Whale Watching Catamaran to Los Gigantes & Masca (Including drinks & warm lunch)

Planning a trip to Tenerife and craving a mix of wildlife, scenic views, and a touch of relaxation? This whale watching catamaran tour offers an engaging half-day adventure perfect for those who love marine life, spectacular coastlines, and a laid-back atmosphere. While it’s priced at around $69.39 per person, the overall value depends on what you’re after—whether that’s spotting dolphins, enjoying a warm meal, or simply soaking up the sun aboard a comfortable boat.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines wildlife spotting with the chance to explore iconic spots like Los Gigantes and Masca. Plus, the onboard included drinks and lunch elevate the experience from a simple boat trip to a more enjoyable and social outing. That said, a potential drawback to keep in mind is that some reviews mention the boat’s comfort level can vary, and the food options aren’t gourmet, but they’re decent enough to keep you energized.

This tour is best suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a relaxed afternoon on the water. If you’re keen to see dolphins and whales, enjoy scenic coastal cliffs, and don’t mind a lively boat with a few built-in amenities, this could very well be a memorable part of your Tenerife holiday.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Increased chances of spotting pilot whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures with guides who know where to look.
• Comfort & Relaxation: Plenty of space to sunbathe and unwind on deck, with optional sun beds for an extra charge.
• Inclusive Refreshments: Open bar with alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and snacks, making it easy to stay refreshed without extra costs.
• Scenic Stops: Visits to the stunning Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca with opportunities for photos and sightseeing.
• Food & Dining: Warm lunch featuring chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and bananas—simple but satisfying.
• Timing & Availability: Daily departures at 13:15, suitable for most travelers, with easy pickup options from designated meeting points.

What to Expect on this Tenerife Whale Watching Tour

Starting Out from Puerto Colon

Your adventure kicks off at the port of Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje, a lively hub filled with restaurants, shops, and easy access to the boat. The tour typically departs around 1:15 pm, and you’ll want to arrive a bit early for check-in. The operator confirms your gate number upon booking, so no stress there.

The Boat & Onboard Atmosphere

The vessel is a spacious catamaran, designed with comfort and sunbathing in mind. Some reviewers mention that while the boat is well-organized, it can get crowded—up to 160 travelers—so if you prefer a quieter experience, arriving early for sunbeds at the front is advisable. Sunbeds are extra and on a first-come, first-served basis, with some finding them a bit pricey at around 25 Euros each.

The decks are equipped with areas to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Many travelers appreciated the friendly crew, who shared knowledge about the marine life and kept the atmosphere lively. One reviewer lauded the crew as “very professional” and “used to it,” making the trip smooth and enjoyable.

Marine Life Spotting

This is the core of the tour. Your guides are experienced in tracking whales and dolphins, leveraging their knowledge of previous sightings to maximize your chances. Passengers have reported seeing bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and pilot whales, with some lucky guests even seeing a pod of dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

One alluded to the experience as “amazing,” with the crew sharing interesting facts about the animals—such as their migration patterns and diets. Another reviewer, who described the trip as “very beautiful,” was fortunate enough to spot dolphins and pilot whales, noting that the crew’s information was “excellent.”

Scenic Stops at Los Gigantes & Masca

Along the route, you’ll visit the jaw-dropping cliffs of Los Gigantes—imposing, towering rock formations that plunge into the sea. This spot is a favorite for photos and a moment to soak in the scale of Tenerife’s coastline.

Later, the boat takes you to the hidden gem of Masca, a picturesque village famed for its rugged beauty. While the main focus isn’t the exploration of Masca itself, passengers often remark on the scenic beauty and the opportunity to admire the coastline from the water.

Lunch & Refreshments

A real highlight is the included warm lunch, which features chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and bananas. Reviews suggest the food is “simple but satisfying,” and a nice touch for a mid-afternoon trip. The onboard open bar offers a selection of soft drinks, soda, and alcohol, including beers served in 200ml plastic cups—some found the drinks a bit small, but the convenience is appreciated.

One guest appreciated the hot meal and said the crew’s service was “surprising,” especially given the modest menu. The drinks bar helps keep the mood cheerful, and with everything included, you won’t have to worry about additional tabs during the trip.

