Adeje: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise with Lunch and Swim

Pilot whales and dolphins share these waters with Tenerife’s dramatic west coast, so this cruise offers two shows at once: wildlife at sea level and cliffs from the deck. You can also peer below the waterline through 16 panoramic windows, a useful extra when animals pass near the boat.

I like the choice between a shorter trip to Diego Hernandez Bay and a longer cruise toward Los Gigantes, and I like that lunch and a selection of drinks are included. One thing to weigh: the sea can be choppy, and a full boat may feel busy when whales appear or everyone heads for the swim stop.

The essential points before you book

• Two routes, two different outings: The 3-hour cruise visits Diego Hernandez Bay; the 4.5-hour option heads toward Masca and Los Gigantes.
• Wildlife is the main event: The southwest coast sits in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, where pilot whales and dolphins live in their natural habitat.
• The windows add another angle: You can watch the water below the boat through 16 panoramic underwater windows.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available if requested.
• Pack for sun and a swim: Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket for a breezy morning departure.
• Plan for a moving boat: If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual precautions before setting off.

Choose the coast you want to see

Both cruises set out from the Adeje area and combine wildlife watching with a stop to swim and eat. The main difference is how much time you spend at sea and which stretch of coast you visit.

The 3-hour Diego Hernandez Bay cruise is the shorter choice. It gives you time to search for cetaceans, pause in the bay for a swim and lunch, then return. Pick it if you want a half-day on the water without giving up most of your day.

The 4.5-hour Masca and Los Gigantes cruise carries you farther along Tenerife’s southwest coast, toward the immense cliffs of Los Gigantes. It is the better fit if the coastline itself is a big reason you are booking. You get more time at sea, a bay stop, and a longer outing, but that extra time can feel long if you tire easily on a boat.

Both options include a guide, lunch, and a selection of drinks. The route and meeting point may depend on the option you book, so check your confirmation rather than assuming every departure uses the same pier or itinerary.

From Puerto Colón into the whale sanctuary

The cruise begins with a safety briefing and a coastal run from the Puerto Colón area. That first stretch helps you settle in and get a feel for the boat. Take a moment to look back toward shore, too: the coast is part of the outing, not just the route to the wildlife.

The vessel has multiple decks and plenty of places to view the water, though busy moments can draw people to the same side. When a whale or dolphin appears, move carefully and give others room. The boat may carry a large group, and the swim stop can also bring a crowd together.

This part of Tenerife lies within the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, a protected marine area known for whale watching. Pilot whales and dolphins are the main animals to look for. The crew helps spot and identify marine life, while the multilingual guide shares information and safety instructions in Spanish, Dutch, English, German, Italian, or French.

Wild animals do not keep a schedule, so sightings can never be promised. The appeal is seeing them in open water rather than in a show setting. The best approach is to watch patiently, keep your camera ready, and enjoy the coastline even if the animals are not immediately nearby.

A view below the waterline

The boat’s 16 panoramic submarine windows let you look below the surface from inside the vessel. This is a distinctive feature, especially if you have children or want a break from standing on deck. It offers a different perspective on the water and may let you spot movement beneath the boat.

Treat the windows as an added viewing option, not a substitute for seeing animals from the open deck. Visibility underwater can vary, and you may find the best views change with the light and sea conditions. If you feel queasy, staying outside in fresh air may be more comfortable than spending time below deck.

The swim and lunch stop

Both routes include an anchoring stop in a bay for a swim and a meal. On the shorter trip, the stop is at Diego Hernandez Bay; the longer cruise reaches a bay near Masca and Los Gigantes. The longer route is especially appealing if you want a swim framed by the cliffs and open Atlantic.

Expect roughly 40 minutes at the stop, though the exact time can vary. You can swim in the clear water or stay aboard and take in the view. Bring your own swimwear and towel if you plan to get in. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so pack your own if you want it.

Lunch is served onboard, and drinks are included throughout the trip. The food is a practical meal rather than a restaurant lunch: you can expect a filling serving, with options for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets if you request them. The meal has been described as tasty and plentiful, though it may not suit you if you are hoping for a wide menu or elaborate local cooking.

