Royal Delfin – 2Hour Sustainable Dolphin & Whale Watching Mini Cruise

Taking a boat tour to spot dolphins and whales sounds like a classic Tenerife experience, and the Royal Delfin’s 2-hour cruise definitely promises a front-row seat to these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. With a sleek catamaran featuring underwater viewing windows and a reputation for friendly guides and good value, it’s a popular choice for wildlife lovers visiting the island. From the deck, you’ll enjoy sweeping coastal views, and from the submerged submarine windows, you can marvel at marine life in a way that’s both thrilling and educational.

What we appreciate most about this trip is how accessible and family-friendly it seems. Plus, the boat’s design, especially the underwater “Submarine Vision,” offers a unique perspective that’s perfect for those who might not want a full-day excursion but still crave an immersive encounter. However, it’s worth noting that the chance of a perfect wildlife sighting isn’t guaranteed — the ocean’s creatures are unpredictable, after all. This cruise suits those seeking a laid-back, authentic experience of Tenerife’s marine life, especially if you’re eager to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat without the fuss of a longer tour.

Key Points

Authentic marine wildlife viewing in Tenerife’s natural environment
Unique underwater windows offer a rare glimpse beneath the sea surface
Good value for money at around $35, with friendly, knowledgeable guides
Family-friendly with accessible amenities including restrooms and service animals
Variable wildlife sightings—not guaranteed but plenty of chances to see dolphins and pilot whales
Highly rated for the quality of views and overall experience

A Deep Dive into the Royal Delfin Experience

Setting Sail from Playa de la Américas

The tour departs conveniently from Playa de la Américas, a lively hub packed with restaurants, shops, and public transport options. The meeting point at Av. de Colón, 11, makes it easy to find, especially since most travelers report it’s near public transit. Starting at 10:30 am, the timing is perfect for catching the best light and hopefully some early marine activity.

Once onboard, the atmosphere is relaxed, with plenty of room on the deck to settle in and enjoy the ocean breeze. The boat itself is a spacious catamaran, designed to maximize comfort and viewing opportunities. It’s the only vessel in Tenerife equipped with Submarine Vision, offering a distinct advantage in marine observation, particularly for those who prefer to see beneath the waves without diving.

The Voyage: Coastal Views and Marine Encounters

As the boat heads along Tenerife’s coast, you’ll be treated to sweeping views that include the island’s rugged cliffs and lush landscapes. It’s a scenic backdrop that adds to the thrill of the trip, even before spotting any wildlife. One reviewer mentioned how the views back to the mountains are “very nice,” making this cruise visually satisfying from start to finish.

The real highlight, however, is the chance to spot dolphins and whales roaming freely. The tour is designed to be as naturalistic as possible, so the animals aren’t fed or baited — they’re simply doing what they do in their habitat. Several guests noted seeing pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, with some even pointing out the presence of migrating humpbacks depending on the season.

Underwater Viewing Windows: Seeing Marine Life Up Close

One of the biggest draws is the 16 panoramic underwater windows built into the boat. These allow you to observe marine activity from below without getting wet, which many reviewers find both fascinating and convenient. Nina_A shared how “the submarine was cool,” emphasizing how this feature elevates the experience beyond a typical whale-watching cruise.

Reviewers like Lisa_B appreciated the close-up views of dolphins. She mentioned, “we got what we paid for — saw 2 different types of dolphin,” and highlighted how the underwater perspective enhances the overall experience. This feature is especially valuable if you’re traveling with kids or aren’t comfortable with snorkeling or diving but still want a glimpse beneath the ocean’s surface.

Wildlife Sightings: What to Expect

While wildlife sightings depend on the season and luck, many guests report successful encounters. According to reviews, pilot whales are a common sight, often seen for long stretches, which guests find particularly exciting. Sophie_P pointed out how well they could see the whales, praising the multilingual guides for their expertise.

Some travelers, however, expressed disappointment when animals weren’t as close or numerous as expected. Mahesh_T mentioned that he saw “a few pilot whales,” but “no dolphins at all,” emphasizing that marine life can be unpredictable. Still, even with limited sightings, most reviewers agree that the journey itself offers stunning scenery and a feeling of being immersed in nature.

