Watching and Listening Whales visiting Los Gigantes&Masca. Food&drinks included

If you want Tenerife to feel different fast, this catamaran adds drama right away. You sail from Costa Adeje into waters where you can watch whales and dolphins, then you get the classic views of Los Gigantes and a relaxed swim stop in Masca Bay.

What I love about this trip is the mix of motion and comfort. You get a real onboard lunch, not a sad snack, with paella, Canarian mojo, fruit, plus beer, wine, and soft drinks. The second thing I really like is the time at sea, with live commentary so you’re not just staring at water, hoping for something to happen.

One consideration: you are out on the water for about five hours, and the operator says it runs in all weather. If you’re sensitive to waves, pack for a breezy, sometimes choppy ride, and sit where you feel most stable.

Key things to know before you go

• Whales and dolphins are the main goal, with time built in for watching, not just passing by
• Los Gigantes cliffs are sailed past, giving you big scenery without a hiking scramble
• Masca Bay is a calm anchor stop for swimming, sunbathing, and easy water time
• Food and drinks are included, including paella, Canarian mojo, fresh fruit, and more
• Max group size is 74, so it feels more like a catamaran outing than a cattle-boat
• No pick up or drop off, so plan to reach the Marina Puerto Colón meeting point yourself

Why this Tenerife catamaran works: whales, cliffs, and a meal at sea

This is one of those Tenerife days where you can stop planning after you book. The rhythm is simple: you leave the Costa Adeje marina in the morning, spend serious time looking for whales and dolphins, sail the coast past the soaring Los Gigantes cliffs, and then anchor at the quieter Masca Bay for a swim and chill session.

The value is in how the day is built. A lot of “boat tours” try to cram wildlife, sightseeing, and food into a tight schedule, and you end up with rushed stops and mediocre meals. Here, lunch is included in the same time window as the sailing, and the experience stays focused on what you came for, marine life plus iconic coastline.

Also, I like that the tone on board is practical. The crew looks after safety and keeps things moving, and the live commentary helps you understand what you’re seeing, even when the animals are not right next to the boat.

From Costa Adeje at 10:30: your start point and timing reality

The tour starts at 10:30 am from White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje. It ends back at the same meeting point, so you can plan the rest of your day without a transportation headache.

There is no pick up or drop off included. That matters because Costa Adeje has plenty of buses and easy taxi access, but you still need to get yourself to the port. If you’re staying nearby, it’s straightforward. If you’re farther up the island, give yourself extra time to reach the marina and not sprint through check-in.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, so keep your confirmation ready on your phone. The meeting point is described as near public transportation, which is good news if you’d rather not make parking part of your day.

Duration is about five hours. That’s enough time to feel like you got out into open water, without turning the day into a half-day marathon.

The wildlife hunt off Tenerife: what you’ll look for and how

This trip is built around whale and dolphin spotting. The company description also mentions other marine life, and the reviews back that up with real variety in sightings, including pilot whales and dolphins, and even a turtle in at least one case.

A key point: wildlife viewing is nature-driven. The operator sets aside time for watching and listening, but you cannot force whales to show up on schedule. What you can do is improve your odds by being ready for long, patient stretches on the water.

Here’s what tends to matter in practice:

• Get to a good viewing spot early. The front area has comfortable seating, and in one review there were beanbags that only allow a very small number of people at a time. If you want that spot, arrive ready to claim it.
• Stay flexible with where you look. When the captain and crew spot activity, the boat can change how you experience it. Watch where other people are focusing, then find your own angle.
• Listen as much as you look. The tour includes live commentary, and that helps you track what’s going on instead of guessing.

On a day like this, you’re not just hunting for a photo. You’re trying to notice behavior: the way dolphins travel in groups, the timing of surface activity, and the general rhythm of marine life in open water.

Sailing past Los Gigantes cliffs: big scenery without extra effort

After the wildlife time, the catamaran heads toward the Los Gigantes cliffs. These are the kind of cliffs that look like a postcard even when you’re standing on a boat deck. The benefit of sailing past them is that you get the wow-factor from the waterline without paying for a long excursion on land.

This leg also gives you a chance to reset physically. You’ve spent time watching for animals, and then you can switch modes to sightseeing. Keep an eye on how the boat handles wind and waves. Catamarans typically ride more smoothly than you’d expect, but you will still feel motion, especially if it’s windy.

One practical tip for comfort: bring a layer. Even if the sun is out, the sea breeze can cool you down quickly once you’re out past the coastline.

Masca Bay anchor stop: swim, sun, and realistic snorkeling expectations

The highlight for many people is the Masca Bay section. The boat anchors in the bay, and you get free time to swim and sunbathe. This is the part of the day where the tour turns from “watching” into “doing.”

The water is described as crystal clear, and that matches the feel of Masca Bay as a calmer, sheltered spot compared with open stretches of coast. It’s a great place to cool off after the wildlife time, and it’s also where you can just relax.

Snorkeling is a separate expense. You might bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, but the tour listing says snorkel equipment is available to purchase rather than included. So if snorkeling is a priority, plan that cost in advance and give yourself a little time to get geared up after you arrive at the anchored stop.