The drinks are a real plus on a sunny outing. The selection has included water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria, with self-service available on some departures. The exact range may vary, so think of the inclusion as a handy way to stay refreshed, not as a promise of a particular drink.

Wildlife watching without turning it into a chase

The crew’s approach matters. On some departures, the boat has kept a respectful distance and allowed animals to approach, rather than pursuing them. That makes for a more considerate encounter and a calmer one for you: you can watch the animals’ behavior without the boat crowding them.

Pilot whales are a regular focus on this stretch of coast, and dolphins may appear alongside them. Other sightings can happen, but they are not guaranteed. Keep your eyes on the water and listen for the guide’s directions. When the boat slows near wildlife, the action can happen on either side, so a little patience and room to move help.

Bring a phone or camera if you want your own photos. Photos and videos taken by the onboard photographer are not included, and you can choose whether to buy them. Do not feed or touch marine life. Drones are also prohibited.

Is $59 good value?

At the stated price of $59 per person, this is a strong value if you want more than a short wildlife-spotting run. The price includes the cruise, a guide, lunch, drinks, the swim stop, and access to the underwater viewing windows. Those extras add up, especially if you are traveling as a family.

The shorter route is the better-value choice if you mainly want to see whales and dolphins, swim, and be back after three hours. The longer trip costs you more time rather than adding a separate paid activity, and it earns its place if the Los Gigantes cliffs and a more extended coastal cruise matter to you.

The value is less clear if you dislike group outings, need a quiet boat, or expect an elaborate meal. The vessel can feel crowded at popular moments, and the food is simple. Still, you are paying for time on the water, wildlife viewing, and a coastal route, not just lunch.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and clothing suited to the weather. For a morning departure, pack a light jacket; the breeze can feel cool before the sun warms things up. Sea conditions can be choppy, particularly as the boat leaves port, so take seasickness medication before departure if you need it and bring your own supply.

The cruise is listed as wheelchair accessible, but access has limits. Wheelchair users are restricted to the main deck, the bathrooms are not wheelchair-adapted, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Contact the supplier in advance so the crew can check that there is enough room for your needs.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point may change with the booked option, so verify it before you travel to the port. The Royal Delfín Catamarán name is associated with the meeting location, but check your specific departure details for the exact place.

Who should book this cruise?

I would put this high on the list for families, couples, and anyone who wants a straightforward way to see Tenerife from the sea. The combination of wildlife, a swim, lunch, drinks, and underwater windows makes the outing feel complete, while the two route lengths let you choose how much time you want to spend aboard.

Choose the 3-hour trip if your priority is a compact outing with a swim and a chance to spot whales and dolphins. Choose the 4.5-hour trip if you want to reach the Los Gigantes area and are happy to spend longer at sea. If you are sensitive to motion, dislike crowds, or want a guaranteed wildlife encounter, think carefully before booking. If you are comfortable with a group boat trip and flexible about what nature brings, the included extras make this a sensible use of a Tenerife morning or afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

You can choose a 3-hour cruise to Diego Hernandez Bay or a 4.5-hour cruise toward Masca and Los Gigantes.

Where does the cruise depart?

The departure is from the Adeje area, with Puerto Colón included in the route details. The precise meeting point may vary by option, so check your booking information.

Which whales and dolphins might I see?

Pilot whales and dolphins are the main wildlife mentioned for this cruise. Sightings of wild animals cannot be guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available upon request.

Are drinks included?

Yes. A selection of drinks is included during the excursion. The available selection can vary.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. Both cruise options include a stop in a bay for swimming and lunch. The stop is described as roughly 40 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to use it.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. A light jacket is useful on a morning trip.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The boat is accessible, but wheelchair users are limited to the main deck and the bathrooms are not wheelchair-adapted. Electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Contact the supplier in advance to discuss space and access.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photos and videos are available to purchase separately, and you can also bring your own camera.