Royal Delfin 3H Dolphin & Whale Watching! Swimming & Lunch!

This tour is interesting because you get two kinds of wildlife viewing in one 3-hour outing, from the deck and from underneath the water. The Royal Delfín catamaran is built for viewing, with 16 panoramic underwater glass windows that make a difference when the sea is clear. I also like the fact that you’re not just watching and waiting, you get lunch and drinks served on board while you’re out on the water.

Here’s the one thing to think about: this is a popular trip with a large capacity (up to 200 travelers), and on busier days the boat can feel crowded. When it gets tight, it can be harder to move where you want, and wildlife sightings can be a fight for space.

Key things to know before you go

• Underwater glass windows (16 panoramic panes) for spotting dolphins and whales below the surface
• Purpose-built catamaran ride along the coast from Playa de Las Américas area toward Diego Hernandez
• Swim stop at Diego Hernandez Bay, including a break for a swim in warm water
• Lunch and drinks included, with beer and sangria plus soft drinks, juice, and water
• Onboard info from the guide, with a focus on interpreting sightings
• Crowd reality check, because space on deck can get busy during prime wildlife moments

Royal Delfín Catamaran: Underwater Windows That Actually Change the Game

If you’ve ever done a whale or dolphin tour where you’re stuck staring at the horizon, this is a smarter setup. The Royal Delfín has underwater viewing, meaning you can look for movement under the surface instead of only scanning from above. On a good day, clear water makes the animals easier to spot, and the windows help you keep your eyes on the action without constantly repositioning.

That also changes the vibe. The trip isn’t just about one big sighting. Even when you’re waiting, you can spend time watching below through the underwater glass and look for signs like quick turns, surface breaks, or fish movement that often comes with marine activity.

Getting on Board: 10:30am Start from Playa de la Américas

The tour starts at 10:30am at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Tenerife. Since it’s a catamaran departure in the morning, you’ll likely feel like you’re getting out before the day gets messy with crowds. The activity runs about 3 hours and ends back at the same meeting point.

One practical plus: you’ll have a mobile ticket, and there’s a restroom on board. For many people, that’s not glamorous, but it matters on a boat trip. It also helps if you’re traveling with kids or you just don’t want to cut your tour short.

Cruising for Whales and Dolphins Along Tenerife’s Coast

Once you depart, the route is built around the coastal stretch between the Playa de Las Américas area and the Diego Hernandez beach area. This matters because it keeps you in the zone where people expect to see marine life rather than just heading out into open water and hoping for the best.

Wildlife viewing can be exciting and unpredictable. Some days are dolphin-heavy, with groups showing up in numbers close enough that you feel like you’re watching real behavior, not a distant silhouette. You can also get different types of sightings depending on conditions, like whales appearing farther out on one trip while dolphins show up more clearly on another. That day-to-day variation is normal in marine wildlife watching, and it’s worth keeping your expectations flexible.

Diego Hernandez Bay Swim Stop: Warm Water, Real Break Time

The highlight break is the swim stop at Diego Hernandez Bay. This is one of those “yes, it’s tour time, but it still feels like a proper beach moment” parts of the day. After time on the boat, being in the water gives you a different perspective and helps break up the pacing.

From what I’ve seen with this kind of setup, the best thing you can do is plan for crowd flow. The rear area of the boat is where people usually cluster during the swim phase, and it can get packed. One review described the swim area becoming tight enough that people ended up sandwiched, with the result that it didn’t feel comfortable for everyone. If you’re bringing kids, it’s smart to be ready for close quarters.

On the bright side, kids aren’t left out of the fun. At least one review mentioned that children are provided life jackets (chalecos) for the swim, which is exactly what you want to hear if you’re traveling with younger kids.

Lunch and Drinks on Board: Simple, Included, and Part of the Value

This is one of the strongest practical reasons the tour feels like good value. Lunch and drinks are included, served during the outing. The drink options listed are beer and sangria, plus soft drinks, juice, and water. That means you’re not spending extra money just to keep everyone happy mid-tour.

Now, the meal itself is where opinions split. Many passengers describe the onboard food as good, with lunch and drinks being a big part of the enjoyment. But another review called the lunch very basic and unimpressive, mentioning items like soggy coleslaw, dry rice, and bread that didn’t feel fresh. When a review like that shows up, it’s a signal to manage your expectations: this is not a gourmet cruise lunch, it’s included food on a short, active excursion.