Sunbathing & Relaxation

Post-sightings, many guests enjoy relaxing on deck, soaking up the sun, and admiring the coastline. It’s worth noting that sun beds are paid extras; if you want a prime spot at the front, be prepared to shell out extra. Some reviews mention that the sun beds are not the most comfortable and that they’re priced higher than expected.

End of the Trip & Return

As the boat heads back to Costa Adeje, you can unwind with a drink, enjoy the scenery, and reflect on your wildlife encounters. The trip generally lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity without feeling rushed.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

• “We had an amazing half-day trip. The atmosphere was excellent, and the open bar was a bonus,” said one happy passenger.
• “The boat is big and organized, but the lunch options are limited—mainly tinned meatballs,” pointed out another reviewer who preferred a fresher, more varied menu.
• Several guests mentioned the professional and friendly crew, with one saying, “they know what they’re doing,” which adds confidence to the experience.
• Some travelers expressed disappointment over crowd levels and the price of sunbeds, so if you value quiet and comfort, planning early is wise.
• On the wildlife front, many confirmed sightings of dolphins and whales, with some describing the experience as “beautiful” and “unforgettable.”

Analyzing the Experience’s Value

At just under $70, this tour offers a solid mix of wildlife spotting, scenic beauty, and onboard amenities. The inclusion of drinks and a decent lunch adds to the value, especially considering the cost of similar activities in the area. If spotting marine life and enjoying a relaxed boat ride with good company sounds appealing, this trip delivers.

However, the crowd size and optional sunbeds may impact your comfort, so arriving early or opting for a smaller, more intimate boat might be worth considering if you’re after a quieter experience.

The scenic stops at Los Gigantes and Masca are highlights that give the trip a picturesque edge, perfect for photography and appreciating Tenerife’s dramatic coastline.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for families with children, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy being on the water and are curious about marine life. It’s particularly suited for those who value an affordable price point, included drinks, and a scenic route that combines wildlife with iconic Tenerife sights.

If you’re keen on wildlife sightings, want to relax with a drink in hand, and don’t mind a larger crowd, this tour offers a fun, laid-back day out. However, if you prefer a more exclusive or gourmet experience, you might find this trip a bit basic.

The Sum Up

This whale watching catamaran tour provides a well-rounded experience combining marine life sightings with spectacular coastal views and relaxing amenities. The knowledgeable crew, scenic stops, and inclusive drinks and lunch create a laid-back, enjoyable atmosphere perfect for making the most of a Tenerife afternoon.

While the boat can get crowded, and the food is straightforward, the chance to see dolphins and pilot whales in their natural habitat makes it worthwhile. The tour’s value is especially strong for travelers seeking an active yet comfortable way to explore Tenerife’s marine environment without breaking the bank.

In essence, if you’re after an affordable, fun-filled day with wildlife, scenic vistas, and friendly service, this trip hits the mark. It’s best suited for those who don’t mind a lively environment and are happy to go with the flow—perfect for creating memorable stories and photos.

FAQ

What time does the tour depart?
The tour departs daily at 1:15 pm, so plan to arrive a little earlier for check-in and gate confirmation.

Is pickup included?
Pickup is offered from certain hotels, but not all locations are covered. The meeting point is at Av. de Colón, 11, Playa de la Américas.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including wildlife spotting, sightseeing, and onboard meals.

Are drinks and food included?
Yes, the tour features an open bar with alcoholic drinks, sodas, and snacks, along with a warm lunch of chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and bananas.

Can I sunbathe on the boat?
Absolutely. There are deck areas to relax and sunbathe, but sun beds at the front are extra and first come, first served.

What wildlife might I see?
Guests commonly see dolphins (bottlenose and spotted) and pilot whales, with some sightings of other marine creatures.

Is the boat crowded?
It can accommodate up to 160 travelers, so expect some crowding, especially on popular days. Arriving early for a sunbed can improve comfort.

What’s the food like?
The lunch is straightforward—chicken meatballs and vegetable rice—adequate for a few hours on the water but not gourmet.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and possibly a light jacket for cooler moments. If you want a prime sunbathing spot, arrive early.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, most reviews mention children enjoying the trip, but keep in mind the boat’s size and the sea conditions, which have been described as “moderately choppy” at times.

This detailed review arms you with all the practical insights you need to decide if this whale watching adventure is right for your Tenerife trip. Happy sailing!