A small reality check: the “best” snorkeling depends on conditions and visibility that day. The bay is known for clarity, but water is still weather-dependent. The good news is that even without snorkeling gear, you still have a legit swim and sun deck time.

Food and drinks on board: paella, mojo, fruit, and the small risks

You do not just get a snack. Lunch is part of the boat experience, and it includes:

• Rice with chicken and vegetables (and paella is mentioned as part of the lunch offering)
• Fresh fruit
• Canarian mojo
• White wine, beer, water, and soft drinks

There is also a vegetarian option available if you advise when booking. That’s a meaningful detail because it usually determines whether you can eat comfortably without improvising.

In the reviews, most people praise the onboard lunch and drinks as a real part of the day, not an afterthought. One downside did show up too: at least one person felt the food was disappointing, with chicken-based dishes not matching expectations. If you have picky preferences, treat this as a classic cruise-style lunch, filling and convenient, but not gourmet.

Two practical tips for your meal:

• Eat early in the stop, if you can. Waiting until you’re cold and wet can make it harder to enjoy.
• If you drink alcohol, remember you are still out on the water. A couple drinks are fine, but pace yourself.

Also note the minimum drinking age is 18. If you’re traveling as a family or with a mix of ages, kids can still enjoy the tour, but adult drinkers should plan around that rule.

Comfort, crew, and the tone on board (including the “beanbag factor”)

This tour is run by a skipper and two sailors, and there is live commentary during the trip. You’ll typically get a safer, smoother day when the crew is attentive and clear, and the reviews highlight that style, including care for comfort and safety.

One specific comfort detail from the reviews: the boat has beanbags in the front area, and only two people can sit there at a time. If you love that kind of lounging, go after that area early and be ready to share the space.

Group size is capped at 74 travelers. That’s not tiny, but it’s also not so large that the boat turns into a moving crowd. You can find a spot to watch from, and the crew can still keep an eye on everyone.

The tour also runs in all weather conditions. That doesn’t mean it’s miserable. It means you should dress like you’ll be outside on the deck, not like you’re in a restaurant. Bring a light jacket, and if you get seasick easily, consider your usual remedy before you leave port.

Price value check: what $68.61 really buys you

At $68.61 per person, the real question is value, not just cost. You’re paying for:

• A catamaran experience with time dedicated to whale and dolphin watching
• Sailing by Los Gigantes
• A scenic stop in Masca Bay with swim and sun time
• A full included lunch with wine/beer plus soft drinks and water
• Live commentary and all fees and taxes

If you’ve priced wildlife cruises elsewhere in Europe, you know how often “marine life tours” exclude food or only include a small drink and a cookie. Here, the included meal plus beverages make the price feel more reasonable, especially because you’re on the water for hours and you would normally spend money on food anyway.

The two costs to remember are snorkeling gear (not included, available to purchase) and any extras you choose, like souvenir photos, hammocks, or coffee and cider. If you want a simple day with no add-ons, you can keep it close to the base price.

Who this is best for, and who should think twice

I think this is a strong fit if you:

• Want a half-day that mixes wildlife and iconic scenery
• Like a relaxed schedule with a clear “anchor stop” for swimming
• Appreciate included meals, especially when the food is part of the day’s enjoyment

It’s also a good pick if you’re not looking for a strenuous activity. There’s no hiking, no long land walking described, and most travelers can participate.

You might think twice if:

• You get seasick easily. The tour operates in all weather, so motion can vary.
• You’re expecting gourmet food. It’s a convenient, filling onboard lunch. Most people are happy with it, but there’s at least one mention that it didn’t hit the mark.

Should you book this whale watching and Masca catamaran?

If you want a Tenerife day that’s scenic, social, and genuinely built around marine life, I’d book it. The combination of whale and dolphin time plus the Los Gigantes scenery plus Masca Bay swimming makes it feel like three experiences in one half-day.

Book it sooner rather than later if you can, since it’s typically purchased about 11 days in advance on average. Also, if you have dietary needs, choose the vegetarian option during booking so you’re not stuck figuring it out at sea.

Bottom line: this tour is best when you want the classic Tenerife views with a practical bonus, a real lunch and enough time to actually enjoy the water, not just pass by it.

FAQ

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

It starts at 10:30 am and lasts about 5 hours.

Where do I meet for the catamaran?

Meet at White Tenerife, Pantalán 8, Marina Puerto Colón, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What marine life can I expect to see?

The tour is designed for whale and dolphin watching, and it also mentions the chance to see other marine life.

What food and drinks are included?

A meal is included with rice (with chicken and vegetables), fresh fruit, white wine, beer, water, and soft drinks.

Is there a vegetarian option, and are there rules for kids and alcohol?

A vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling is mentioned as an activity you can do at the Masca Bay stop, but snorkel equipment is not included. Equipment can be purchased.

Is pick up and drop off included?

No, pick up and drop off are not included, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and free cancellation is offered under that timeline.