Royal Delfin – 4’5H Dolphin & Whale Watching – Los Gigantes Masca – Lunch & Swim

Whales and dolphins share the southwest coast of Tenerife with a striking stretch of cliffs, and this four-and-a-half-hour catamaran trip puts both the wildlife search and the scenery on the same route. The boat’s underwater viewing windows add another way to look for marine life, though sightings and close encounters can never be promised.

I like two things in particular: the route pairs wildlife watching with time to swim in Masca Bay, and lunch and several drinks are included, so you are not paying just for the boat ride. The catamaran also has restrooms, a useful comfort on a trip that takes most of an afternoon.

The main consideration is the size of the boat: it can carry up to 200 people, and a full departure may feel crowded. Wildlife is unpredictable, too, and the water can be choppy, so this is not the best choice if you need guaranteed sightings or a perfectly smooth ride.

• Watch from deck or below: The catamaran has underwater glass viewing windows, but animals may not pass beneath the boat.
• Follow the coast to Los Gigantes: The route runs from the Costa Adeje area toward the cliffs and Masca Bay.
• Swim in a sheltered bay: The stop at Masca Bay gives you time to get into the sea near Los Gigantes.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect lunch, a small sandwich, soft drinks, juice, water, beer, and sangria.
• Plan for a sizable group: The maximum is 200 people, so space and crowding can vary by departure.

A whale-and-dolphin search with a coastal payoff

Royal Delfin’s flagship trip lasts about four and a half hours and sails from Puerto Colón along Tenerife’s southwest coast. The crew looks for cetaceans in their natural habitat while the boat travels from the Costa Adeje area toward Los Gigantes. You get a wildlife outing and a long coastal view in one trip, rather than a short ride focused only on spotting animals.

The wildlife is the headline, but it is also the least predictable part. Some days bring repeated sightings of dolphins and pilot whales, and other trips may produce fewer animals or sightings at a distance. The boat’s underwater windows are an unusual extra, not a promise that you will see a whale or dolphin beneath the hull.

I like that the route includes more than open-water searching. Los Gigantes’ high cliffs and the stop at Masca Bay give the trip a clear scenic destination, even if the animals keep their distance. Think of this as a combination of wildlife watching, coast viewing, lunch, and a swim, not a guaranteed close-up show.

From Puerto Colón toward Los Gigantes

The stated meeting address is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, and the listed departure time is 2:00 pm. The boat sails from Puerto Colón, following the southwest coast past the Playa de las Américas area toward Los Gigantes. Check the exact meeting details on your booking confirmation so you know where to go before departure.

Once underway, you have several ways to spend the ride. Stay on deck for views and fresh air, or go below to the underwater glass viewing area when you want a different angle. The boat has a restroom, which makes the longer sailing time easier to manage.

The coastal route is part of the appeal, but it may not feel like a long stretch of open sea. The boat generally travels along the shore, and one passenger’s account described much of the trip as close to the coast. That can be a plus if you want to keep the cliffs in view, but less satisfying if you pictured hours far offshore.

Underwater windows, with wildlife on its own schedule

The catamaran is purpose-built with underwater glass viewing windows, giving you the option to look for marine life beneath the surface. It is a distinctive feature, especially for children or anyone who would rather watch from inside for a while. Still, the windows are an added viewpoint, not an aquarium. Wild animals choose where they swim.

Dolphins and pilot whales are among the animals reported on this route. Sightings can include other marine life, too: one trip included a turtle and flying fish. Those encounters are a bonus, not a set itinerary, and the number of animals, their distance from the boat, and how long they remain nearby can change from day to day.

The crew’s job is to find and observe cetaceans in their natural environment, but no operator can control when animals appear or how close they come. If seeing wildlife is your only reason for booking, keep that uncertainty in mind. The cliffs, the swim stop, and the included food still form part of the outing even on a quieter wildlife day.

Los Gigantes cliffs and a swim in Masca Bay

The route continues to Masca Bay near Los Gigantes, where the boat stops for a swim. This is one of the trip’s most appealing contrasts: after watching the coast from the catamaran, you get a chance to enter the water and see the cliffs from the bay. The swimming stop is included in the tour, and the bay’s setting is a major part of its appeal.

You should be comfortable with a boat-based swim stop to get the most from this portion. The supplied details do not specify how long the stop lasts, so do not plan around a precise swim duration. One practical point is that the boat trip itself can be choppy at times, even when the bay stop is a highlight.

