On Tenerife, the sea does the talking. This Royal Delfin catamaran tour blends whale-and-dolphin watching with underwater glass windows and a Masca Bay swim.

I especially like how the trip is paced: you get time out on the water, then a real break with a swim, not just sightseeing from above. Two standouts for me are the onboard underwater viewing (it’s the fastest way to feel close to marine life) and the included meal and drinks that keep the mood easy while you’re cruising the southwest coast.

One thing to consider: wildlife sightings can vary, and the boat ride can be bumpy in open water. If you’re going in for dolphins like it’s guaranteed, you’ll want to adjust expectations.

Key things to know before you go

• Underwater glass windows let you watch cetaceans from below, not just from the deck.
• Masca Bay swim stop adds a fun, hands-on moment after the longer stretch at sea.
• Lunch + snacks + soft drinks are included, so you don’t have to hunt for food midway.
• Beer and sangria are part of the alcohol included list on board.
• Group size can reach 200, so bring patience and plan to share space during busy moments.

A 4.5-hour catamaran tour built around real ocean time

This is a 4 hour 30 minute (approx.) boat experience departing at 2:00 pm from Av. de Colón, 11 in Playa de la Américas, and returning to the same meeting point. The focus is simple: you’re sailing along Tenerife’s southwest coast looking for whales and dolphins in their natural area, then stopping for a swim in warm Masca Bay.

The catamaran is purpose-built for this kind of spotting. The big practical win is the underwater glass viewing area, which means you’re not only scanning the horizon. When you’re lucky (and sometimes you are), the view from below can feel like you’re sharing water space rather than just watching from far away.

Value-wise, the ticket price includes more than just the ride. You’re getting lunch, snacks, water, juice, soda, and even beer and sangria. It’s not a “cheap” outing, but you’re also not paying extra for the big ticket items that would otherwise add up on a boat.

Setting sail from Playa de las Américas toward Los Gigantes

Right from departure, you’re cruising the southern coast with a mission: cetaceans. The route takes you along the line between Costa Adeje and the Los Gigantes cliffs area, and you’ll also pass along the stretch near Playa de las Américas as the day unfolds.

Los Gigantes cliffs are a visual bonus. Even if wildlife sightings are quiet, the scenery gives you a reason to stay on the outer decks for photos and for that “wow, this island is real” feeling. The cliffs are dramatic, and they make the boat ride feel more like a journey than a bus ride with waves.

One reality check: this is open water time. Out there, conditions can change fast. Some people report a choppier stretch during the earlier part of the trip, even when the rest feels calmer. If you’re prone to motion sickness, I’d consider bringing your usual remedy before you board rather than waiting to see how it feels.

Underwater windows: the difference between guessing and seeing

The tour’s underwater glass windows are the feature I’d tell you not to skip. When dolphins or pilot whales are active, being able to look down can turn the spotting game from pure guessing into something immediate.

Here’s why that matters: at the surface, marine life can be hard to track. They surface, breathe, and move on quickly. With underwater viewing, you get a different angle and you often catch activity as it passes beneath the boat’s path.

That said, the oceans don’t run on schedules. Some days are hot for sightings, and some days feel slower. Even so, the underwater viewing area helps you make the most of the time you’re on the water, because you’re actively watching from multiple perspectives.

The Masca Bay swim stop and when lunch shows up

The itinerary includes a stop at Masca Bay (in the Los Gigantes area) where you can swim. This is one of the easiest parts of the tour to recommend because it turns the trip from “stand and watch” into “get in the water.”

Masca Bay is described as warm water, and the stop is long enough to actually enjoy it. You’ll also get lunch around this cruising day rhythm. The practical takeaway: you’re usually not waiting until the very end to eat, which helps a lot on a late-afternoon departure.

The lunch is included as courtesy lunch, with small sandwich snacks also part of the package. In the real world, lunch quality will come down to your tolerance for boat-food logic. Some people are happy with it, while others wanted something more authentic or fresher. If you’re picky about food, I’d treat the meal as a supportive add-on, not the main event.

After swimming, you’ll typically be back on board for the rest of the sea time, with drinks available as the day continues.

Food, drinks, and onboard comfort that actually affect your day

This tour is one of those “small details matter” experiences because the included items shape how relaxed you feel. Here’s what you can expect are included on board:

• Lunch and snacks (small sandwiches)
• Soft drinks, juice, and water
• Alcoholic drinks: beer and sangria
• Restroom on board

Coffee and/or tea are not included, and certain liquor types also aren’t included (vodka, whiskey, rum, etc.). So if coffee is your non-negotiable, plan on paying extra.

