Adeje: Whale Watching Tour to Los Gigantes with lunch & swim

What makes this trip different is the mix of wildlife time and the jaw-dropping setting of Los Gigantes, with water views that feel close and personal instead of distant. It is a 5-hour excursion built around finding whales and dolphins, then anchoring under the towering cliff walls for lunch and a swim.

Two things I like a lot are the chance to see pilot whales where the crew looks for the best odds, and the way you get a real break under the cliffs, not just a quick pass. Another plus is that lunch includes food, soft drinks, and wine and beer at lunchtime.

One drawback to plan for: the boat can sway, and some people get sick during the crossing. If you are sensitive to motion, bring a seasickness plan, and consider grabbing a seat where you feel less movement.

Quick takeaways before you book

• Pilot whale search near the west coast, with a dedicated whale-spotting stop
• Los Gigantes cliffs sightseeing plus a strong photo backdrop, with vertical walls over 600 meters tall
• Swim time in open water from anchored bays under the cliffs
• Lunch on the water with food and soft drinks, plus beer and wine at lunchtime
• Crew energy that helps the day move fast, with Andy highlighted for keeping things running smoothly
• Optional pickup with many drop-off options if you are staying around Adeje area

Los Gigantes cliffs change the feel of whale watching

This is not the kind of whale trip where you spend the whole day scanning the horizon with no payoff. The route centers on the Los Gigantes area, and you get to experience the cliffs from both the boat and the water.

Los Gigantes is known for very tall, steep cliff walls, listed here as more than 600 meters high. That matters because cliffs create a dramatic visual frame for the sea, and they also set up natural conditions for wildlife. You are not just watching from afar. You are sailing into a place where the scenery and the ocean are part of the same story.

Also, the day has structure. You get a whale and dolphin search phase, then a set stop for whale watching, then lunch and an anchored swim. That rhythm makes it easier to handle when wildlife is active and when it is quiet.

Getting to Puerto Colón and finding your boat (Pier 14)

Most departures route you through Puerto Colón, with boarding starting 15 minutes before departure. Your meeting point is Puerto Colón Pier number 14, next to the petrol station.

If you booked an option with pickup, you wait for the bus at your selected pickup point. The schedule lists lots of drop-off locations around the area, so you are likely to end back near where you started, instead of being stranded at the pier.

Timing-wise, one listed departure is 11:00 AM from Puerto Colón. Since start times can vary, I’d treat that as a reference point, not a promise. The best move is to arrive at Pier 14 early enough to get settled before the boarding rush.

The 5-hour plan, stop by stop

Leaving for the whale search

After boarding, the trip goes in search of whales and dolphins. The cruise is described as a sail that includes dolphin watching and marine life viewing, and it also targets an area with a greater chance to spot pilot whales.

This is the “keep your eyes moving” part of the day. The crew goes out looking for the best conditions, then positions you for the most hopeful encounter windows.

The whale watching stop (30 minutes)

Once the crew finds a better area, you get a 30-minute stop to see whales in their natural environment. This is the moment you came for, so treat it like a real viewing session.

What I recommend in practice: pick a spot you can comfortably keep scanning from. If you are on the side deck, watch your footing when the boat rocks. If you are prone to motion sickness, stay where you feel the most stable movement.

The trip highlights pilot whales, but the outing also has the flexibility to include other marine sightings when the sea cooperates.

Sailing toward the cliffs of Los Gigantes

After the whale viewing, the boat heads toward Los Gigantes. This part of the trip is not “dead time.” Even when you are not spotting wildlife, you are sailing along Tenerife’s southwestern coastline toward one of the most photogenic cliff settings on the island.

Then you move into the sightseeing and anchored phase.

Anchored under Los Gigantes for lunch and views

When you reach Los Gigantes, you anchor in a bay under the cliffs. This is your lunch window, with a stated 40 minutes for sightseeing, meal onboard, and swimming.

The value here is simple: lunch is not tacked on as a snack. You get a real break in one of the bays under those vertical walls, with a chance to look around from the water rather than just from the deck.

Swim in open, clear water under the cliffs

After lunch, the itinerary includes swimming in the “inviting waters” under the cliffs. This is one of the most memorable parts of the day because you are not at a random beach. You are in open water with the cliffs rising overhead.

If you want that classic Tenerife boat-splash moment, pack for it, and don’t plan to do it after you realize you left your towel behind.

What to watch for: dolphins, pilot whales, and extra marine life

The core promise is whales and dolphins. The route is designed around the pilot whale search, and the dolphin viewing is part of the cruise plan from the start.

From the marine life described in the experience data and the on-board accounts, you might also see other sea creatures during the day. What matters is your expectations: the ocean decides what shows up, not the schedule.

So I think the best mindset is to focus on what you can control:

• Stay alert during scanning time
• Keep an eye on the surface, especially when the boat changes speed or heading
• Be ready for movement, since spotting often happens when the deck is shifting

If you love marine life and want one trip that mixes sightings with a swim stop, this is the kind of day that pays off even if the wildlife is shy on a particular run.