If you are choosing between a shorter wildlife trip and this longer sailing, consider how much you value the swim and the coastal scenery. This trip gives those parts time alongside the search for animals. If you mainly want to look for dolphins and whales, a shorter option may suit you just as well.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks aboard

Lunch is included, along with a small sandwich, soft drinks, juice, water, beer, and sangria. The food described on board includes rice, meatballs, and salad, while the sandwich is served as a snack. That makes the fare practical and filling for an afternoon at sea, though it is not a meal to book for culinary discovery.

Food quality is a matter of taste, and accounts range from tasty and satisfying to disappointing. The most accurate expectation is a simple included lunch, not a restaurant meal. If you have dietary needs, the details provided do not confirm special menus or vegetarian alternatives, so ask the operator before booking rather than assuming a suitable option will be available.

Coffee and tea are not included, and neither are spirits such as whiskey, rum, or vodka. Several people found drinks readily available throughout the trip, but the formal inclusions name specific drinks rather than promising unlimited service. If you want coffee or a different alcoholic drink, it is not part of the listed package.

A lively boat, and the trade-off in space

The catamaran can take up to 200 people. That maximum matters: a busy departure can feel crowded, with less room to find a quiet spot or watch from your preferred part of the boat. Some people enjoy the sociable atmosphere and strike up conversations; others may find the full boat and music too much.

The crew is frequently described as friendly and attentive, and the trip is generally presented as organized. A camera operator may film during the outing, with footage available to purchase afterward. That is an optional extra, not part of the stated ticket inclusions.

Music is part of the onboard atmosphere, but the volume may not suit everyone. If you prefer a quiet nature trip, be prepared for a more social boat setting. The overall rating is 3.8 from 192 ratings, which fits a tour with strong scenery and service for many people, but also uneven wildlife, food, and crowding experiences.

Is $72.29 good value?

At $72.29 per person, this is a half-day outing with several things bundled together: whale and dolphin watching, the underwater viewing area, a swim stop, lunch, snacks, and a selection of drinks. The value depends on whether you want that full package. If you will use the swim stop and enjoy several hours at sea, the price covers more than a basic wildlife cruise.

The package is less compelling if you are focused only on sightings. Wildlife may be distant or scarce, and the underwater windows do not guarantee a close view. You are also paying for the longer coastal route and onboard food and drinks, so compare the experience as a whole rather than judging it only by how many animals appear.

This trip suits couples, families, and groups who want a relaxed afternoon with varied activities. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The maximum group size and the possibility of choppy water are worth weighing if you prefer a small, quiet boat or are sensitive to rough seas.

Practical details before you book

The trip lasts approximately four hours and thirty minutes, starts at 2:00 pm, and returns to the meeting point. The meeting address is in Playa de las Américas, while the sailing departure is described as Puerto Colón. Confirm the exact boarding point in your booking information, especially if you are making your own way there.

Confirmation is normally received when you book. If you book within 12 hours of departure, confirmation may arrive later, subject to availability. The activity requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers cause cancellation, you will be offered another date or a 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. Parking fees are not included, so account for that separately if you plan to drive.

Should you book the Royal Delfin?

Book this trip if you want a substantial afternoon on the water, with the chance to see dolphins and pilot whales, a view of Los Gigantes, a swim in Masca Bay, and food and drinks included. The underwater windows and friendly onboard service add interest, while the bay stop gives the outing a second focus beyond wildlife.

Skip it if your priority is a small-group cruise, a quiet boat, guaranteed close sightings, or a standout meal. For most people, the fairest way to judge the $72.29 fare is as a bundled coastal day out, not a wildlife guarantee. If you are happy with that balance, it offers a lot to do in four and a half hours.

FAQ

How long is the Royal Delfin trip?

The trip lasts approximately four hours and thirty minutes.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 2:00 pm.

Where does the boat leave from?

The sailing is described as departing from Puerto Colón. The meeting address provided is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

What animals might I see?

The trip searches for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Sightings vary, and the tour cannot guarantee that you will see animals or how close they will come.

Does the boat have underwater viewing windows?

Yes. The purpose-built catamaran has underwater glass viewing windows.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. The boat stops in Masca Bay near Los Gigantes for a swim.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch, a small sandwich, soft drinks, juice, water, beer, and sangria are included. Coffee, tea, and spirits such as whiskey, rum, and vodka are not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 200 travelers.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.