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

A Tenerife catamaran trip like Royal Delfin is interesting because you are chasing whales and dolphins in their real habitat, then swapping boat seats for a sea swim at Masca Bay. It feels like you are doing two great things in one go, without turning it into a full day.

I love the purpose-built boat. The underwater viewing windows (glass-bottom style) give you a different angle on marine life, so you are not stuck only watching from the rail. I also like that lunch and drinks are served on board, including beer and sangria.

One possible drawback to keep in mind: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Some days you get repeated dolphin moments, other days you might see fewer animals or see them farther from the windows. Also, the ride can feel crowded, so pick your comfort spot early.

Royal Delfin Catamaran at a Glance

• Underwater glass viewing windows help you spot cetaceans from below, not just from the top deck
• Masca Bay swim stop gives you warm-water break time off Los Gigantes
• Lunch plus drinks included (beer and sangria, plus soft drinks and water) makes value easier to judge
• Large boat, up to 200 travelers means it can feel busy, especially at peak times
• Crew-friendly vibe is a common theme, with music and a relaxed pace on board

What You Are Really Buying on Royal Delfin

You’re paying for a half-day sea outing that mixes three things: wildlife watching, a scenic coastal cruise, and an included swim plus food. For $72.29, the main value is that lunch and drinks are not an add-on. That matters in Tenerife, because once you start buying boat snacks and bar stops, the price climbs fast.

The trade-off is the usual one for animal encounters. Even with a fast, well-run catamaran, whales and dolphins decide where they want to be. Your best move is to think of this as a high-likelihood wildlife outing, not a guaranteed show.

Also, this is a 4.5 hour experience with a single afternoon departure at 2:00 pm. That timing works well if you want to keep your mornings flexible, or if you’re already sightseeing in Playa de la Américas and want an easy “go do one big thing” plan.

The Catamaran Ride and the Underwater Glass Windows

Royal Delfin runs on a purpose-built catamaran with underwater glass viewing windows. In plain terms, it’s designed for marine spotting. If you’ve only ever watched from the sides of a boat, this changes the whole rhythm. You can move your attention from horizon scanning to watching what swims underneath.

From the reviews style of experience, people love the glass-view moments because they feel close, even when the animals are not swimming right under your exact window. You should still set expectations realistically. Dolphins and whales shift up and down, and you can’t control where they come by.

Another practical detail: the boat has restrooms on board, which sounds minor until you’re out for hours. It helps you settle in, eat lunch, and spend time focused on spotting rather than thinking about logistics every 30 minutes.

The Southwest Coast Cruise Toward Los Gigantes

The cruise follows the southwest coast, starting in the area of Costa Adeje and moving toward Los Gigantes Cliffs. The cliffs here are the kind you can’t fake with photos. Even when you’re not watching wildlife, the coastline view gives you something to do.

You’ll likely spend a good chunk of time cruising along the shore, not wandering far out into open water. That matters because some people expect maximum time on the open ocean. If you want the feeling of being far from land, you may find the experience more coastal than you imagined.

The good news is that coastal routes often mean clearer sight lines and quick repositioning if cetaceans show up. And if you do get lucky, it’s not just one sighting. On multiple visits, people report repeated dolphin encounters, plus occasional larger marine life sightings.

Masca Bay Swim Stop, Sea Time, and Why It Feels Like a Bonus

The highlight for many people beyond whales and dolphins is the swim stop at Masca Bay. This is where the trip stops being purely about watching and becomes hands-on: you’re in the water off the back of the boat.

Masca Bay is also a visual payoff. You get to see Los Gigantes from sea level, then go from boat to water in minutes. For me, that’s the big “value lever” on this tour. Even if the wildlife is modest that day, you still get a proper swim plus the clifftop views.

One more practical note: you are on a boat for 4.5 hours, and the sea can get bumpy. You might feel more motion during the choppier parts of the cruise. If you’re sensitive to motion sickness, consider taking your usual preventative, and pick a spot where you feel the least rocking.

Lunch on Board: Included, Timed Well, and What to Expect

Lunch is part of the ticket, and it’s served while you’re still out at sea. Many people appreciate that it comes early enough to get it done before the spotting really ramps up. The timing helps you avoid the classic boat-tour problem of eating when you’re already exhausted or seasick.

What’s included:

• Courtesy lunch
• Small snacks (often described as sandwiches)
• Soda or pop soft drinks, juice, and water
• Alcoholic beverages including beer and sangria

A balanced truth: food reviews are mixed. Some descriptions are positive, including that it’s tasty and served within the first hour. Other descriptions call it more basic, like rice with meatballs and salad, or canned-style meal portions. So treat lunch as a solid included bonus, not a gourmet Tenerife meal.