My advice: if you’re a picky eater or you’re sensitive to texture, eat before you arrive. Then treat the onboard lunch as a nice add-on, not the main event. Also remember that snacks are not included, though snacks are available onboard for an extra charge, so there’s a safety net if lunch isn’t your style.

Underwater Views and the Submarine Vision Concept

The tour includes what it calls Underwater Submarine Vision, paired with the 16 panoramic underwater windows. In plain terms, you’re getting a view of the water column beneath you from multiple angles. That matters because dolphins and whales are not always close to the surface. Being able to spot movement below can turn a “we saw nothing” day into a memorable one, even if sightings are brief.

Some passengers also mentioned a glass-bottom option to go down and see. That fits the overall idea of the boat being designed for marine viewing, not just transportation. If you’re the type who likes photography or close observation, these underwater viewing sections are where you’ll probably spend more time than you planned.

Crowd Levels, Deck Space, and How to Get the Best Views

Here’s the tension point for this particular tour: it’s a large-capacity boat, and sightings create instant crowds. One review described the boat as over full, with congestion making it hard to access upstairs areas, and people struggling to get near the best viewing spots when wildlife appeared. During the swim phase, that same review described people being forced into a small area near the rear.

That doesn’t mean the tour is bad. It means you should adjust your strategy:

• If you want the best viewing, arrive ready to move quickly to the viewing areas once you’re onboard.
• If you’re sensitive to tight spaces, consider where you’ll stand before wildlife is spotted.
• For families, keep an eye on kids near crowded entry points during deck changes and swim loading.

On the flip side, many reviews also describe the staff as friendly and attentive, and the experience as relaxed overall. The difference usually comes down to timing and how busy the day is, not to the tour idea itself.

Staff and Guide: The Difference Between Seeing and Understanding

One of the most consistently praised parts is the human element. Multiple reviews highlight friendly, attentive staff and a guide who shares information while you’re out on the water. That’s not fluff. When you understand what you’re looking at, even a brief sighting feels more satisfying.

A good guide also helps you interpret behavior. For example, if dolphins are moving fast in one direction or surfacing repeatedly, it can change how quickly you can locate them again. The best tours make you feel like you’re not just watching, you’re participating in the hunt in a respectful, safe way.

Price and Value: Is $60.15 Worth It?

At around $60.15 per person for a 3-hour outing, the price can make sense if you focus on what’s actually included. You’re paying for:

• A purpose-built catamaran experience
• Underwater viewing with 16 panoramic windows
• Lunch and drinks onboard
• A swim stop at Diego Hernandez Bay

Compared to tours that charge extra for food or keep the viewing purely above water, this layout can feel like a solid deal. But the value depends on your tolerance for crowds and your expectation for the included lunch.

If you want a roomy, quiet wildlife cruise, this might not be your best match. If you want the most chances to spot marine life plus included lunch and drinks, it’s a strong option, especially when the sea is clear.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want dolphin and whale watching from both above and below
• Like the idea of a swim stop during a boat excursion
• Appreciate included meals and drinks, so you don’t need to plan food
• Travel with kids who can benefit from life jackets during the swim

It might be less ideal if you:

• Get anxious in tight crowds or dislike moving through packed decks
• Are very picky about included food quality
• Need guaranteed sightings close-up, because marine wildlife viewing can vary day to day (some trips report whales farther away or fewer dolphins)

Should You Book Royal Delfín Dolphin and Whale Watching?

I’d book it if your goal is practical, hands-on marine viewing in Tenerife, with underwater windows and a swim break. The combination of 16 underwater viewing panels, onboard lunch and drinks, and Diego Hernandez Bay creates a full morning you can actually enjoy, not just a long wait for one sighting.

I’d think twice before booking if crowding would ruin your day. This tour can pack in a lot of people, and when wildlife shows up, the best spots get crowded fast. If you’re okay with that tradeoff, and you’re motivated by underwater views plus the chance to see dolphins and maybe whales, it’s a fun, value-heavy way to spend a few hours on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Royal Delfín dolphin and whale watching tour?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What time does the tour start and where do we meet?

The start time is 10:30am, and the meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included, and what drinks are offered?

Yes, lunch is included, along with beer and sangria. You also get soft drinks, juice, and water.

Do we stop to swim, and where is the swim stop?

Yes. You’ll swim during a stop at Diego Hernandez Bay.

Are snacks included?

No. Snacks are not included in the price, but they are available onboard for an extra charge.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.