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

The Tenerife half-day whale watching catamaran is built for two things: big ocean views and the chance to spot whales and dolphins while you cruise past Los Gigantes and toward the Barranco de Masca cliffs. I especially like the fact that this is a 4 hour 30 minute loop with time to relax on deck, not a rushed “stare for five minutes and go” format.

My other favorite part is the drinks and warm lunch included plan, so you do not have to scramble for food mid-cruise. The main drawback to plan around is that sightings and comfort vary on a big catamaran, and sometimes whale and dolphin numbers are limited depending on conditions.

Key Points Before You Go

• Whale and dolphin spotting focus with onboard commentary about where these animals are found and why they move
• Drinks plus a warm lunch included, so you can stay out on the water comfortably for the full half day
• Los Gigantes and Masca cliffs by sea with plenty of viewing time from the catamaran decks
• Sun beds cost extra and are first come first served, so you may want to arrive ready to claim a spot
• Big-boat reality: up to 160 people and open water means seasickness can happen

Why This Tenerife Whale Watching Cruise Feels Like a Real Half Day

This is one of those Tenerife experiences where the schedule makes sense. You get a solid chunk of time on the water, then you return with your eyes full of cliffs, coastline, and hopefully whales and dolphins. The route is designed around sailing between the Costa Adeje area and the Los Gigantes look, with Barranco de Masca in the mix so you get those dramatic cliff views even if wildlife sightings are brief.

The tour runs daily with a 13:15 departure, which is nice if you do not want to burn your whole morning. It also gives you the option to pair it with other afternoon plans in the south of Tenerife. If your main goal is wildlife, this timing can work well because you are not tired and rushed, but you still have daylight for viewing.

The Cruise Route: From Puerto Colón Area to Los Gigantes and Barranco de Masca

You start out from the Puerto Colón port area in Costa Adeje, with the tour meeting point listed at Av. de Colón, 11, Playa de las Américas. After boarding, the catamaran heads out searching for whales and dolphins. The guide shares facts as you sail, including where whales and dolphins are typically found, what they eat, and how migrations can influence where you might spot them.

As you approach Los Gigantes, the catamaran shifts from “wildlife search mode” to “cliffs and coastline viewing mode.” Los Gigantes is the star here, the kind of place where even when you are not focused on animals, you still have something worth watching. And toward the end, you get time to relax onboard again and sunbathe while admiring the coast around Barranco de Masca.

A practical note that matters: this is an open-water boat. If you get motion-sensitive, you will want to plan your body comfort as carefully as your camera settings.

Wildlife Spotting: What Your Chances Look Like (And How to Improve Them)

Whale and dolphin spotting is the headline, and the experience is most enjoyable when you treat it like a search, not a guaranteed show. The tour is aimed at seeing whales and dolphins, and in many cases you may see things like pilot whales and bottle nose dolphins. You might also see smaller groups, such as dolphins that pop up briefly, or whales that surface a handful of times.

Here is how I’d approach it so you get value from your time. Keep your attention split between (1) the water near the boat and (2) the horizon and surrounding area. When you spot movement, do not lock your eyes on one spot for too long. Pods can travel, and you usually learn more by watching for patterns rather than staring at one point.

Also, do not ignore the onboard commentary. Even when sightings are limited, the guide explanations about feeding and migration help you understand what you are looking at. A few people felt the commentary about what they were seeing could be light on some days, but the overall format is built around sharing knowledge while you cruise.

The Lunch and Drinks Plan: Warm Food, Included Alcohol, and What to Expect

This is one of the strongest value points. The tour includes alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soda or pop, and a warm lunch: chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and banana. The vibe is that you can eat and drink without paying separately for each item.

Now, what does that mean in real life? The lunch is a set menu, not a choose-your-own sandwich bar. Some passengers came away happy with the hot meal, while others felt it was more basic than what the wording led them to expect. Either way, you should assume this is meant to keep you fueled for a half day, not to compete with a restaurant.

The drinks included plan is also an “included basics” situation. One key detail from real onboard feedback: the open bar can be limited to standard beer and soft drinks, served in small portions (often in small plastic cups). So if you care about premium cocktails or specific top-shelf spirits, you should not count on that being part of the included package.

If you want the best experience here, arrive hungry, pace your food and drinks, and plan to treat the lunch as practical fuel. That approach helps you enjoy the wildlife and scenery instead of getting distracted by what is not included.

Deck Time at Los Gigantes: Sunbathing, Views, and Where Sun Beds Fit In

You get time on deck to relax and sunbathe while admiring the coast around Los Gigantes and Barranco de Masca. That deck time is not just filler. It is where you will actually watch for wildlife surfaces and where the cliffs look their best, especially when the light catches the rock walls.