If you care about dietary preferences, pay attention to snack details. One comment notes sandwich snacks were salami-based and suggests a vegetarian option would be better. If you avoid meat, I’d plan to bring a backup snack just in case, and ask on board about what’s in the snack items.

Also, coffee and tea are not included. If you like a post-lunch hot drink, you’ll want to handle it before or after the tour.

Drinks, Music, and the Onboard Vibe

Drinks are one of the easiest parts of this tour to judge because you don’t have to guess. Beer and sangria are included, alongside soft drinks, juice, and water. Reviews also mention that drinks are available from early on through the trip.

If you love a fun atmosphere, the music playlist seems to land well for many people. It’s not just background noise, it becomes part of the mood during the cruise.

That said, volume and crowding are two things to keep in mind. Some people mention the boat can feel full and that the music can be loud enough to overwhelm. If you are sensitive to noise, plan to spend time both upstairs and in quieter areas when you can.

Whale and Dolphin Spotting: How to Get the Most From It

Let’s be honest: whale and dolphin spotting is the reason you book, and it’s also the part you cannot fully control. On the best days, people report dolphins repeatedly, plus occasional larger whales. One review specifically calls out pilot whales, a turtle, and flying fish.

On days when sightings are fewer, what changes is usually the number of passes or how close animals come. You might also notice where they appear relative to the underwater windows. If dolphins are higher in the water column, you will still have action, but the underwater view might not deliver the same “wow” moment.

Here’s how you improve your odds without pretending you can control wildlife:

• Spend time near the glass windows, but also watch the sides for surface activity
• If one area feels slow, don’t panic, the boat may move as wildlife appears
• Expect that conditions and animal behavior decide what you see that day

One more reality check: some people felt the boat was very busy, and that can limit how much “ocean time” you feel you’re getting. That’s not a deal-breaker for everyone, but it is worth factoring in if you hate crowds.

Who This Tour Suits Best in Tenerife

This tour is a great fit if you want a one-shot adventure that combines marine wildlife, scenic cliffs, a swim, and included food and drinks.

It also suits:

• Couples and friends who want a social afternoon
• Families who want a structured activity with restrooms on board
• Travelers who like a relaxed pace, with crew attention and an onboard vibe

It may be less ideal if:

• You are traveling for the sole goal of guaranteed dolphin sightings
• You’re very sensitive to motion and want the calmest possible ride
• You strongly prefer open-ocean cruising over a coastal route

If you’re the type who gets disappointed when the wildlife isn’t constant, mentally budget for the possibility of only a couple of dolphin moments.

Price and Value: Is $72.29 Fair for What You Get?

At $72.29 for about 4.5 hours, you’re not just buying a boat ride. You’re buying access to:

• Whale and dolphin watching with underwater viewing windows
• A swim stop in Masca Bay
• Lunch plus soft drinks and water
• Beer and sangria

That package can be good value if you would otherwise spend similar money on food and drinks during a boat day. Where the value becomes questionable is if your main expectation is nonstop cetacean action and you only get a couple sightings.

The safest way to think about this price is: it’s built for people who want variety. If you get the dolphins, you feel like you won. If you get fewer dolphins, you still have the cliffs and swim, plus included lunch and drinks.

Should You Book Royal Delfin for Your Afternoon?

Book it if you want a half-day Tenerife outing that mixes wildlife watching, a real Masca Bay swim, and included onboard comforts like lunch, drinks, and restrooms. The underwater viewing setup is a genuine plus, and it’s the kind of detail you’ll remember even if the sea animals are shy that day.

Skip it or choose something else if you are very strict about expectations, meaning you only want long, close dolphin time from the windows. Also, if crowds and loud music bother you, go in knowing the boat can run full and you may want to find quieter spots onboard.

If I were advising a friend, I’d say this: treat Royal Delfin as a fun marine day with a strong chance of sightings, not a guaranteed whale and dolphin performance. Then show up with the right mindset, and you’ll likely enjoy the full package.

FAQ

What time does the Royal Delfin tour start, and how long is it?

The tour starts at 2:00 pm and lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes. It ends back at the meeting point.

Where do I meet for the boat?

You meet at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. It’s also described as near public transportation.

Does the tour include swimming in Masca Bay?

Yes. There is a swimming stop in Masca Bay at Los Gigantes, with time to swim in the warm waters.

What food and drinks are included, and what is not?

Included are lunch, small snacks, soda or pop soft drinks, juice, water, and alcoholic beverages (beer and sangria). Coffee and tea are not included, and liquor items like whiskey, rum, and vodka are not included either.

What language is the experience offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.