing. If you get seasick easily, plan accordingly.

Can I cancel?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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