Whales and cliff views in one tidy afternoon. I like that this trip mixes whale and dolphin spotting with big-window scenery at Los Gigantes and Masca, and I also like the practical value: drinks plus a warm lunch are built in. One possible drawback: on a larger catamaran, sightings and onboard commentary can feel a bit hit-or-miss when the boat is busy.

You sail out of Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje on a half-day loop, then spend time cruising in search of whales and dolphins while your guide shares info about what you are likely to spot and how these animals live. Late in the outing, the focus shifts to relaxing on deck and taking in the coast near Barranco de Masca as you head back toward Puerto Colón.

This is a good “first Tenerife boat day” if you want a relaxing outing with minimal planning, but you’ll want to manage your expectations: you are booking a wildlife hunt, not a guaranteed animal encounter, especially when weather and sea conditions change.

Quick hit key points

• Included alcoholic drinks: plan on a simple open-bar style setup with beer and soft drinks as part of the ticket.
• Warm onboard lunch: chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and banana, so you avoid the snack-only trap.
• Los Gigantes + Masca coast time: you’re not just out at sea; you get cliff scenery and coast views too.
• Deck time matters: there are areas to relax and sunbathe, but front sunbeds cost extra and are first come.
• Big-boat reality: group size can be up to 160 travelers, so you may not get every detail at the same level as a smaller cruise.
• Go with sea-sense: if you get seasick easily, plan for it. A few passengers do.

Puerto Colón to Los Gigantes and Masca: the 4.5-hour rhythm

This half-day tour runs about 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) and departs daily at 13:15. It is offered 364 days per year with January 1 closed, which is handy if you’re visiting outside the usual slow-season gaps.

The route is basically a loop: start from the port area in Puerto Colón, Costa Adeje, head out searching for whales and dolphins, then shift to viewing the Los Gigantes cliffs and the coast around Barranco de Masca as you sail back. You get enough time outdoors to actually enjoy the trip instead of constantly being on the move.

The vibe is “see wildlife, then enjoy the coast.” Even when sightings are limited, the views of the cliff line are often the reason people say they would do it again.

Price and value: drinks plus a warm lunch on a whale-watching cruise

At $72.08 per person, this is priced for a realistic Tenerife day-trip: a catamaran ride, wildlife searching time, and food and drinks included. The key value play is that you are not stuck doing “pay-as-you-go” for basic needs.

Your lunch is included and comes as: chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and banana. You also get bottled water plus soda/pop, and alcoholic beverages are part of the package.

Here is the honest part: a few people found the included drinks and food more basic than they hoped for. Most of the positives still point to the same core idea: you come aboard for a whale-and-dolphin outing, and you’re not spending extra just to stay comfortable and fed.

If you want a trip where you can keep costs steady and not worry about buying lunch or drinks, this ticket structure makes sense.

Getting on board: meeting point, gates, and pickup rules in the south

The tour meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you do not have to solve the “how do I get home after” puzzle.

You’ll receive mobile ticket details, and your gate number is confirmed with your booking confirmation. The operator also asks you to leave your mobile number (with country code) and email so they can send meeting instructions.

Pickup is offered, but only with limits you should check before you assume it will be easy. They provide pickup from set hotels, and they specify that hotels close to the port may need to go direct to the port. They also state they do not offer pickup outside the south of Tenerife.

One more operational note that matters for expectations: there are 3 large catamarans running this excursion, so you cannot choose which one you’ll be on. That can affect how crowded it feels, where you can sit, and how fast things move onboard.

Whale and dolphin spotting on the catamaran: what affects sightings

This is a wildlife-search experience. The catamaran sails in search of whales and dolphins, and the guide provides commentary in English and Spanish about where these animals are found, what they eat, and how they migrate.

In the best-case scenario, you get multiple sightings across the trip. Several experiences included sightings of pilot whales and dolphins, which is exactly what you’d hope for when you book this route. The guide’s knowledge is a strong point when you want context, not just “look there.”

In the real world, sightings can vary. With a larger boat and changing sea conditions, the cruise can sometimes feel like it finds a small group of animals and then moves on. Also, if the day is rough, the hunt may shift, or you may spend more time settling into the trip and less time searching.

If your priority is maximum animal time and maximum chances, pick this tour for the combination of scenery + time at sea, not for a promised count of whales.

Los Gigantes cliffs and the Masca coast: the scenery you should plan around

Even if wildlife is quiet, the coastline portion is a big part of why this works as a half-day tour. You sail toward the area of Los Gigantes and you end up with time to admire the coast near Barranco de Masca.

The tour description emphasizes that you can relax on board and sunbathe while admiring the coast before returning. That matters because a lot of Tenerife boat days are either all hunting or all sightseeing; here, you get both.