Guides and Service: Knowledgeable and Friendly

The crew’s professionalism is a common theme in reviews. Many praise the guides for their friendly demeanor and multilingual abilities, with Sophie_P noting how “the guide could speak so many languages, which was impressive.” Nina_A also commented on the fantastic service and the crew’s respect for marine animals.

Guests also appreciated the helpfulness of staff when it came to accessibility. Colin_L praised how the staff assisted with wheelchair access and ensured everyone could get the best views possible. This level of attentiveness enhances the experience, especially for travelers with mobility concerns.

Additional Comforts and Extras

While the tour price doesn’t include snacks or drinks, many guests found the onboard options affordable and quality. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase, and reviewers like Lisa_B appreciated that they weren’t overpriced, a common gripe on similar tours.

Restrooms onboard are accessible, and service animals are allowed, making this trip suitable for visitors with disabilities or service needs. The boat’s size, catering to up to 200 travelers, offers a lively but manageable atmosphere—busy enough to feel vibrant but not overcrowded.

Duration, Cost, and Overall Value

Priced at roughly $35.55 per person, this cruise offers excellent value. Compared to longer tours, it strikes a good balance between time and the chance to see marine life. Several reviews, including Nina_A’s, highlight that they felt they got their money’s worth, seeing whales, dolphins, and enjoying fantastic scenery.

The 2-hour duration keeps it manageable for most schedules and attention spans, especially for families or travelers with limited time. Guests frequently mention the good organization and prompt departure times, making the experience smooth from start to finish.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and those simply wanting a relaxing, scenic outing on the water. If you’re looking for a short but memorable encounter with Tenerife’s marine animals, this tour fits the bill. It’s also well-suited for travelers who appreciate interactive features like underwater viewing windows and want a friendly, knowledgeable crew to enhance the experience.

However, if your main goal is a guarantee of dolphin or whale sightings, keep in mind that nature doesn’t always cooperate — sightings depend on the season, weather, and luck. The tour’s focus on sustainable, respectful wildlife observation makes it a responsible choice for eco-conscious visitors.

The Sum Up

The Royal Delfin’s 2-hour cruise offers a compelling balance of value, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters. With a modern catamaran featuring underwater windows, scenic coastal views, and friendly guides, it provides an engaging way to connect with Tenerife’s ocean life without the commitment of a full-day trip. The chance to see dolphins, pilot whales, and even migrating humpbacks in their natural habitat is a highlight, especially when paired with stunning vistas and respectful tour practices.

While wildlife sightings are always unpredictable, the overall experience is enriched by the boat’s design, helpful crew, and the opportunity to observe marine creatures from multiple perspectives. It’s a delightful choice for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a fun, educational adventure that’s more than just a boat ride — it’s a true window into the ocean’s wonders.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The cruise is approximately 2 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the coast, see marine life, and explore the underwater windows without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Av. de Colón, 11 in Playa de la Américas, Tenerife, making it easy to reach via public transportation or local taxis.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers a scenic boat cruise with underwater viewing windows, the use of onboard restrooms, and the guidance of knowledgeable staff.

Are snacks and drinks included?
No, snacks and drinks are not included but are available onboard for an extra charge, and most reviews find them to be reasonably priced.

Is the tour suitable for children and people with mobility issues?
Yes, the boat is family-friendly, and staff assist with accessibility needs, including wheelchair access. Restrooms are available onboard.

What animals might we see?
Guests commonly see pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Sightings of humpbacks are possible depending on the season. The tour emphasizes respectful wildlife observation, so animals are observed in their natural habitat.

What if we don’t see any whales or dolphins?
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but many travelers still enjoy the scenic cruise and underwater views. The experience is valued for the environment and the chance of sightings, but nature is unpredictable.

In the end, the Royal Delfin cruise offers a well-rounded, eco-friendly way to enjoy Tenerife’s marine life. Whether you’re a wildlife buff or just looking for a relaxing boat trip, it’s a smart choice that balances fun, education, and value.