Lunch onboard: more than a snack break

Lunch is part of the anchored Los Gigantes bay segment. It is described as meal onboard with food and soft drinks included, and beer and wine at lunchtime.

What that means for value: you are not paying extra for a full meal halfway through a boat trip. For $63, that is a big deal because boat days add up fast once you start buying drinks and food.

A practical note for comfort: some people prefer to wait until the anchored stop to eat, especially if the earlier crossing makes them feel queasy. If you tend to get motion sick, you can still enjoy the lunch break when the boat is steadier.

Swimming under Los Gigantes: plan it like a pro

This is the main “do something active” part of the trip, and it deserves planning.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses

I’d also do the unglamorous stuff that makes the swim easier: keep your towel and dry items together, and put sunscreen on before you’re on deck for a while. You cannot count on being able to step aside to reapply.

The water is described as clear and refreshing, and swimming happens after lunch while anchored under the cliffs. That is a safer-feeling setup than ocean swimming from a moving boat.

If you are traveling with kids or anyone who needs a gentle experience, this is still a boat day, so keep an eye on personal comfort and footing when people are getting in and out.

Crew, music, and the little moments that make it feel easy

A whale cruise can either feel organized or chaotic. Here, the tone is built on a lively on-board vibe, with music and an active crew helping the day move.

One name that pops up is Andy. He is highlighted for keeping the atmosphere going, and also for helping get people safely home at the end by making sure taxis were sorted.

That kind of attention matters more than it sounds. When you are on a half-day schedule and everyone has different drop-off points, having someone who follows through can turn a stressful end-of-day moment into a smooth finish.

Price and value: is $63 fair for this kind of day?

At about $63 per person, the value comes from what is included, not just the viewing time.

You get:

• A 5-hour outing centered on whale and dolphin viewing
• Lunch onboard plus soft drinks
• Beer and wine at lunchtime
• The chance to swim from anchored bays under Los Gigantes
• Taxes included in the price

The “extra costs” that often hit boat trips are partly handled here. If you were to buy lunch and drinks separately during a half-day excursion, the numbers would usually climb.

That said, there are a couple of potential value surprises:

• Photos and videos are not included
• Other alcoholic drinks are not included, even though beer and wine are part of lunchtime

So I’d budget for any optional add-ons, but not assume you will be hungry or thirsty halfway through.

Who this tour is best for, and who should think twice

This cruise is a good fit if:

• You want a mixed day: wildlife plus scenery plus a swim
• You are staying in or near Adeje and want a straightforward half-day format
• You like being on a boat with an energetic crew, not silent library vibes
• You enjoy marine life and would rather have a plan than gamble on a self-guided hunt

You might think twice if:

• You get motion sick easily. The boat can sway, and some people have been very sick during the crossing.
• You need guaranteed quiet time. Music and crew interaction are part of the feel.
• You are very strict about guide language nuances. Multiple languages are offered, but language quality can vary by crew member on the day.

Practical tips for a smoother day on the water

• Bring swimwear and a towel even if you are on the fence. The swim stop is one of the core parts of the itinerary.
• Plan for motion. If you are prone to seasickness, take your preferred medication before you feel bad.
• Arrive early. Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure, and good seating makes scanning easier.
• Use sunscreen before you settle into whale spotting mode. You will be exposed while the boat searches.
• If you want more control over food timing, consider waiting until the anchored lunch stop if the earlier crossing makes you nauseous.

Should you book this whale watching cruise to Los Gigantes?

I’d book it if you want one half-day trip that combines pilot whale chances, a real stop for whale watching, and the big payoff of lunch plus a swim under Los Gigantes’ cliffs. The price feels reasonable for what is included, especially because lunch and drinks are part of the package and the scenery is dramatic.

I would not book it if seasickness is a major issue for you. The boat’s sway is a real consideration, and the itinerary includes crossing time before the Los Gigantes bay stop.

If you are flexible, pack smart, and approach it as a wildlife search with a scenic swim payoff, this is a fun Tenerife day that delivers more than just a quick look at the sea.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Puerto Colón, Pier number 14, next to the petrol station.

When does boarding start?

Boarding starts 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 5 hours.

Is there a swim stop?

Yes. After lunch under the cliffs of Los Gigantes, the boat anchors and you can swim in the waters there.

What food and drinks are included?

Food and soft drinks are included, and beer and wine are included at lunchtime.

Are photos or videos included?

No, photos and videos are not included.

What languages are available for the live tour guide?

The tour guide is available in Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian.

Is pickup from hotels available?

Pickup is optional. If you choose pickup, you wait for the bus at your selected pickup point.

What should I bring for the trip?

You should bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final call

If your ideal Tenerife day includes wildlife time plus a swim with cliff views, this is a strong choice. Just take seasickness seriously, arrive on time for easy boarding and seating, and you will be set up for a memorable half-day on the water.