For many people, this is where the trip becomes memorable: the cliff line at Los Gigantes is dramatic from the water, and Masca’s coastline adds texture and depth to the views. Think of this part as your backup plan. You are never entirely banking on whales.

Food and bar setup: what’s included, what might feel basic, and how to handle it

Lunch is included and served onboard: chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and banana. You also get soda/pop, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages included in the ticket price.

Some people say the food is decent for a moving half-day trip, while others wanted something fresher or more varied. The practical way to handle this: treat the lunch as a simple warm meal that keeps you from getting hungry and stop thinking of it as a full restaurant-style lunch.

On the drink side, the biggest theme is that alcohol is included, but the style of service can be basic. A few reviews mention beer and soft drinks and note limited options and small cup sizes. So, go in expecting a functional included bar, not a premium cocktail menu.

Also plan your timing: if you want to eat and still get deck time, eat when it is offered and then get back to the outside seating for the best views. This tour is short enough that you do not want to lose the scenic portion to lunch logistics.

Finally, there is a note about sun beds: sun beds at the front of the boat are an extra charge and are first come, first served. If you care about a prime viewing spot, arrive ready to claim your area early.

Comfort, sun, and seasickness: your practical checklist for this catamaran

This catamaran experience is fun, but the ocean has its own agenda. One thing I take seriously from the feedback is seasickness risk. Some passengers reported feeling sick, and staff guidance included directing affected passengers to a calmer part of the boat.

If you are even mildly prone to motion sickness, I’d bring your own solution. Motion sickness bands, ginger, or medication can make the difference between a great trip and a miserable one.

The good news is that the boat has areas to relax and sunbathe on the decks. That means you can shift your position for comfort and keep the trip enjoyable, even when you are not fully feeling 100%.

For sun comfort, remember the trade-off: you’ll want deck time for views, but you also need a plan for wind and sun. Bring a light layer even if it is warm on land, and pack sunglasses and sunscreen.

If you want maximum comfort, prioritize access to shade or front seating. And again, front sun beds cost extra, so decide whether you want to pay for them or just stake out a good spot on the open deck.

Who should book this whale-watching catamaran (and who should skip)

This tour fits best if you want a half-day experience that balances three goals:

• you get time to search for whales and dolphins
• you also get Los Gigantes and Masca coast views
• you stay comfortable with lunch and drinks included

It is especially appealing for first-time visitors to Tenerife who want one solid “do it now” experience without organizing multiple parts of the day. It also makes sense if you like guided wildlife commentary and want someone explaining what you’re seeing.

Choose carefully if:

• you are very sensitive to boat motion
• you have high expectations for gourmet food or premium drink choices
• you want a small-group feel (this tour can run with up to 160 travelers)

The afternoon departure at 13:15 can be a good fit for people who do not want an early start. But if seas are rough that day, no departure time can fully change the ocean.

If you want a more intimate cruise, you may prefer a smaller boat option elsewhere. But if your priority is the full package with minimal extra spending onboard, this one has a strong case.

Book it or skip it: my straight advice for most travelers

I’d book this tour if you want good value and a smooth day flow: sail out from Puerto Colón, hunt for wildlife, eat a warm lunch, then enjoy the cliff-and-coast scenery on the way back. The inclusion of alcoholic beverages and a sit-down-style warm lunch makes the ticket feel more complete than many “just boat + bring your own food” options.

I’d also book it if you enjoy guided explanation. The tour’s whale and dolphin talk is a core part of the experience, not just a throwaway script.

Skip or choose a different type of cruise if you need certainty of animal sightings, or if you know you get sick easily on open water. Here, your best insurance is planning for seasickness and enjoying the cliff scenery as the equal half of the day.

One last practical note: this experience depends on good weather. If the sea conditions are not right, you may be offered a different date or a refund. If you’re flexible, take that as a sign the operator is trying to keep the experience workable.

If you can only do one “boat day,” this is a solid choice. If you want maximum animals or maximum comfort, consider a smaller vessel option.

FAQ

Where does the tour start from?

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

What time does the catamaran depart?

The tour departs daily at 13:15 (1:15 pm).

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.

Is pickup from hotels included?

Pickup is offered from set hotels, but some hotels close to the port may require you to go directly to the port. Pickup is not offered outside the south of Tenerife.

What languages do the guides speak?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

What’s included in the ticket?

Included: alcoholic beverages, bottled water, lunch (chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread and banana), and soda/pop.

Are sun beds included?

Sun beds at the front of the boat are an extra charge and are first come first served.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 160 travelers.

Is the tour operating every day?

It runs daily, with the note that it is closed on January 1.

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