Also, remember you’re on a catamaran, not a quiet private yacht. Some reviewers noted the boat can feel full, and others mentioned the music playlist can be lively enough to be noticeable. If you want silence, bring something to manage sound (earplugs work). If you like a fun vibe, you’ll likely enjoy the atmosphere.

One more thoughtful perk: there’s mention that a camera person takes video during the trip, and you can purchase the footage montage afterward. That’s not unusual for boat tours, but it’s still useful to know so you’re not surprised when they offer it later.

How wildlife spotting really works (and how to maximize your odds)

Whales and dolphins are wild animals, so the most important expectation-setting is this: you’re not guaranteed a certain number of sightings. Your luck on the day matters.

What I can tell you from the overall experience pattern is that sightings often happen in bursts. When dolphins show up, it can be more than a single brief glance. Some people reported multiple sightings, and others noted fewer or more distant sightings. The underwater viewing windows can improve your chances of seeing something even when animals are not at the very top of the water.

Here are practical ways to improve your odds once you’re on board:

• Spend time both outside and in the underwater viewing area rather than camping in one spot.
• Stay patient during travel between areas. Many sightings happen after you’ve been cruising for a while.
• If you notice you’re not seeing much from the surface, don’t assume you’re out of luck—check the underwater windows too.

Also, be aware of boat traffic. The ocean is shared, and multiple boats can be around when animals are present. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong, but it can affect where animals swim and how close they get.

Price and value: what you’re paying for, and what could disappoint

At $72.29 per person for about 4.5 hours, you’re paying for:

1) a catamaran ride focused on cetaceans,

2) a Masca Bay swim stop,

3) lunch plus drinks,

4) onboard restrooms and snacks,

5) the underwater glass viewing concept.

For many people, that bundle feels fair because you’re not dealing with extra costs for food and drinks during the day. Some also loved the vibe, the crew, the scenery, and how well the day flowed.

But here’s the honest part: the biggest disappointment risk is that the wildlife action may not match your hopes. The second is that some food expectations might be too high. If you’re very food-focused or you expect an ultra-local, deeply “Tenerife” meal, you could leave thinking you paid for the boat more than for the menu.

The third risk is crowding. With a maximum of 200 travelers, it can feel busy. That doesn’t automatically ruin the tour, but it affects deck space and how easy it is to move around to catch the best views.

Who should book Royal Delfin (and who should think twice)

This tour is a great fit if you want a structured, half-day ocean experience without extra planning. You’ll enjoy it most if you’re comfortable with a shared boat setting and you like the idea of watching from both surface decks and underwater windows.

I think it’s especially suitable for:

• First-time whale-and-dolphin watchers
• Families who want a swim stop included
• People who want lunch and drinks included so the day stays low-stress

It’s a tougher sell if:

• You need guaranteed sightings (you don’t get those with wildlife)
• You hate crowded boats
• You get seasick easily and don’t bring prevention

If your #1 goal is dolphins or whales only, you might find your expectations align better with shorter trips that run more directly toward spotting time. Still, this itinerary gives you scenery plus a swim, which is a meaningful trade.

Should you book this tour? My practical take

Book it if you want a balanced package: catamaran ride + underwater viewing + Masca Bay swim + lunch and drinks in one ticket. The included meal/drinks and the chance to see cetaceans in a natural setting make it feel like more than a simple scenic cruise.

Skip (or choose another style of tour) if you’re mainly chasing a high likelihood of close-up dolphin action. Wildlife days vary, and even a great crew can’t control where the animals swim.

If you do book, I’d plan for a little flexibility: enjoy the cliffs, move between the deck and underwater windows, and treat lunch as included comfort rather than a gourmet highlight. With that mindset, the day tends to click.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time listed is 2:00 pm.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 4 hours 30 minutes.

What language is offered?

The tour is offered in English.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as courtesy lunch.

What drinks are included?

Beer and sangria are included, along with soft drinks such as soda/pop, juice, and water.

Is coffee or tea included?

No. Coffee and/or tea are not included.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. There is a swimming stop in Masca Bay at Los Gigantes.

Do you have underwater viewing?

Yes. The catamaran features underwater glass viewing windows.

What should I do if weather is poor or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.

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