Sun beds are extra and work on a first come first served basis. Some people thought these were pricey, and at least one review described a pay system where sun bed seating was sold as a premium add-on. What I take from that is simple: bring a plan for a comfy spot, but do not assume you will automatically get the best seating.

If you are traveling with someone who gets cold or is picky about comfort, dress in layers. Wind off the water can change quickly.

Getting There and Staying Organized: Meeting Point and Pickup Limits

The meeting point is Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The start time is 1:15 pm, and you return to the meeting point at the end of the activity.

Pickup is offered from set hotels, but it is limited: you need to be staying in the south of Tenerife, and hotels close to the port may require you to go directly to the port. You also have to provide a mobile number (with country code) and an email so the operator can send meeting instructions, including gate information.

One more logistics detail worth knowing if you care about the exact boat: there are three large catamarans operating this excursion, so you cannot guarantee which one you will be on.

Big Catamaran vs Small-Boat Experience: The Trade-Off You Should Know

This is a “big-boat, big-views” outing. With a maximum of 160 travelers, you should expect a lively deck and a more crowded onboard feel than smaller wildlife cruises. People can spread out, but you will still feel the scale.

The upside is access and energy. The crew can keep things moving, and the group atmosphere can be fun, especially when you spot pilot whales or dolphins close enough for everyone to see them.

The downside is comfort. More people can mean more motion sensitivity issues. Several reviews flagged that seasickness happened for some passengers, and there were cases where crew guidance for where to go if you felt sick did not always feel perfectly handled. That is not something you can control, but you can control your preparation. If you get motion sick, bring your usual remedy and pick your spot wisely, often toward the middle of the boat where motion can feel less intense.

Also, when it comes to wildlife, big boats can sometimes be less flexible at tracking smaller groups. One day you might get a few nice sightings, another day it might be fewer or brief surfaces, depending on where the animals are that afternoon.

Who This Catamaran Whale Watching Trip Suits Best

This tour is a strong match for you if:

• You love wildlife but you also enjoy coastline views and a relaxed deck experience
• You want drinks and a warm lunch included without doing math on every item you buy
• You are traveling with friends or family and want a fun, social half day at sea
• You are okay with a larger group and understand wildlife sightings are never a guaranteed certainty

It might not be the best fit if:

• You get motion sick easily and do not take precautions
• You want a quiet, intimate boat with lots of one-on-one guide attention
• You are picky about premium drinks or a more elaborate dining experience

Price and Value at About $72: When It Feels Worth It

At around $72 per person, the value comes from bundling three things that usually cost extra on their own: time on the water, included alcohol, and a warm lunch. That combo is what makes this feel like a real deal compared with paying separately for snacks and drinks during a longer tour.

Where the value can feel weaker is when wildlife sightings are limited and when you personally care a lot about dining quality or drink variety. A set lunch is convenient, but it is not going to satisfy every palate, and included drinks often mean basic beer and soft drinks rather than a full cocktail menu.

My practical advice: if you want to maximize value, treat this as a scenery and wildlife search cruise. You will judge it more fairly when you do not expect a restaurant level meal, and you do not expect perfect whale sightings every time.

The Bottom Line: Should You Book This Tenerife Whale Watching Catamaran?

I’d book this tour if your priority is a half day on the water with Los Gigantes and Masca views, plus included drinks and a warm meal, and you are happy to hunt for wildlife rather than expecting a guaranteed whale show. It is especially worth it if you are going in calmer weather and you are comfortable on open water.

I’d think twice if you are very sensitive to motion or if you know you want a smaller, quieter boat with tighter wildlife tracking. In that case, you may enjoy another option with fewer people and less boat movement pressure.

If you go in with the right mindset, this cruise has everything you want from a Tenerife afternoon: coastline drama, time to relax on deck, and a real chance to spot whales and dolphins while you’re out there.

FAQ

What time does the Tenerife half-day whale and dolphin tour depart?

The tour has daily departures at 13:15.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start from?

It starts from the port area in Costa Adeje, with the meeting point listed at Av. de Colón, 11, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Do they offer pickup?

Yes, pickup is offered from set hotels, and you must be in the south of Tenerife. Hotels close to the port may need to go directly to the port.

What is included in the price for food and drinks?

Included items are alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soda or pop, and a warm lunch of chicken meatballs, vegetable rice, bread, and banana.

Are sun beds included?

No. Sun beds at the front of the boat are an extra charge and are first come first served.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes, the tour/activity has a maximum of 160 travelers.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to poor weather?

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

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether anyone in your group gets seasick. I can help you decide if the 13:15 departure fits your comfort needs.